THE AUSTRALIAN

ntomologis

published by

THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND

Volume 31, Part 2, 25 June 2004

Price: $6.00 per part

ISSN 1320 6133

THE AUSTRALIAN ENTOMOLOGIST

The Australian Entomologist is a non-profit journal published in four parts annually

by the Entomological Society of Queensland and is devoted to entomology of the

Australian Region, including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and islands of the

south-western Pacific. Articles are accepted from amateur and professional

entomologists. The journal is produced independently and subscription to the journal

is not included with membership of the Society.

The Publications Committee

Editor: Dr D.L. Hancock

Assistant Editors: Dr C.J. Burwell

Queensland Museum

Dr G.B. Monteith

Queensland Museum

Business Manager Mr L. Popple

University of Queensland

Subscriptions

Subscription are payable in advance to the Business Manager, The Australian

Entomologist, P.O. Box 537, Indooroopilly, Qld, Australia, 4068.

For individuals: A$25.00 per annum in Australia.

A$30.00 per annum in Asia-Pacific Region.

A$35.00 per annum elsewhere.

For institutions: A$30.00 per annum in Australia.

A$40.00 per annum in Asia-Pacific Region.

A$40.00 per annum elsewhere.

Cheques in currency other than Australian dollars should include an extra A$7.00.

ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF QUEENSLAND

Membership is open to anyone interested in Entomology. Meetings are normally held

in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Queensland on the

second Monday of March-June and August-December each year. Meetings are

announced in the Society’s News Bulletin which also contains reports of meetings,

entomological notes, notices of other Society events and information on Members’

activities.

Enquiries relating to the Society should be directed to the Honorary Secretary,

Entomological Society of Queensland, C/- Department of Zoology and Entomology,

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072.

Sustaining Associates

Centre for Identification and Diagnotics, The University of Queensland; Pest

Management Research, Department of Natural Resources; Tropical Fruit Fly

Research Group, Griffith University.

Cover: Granulaptera cooki Monteith (Hemiptera: Aradidae) is one of many wingless

species of bark bugs found in the rainforests of the Wet Tropics of northern

Queensland. This species is generally restricted to high altitudes in the northern Wet

Tropics and is most common on Mt Finnigan. Illustration by Geoff Thompson.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 45-48 45

A NEW CAVE-DWELLING SPECIES OF LACCOCENUS SLOANE

(COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE: PSYDRINI) FROM SOUTHERN

NEW SOUTH WALES

B.P. MOORE

CSIRO Division of Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601

Abstract

Laccocenus vicinus sp. n. is described from Deua Cave, southern New South Wales and

compared with L. ambiguus Sloane. Although L. vicinus shows no evident morphological

adaptation to cave-dwelling, its type series was associated with bat guano and includes one

teneral individual, thus indicating that the species should be classified as a troglophile.

Introduction

Sloane (1890) erected his monotypic new genus Laccocenus without defining

its precise position in the Carabidae, although he indicated that it was

probably related to Moriomorpha Castelnau and Melisodera Westwood since,

in all three genera, the mandibles carry a seta in their scrobes. Subsequently,

Sloane (1898) placed all these genera, plus others with this mandibular

character, in the hitherto monobasic tribe Nomiini Horn, based on the non-

Australian Nomius Castelnau. Still later, Sloane (1920) abandoned this tribe

and included all the genera in the Pterostichini, where the mandibular seta 1s

generally wanting, but in this he was not followed by authors overseas (e.g.

van Emden 1936), who recognised the fundamental importance of the

mandibular seta. In my revision of the relevant Australian genera (Moore

1963), I placed Laccocenus, along with Nomius and the North American

Psydrus Leconte, in the tribe Psydrini within the subfamily Psydrinae Leconte

and this is its currently accepted position, although the limits of the Psydrinae

and the rankings of the suprageneric taxa are still matters of debate.

Since its original description (Sloane 1890), based on specimens from the

Richmond River district in northern New South Wales, the type species of

Laccocenus (L. ambiguus Sloane) has been recorded quite widely from

localities ranging from southern Queensland to central New South Wales

(Fig. 4). However, material collected during two faunal surveys of Deua Cave

(35°43'S, 149°49'E) in southern New South Wales indicates a second species

within the genus and this new species is described below. Deua cave was

discovered in 1980 and occurs in one of the five (rather limited) limestone

areas within Deua National Park but it was not covered in the Australian

Karst Index 1985 (Matthews 1985).

Laccocenus vicinus sp. n.

(Figs 1-2)

Types. Holotype c, NEW SOUTH WALES: Deua National Park, Deua Cave (DE-1),

dark zone, ex bat guano, 25.11.1993, S. Eberhard (in Australian National Insect

Collection [ANIC], Canberra). Paratypes: 1 О” (immature), 3 99, same locality and

circumstances of capture as holotype, 5.1у.1986, E. Holm (in ANIC).

46 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Description. Mostly black; legs and palpi piceous; foreparts shining, elytra

somewhat dull, microreticulate. Head smooth; postocular ridges well marked;

eyes prominent, lightly inclosed behind. Pronotum mostly smooth but

sparsely and coarsely punctate before base, between basal impressions; about

1.2 times wider then long; widest at anterior third; sides lightly rounded to

middle, then contracted and sinuate to base; basal angles sharp, about right;

anterior angles rounded, not prominent; lateral margins strongly reflexed,

plurisetose; basal foveae rather deep, coarsely but sparsely punctate, bordered

externally by a well marked ridge. Elytra elongate, convex, sexstriate; inner 4

striae strongly punctate on disc, evanescent towards base and apex; outer 2

striae more weakly indicated; intervals convex, with fine but distinct

microsculpture; humeri subdentate; ventral abdominal segments glabrous but

coarsely punctate at sides; terminal ventrite bisetose on each side of anus in

both sexes; male protarsi with 3 basal segments broadly expanded and

spongiose beneath; male mesotarsi with 2 basal segments similarly developed.

Aedeagus (Fig. 2) rather lightly sclerotised and with no significant armature

in the internal sac; apex of median lobe more prominent in lateral view than

in L. ambiguus (Fig. 3). Length 5.4-6.2 mm; maximum width 1.7-2.1 mm.

Comments. Laccocenus vicinus is clearly closely related to L. ambiguus,

which occurs farther north in New South Wales and southern Queensland

(Fig. 4) and the two species doubtless represent vicarious populations derived

from a common stock. The new species is distinguished by the comparatively

dull elytra, with convex intervals and more strongly punctate striae, and the

markedly expanded male pro- and mesotarsi. Sloane (1890) did not observe

the rather weakly modified male mesotarsi in his L. ambiguus but in an

annotation to his personal reprint of his paper (in ANIC), he corrected this;

likewise, he corrected the published width of his male holotype from 3.75 mm

to 2 mm. Modification of male mesotarsi is uncommon in Carabidae, except

in the Harpalinae, and has not been reported previously in the Psydrinae.

Laccocenus vicinus shows no morphological adaptation to a cavernicolous

life-style and may well exist also in neighbouring surface habitats. However,

the presence of a perennial population in bat guano in Deua Cave and the

clear immaturity of the male paratype confirm that the species is breeding in

the cave and that it should be classified as a troglophile. Deua Cave forms

part of a restricted subterranean system beneath a small, isolated patch of

temperate rainforest, in a much larger eucalypt-dominated wilderness area

and it may well serve as a refugium for the species in times of drought.

Unfortunately, no larval material was collected with the type series of L.

vicinus and larval characters within the genus remain unknown. Adults of L.

ambiguus have been collected in wet forests, from leaf and log litter, from

under bark of fallen timber and from associated polypore fungi and they are

presumed to be predators of other arthropods in these habitats.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 47

(hoe)

Figs 1-3. Laccocenus spp., habitus and male genitalia. (1) L. vicinus sp. n., holotype

male; natural length = 5.4 mm. (2-3) median lobes of aedeagi in left lateral views: (2)

L. vicinus sp. n. (parameres detached); (3) L. ambiguus Sloane (median lobe only).

Scale line (Figs 2-3 only) = 0.2 mm.

s Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Fig. 4. Map of south-eastern Australia, showing the distribution patterns of

Laccocenus spp: L. ambiguus (В); L. vicinus (А). B = Brisbane; S = Sydney.

Acknowledgements

I thank my colleagues P. Bouchard and T.A. Weir for preparing Figure 4.

References

EMDEN F.I. van. 1936. Bemerkungen zur Klassifikation der Carabidae: Carabini und

Harpalinae piliferae. Entomologische Blätter 32: 41-52.

MATTHEWS, Р.С. (ed.. 1985. Australian Karst Index 1985. Australian Speleological

Federation Inc., Melbourne.

MOORE, B.P. 1963. Studies on Australian Carabidae (Coleoptera). 3. The Psydrinae.

Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 115(11): 277-290.

SLOANE, T.G. 1890. Studies in Australian Entomology. No. IV. New genera and species of

Carabidae. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 5(3): 641-653.

SLOANE, T.G. 1898. On Carabidae from West Australia, sent by Mr. A.M. Lea: with

descriptions of new genera and species, synoptic tables, &c. Proceedings of the Linnean Society

of New South Wales 23(3): 444-520.

SLOANE, T.G. 1920. The Carabidae of Tasmania. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New

South Wales 45(1): 113-178.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 49-58 49

NEW SUBSPECIES OF DELIAS HUBNER (LEPIDOPTERA:

PIERIDAE) FROM WEST PAPUA, INDONESIA

ROBERT І.С. GOTTS! and SCOTT С. GINN?

122 Dungara Place, Winmalee, NSW 2777

?22 Beechwood Parade, Cherrybrook, NSW 2126

Abstract

Delias nais odilae subsp. n., D. hapalina kaloni subsp. n. and D. leucias torini subsp. n. are

described from the Tembagapura area, West Papua, Indonesia. In addition, the systematic

position of D. weiskei sayuriae K. Okano is revised, with the taxon placed as a form of D.

leucias huonensis Jordan.

Introduction

Tembagapura is a small mining town nestled in a valley south of Mt

Carstensz at an altitude of 2000 m in West Papua, Indonesia. Recently in this

area, some Delias Hübner species not recorded for some decades have been

rediscovered (e.g. D. inexpectata Rothschild, D. c. carstensziana Rothschild)

and several subspecies, D. catocausta eefi van Mastrigt, D. callista

calipulchra Gerrits & van Mastrigt, D. luctuosa gottsi Gerrits & van Mastrigt

and D. fascelis amungme van Mastrigt have been described (Gerrits and van

Mastrigt 1992, van Mastrigt 1990, 1996).

If lowland species in the wider area are excluded there are another 17 Delias

species represented in the area around Tembagapura township (Gotts and

Pangemanan 2003). While some of these can be assigned to subspecies

described from further afield, e.g. D. rileyi yofona Schréder & Treadaway,

there remain several which have not yet been treated adequately in the

literature. The descriptions of three new Delias subspecies are recorded here.

In addition, we propose a revision of another previously described

subspecies, D. weiskei sayuriae К. Okano, in the light of additional

specimens and field observations.

Specimen depositories are abbreviated as follows: AM - Australian Museum,

Sydney; RG - R. Gotts collection; GG - G. Gerrits collection.

Delias nais odilae subsp. n.

(Figs 1-8)

Types. Holoytpe &', INDONESIA (WEST PAPUA): Tembagapura (TBP), Mulki R.,

2100 m, 19.iv.1992 (in AM). Paratypes: 1 9, Mile 52, 1100 m, Mimika, 15.11.2001

(AM); 1 с, 1987 (RG); 1 о, 11.1991 (GG); 1 О, vi.1991 (RG); 1 9, 2.vii.1992 (RG);

1 9, 1992 (RG); 1 9, 24.1.1992 (GG); 1 О, 19.vi.1992 (RG); 1 С, 11.xi.1992 (RG); 1

C', 16.xii.1992 (RG); 2 СС, 1995 (RG); 1 С, 1 9, TBP, Mulki R., 2100 m, 1996

(RG); 1 9, 1997 (RG); 1 9, Mimika, Mile 52, 1100 m, 15.11.2001 (RG); 1 9, Mimika,

Mile 52, 1100 m, 31.x.2001 (RG).

Description. Male (Figs 1-2). Forewing average length 24 mm. Head black

(when alive the eyes are bright yellow); thorax grey, ventrally black; abdomen

50 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

white with grey dorsal surface. Forewing upperside white, costa narrowly

black, becoming broader towards apex; apex black from mid-costa to tornus

in smooth arc with indentations at the veins; cell white. Forewing underside

dark grey-brown, white at inner margin (space 1A+2A), occasionally some

white in space above; three small white subapical spots. Hindwing upperside

white with narrow but fairly bold black terminal margin. Hindwing underside

black with a large maroon spot almost filling each space including discal cell,

terminal and anal margins black, veins very thinly black. Maroon area smaller

in three median spaces (M, to M3), broad black central patch with extensions

along veins. A bold black line separates basal spot and continues below

cubitus to connect with central dark area.

Female. Three forms, dark (Figs 3-4), light (Figs 5-6) and normal (Figs 7-8).

Forewing average length 24 mm. Colour and pattern generally as in male, but

with the following differences: forewing upperside has two small white

subapical spots, the posterior slightly weaker; in the dark form the black outer

margin is broader and dips inward slightly to just include the discocellular

veins. The light form is similar to lighter males but with the addition of the

subapical white spots. In the darkest specimen the white area becomes

increasingly yellow distally. Forewing underside with white inner margin

extending fully into space CuA; above and, except in the very darkest

specimens, with slight paling of the discal area. Hindwing upperside white

with a bold black terminal margin, wider at the apex and much wider

generally than in males; underside as in male.

Etymology. Named after a grandchild, Odile Gotts.

Distribution. The southern slopes and upper valleys of the Sudirman Range,

south central West Papua, Indonesia, between 1100 and 2100 m.

Comments. Many specimens from Tembagapura were undated and the

location, where given, was stated as ‘Waa River, 2100 m’. This is actually a

reference to the Mulki River, a tributary of the River Waa above

Tembagapura township. All unlabelled Tembagapura specimens may safely

be assumed to have been caught there. D. nais does not occur at higher

collecting locations in the area. The ‘Mimika, Mile 52’ references apply to

the main access road from Timika to Tembagapura in the Mimika district.

Most of the Mulki River specimens were caught by Norris Pangemanan and

his children. Mile 52 is a recent location, found by R. Gotts, who collected

the specimens, mainly females, listed from there. This location is separated

from Tembagapura and the nearby collecting areas by a steep mountain ridge.

Access to the town is via the Hanekam Tunnel.

Delias nais Jordan has been divided into numerous subspecies, some of

which are no longer regarded as valid (see Parsons 1998). Individual

variation within a subspecies is often greater than supposed differences

between subspecies, especially with regard to the pattern and colour of the

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 51

Figs 1-8. Delias nais odilae from Tembagapura, W. Papua; uppersides, left;

undersides, right. (1-2) male; (3-4) female, dark form; (5-6) female, light form; (7-8)

female, normal form. Scale bar = 10 mm.

52 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

hindwing underside. On the other hand, the upperside wing patterns tend to be

more consistent, with variations in the extent of the black markings providing

a useful guide for the separation of subspecies.

Nine subspecies of D. nais have so far been described and to date at least

three of them have been synonymised with the nominate subspecies D. n.

nais, viz. rubrina van Eecke by Roepke (1955) and keysseri Rothschild and

entima Jordan by Parsons (1998), while one subspecies, D. n. maprikensis

Yagishita, based on a single specimen, is regarded as unsafe pending further

captures (Parsons 1998).

Problems have occurred with establishing correct taxonomic rank within

several Delias species. In the case of D. nais, Yagishita et al. (1993) raised D.

n. denigrata Joicey & Talbot to species level to accommodate D. denigrata

maruyamai Yagishita as a subspecies and moved D. n. holophaea Roepke

into this group as D. d. holophaea. Since D. denigrata is not obviously

dissimilar to various subspecies of D. nais, the two D. denigrata subspecies

are here treated as subspecies of D. nais so that the broadest comparisons

might be made. Parsons (1998), on the other hand, has synonymised two

subspecies (see above) and has then called the larger group ‘variable’. It is

against this background that the new subspecies D. n. odilae from

Tembagapura is proposed.

In all the specimens used for comparison in this study the underside pattern

was found to be unreliable as a guide to identification, with one exception.

The hindwing markings of specimens from Kerowagi, Papua New Guinea, are

distinctly darker and less red in hue. Diagnosis here is therefore based on the

extent of the black upperside markings. These are broadest in D. n. entima,

slightly narrower in the Kerowagi population (ssp. undescribed - see below),

intermediate in the nominate subspecies (Parsons 1998 included D. n. entima

and the Kerowagi population in this group in spite of the dissimilar

uppersides) and in the denigrata/holophaea subspecies, while in D. n. odilae

from Tembagapura they are markedly reduced with the subapical black

margin well separated from the discocellular veins on the forewing. The space

between the margin and the discocellulars, i.e. the proximal parts of М, and

М», is usually streaked and dusted with a mixture of black and white scales. In

some cases the outer black area reaches the discocellulars but does not cross

them as it does in all the other subspecies examined.

In the females the same differences apply. The most common female form of

D. n. odilae is a dark form with upperside black margins not abutting the

discocellulars but approaching more closely than is the case with males.

However, D. n. odilae females occur in two other forms, one apically more

broadly dark and the other much lighter on both sides of the forewing. Even

in the darker form the dark forewing margin does not enter the cell but ends

abruptly at the discocellulars and immediately recedes in the subsequent

spaces. ‚

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 53

Specimens from Kerowagi, the most frequently caught subspecies in Papua

New Guinea, have for many years been supplied to collectors erroneously as

D. n. aegle Joicey & Talbot. Parsons (1998) synonymised them with the

nominate subspecies in spite of marked differences in the extent of the

forewing upperside black margins.

Delias hapalina kaloni subsp. n.

(Figs 9-12)

Types. Holoytpe О”, INDONESIA (WEST PAPUA): Tembagapura (TBP), Mulki R.,

2100 m, 1981 (in AM). Paratypes: same data as holotype, except: 1 С”, 1990; 1 С,

1991; 1 ©, 1994; 1 ©, 1995 (RG); 1 ®, 1995 (RG); 1 9, 1995 (GG). No further

collection data available.

Description. Male (Figs 9-10). Forewing length 19 mm to 23 mm. Head

black; thorax grey, ventrally darker and dusted with yellow; abdomen white

with dorsal grey darkening anteriorly. Forewing upperside white with costa

narrowly black; apex broadly black, slightly irregular at inner margin tapering

downwards to hook inwards slightly at tornus. One or two tiny, faint

subapical spots sometimes present. Forewing underside white; costa narrowly

black with curved discocellular bar; apex black but reduced with a smooth arc

at inner margin leaving central part of upperside black margin visible through

wing; a tapering yellow subapical band composed of five spots, the second

and third prominent, fourth and fifth barely discernable. Hindwing upperside

white with very fine black terminal margin. Hindwing underside white with

bold yellow subbasal streak enclosed in a black basal band which is

contiguous with a black band parallel to anal margin and branching to form a

post-discal band and tornal black margin which tapers to a thin edged line

above vein M;. Along anal margin a broad bar with yellow-black suffusion

runs from base to mid-discal area where black tornal margin begins. The post-

discal black band has a variable narrow distal edging of red which culminates

in a bolder red spot at anal angle; discal area centrally pale yellow.

Female (Figs 11-12). As in male, but with the following differences: forewing

length 26 mm. Forewing upperside with two clearly-defined white subapical

spots, third subapical spot rarely present and never well-defined; underside as

in male but may have a sixth subapical yellow spot. Hindwing upperside

white with bold black terminal margin broken by white scaling along the

veins; underside as in male but with broader terminal margin of variable

width, widest at the tornus and narrowest midway between each pair of veins.

Etymology. Named after a grandchild, Kalon Gotts.

Distribution. Above 2000 m in valleys of the various tributaries of the Waa

River, south central West Papua, Indonesia.

Comments. Five subspecies of Delias hapalina Jordan were listed by

D'Abrera (1990). Two of these, D. tessei Joicey & Talbot and D.

conspectirubra Joicey & Talbot have now been separated from D. hapalina

54 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

(Yagishita et al. 1993) and a sixth subspecies, D. h. kerowagiensis Yagishita

has been synonymised with D. h. amoena Roepke (Parsons 1998). D.

hapalina is not a common species in the Tembagapura area compared to its

conspecifics. Only two females from the area are known to the authors.

The various subspecies of D. hapalina are readily distinguished from each

other by sexually dimorphic variation in wing pattern except in the case of D.

h. amoena (from Pass Valley) and D. h. kaloni (from Tembagapura). Even

though these two subspecies are widely separated geographically, in both

cases the females closely resemble the males but with broader dark margins

on the hindwings. The females of D. h. kaloni have heavier dark black

margins, both above and below, than is the case with D. h. amoena.

Males of D. h. kaloni appear slightly darker than those of D. h. amoena,

having broader forewing upperside dark margins (evident on the underside as

a slightly larger grey ‘print-through’ area from the upperside) and better-

delineated black veins crossing the hindwing underside post-discal white

band. This band also appears slightly narrower than on D. /. amoena because

the black and red band it encloses is usually broader than on that subspecies.

Also somewhat bolder is the terminal black edging in the central and upper

parts of the hindwing underside in D. h. kaloni.

Comparisons are based on numerous specimens of all subspecies, using

material in the GG and RG collections plus published photographs.

Unfortunately many of the specimens of the new subspecies available for

study came with incomplete collecting data but their general place of origin is

not in doubt.

Delias leucias torini subsp. n.

(Figs 13-16)

Types. Holoytpe О", INDONESIA (WEST PAPUA): Tembagapura (TBP), Mulki R.,

2100 m, 14.viii.1981 (in AM). Paratypes: TBP, same data as holotype, except: 1 С”,

xi.1990 (RG); 3 О7О, 4.x.1991 (RG); 1 9, 14.v.1992 (RG); 1 9 7.vi.1992 (RG); 1 ©,

3.xi.1992 (RG); 1 О, 27.xi.1992 (RG); 1 о, 30.v.1993 (RG); 1 0%, 21.11.1995 (RG); 5

ОО”, 20.11.2001 (RG); 1 с”, TBP, Uteki R., 2050 m, 22.11.2001 (RG).

Description. Male (Figs 13-14). Forewing length 20 mm. Forewing upperside

white with costa narrowly black; apex broadly black, smoothly concave inner

margin tapering to tornus; two tiny, faint subapical spots sometimes absent.

Forewing underside yellow, fading to white at inner margin; black apical

margin as on upperside; a tapering, inwardly concave yellow subapical arc of

four spots, a fifth sometimes faintly present parallel and adjacent to termen.

Hindwing upperside white with very fine black terminal margin. Hindwing

underside black with bold creamy patch in central and upper discal area; red

subbasal streak becoming white near costa; rounded red spot centered in

black anal margin near proximal extremity of central patch; narrow post-

discal red band edged more narrowly with white on distal edge.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 55

15

Figs 9-16. Delias spp. from Tembagapura, W. Papua; uppersides, left; undersides,

right. (9-12) D. hapalina kaloni: (9-10) male; (11-12) female. (13-16) D. leucias

torini: (13-14) male; (15-16) female. Scale bar = 10 mm.

56 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Female (Figs 15-16). Similar to male, but with forewing upperside black

margins much broader, particularly at tornus; white subapical spots more

clearly-defined; underside dark margin as above but slightly narrower at

tornus. Hindwing upperside more transparent white with dark underside

markings visible; broader black terminal margin inwardly diffused due to grey

of underside; underside as in male.

Etymology. Named after a grandchild, Torin Gotts.

Distribution. Altitudes around 2000 m and higher on the southern slopes of

the Sudirman Range, south central West Papua, Indonesia, possibly extending

as far west as the Weyland Mountains where somewhat similar forms occur.

Comments. In a pinned series the Tembagapura subspecies D. l. torini is

readily distinguished from other subspecies of D. leucias Jordan by appearing

darker on the underside owing, on the hindwing, to the reduced size of the

pale central patch and the thinness of the outer white band and, on the

forewing, to the outer margin being inwardly curved rather than slightly

angular. Only occasionally is a specimen of another subspecies found to

approach the underside pattern of the Tembagapura specimens and in such

rare cases the slightly hooked apex of the pale patch and the width of the

hindwing upperside margin may be used for diagnosis.

In recent years a number of forms of D. leucias have been collected in West

Papua but only two other subspecies, D. l. leucias from Mt Goliath and D. /.

huonensis Talbot from Papua New Guinea, have been described. (Two

subspecies of D. nieuwenhuisi were formerly included.). D. leucias is

probably the most common of all the Delias species found in the

Tembagapura area. There is only small sexual dimorphism and identification

of this species cannot be based on divergence among the females of the

various populations, which are similar to males but with wider black margins

on the hindwing uppersides.

D. 1. leucias is recorded from the Snow Mountains and the eastern part of

West Papua, especially the Baliem and Pass Valleys. Specimens from the Star

Mountains, to the south-east, and from Tabubil, on the adjacent Papua New

Guinea side of the border, are similar. These specimens, though somewhat

variable in small details, share one characteristic: the hindwing verso central

pale patch usually parallels closely or bonds with the inner edge of the post-

discal red band in the upper distal quadrant (spaces Sc and Mj). In the other

subspecies the black base colour intrudes boldly to separate these two colour

areas so that the central patch is virtually surrounded by black.

The other named subspecies, D. l. huonensis, is found further east in Papua

New Guinea and, while the hindwing underside central patch is surrounded by

black as in D. l. torini, the forewing underside is a deeper orange yellow,

sometimes suffused with red, and the hindwing pale patch is noticeably

larger. In D. l. huonensis the outer white band of the hindwing verso is very

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 57

boldly defined while it is much weaker in D. /. torini. Tembagapura is much

further west, closer to the Weyland Mountains. Specimens from the Weyland

area have more in common with the Tembagapura subspecies but they are not

identical. Further study is needed on these.

Discussion

Specimens referred to in this paper as D. l. huonensis Jordan are from

Kerowagi, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, and not from the Huon

Peninsula. The taxon sayuriae Okano applies to a form that resembles D.

weiskei Ribbe in that the white band of the hindwing underside is largely

absent. Okano (1989) placed this taxon as a subspecies of D. weiskei on the

basis of two males from Kerowagi, Papua New Guinea. Since this has been

found to be sympatric with D. l. huonensis in the mountains above Kerowagi

where intergrades have also been found to occur, it is here synonymised with

that subspecies as D. I. huonensis f. sayuriae.

The following key is offered as a guide to diagnosis of the subspecies of D.

leucias.

Key to Delias leucias subspecies

1 Forewing underside base colour pure yellow .............................sssss 3

- Forewing underside base colour has orange hue or is suffused with orange

асареро анори 2

2 Hindwing underside white band is bold and wider than the red band in

(GU eir dees retreat aero К T OTR КҮ р. 1. huonensis

- Hindwing underside white band is largely incomplete ............................

Dr ditio d atur oic i ea fao mrs D. l. huonensis f. sayuriae

3 Hindwing underside pale patch close to outer red band in Rs and M, .....

аориста ASA Po oro D. I. leucias

- Hindwing underside pale patch distal margin broadly bounded by black in

MmandimostoBlRszemeNe t ИТТИН СИИ E tti Ere tereat 4

4 Hindwing underside pale patch distal margin strongly convex in M, .....

Ныл door oer T ra ere D. 1. leucias

5 Hindwing upperside black border is less than 1 mm in width .................

НЫБ нню P rare e reveren D. 1. leucias

- Hindwing upperside black border reaches 1 mm or more in width ........

STEMI REG E EY E rt For EY Erin p cep EI EE EHE LE SE Oct D. I. torini

Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to Henk van Mastrigt, Godfried (Fred) Gerrits and

Norris Pangemanan for the West Papua specimens used in this study.

58 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

References

D’ABRERA, B. 1990. Butterflies of the Australian Region. 3rd, revised edition. Hill House,

Melbourne & London; 416 pp.

GERRITS, F. and van MASTRIGT, H. 1992. New results on Delias from the central mountain

range of Irian Jaya. Treubia 30(3): 381-402.

GOTTS, В. and PANGEMANAN, N. 2003. Mimika Butterflies. Р.Т. Freeport Indonesia,

Timika, West Papua; 287 pp.

OKANO, K. 1989. Descriptions of four new butterflies of the genus Delias (Lep.: Pieridae),

with some notes on Delias. Tokurana 14(2-3): 1-6.

PARSONS, M. 1998. The Butterflies of Papua New Guinea: their systematics and biology.

Academic Press, London; xvi + 736 pp, xxvi + 136 pls.

ROEPKE, W. 1955. The butterflies of the genus Delias Hübner (Lepidoptera) in Netherlands

New Guinea. Nova Guinea 6: 185-260.

van MASTRIGT, Н.С. 1990. New (sub)species of Delias from the central mountain range of

Irian Jaya. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie 133: 197-204.

van MASTRIGT, H.G. 1996. New species and subspecies of Delias Hübner [1819] from the

central mountain range of Irian Jaya, Indonesia (Lepidoptera, Pieridae). Neue Entomologische

Nachrichten 38: 21-55, 6 pls.

YAGISHITA, A., NAKANO, S. and MORITA, S. 1993. An illustrated list of the genus Delias

Hübner of the world. Khepera Publishers, Tokyo, Japan.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 59-68 59

A NEW SPECIES AND NEW RECORDS OF HYPOCHRYSOPS

C. & R. FELDER (LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE) FROM

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

D.A. LANE! and E.D. EDWARDS?

13 Janda Street, Atherton, Old 4883

"CSIRO, Division of Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601

Abstract

The previously unknown female of Hypochrysops lucilla D' Abrera, stat. rev., is recorded and

figured from the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area, central Papua New Guinea.

Hypochrysops lustrare sp. n. is described from the same area and compared with the closely

related H. theon C. & R. Felder. Distributional and biological data are presented for a further six

species of Hypochrysops C. & R. Felder from the same area, and reference made to the larva and

foodplant of an unidentified species of Hypochrysops.

Introduction

The Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area (CMWMaA) straddles three

provinces in central Papua New Guinea — Eastern Highlands, Chimbu and

Gulf Provinces. The CMWMA and the scientific research programmes

conducted within it are managed by the Research and Conservation

Foundation of Papua New Guinea (RCF), administered from Goroka, Eastern

Highlands Province. Altitudinal range of the CMWMA is from near sea level

(50 m altitude on the Purari River) in the Gulf Province to 3100 m. It contains

extensive pristine areas of lowland and upland rainforest, merging to montane

forests and subalpine scrub on the summit areas of Crater Mountain. The

village of Haia is centrally located within the CMWMA and was the base for

field work conducted by one of us (DL), as reported and discussed here. This

followed an invitation from the RCF to document butterfly foodplants in the

general area of Haia, as well as to catalogue the Sphingidae and Saturniidae

of the area. Some observations on the butterflies of the Haia area were made

and the results of observations on the genus Hypochrysops C. & R. Felder are

presented here.

Abbreviations used are: ANIC - Australian National Insect Collection,

CSIRO, Canberra; DLC - David A. Lane collection, Atherton.

Hypochrysops lucilla D? Abrera, stat. rev.

(Figs 1-2)

Material examined. PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 1 9, Chimbu Province, Haia, Crater

Mountain Wildlife Management Area, 760 m., 6°42’20”S, 144°59’55”E, 18.11.2002,

D.A. Lane. (in DLC).

Description. Female (Figs 1-2). Forewing length 19 mm. Head brown; a

bright blue band below compound eyes, eyes brown; antennae slightly more

than half length of costa. Thorax brown with distinct bright blue areas.

Abdomen brown; upper segments with bright blue areas. Forewing with costa

broadly bowed to apex, apex rounded, termen strongly convex, tornus

60 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

rounded, dorsum slightly rounded. Forewing upperside broadly black; a

bright blue sub-basal area extends into upper half of discal cell. A broad

white area extends from lower half of discal cell, across 2/3 to apex, then

almost reaches termen and extends to dorsum; two bright blue spots lie

adjacent to termen above tornus. Hindwing upperside broadly black; a bright

blue basal and submedian area covers inner half. Forewing underside broadly

white, extending basal to lower half of discal cell, 2/3 to apex, reaching

termen and dorsum; costa narrowly black; apex black; a bright blue band

extends basally along costa, almost reaching apex; a similar bright blue band

extends along termen from apex, almost reaching tornus. Hindwing underside

broadly black; inner basal bright blue band; a second sub-basal blue band

extends from costa to dorsum; a third blue median to post median band

extends from apex to inner dorsum; a fourth blue band, slightly offset, runs

parallel to termen, extending from apex to tornal area.

Comments. The male holotype of Н. lucilla was figured and described by

D'Abrera (1971) from the single known specimen in The Natural History

Museum, London. It was collected by A.S. Meek at Angabunga R. affl. of St.

Joseph R., 6000 ft, November 1904 to February 1905. D'Abrera (1971), in

his assessment of the species, noted a relationship to the members of the

heros group of Hypochrysops, but he judged that distinctive differences

warranted description as a separate species. D’Abrera (1971) also figured the

male and female of H. dohertyi Oberthür and recorded its distribution as

south-eastern Papua. Apart from the holotype, no further specimens have

been collected and all subsequent specimens previously attributed to H.

lucilla have been specimens of H. dohertyi.

Sands (1986) in his revision of Hypochrysops, placed H. lucilla as a

subspecies of H. dohertyi, i.e. Н. dohertyi lucilla D’ Abrera, along with Н. d.

dohertyi Oberthür. Parsons (1998) followed Sands in his treatment of H.

dohertyi and also illustrated the holotype male of H. lucilla, together with the

female of H. dohertyi (both as H. dohertyi lucilla).

Examination of the illustrations of Н. dohertyi given by D'Abrera (1971) and

Parsons (1998), and of the holotype male of H. lucilla, shows them to be

quite distinct. The most noticeable and distinctive feature is the forewing

underside white patch of H. lucilla, which extends from basal 2/3 to apex,

then across to the termen, tornus and dorsum. No other known species of

Hypochrysops has this well developed white patch extending to the termen on

the forewing underside.

In his revision, Sands (1986) erected species-groups and placed H. dohertyi,

H. doleschallii (C. Felder), H. herdonius Hewitson, H. heros Grose-Smith,

and H. theon C. & R. Felder in the theon species-group. All the above

species, except H. lucilla, have to varying degrees a black termen on the

underside of the forewing.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Figs 1-8. Hypochrysops spp., upper and undersides of adults. (1-2) Н. lucilla, female;

(3-6) H. lustrare sp. n.: (3-4) holotype male; (5-6) paratype female; (7-8) H. heros

imogena, female.

62 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

The female of Н. lucilla figured here (Figs 1-2) shows the same distinctive

white forewing underside patch as the holotype male. The female hindwing

underside also shows a noticeable similarity in pattern, especially in the

positioning of the blue basal to terminal bands. The upperside of the female

also shows many similarities in colour and pattern to the holotype male,

making its overall facies very distinctive and indicating beyond doubt that

they are conspecific. H. lucilla also clearly belongs with the theon species-

group.

Hypochrysops lustrare sp. n.

(Figs 3-6, 9-11)

Types. Holotype О”, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Chimbu Province, Haia, Crater

Mountain Wildlife Management Area, 760 m., 6"42'20"S, 144*59'55"E, 16.iii.2002,

D.A. Lane (in ANIC). Paratype 9, same data as holotype except 18.11.2002, D.A.

Lane (in ANIC).

Description. Male (Figs. 3-4). Forewing length 16 mm. Eyes brown; antenna

slightly more than half length of costa; base of head and thorax grey, clothed

in long grey hairs; a bright blue line extends from base of antenna

immediately along base of compound eye. Abdomen grey; segment junctions

ringed dull white. Forewing with costa gently bowed basally, fairly straight

then from approx 1/4 to 3/4 towards apex; apex broadly rounded; termen

convex for upper half, then straight to tornus; tornus sharply rounded; dorsum

straight. Hindwing termen, tornus and dorsum all broadly rounded.

Forewing upperside broadly blue; lower half of discal cell dusted white; a

purplish suffusion overlays lower half of discal cell and extends to termen

between veins М» and 1A; costa, apex and termen narrowly edged black,

widest at apex. Hindwing upperside broadly blue; a white patch extends

above discal cell and vein Rs, reaching costa and apex; basally dark brown

with a small bright blue patch at base of Sc+R,; termen narrowly black; also

wholly black between veins M, and Rs.

Forewing underside broadly white above dorsum and extending to lower half

of discal cell and above vein М›; costa black extending to about middle of

discal cell in a broad arc to apex; termen narrowly black; a thin broken blue

line extends from near tornus, slightly offset from and parallel to termen,

reaching apex; a second slightly offset thin blue line extends across and

roughly parallel to apex from above M; almost to costa; a third thin blue line

extends basally and very slightly offset from and parallel to costa, to just

beyond cell, then bows in a broad arc, almost intersecting base of second blue

line at junction of black apical and broad white area. Hindwing underside

broadly black; a white band basally edged blue extends in a broad arc from

near dorsum across upper half of discal cell to apex, also extending narrowly

along costa; a narrow inner black band runs basally to and parallel to this

white band, extending from dorsum to near costa, with a bright blue band

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 63

basally above this; a thin blue line runs slightly offset from but parallel to

termen, from inner tornus to apex; a slightly wider blue band of variable

width extends dorsally immediately above tornus, in a broad arc and

diverging outwards towards termen, extending to M5; an inner median blue

band of similar width runs from dorsum to base of cell, then extends outwards

as infill between veins M3 and Сид), intersecting the outer blue band; a

fourth thin blue median line also extends outwards in a broad arc, from this

median blue band, from below cell towards but not reaching apex.

Female (Figs 5-6). Forewing length 18 mm. Eyes brown; antenna half length

of costa. Fore- and hindwings broader and more rounded than those of male.

Forewing with costa broadly bowed to apex; apex broadly rounded; termen

convex; tornus broadly rounded, meeting dorsum at obtuse angle; dorsum

fairly straight. Hindwing termen, tornus and dorsum broadly rounded.

Forewing upperside broadly blue; a purple suffusion overlays blue beyond

discal cell between vein M» and dorsum; costa narrowly edged brown from

base to apex; a narrow black outer margin extends from apex to tornus; lower

half of discal cell dusted with white scales, more pronounced distally and

extending slightly beyond cell between veins CuA; and М». Hindwing

upperside broadly blue from base across cell and below Mj); a small blue

patch lies above discal cell at junction of Sc*R;; costa above cell and Rs pale

white; area between Rs and M, broadly black; a black margin extends along

termen to tornus. Underside similar to male; blue bands and lines slightly

wider.

Male genitalia (Figs 9-10). Vinculum + tegumen ring oval; vinculum narrow;

tegumen much broader; saccus moderately broad; sociuncus broadly rounded

with numerous sclerotized hairs; sinus between sociunci very broadly V-

shaped; brachia sharply bent, evenly tapering; valva subtriangular, base

narrow, then tapering only slightly until near tip when it decreases rapidly in

width to a blunt tip (the illustration shows it folded on itself), numerous

sclerotized hairs towards tip; manica with hairs — part of manica and hairs

may adhere to aedeagus in dissection; aedeagus short, broad, ventrally

spiculate towards tip, with a heavily sclerotized apical process.

Female genitalia (Fig. 11). Papillae anales broad with numerous sclerotized

hairs; apophyses posteriores short, slender; sinus vaginalis a broad pouch;

ostium with strongly sclerotized collar; ductus bursae broad, long,

longitudinally ridged internally, lightly sclerotized; corpus bursae elongate,

narrow, poorly differentiated from ductus, without signa.

Etymology: From the latin lustrare = illuminate, or light up. Refers to the

bright luminous-like features of this beautiful species.

Distribution. Known so far only from the immediate vicinity of Haia, Crater

Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea.

64 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Comments. The underside blue bands of both male and female H. lustrare are

distinctly deep blue in colour, as opposed to the greenish blue of H. theon.

Also, with both sexes of H. lustrare, an additional underside hindwing blue

band extends medially from just below cell in a broad arc towards the apex.

The H. lustrare female upperside is very distinctive, with extensive areas of

blue with purple overlay. This differs considerably from all known females of

H. theon.

The genitalia are quite diagnostic compared with H. theon milesius (Róber)

(Figs 12-13) from southern Papua New Guinea and Н. theon medocus

(Fruhstorfer) (Figs 15-16) from Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Genitalic

structures within this group look similar overall but differ consistently in the

size and shape of the different parts of the genitalia and the combinations of

these. In the male genitalia of H. lustrare the distal margin of the sinus is

almost a straight, broad V whereas in H. theon the margin is sinuate. The

valva in H. lustrare is narrower at the base but maintains its width distally

more than in Н. theon, so that it is more truncated in appearance at the tip.

Sands (1986) described the valva of H. theon as slightly flanged and in this

terminology that of Н. lustrare would be broadly flanged. The aedeagus of H.

lustrare is significantly narrower and shorter than in H. theon. In the female

genitalia, Н. lustrare has narrower papillae anales and shorter apophyses

posteriores, the sclerotized ostial collar is much shorter than in H. theon (Fig.

14) and the longitudinal ridges of the ductus bursae are less sclerotized.

H. lustrare is closely related to H. theon, and clearly belongs within the theon

species-group (Sands 1986). The known distribution of H. theon incorporates

seven recognized subspecies, ranging from Halmaheira, Aru Islands and West

Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) in Indonesia, to Papua New Guinea and northern

Queensland. Males of Н. lustrare are very close in wing markings to Н. theon

milesius, which is recorded from the Aru Islands, south-western West Papua

and southern Papua New Guinea (Sands 1986). Females, however, are very

different, with the blue upperside contrasting strongly with the black and

cream upperside of Н. theon females. Noticeable male and female genitalia

differences between H. lustrare and H. theon milesius also support this

separation.

The very similar underside patterning of the male and female specimens of H.

lustrare, coupled with both having been collected within a few metres of each

other, leaves no doubt as to their being conspecific.

Н. lustrare adults, along with the female of H. lucilla, were all collected near

an escarpment above the Wara (= water) Nimni (river) at Haia, in an area rich

in Drynaria sp. (Polypodiaceae) ferns, Myrmecodia sp. (Rubiaceae) plants,

plus a multitude of other arboreal fern and epiphytic species. Several other

species of Hypochrysops were also collected in this same vicinity, as

discussed below.

65

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

15 all 16

Figs 9-16. Male and female genitalia of Hypochrysops spp. (9-10) male genitalia H.

lustrare; (11) female genitalia Н. lustrare; (12-13) male genitalia Н. theon milesius;

(14) female genitalia Н. theon milesius; (15-16) male genitalia H. theon medocus.

66 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Distribution records

Distribution records, plus observations of biology or behaviour are presented

for the following seven species. All specimens bear the same locality data:

Haia, Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area, 760 m, Chimbu Province,

Papua New Guinea, 6°42°20"S, 144°59’55”E, (date), D.A. Lane. All

specimens in DLC.

Hypochrysops heros imogena D’ Abrera

(Figs 7-8: female)

Collected on 16.iii.2002, the single female observed appears closest to H. h.

imogena, which has been recorded from Karkar Island and Lae, Papua New

Guinea. H. heros heros Grose-Smith and H. heros polemon (Fruhstorfer) are

recorded from West Papua (= Irian Jaya) (Sands 1986). This record extends

the known distribution of this species into the central highlands area where,

along with the following species, it was collected in the same vicinity as H.

lucilla and H. lustrare, on an escarpment above the Wara Nimni [River].

Hypochrysops apollo wendisi Bethune-Baker

One female, 14.iii.2002. Sands (1986) gave the distribution of H. a. wendisi

as northern West Papua (= Irian Jaya) to northern Papua New Guinea and

neighbouring islands, and that of H. apollo phoebus (Waterhouse) as southern

Papua New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Parsons (1998)

listed H. a. phoebus from several localities in southern and eastern mainland

Papua New Guinea as well as Cape York Peninsula, and listed H. a. wendisi

from Karimui, Chimbu Province (on the mainland) and from West New

Britain Province and New Ireland. The above female shows some similarity

to H. a. wendisi as figured by Parsons (1998) and is tentatively placed here

until further material becomes available. Karimui lies immediately due west

of Haia.

Hypochrysops cleon Grose-Smith

One male, 4.iii.2002, is similar to the specimen from Gabensis, Morobe

Province figured by Parsons (1998). The Haia specimen differs from Parsons’

illustration in the hindwing underside having a much more extensive white

patch near the apex, and the hindwing upperside being a paler shade of

purple, lighter in colour than the forewing. This contrast in wing colouration

is a noticeable feature shared by males from Iron Range, Queensland (in DLC

and ANIC), which also exhibit a wider forewing black apical margin

compared with specimens from Papua New Guinea.

Hypochrysops arronica arronica (C. & R. Felder)

One female was collected at Haia on 2.11.2002 and others observed. A male

was observed fleetingly as it pursued a female, but disappeared into the

canopy. The collected female was flying in the immediate vicinity of

Myrmecodia sp. plants growing on a variety of rainforest trees, including

, 67

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

itoni amnaceae) and Ficus sp. (Moraceae). These same trees

PS large ned of black Iridomyrmex sp. ants, which

colonized and nested within the Myrmecodia sp. plants, as well as in the

ground at the tree bases. Considerable skeletonising of the Myrmecodia

leaves suggested previous larval feeding, however such scarred tissue was not

indicative of recent feeding. Two hatched ova were found, deposited at the

base of leaf stems, adjacent to the plant's tuberous segment. Szent-Ivany and

Carver (1967) recorded pupae of this species within Myrmecodia sp. plants,

attended by Iridomyrmex sp. ants, from the Musgrave River valley, NNE of

Port Moresby.

Hypochrysops pythias drucei Oberthür

One male was collected and others observed at the escarpment edge of the

Wara Nimni [River], at Haia, on 14.iii.2002. The hostplant, Commersonia sp.

near C. bartramia (Sterculiaceae), was widespread in the vicinity of Haia and

many plants showed signs of larval feeding patterns (as observed in north

Queensland). Numerous early instar larvae were found; however these could

not be reared through to adults, due to time constraints.

Hypochrysops polycletus rex (Boisduval)

Adults were common in the vicinity of Haia and were encountered in both

rainforest and garden areas. The hostplant, Rhyssopterys timorensis

(Malphigiaceae), was widespread in the area and larvae were regularly found

on this plant, usually unattended by ants. Males often perched on trees

adjacent to or overhanging pathways, at heights of 2 to 5 m, and engaged in

territorial behaviour pursuing other males, or other butterflies, that entered

their territory. Females usually perched on shrubs adjacent to their foodplant

vines or along tracks and remained fairly inactive for most of the day, except

between 11 am and 2 pm (approximately).

Hypochrysops sp. unidentified

Many larvae (2nd to 4th instars) were found feeding upon the leaves of an

Alphitonia sp. (Rhamnaceae), attended by a black Iridomyrmex sp. ant.

Larvae constructed shelters by silking several leaves together and remained

therein during the day. Larvae fed at night by skeletonising the leaves and

also chewed holes in the leaf membrane. These larvae were very similar in

appearance to larvae of Hypochrysops apelles (Fabricus), (as observed in

north Queensland; Braby 2000). However the attendant ant species were not

Crematogaster sp., indicating a species quite separate from H. apelles. Time

constraints prohibited rearing these larvae through to adults.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are extended to Ms V. Rangsi (ANIC) who provided the genitalia

images and images of Н. t. milesius for comparison, and to the Research &

Conservation Foundation of Papua New Guinea, especially Mr. R. Bino

68 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

(Goroka) for his assistance with this project. Mr. N. Carver (Goroka)

generously offered assistance, and thanks are also extended to Mr. R. Carver

for his company and assistance in the field. Dr. I.F.B. Common (Toowoomba)

and Dr. Marianne Horak (ANIC) offered advice and criticism. Dr. D.P.A.

Sands (Brisbane) offered much help with literature sources. Dr. I. Kitching

(The Natural History Museum, London) generously compared digital images

with specimens in his care.

References

BRABY, M.F. 2000. Butterflies of Australia: their identification, biology and distribution.

CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood; xx + 976 pp.

D’ABRERA, B. 1971. Butterflies of the Australian Region. Landsdowne Press, Melbourne; 415

pp.

PARSONS, M. 1998. The butterflies of Papua New Guinea: their systematics and biology.

Academic Press, London; xvi + 736 pp, xxvi + 136 pls.

SANDS, D.P.A. 1986. A revision of the genus Hypochrysops C. and R. Felder (Lepidoptera:

Lycaenidae). Entomonograph 7: 1-116.

SZENT-IVANY, J.J.H. and CARVER, R.A. 1967. Notes on the biology of some Lepidoptera of

the Territory of Papua New Guinea with the description of the early stages of Ornithoptera

meridionalis Rothschild. Papua and New Guinea Scientific Society Transactions 8: 3-35.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 69-74 69

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CROP PLANTS TO BEMISIA TABACI

(GENNADIUS) B-BIOTYPE (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

A.D. МООВЕ!, К.У. SEQUEIRA! and T.A. WOODGER?

1 A gency for Food and Fibre Sciences, Queensland Department of Primary Industries,

Locked Bag 6, Emerald, Qld 4720 (Email: Andrew.Moore@dpi.qld.gov.au)

23 Harris St, Richmond, Qld 4822

Abstract

An assessment of 10 crop plants for susceptibility to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B-biotype

(Silverleaf whitefly, SLW) was undertaken during the summer of 2001/2002 in central

Queensland. Crops included in the assessment were chickpea, cowpea, lablab, mungbean, niger,

peanut, sesame and soybean. Data on SLW abundance and preference ranking for each crop type

are presented. Sesame was the most preferred for oviposition, mungbean was the least preferred

while cowpea, peanut, niger, lablab and soybean were intermediate. Nymphs were more

abundant on sesame, soybean and lablab than on mungbean, cowpea, niger and peanut.

Chickpea was found to be unsuitable for SLW development. Crops such as sesame, soybean and

lablab are likely to be high risk cropping options in parts of central Queensland where SLW is

likely to become endemic.

Introduction

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B-biotype, the Silverleaf whitefly (SLW), is an

agricultural pest of global importance and a relatively recent introduction to

Australia (De Barro 1995). The presence of SLW was first confirmed in 1994

from samples of whitefly collected on melons and nursery plants from

Darwin, Northern Territory and Tamworth, New South Wales respectively

(Gunning ef al. 1995). Since its introduction, SLW has spread rapidly along

coastal cropping regions of Queensland and New South Wales, where it is a

major production constraint on a wide variety of horticultural, fibre, summer

grain and oilseed crops (De Barro 1995, Gunning and Cottage 2000).

SLW was first detected in the Emerald irrigation area in 1998, mainly on

ornamental plants in parks and gardens (Franzmann et al. 1998). However,

the pest did not constitute a problem until the winter of 2001, when it reached

outbreak proportions on a few cucurbit crops including pumpkin, melon and

squash. In the following summer months (December 2001-March 2002), the

pest spread rapidly and the central Queensland region experienced its first

large-scale outbreak of SLW on summer grain, fibre and horticultural crops.

Here we report on the susceptibility to SLW of crop plants that are

agronomically suited to central Queensland cropping systems. This study was

part of a larger project to quantify the risk posed by this insect to cropping

industries and enterprises across the region. `

Materials and methods

The assessment was conducted at the Queensland Department of Primary

Industries Research Station in Emerald (23?34'S, 148?10'E) on cracking black

clay soil irrigated by overhead sprinklers. The field layout followed a

70 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

randomised block design with 4 blocks (reps) and 10 plots within blocks.

Each plot, measuring 4 m x 10 m (4 rows x 1 m spacing), was randomly

assigned to one of 10 crop plants (treatments). The treatments were chickpea

(Cicer arietinum (L.), cv ‘Amethyst’), cowpea 1 (Vigna unguiculata (L.)

Walp. cv ‘Blackeye’), cowpea 2 (cv ‘Red Caloona’), an annual lablab

(Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet cv ‘Koala’), mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R.

Wilczek cv ‘Emerald’), niger (Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. cv *Courtice"),

peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. cv ‘Condor’), sesame (Sesamum indicum L. су

‘Edith’), soybean 1 (Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv ‘Jabiru’) and soybean 2 (cv

‘Melrose’). Chickpea was the only winter crop and was included in this

assessment solely to provide a benchmark for SLW development on a crop

plant widely perceived to be an unsuitable host. The assessment was located

adjacent to a mature cotton crop infested with SLW. Seed was planted on 23

January 2002.

Sampling commenced on 12 February 2002 after all seedlings had emerged

and thereafter at weekly intervals for eight weeks. At each sampling time for

all crop plants except chickpea, one leaf was randomly selected from the

lower third of five plants in each plot and removed to the laboratory for

assessment. Each leaf was notionally divided into quarters. One of the two

quarters adjacent to the petiole was chosen at random and a cork borer was

used to lightly impress a circular mark (diam. 11.25 mm; area 1 cm’) onto the

underside of each leaf. This sample area was then examined under a binocular

microscope and the number of SLW eggs, small-medium nymphs (instars I-II)

and large nymphs (instars III-IV including the ‘red-eye’ pupae) were recorded

for each leaf.

A different sampling method was devised for chickpea because of its different

morphology and small leaflet size. Several branchlets were collected and then

sub-sampled so that approximately 30 leaflets (10 cm^) became the sample

unit.

The total numbers of eggs and nymphs per leaf on all crops except chickpea

were analysed using a Іорџо (x+1) transformation and were subjected to

ANOVA procedures with the host plant type as the grouping variable. The

significance of differences between means was tested using the LSD test

(Sokal and Rohlf 1995).

The Nymphal Transition Index (a measure of nymph survival on each host

plant) that is defined as the ratio of large nymphs (instars III + IV) to small

nymphs (instars I + II) was computed as a means of comparing host plant

suitability for SLW development. The theoretical sampling distribution of the

index was assumed to be normal. In view of this untested assumption,

differences in estimated values of the index between treatments should be

interpreted cautiously.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 71

Results and discussion

SLW juvenile stages were recorded in all samples on every crop except

chickpea. SLW had a patchy distribution with a trend towards high

h some samples contained leaves with very few or no

aggregations althoug

ions seemed to indicate that females oviposit more

SLW. Field observati

readily on leaves already infested. However, many of the eggs from these

denser infestations appeared to be infertile.

Large numbers of dead SLW adults were observed on chickpea leaves.

Quantification of adult SLW mortality on chickpea was beyond the scope of

this study. Adult mortality appeared to have been caused by the acidic

exudate of the chickpea foliage, but despite this, all juvenile stages of SLW

were recorded on chickpea, albeit at very low frequencies (Fig. 1). Many

newly-emerged adults appeared to have been killed after coming into contact

with the foliar exudate even before they had successfully unfolded their

wings. Subsequent chickpea samples contained noticeably fewer eggs and

nymphs which supports the fact that chickpea foliage produces more acid

with increasing maturity (Koundal and Sinha 1981), such that older plants

become increasingly hostile hosts (Romeis et al. 1999). These observations

support the widespread belief that chickpea is generally not a suitable host for

whitefly development. For these reasons, chickpea was excluded from

subsequent analyses of SLW abundance.

[DEggs —

Small Nymphs

Large Nymphs |

о

T

©

Mean log density/10 sq. ст

©

о

о

o

№

©

Fig. 1. Temporal abundance of SLW eggs, small (instars I and II) and large (instars III

and IV) nymphs on Chickpea.

72 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Oviposition preference

The host plants could be classified into three groups (Fig. 2). Sesame was a

preferred host attracting a significantly greater number of eggs than any other

crop whereas mungbean was least preferred (Fig. 2). Cowpea, niger, lablab,

peanut and soybean were intermediate for oviposition. There was sustained

oviposition pressure on sesame, soybean and lablab throughout the

assessment with egg densities often as high as 1000 cm?

9 0.80

о 0.60

o

= 0.40

9 0.20

Liow bc bc с be be be

0.00

Fig. 2. Mean abundance of SLW eggs on nine crop plants. Letters indicate statistical

significance of differences between means (LSD Test, а = 0.05). Means sharing the

same letters are not significantly different.

density/sq. cm

BR

о ©

Nymphal density

The host plants could also be classified into three groups with respect to

nymphal SLW abundance, although the overlap among groups was greater

(Fig. 3). Mungbean, cowpea, niger and peanut had comparatively few nymphs

whereas sesame, soybean and lablab had the highest numbers of nymphs

throughout the assessment. As first instars do not move very far after

hatching, these large egg densities resulted in nymphal densities greater than

500 nymphs cm?. Physical space becomes a scarce resource as these nymphs

grow and mature. The mature nymphs and pupae are many times larger than

the first instars and in some extreme cases crowding meant that pupae were

scarcely in contact with the leaf surface. Plants appeared to sustain quite high

levels of insect attack before leaves showed signs of senescence.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 73

Fig. 3. Mean abundance of SLW nymphs on nine crop plants. Letters indicate

statistical significance of differences between means (LSD Test, a = 0.05). Means

sharing the same letters are not significantly different.

Nymphal Transition Index

There was considerable variation in the nymphal transition index among host

plant species (Fig. 4). Few SLW individuals developed to the late nymphal

stages on mungbean, sesame and peanut. By comparison, a greater proportion

of eggs laid on lablab, cowpea and soybean developed through to large

nymphs and adults. Low egg and nymphal abundance combined with a low

transition index value on mungbean strongly indicated that this host is not

preferred by adults and is less suitable for nymphal development than the

other hosts evaluated. In contrast, sesame was highly preferred for oviposition

and harboured large numbers of small nymphs. However, competition for

plant resources experienced by the small nymphs is a likely cause for

relatively fewer individuals developing into large nymphs on sesame. Thus,

SLW survival to the adult stage on sesame may be a function of density-

dependent mortality of small nymphs.

By virtue of their susceptibility to SLW infestation, sesame, soybean and

lablab must be considered high risk cropping options in parts of central

Queensland where SLW is likely to become an endemic pest. In such areas,

mungbean is likely to be a safer cropping alternative.

74 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

1.40

1.20

о

Á

o

Mean Nymphal Transition Index

^ а, 2 9 Ф > % ^ v

Ка se S S

Ki ү € GU LY LS QU о E

О IS)

Fig. 4. Mean SLW Nymphal Transition Index on nine crop plants. Letters indicate

statistical significance of differences between means (LSD Test, a = 0.05). Means

sharing the same letters are not significantly different.

Acknowledgements

This work was jointly funded by the Cotton and Grains R&D Corporations.

References

DE BARRO, Р.Ј. 1995. Bemisia tabaci biotype B: a review of its biology, distribution and

control. CSIRO Division of Entomology Technical Paper No 36; 2nd Edition; 58 pp.

FRANZMANN, B.A., LEA, D.R. and DE BARRO, P.J. 1998. The distribution and parasitism

of biotypes of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in cotton areas of Queensland. Pp 461-463, in:

Proceedings of the Ninth Australian Cotton Conference, Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland.

Australian Cotton Growers Research Association, Brisbane.

GUNNING, R.V. and COTTAGE, E. 2000. The spread of B-Biotype Bemisia tabaci into

Australian cotton. Pp 161-164, in: Proceedings of the Tenth Australian Cotton Conference,

Brisbane, Queensland. Australian Cotton Growers Research Association, Brisbane.

GUNNING, R.V., BYRNE, F.J., CONDÉ, B.D., CONNELLY, M.L, HERGSTROM, К. and

DEVONSHIRE, A.L. 1995. First report of B-biotype Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera:

Aleyrodidae) in Australia. Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 34(2): 116.

KOUNDAL, K.K. and SINHA, S.K. 1981. Malic acid exudation and photosynthetic

characteristics in Cicer arietinum. Phytochemistry 20: 1251-1252.

ROMEIS, J., SHANOWER, Т.С. and ZEBITZ, C.P.W. 1999. Why Trichogramma

(Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) egg parasitoids of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera:

Noctuidae) fail on chickpea. Bulletin of Entomological Research 89: 89-95.

SOKAL, R.R. and ROHLF, F.J. 1995. Biometry. Third Edition. W.H. Freeman & Co., New

York; xix + 887 pp.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 75-78 75

A NEW SPECIES OF NIRVANOPSIS VANE-WRIGHT

(LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE) FROM THE SULA ISLANDS,

INDONESIA

CHRIS J. MULLER

! ndochina Goldfields, Ikh Zasag Urgun Chuluu, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

(address for correspondence: PO Box 3228, Dural, NSW 2158)

Abstract

Nirvanopsis susah sp. n. is described and figured from Taliabu Island in the Sula Group, near

Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Introduction

The genus Nirvana Tsukada & Nishiyama was established for the type

species N. hypnus Tsukada & Nishiyama from Torajaland, central Sulawesi

(Tsukada and Nishiyama 1979). As the name Nirvana Kirkaldy had been

used previously for a genus of leaf hoppers (Hemiptera), Vane-Wright (in

Vane-Wright and de Jong 2003) proposed the new name, Nirvanopsis Vane-

Wright.

The position of Nirvanopsis within the satyrine tribe Mycalesini is presently

uncertain (e.g. Aoki et al. 1982, d'Abrera 1985, Monteiro and Pierce 2001),

although Vane-Wright and Fermon (2003) considered this genus to be closest

to Lohora Moore.

A. second species in the genus was collected recently in the Sula group of

islands, near Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is described below.

Depositories are abbreviated as follows: AMS — Australian Museum, Sydney;

CJMC - Private collection of C. J. Müller, Sydney.

Nirvanopsis susah sp. n.

(Figs 1-3)

Types. Holotype О", INDONESIA: central Taliabu Island, 1220 m, Sula Islands,

16.vii.2003, C.J. Müller, genitalia dissected and attached to specimen (in AMS).

Paratype ©', same data as holotype (CJMC).

Description. Male (Figs 1-2). Forewing length 29 mm, antenna 12.8 mm.

Head dark brown with fine brown hairs, light brown ventrally; antenna black;

labial palpus light brown; eyes hairy, orange-brown, narrowly ringed white.

Thorax deep brown above, light brown beneath, clothed with fine brown

hairs; legs light brown. Abdomen orange-brown above, light brown beneath.

Forewing with costa and inner margin slightly bowed, termen convex near

apex and slightly falcate near tornus, cubitus and base of vein 1A + 2A

swollen, anal vein with median kink and large black sex brand, latter between

anal vein and inner margin; above dark brown with cell and basal area deep

orange-brown, median area orange from inner margin to just above vein M;,

very poorly defined black spots in postmedian area between veins M, and M;

76 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Figs 1-3. Nirvanopsis susah sp. n., male. (1) upperside; (2) underside; (3) genitalia:

(a) lateral view; (b) dorsal view; (c) left valva; (d) aedeagus, lateral view. Scale bar =

0.5 mm (Fig. 3 only).

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 77

and between veins CuA, and CuA;, very faint black subterminal line parallel

to termen, cilia grey-brown; beneath deep red-brown, with pale orange-fawn

median band, sharply defined towards base and diffuse toward termen, basal

area light brown with red-brown band in centre of cell parallel to termen,

discocellulars dark brown, termen narrowly brown-black with parallel

subterminal line of similar colouring, separated and bounded by fine cream-

brown line, a large black subapical spot, centered white and progressively

ringed with orange-brown through to dark brown. Hindwing relatively

pronounced at tornus and at vein ends, giving the wings a serrated

appearance, grey-brown sex brand at base in radial sector; above orange with

outer one-third deep orange-brown, basal half of cell deep grey and inner

margin broadly grey-brown, termen narrowly black with a fine subterminal

line of similar colouring, parallel to termen, separated and bounded by red-

brown, a small subtornal black spot between veins CuA, and CuA;, cilia deep

grey; beneath deep red-brown with orange-fawn median band bound by

irregular row of white-centered black postmedian spots ringed orange and

brown, spots absent between veins СиА and Mb, basal area light brown,

termen narrowly grey-black with parallel subterminal line of similar

colouring, separated and bound by orange-cream.

Male genitalia (Fig. 3). Tegumen rounded dorsally, uncus sharply pointed and

swollen apically, gnathos brachia sharply tapered apically, bowed inwards

towards anterior, vinculum narrow in centre, valvae very narrow, club-

shaped, saccus short and blunt, aedeagus tapered anteriorly.

Female. Unknown.

Etymology. The Bahasa Indonesian word ‘susah’ translates as ‘difficult’ and

reflects the obstinate means of reaching the type locality of this new species

in the mountains of Taliabu Island.

Comments. Nirvanopsis susah sp. n. is a very distinctive taxon but its sex

brand, wing shape and pattern imply its position within Nirvanopsis. It differs

from N. hypnus in several respects, the most obvious being its more typical

satyrine colouration of brown and orange, while the latter has an unusual pied

colouration. Additionally, N. susah is larger than N. hypnus, the hindwing

termen is less serrated, while the forewing termen is slighly more falcate. The

upperside bands of both wings are diffuse in N. susah and sharply defined in

N. hypnus. The sex brand along the inner margin of the forewing upperside is

also much larger in №. susah when compared with N. hypnus. Beneath, the

large ocellus in the subtornal area of the forewing of N. hypnus is absent in N.

susah and the pale, triangular submarginal markings on both surfaces of both

wings are only vestigial in N. susah. The dark subbasal band on the hindwing

underside is curved toward the thorax in N. susah, while in N. hypnus this

band swings toward the termen.

78 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

N. susah males were taken as they flew about eight metres above the ground

in very dense moss forest on an ill-defined ridge summit. They only flew in

bright sunshine between 07:00 and 09:00 hours and were not seen outside

these times. Adults always settled head downwards on leaves growing close

to large tree trunks, from where they exhibited territorial behaviour, and while

in flight resembled Vagrans egista (Stoll) (Nymphalidae).

Acknowledgements

Vicki Savvas is thanked for her assistance in the field in the Sula Islands.

Richard Vane-Wright and John Tennent (The Natural History Museum,

London) kindly provided relevant literature. Dr Max Moulds (Australian

Museum, Sydney) allowed the use of scientific equipment for this research.

References

AOKI, T., YAMAGUCHI, S. and UÉMURA, Y. 1982. Satyridae, Libytheidae. In: Tsukada, E.

(ed.). Butterflies of the South East Asian Islands 3: 1-628. Tokyo.

D'ABRERA, B. 1985. Butterflies of the Oriental Region. Vol. 2, Nymphalidae, Satyridae and

Amathusiidae. Hill House, Victoria; pp 245-534.

MONTEIRO, A. and PIERCE, N.E. 2001. Phylogeny of Bicyclus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

inferred from COI, СОП, and EF-1a gene sequences. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

27(1): 1-18.

TSUKADA, E. and NISHIYAMA, Y. 1979. On some species of butterflies from Indonesia and

Philippines with the description of new genus, new species and new subspecies. Memoirs of the

Tsukada Collection 1: 1-28.

VANE-WRIGHT, R.I. and de JONG, R. 2003. The butterflies of Sulawesi: annotated checklist

for a critical island fauna. Zoologische Verhandelingen, Leiden 343: 3-267, figs 1-14, pls 1-16.

VANE-WRIGHT, R.I. and FERMON, Н. 2003. Taxonomy and identification of Lohora Moore

(Lepidoptera: Satyrinae), the Sulawesi bush-browns. Invertebrate Systematics 17: 129-141.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 79-80 79

NOTES ON A MASS AGGREGATION ОЕ ILLYRIA BURKEI

(GODING & FROGGATT) (HEMIPTERA: CICADIDAE)

IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

MARK G. SANDERS

Suite 5b, 1 Swann Rd, Taringa, Qld 4068

Abstract

A mass aggregation of Illyria burkei (Goding & Froggatt) is described. Most individuals were

recorded resting on rough-barked tree species; however, the use of pale smooth-barked trees was

common.

Observations

Illyria burkei (Goding & Froggatt) is a common cicada species that is known

to form localised aggregations (Ewart and Popple 2001); however, details of

these aggregations are not well documented.

Between 19 and 22 January 2003, large numbers of I. burkei were observed

during a routine vegetation survey near Glenden in central Queensland

(21°41'Е, 148°11'N). A precise estimate of the population size was not

possible at the time, but was likely to have been well into the thousands. Most

individuals were observed within a 15 m radius of a small stand of Brigalow

(Acacia harpophylla), near a small creek line. In all, 90% of individuals were

estimated to be contained within an area of approximately 900 m’.

Individuals were observed primarily resting on the trunks and branches of

dark, rough-barked brigalow as well as other nearby rough-barked tree

species, particularly Bauhinia (Lysiphyllum cunninghamii). The use of such

trees is well known for the species (Moulds 1990). Individuals on these trees

were usually resting approximately 0.6-2 m above ground.

In addition to rough-barked trees, they were also common on pale smooth-

barked Forest blue gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis), which were not far from

the brigalow stand. Illyria burkei is seldom recorded on smooth-barked

species (Moulds 1990) and large numbers of individuals on these trees is

unusual. Sample counts of /. burkei on these smooth-barked trees indicated an

average of 55.66 (SD = 22.58; n = 6) cicadas per tree. All individuals on

these trees were approximately 3 m above ground, before any substantial

branching of the main trunk.

Individuals, on average, were estimated to be spaced from 10-15 cm apart,

regardless of the type of tree they were on.

The vegetation of the immediate area surrounding the stand of brigalow was

substantially different. It consisted predominantly of Bauhinia, Belah

(Casuarina cristata) and Forest blue gum along the nearby creek. It is likely

that the high density of cicadas forced individuals from more favourable

resting locations (e.g. brigalow) onto less favourable positions.

80 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Discussion

The emergence patterns of /. burkei have not been studied in detail. However,

the sheer number of individuals observed during the survey suggests they may

be an explosive emerger (Ewart 2001). An examination of specimens

collected from trees and found dead on the ground indicated there was a slight

bias in the population towards males (59%; n = 63), which is consistent with

other synchronously emerging species in Australia (Ewart 2001).

Approximately 45 mm of rain had fallen in the area three weeks prior to the

survey, which was the first substantial fall of the summer (only 35 mm had

fallen in the preceding six months). This had caused fresh growth on the

brigalow and it is possible that the rainfall triggered the synchronous eclosion

of this species.

References

EWART, A. 2001. Emergence patterns and densities of cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) near

Caloundra, south-east Queensland. Australian Entomologist 28(3): 69-84.

EWART, A. and POPPLE L.W. 2001. Cicadas, and their songs, from south-western

Queensland. Queensland Naturalist 39(4-6): 52-69.

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

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 81-82 81

THE OCCURRENCE OF APPIAS OLFERNA SWINHOE

(LEPIDOPTERA: PIERIDAE) ON CHRISTMAS ISLAND,

INDIAN OCEAN

TREVOR A. LAMBKIN! and A. IAN KNIGHT

'Entomology Building, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, 80 Meiers Road,

Indooroopilly, Qld 4068 (Email: Trevor.Lambkin@dpi.qld.gov.au)

270 Exton Road, Exton, Tas 7303

Abstract

Appias olferna Swinhoe is newly recorded from Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. Both sexes are

illustrated, the species’ identification discussed and field observations documented.

Introduction

The genus Appias Hiibner is a wide-ranging pantropical group of 37

Neotropical, Afrotropical and Indo-Australian species (Parsons 1998). About

30 species are found in the Indo-Australian Region, with four currently

known to extend into Australia (Braby 2000), where they are rapid flyers and

frequent primary and secondary forests. Males, in particular, patrol

watercourses where they imbibe mineralised water from bordering damp sand

(Parsons 1998). The life histories of most species are not well known but

larvae have been recorded feeding on Capparis species (Capparaceae)

(Parsons 1998, Braby 2000). During a field trip in January and February 2003

to Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, one of us (AIK) collected a series of an

Appias species that differed from A. paulina micromalayana Fruhstorfer,

already known from Christmas Island (Moulds and Lachlan 1987). In this

paper it is identified as A. olferna Swinhoe, previously unrecorded from

Australia (Moulds and Lachlan 1987, Braby 2000).

Appias olferna Swinhoe

(Figs 1-2)

Material examined. CHRISTMAS ISLAND (INDIAN OCEAN). 8 ос, 29.1.2003

(3), 2.11.2003, 7.11.2003, 10.11.2003 (3); 9 99, 15.1.2003, 1.11.2003 (4), 3.11.2003,

5.11.2003, 10.11.2003 (2), A.I. Knight (in AIK and TAL collections).

Comments. Appias olferna is a distinctive but variable species (Yata 1981,

Inayoshi 2001), although specimens collected on Christmas Island did not

vary and were as in Figures | and 2. It lies in the /ibythea group of Appias,

characterised by bearing two wing-folds in the cell of the forewing (Yata

1981). Within this group A. o/ferna can be separated from the closely related

A. libythea (Fabricius) by having a submarginal black band on the male

forewing and a row of white submarginal spots in the female (Yata 1981).

There are also distinct differences in the male genitalia between the two

species (Yata 1981). A. olferna is one of the most common species of Appias

and is distributed from Indo-China to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, eastern

Java and western Philippines (Yata 1981). Christmas Island lies about 400 km

due south of eastern Java. A. libythea 1s known from India (Yata 1981).

82 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

Figs 1-2. Appias olferna Swinhoe. (1) male: upperside [left], underside [right],

forewing length 26 mm, Christmas Island, 10.ii.2003, A.I. Knight; (2) female:

upperside [left], underside [right], forewing length 29 mm, Christmas Island,

1.11.2003, А.Т. Knight.

Field observations

Both sexes of A. olferna were observed over most of the island, particularly

in rainforest areas, but at times in open forest and suburban areas. Males were

only observed flying in bright sunshine, most often flying rapidly along the

edges of rainforest and road cuttings, where they would only settle very

occasionally and briefly on blossom. In these flight paths males would often

dogfight and spiral together. Females flew not more than a metre above

ground in a fluttering zigzag manner, often in undergrowth, and settled often.

Acknowledgements

We thank Parks Australia North-Christmas Island, in particular the local

manager M. Orchard, for permission to collect in National Park areas and for

providing accommodation and assistance for the field study. J.S. Bartlett gave

valuable assistance with preparation of the colour plate. -

References

BRABY, M.F. 2000. Butterflies of Australia: their identification, biology and distribution.

CSIRO publishing, Collingwood, Victoria; xx + 976 pp.

INAYOSHI, Y. 2001. A checklist of butterflies in Indo-China. [website] http://yutaka.it-n.jp/

pie/20220001.html.

MOULDS, M.S. and LACHLAN, R.B. 1987. The butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Christmas Island,

Indian Ocean. Australian Entomological Magazine 14(4,5): 57-66.

PARSONS, M.J. 1998. The butterflies of Papua New Guinea: their systematics and biology.

Academic Press, London; xvi + 736 pp, xxvi + 136 pls.

YATA, O. 1981. Pieridae: Pp 205-438, pls 1-84 (pp 33-120), in: Tsukada, E. (ed.), Butterflies of

the South East Asian islands. П. Pieridae, Danaidae. Plapac Co. Ltd., Japan; 628 pp.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2): 83-91 83

SUCCESSFUL ESTABLISHMENT OF ENCARSIA ?HAITIENSIS

DOZIER (HYMENOPTERA: APHELINIDAE) IN TORRES STRAIT,

QUEENSLAND, FOR THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF

ALEURODICUS DISPERSUS RUSSELL (HEMIPTERA:

ALEYRODIDAE)

TREVOR A. LAMBKIN

Entomology Building, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, 80 Meiers Road,

Indooroopilly, Qld 4068 (Email: Trevor.Lambkin@dpi.qld.gov.au)

Abstract

Introductions of Encarsia ?haitiensis Dozier into Australia for the biological control of

Aleurodicus dispersus Russell were made directly into the field on Boigu Island, Torres Strait,

Queensland. The methodology used to import the parasitoid and its subsequent release

throughout the Torres Strait region is described. In all cases establishment of the parasitoid was

recorded within 20 months of releases, commonly quite sooner. There appeared to be an

inversely proportional relationship between the numbers of parasitoids released at a location and

the time taken for the parasitoid to establish.

Introduction

Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, the spiralling whitefly, is a major pest of many

fruit trees, vegetables and ornamental plants in the tropics (Waterhouse and

Norris 1989). The species is believed to have originated in the wet tropics of

Central and South America (Russell 1965, Caballero 1994). It has a high

reproductive rate, an ability to rapidly disperse (Kumashiro et al. 1983,

Waterhouse and Norris 1989) and an extensive host range (Wen et al. 1994,

Lambkin 1999) and, consequently, is now almost pan tropical in distribution

(CAB International 1993, Lambkin 1996, 1999), even extending into

subtropical and temperate climates (Russell 1965, Wen et al. 1994, Manzano

et al. 1995). The first sighting of A. dispersus on Australian territory was by

the Northern Australian Quarantine Strategy [NAQS] in 1991 on Boigu

Island in Torres Strait, Queensland (Fig. 1). It subsequently spread to almost

all of the inhabited Torres Strait islands (Waterhouse and Sands 2001) and

now occurs as far south as Mackay, Queensland.

An undescribed species of Encarsia Foerster, known as E. ?haitiensis

(Kumashiro ef al. 1983, Waterhouse and Norris 1989) has been used almost

exclusively for the biological control of this pest. It reproduces

parthenogenetically and consequently a high proportion of progeny are

females (Lambkin 1996). Waterhouse and Sands (2001) concluded that it was

undescribed and incorrectly named (Hawaii Department of Agriculture 1981,

Kumashiro et al. 1983) because the female resembles the yellow-coloured

female of true E. haitiensis Dozier, which is recorded from Cuba and Haiti

(De Santis 1979), where it is known to parasitise species of Aleuroglandulus

Bondar (Aleyrodidae). E. ?haitiensis is believed to have originated in

Trinidad (Kumashiro et al. 1983) and was first introduced into the Hawaiian

Islands in 1979 (Hawaii Department of Agriculture 1981, Kumashiro et al.

1983). Following its establishment there, it was introduced throughout the

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

84

`59$®ә[әл JO St[juOUI OM} шим 59318 ƏSLA PISMO paJoAOOSIp әләл\ splojIse1ed әләцл\ әлә „ ue Aq pojeorpur suonisod

‘sayIs oseo[o1 projrse1ed poroquinu :pue[sp Aepsinyy ‘pomoue pue[s Áepsunu L jo uontsod әлцрүәл :иоїЗәл jeg sono ү “Sly

"5| SOIEM

NF420

OIAIOFd

`$ BOW ;

lasi прев

|

к

|

E^ Keunyw. © Beingew

s| шед?

sieo — [IVMIS

`5] 9300A ^

‘sı Kojueg o^ SAMNUOL

o

's| sueudeis ~~. с? S| veneg

sieges 77

aT _~'s| пбюв

[n Uie Inl

$0 vo го 20 10

TANNVHDO 51713

лолмәзә LLW

11ҷәѕоу

On

{2

AOFSS¥d NITd¥

GNF'ISI AVAUSYNHL

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 85

Pacific where it has significantly reduced pest numbers (Waterhouse and

Norris 1989, Waterhouse and Sands 2001). This same Encarsia species was

released on Boigu Island in 1992 soon after A. dispersus was detected.

Despite its widespread use as a control agent for A. dispersus, there is nothing

formally published that outlines the methods used to collect and import Ё.

?haitiensis, release it and confirm its establishment. In this paper I describe

the methods used in the Torres Strait region to import, collect, release and

confirm establishment of E. ?haitiensis in A. dispersus populations. Also

documented is the parasitoid’s establishment in the region and parameters that

may control its rate of establishment are discussed.

Materials and methods

Importing and releasing parasitoids into Boigu Island

Following the incursion of A. dispersus into Boigu Island, the Australian

Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and the Australian Nature

Conservation Agency (ANCA) approved the importation and release of E.

?haitiensis to control the pest. At that time, the Secretariat of the Pacific

Community (SPC) (then the South Pacific Commission) in Fiji was culturing

the parasitoid and consignments from this colony, guaranteed by SPC to be

pathogen and hyperparasitoid free, were being used to control pest

infestations throughout the Pacific (Waterhouse and Norris 1989). Therefore,

in 1992 two consignments of parasitoid pupae were imported from Fiji into

Boigu for release directly into the field (Fig. 1, Table 1). The consignments

contained adult parasitoids and parasitoid pupae inside whitefly nymphs free

of plant material, in sealed plastic vials (70 mm high, 50 mm diameter) with

moist paper wicks. The moist wicks provided water for the adult parasitoids

and maintained high humidity inside the vials during transport. All adult

parasitoids died in transit and the vials containing the parasitoid pupae inside

whitefly nymphs were opened and suspended horizontally using narrow gauge

wire, within infested vegetation as close as practicable (maximum distance

100 mm) to nymphal stages of A. dispersus. Because of windy or squally

conditions at the time of both releases, vials containing the parasitoid pupae

were confined with target infestations in fine gauze sleeves under plastic

shelters. The sleeves and plastic shelters were removed after approximately

10 days when parasitoid emergence was estimated to be complete. Dead

parasitoids (adult or pupae) remaining in all release vials were counted after

the release periods to determine the proportion of successful emergence and,

therefore, the number of parasitoids released.

Collection and release of parasitoids in other Torres Strait locations

After establishment of E. ?haitiensis on Boigu was confirmed, parasitoid

pupae inside whitefly nymphs free of associated plant material were collected

and transported from Boigu to Thursday Island for release (Fig. 1). Parasitoid

pupae were collected by gently rubbing the white, flocculent wax off the

86 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

6 T A ` C ў 1 7 + i A 2 1

Figs 2-7. (2) Aleurodicus dispersus: late instar nymphs; (3) release vials for Encarsia

?haitiensis with parasitised late instar A. dispersus nymphs attached to fluted paper;

(4-7) A. dispersus: (4) live late instar nymph showing normal yellow body colour;

(5) late instar nymph showing dark body containing E. ?haitiensis parasitoid pupa;

(6) previously parasitised late instar nymph showing adult E. ?haitiensis parasitoid

emergence hole in exoskeleton of nymph; (7) late instar nymphs and adults. All scale

ars = 1 mm.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 87

dorsal surface of 3rd and 4th (late) instar A. dispersus nymphs and then

microscopically assessing them for parasitism. Parasitised nymphs were then

gently transferred from their leaf substrate using fine, sharp-nosed jeweller’s

forceps, to the edge of thick, fluted paper that was firmly inserted into plastic

vials (Fig. 3). When assessing for parasitism 3rd and 4th instar nymphs were

grouped together as both instars are difficult to distinguish because of their

covering of white, flocculent wax (Fig. 2). A piece of moistened flat sponge

was fitted into the bottom of each vial under the fluted paper to maintain high

humidity and avoid desiccation of parasitoid pupae. The plastic vials were 55

x 45 mm with plastic screw cap lids and each lid had a single hole 15 mm in

diameter covered with fine stainless steel screen of aperture 0.5 mm. Most

often 50 parasitoid pupae were placed in each vial (arrowed in Fig. 3). As

parasitoid pupae vibrate when just pupated, only vibrating pupae were

collected so that no adult emergence occurred in transit. Emergence of adult

parasitoids was further minimized or avoided by maintaining the shipment at

a low temperature (~20°C) and by restricting collection and transport times to

two days in total.

The method of release on Thursday Island was similar to that used on Boigu

except the gauze sleeves and plastic shelters were not used, the piece of

moistened flat sponge fitted into the bottom of each vial was removed before

hanging the vial in the field (Fig. 3) and, on Thursday Island, there were more

releases made and more E. ?haitiensis released (Table 2). Subsequently,

parasitoid pupae were then progressively collected from Thursday Island and

released over A. dispersus at other locations in the Torres Strait region (Table

1). The method of collection and release was the same as used for Thursday

Island releases.

Confirming establishment of parasitoids

To confirm establishment of E. ?haitiensis at locations where releases were

made, 100 mature leaves were collected randomly from each infested plant,

leaves examined microscopically, and late instar nymphs of A. dispersus were

assessed for parasitism. Late instar nymphs were chosen as suitable stages to

assess for parasitism as they were easily identified by the covering of large

amounts of white, flocculent wax (Figs 2, 4) and because parasitoid pupae

could be seen microscopically through the exoskeleton of the nymph

(arrowed in Fig. 5). Mature larvae of E. ?haitiensis are yellow and can be

seen inside A. dispersus nymphs. Parasitoid pupae are at first yellow but after

approximately 24 hours (in tropical temperatures) they darken and begin to

vibrate within the whitefly nymph. Pupae stop vibrating 1-2 days before

eclosion and when emerging, the adults make a neat round emergence hole

(arrowed in Fig. 6) in the abdominal end of the parasitised nymph.

Unparasitised nymphs are creamy yellow in colour (arrowed in Fig. 4) and,

after eclosion, have a ragged Y shaped emergence hole in the thoracic area of

the empty nymphal shell.

88 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

The other stages of A. dispersus were considered too difficult to accurately

count, as adults (Fig. 7) are highly mobile and egg and young nymphal stages

are too difficult to identify when embedded and concealed in wax produced

by older instars. Presence of the parasitoid (i.e. assumed establishment) at

each site was identified by the presence of at least one parasitised or

previously parasitised nymph in the 100 leaves examined. A quick indication

of parasitisism can be made prior to microscopic examination by viewing

infested leaves through strong background light, such as sunlight, then

checking with the naked eye for the presence of parasitised nymphs that

appear predominantly black when compared with the creamy yellow colour of

live nymphs.

Table 1. Releases of Encarsia ?haitiensis over Aleurodicus dispersus in the Torres

Strait region from 1992-1996.

Release Source of Number of Number Release dates Earliest

location parasitoids individuals of release confirmed

released sites establishment

Boigu Is Ex SPC 92 2 Apr, Sep 1992 Feb 1994

culture

Thursday Is Ex field 1271 22 May, Jun, Aug, June 1994*

"^ Boigu Oct 1994

Horn Is Ex field 220 3 May, Jun 1994 Aug 1994

Boigu

Prince of Ex field 219 3 Aug 1994 Oct 1994

Wales Is Thursday

Hammond Is Ex field 100 2 Nov 1994 Oct 1995

: Thursday

Murray Is Ex field 54 2 Nov 1994, Mar Apr 1996

Thursday 1995

Yorke Is Ex field 73 2 Nov 1994, Mar Aug 1999^

Thursday 1995

Saibai Is Ex field 100 1 Mar 1994 Apr 1995

Boigu

Dauan Is Ex field 113 1 Mar 1994 April 1995

Boigu

Yam Is Ex field 100 2 Mar 1994 November

Boigu 1995

Coconut Is Ex field 100 2 Oct 1995 Oct 1995*

Thursday

Darnley Is Ex field 308 2 Apr 1996 not revisited

Thursday

Seisia (Cape Ex field 776 11 Aug, Oct, Nov Jun 1995”,

York) Thursday 1995, Jun 1996 Mar 1996

*Field sampling while releases were still occurring suggested that populations were

established as early as June 1994; "E. ?haitiensis were found already established;

‘Populations of A. dispersus and E. ?haitiensis were not observed between 1994 and

1999 [J.G. Grimshaw, NAQS record].

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 89

Parasitoid establishment results and discussion

Establishment of the parasitoid was recorded within 20 months of release,

commonly quite sooner, at all sites in the Torres Strait region (Tables 1 and

2). On Coconut Island and at Seisia, parasitoids were discovered prior to any

releases being made (Table 1). Interestingly, on Yorke Island (Table 1) low

numbers of A. dispersus were first discovered in November 1994 and

parasitoids were released at that time. However, А. dispersus and its

parasitoid were not observed again on the island until August 1999 (Table 1),

despite regular searching by NAQS officers (J.G. Grimshaw, pers. comm.,

2002). Sampling on Boigu and Thursday Islands in March 2001 confirmed

that the parasitoid was still established and widely distributed.

Table 2. Releases of Encarsia ?haitiensis over Aleurodicus dispersus infestations at

22 sites on Thursday Island. Site numbers refer to locations marked on Fig. 1.

Site Number Released Host plant on which A. disperses Date of

number released colonies were located and confirmed

released over establishment

1 100 June 1994 Terminalia catappa March 1995

2 100 June 1994 Malvastrum coromandelianum August 1994

3 50 June 1994 Psidium guajava March 1995

4 21 June 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana April 1995

5 100 June 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana March 1995

6 100 May 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana June 1994

7 50 August 1994 Quisqualis indica April 1995

8 50 August 1994 Musa sp. April 1995

9 50 August 1994 Manihot esculenta August 1995

10 50 August 1994 Carica papaya March 1995

11 50 August 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana March 1995

12 50 August 1994 Psidium guajava April 1995

13 50 August 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana April 1995

14 50 August 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana April 1995

15 50 October 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana April 1995

16 50 October 1994 Carica papaya April 1995

17 50 October 1994 Musa sp. April 1995

18 50 October 1994 Terminalia catappa April 1995

19 50 October 1994 Terminalia catappa April 1995

20 50 October 1994 Musa sp. April 1995

21 50 October 1994 Terminalia muelleri April 1995

22 50 October 1994 Acalypha wilkesiana April 1995

In general, across the Torres Strait region, numbers of parasitoids released at

every location were roughly inversely proportional to parasitoid establishment

times (Tables 1 and 2). For example, on Boigu Island, where a small number

of parasitoids were released on two occasions, establishment of the parasitoid

90 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

seemed slow and localised as, in February 1994, parasitism was still

unrecorded on some hosts in the village, even at and close to where the two

releases were made. In contrast, on Thursday Island, where a much larger

number of parasitoids were released at 22 sites, establishment of the

parasitoid occurred more rapidly with its detection recorded at all release sites

within 12 months (Fig. 1, Table 2). Moreover, significant movement of the

parasitoid was confirmed on Thursday Island by its detection well outside the

release areas in the southwest of the island in August 1994, less than two

months after the first introduction (Table 2). Discovery of the parasitoid in А.

dispersus populations on Coconut Island and at Seisia without deliberate

releases being made indicates that random unintentional introductions of

parasitoids do occur. Parasitoids may be introduced on infested plant

material, as movements of such material have been observed in the Torres

Strait region (unpublished observations). The disappearance of A. dispersus

and the parasitoid for approximately five years on Yorke Island in late 1994

may have resulted from a local extinction of the pest and the parasitoid on the

island, with a reintroduction of both occurring some time just prior to 1999.

In conclusion, the results from introductions of Encarsia ?haitiensis in the

Torres Strait region to control А. dispersus indicate that establishment can

occur from a small number of introductions using relatively few parasitoids,

but faster establishment can be achieved by making more releases each with a

larger number of parasitoids.

Acknowledgements

I thank the Horticultural Research Development Corporation, Queensland

Banana Industry Protection Board and QDPI for providing financial support

for this research. Special thanks are extended to the northern Torres Strait

Islands’ councils and people for their cooperation and assistance during the

time of my fieldwork. I thank L. Bond of QDPI for valuable technical

assistance whilst in the field, J.G. Grimshaw of the Northern Australian

Quarantine Strategy [NAQS] for additional information, M.P. Zalucki (UQ St

Lucia) for critically reviewing the manuscript and J.S. Bartlett (QDPI) for

assistance with the map and figures.

References

CAB INTERNATIONAL. 1993. Aleurodicus dispersus Russell. Distribution maps of pests Map

No. 476.

CABALLERO, R. 1994. Clave de campo para inmaduros do moscas blancas de

Centroamerica (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Escuela Agricola Panamericana, Zamorano,

Honduras; 4 pp.

DE SANTIS, L. 1979. Catalogo de Los Himenopteros Calcidoideos de America al Sur de Los

estados unidos. Comision di Investigaciones Cientificas de las Provincia Beunos Aires, La

Plata; 488 pp.

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 1981. Hawaii Pest Report. Plant Pest Control

Branch 1(5): 1-10.

Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2) 9]

KUMASHIRO, B.R., LAI, P.Y., FUNASAKI, G.Y. and TERAMOTO, K.K. 1983. Efficacy of

Nephaspis amnicola and Encarsia ?haitiensis in controlling Aleurodicus dispersus in Hawaii.

Proceedings of the Hawaiian Entomological Society 24(2,3): 261-269.

LAMBKIN, Т.А. 1996. Pest status and control of spiraling whitefly in Queensland. Department

of Primary Industries, Information Series Q196075; 59 pp.

LAMBKIN, Т.А. 1999. A host list for Aleurodicus dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

in Australia. Australian Journal of Entomology 38: 373-376.

MANZANO, F., CARNERO, A., PEREZ, F. and GONZALEZ, A. 1993. Ataques de una mosca

blanca (Aleurodicus dispersus) en jardines y cultivos in Las Islas. Canarias Agraria 21: 15-16.

RUSSELL, L.M. 1965. A new species of Aleurodicus Douglas and two close relatives

(Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Florida Entomologist 48(1): 47-55.

WATERHOUSE, D.F. and NORRIS, K.R. 1989. Biological control - Pacific prospects.

Supplement 1. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra; vii + 123 pp.

WATERHOUSE, D.F. and SANDS, D.P.A. 2001. Classical biological control of arthropods in

Australia. ACIAR monograph No. 77; 560 pp.

WEN, H.C., HSU, T.C. and CHEN, C.N. 1994. Supplementary description and host plants of

the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell. Chinese Journal of Entomology 14: 147-

161.

92 Australian Entomologist, 2004, 31 (2)

BOOK REVIEW

Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera): catalogue, by A. Larochelle and M.-C. Lariviére.

Fauna of New Zealand, Number 43, Ko te Aitanga Pepeke o Aotearoa. 2001. Manaaki

Whenua Press, Lincoln, New Zealand; 285 pp, softback. ISBN 0-478-09342-X. Price

US$72.50.

For far too long the study of New Zealand beetles has been hampered by a heavy

burden of unresolved synonymy, largely as a result of uncritical work by the early

authors and an up-to-date checklist has become an urgent need. The present work now

more than adequately meets this need for the ground-beetle family Carabidae.

This well crafted book opens with a popular summary of the family in both English

and the Maori language and this is followed by a concise checklist of taxa, an

overview of the history of carabid taxonomy in New Zealand and a perspective of the

fauna, in terms of general biology, ecology and relationships with those of other

regions. Then follows the Catalogue, which forms the main body of the work and

provides comprehensive information on currently accepted synonymies, aspects of

distributions and biological habits of individual species, with references to an

extensive Bibliography. Line-drawings (by D. Helmore) indicate the overall habitus

for representatives of each tribe, thumbnail distribution maps are provided for each

species and the work concludes with a taxonomic index.

This is clearly more than a mere catalogue for here we have a mine of information on

the biology of individual species, their dispersal powers and ecology and indications

are provided in certain genera, where undescribed species are known to exist in

collections. Much of this information is evidently derived from the extensive

fieldwork of the authors, who predict that the current tally of 424 known species will

likely attain 600 when the descriptive work is completed.

As would be expected for an isolated archipelago, the level of endemism is high at the

generic (58%) and specific (92%) levels, but the main affinity is with the Australian

fauna. However, the incidence of adventive species, evidently facilitated by human

activities, and derived from various exotic faunas (some as yet still unidentified), is

also a conspicuous feature; other such species are known to exist in collections but

still await formal notification.

The present compilation has obviously been undertaken with great care, as befits a

basic compendium of this kind and one looks forward to the surge of research activity

that it will certainly encourage. Perhaps its only serious shortcoming is the absence of

data concerning the extent and locations of type materials but according to the authors

this will be addressed in a later publication.

Barry P. Moore

Canberra

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

Manuscripts submitted for publication should, preferably, be type-written, double

spaced and in triplicate. Refer to recent issues for layout and style.

All papers will be forwarded to two referees and the editor reserves the right to reject

any paper considered unsuitable.

Papers longer than ten printed pages will normally not be accepted.

Papers will be accepted only if a minimum of 100 reprints is purchased. Manuscripts

occupying less than one printed page may be accepted without charge if no reprints

are required. Charges are as follows: cost per printed page $27.50 (B&W), $60

(colour) for 100 copies. Page charges may be reduced at the discretion of the

Publications Committee.

Illustrations. Both colour and B&W photographs must be submitted at the size they

are to appear in the journal. Line drawings should be about twice their required size.

Address manuscripts to: The Editor

The Australian Entomologist

P.O. Box 537,

Indooroopilly, Old, 4068

Australia

Printed by ColourWise Reproductions, 300 Ann Street, Brisbane, 4000.

THE AUSTRALIAN

Entomologist

Volume 31, Part 2, 25 June 2004

CONTENTS

GOTTS, R.I.C. AND GINN, S.G.

New subspecies of Delias Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from West Papua, Indonesia. 49

pe ни Na WA Чына Сы ES Nas we ы ыд ы е te eee

LAMBKIN, Т.А.

Successful establishment of Encarsia ?haitiensis Dozier (Hymenoptera:

Aphelinidae) in Torres Strait, Queensland, for the biological control of Aleurodicus

dispersus Russell (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

LAMBKIN, Т.А. AND KNIGHT, A.I.

The occurrence of Appias olferna Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) on

Christmas Island, Indian Ocean.

LANE, D.A. AND EDWARDS, E.D.

A new species and new records of Hypocbrysops С. & R. Felder

(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Papua New Guinea.

MOORE, A.D., SEQUEIRA, R.V. AND WOODGER, T.A.

Susceptibility of crop plants to Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B-biotype

(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in central Queensland, Australia.

MOORE, B.P.

A new cave-dwelling species of Laccocenus Sloane (Coleoptera: Carabidae:

Psydrini) from southern New South Wales.

MÜLLER, CJ.

A new species of Nirvanopsis Vane-Wright (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

from the Sula Islands, Indonesia. 75

—————————————————————777(

SANDERS, M.G.

Notes on a mass aggregation of I/lyria burkei (Goding & Froggatt)

(Hemiptera: Cicadidae) in central Queensland.

BOOK REVIEW:

Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera): catalogue. Fauna of New Zealand, No. 43.

B.P. Moore

————ÉÓÓHÉHÉ———À———À——————————————————————————————————————————————————————(e

ISSN 1320 6133