Danielle M. Fisher

Terrestrial arthropods of Steel Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas. I. Select beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Carabidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionoidea excluding Scolytinae)

Abstract Background The Ozark Mountains are a region with high endemism and biodiversity, yet few invertebrate inventories have been made and few sites extensively studied. We surveyed a site near Steel Creek Campground, along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, using twelve trap types – Malaise traps, canopy traps (upper and lower collector), Lindgren multifunnel traps (black, green, and purple), pan traps (blue, purple, red, white, and yellow), and pitfall traps – and Berlese-Tullgren extraction for eight and half months. New information We provide collection records of beetle species belonging to eight families collected at the site. Thirty one species represent new state records: (Buprestidae) Actenodes acornis, Agrilus cephalicus, Agrilus ohioensis, Agrilus paracelti, Taphrocerus nicolayi; (Carabidae) Agonum punctiforme, Synuchus impunctatus; (Curculionidae) Acalles clavatus, Acalles minutissimus, Acoptus suturalis, Anthonomus juniperinus, Anametis granulata, Idiostethus subcalvus, Eudociminus mannerheimii, Madarellus undulatus, Magdalis armicollis, Magdalis barbita, Mecinus pascuorum, Myrmex chevrolatii, Myrmex myrmex, Nicentrus lecontei, Otiorhynchus rugosostriatus, Piazorhinus pictus, Phyllotrox ferrugineus, Plocamus hispidulus, Pseudobaris nigrina, Pseudopentarthrum simplex, Rhinoncus pericarpius, Sitona lineatus, Stenoscelis brevis, Tomolips quericola. Additionally, three endemic carabids, two of which are known only from the type series, were collected.

Systematics of testudacarine torrent mites (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae) with descriptions of 13 new species from North America

Abstract Thirteen new species of North American Testudacarus (Torrenticolidae: Testudacarinae) are described: Testudacarus deceptivus O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus hitchensi O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus harrisi O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus dennetti O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus dawkinsi O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus radwellae O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus kirkwoodae O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus hyporhynchus O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus smithi O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus rollerae O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus elongatus O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., Testudacarus rectangulatus O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n., and Testudacarus oblongatus O’Neill & Dowling, sp. n. Testudacarus vulgaris Habeeb, 1954 is resurrected from synonymy with Testudacarus minimus and redescribed. Debsacarus (Habeeb, 1961), Testudacarus americanus Marshall, 1943, and Testudacarus minimus Marshall, 1943 are redescribed. All redescriptions are from original types. Species delimination was accomplished through examination of morphology, biogeography, and molecular phylogenetics of the barcoding region of COI. Other species are addressed and a key to world species is presented. For Testudacarinae, this represents the first published: 1) descriptions from multiple specimens (i.e. intraspecific variation); 2) colored photographs; 3) explicit illustrations and discussion of sexual dimorphism within the subfamily; 4) genetic data. A comprehensive testudacarine reference list is also included.

Seasonal phenology of Sirex nigricornis (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in Arkansas with implications for management of Sirex noctilio

Abstract The southeastern United States contains a multi-billion dollar pine timber industry that could be affected significantly by the establishment and spread and of Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), the non-native wood wasp that was discovered recently in the northeastern United States. Several factors, including the timing of native wood wasp (S. nigricornis F.) emergence and flight, may influence the success of S. noctilio. Understanding the seasonal phenology of the native wood wasp will allow us to make better predictions regarding the potential ecological impacts by S. noctilio on Arkansas pine forests. Native S. nigricornis females were collected across 3 geographic regions of Arkansas from 2009 to 2013 using intercept panel traps baited with Sirex lure (70/30-α/β-pinene blend) and ethanol. A Gompertz 3-parameter model was fitted to each year of trapping as well as a final dataset containing all trapping seasons. Emergence rates and inflection points of the models did not differ among geographic regions within any year but did change significantly among years. In regions where both wood wasps occur, native wood wasps emerge in the fall and attack dead pines, whereas S. noctilio emerges much earlier and attacks live, standing trees. We expect these patterns to remain very similar upon the spread of S. noctilio into the Southeast. Therefore, we do not expect these 2 species to utilize the same hosts or emerge at the same time in Arkansas, which makes native species displacement unlikely. Additional studies examining the effects of predators, parasitoids, and competitors on Sirex population dynamics would greatly enhance these predictions.

Arthropods of Steel Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas. III. Heteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera).

Abstract Background This is the third in a series of papers detailing the terrestrial arthropods collected during an intensive survey of a site near Steel Creek campground along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The survey was conducted over a period of eight and a half months using twelve trap types – Malaise traps, canopy traps (upper and lower collector), Lindgren multifunnel traps (black, green, and purple), pan traps (blue, purple, red, white, and yellow), and pitfall traps – and Berlese-Tullgren extraction of leaf litter. New information We provide collection records for 54 species of Heteroptera, 11 of which were new state records for Arkansas: (Aradidae) Aradus approximatus, Aradus duzeei, Aradus ornatus, Neuroctenus elongatus, Neuroctenus pseudonymus, Notapictinus aurivilli; (Cydnidae) Sehirus cinctus; (Lygaeidae) Nysius raphanus; (Miridae) Prepops insitivus; (Reduviidae) Zelus tetracanthus; (Rhyparochromidae) Kolenetrus plenus.

Terrestrial arthropods of Steel Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas. IV. Asilidae and other Diptera

Abstract Background This is the fourth in a series of papers detailing the terrestrial arthropods collected during an intensive survey of a site near Steel Creek campground along the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. The survey was conducted over a period of eight and a half months in 2013 using twelve trap types, including Malaise and canopy traps, Lindgren multifunnel traps, and pan traps. New information We provide collection records for 38 species of Asilidae and other Diptera, 7 of which are new state records for Arkansas: (Asilidae) Lasiopogon opaculus Loew, 1874; (Lygistorrhinidae) Lygistorrhina sancthecatharinae Thompson, 1975; (Stratiomyidae) Cephalochrysa nigricornis (Loew, 1866), Gowdeyana punctifera (Malloch, 1915), Sargus decorus Say, 1824; (Ulidiidae) Callopistromyia annulipes Macquart, 1855; and (Xylophagidae) Rachicerus obscuripennis Loew, 1863.

Litter-dwelling Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Ground Spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) of the Ozark Highlands, USA

Abstract Each year, temperate deciduous forests produce a layer of litter comprised primarily of leaves. Two common and diverse taxa found in the litter layer are ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and ground spiders (Araneae: Gnaphosidae). We collected and identified these groups on a monthly basis from April 2014 to March 2015 at 4 sites in Northwest Arkansas to determine their abundance and diversity across the following 3 variables: season, litter depth, and site location. A total of 480 litter samples and 208 pitfall-trap samples were collected and processed. These samples resulted in 645 carabids representing 47 species and 421 gnaphosids representing 15 species. Statistical analyses detected significant differences in species richness, average number of individuals, and species diversity of gnaphosids among sites. In contrast, leaf-litter depth had no significant effect on the number of individuals collected, species richness (except at one site), or species diversity of carabids and gnaphosids. Both carabids and gnaphosids were most abundant and diverse during the spring.

Revision of torrent mites (Parasitengona, Torrenticolidae, Torrenticola) of the United States and Canada: 90 descriptions, molecular phylogenetics, and a key to species

Abstract The descriptive biology of torrent mites (Parasitengona: Torrenticolidae: Torrenticola) of North America (north of Mexico) is investigated using integrative methods. Material examined includes approximately 2,300 specimens from nearly 500 localities across the United States and Canada, and a few collections in Mexico and Central America. Species hypotheses are derived from a phylogenetic analysis of the barcoding region of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) for 476 specimens and supported with morphology and biogeography. Relationships between species are examined with a combined analysis of COI and two expansion regions (D2–3) of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rDNA) for 57 specimens. All previously described species from the US and Canada are examined. Our results indicate the need to synonymize four species: T. mercedensis (Marshall, 1943) is a junior synonym of T. sierrensis (Marshall, 1943); T. rectiforma Habeeb, 1974 is a junior synonym of T. ellipsoidalis (Marshall, 1943); T. neoconnexa Habeeb, 1957 is a junior synonym of T. magnexa Habeeb, 1955; and T. esbelta Cramer, 1992 is a junior synonym of T. boettgeri KO Viets, 1977. We describe 66 new species and re-describe all previously described regional species. Our findings indicate that total diversity of Torrenticola in the United States and Canada comprises 90 species, 57 known from the east and 33 from the west. We organize these species into four species complexes that include 13 identification groups. An additional 13 species do not fit within an identification group. The southern Appalachians are suspected to contain the highest concentration of remaining undescribed diversity. A key is provided to all known species in the US and Canada.

Variation in Sterilization by Deladenus proximus on the Native Woodwasp, Sirex nigricornis, in Arkansas

Abstract:  Discovery of a potentially destructive non-native woodwasp, Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), in pine forests of eastern North America has elicited interest in appropriate management options. A parasitic nematode, Deladenus siricidicola Bedding (Tylenchida: Neotylenchidae), was introduced as a biological control agent in the Southern Hemisphere where it has been successful in some areas and unsuccessful in others. The North American congener (D. proximus Bedding) parasitizes native Sirex woodwasps and has potential as a biological control agent of S. noctilio due to its ability to utilize the invasive woodwasp as a novel host. However, basic biology and ecology of these native nematodes are largely unknown. Sirex nigricornis females were collected from three geographic locations in Arkansas in 2009 and 2010, dissected, and examined for the presence of D. proximus. Nematodes were found within S. nigricornis collected from all locations and years. Parasitism negatively affected woodwasp body size. We found high variation in percent of eggs infected with nematodes during both years of trapping. Research is needed to investigate potential mechanisms behind this variation of parasitism.

Notes on Pterostichus punctiventris (Chaudoir) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Arkansas, with a New State Record

Gastrosticta Casey is one of the most poorly known subgenera of Pterostichus Bonelli in North America (Bousquet 1992). All species are uncommonly collected, and little is known about their ecology (Bousquet 1992), although Ball (1960) suggested they are collected more frequently in arid coniferous forests. Ten species of Gastrosticta occur in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains (Bousquet 1992), four of which have been recorded in Arkansas: Pterostichus punctiventris (Chaudoir), Pterostichus sayanus Csiki, Pterostichus tumescens LeConte, and Pterostichus ventralis (Say). Pterostichus punctiventris (Figs. 1–3) has been recorded throughout the southern United States; its known range includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas (Bousquet 2012). In Arkansas, this species was reported only from Blanchard Springs State Park in Stone County (Bousquet 1992). Two separate studies conducted in 2013 and 2014–15 across several locations in northwestern Arkansas (Fig. 4) resulted in the collection of a number of P. punctiventris. A subsequent search of the University of Arkansas Arthropod Museum (UAAM) uncovered additional, previously unidentified and misidentified specimens of P. punctiventris. The first study took place at a 4-ha site at Steel Creek in Buffalo National River in Newton County (36.03781°, −93.34056°). Among a variety of other collection methods, 17 pitfall traps were run continuously and collected approximately every two weeks and 10 leaf litter samples were collected when pitfall traps were serviced. Leaf litter samples were processed using modified Berlese-Tullgren extractors. Pitfall collections were made during April 2013 through November 2013 and leaf litter samples were collected during April 2013 through December 2013. See Skvarla et al. (2015) for additional details on collecting methodology and site descriptions. The second study took place from April 2014 through March 2015 at Lake Wedington (Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, 485,600 ha) (36.10223°, −94.39165°) and Lake Wilson (Fayetteville city park, 109 ha) (35.99816°, −94.13709°), both of which are located in Washington County, and two different areas at Withrow Springs State Park (318 ha) (36.16453°, −93.72259° and 36.16593°, −93.72405°) in Madison County. Ten leaf litter samples were collected monthly at the Lake Wedington and Lake Wilson sites, and 20 samples were collected monthly at the Withrow Springs sites (40 samples total). All samples were processed using modified BerleseTullgren extractors. Ten pitfall trap samples were collected approximately every two weeks at the Lake Wedington and Lake Wilson sites; pitfall trap samples collected when leaf litter samples were not collected were not sorted nor specimens from them included herein. See Hamilton (2015) for additional details. Forty-three P. punctiventris (29 females, 14 males) were collected between both studies. Most specimens (30/43) were collected at Lake Wedington, where the study area is characterized as having dense canopy cover, rocky soil, and a mixture of glade and forested habitat. The majority of specimens were collected in pitfall traps between November and April, even though one of the studies did not continue through the winter (Figs. 5, 6). Although individuals of P. punctiventris have been seldom collected and rarely reported in the literature (Bousquet 1992), this species appears to be relatively more abundant in the Ozark Mountain region of Arkansas based on our collections and the specimens in the UAAM. Pterostichus punctiventris has been previously noted as having a ferrugineous coloration and the tibiae being darker in color than the femora (Bousquet 1992). However, some of the specimens that we collected have bodies that are dark brown and others with no distinct contrast in color of the leg parts (Fig. 1a). Finally, specimens of Pterostichus (Gastrosticta) subacutus (Casey) were discovered among the unidentified and unsorted Pterostichus in the UAAM collection and represent a new state record for Arkansas.