Taxonomy of the species of Amphigerontia (Psocoptera: Psocidae) of the rocky mountains of the united states and Canada

2007·7.1 MB·

by  Edward L Mockford

PROC. ENTOMOL. SOC. WASH.
109(3). 2007, pp. 700-714
TAXONOMY OF THE SPECIES OF AMPHIGERONTIA (PSOCOPTERA:
PSOCIDAE) OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS OF THE UNITED STATES
AND CANADA
Edward L. Mockford and Johannes E. Anonby
(ELM) DepartmentofBiological Sciences, CampusBox4120, Illinois State University,
Normal, IL 61790^120, U.S.A. (e-mail: [email protected]); (JEA) Sognetjordvegen
138, N-6863 Leikanger, Norway (e-mail: [email protected])
—
Abstract. Five species of psocids of the genus Aiuphigerontia Kolbe 1880, are
recorded from the Rocky Mountains of the United States and Canada.
Aiuphigerontia longicanda, n. sp., is described. Amphigerontia petiolata (Banks) is
recorded from the Rocky Mountains for the first time. The holotype of
Amphigerontia infernicola (Chapman) is re-examined and described in detail. New
characters for the separation of females of Amphigerontia bifasciata (Latreille) and
Amphigerontia montivaga (Chapman) resulted in many new records of the latter
species, previously known in the Rocky Mountains from only a single locality.
Species-level characters are reviewed and several new ones are added. A key to the
species known from North America north of Mexico is included.
Key Words: Psocoptera. Psocidae, Amphigerontia., new species. Rocky Mountains
Psocids of the genus Amphigerontia and is here named and described from
are found throughout the Rocky Moun- material collected in Arizona, New Mex-
tains of the United States and Canada. ico, and Colorado. Amphigerontia infer-
These relatively large psocids sometimes nicola (Chapman) remains known only
become abundant locally in late summer from the holotype male, collected at
and autumn on the foliage and branches West Thumb, Yellowstone National
ofconiferous trees. The species are much Park. Our restudy of the type makes
alike in superficial appearance and accu- known several additional characters for
rate identification of the Rocky Moun- recognition of this species. The other
tain species is not possible with the three species have fairly wide distribu-
existing literature. In this paper we tions elsewhere in North America
attempt to resolve this problem with (Mockford 1993). Amphigerontia petio-
a new evaluation of characters, new lata (Banks) is recorded for the first time
diagnoses, and a revised key to the from the Rocky Mountains, with local-
species. It should be noted that the term ities in New Mexico and southern
"Rocky Mountains" as used here in- Arizona. Amphigerontia montivaga
cludes the desert ranges of New Mexico, (Chapman) was previously known in
Arizona, and Utah and also an area west the Rocky Mountains from a single
of the mountains in British Columbia. locality in west-central Colorado. Prior
Five species are now known from the to the present study, many females of
Rocky Mountains. One of these is new this species were misidentified as Amphi-
VOLUME NUMBER
109, 3 701
gerontia bifasciata (Latreille) and the fact Illustrations were made with the aid of
that it is well represented in the central a drawing tube (body parts) and micro
and northern Rocky Mountains went projector (wings). Measurements (ex-
unnoticed. Amphigerontia bifasciata oc- pressed in |a.m) were made on slide-
curs throughout the Rocky Mountains mounted parts with a filar micrometer.
and north ofthemountains in the Yukon Color descriptions are based on observa-
and Northwest Territories (Mockford tions through a dissecting microscope
1993). Without presenting its copious with direct light on specimens preserved
collection data, we summarize its geo- in 80% or 95% ethyl alcohol for various
graphic, seasonal, altitudinal, and habi- periods of time.
tat distribution in the study area. Abbreviations used in the descriptions
A key to the species of Amphigerontia and measurements are as follows: FW =
known from the U.S. and Canada is forewing, HW = hindwing, F = hind
presented in which Amphigerontia con- femur, T = hind tibia, tl and t2 = hind
=
taminata (Stephens) is included. This first and second tarsomeres, tlct
European species has become established number of ctenidiobothria (comb-based
=
on conifers at Vancouver, B.C. Amphi- setae) on hind first tarsomere, fl-f3
gerontia continues southward through first to third antennal flagellomeres, lO
the mountains of Mexico and Central = least distance between compound eyes,
America, but the fauna of that area is d = lateral diameter ofa compound eye,
too poorly known for proper systematic lO/d = index thus obtained, vl-v3 =
treatment at present. first to third valvulae (ventral, dorsal,
and lateral valvulae or gonapophyses
respectively).
Materials and Methods
All measurements except those of the
Collecting by ELM was done in the type o^A. infernicola represent a mean of
field seasons of 1963, 1966, 1969, 1987, two measurements from two individuals
2001, 2002, and 2003. His former stu- from different localities.
dent, D.M. Sullivan, collected in Ari-
zona, New Mexico, and Colorado in the Evaluation of Characters
field seasons of 1984 and 1985. JEA Species-level characters for the North
collected at two localities in central American species have not been evaluat-
British Columbia in August, 1993. Other ed thoroughly, and some new ones have
A
material, primarily from Utah, is on loan been found in the present study.
from Utah State University. Approxi- review and evaluation of characters for
mately 3,000 adult specimens were ex- species discrimination follows.
amined.
Major types as well as some paratypes 1) Head characters.
ofthe single new species will be deposited a) Male lO/d. This index is relatively
in the collection of the Illinois Natural constant except in A. bifasciata. In
History Survey (INHS) Champaign, that species, much inter-popula-
Illinois. The remaining paratypes will tional variation is seen, resulting
be retained in the collection of ELM, in overlap with A. montivaga.
currently housed in the Department of b) Extent of sexual dimorphism in
Biological Sciences, Illinois State Uni- eye size. Female eyes are of
versity, Normal, Illinois. The type of A. a relatively constant small size.
infernicola is in the collection of the The eyes of the male A. petiolata
Department of Entomology, Cornell are nearly the same size as those
University, Ithaca, New York (CUIC). of the female. In the other species
702 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
males have much larger eyes than each species is included in the
females. The greatest difference is descriptions,
in some populations of A. hifas- b) Male terminal abdominal char-
ciata. lO and d are indicated acters. The epiproct and para-
separately and as an index in the procts appear to offer no useful
descriptions. characters at the light-microscopic
level.
2) Forewing characters.
(1) Median distal hypandrial pro-
a) Relative length of rs-m crossvein
cess, (Figs. 4, 9, 14, 23, 31).
(Fig. 28). This crossvein, found
This structure terminates dis-
throughout the genus, tends to be
tally in a single point in A.
shortest in A. rnontivaga, longest
bifasciata and A. petiolata, but
in A. infernicola, and intermediate
is slender throughout in the
in the other species, with A.
former and broad-based and
bifasciata towards the longer end
tapering distally in the latter
and A. longicauda n. sp. towards
species. In the others, it ends
the shorter end and overlapping
in two points and slight differ-
with A. rnontivaga. ences in shape may be ob-
b) Extent of development of the
served. Caution must be exer-
nodal band (cf. Lienhard, 1998:
cised in the case of A.
fig. 7c). This character is highly rnontivaga, where variation in
sexually dimorphic and is useful
the shape of this structure is
as an identification aid primarily notable. On its dorsal surface
for females. It is consistently wide the median distal process bears
and well-pigmented in A. rnonti-
a lobe, here termed the dorsal
vaga (Fig. 21), variable but over-
lobe (Fig. 14, d), apposing the
lapping with A. rnontivaga in A.
outer (ventral) surface of the
bifasciata (Fig. 2), somewhat nar- process. This lobe appears to
rower than in A. rnontivaga but be relatively much shorter in
well-pigmented in A. longicauda
A. infernicola than in A. bifas-
(Fig. 12), and very poorly devel- ciata, A. rnontivaga, and A.
oped in A. petiolata (Fig. 29).
Chapman (1930) mentioned this longicauda. In A. petiolata, it
is a short rim, forming a shal-
band as "inconspicuouslymarked"
low cavity enclosed ventrally
in A. infernicola but did not illus-
by the ventral wall of the
trate it.
process.
3) Abdominal characters. (2) Lateral distal hypandrial pro-
cesses (Figs. 5, 10, 15, 24, 31).
a) Color pattern of the preclunial Shape of this structure and
segments (Figs. 3, 16, 22, 30). extent of its outer crest are
These patterns are in subcuticular constant within and differ
pigment and do not maintain their among the species in this
positions well in specimens that study. Care must be taken to
have been much handled. Al- orient the structure uniformly
though they are essentially the in a temporary preparation.
same in both sexes, they are more (3) Phallomeres (paired skeletal
easily seen in females due to the elements of the phallosome,
larger abdomen. The pattern of joined by membrane). These
VOLUME NUMBER
109, 3 703
Figs. 1-8. Arnphigerontia hifasciata. 1, Male, forewing. 2, Female, forewing. 3, Female, abdomen,
lateral view. 4, Male, median distal hypandrial process, scale of Fig. 5. 5, Male, right distal hypandrial
process. 6, Female, subgenital plate. 7, Female, spermapore plate. 8, Female, ovipositor valvulae (ml =
median lobe, dl = distal lobe). Scaleforwings and abdomen = 1.0 mm; all otherscales = 0.1 mm unless
indicated otherwise.
are ofvery limited value in the others no reliable differences
group ofspecies under study. A were found.
rounded crest on the distal end
bearing large denticles (Fig. 32)
separates A. petiolata from the c) Female terminal abdominal char-
other species, but among the acters. As in the male there appear
704 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
to be no reliable epiproctal or bifasciata and A. montivaga, but
paraproctal characters. in A. longicauda and A. petiolata
the shape and/or extent of pig-
mentation of this structure sep-
(1) Subgenital plate. Three cate- arate each from the other spe-
gories of characters may be cies. We have illustrated the
distinguished:
structure for each species
(Figs. 7, 18, 26, 34).
(1 a) Length and shape of the
distal lobe or egg guide.
This structure readily sepa- (3) Ovipositor valvulae.
rates A. longicauda from
the others (Fig. 17 vs. (3 a) vl. Except for its relatively
Figs. 6, 25, and 33). Al- greater length in A. long-
though some intraspecific icauda, this structure of-
variationexistsinthisstruc- fers no other information.
ture in both A. bifasciata (3 b) v2. In A. petiolata the outer
and A. montivaga, it can be surface bears tubercles
used to separate these two reminiscent of barnacles
species (Figs. 6, 25). (Fig. 35). These structures
(1 b) Pigmentation pattern of are present, but less obvi-
the basal region. Beyond ous, on the other species.
a major difference in In A. longicauda, v-2 is
shape between A. petio- relativelymuchlongerthan
lata and the other spe- in the other species.
cies, only the relative (3 c) v3. This is a complex struc-
length and shape of the ture in Amphigerontia, con-
median pigment band sisting of a basal, setose
(Fig. 25, mpb) is impor- region separated by a line
tant in distinguishing and an indentation on the
species, and even in this medial face, from a gla-
character some intraspe- brous distal region. The
cific variation occurs. distal region consists of a
(1 c) Fine setae arising from large median lobe (Fig. 8,
elongate follicles on the ml) and a smaller distal
neck or base of the egg lobe (Fig. 8, dl) protruding
guide (Figs. 6, 17, 25 fs, perpendicular to the medi-
33). These have not been an lobe near its outer sur-
observed previously, and face. In A. bifasciata, the
they have not been re- median lobe is relatively
ported in other genera. large and its apex is orient-
Differences among spe- ed at a decided angle to the
cies may exist in their basal region (Fig. 8). In the
number, follicular size, other species, it is relatively
and arrangement. smaller and sits more near-
ly parallel to the basal re-
gion. The distal lobe shows
(2) Spermapore plate. No reliable some differences in length
difference is found between A. among the species.
VOLUME NUMBER
109, 3 705
Figs. 9-17. Amphigerontia spp. 9-10, A. infernicola, male. 9, Median distal hypandrial process. 10,
Rightdistalhypandrialprocess. 11-17,A. longicauda. 11, Male, forewing. 12, Female, forewing. 13, Male,
phallomeres. 14, Male, median distal hypandrial process, scale ofFig. 9 (d = dorsal lobe). 15, Male, left
distal hypandrial process. 16, Female, abdomen, lateral view. 17, Female, subgenitalplate. Scaleforwings
and abdomen = 1.0 mm; all other scales = 0.1 mm.
Diagnoses and Descriptions by Mockford (1993:293-297). The species
dealt with here are all essentially ahke in
A diagnosis of the genus and a key to color of the head, thorax, antennae, and
the North American genera of the sub- legs, so that these features are described
family Amphigerontiinae were presented only for the single new species. Any
706 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
notable differences in other species are 5445; HW = 3972; F = 800; T = 1707; tl
mentioned. Synonymies are shortened to = 478; t2 = 186; tlct = 21, fl = 736; f2 =
include only the original description and 554; f3 = 496; lO = 616; d = 200.
—
first use of the present combination. Distribution (summary). At the sou-
Complete synonymies may be found in thern end of the Rocky Mountains, the
Lienhard and Smithers (2002). Chiricahua Mountains of southern Ar-
izona, large numbers of adults were
Amphigerontia bifasciata (Latreille 1799) collected in early September (1984,
m
Psocus bifasciatus Latreille 1799: 144. 1985) at elevations of 2225-2804 on
Amphigerontia bifasciata: Ball 1926: 332. Pinus flexilis James, Pinus ponderosa
— Lawson, Abies concolor Gordon and
Descriptive notes. Male eyes large, Glendinning, Pseudotsuga menziesii
lO/d ~ 1.44. Sexual dimorphism in eye (Mirbel), Acer negimdo Linneaus, Popu-
~
size marked; female lO/d 3.10. In his sp., and Quercus rugosa Nee. Numer-
forewing, (Figs. 1, 2) rs-m crossvein ous nymphs (species identification based
relatively long. Nodal band in male on abdominal color pattern) were still
consisting only of faint pigmentation present at that time on P. ponderosa at
along vein Rs before crossveinM, along 2560 m. In Teller County, Colorado, (ca.
crossvein, continuingalongvein before 840 km north), many adults and nymphs
crossvein, along vein Cul in its basal half, were collected in late July and early
and at nodulus. In female, nodal band August (1984, 1985) at elevations of
broken between base of pterostigma and 2073-3170 m, on Pinus aristata Engel-
vein Rs, otherwise complete but rather mann, Pirms cembroides Zuccarini, P.
narrow in middle and sometimes broken ponderosa, Populus angustifolia James,
in cell Culb. Preclunial abdominal color Populus tremuloides Michaux, Ribes spp.,
pattern (Fig. 3): ground color white; scrub oak {Quercus sp.), Salix amygda-
segments 2-6 each with an incomplete loides Andersson, and Salix sp. Adults
ring of reddish brown, absent ventrally; and a few nymphs persisted through
highlygravid females usuallywith a break mid-September. North of central Colo-
in each pigment band dorsolaterally, thus rado, sparse collecting has found the
forming on each side a pale longitudinal species from Teton County, Wyoming,
line. Median distal process of hypan- Shoshone County, Idaho, and Jefferson
drium slender, terminating in a single and Glacier counties, Montana. These
point (Fig. 4). Lateral distal hypandrial collections were made from late July
process (Fig. 5) with long "muzzle," crest through late August, 1966, and consisted
with relatively large denticles basally. almost entirely of adults. At present, we
Phallomeres as in Fig. 13. Subgenital know of no records from the Canadian
plate (Fig. 6): egg guide relatively short Rockies, but since records exist from
but somewhat variable in length; median north ofthe mountains in the Northwest
pigment band short, sometimes slightly and Yukon Territories (Mockford 1993:
bifid at apex. Spermapore plate (Fig. 7). 298), it is reasonable to assume that the
Ovipositor valvulae (Fig. 8): v2 with faint species occurs in those mountains.
tubercles on outer surface; v3 with large
median lobe projecting at a decided angle
Amphigerontia infernicola
to basal region.
Measurements: Male: FW = 5558; HW (Chapman 1930)
= 4420;F = 817; T= 1723; tl= 550; t2 = Psocus infernicolus Chapman 1930: 240.
176; tlct = 24; fl = 805; f2 = 628; f3 = Amphigerontia infernicola: Mockford
529; lO = 403; d = 283. Female: FW = 1993: 299.
VOLUME NUMBER
109, 3 707
^"^^^^^-'^A^k mpb J.m#^^r-r?in-:-i-::
/
Figs. 18-25. Amphigerontia spp. 18-19, A. longicauda. 18, Female, spermapore plate. 19, Female,
ovipositorvalvulae. 20-25, A. montivaga. 20, Male,forewing. 21, Female, forewing. 22, Female,abdomen,
lateral view. 23, Male, median distal hypandrial process. 24, Male, right distal hypandrial process. 25,
Female, subgenital plate (fs = fine setae, mpb = median pigment band). Scale for wings and abdomen =
1.0 mm; all other scales = 0.1 mm unless indicated otherwise.
—
708 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
—
Descriptive notes. Known from male cream between lateral lobes ofmeso- and
holotype only. Eyes relatively large. lO/ metanotum. Legs: coxae chestnut brown,
d = 1.38. Right forewing missing and trochanters white, femora brown dorsal-
distal half of left also missing, but ly, paler ventrally; tibiae and tarsi dark
remainder showing a long rs-m cross- brown. Forewing (Fig. 11): pterostigma
vein. Nodal band consisting only oflight and stiginasaum brown throughout ex-
clouding along vein Rs before crossvein, cept narrow pale distal margin, but
M
along crossvein, along vein before darker in distal three-fifths than in basal
crossvein, and at nodulus. Median distal region; antenodal band of three pale
process ofhypandrium (Fig. 9) ending in spots, one in cell R, one in cell Culb, and
pair ofpoints relatively widely separated; one in cell Cu2; nodal band developed
dorsal lobe of median process relatively mostly as cloudy brown spot along vein
short. Lateral distal hypandrial process Rs before crossvein, along crossvein, and
M
(Fig. 10) with short muzzle, slender neck, along vein before crossvein and a spot
relatively short crest. at nodulus, mostly in cell Cu2; a pale
Measurements: FW = ca. 6.0 mm brown spot in cell R5 behind radial fork;
FW HW
(estimate based on ratios of to cell lA faintly brown; remainder ofwing
HW
length in other species and length in clear. Hindwing clear. Abdomen: preclu-
this specimen; agrees with figure in nial segments with ground color creamy
original description); HW = 4556; F = white, pale pink, or grayish white; sterna
920; T = 1900; tl = 640; t2 missing; tlct pale purplish brown throughout; each of
= 26. segments 2-7 with a transverse dorsal
—
Distribution. Known only from the band of pale purple above a broad
holotype, collected at West Thumb, longitudinal band of ground color run-
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, ning entire length of preclunial region;
28 August 1927 (CUIC type no. 4838). latter band above a slenderer band of
pale purple also running length of pre-
Aniphigei'ontia longicauda Mockford and clunial region; latter band subtended by
Anonby, new species another lengthwise band ofground color
—
Diagnosis. Median distal process of including spiracles. Terminal segments
hypandrium (Fig. 14) terminating in pair dark brown.
of points, its dorsal lobe relatively long. Male structural characters: See diag-
Male eyes relatively small, lO/d ~ 2.09. nosis, also following. Antenna somewhat
Lateral distal hypandrial process longer than body; flagellomeres with
(Fig. 15) with two crests, one on the sparse upright setae ca. 2 X as long as
muzzle. Subgenital plate (Fig. 17) with width of a segment. Median and frontal
egg guide long, ca. 1.15 X length of ecdysial lines distinct. Ocellar field con-
lateral pigmented arm. spicuous. Forewing venation (Fig. 11)
Description. Male color (in 80% eth- typical of genus; rs-m crossvein slightly
yl alcohol): Eyes black; rest of head shorter than Rs segment before it.
cream marked with chestnut brown, the Phallomeres (Fig. 13).
latter in broad band bordering ecdysial Male measurements: FW = 4914; HW
line, broadening posteriorly to include = 3703; F = 792; T = 1670; tl = 493; t2
entire hind margin of vertex, an aggre- = 169; tlct = 22; fl = 769; f2 = 579; f3
gate ofsmall spotsmesad to eacheye, av- = 500; lO = 481; d = 231.
shaped mark open anteriorly on frons Female color: Head, thorax, antenna,
before ocellar field, and slender vertical and legs as in male. Forewing (Fig. 12)
lines on postclypeus. Antenna black. as in male except spots of antenodal
Thorax chestnut brown with streak of band darker, nodal band continuous but
VOLUME 109, NUMBER 3 709
rs-m
Figs 26-35 Amphigerontia spp. 26-27, A. montivaga. 26, Female, spermapore plate. 27. Female,
ovipositorvalvulae. 28-35, A.petiolata. 28, Male, forewing(rs-m = rs-mcrossvein). 29, Female,forewmg,
scale ofFig 28 30 Female, abdomen, lateralview. 31, Male, medianandleftdistal hypandnal processes.
v3a2lvMuallaee'spchaallelsomfeo'rrewsi.n3g3s,aFnedmaalbe,dosmubegnen=ita1l.0plmamte;. 3al4l,oFtehmearlesc,alSepser=ma0.p1ormempluatnel.es3s5,inFdeimcaaltee,d oovtihperowsiisteo.r