Gary L. Miller

ScaleNet: a literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics

Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) are small herbivorous insects found on all continents except Antarctica. They are extremely invasive, and many species are serious agricultural pests. They are also emerging models for studies of the evolution of genetic systems, endosymbiosis and plant-insect interactions. ScaleNet was launched in 1995 to provide insect identifiers, pest managers, insect systematists, evolutionary biologists and ecologists efficient access to information about scale insect biological diversity. It provides comprehensive information on scale insects taken directly from the primary literature. Currently, it draws from 23 477 articles and describes the systematics and biology of 8194 valid species. For 20 years, ScaleNet ran on the same software platform. That platform is no longer viable. Here, we present a new, open-source implementation of ScaleNet. We have normalized the data model, begun the process of correcting invalid data, upgraded the user interface, and added online administrative tools. These improvements make ScaleNet easier to use and maintain and make the ScaleNet data more accurate and extendable. Database URL: http://scalenet.info

Lacewings and scale insects: A review of predator/prey associations between the Neuropterida and Coccoidea (Insecta: Neuroptera, Raphidioptera, Hemiptera)

Abstract Information on 263 Neuropterida/Coccoidea associations with additional detailed data on the most commonly encountered taxa is presented. Included for each entry, where applicable, is the predator, Coccoidea prey, validation source, prey plant host, and biogeographic origin.

Prothoracic Gland Semiochemicals of Green Lacewings

Adult chrysopids have paired prothoracic glands (PG) that are thought to produce defensive secretions (allomones). We analyzed PG extracts of the following green lacewings from North and South America, Australia, and China: Ceraeochrysa cubana (Brazil); Chrysopa (= Co.) oculata, Co. nigricornis, Co. incompleta, Co. quadripunctata (USA), and Co. septempunctata (China); Chrysoperla (= Cl.) rufilabris (USA) and Cl. sp. (Brazil); Plesiochrysa ramburi and Mallada spp. (Australia). PG secretions are characteristic for species within a genus, except for Chrysopa spp. (Z)-4-Tridecene is ubiquitous, but (Z,Z)-4,7-tridecadiene is a major PG constituent in some Chrysopa spp. and in P. ramburi. Earlier reports that Co. oculata and Co. nigricornis produce 1-tridecene were shown to be in error. Chrysopa PG secretions are distinguished by the presence or absence of N-3-methylbutylacetamide, plus skatole (3-methylindole). Skatole is also identified for the first time from the Plesiochrysa and Ceraeochrysa. The PG secretion in Plesiochrysa ramburi is characterized by the presence of (Z)-4-undecene instead of (Z)-4-tridecene, and N-3-methylbutylpropanamide instead of the acetamide, resembling the PG secretions of Chrysopa nigricornis, Co. septempunctata and Co. incompleta. The chemotaxonomic value of PG semiochemicals is discussed, including evidence for subgroups within the genus Chrysopa as it now stands.

Description of a new genus of scale insect with a discussion of relationships among families related to the Kermesidae (Homoptera: Coccoidea)

Abstract. A new kermesid genus, Eriokermes, is described for three species previously placed in the Eriococcidae: Eriokermes gillettei (Tinsley) comb.n.; E.juniperi (Goux) comb.n.; and E.juniperinus (De Lotto) comb.n. Keys to Nearctic kermesid genera, Eriokermes species, and immatures and adults of E.gillettei are provided. Four female and five male instars of E.gillettei are described. Eriokermes is placed in Kermesidae based on a cladistic estimate of its phylogenetic position.

Is There a Cryptic Species Within Aulacorthum solani (Hemiptera: Aphididae)?

ABSTRACT Examination of DNA sequences of the 5′ end of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene of Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) reveals little variation between samples from broad geographic provenances. The apparent genetic similarity despite A. solanis morphological and biological differences contrasts with the species complexes of other aphid pests.

Catalog of the Aphid Genera Described from the New World

Abstract A nomenclatural and bibliographic catalog of the genus-group names of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) from the New World is presented. The catalog includes 206 available genus-group names with type species with New World localities, full bibliographic citations, and other associated nomenclatural and taxonomic information. Two nomenclatural discrepancies are resolved: Siphonophora acerifoliae Thomas is designated the type species of Phymatosiphum Davis, and Strenaphis Quednau nomen novum is proposed as a replacement name for the homonymic Stenaphis Quednau.

Catalog of the adelgids of the world (Hemiptera, Adelgidae)

Abstract A taxonomic and nomenclatural Catalogue of the adelgids (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) is presented. Six family-group names are listed, five being synonyms of Adelgidae. Twenty-two genus-group names, of which nine are subjectively valid and in use, are presented with their type species, etymology, and grammatical gender. One hundred and six species-group names are listed, of which 70 are considered subjectively valid.

Room temperature DNA storage with slide‐mounted aphid specimens

Abstract.  1. cope slide‐mounted insect specimens present special problems for DNA extraction due to chemical clearing techniques and subsequent specimen preservation.

The Neotype of the Cotton Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphis gossypii Glover 1877)

Abstract. We fix and describe the neotype of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, and publish its DNA barcode.

Corrections and Additions to the Catalog of the Aphid Genera Described from the New World

Abstract Since the publication of the Catalog of the Aphid Genera Described from the New World (Favret et al. 2008), several errors and omissions have come to light. We here make corrections to seven genus-group names and add 17 valid and nine invalid generic names, raising the total number of available New World genus-group names to 232. Future nomenclatural additions and corrections, at any aphid taxonomic level, will be published in the Aphid Species File database (http://aphid.speciesfile.org).