published by

THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAN

Volume 30, Part 3, 30 September 2003

Price: $6.00 per part

ISSN 1320 6133

THE AUSTRALIAN ENTOMOLOGIST

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Queensland Museum

University of Queensland

Dr G.B. Monteith

Queensland Museum

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University of Queensland

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Management Research, Department of Natural Resources; Tropical Fruit Fly

Research Group, Griffith University.

Cover: Minute wasps of the eulophid genus Astichus are mostly parasites of the

larvae of ciid beetles living within the fruiting bodies of bracket fungi. This

undescribed species is about 2mm in length and occurs in the rainforests of eastern

Australia from southern New South Wales north to the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Illustration by Geoff Thompson.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3): 93-106 93

NEW SPECIES AND RECORDS OF TRYPETINAE (DIPTERA:

TEPHRITIDAE) FROM AUSTRALIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC

D.L. HANCOCK! and R.A.I. DREW?

'PO Box 2464, Cairns, Qld 4870

?Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111

Abstract

Calosphenisca ndomae sp. n. and Euphranta lemniscoides sp. n. are described from Solomon

Islands. Euphranta ochrosiae sp. n. is described from Papua New Guinea. Aciuropsis pusio

Hardy and Euphranta lemniscata Enderlein are newly recorded from Australia and New

Caledonia respectively. Host plant and/or distribution records are noted for a further 23 species,

including several new records for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Introduction

Australian and Pacific Island fruit flies belonging to the subfamily Trypetinae

have been studied intermittently in recent years, following revisions published

for Australia (Permkam and Hancock 1995) and the Indonesia, Papua New

Guinea and Solomon Islands region (Hardy 1983, 1986, 1987). In an earlier

review (Hancock and Drew 1994), we concentrated on islands of the south-

central Pacific. The present study reports on new and interesting records from

Australia and the southwestern Pacific, including the descriptions of three

new species from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The following abbreviations for specimen depositories have been used: AQIS

— Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service, Mareeba and Broome; QDPI —

Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane; QMB — Queensland

Museum, Brisbane; UQIC — University of Queensland Insect Collection,

Brisbane. Tribal classification follows Korneyev (1999).

Systematics

Tribe ADRAMINI

Adrama selecta Walker

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 9, Morobe Province, 10 km W of Lae,

nr Markam River, banana plantation, 10-16.vii.1999, Yeates et al., malaise, lowland

rainforest (QMB); 1 9, Milne Bay Province, Dabora Village, 1.iii.2000, bred from

Gnetum gnemon, S 875; 4 99, Madang Province, Ohu, 14.xii.2000, bred from

Barringtonia calyptocalyx, M 632 (all QDPI).

Comments. Some of the above specimens were bred from the fruit of

Barringtonia calyptocalyx (Lecythidaceae) and there is a single record from

Gnetum gnemon (Gnetaceae). For other host plants see Hancock et al. (2000).

Coelotrypes flavinus (Hering)

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 9, Western Highlands Province, Kuk,

13.viii.1982, J.W. Ismay, swept sweet potato; 7 OO", 3 99, Eastern Highlands

Province, Aiyura Research Station, staff residential area, 23.11.1999, 23.iii.1999,

29.ix.1999, 10.xi.1999 & 19.iv.2001, Leon Saleu, ex cue lure and methyl eugenol

traps P419 (all QDPI).

94 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Comments. Species in genus Coelotrypes Bezzi breed in the flower buds of

Ipomoea spp. (Convolvulaceae) and sweet potato is a likely host.

Euphranta leichhardtiae Permkam & Hancock

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 9, SE Queensland, nr Fresh Water Lake,

Cooloola, 3-13.iii.1970, E.C. Dahms, rainforest, at light (QMB).

Comments. The above is an additional locality for this little-known eastern

Australian species. It has been bred from the fruit of Rauwenhoffia

leichhardtii (Annonaceae) (Permkam and Hancock 1995).

Euphranta lemniscata Enderlein

Material examined. NEW CALEDONIA: 1 o, 21°07’S, 164°57’E, 30 m, Tiea

Reserve, 4-5.xi.2001, G. Monteith, at UV light (QMB).

Comments. This widespread species is newly recorded from New Caledonia.

Euphranta lemniscoides sp. n.

(Figs 1-2)

Types. Holotype 07, SOLOMON ISLANDS: W Guadalcanal, Tangarare, 21.x.1997, F.

Tsatsia, hand collected on cut end Vitex sp. (in QMB, Reg. No. T 99079). Paratypes:

3 OG, Central Guadalcanal, Mt Austen, 20.x.1995, R.G. Hollingsworth et al., SI

1346 (QDPI).

Description. Male (Fig. 1). Length of body 8.5 mm; of wing 7.8 mm. Head

fulvous, slightly higher than long. Antennae yellow; arista plumose. Face

concave, with a greyish sheen but no dark markings. Frons pubescent, with 3

pairs of frontal and 1 pair of orbital setae, the upper frontals aligned with

orbitals; on 1 specimen a weaker fourth pair of frontal setae present on line of

orbitals, the third pair of frontals shifted anteriorly; ocellar setae weak or

vestigial.

Thorax largely black except pleura partly to extensively red-brown and with

yellow-white markings as follows: postpronotal lobes; lateral postsutural

vittae from suture to enclose intra-alar setae; a large prescutellar elliptical

spot narrowing anteriorly to a point towards suture; a broad band on upper

half of anepisternum, connected by a narrow extension with postpronotal

lobe; katatergite. Notoplera fulvous to red-brown, connected to postpronotal

lobes by a lateral band yellow dorsally and brown ventrally. Scutellum

yellow; subscutellum and mediotergite black. With a full complement of

thoracic setae except presuturals; dorsocentrals placed midway between

supra-alars and prescutellar acrostichals; 2 anepisternals; 4 scutellars. One

specimen has 2 pairs of postpronotal setae and 3 anepisternal setae, the upper

pair close together. Haltere yellow. Legs fulvous except fore and mid tibiae

red-brown and hind tibiae tending black; middle tibia with an apical black

spine; fore femur slightly swollen and with a row of 4-6 ventral black setae.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Figs 1-2. Euphranta lemniscoides sp. n. (1) male; (2) male genitalia.

95

96 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Wing hyaline with a transverse fulvous subbasal band across base of cell c to

base of cell bcu, a dark blackish-brown transverse band from below middle of

cell c to apex of cell bcu, connected to pterostigma by yellow base of cell r,

and a large blackish-brown apical area from pterostigma to hind margin of

wing, leaving apex hyaline (including apices of cells r»;3 and mj), a hyaline

indentation posteriorly in cell m and a hyaline V-shaped band from costa to

upper part of cell dm between the R-M and DM-Cu crossveins; blackish-

brown band in hyaline V reaches vein R4,s. Pterostigma blackish-brown

except narrowly yellow basally. Veins R; and R4:5 setose; R-M crossvein near

middle of cell dm, below apex of pterostigma; cell bcu apically acute.

Abdomen elongate; black except tergite I+II with a quadrate or hourglass-

shaped medial marking and terga III and IV each with a posterior triangular to

quadrate marking, narrowest anteriorly; these markings fulvous with a greyish

sheen. Tergite V elongate, about as long as terga III and IV combined; posterior

margin of tergite V varies from yellow to black. Male genitalia (Fig. 2) with

proctiger and surstyli very elongate.

Female. Unknown.

Host plant. The Mt Austen paratypes were bred from a vine tentatively

identified as Merremia peltata (Convolvulaceae).

Distribution. Known only from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Comments. E. lemniscoides is very similar to E. lemniscata in wing pattern

but the markings are darker and the apical hyaline area is larger in the former.

In E. lemniscoides the thorax and abdomen are mostly black (generally

fulvous to red-brown in E. lemniscata) and the proctiger and surstyli are

much longer (c.f. E. lemniscata in Permkam and Hancock 1995). Both

species appear to breed in the fruit of Convolvulaceae.

Euphranta marginata Hardy

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 46 CO, 50 99, Madang Province,

Baitabag, 24.v.2000, 4, 11 & 25.x.2000, 15.xi.2000, 30.v.2001, 6, 13, 20 &

27.vi.2001, 4 & 25.vii.2001, 11 & 22.viii.2001, bred from Neuburgia corynocarpa; |

9, same data except 25.vii.2001, ex Ochrosia coccinea, M 1769; 8 OG, 8 99, Madang

Province, Ohu, 4.x.2000, 8.ii.2001 & 21.vi.2001, bred from Neuburgia corynocarpa

(all QDPI).

Comments. Most of the above specimens were bred from the fruit of

Neuburgia corynocarpa (Loganiaceae); the single record from Ochrosia

coccinea (Apocynaceae) is an error. E. marginata was known previously only

from the holotype female from Morobe Province (Hardy 1983).

Euphranta marina Permkam & Hancock

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 9, Western Province, Mabaduan

[coast N of Saibai I.], 4.iii.1993, R. Stephens, collected on board boat (QDPI).

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 97

Comments. This coastal Australian species is newly recorded from Papua

New Guinea. It breeds in the mangrove Avicennia marina (Verbenaceae).

Euphranta numeralis Permkam & Hancock

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 OC, SE Queensland, 27%26'S, 152°50’E,

Enoggera Creek at Scrub Rd, Brisbane Forest Park, 7-9.i.1993, R. van Klinken,

rainforest, bred Maclura cochinensis [sic] fruit (UQIC).

Comments. This species was known previously only from the holotype male

from New South Wales (Permkam and Hancock 1995). The above specimen

was bred from fruit of Maclura cochinchinensis (Moraceae).

Euphranta ochrosiae sp. n.

(Figs 3-6)

Types. Holotype QC, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Madang Province, Baitabag,

1.viii.2001, bred from Ochrosia coccinea, M 1826 (in QMB, Reg. No. T 99080).

Paratypes: 2 OG, 4 99, same data as holotype; 52 070", 43 99, same data except

2.viii.2000, M 176b; 28.11.2001, M 950; 28.iii.2001, M 1106; 25.iv.2001, M 1238; 2

& 9.v.2001, M 1265 & 1291; 3, 20 & 27.vi.2001, M 1507, 1540 & 1591; 4, 11, 19,

25 & 29.vii.2001, M 1623, 1677, 1718, 1728, 1769 & 1777; 1, 8, 15, 22 &

29.viii.2001, M 1809, 1826, 1864, 1884, 1918, 1958, 1980, 1993 & 2021; 31.x.2001,

M 2540 & 2549; 3 OG, 3 99, same data except 5.ix.2001, bred from Myristica sp., M

2035 (4 in QMB, Reg. Nos T 99081-99084; others in QDPI).

Description. Male (Fig. 3). Length of body 6.8 mm; of wing 6.0 mm. Head

fulvous, slightly higher than long. Antennae yellow with third segment

fuscous; arista plumose. Face concave, with a greyish sheen but no dark

markings. Frons fulvous laterally, red-brown medially, with a black central

marking across apical half; pale pubescent; with 2 pairs of frontal and 1 pair

of orbital setae, the frontal setae widely separated with the upper pair just

before the orbitals; ocellar setae absent. Occiput largely black behind eyes.

Thorax mostly black, with greyish tomentosity on anepisternum, along suture

and as a broad medial band on scutum, widest posteriorly; dorsal half of

postpronotal lobe and notopleural callus dark fulvous; ventral half of

postpronotal lobe brown; a broad, yellow prescutellar marking, bordered by

dorsocentral setae. Scutellum yellow with a broad black basal band;

subscutellum and mediotergite black. With a full complement of thoracic

setae except presuturals and prescutellar acrostichals; dorsocentrals placed

midway between supra-alars and scutellum; 2 anepisternals; 4 scutellars.

Haltere pale yellowish-white. Legs with fore femur fulvous with a medial

brown band, mid and hind femora and all tibiae blackish-brown and tarsi dark

fulvous; middle tibia with an apical black spine.

Wing hyaline with a dark blackish-brown transverse band from pterostigma to

basal half of cell dm, bordered distally by R-M crossvein, and a large

blackish-brown apical area enclosing DM-Cu crossvein and curving inwards

posteriorly, leaving apex hyaline (including apices of cells r»;3 and mj), the

98 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

two dark areas separated by a hyaline band from cell r; at apex of pterostigma

to wing margin; cell m with a weak hyaline indentation posteriorly; cell cu,

entirely hyaline. Pterostigma blackish-brown. Vein R; setose; vein R4+5 with a

few setae near base; R-M crossvein placed before middle of cell dm, below

subapical part of pterostigma; cell beu apically acute.

Abdomen elongate; black except terga IHI and III with a quadrate red-brown

medial area, overlaid with greyish tomentosity. Tergite V a little longer than

tergite IV. Male genitalia (Fig. 4) with proctiger and surstyli elongate.

Female. As for male except terga IV-VI laterally fulvous; tergite VI as long as

tergite V; oviscape black, as long as terga IV-VI combined; aculeus (Fig. 5)

short, with distinct subapical teeth and apical serrations; three spermathecae

(Fig. 6) with smooth, oval heads and constricted necks. On the head the

frontal setae vary in position from widely separated with the upper pair just

before the orbital setae to close together and situated anteriorly.

Host plant. Almost all of the type series were bred from the fruit of Ochrosia

coccinea (Apocynaceae); the record from Myristica sp. (Myristicaceae)

appears to be a host misidentification.

Distribution. Known only from Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.

Comments. E. ochrosiae is similar to E. vitabilis Hardy but in E. ochrosiae

the apical hyaline wing spot is larger, the dark transverse band from the

pterostigma is broader (enclosing entire base of cell r»,3) and bordered distally

by the R-M crossvein (not broadly enclosing it). In addition, the basal margin of

the apical brown area is irregularly curved (almost sinuous) in E. ochrosiae

and evenly curved in E. vitabilis.

Euphranta ochrosiae belongs to a small group of Apocynaceae-feeding

species that includes E. cerberae Hancock & Drew from southern Thailand,

E. scutellata Malloch from Solomon Islands and presumably E. vitabilis (host

unknown) from the Bismarck Archipelago (and possibly mainland New

Guinea — see Hardy 1983).

Euphranta perkinsi Hardy

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 4 00’, 3 99, Central Province, Laloki

Agric. Res. Stn, 7.i.1993, D. Tenakanai, reared from Faradaya splendida, F. Muell.,

L 184; 11 OG, 11 99, Madang Province, Ohu, 28.vi.2000 & 19.x.2000, bred from

Morinda bracteata, M 130a & M 446; 1 0, Madang Province, Baitabag, 22. viii.2001,

bred from Ochrosia coccinea, M 1980 [? label error] (all QDPD.

Comments. Most of the above specimens were bred from the fruit of Morinda

bracteata (Rubiaceae). Records from Faradaya splendida (Verbenaceae) and

Ochrosia coccinea (Apocynaceae) appear to be errors; these hosts are used

by other species of Euphranta Loew. The Baitabag specimen may be a

mislabelled specimen from the Ohu series. Host sample M 446 (M. bracteata)

produced 67 flies.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 99

Figs 3-6. Euphranta ochrosiae sp. n. (3) male; (4) male genitalia; (5) female aculeus;

(6) spermathecae.

100 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Euphranta perkinsi was described from West Papua, Indonesia (Hardy 1983)

and recorded from Papua New Guinea by Permkam and Hancock (1995).

Euphranta quatei Hardy

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: I 0”, 2 99, Madang Province, Ohu,

24.v.2001 & 4.vii.2001, bred from Gmelina moluccana, M 1372 & M 1653; 2 OG,

Madang Province, Baitabag, 16.v.2001, bred from Chionanthus sessiflorum, M 1323

(all QDPI).

Comments. Known previously only from the holotype male from West Papua,

Indonesia (Hardy 1983), this species is newly recorded from Papua New

Guinea. Its host plant appears to be Gmelina moluccana (Verbenaceae), the

two samples yielding eight (M 1372) and six (M 1653) flies respectively. The

record from Chionanthus sessiflorum (Oleaceae) requires confirmation.

Euphranta scutellata Malloch

Material examined. SOLOMON ISLANDS: 15 00”, 22 99, NE Guadalcanal, Vovota,

20.1.1995, R. Wylie et al., bred from Cerbera manghas, SI 0674 (QDPI).

Comments. Known previously only from the holotype and allotype from an

unspecified locality (Malloch 1939, Hardy 1983). The above series was bred

from the fruit of Cerbera manghas (Apocynaceae).

Euphranta variabilis (Kertész)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 9, N Queensland, I km N of ‘Eclectus’, Iron

Range, 12°45°45”S, 143917'11”E, 12.vii.1977, G. & A. Daniels (UQIC). PAPUA

NEW GUINEA: 1 0, Morobe Province, Labu-butu area, Markam River, 6.x.1999, S.

Balagawi/ S. Sar, cue lure P429 (QDPI).

Comments. The above localities are additional to the few previously recorded

for this species (Hardy 1983, Permkam and Hancock 1995). The host plant

remains unknown.

Fig. 7. Euphranta sp. indet., wing.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 101

Euphranta sp. indet.

(Fig. 7)

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 9, Central Province, Paga Hill, Port

Moresby, 16.iv.1967, Sir Alan Mann (QDPI).

Comments. This species appears to be related to E. latifasciata Hardy but the

thorax is entirely orange-yellow, the abdomen red-brown and the basal wing

band yellow. The head is missing and the specimen too badly damaged to

describe.

Hardyadrama presignis (Hardy)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 9, Torres Strait, Saibai I., 10.xii.2002, N.

Mosby, in ME lure trap (AQIS, Mareeba).

Comments. The above is the second record of this species from Australia,

being recorded previously from Warraber (Sue) I., also in Torres Strait

(Permkam and Hancock 1995),

Tribe HEXACHAETINI

Callistomyia flavilabris Hering

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 2 CO, 9 99, Madang Province,

Baitabag, 28.vi.2000, bred from Wenzelia dolichophylla, M 119; 1 9, same data

except 13.vi.2001, M 1498 (all QDPI).

Comments. Previously recorded from Misool (Maluku Province, Indonesia)

and newly recorded from Papua New Guinea. A dark brown facial spot is

present or absent and this species differs from C, pavonina Bezzi in having

the large oval wing spot shallower, not extensive in cell r»,3. In C. horni

Hendel this large oval spot is distinctly connected to the transverse band

behind it. The above series was bred from the fruit of Wenzelia dolichophylla

(Rutaceae).

Callistomyia horni Hendel

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 0%, Western Australia, Augustus I., 17.iii.2002,

A. Postle (AQIS, Broome). PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 g, 1 9, Central Province, 20

km SE Port Moresby, 11.iii.1983 & 26.i.1985, J.W. Ismay; 1 &, Burns Peak, Port

Moresby, 2.v.1971, J. Pippet (all QDPI); 1 &, 1 9, Central Province, Hall Sound [near

Yule Island], McL. (UQIC).

Comments. This species is newly recorded from Western Australia. It is

widespread in northern Australia but in Papua New Guinea all known records

emanate from Central Province in the south.

Tribe RIVELLIOMIMINI

Ornithoschema queenslandense Permkam & Hancock

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 d, N Queensland, East Claudie River, Iron

Range, 1.i.1996, 20 m, G. & A. Daniels (UQIC); 2 99, N Queensland, 16°40’S,

145°34’E, 10 km NW Ellis Beach, 20.iv.1997, C.J. Burwell (QMB).

102 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Comments. The host plant of this endemic Australian species remains

unknown.

Tribe TRYPETINI

Aciuropsis pusio Hardy

(Fig. 8)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 9, N Queensland, Tully, 21.vi.1939, H.J. Turner

(QMB).

Comments. This distinctive, small black species is newly recorded from

Australia, being known previously from the Philippines and Papua New

Guinea. It is easily recognised by the wing pattern (Fig. 8) and presence of

only 2 scutellar setae, the apical pair lacking. Aciuropsis Hardy was placed in

tribe Trypetini by Han (1999). For a description and further illustrations see

Hardy (1987). Host plants are unknown.

Calosphenisca ndomae sp. n.

(Fig. 9)

Type. Holotype 9, SOLOMON ISLANDS: NW Guadalcanal, Ndoma, 13.v.1997, R.

Hollingsworth, bred ex Polygata paniculata, SI 2063 (in QMB, Reg. No. T 99078).

Description. Female (Fig. 9). Length of body (excluding oviscape) 4.6 mm;

of wing 4.5 mm. Head higher than long, fulvous except face with greyish

sheen and upper occiput red-brown. Antennae yellow; third segment abraded.

Frons with a black circular mark medially; 3 pairs of frontal setae and 2 pairs

of black orbital setae; ocellars abraded. Postocular row of setae black and

thin; genal seta well developed.

Thorax blackish-brown; anepisternum broadly white; scutellum white.

Postpronotal lobes dark fulvous to brown; notopleura brown. With a full

complement of black setae; dorsocentrals and prescutellar acrostichals

present; 1 strong and 1 weak anepisternal setae; 4 scutellars. Haltere with

fulvous stalk and white knob. Legs mostly fulvous; hind tibiae fuscous; mid

tibia fuscous basally and with an apical black spine.

Wing hyaline with an extensive brown pattern; cell bc hyaline except very

pale brown basally and dark brown at apex; cell c brown with 2 hyaline

indentations across it; pterostigma brown; a broad basal brown area curved

distally from apex of pterostigma to enclose R-M crossvein, intersected by a

narrow hyaline band from basal indentation in cell c to wing margin at apex

of vein A,+Cu and with a small hyaline spot in cell br below pterostigma;

alula and anal lobe hyaline; a narrow brown costal band from a little beyond

apex of pterostigma to wing apex in cell m; an isolated narrow brown band

parallel to edge of basal dark area, from just above vein R4:5 to wing margin

in cell m, enclosing DM-Cu crosvein. Veins R; and R4;5 setose; R-M

crossvein near apex of cell dm, separated from DM-Cu crossvein by about its

own length; cell bcu with a narrow and acute apical extension.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 103

Figs 8-9. Trypetini. (8) Aciuropsis pusio, wing; (9) Calosphenisca ndomae sp. n.,

female.

104 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Abdomen oval, blackish-brown; tergite VI about as long as tergite V.

Oviscape short and conical, as long as tergite VI, 0.4 mm; aculeus not

exposed.

Host plant. The holotype was bred from the fruit of Polygala paniculata

(Polygalaceae).

Distribution. Known only from Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Comments. C. ndomae closely resembles C. bicuneata (Hardy) from Papua

New Guinea. It differs in details of the wing pattern, particularly the costal

band, which runs along the costa in cell r; in C. ndomae and along vein R243

in C. bicuneata, and the isolated subapical band, which is elongate in C.

ndomae and short (beginning in cell m well below vein R4:5) in C. bicuneata.

The above host record is the first for the genus.

Calosphenisca unicuneata (Hardy)

Commenis. Fusciludia unicuneata was transferred to Calosphenisca Hendel

by Korneyev (1999) and Han (1999), following synonymy of the two genera.

This species is widespread in eastern Australia and Papua New Guinea

(Permkam and Hancock 1995),

Hemiristina pleomeles Permkam & Hancock

Material examined. SOLOMON ISLANDS: 1 9, Guadalcanal, Honiara, 10.viii.1994,

R. Wylie et al., bred ex Diplocyclos palmatus, SI 0120 (QDPI). VANUATU: 3 OG,

3 99, Efate, 27.vii.1995, M. Vagalo, host Dracaena sp., V 1434 (QDPI).

Comments. Described from Melville and Stephen Islands in northern

Australia (Permkam and Hancock 1995), this species is newly recorded from

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It was bred from Dracaena sp. (Agavaceae) in

Vanuatu but the above record from Diplocyclos palmatus (Cucurbitaceae) in

the Solomon Islands is likely to be an error.

Philophylla conjuncta (de Meijere)

Material examined. SOLOMON ISLANDS: 4 co, 3 99, NW Guadalcanal,

Kodovele, 19.xii.1996, R. Wylie et al., bred from Premna serratifolia (L.), SI 0449; 1

0, 2 99, NE Guadalcanal, Vulelua, 29.xii.1994, R. Wylie et al., SI 0541; 27 VV, 25

99, E Guadalcanal, Adeade, 11.ii.1997, R. Hollingsworth et al., ex Premna

corymbosa; 6 OG", 4 99, same data except 6.v.1997, E. Valenga & R. Hollingsworth,

SI 2043; 3 00, 3 99, Guadalcanal, Tambea, 13.11.1997, R. Hollingsworth, bred ex

Premna corymbosa, SI 1971 (all QDPI).

Comments. The above specimens were bred from the fruit of Premna

corymbosa and Pr. serratifolia (Verbenaceae). Malloch (1939) also recorded

the type series of P. apicifasciata (Malloch) [a synonym of P. conjuncta]

from Premna integrifolia [a synonym of Pr. serratifolia].

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 105

Philophylla erebia (Hering)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 ©, Central Queensland, 25901719”S,

147°57’16”E, Carnarvon Nat. Park, Mt Moffatt section Rangers Station, 740 m, 16-

18.xi.1995, D. Yeates (UQIC).

Comments. The above locality is the first from central Queensland for this

species.

Philophylla fossata (Fabricius)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 0%, N Queensland, Iron Range, West Claudie

River, 5.xii.1985, D. Yeates, rainforest, at MV light (UQIC); 2 99, N Queensland,

16°02’S, 145°27’E, Daintree Nat. Park, Cape Tribulation area, malaise in rainforest

opening near Emmagen Creek, 2-4.vi.1997, J. & A. Skevington (UQIC); 1 9, Central

Queensland, 20°06’S, 147°49’E, Finley Creek, E base of Mt Abbott, 13.iv.1997, C.J.

Burwell (QMB).

Comments. The distribution of this widespread species is extended south from

Cairns (Permkam and Hancock 1995) to the Bowen district.

Philophylla humeralis (Hendel)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 0%, 1 9, N Queensland, 18°21’S, 146°20’E,

Hinchinbrook I., Sunken Reef Bay, 5 m, 20.iv.1999, S.G. Evans, rainforest (QMB).

Comments. The only previous Australian record for this species is Dunk

Island (Hancock 1995), also in northern Queensland.

Philophylla quadrata (Malloch)

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 0’, N Queensland, Iron Range, West Claudie

River, 4.xii.1985, D. Yeates, rainforest (UQIC).

Comments. The above is the second Queensland record for this species,

described originally from the Solomon Islands.

Tribe XARNUTINI

Xarnuta confusa Malloch

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: 1 9, N Queensland, West Claudie River, 4 km SW

road junction, 12°44’S, 143°15’E, 26.xi.1986, G. Daniels & M.A. Schneider (UQIC).

Comments. Often referred to tribe Acanthonevrini (subfamily Phytalmiinae),

Xarnuta Walker was placed in subfamily Trypetinae, as currently defined, by

Hancock (1986) and Korneyev (1999). X. confusa appears to be widespread

in northern Queensland.

Xarnuta cribralis Hering

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 2 g'g, 1 8, Central Province, Hall

Sound [near Yule Island], McL. (UQIC).

Comments. The female, previously unknown, is similar in appearance to the

male.

106 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Acknowledgements

We thank Amy Lawson (Griffith University) for preparing the illustrations

and curators of the various institutions for access to material. Field work in

Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu was carried out under the

auspices of ACIAR Project No. CS2/94/03 ‘Identification of pest fruit flies in

Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Federated States of Micronesia’ and the

Regional Management of Fruit Flies in the Pacific Project.

References

HAN, H.-Y. 1999. Phylogeny and behavior in flies of the tribe Trypetini (Trypetinae). Pp 253-

297, in Aluja, M. and Norrbom, A.L. (eds), Fruit flies (Tephritidae): phylogeny and evolution

of behavior. CRC Press, Boca Raton; xviii + 944 pp.

HANCOCK, D.L. 1986. Classification of the Trypetinae (Diptera: Tephritidae), with a

discussion of the afrotropical fauna. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern

Africa 49: 275-305.

HANCOCK, D.L. 1995. Philophylla humeralis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae: Trypetinae)

newly recorded from Australia. Australian Entomologist 22: 113-114.

HANCOCK, D.L. and DREW, R.A.I. 1994. Notes on some Pacific Island Trypetinae and

Tephritinae (Diptera: Tephritidae). Australian Entomologist 21: 21-30.

HANCOCK, D.L., HAMACEK, E.L., LLOYD, A.C. and ELSON-HARRIS, M.M. 2000. The

distribution and host plants of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Australia. Information Series

Q199067. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane; iv + 75 pp.

HARDY, D.E. 1983. The fruit flies of the tribe Euphrantini of Indonesia, New Guinea, and

adjacent islands (Tephritidae: Diptera). International Journal of Entomology 25: 152-205.

HARDY, D.E. 1986. The Adramini of Indonesia, New Guinea and adjacent islands (Diptera:

Tephritidae: Trypetinae). Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 27: 53-78.

HARDY, D.E. 1987. The Trypetini, Aciurini and Ceratitini of Indonesia, New Guinea and

adjacent islands of the Bismarks and Solomons (Diptera: Tephritidae: Trypetinae).

Entomography 5: 247-373.

KORNEYEV, V.A. 1999. Phylogenetic relationships among higher groups of Tephritidae. Pp

73-113, in Aluja, M. and Norrbom, A.L. (eds), Fruit flies (Tephritidae): phylogeny and

-evolution of behavior. CRC Press, Boca Raton; xviii + 944 pp.

MALLOCH, J.R. 1939. Solomon Islands Trypetidae. Annals and Magazine of Natural History

(11) 4: 228-278, pls x-xi.

PERMKAM, S. and HANCOCK, D.L. 1995. Australian Trypetinae (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Invertebrate Taxonomy 9: 1047-1209.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3): 107-114 107

A NEW SPECIES OF CICADETTA AMYOT (HEMIPTERA:

CICADIDAE) FROM QUEENSLAND, WITH NOTES ON ITS

CALLING SONG

LINDSAY W. POPPLE

Entomology Section, Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Qld 4101

(Current address: School of Life Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072)

Abstract

Cicadetta polita sp. n. is described from the Edungalba, Theodore, Taroom and Glenmorgan

districts in southern Queensland. It belongs to a little known species complex distributed

throughout inland Queensland. Known adult food plants include weeping myall (Acacia

pendula) and false sandalwood (Eremophila mitchellii). An analysis is given of the moderately

fast ticking song, specific to this taxon.

Introduction

Å new species of cicada collected in southern Queensland shows broad

similarities to some other Australian species currently placed in the genus

Cicadetta Amyot and it is on this basis that generic placement has been made.

Characteristics include a similar body shape (both sexes) and similar genital

structures in males. Moulds (1988) discussed the status of Cicadetta in

Australia and a generic review of the Australian cicada fauna is currently in

preparation (Moulds, in prep.).

The new species comprises part of an undescribed species complex that is

quite distinct from other members of the genus; however, as the remaining

members of this complex are not particularly well known at present, only one

species is documented here. Another representative of the complex, referred

to as Cicadetta sp. H, is illustrated in Popple and Strange (2002).

The type series is located in the following collections: QM — Queensland

Museum, Brisbane; LWP — L. W. Popple, Brisbane; AE — A. Ewart,

Caloundra; MSM — M. S. Moulds — Sydney; JTM — J. T. St. Leger Moss,

Capalaba.

Cicadetta polita sp. n.

(Figs 1-2)

Cicadetta sp. G; Popple and Strange, 2002.

Types. Holotype 6, QUEENSLAND: Myall Park, 6 km N Glenmorgan, SEQ, 27-

28.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange (in Queensland Museum, Reg. no. T 108573).

Paratypes. 1 0, 259367S 149°46’E, 6 km N Taroom, 3.iii.1998, C.J. Burwell, S.G.

Evans; | 9, 2 km W Glenmorgan, 29.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange (both QM); 3

Co, 3 99, 2 km W Glenmorgan, 29.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange; (LWP); 3 OG,

Brigalow Res. Stn nr Theodore, nr dump, E. mitchellii, 19.xii.2000, A. E[wart],

24°49.47’S 149°48.04’E; 2 OG, 2 99, Brigalow Res. Stn nr Theodore, nr lake,

E[remophila] mitchellii, 19.xii.2000, A. E[wart], 24°49.42’S 149°47.97°E; 1 9,

Brigalow Res. Stn nr Theodore,. E. brigalow section, 19.xii.2000, A. E[wart],

24°48.85’S 149°47.48’E; 3 CC, 1 9 (damaged), Brigalow Res. Stn nr Theodore, nr

108 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

lake, E. mitchellii, 20.xii.2000, A. E[ wart], 24°49.42’S 149°47.97’E; 10, 1 9, 2 km

W Glenmorgan, 29.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange (all AE); 3 99, 3 km E of

Mourangee Hsd, nr Edungalba, 20.xi.1986, E.E. Adams; 1 0%, | 9, 3 km E of

Mourangee Hsd, 5.ii.1983, mainly on sandlewood, E.E. Adams; 8 99, “Mourangee”,

nr Edungalba, 5.ii.1983, 18.xii.1983 & 14.xii.1985, on sandlewood, E.E. Adams (all

MSM);1 0%, 19,2 km W Glenmorgan, 29.xii.2001, L. Popple, A. Strange (JTM).

Description of male (Fig. 1A). Head largely black; postclypeus shiny, barred

black, becoming pale brown towards lateral and posterior margins; black

along midline; anteclypeus shiny black, with a pale brown spot immediately

posterior to the postclypeus; rostrum medium brown anteriorly, extending

into black, pale brown at the apex. Dorsal surface of head shiny black, with

pink to red ocelli. Eyes medium-light to dark brown or reddish brown.

Antennae black, paler towards the apex; antennal lobes pale.

Fig. 1. Cicadetta polita. (A) male; (B) female. Approximately 2.4 x life size.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 109

Thorax with pronotum mainly shiny black; prescutum medium brown

surrounding midline; midline fascia pale brown to orange, not reaching

pronotal collar; pronotal collar pale brown to orange, with colouration

extending dorsolaterally either side of midline fascia in the form of two

‘wedges’. Mesonotum shiny black with inconspicuous dark brown dorso-

lateral and lateral fascia; cruciform elevation and fore wing basal membranes

orange-brown. Legs with coxae pale brown with prominent dark brown

longitudinal fasciae; femora pale brown with extensive dark brown

longitudinal fasciae, pale brown at base and apex; tibiae pale toward base and

apex, otherwise medium brown, spines dark brown; tarsi brown, becoming

darker brown towards apex of claws.

Wings with forewing costal veins pale brown, becoming darker distally from

the node; basal membranes bright orange with a contrasting dark brown spot

at the base of the clavus; veins CuA, CuP and the base of M pale brown; all

other veins medium brown to dark brown; veins CuA and M fused posterior

to apex of basal cell; basal cell noticeably obscured by a thickened CuA vein;

with eight apical cells (7 if aberrant). Hindwing with base of vein 1A and

much of 2A pale brown; other veins medium brown; plaga pale brown to

cream with medium brown median longitudinal fasciae; with six apical cells.

Tymbals (Fig. 2E) with five distinct tymbal ridges present, with three inter-

ridge sclerites; dorsal ridge and adjacent ridge comparatively short, not

separated by an inter-ridge sclerite, with a separate anterior ridge area; the

lower 2-3 ridges joined anteriorly; basal spur present. Opercula (Fig. 2F)

follows body axis and broadly sickle-shaped; yellow-brown, becoming darker at

anterior of flange; inwardly rounded termination.

Abdomen (Fig 2A) with tergite 2 shiny black, becoming medium brown

towards posterior; tergites 3-8 shiny black anteriorly, medium brown distally,

with a contrasting orange-brown posterior margin; sometimes with silver

pubescence laterally. Sternite 2 orange-brown with dark brown medial fascia

that broadens posteriorly; sternites 3 to 6 with prominent dark brown fascia

that becomes orange-brown towards anterior and posterior lateral margins;

sternite 7 brown to orange-brown, with broad dark brown medial fascia

terminating anteriorly; sternite 8 brown, with silver pubescence.

Genitalia (Figs 2B-D). Pygophore rich to pale brown, with darker lobes

having a rounded anterior-dorsal termination; uncal lobes prominent, deeply

bifurcate and directed ventrally, giving a ‘fanged’ appearance. Aedeagus

trifid with a dark brown anterior-dorsal ridge, prominent dorsal

pseudoparameres extending beyond endotheca and ventral pseudoparamere

slightly shorter than endotheca; dorsal pseudoparameres dark brown at base,

becoming lighter anteriorly and dorsally, transparent at apex; ventral

pseudoparamere near black, transparent at apex; endotheca cylindrical and

fleshy, pale brown to transparent, becoming darker brown ventrally;

gonocoxite IX dark to medium brown with two distinct anterior spurs.

110 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Fig. 2. Cicadetta polita male. (A) abdomen, viewed from left; (B) pygophore, viewed

laterally from left; (C) pygophore, viewed from posterior ventral side; (D) aedeagus,

lateral view of left side; (E) right tymbal; (F) left opercula. Scales = 1 mm.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 111

Female (Fig. 1B). Markings and coloration similar to male. Abdominal

segment 9 medium brown, becoming orange-brown towards posterior and

ventral region surrounding ovipositor sheath, with a pair of dark brown to

shiny black longitudinal dorsolateral fasciae that terminate short of apex; apex

dark brown and narrowed sharply into a spine; ovipositor sheath does not

extend noticeably beyond termination of abdomen.

Measurements (in mm; range with mean in parentheses: 5 males, 5 females).

Body length: male 14.3-14.9 (14.48); female 14.6-16.9 (16.32). Forewing

length: male 18.8-19.5 (19.18); female 20.4-22.0 (21.26). Head width: male

4.9-5.0 (4.94); female 5.1-5.3 (5.14). Pronotum width: male 4.3-4.6. (4.44);

female 4.6-4.8 (4.68). Abdomen width: male 4.5-4.7 (4.64); female 4.7-4.9

(4.78).

Etymology. Polita is the feminine derivative of the Latin politus, meaning

polished, smooth, refined. This refers to the shiny, polished appearance of the

insect.

Comments. C. polita can be distinguished from all previously described

members of the genus Cicadetta by the following two features on the wings: a

thickened CuA vein near the base, causing the basal cell to become obscured;

and a prominent, dark spot at the base of the clavus. Two undescribed species

that are closely related to C. polita, both in calling song type and morphology,

have been documented under the names Notopsalta sp. B (Ewart 1988, 1998,

Ewart and Popple 2000, Popple and Strange 2002) and Cicadetta sp. H

(Popple and Strange 2002). C. polita can be distinguished from Notopsalta

sp. B by the features listed above. Cicadetta sp. H has an obscured basal cell

and thickened CuA vein like C. polita, but lacks the dark spot at the base of

the clavus.

Distribution and habitat

Known from localities in the Glenmorgan district near Surat, from 6 km north

of Taroom, the DPI Brigalow Research Station near Theodore and the

Edungalba district in southern inland Queensland (Fig. 3). In the southern part

of its range the preferred adult food plants are weeping myall (Acacia

pendula) and false sandalwood (Eremophila mitchellii), especially where

both species occur near riverbeds. Adults have a tendency to sit on the inner

and outer branches where they are not particularly mobile, but will take flight

if disturbed (Popple and Strange 2002). Near Theodore, almost all specimens

were collected from E. mitchellii (A. Ewart, pers. comm.).

Calling song

Calling songs were recorded on a Sony MZR700 Minidisk recorder with a

digital Sony EC957 Electret Condenser Microphone at the Glenmorgan site

(LWP) and on a Sony WM-D6C cassette recorder at Brigalow Research

Station, Theodore site (A. Ewart). Oscillograms were generated using Cool

Edit and all calling songs were digitised at a 44.1 kHz sampling rate.

112 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

* Theodore

aroom

Fig. 3. Distribution of Cicadetta polita: localities where specimens in the type series

were collected (A).

Song structure terminology follows Ragge and Reynolds (1998). The song

consists of two distinct phases (Fig. 4). Phase one (Figs 4A, 4C) consists of

monotonously repeated single phrases or echemes. Each echeme lasts for

approx. 0.05 s and there is a distinct 0.20-0.27 s period of silence between

each. The second phase (Figs 4B, 4D) is similar, but emitted at a much faster

rate. The echemes themselves are not shorter (approx. 0.04-0.06 s), but the

gap between echemes is greatly reduced to about equal the length of an

individual echeme (0.04-0.06 s). The song usually commences with the first

phase, but may alternate freely between the two phases during each song

burst. Sequences of each song phase may last for longer than 60 s, depending

on the weather conditions and the number of males calling.

The frequency range of the song from the recording at Myall Park,

Glenmorgan showed a broad-banded peak from 13-19 kHz with a further

superficial peak at 9-10 kHz. The specimen recorded near Theodore had a

similar broad peak spanning from 11-17 kHz. The two recordings showed

similarities in the extent of the dominant frequencies. Differences may have

been attributed to differences in recording equipment and/or processing

software.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 113

Fig. 4. Calling song of Cicadetta polita. (A) phase one of song recorded at Myall

Park, Glenmorgan; (B) phase two of song at same location; (C) phase one of song

recorded at Brigalow Research Station (A. Ewart); (D) phase two of song at same

location (A. Ewart). Each segment has a duration of 4 seconds.

Males sing most vigorously when there is sufficient sunlight during the

morning and late afternoon, avoiding the heat in the middle of the day. In

overcast weather, singing is sporadic and may occur at any time of day.

Singing males have been seen to aggregate in the presence of females.

Notopsalta sp. B has a similar song to C. polita, with similar repetitive

phrases; however, the echemes themselves are much longer (0.18-0.22 s) and

are sporadically interspersed with a short phrase (0.06-0.08 s) followed by a

long phrase (0.32-0.34 s) comprising four coupled echemes. The song is

114 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

illustrated in Ewart (1988). The dominant frequency range extends from 14-

15 kHz (Ewart and Popple 2000).

The calling song of Cicadetta sp. H shows a similar broad-band frequency

range to C. polita. However, the structure of the two songs is entirely

different. Cicadetta sp. H. produces regular phrases that consist of a closely

emitted group of echemes; its song is illustrated in Popple and Strange

(2002).

Acknowledgements

I wish to extend deep gratitude to Geoff Thompson for his advice and

assistance with scientific illustration. Sincere thanks to Tony Ewart for

providing song recordings, discussing the general ecology of the species and

for commenting on the manuscript, and Max Moulds for critical comments

and for retrieving paratype data from his extensive collection. Also, many

thanks are due to Gimme Walter for providing suggestions and for

commenting on the initial draft of the manuscript.

References

EWART, A. 1988. Cicadas (Homoptera). Pp 180-201, in Scott, G. (ed.), Lake Broadwater. The

natural history of an inland lake and its environs. Lake Broadwater Natural History Association

and Darling Downs Institute Press; 344 pp.

EWART, A. 1998. Cicadas, and their songs, of the Miles-Chinchilla region. Queensland

Naturalist 36(4-6): 54-72.

EWART, A. and POPPLE, L.W. 2001. Cicadas, and their songs, from southwestern Queensland.

Queensland Naturalist 39(4-6): 52-71.

MOULDS, M.S. 1988. The status of Cicadetta and Melampsalta (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in

Australia with the description of a new species. General and Applied Entomology 20: 39-48.

MOULDS, M.S. 1990. Australian cicadas. New South Wales University Press, Kensington; 217

pp.

POPPLE, L.W. and STRANGE, A.D. 2002. Cicadas, and their songs, from the Tara and Warroo

Shires, southern central Queensland. Queensland Naturalist 40(1-3): 15-30.

RAGGE, D.R. and REYNOLDS, W.J. 1998. The songs of the grasshoppers and crickets of

Western Europe. Harley books, Colchester, in association with The Natural History Museum,

London; 591 pp.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3): 115-122 115

A SECOND NEW SPECIES OF GNATHOTHLIBUS WALLENGREN

(LEPIDOPTERA: SPHINGIDAE) FROM VANUATU

R.B. LACHLAN and M.S. MOULDS

Entomology Department, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, NSW 2010

Abstract

Gnathothlibus vanuatuensis sp. n. is described from Vanuatu and distinguished from G. erotus

(Cramer) and the sympatric G. saccoi Lachlan & Moulds (= G. malleti Schmit).

Introduction

Six species and one subspecies of Gnathothlibus Wallengren have been

described from the Asia-Pacific region. D’Abrera (1987) recorded G. erotus

erotus (Cramer) from Sri Lanka east to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra,

Java, Borneo and Sulawesi and north to the Philippines. Moulds (1986)

recorded it from Christmas Island (Indian Ocean). G. erotus eras (Boisduval)

is widespread from the Australian region to Tahiti. G. meeki (Rothschild &

Jordan) and G. heliodes (Meyrick) are recorded from New Guinea and G.

brendelli Hayes from Sulawesi (D’Abrera 1987). G. dabrera Eitschberger

was also recorded from Sulawesi by Eitschberger (1999). G. saccoi Lachlan

& Moulds (= malleti Schmit (Schmit 2003)) was recorded from Vanuatu by

Lachlan and Moulds (2001) and Schmit (2002).

An undescribed species, similar to but clearly different from G. erotus (and

previously confused with it), was collected in Vanuatu on the islands of

Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Ambrym and Tanna during 1987-1989, and 2000.

Schmit (2002) also recorded it (as G. erotus eras) from Efaté. It is described

below. Placement of this new species in Gnathothlibus complies with the

wing colouration and the generic diagnosis given by D'Abrera (1987).

Gnathothlibus vanuatuensis sp. n.

(Figs 1-2, 5-6, 9-10, 13)

Types. Holotype 0", VANUATU: Lowanatom, Tanna I., 8.xii.2000, R.B. Lachlan (in

Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO, Canberra [ANIC]). Paratypes: 2 OG,

3 99, Port Olry, Espiritu Santo I., 4, 7, 22.1.1988 & 16.i.1989, R.B. Lachlan; 10 OG,

7 99, Luganville, Espritu Santo I., 15, 21.xii.1987, R.B. Lachlan; 1 0, Vao I., 0.5 km

off NE coast of Malekula I., 15.i.1989, R.B. Lachlan; 24 (0, 10 99, Olal Mission

area, north Ambrym I., 22.xii.1988, 7, 11.i.1989 & 19, 20, 23-28.ix.1989, R.B.

Lachlan; 9 CO, 2 99, Lowanatom, Tanna I., 4, 5, 8, 9.xii.2000, R.B. Lachlan (in

ANIC, Australian Museum, Sydney and RBL collection).

Description. Male (Figs 1-2). Forewing length 37.5-43 mm. Antenna dark

creamy-brown above, brown below; palpi dark brown above, contrasting off-

white with some dark scales below; dorsal surface of head, thorax and

abdomen uniform, medium brown; small dark median spot on prothorax; thin

lateral creamy-brown stripe from base of antenna to posterior of thorax.

Thorax ventrally with wide creamy-brown patch immediately posterior to

palpi, remainder of band suffused heavily with brown to base of metathorax.

116 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Figs 1-4. Gnathothlibus spp., males. (1-2) G. vanuatuensis, holotype: (1) MS

(2) underside. (3-4) G. erotus eras: (3) upperside; (4) underside.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 117

Figs 5-8. Gnathothlibus spp., females. (5-6) G. vanuatuensis, paratype: (5) upperside;

(6) underside. (7-8) G. erotus eras: (7) upperside; (8) underside.

118 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Abdominal segments laterally each with reddish-brown posterior margin

contrasting with brown ground colour; abdomen with five small lateral black

spots, surrounded by white. Fore tibiae covered in creamy-brown hair scales

tinged with pink; fore tarsi without hair scales.

Forewing upperside as in Fig. 1; ground colour brown (slightly deeper olive-

brown in fresh specimens) with darker markings; small black stigma with

browny-white centre at end of discal cell; irregular lighter brown marginal

band from apex to tornus, edged by a slightly curved oblique dark line from

apex to vein Mı; a prominent dark, mostly straight, post median line runs

from costa, where it is curved slightly distally, to inner margin; a short,

irregular, slightly darker subbasal band, curved distally from costa to the dark

basal patch below vein 1A+2A, edged on each side by darker, irregular lines.

Forewing underside as in Fig. 2; ground colour burnt orange, lighter and

without markings basad; speckled with dark brown distally; stigma usually

very faint; a dark, straight subterminal line angled inwardly from apex to vein

M; then irregular to tornus; two dark parallel post median lines from costa to

vein CuA», the distal line more prominent, these median and post median

lines can be fainter and reach only vein Rs in some specimens.

Hindwing upperside as in Fig. 1; ground colour orange; a slightly variable,

dark brown terminal band from apex to tornus at least 2 mm wide at vein M3,

thinnest at apex; inner margin of band irregular and suffused with orange

scales. Hindwing underside as in Fig. 2; ground colour light orange-brown;

heavily speckled with dark brown; marginal area darker from apex to tornus;

dark, mostly straight submedian band, thickest at costa, curving proximad

from costa to vein 1A+2A and touching distal edge of cell; a less prominent

parallel dark post median band of spots to veins Rs or M;, in many specimens

this line also reaches vein I A+2A.

Male genitalia (Figs 9-10). Uncus in lateral view longish slender, parallel

sided, gently arched, distally enlarged with small dark ventral tooth and small

dorsal crest, distal margin slightly convex; gnathos in lateral view thin,

straight, gradually tapering to a small upturned point; in dorsal view gnathos

is wide, with a slight incurve at attachment point to tegumen, distally tapering to

a point with curved sides; valva gently convex at ventral margin, dorsal

margin tending straight then slightly convex, distally rounded; sacculus

process robust, distal end dark, spine-like, upturned; aedeagus in lateral view

with end tapered to a rounded apex with dorsal backward directed barb, with

a smaller ventral barb a little proximad of dorsal barb.

Female (Figs 5-6). Forewing length 39.5-48.8 mm. Head and tegulae dark

brown. Median area of thorax and abdomen above uniform medium brown.

Abdomen below reddish-brown with contrasting darker brown markings. Fore

tibiae as in male, covered in long cream hair scales, suffused with pink on

anterior edge and darker at distal end of posterior edge; fore tarsi as in male,

without hair scales.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 119

Forewing upperside as in Fig. 5; ground colour and pattern in shades of

brown, darker and more prominent than male; small black stigma with light

centre at end of discal cell. Forewing underside similar to male but ground

colour medium orange-brown, tending pinker along distal edges; stigma not

visible; distinctly speckled with dark brown distally, with two dark parallel

post median lines from costa to at least vein M}, often reaching vein CuA».

Hindwing upperside similar to male but dark brown terminal band broader,

with inner margin fairly straight in most specimens and suffused with orange

scales; this band normally terminates at tornus at vein 1A+2A, its inner

margin not running basad along this vein further than the brown band along

vein CuA». Hindwing underside ground colour same as forewing but more

heavily speckled with dark brown; yellowish streak along vein I A+2A.

Female genitalia. Apophyses posteriores long, very slender, minutely

enlarged subapically; apophyses anteriores spatulate on distal half, signum

very long and narrow, extending full length of corpus bursae and consisting of

a pair of closely parallel lines of cornuti.

10

12

Figs 9-12. Male genitalia of Gnathothlibus spp. (9-10) G. vanuatuensis paratype,

Tanna I.: (9) genitalia in situ but with left valva removed, lateral view; (10) gnathos,

dorsal view; (11-12) G. erotus eras, Julatten, north Queensland: (11) genitalia in situ

but with left valva removed, lateral view; (12) gnathos, dorsal view.

120 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Etymology. The specific name vanuatuensis is derived from the island nation

of Vanuatu, the only known locality for the species.

Distribution. At present G. vanuatuensis is known from the islands of Espiritu

Santo, Vao (just off Malekula), Ambrym, Efaté and Tanna. Specimens were

first collected in December 1987 and January 1988 on Espiritu Santo and

subsequently in January and September 1989 on Ambrym and January 1989

on Vao. In December 2000, many specimens were taken on Tanna in southern

Vanuatu. Schmit (2002) recorded it from Efaté in April and May.

Discussion

Gnathothlibus vanuatuensis most closely resembles G. erotus eras, the

common subspecies occurring in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon

Islands (Tennent 1999) and New Caledonia to Tahiti. G. vanuatuensis is

readily distinguished from both G. saccoi (see Lachlan and Moulds 2001) and

G. erotus eras (Figs 3-4, 7-8, 11-12, 14) by the complete absence of any long

hair scales on the fore tarsi and a clear reduction in length and thickness of

the long hair scales covering the fore tibiae in males (Fig. 13).

Both sexes of G. vanuatuensis have consistent, more prominent forewing

markings than G. erotus and in this respect are similar to G. saccoi. Clark

(1922) described subspecies G. erotus cramptoni Clark from Guam based

primarily on this character but Kitching and Cadiou (2000) synonymised it

because other Pacific Island populations are known to exhibit strong forewing

markings.

The forewing stigma on both sexes of G. vanuatuensis is more evident than

generally seen on G. erotus, where it is usually reduced or absent. The males

of G. vanuatensis are slightly smaller than those of G. erotus but females are

clearly smaller. The dark brown terminal band on the hindwing of males of G.

vanuatuensis is wider than in G. erotus eras; in females the inner margin of

this band does not run basad along vein I A+2A, as often occurs in G. erotus

eras females; the median line on forewing upperside, distal of stigma, is

straighter and less curved near costa than in G. erotus; the oblique band

bordered distally by this median line and encasing the stigma is clearly

narrower where it reaches the inner margin than in G. erotus.

Some specimens of G. vanuatuensis exhibit a general greenish tinge on the

forewing upperside, as in G. saccoi, but this tinge is not seen in G. erotus. On

the forewing underside of G. vanuatuensis, two dark-spotted, median, oblique

lines are usually visible from costa to vein M;, sometimes extending to the

termen in heavily marked specimens; these lines are generally vestigial or

missing in G. erotus eras. On the hindwing underside there is one, often two,

oblique, brown, speckled, parallel lines from costa to vein CuA», the median

line touching the apex of the discal cell; in G. erotus these two lines are

usually vestigial or missing and clearly distad compared with those of G.

vanuatuensis.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 121

Figs 13-14. Micrographs of Gnathothlibus spp., fore tarsi and tibiae of males showing

leg scales. (13) G. vanuatuensis; (14) G. erotus eras.

The thorax of G. vanuatuensis has in males, ventrally, creamy-brown pilosity

suffused with brown scales; this is whiter and more extensive towards the

abdomen in G. erotus.

The male genitalia of G. vanuatuensis (Figs 9-10) differ from those of G.

erotus (Figs 11-12) in lateral view in having a shorter uncus. The posterior

margin of the tegumen of G. vanuatuensis is straighter and slightly indented

as in G. saccoi (clearly curved in G. erotus). The upper margin of each valva

of G. vanuatuensis is nearly straight basally with a slight upward curve

distally (this curve is much more distinct in G. erotus). In dorsal view (Fig.

10) the gnathos of G. vanuatuensis is slightly wider with curved edges

tapering to a point distally; the incurve at attachment is greater in G. erotus

and the sides are straighter as they taper to a point (Fig. 12). In G. saccoi the

apex of the uncus in lateral view is dorsally rounded rather than crested and

the sacculus of each valva is much broader (Lachlan and Moulds 2001).

G. saccoi is the only other species of Gnathothlibus recorded from Vanuatu.

Previous records of G. erotus eras from Esperitu Santo, Ambrym and Efaté

(Lachlan and Moulds 2001, Schmit 2002) are based on misidentifications of

G. vanuatuensis.

122 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank the late Father Albert Sacco for inviting RBL to stay at his

missions at Port Olry on Espiritu Santo, Olal on Ambrym and Lowanatom on

Tanna during collecting trips, as well as his companionship over all these

years. He passed away on 29 January 2002, aged 81 years. For comments on

the manuscript we sincerely thank Dr Ian Common (Honorary Research

Fellow, CSIRO, Canberra). For the photographs and scanning electron

micrographs we thank Stewart Humphreys and Sue Lindsay respectively

(both Australian Museum). We also thank Deborah Lachlan for typing the

manuscript.

References

CLARK, B.P. 1922. Twenty-five new Sphingidae. Proceedings of the New England Zoological

Club 8: 1-23.

D’ABRERA, B. [1987]. Sphinidae Mundi, hawk moths of the world. Based on a checklist by

Alan Hayes and the collection in the British Museum (Natural History). E.W. Classey,

Faringdon; ix + 226 pp.

EITSCHBERGER, U. 1999. Zwei neue Schwarmerarten von den Insel Sulawesi (Lepidoptera:

Sphingidae). Entomologische Zeitschrift 109(5): 182-191.

KITCHING, LJ. and CADIOU, J.-M. 2000. Hawkmoths of the world. An annotated and

illustrated revisionary checklist (Lepitoptera: Sphingidae). Cornell University Press; viii + 226

pp.

LACHLAN, R.B. and MOULDS, M.S. 2001. A new species of Gnathothlibus Wallengren

(Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) from Vanuatu. Australian Entomologist 28(4): 123-128.

MOULDS, M.S. 1986. The hawk moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) of Christmas Island, Indian

Ocean. Australian Entomological Magazine 13(3-4): 37-40.

SCHMIT, P. 2002. Un nouveau Sphingide de Vanuatu: Gnathothlibus malleti n. sp.

(Lepidoptera, Sphingidae). Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France 107(5): 525-528.

SCHMIT, P. 2003. Note synonymique sur Gnathothlibus saccoi Lachlan & Moulds, 2001, et G.

malleti Schmit, 2002 (Lep., Sphingidae). Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France

108(2): 156.

TENNENT, W.J. 1999. An annotated checklist of the hawkmoths of the Solomon Islands and

Bougainville (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae). Lambillionea 99(1): 7-20, (2): 295-308.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3): 123-134 123

CLARIFICATION OF THE NESTING BEHAVIOUR OF PODALONIA

TYDEI SUSPICIOSA (SMITH) (HYMENOPTERA: SPHECIDAE)

BASED ON FURTHER OBSERVATIONS AT CASTLECLIFF

BEACH, NEW ZEALAND

ANTHONY C. HARRIS

Otago Museum, PO Box 6202, Dunedin North, New Zealand

Abstract

Use of plant and dead animal material in the final stages of nest closure in Podalonia tydei

suspiciosa (Smith) is recorded for 16 out of 17 nests studied. One individual used sand only to

close the nest. Females cradled caterpillar prey with the forelegs. Female nesting behaviour,

nests and cell size and shape were variable. Nests were made either before or after prey was

captured. Nest cells were constructed in dry loose sand. All other sand-nesting solitary wasps

nesting in the area constructed nest-cells in firm, moist sand. Tachysphex nigerrimus (Smith)

(Larridae) competed with P. t. suspiciosa for nests, even usurping those of the latter, which it

would then extend into firm, slightly moist sand. A number of mistakes in previous publications

on the biology of P. t. suspiciosa are corrected.

Introduction

Podalonia tydei Fernald has a wide distribution in Southern Europe, Asia,

North Africa, Australia and New Zealand, the subspecies P. t. suspiciosa

(Smith) occurring only in Australia and New Zealand (Bohart and Menke

1976). Single-celled nests, containing one paralysed noctuid caterpillar, are

made in loose sand.

Ethological data were summarised by Harris (2001) who, while primarily

describing the larva, gave an account of nesting behaviour in P. t. suspiciosa

on Castlecliff Beach (Wanganui, New Zealand), during late December 2000

to January 2001. In that study, females were not observed to cradle

caterpillars, as had previously been observed in the Bay of Plenty (Harris

1994) and plant material was not used in nest closures, as had been reported

by McCarthy (1917). Neither were females observed to use a stone to tamp

down the nest closure, as had been reported in Australia by Chandler (1926),

Bristowe (1971) and Rayment (1935). During the 2000-01 summer, my

attention was at times diverted to other solitary wasps being studied and I

sometimes interrupted final closure and disguising of the nest in order to more

easily extract the prey and egg undamaged. Consequently, some details of

final closure were probably missed.

The following summer, I revisited the Castlecliff sand dunes study area daily

from 31 December 2001 until 31 January 2002. In this present study, 17 nests

were observed until they were provisioned, closed and disguised and 32 prey

items were observed being carried by females. Continuous, daily observations

for a little over a month resolved some of the puzzling features of previous

studies and provided a clear interpretation of the distinctive final closure of

the nest.

124 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Methods

Thirty-two individual wasps were followed and 17 burrows were excavated

when nesting by the wasp was completed. All observations were recorded in

field notebooks 57-60 (currently held by the author). Prey and eggs were

placed on top of sand pressed into 35 mm plastic film canisters, which were

placed into sealed jars filled with sand. The jars, with a thermometer beside

them, were kept at 33-37°C on top of a hot water cylinder in a warming

cupboard in a house, as described by Harris (2001). Larvae and prepupae

were fixed in van Emden’s larval fixative then stored in 75% ethanol.

All observations were made in the area of sand dunes at Castlecliff Beach,

Wanganui, New Zealand, described by Harris (2001).

Observations and results

Mating

All matings observed resembled those described by Harris (1994).

Adult feeding

Adults took nectar frequently from flowers of catsear (Hypochaeris radicata

Linnaeus), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima (Linnaeus) Desvaux) and

cineraria (Percallis x hybrida R. Nordenstam).

Hunting and prey species

Hunting and prey species were as reported by Harris (1994, 2001). Final

instar larvae of Agrotis innominata Hudson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were

taken and were abundant both in the areas where the wasps were nesting and

where they were capturing prey.

Prey capture and paralysis

Prey capture and paralysis resembled that described by Harris (1994, 2001)

except that two individuals, after stinging the prey to paralysis, subsequently

bit and squeezed the area near the mouthparts and on the underside of the

head and prosternum. The wasps may have been crushing the pharyngeal

ganglia. One female appeared to feed from the prey’s mouthparts, in the

manner of a pompilid, but this may have been behaviour associated with

crushing the pharyngeal ganglia and was most likely to prevent the caterpillar

from disgorging a strong-smelling dark liquid from its mouth.

Prey carriage

In all cases, prey was held supine, facing forward, by the mandibles and

cradled with the prothoracic legs, as described by Harris (1994) (Figs la-f).

This was so for both large and small prey. No individual was observed to

carry prey in the manner described by Harris (2001), except for one

specimen, briefly, when it attempted to push a very large larva that it

temporarily could not move. At that time, all its tarsi were in contact with the

ground. During normal transport, mid legs alternately reach forward well

beyond the forelegs, which tightly cradle the prey (Figs 1b, c, e, f).

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 125

Fig. 1. Prey carriage by P. t. suspiciosa: (a), by beating its wings, this individual was

able to move a large prey item rapidly; note that the prey is grasped by the mandibles

and fore legs; normally, the wings remain folded over the wasp’s back; (b), a smaller

prey item; note how the wasp’s right mid-leg reaches out forward of the fore leg,

which grips the prey; (c), large prey carried in the typical manner; (d), prey is gripped

by mandibles, forelegs move up to raise prey; (e), mid legs move over fore legs;

(f), showing how the wasp balances on its mid and hind legs; (b, c, e & f) show

typical prey carriage, cradled by forelegs; (g), positioning prey prone over an aerial

root; (h), prey, placed prone over a plant stem, was partly covered with sand, then

wasp visited a burrow dug the previous day;. (i), two of the five closely-grouped

burrows associated with this nest. Scale in mm, applicable only to (i).

126 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Hiding prey

Wasps ran a few centimetres, then hung the caterpillar prone (dorsum up),

never supine, over a leaf or a low plant, or over an exposed, horizontal root

(Fig. 1g), or placed it under a leaf. When the caterpillar had been hung over a

root or stem, some wasps would often turn away from it and kick sand over it

with the forelegs, partially covering it with sand (Fig. 1h).

Abandonment of prey

Five paralysed, seemingly suitable prey were abandoned, supine, on warm

sand during the study period. A sixth was abandoned when it expired after

having being been pushed into an area of intensely hot sand in front of the

burrow.

Digging the nest

All nests were shallow, single-celled, dug with both the burrow and the

terminal cell completely surrounded by dry, loose, sand. Additional burrows,

and “false” burrows were dug as described by Harris (1994, 2001).

One individual dug 2 burrows on 9 January 2002 and a third burrow on 10

January. The wasp then captured and paralysed a final instar 4. innominata

caterpillar, hauled it forward with the mandibles and cradled by the forelegs,

supine (venter up), and placed it twice, prone (dorsum up), on a horizontal

root. The wasp ran back to the first nest it had made the previous day (9

January), then returned to the caterpillar, turned it supine and commenced

dragging it towards this old burrow. It next hid the caterpillar, positioned

prone under a leaf, 30 cm from the old burrow, to which it returned and

started digging inside it for 13 seconds, presumably preparing a cell for the

large prey (33.8 mm long). It then returned to the caterpillar and dragged it

supine, head first into the mouth of the burrow and left it with the posterior

abdominal segments exposed. The wasp then ran into the burrow under the

caterpillar, which disappeared a few seconds later into the burrow.

The main burrow of all 17 nests excavated was 9-10.4 mm wide and 38-86

(mean: 64) mm deep, the cell being 17-56 (mean: 31) mm long. There were 2-

6 “false” nests (Fig. 11) as described by Harris (1994, 2001).

Orientation of prey within the nest

The caterpillar in the nest cell was sometimes coiled on its side in a “C”

(sometimes a very loosely-coiled “C”), with the head and anus both facing the

entrance. In two nests, the caterpillar was placed in the cell uncurled, supine

and straight, with the head facing the end (apex) of the cell and the anus

facing the nest entrance; part of the prey in these two nests extended out of

the cell and along the main burrow (Figs 2a-d).

Oviposition

The egg (Fig. 3a) was laid laterally on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th abdominal segment.

Exceptionally, one individual oviposited on the 1st abdominal segment.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 127

Fig. 2. Four nests of P. t. suspiciosa made in loose dry sand at Castlecliff Beach in

January, 2002. Note that in (a), the prey is extended straight, whereas it is curled into

a “C” in the other nests (b-d). In (d), a forked twig, of which the three points extended

outside the diameter of the burrow, was positioned 7 mm below the mouth of the

burrow and more sand kicked over that and compacted by the wasp with its frons.

Key to numbers: 1, Initial sand closure. 2, Fragment of organic material. 3, Final sand

closure. 4, Disguising sand kicked over burrow from several directions which

camouflages the entrance and is not compacted with the front of the head.

Life history

Of 12 eggs on prey kept at 32-35°C, four subsequent larvae (Figs 3b-c) took

six days to finish feeding and begin producing silk. (This constant high

temperature is not attained in nature, where development is slower.) Pleural

lobes were small in the final larva and large in the prepupa (Fig. 3c).

Nest closure

Between 63 and 76 seconds after entering the nest with the caterpillar (during

which time oviposition on the caterpillar occurred), the female ran out 83-89

mm from the main entrance and, facing away from the burrow, kicked sand

beneath itself with synchronous thrusts of the forelegs, the gaster being raised

as sand passed beneath it then lowered.

128 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Fig. 3. Life history stages of P. t. suspiciosa: (a), egg; (b), first instar larva; (c), two

mature larvae. In (c), the top larva has just finished eating its prey; the pleural lobes

are small and rounded; the larva at bottom had just started producing its first 5 mm of

silk; note that the pleural lobes are much larger. (Photographed 1 day after fixing in

van Emden’s larval fixative). All scale bars = 4 mm.

The wasp sent sand showering into the burrow for 8-11 seconds, then turned

around, ran into the burrow and rammed sand with the front of its head

(walking back and forwards, pushing sand with the front of its head and not

vibrating its whole body) for about 8 seconds. Then the wasp reappeared, ran

about 80 mm from the burrow entrance and, facing out, kicked in more sand

beneath itself for about 6 seconds. Then it turned around, ran into the burrow

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 129

and rammed sand for about 4 seconds. It alternated between running out and

kicking sand into the burrow for 4-16 seconds and turning around and rushing

back to pound sand with its frons for 3-5 seconds. It made 8-17 (mean: 9)

trips out and back. Each time, after the wasp had finished compacting sand

with the front of its head inside the nest, it ran out backwards, pygidium first,

the opposite way to a pompilid and many other solitary wasps which run out

head first. As it dug, the meso- and metathoracic legs scrabbled to keep

balance while the forelegs worked synchronously together, to scoop out sand

and send it flying out under the gaster. As each shower of sand grains flew

under the wasp, it raised then lowered its gaster, which bobbed continually up

and down.

When the sand closure was about 7 mm from the surface, the female

invariably ran out and looked for a small piece of dry stem, a leaf or similar

organic object and placed it in the mouth of the burrow. It then ran out of the

burrow, faced out and kicked in more sand beneath itself, turned around, ran

back and compacted the sand with its head. When the sand closure reached

the sand surface, the wasp disguised the nest for 77-86 seconds by sending

sand showering over the nest from several directions, starting 142-157 mm

from the burrow entrance (Fig. 2a-d).

ee oe oe oe oe ee ee TA

A ~

pripevnenia Ĉ LSAS I

' A

|

|

i) > SN

i

a

nå HAMAS ee =

Fig. 4. Single items of organic material (a-i) from each of 9 nests of P. t. suspiciosa,

positioned about 7 mm below burrow entrance. The wasp that placed item (d) in a

nest seemed at first to be compacting soil with it, but inspection with a lens revealed

that it was not. The same wasp used a forked twig, item (e), which was much wider

than the diameter of the burrow, in its next nest. Items (a, b & d) are roundish wood,

(c, g h) are dried lupin leaflets, (i) is a piece of rotten wood and (f) is a hard, dried,

lepidopterous caterpillar. All scales are in mm.

130 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Organic material used in final closure of burrow

Only one individual did not use organic material (Figs 4a-i) to close its

burrow. This individual finished closing its nest in light rain, which had

caused surface sand to form a crust. The wasp excavated dry sand from

beneath the crust and used this to complete its closure to the surface, sand

alone being used to fill the nest (nest 17). In all other nests, except for the

organic material near the entrance, the entire closure consisted of warm

surface sand kicked into the burrow.

One individual, 7 mm below the burrow mouth, held a piece of marram grass

thizome and appeared to be about to ram sand with it (Fig. 4b). Close

inspection with a lens revealed that it was, rather, positioning the material.

The same female, in her next nest, chose a very thin, long, branching, Y-

shaped twig 28 mm long (Fig. 4e). This twig was placed with its central part

over the nest burrow, but its three ends were actually outside the nest burrow,

so that it could not possibly be used to tamp down sand (Fig. 2d). The wood,

moreover, was raised slightly above the sand inside the nest. The wasp ran

back, turned away from the nest and kicked sand over the forked twig until it

was buried, then tamped down sand with its head. It then ran out 93 mm from

the nest and kicked sand over the area from several directions as it disguised

the nest. Only one, seemingly token, piece of organic material was used in

connection with each of the 16 completed nests observed in January 2002.

These objects are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Characteristics of organic material incorporated in nest closure.

Nest Object

Ovoid marram grass rhizome fragment, 9 x 9 mm

1

2 Marram grass rhizome fragment, 9 mm x 5 mm (Fig. 4d)

3 Forked twig, 28 mm long (Fig. 4e)

4 Rotten wood fragment, 16 mm x 1.8 mm (Fig. 4i)

5 Dead wood fragment, 13.5 mm x 6 mm (Fig. 4a)

6 Dried, diseased lupin leaf shoot, 14 mm long (Fig. 4g)

7 Dead, dry, hard, Agrotis innominata (?) early instar larva, 14 mm long

(Fig. 4f)

8 Marram grass rhizome fragment, resembling that in nest 1

9 Lupin leaf fragment, 14 mm long (Fig. 4c)

10 Lupin leaf fragment, 18 mm long (Fig. 4h)

11 Wood fragment, 17 mm x 8.2 mm (Fig. 4b)

12 Marram grass rhizome fragment, 9 mm x 6 mm

13-16 Marram grass rhizome fragment resembling that in nest 2

17 No organic material used; nest filled entirely with dry sand taken from

beneath hard, crusted sand after light rain had commenced

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 131

Compacting of nest closure without a “tool”

In the burrow entrances, females were not observed to ram by holding a

pebble in the mandibles while vibrating the whole body with rapid and

audible movement of the flight muscles. It is concluded that, at least on

coastal beaches in the Bay of Plenty and at Castlecliff Beach in New Zealand,

this species does not use a “tool” to ram nest material. Instead, it drops a

piece of dry organic material on the sand of the nest closure about 7 mm from

the surface and then puts more sand on top of it.

Variability of nidification cycle

This species sometimes digs its nest before hunting for prey and, at other

times, digs its nest after finding prey. In the 2002 observations, no individual

was seen to take prey into a succession of burrows before finally ovipositing

on the prey, as was recorded by Harris (2001), indicating that this is a

variable aspect of nidification behaviour. There were, nevertheless, many

variations in the manner in which the paralysed larvae were taken to the nest,

including long detours and partial burial of the prey. The unpredictability of

which burrow is finally chosen as the nest, together with the placement of

organic material within the burrow, about 7 mm below its mouth, possibly

make it more difficult for potential predators to locate the immature wasp.

The caterpillar in the nest cell was often coiled on its side (sometimes very

loosely) in a *C”, with the head and anus both facing the entrance. In two

nests, the caterpillar was placed in the cell supine, uncurled and straight, with

the head facing the end (apex) of the cell and the anus facing the cell

entrance. The egg was placed on the 2nd abdominal segment on both of these

non-curled prey. Both nests were very shallow, one being 38.3 mm deep.

Competition

Three Tachysphex nigerrimus (Smith) (Larridae) females were observed to

drive P. t. suspiciosa females from nests. On 7 January 2002, a P. t.

suspiciosa female spent 38 minutes digging a burrow 63 mm deep, then

walked, orienting, around the nest area. As it was doing this, a 7. nigerrimus

female ran into the burrow and remained inside. The P. t. suspiciosa female

ran into its burrow, ran out, then in and out again twice, after which the T.

nigerrimus female flew out, rushed at the P. t. suspiciosa and drove it away,

then re-entered the usurped burrow. The P. t. suspiciosa returned, faced away

from the burrow and started digging sand into the burrow and ramming it with

its head. The T. nigerrimus ran out through the sand, flew at the P. t.

suspiciosa, then began removing sand that the latter had kicked into the

burrow. The T. nigerrimus female then extended the burrow into firm, slightly

damp sand while the P. t. suspiciosa began digging a new burrow 14 cm away

from its usurped burrow. After 26 seconds, the P. t. suspiciosa abandoned her

second burrow and ran into the Acacia longifolia var. sophorae scrub. Two

further 7. nigerrimus females drove P. t. suspiciosa females from their

burrows but did not nest in the usurped burrows (field notebook 57).

132 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Discussion

Observations made during this and earlier studies are summarised in Table 2.

Evan’s (1964) assertion that ‘all Sphecinae pack the nest closure with blows

of the head, while other Sphecidae use the pygidium for this purpose,’ is true

for P. t. suspiciosa. The behaviour seen repeatedly in January 2002 somewhat

resembled McCarthy’s (1917) brief account of its nidification in Australia,

except that New Zealand individuals never used increasingly larger soil

particles as they approached the surface, only sand being used, apart from the

single item of organic material used about 7 mm from the surface. In all my

studies of 1992, 2001 and 2002, no individual rammed sand by holding a

small chip in her mandibles ‘like a tool’, as was described for P. t. suspiciosa

in Australia by Chandler (1926), Bristowe (1971) and Rayment (1935). When

nesting in soil other than marine sand, females may well tamp soil with a chip,

but this has not been observed in New Zealand.

Table 2. Summary of observations.

Observations

Prey carriage normally resembles that described by Harris (1994).

Prey is sometimes crushed or lapped around the mouth or oesophagus with the

wasp’s mandibles and other mouthparts, possibly crushing the host’s oesophageal

ganglia and imbibing the host’s fluids (2 observations).

Prey is caught either before or after construction of the nest.

The prey may be placed in the burrow on its side, curved into a “C”, with both head

and anus facing the entrance, or (rarely) it may be positioned supine, extended

straight, non-curled, with its head facing the end wall (apex) of the cell and with its

anus facing the entrance or projecting up the burrow.

The wasp’s egg is positioned laterally on the prey, between the Ist and 4th abdominal

segment, usually on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th.

Nests are always single-celled.

There are several, very closely-grouped burrows, usually 2-7.

Prey on occasion may seemingly be placed in any one of the 2-7 grouped burrows

and, at times, in a nest dug elsewhere.

The entire nest, including both burrow and cell, is completely surrounded by dry,

loose sand.

Burrows are filled by sand, kicked by the fore legs below the wasp, facing away from

the nest and compacted by ramming with the front of the wasp’s head, the wasp

alternating between digging and compacting every 3-8 seconds.

During burrow closure, the wasp exits the burrow backwards, pygidium first. Many

other solitary wasps, including Pompilidae, exit the burrow head first.

A piece of dry organic matter, varying from a tiny scrap of rotten wood to a twig, a

dried leaf, a sprig of dried leaves and a hard, dried, lepidopterous caterpillar, is

usually placed in the sand fill of the burrow about 7 mm below the mouth, then more

sand is placed on top until the surface is attained, when the nest is disguised.

The nest closure is not tamped down by an object held in the mandibles.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 133

O’Brien (1983) stated that Podalonia argentifrons (Cresson), in Arizona,

placed a noctuid larva in its burrow not rolled into a “C” shape, but extended

out straight, lying on its right side. An egg was placed laterally on the left side

between the third thoracic and the first abdominal segments. O’Brien (1983)

stated that the non-curled position of the prey might be species-specific to P.

argentifrons, because ‘so far as is known, all cutworms stored by Podalonia

Fernald species are curled in a “C” shape.’ However, my observations of

March 1992 and January 2002 indicate that P. t. suspiciosa occasionally also

places prey in the burrow in an extended, non-curved position, often when it

has an exceptionally large prey item, at which times the prey may extend out

of the cell and into the burrow.

Evans (1987) stated that Podalonia occidentalis Murray was ‘unusually

variable’ in many aspects of its behaviour. Thus nests and prey were both

sometimes aborted, some nests were filled with quarries and others lacked

quarries (a quarry being an auxiliary burrow dug near the nest for the purpose

of obtaining spoil to close the nest burrow). Egg position also varied

considerably. The most striking variation in P. occidentalis was in the nest-

prey dichotomy, this behavioural difference often being considered a

fundamental one (Evans 1987). Most reported accounts of Podalonia species

(and many other more generalised wasps) take prey before they make a nest.

In contrast, more derived or specialised wasps (e.g. Ammophila W. Kirby)

take prey only after they have made a nest (Evans and West-Eberhard 1970,

O’Neil 2001, Iwata 1942, 1976).

Evans (1987) stated that an unusual amount of variation in nesting behaviour

has been reported in at least two other species of Podalonia. He stated that P.

valida (Cresson) is distinctive in that females make a series of nests in a

restricted territory that is defended against intrusion by other females and

there was evidence that P. occidentalis females return again and again to the

same general area to nest, without exhibiting territorial behaviour. In my 2002

observations, P. t. suspiciosa behaved on occasions like P. occidentalis and

P. valida, returning to the same general area to nest (always without territorial

behaviour). It usually made a series of tightly grouped false burrows.

In 2002, P. t. suspiciosa females were thrice observed to be driven from

burrows they had dug by the smaller Tachysphex nigerrimus females, which

then usurped the burrows, either modifying them for their own use or

subsequently abandoning them. P. t. suspiciosa females at Castlecliff Beach

were not limited by scarce nesting space. It is possible that P. t. suspiciosa

females would compete inter-specifically for nesting territory if they were

restricted, in the same way that females of the pompilid wasp Priocnemis

(Trichocurgus) conformis Smith fight ferociously for nesting space on Leith

Saddle, Dunedin, where nesting space is limited. In my experience, this

occurs nowhere else, at least not to the same extent (Harris 1999).

134 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Evans (1987) stated that Podalonia appears to be a genus in transition, with

respect to whether the prey is taken before nest building or after the nest is

built. Similarly, O’Neill (2001) stated that it is uncertain whether Podalonia

species represent primitive forms in the evolution of sphecid nesting

behaviour, or whether they have secondarily reverted to a primitive form of

nesting (a change in the nesting hierarchy from stage 4a, nest-prey-egg-

closure, to stage 3, prey-nest-egg-closure). Nesting cycles are represented by

formulae, arranged in an hierarchy that may represent an evolutionary

sequence of behaviour (e.g. Harris 1987, 1994, 1999). The second of

O’Neil’s (2001) alternatives appears to best fit the behaviour of P. t.

suspiciosa in New Zealand. O’Neil (2001) further suggested that Podalonia

species may change from stage 3 to stage 4a, depending on prey availability,

but this certainly did not apply at Castlecliff Beach where the prey, Agrotis

innominata final instar larvae, were at all times abundant in the study area.

Acknowledgements )

I am very grateful to Mrs E.C. Harris for assistance with all aspects of this work and

Mr A.W. Don and Ms A. Jul for commenting on an earlier draft of the manuscript.

References

BOHART, R.M. and MENKE, A.S. 1976. Sphecid wasps of the world: a generic revision.

University of California Press, Berkeley; 695 pp.

BRISTOWE, W.S. 1971. The habits ofa West Australian sphecid wasp. Entomologist 104: 42-

44.

CHANDLER, L.G. 1926. Habits of the sand-wasp. Victorian Naturalist 42: 107-114.

EVANS, H.E. 1964. The classification and evolution of digger wasps as suggested by larval

characters (Hymenoptera: Sphecoidea). Entomological News 9(75): 225-237.

EVANS, H.E. 1987. Observations on the prey and nests of Podalonia occidentalis Murray

(Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). Pan-Pacific Entomologist 63(2): 130-134.

EVANS, H.E. and WEST-EBERHARD, M.J. 1970. The wasps. University of Michigan Press,

Ann Arbor; 265 pp.

HARRIS, A.C. 1987. Pompilidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). Fauna of New Zealand 12.

Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Wellington; 154 pp.

HARRIS, A.C. 1994. Sphecidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). Fauna of New Zealand 32. Landcare

Research, Lincoln; 111 pp.

HARRIS, A.C. 1999. The life histories and nesting behaviour of the Pompilidae (Hymenoptera)

in New Zealand: a comparative study. Species Diversity 4(1): 143-235.

HARRIS, A.C. 2001. Nesting behaviour of Podalonia tydei suspiciosa (Smith) (Hymenoptera:

Apoidea: Sphecidae: Sphecinae) at Castlecliff Beach, Wanganui, with a description of the

mature larva. New Zealand Entomologist 24: 57-62.

IWATA, K. 1942. Comparative studies on the habits of solitary wasps. Tenthredo 4: 1-146.

IWATA, K. 1976. Evolution of instinct: comparative ethology of Hymenoptera. Amerind

Publishing Co., New Delhi; 535 pp. (Translation of 1971 Japanese edition).

McCARTHY, T. 1917. Some observations on solitary wasps at Hay, N.S.W. Australian

Naturalist 3(15): 195-200.

O'BRIEN, M.F. 1983. Observations on the nesting of Podalonia argentifrons. The Southwest

Entomologist 8(3): 194-197.

O'NEILL, K.M. 2001. Solitary wasps, behaviour and natural history. Comstock Publishing

Associates, Cornell University Press, Ithaca; 406 pp.

RAYMENT, T. 1935. A cluster of bees. The Endeavour Press, Sydney; 750 pp.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3): 135-138 135

FIELD OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE HISTORY AND

BEHAVIOUR OF JALMENUS EVAGORAS EUBULUS MISKIN

(LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE) IN THE SOUTHERN BRIGALOW

BELT OF QUEENSLAND

M.J. BREITFUSS! and C.J. HILL?

Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Rd., Herston, Old 4029

Environmental Protection Agency, PO Box 731, Hume Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350

Abstract

Observations on the life history and behaviour of Jalmenus evagoras eubulus Miskin are

described from an undisturbed forest in the southern brigalow belt of Queensland, supporting the

larval host plant Acacia harpophylla F. Muell. ex Benth. (brigalow).

Introduction

The butterfly Jalmenus evagoras eubulus Miskin is one of two recognised

subspecies of J. evagoras (Donovan) (Braby 2000). Unlike J. e. evagoras,

which is distributed along the eastern coast and inland from Melbourne to just

north of Gladstone (Common and Waterhouse 1981), J. e. eubulus inhabits

brigalow-dominated forests and woodlands from central and southern inland

Queensland to far northern New South Wales (Common and Waterhouse

1981). Under Queensland legislation, J. e. eubulus is considered vulnerable

(State of Queensland 1994).

The main aims of this study were to verify the morphology of immature J. e.

eubulus and to provide in situ descriptions of its breeding behaviour,

myrmecophilous interactions and larval host preference.

Study site

Field observations were made on a previously unrecorded population of J. e.

eubulus in a remnant patch of old growth brigalow on the eastern Darling

Downs, SE Qld. All observations were made during the peak reproductive

period from January to March 1999. The site is located approximately 130

km west of Toowoomba (AMG 304450E 6981000N) and exhibits a

characteristic melonhole microtopography on an alluvial substrate.

Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) dominated both the tree and shrub canopies

and was infrequently associated with Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box),

Santalum lanceolatum (sandalwood) and Casuarina cristata (belah). Small

shrub and herb layers comprised sparse covers of Prostanthera sp. (native

mint), Enchylaena tomentosa (ruby saltbush), Sclerolaena tetracuspis

(brigalow bur), Commelina sp. and Portulaca sp. Grass cover was dominated

by Panicum decompositum (native millet).

Description of immature and adult stages

Egg. Similar to those of J. evagoras as described by Common and

Waterhouse (1981) and Braby (2000). Eggs are bluish-white in colour, with a

course pattern of ridges and short spines on the outer surface, radiating from a

136 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

darkened micropylar depression. Clusters of 6-15 eggs and/or choria were

observed on the stem nodes, stem scars and stem axils of brigalow. No eggs

were noted on leaves. Despite lengthy searching, no egg clusters were

observed on other vegetation species within the study site.

First instar larva. Colour pink to pale orange dorsally; few pale hairs on

dorsal surface; head, prothoracic and anal plates dark brown.

Second to final instar larvae. Colour dark brown to black in mature

specimens; paired dark green, brown or black dorsal tubercules on

mesothorax, metathorax and abdomen, more conspicuous in mature forms;

often with light to shining green, yellow or red subspiracular band; pale, fine

marginal hairs; head black; white or cream median line on black prothoracic

plate; abdominal segments 7-9 somewhat flattened, gland on seventh

abdominal segment conspicuous green or green-yellow; anal plate with

minute pale hairs; posterior abdominal segments (7-10) often bordered by a

green or yellow subspiracular band; ventral surface pale; thoracic legs dark

brown to black, prolegs pale.

Pupa. Glossy dark brown to black; segments, veins, spiracles and often

appendages defined by conspicuous orange or light brown bands. Girdle

present.

Adult. All adult J. e. eubulus observed were similar to nominate J. e.

evagoras, except for subtle differences in their central wing colouration and

banding on the undersides of the wings. J. e. eubulus adults had very pale

whitish blue- or green-tinted wings with narrow black bands beneath. In

comparison, J. e. evagoras adults had metallic bluish-green colours on the

wings with broad black bands beneath.

Adult behaviour

Adult flight activity in J. e. eubulus increased from mid-morning and

remained constant throughout the afternoon until dusk, at which time it

reduced rapidly. Both males and females were observed in flight and at rest

on mature brigalow trees, shrubs and juvenile plants of heights between 0.5

and 17. m. Males were often seen resting in overhanging vegetation above

host plants. Adult emergence occurred in the early morning between 0900 and

1000 h and males were regularly observed in flight or at rest close to other

pupae.

Copulation in J. e. eubulus was observed on four occasions at the study site.

Prior to mating a single male or group of males circled a female (which was

stationary on the host plant) before landing next to her (within 5 cm). A

receptive female responded with wing fluttering and slow spins and then by

exposing her abdomen to the successful male.

Copulatory behaviour appeared similar to that in J. e. evagoras, with the male

extending its genitalia along the length of the female abdomen before

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3) 137

engaging and assuming a tail-to-tail position. Pairs remained in-copula for up

to 35 minutes, although periods of over 3 h have been recorded for J. e.

evagoras (Pierce and Nash 1993), and were stationary on the host plant for

the duration. All mating observed was between 1030 and 1330 h, although

courtship behaviour was noted before and after these times.

Some females were mated directly after eclosion and often before the wings

had fully expanded and dried. An extreme case was noted where a female was

mated even before releasing the meconium. Upon discharge of the liquid,

males flying in the vicinity became very active and attempted to engage the

female who, in response, held her abdomen in a slightly upright position. The

group of males dispersed soon after and no further mating in the described

female was noted.

At 1500 h on the same day, a female with a noticeably swollen abdomen

landed on a host plant and appeared to actively search sections of leaves and

stems using extended tarsi. This behaviour continued for approximately three

minutes before she began laying eggs in a stem axil.

The oviposition site was 30 cm above ground on a juvenile brigalow 1.2 m

high. Three similar oviposition locations (two stem nodes and a stem scar

each at 0.3 to 0.5 m above ground) were selected on the same plant by the

female described above. Host plants selected for oviposition had the attendant

ant present, or remnants of the previous season’s exuviae. This has also been

noted for J. e. evagoras (Pierce & Nash 1999).

Males were regularly involved in territorial disputes with other J. e. eubulus

males as well as different butterfly species (including Papilio aegeus

Donovan and Belenois java L.), birds and humans. As with J. e. evagoras,

this behaviour was often followed by the defending male returning to a rest

position above the host plants which contained immatures. The activity also

appeared to be damaging to the males, causing deterioration of the wings over a

period of time, similar to that reported for J. e. evagoras (Pierce and Nash

1999).

Larval behaviour

Larvae sheltered on the undersides of stems, leaf petioles and leaves at night

and in the early morning. During the day, early and late instar larvae fed on

mature leaves, growing leaf tips and fresh shoots of juvenile brigalow plants

up to 5.0 m in height. Feeding continued until dusk. Unlike J. e. evagoras,

which congregate into feeding clusters, J. e. eubulus were solitary when

feeding and clustered after dusk.

Larval feeding sites on the host plant included fresh growth at both ground

level (off the main stem) and on the apical meristems of crowns. Food plants

with larvae present were often conspicuously defoliated.

Pupation occurred solitarily on brigalow host leaves at heights up to 5.0 m.

138 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

Both larvae and pupae were always attended by a small, fast-moving species

of Iridomyrmex ant (Common and Waterhouse 1981), most likely in the

anceps group (R. Eastwood, pers. comm.) which attends J. e. evagoras

(Pierce and Nash 1999). The relationship between the ant and the immature

stages of J. e. evagoras is mutualistic (Pierce et al. 1987, Pierce and Nash

1999) and may be similar for J. e. eubulus.

Acknowledgements l

The authors thank J. Kerr for sharing his knowledge of this species and its

habits and H. Proctor for comments on the manuscript.

References

BRABY, M.F. 2000. Butterflies of Australia: their identification, biology and distribution. 2

vols. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne; xx + 976 pp.

COMMON, LF.B. and WATERHOUSE, D.F. 1981. Butterflies of Australia. Revised Edition.

Angus and Robertson, Sydney; xiv + 682 pp.

PIERCE, N. and NASH, D. 1999. The Imperial Blue, Jalmenus evagoras (Lycaenidae). Pp 279-

315, in Kitching, R., Scheermeyer, E., Jones, R. and Pierce, N. (eds.), Biology of Australian

butterflies. Monographs on Australian Lepidoptera, Volume 6. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne;

395 pp.

PIERCE, N., KITCHING, R., BUCKLEY, R., TAYLOR, M. and BENBOW, K. 1987. The costs

and benefits of cooperation between the Australian lycaenid butterfly, Jalmenus evagoras, and

its attendant ants. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 21: 237-248.

STATE OF QUEENSLAND. 1994. Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994. SL No.

474. Reprint number 1, Government Printer; 106 pp.

Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3): 139-140 139

THE LIFE HISTORY OF TOXIDIA INORNATA INORNATA

(BUTLER) (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE: TRAPEZITINAE)

G.A. WOOD! and C.J. MULLER?

!PO Box 122, Atherton, Old 4883

2PO Box 3228, Dural. NSW 2158

Abstract

The early stages of Toxidia inornata inornata (Butler) are described. The larval food plant at

Iron Range is an unidentified species of wire grass, Tetrarrhena sp. (Poaceae).

Introduction

Toxidia inornata inornata (Butler) occurs in the Kai and Aru Is of Indonesia

and in northern Queensland, Australia (Braby 2000). Known Queensland

localities are all in Cape York Peninsula: Jardine River basin (Moulds and

D’Apice 1982), Captain Billy Creek (Monteith and Hancock 1977), Iron

Range (Kerr 1966) and McIlwraith Range near Coen (Eastwood 1995).

At Iron Range, a female was observed depositing a single egg on the leaf ofa

climber (Matchbox Bean, Entada phaseoloides: Fabaceae). This vine was

trailing through grass beside a track in rainforest. The egg and piece of vine

were collected but, as this seemed an unlikely larval food plant, samples of

the grasses growing in the immediate vicinity were also collected. On

hatching, the larva left the vine and fed on a wire grass. Females subsequently

collected and sleeved with this grass oviposited readily.

Life history

Larval food plant. Wire grass, Tetrarrhena sp. (Poaceae).

Egg. Diameter 0.5 mm. Green; dome-shaped, with barely discernible vertical

ribs.

First instar larva. Length 3 mm. Head shiny black; round and smooth. Body

green; smooth and finely haired.

Final instar larva (Fig. 1). Length 21 mm. Head shiny black with two pale

white lateral markings; rounded with very shallow dorsal groove; smooth but

finely pitted. Body smooth; translucent green with a reddish tinge that is

palest at the centre and darker towards the ends, with prominent whitish

dorsal and dorsolateral lines and an indistinct lateral line.

Pupa (Fig. 2). Length 14 mm. Uniformly pale brown; smooth and shiny

except wing cases covered with short setae; sculpturing unremarkable; frons

rounded; thoracic spiracles black. Attached by cremaster to silken pad.

Discussion

Eggs are laid singly either on the food plant or on nearby material. In

captivity, early instar larvae rested on the upper leaf surface of the food plant,

rarely producing shelters. When shelters were constructed they were very

140 Australian Entomologist, 2003, 30 (3)

rudimentary, consisting of fine silken threads partially folding in the leaf

margins. Later instars shelter in debris at the base of the food plant. They

were not observed to produce shelters but utilised naturally occurring rounded

leaves or bark in which to rest or pupate. In Figure 2, a section of the bark has

been removed to expose the pupa.

Toxidia inornata inornata is a rainforest species that usually flies close to the

ground. It occurs throughout the year but is most common after the wet

season when wire grass is at maximum growth. Eggs laid in mid September

produced adults in mid January. Pupal duration was 12 days.

Figs 1-2. Toxidia inornata inornata. (1) final instar larva; (2) pupa.

` Acknowledgement y

We are grateful to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for the permit

covering this work.

References

BRABY, M.F. 2000. Butterflies of Australia: their identification, biology and distribution. 2

vols. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne; xx + 976 pp.

EASTWOOD, R.G. 1995. New distribution records of Hesperiidae and Lycaenidae. Australian

Entomologist 22: 75-76.

KERR, J.F.R. 1966. New records of Lepidoptera in Australia. Journal of the Entomological

Society of Queensland 5: 72-73.

MONTEITH, G.B. and HANCOCK, D.L. 1977. Range extensions and notable records for

butterflies of Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Australian Entomological Magazine 4: 21-38.

MOULDS, M.S. and D’APICE, J.W.C. 1982. Butterflies of the upper Jardine River, Cape York

Peninsula. Australian Entomological Magazine 9: 21-26.

ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTICES

Items for insertion should be sent to the editor who reserves the right to alter, reject

or charge for notices.

WANTED. Specific butterfly collection data for inclusion in a planned

systematic list of the butterflies of Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia plus the

Bismarck Archipelago. Even common butterflies with reliable island data are

valuable. John Tennent, 38 Colin McLean Road, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 2RY,

England (e-mail jt@storment.freeserve.co.uk).

NOTES FOR AUTHORS

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THE AUSTRALIAN

Entomologist

Volume 30, Part 3, 30 September 2003

kaŭ

CONTENTS

BREITFUSS, M.J. AND HILL, CJ.

Field observations on the life history and behaviour of Jalmenus evagoras eubulus

Miskin (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in the southern brigalow belt of Queensland.

HANCOCK, D.L. AND DREW, R.A.I.

New species and records of Trypetinae (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Australia and

the South Pacific.

HARRIS, A.C.

Clarification of the nesting behaviour of Podalonia tydei suspiciosa (Smith)

(Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) based on further observations at

Castlecliff Beach, New Zealand.

LACHLAN, R.B. AND MOULDS, M.S.

A second new species of Gnatbotblibus Wallengren (Lepidoptera:

Sphingidae) from Vanuatu.

POPPLE, L.W.

A new species of Cicadetta Amyot (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Queensland,

with notes on its calling song.

WOOD, G.A. AND MULLER, CJ.

The life history of Toxidia inornata inornata (Butler) (Lepidoptera:

Hesperiidae: Trapezitinae)

ISSN 1320 6133