George W. Beccaloni

Phylogenetic indices for measuring the diet breadths of phytophagous insects

Abstract Prevailing methods of measuring diet breadth of phytophagous insects are not consistent between studies and generally rely on counts of a variety of higher plant taxa (e.g. genera, families, orders). Results derived from them can be inconsistent if different taxonomic levels are used between studies. In any case, such indices do not include information from the whole branching structure of the host plant phylogeny, and do not address the fact that higher taxa are not necessarily phylogenetically equivalent. Here we present novel phylogeny-based methods which address these shortcomings. Although a previously proposed index (the Phylogenetic Diversity index) may be employed, it cannot be used to measure diets of strictly monophagous insects (i.e. those which utilise a single host species). We therefore introduce a modification of this index (the Root Phylogenetic Diversity index) which may be applied to all diets. In addition, we propose a Clade Dispersion index as a branch-length-independent measure of the degree to which hosts are scattered across the host phylogeny. We describe how these indices could be employed in studies of insect diet breadth and discuss potential problems which may be encountered in their use.

A brachypterous butterfly

Butterflies of the genus Redonda Adams & Bernard (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) are endemic to the Andes of Venezuela. They comprise a monophyletic group of five allopatric taxa, females of which show various degrees of wing reduction and ability to fly. The female of Redonda bordoni Viloria & Pyrcz sp. nov. appears to be brachypterous and incapable of sustained flight, a phenomenon previously unknown within the Rhopalocera.

Celebrations for Darwin downplay Wallace's role.

SIR — David Goldston appropriately demolishes the idea of a US presidential candidate debate on science, in his Column ‘A debatable proposition’ (Nature 451, 621; 2008). It’s hard to imagine anything worse for the cause of science than to subject it to the sort of high-profile demagogic posturing now reserved for immigration, medical care, social security, the economic downturn and the war in Iraq. Science continues to enjoy a protected and privileged status in American politics, in no small part because of its absence from the national political stage — a fact that many science promoters stubbornly refuse to understand. Daniel Sarewitz Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA

2,5-DIALKYLTETRAHYDROFURANS, COMMON COMPONENTS OF THE CUTICULAR LIPIDS OF LEPIDOPTERA

Abstract In more than 50 lepidopteran species 2,5-dialkyltetrahydrofurans were identified as components of the cuticular lipids. The chain length of these compounds varies between C25 and C37 and both cis-and trans-compounds are present. In addition, previously unknown 2-alkyl-5-(1-hydroxyalkyl)tetrahydrofurans were found in some species. The identification procedure and synthesis of representative compounds are reported.

Revision of the Madagascan genera Oncodopus Brongniart and Colossopus Saussure (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae; Euconchophorini), with description of Malagasopus gen. nov.

The endemic Madagascan genera Oncodopus Brongniart and Colossopus Saussure are revised using museum specimens, including the types, and recently collected material. A new genus, Malagasopus gen. nov., and seven new species, Malagasopus desutterae sp. nov., Malagasopus meridianus sp. nov., Oncodopus janetae sp. nov., Oncodopus brongniarti sp. nov., Oncodopus saussurei sp. nov., Oncodopus soalalaensis sp. nov. and Colossopus parvicavus sp. nov. are described. Lectotypes are designated for Oncodopus zonatus Brongniart, 1897 and Colossopus redtenbacheri (Brongniart, 1897). A new term, mesothoracic auricle, is proposed for a structure on the episternum of the mesothorax. A tabulated key to the genera and keys to the species are presented. All species are described and diagnosed, and their phylogenetic relationships, geographical distributions, habitat preferences and phenologies are documented. The life history of Colossopus grandidieri is described, and the unusual possible mate-guarding behaviour of several species is discussed. Maps showing the distribution of the species are presented, as too are 57 photographs of museum specimens, 51 drawings of morphological characters, 17 photographs of living specimens and one habitat photograph.

The types of Phasmida in the Natural History Museum, London, UK

Type specimens of 437 Phasmida taxa have been located in the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK, formerly BMNH), including 480 primary types of 372 taxa. Taxa with types are listed alphabetically by their specific or subspecific name, and the number of specimens, sex and locality data are given.