Donald G. Manley

Addressing the Dasymutilla quadriguttata Species-Group and Species-Complex (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae): Several Distinct Species or a Single, Morphologically Variable Species?

Abstract This study uses morphological and natural history data, along with molecular data derived from the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2), to investigate the status of species that are morphologically similar to Dasymutilla quadriguttata. Genetic distances, UPGMA cluster analyses, and maximum parsimony analyses were performed. In addition to those species that are morphologically similar to Dasymutilla quadriguttata, for our analysis we chose other species from the D. quadriguttata species-group that differ sufficiently in morphology as outgroups, as well as species from the D. bioculata and D. nigripes species-groups. These species include D. californica, D. chattahoochei, D. lepeletierii, D. nigripes, and D. wileyae. Conclusions from the analyses are that D. alesia, D. allardi, D. atrifimbriata, D. biguttata, D. castor, D. cypris, D. electra, D. hersilia, D. hora, D. interrupta, D. mediatoria, D. miamensis, D. mutata, D. nigridia, D. nitidula, D. permista, and D. rubricosa are indistinguishable from and junior synonyms of D. quadriguttata. With this knowledge and with past sex associations, the D. castor, D. monticola, and D. quadriguttata species-groups are updated and an addendum to Mickels (1936) Dasymutilla key is provided.

Multifaceted assessment of species validity in the Dasymutilla bioculata species group (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)

This study examines the validity of the ten species and eight subspecies composing the Dasymutilla bioculata species group. Four lines of evidence are examined: morphological data derived from both sexes; behavioural data derived from the study of mating pairs; geographic distribution; and molecular data derived from the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 of the nuclear ribosomal RNA cistron (ITS1 and ITS2). Morphological studies reveal that none of the taxa in question can be consistently diagnosed by any synapomorphies or unique combinations of characters. Mating studies reveal that males of single nominal taxa are attracted to females of multiple nominal taxa, and that females of single nominal taxa attract multiple males. None of the nominal taxa are geographically isolated from the others. Genetic distances between these taxa are significantly lower than those seen in interspecific comparisons of other Dasymutilla species. Based on this evidence, we infer that the taxa in question share a recent common ancestor, and cannot be adequately differentiated using any of the available data sources. Therefore, employing the phylogenetic species concept, Dasymutilla bimaculata Manley & Pitts, Dasymutilla chiron chiron (Blake), Dasymutilla chiron ursula (Cresson), Dasymutilla creusa creusa (Cresson), Dasymutilla creusa bellona (Cresson), Dasymutilla lepeletierii (Fox), Dasymutilla medea (Cresson), Dasymutilla melanippe melanippe Mickel, Dasymutilla melanippe conformis Mickel, Dasymutilla praegrandis praegrandis Mickel, Dasymutilla praegrandis russata Mickel, Dasymutilla pyrrhus (Fox) and Dasymutilla sulcatulla Mickel must be considered junior synonyms of Dasymutilla bioculata (Cresson). We also discuss the identification of this species, as well as subspecific relationships and species‐group implications.

AN ABERRANT FEMALE AND POSSIBLE NEW HOST RECORD FOR DASYMUTILLA OCCIDENTALIS (HYMENOPTERA: MUTILLIDAE)

A female Dasymutilla occidentalis occidentalis (Linnaeus) was collected which differed in color from typical females of this species. The female appeared to be freshly emerged, and was collected exiting a burrow of Sphex ichneumoneus ichneumoneus (Linnaeus). This would appear to be a new host record for this species.

PINK BOLLWORM MOTH DISPERSAL IN AND AROUND COTTON, SUGAR BEETS, AND ALFALFA

Huber oil traps baited with gossyplure were used to compare early season pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), moth catches in beets and nearby cotton, and catches throughout the grow...

Synonymy of Ephuta tentativa Schuster and E. pauxilla Bradley (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)

The collection of a male of Ephuta pauxilla Bradley and a female of E. tentativa Schuster taken in copula has provided evidence that these forms are conspecific. Ephuta tentativa is a junior synonym of E. pauxilla. Furthermore, subsequent collections and comparison of type specimens and numerous other specimens have shown Ephuta pauxilla texanella Schuster to be a junior synonym of Ephuta pauxilla as well. A complete synonymy for E. pauxilla is provided.

VELVET ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: MUTILLIDAE) OF THE BITTER LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, NEW MEXICO, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES

Abstract Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge were collected and studied over a 4-year period (1996 to 1999). The study resulted in the collection of at least 52 species in 6 genera. It also resulted in the discovery and description of the previously unknown male of Dasymutilla calorata Mickel, plus the discovery and description of 2 new species.

Two New Species of Black Dasymutilla (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) from Texas and California1

Abstract Dasymutilla nigra and D. imperialis, two new species of Dasymutilla Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae), are described from males only from Texas and California, respectively. The males of both species have the integument and the pubescence entirely black, unlike any previously described species of Dasymutilla. They are easily distinguished from one another by the specific characters. Descriptions are given, including figures of the male genitalia.

A NEW SPECIES OF PHOTOMORPHUS (HYMENOPTERA: MUTILLIDAE) FROM FLORIDA

Photomorphus (Photomorphina) archboldi, a new species of mutillid wasp, is described, illustrated, and compared with other species of the genus Photomorphus. Males were collected in malaise traps a...