Hiding Amongst the Palms: the Remarkable Discovery of a New Palm Bug Genus and Species (Insecta: Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae: Xylastodorinae) from Remote Norfolk Island; its Systematics, Natural History, Palm Specialism and Biogeography

he discovery of a remarkable new palm bug species on Norfolk Island brings into question its systematic position within the family Thaumastocoridae, and the validity and biogeography of the three extant subfamilies. Latebracoris norfolcensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from remote Norfolk Island in the Southwest Pacific. The species was found on the native Norfolk Island palm Rhopalostylis baueri. The formal description of the species includes fine details of external non-genitalic and genitalic characters, supported with images from light and scanning electron microscopy. Details of the egg are described, including the shape and micropylar configuration. All nymphal stages are diagnosed morphologically and morphometrically, with the segregation of the five instars using the Brooks–Dyar Rule. The natural history of the Norfolk Island Palm Bug is documented, including the oviposition site of eggs, and microhabitat of nymphs and adults on palm infructescences, with hypotheses about development in relation to reproductive succession of the palm host. The systematic position of the Norfolk Island Palm Bug is assessed through a phylogenetic analysis of a selection of taxa of the superfamily Miroidea, using the parsimony criterion. The phylogenetic analyses were partitioned into Recent and fossil taxa, revealing monophyly of the Thaumastocoridae, and the subfamilies Thaumastocorinae and Xylastodorinae, with synapomorphy and significant resampling support. The Thaicorinae are verified as synonymous with the Xylastodorinae. The monotypic fossil subfamily Thaumastotinginae is removed from the Thaumastocoridae and treated as incertae familiae. Suprageneric relationships were corroborated in the two taxon partition analyses. An overview of host associations is given verifying palm specialism for the Xylastodorinae. The natural history, palm specialism, biogeography, morphology and systematics of the Xylastodorinae and allies are discussed in light of the discovery of Latebracoris norfolcensis

Biology of \u3ci\u3eAproida balyi\u3c/i\u3e Pascoe, 1863 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) on Its Host Plant, \u3ci\u3eEustrephus latifolius\u3c/i\u3e R. Br. ex Ker-Gawl (Asparagaceae) in Australia

Within the leaf-beetle subfamily Cassidinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Aproida Pascoe, 1863 (Aproidini) from Australia has been considered a transitional genus between mining cassidines (“hispines”) and exophagous cassidines (“tortoise beetles”). To illuminate this transition, a detailed study was conducted over one year of the biology of Aproida balyi Pascoe, 1863 on the host plant, Eustrephus latifolius R. Br. ex Ker-Gawl (Asparagaceae). Distribution maps of the host plant and three Aproida species are provided. The life cycle of A. balyi comprises single eggs in a foamy ootheca, three larval instars that feed openly, a pupa suspended from the larva III exuvia, and sexually dimorphic adults. The larva’s green color resembling the host and the narrow body fitted to the narrowed leaf blade allow them to camouflage. They possess a single long caudal process, unlike the paired processes of most other tortoise beetles. Fecal pellets are observed sometimes on this process, but accumulation is rare and lacks the permanent structure of exuvio-fecal shields that distinguishes the ten tribes of tortoise beetles. The larvae exhibit adhesive lobes on the abdominal sternites that appear to help their locomotion, a novel feature in Cassidinae. The pupa is suspended from the larva III exuviae and together they resemble the host’s pendant flower buds, suggesting mimicry. Males have the profemora and protibiae toothed. Both sexes can fly, unlike flightless Aproida cribrata Lea, 1929. These many morphological and behavioral findings contribute potential novel characters that underscore the aberrant nature of Aproidini within Cassidinae and point to another Australian evolutionary oddity. Supplementary film 1. Oviposition behavior in the beetle, Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 1 min 5 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/YDaqXzUCga8 Video: 1H9A82987 Supplementary film 2. Feeding by larva, Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Note the caudal process with some fecal pellets. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 2 mins 44 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/MMuL2pS6oEg Video: 1H9A3276 Supplementary film 3. Retractable abdominal suckers used in locomotion in the beetle larva, Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from (Australia). This is instar I; note the caudal process with some fecal pellets. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 22 seconds. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/iZMUWGKYX0E Video: 1H9A3549 Supplementary film 4. Retractable abdominal suckers (segments 1–VIII) used in locomotion in the beetle larva, Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. This is instar II; note the thoracic lobes at base of legs. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 1 min 56 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/eyw9xC24El0 Video: 1H9A3235 Supplementary film 5. Major movements, turning, and ambulation in the beetle larva (instar III), Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 1 min 55 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/-_KervTVCPc Video: 1H9A3213 Supplementary film 6. Temporary retention of fecal pellets in the beetle larva (instar I), Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 1 min 40 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/qBiSWFoLGkw Video: 1H9B3327 Supplementary film 7. Beetle larva (instar III) pupates, Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 9 mins 39 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/0o7Pd75QfuQ Video: 1H9A3100 Supplementary film 8. Beetle adult eclosion in Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 1min 26 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/To2QFHSWk_c Video: H9A3517 Supplementary film 9. Antennal movements of adult beetles, Aproida balyi (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aproidini) from Australia. Film: Vivian Sandoval, 2 mins 25 secs. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/O9bbslm4hlg Video: 1H9A326

Riverine concentrations and export of dissolved silicon, and potential controls on nutrient stoichiometry, across the land–ocean continuum in Great Britain

Silicon (Si) is an essential nutrient element in freshwater and marine ecosystems, and its abundance relative to macro-nutrients (N, P) can impact phytoplankton communities in eutrophic rivers and estuaries. This study is the first national assessment examining (i) the primary sources (geological, biological, landcover) and controls (geomorphological, precipitation) on the transport of terrestrial dissolved silicon across Great Britain to the ocean, and (ii) the current extent and nature of its interactions with macro-nutrients in these catchments in relation to its potential impacts on phytoplankton community structure. It uses results from a year-long survey of 41 rivers along with historical data. Highest concentrations of dissolved Si (4–5.5 mg L-1) were found in rivers of the chalk- and sedimentary sandstone-based catchments of southern Great Britain and the hard sandstone catchments of Scotland. Catchment yield rates for dissolved Si varied between 0.2 and 2.6 t km−2 yr−1, with highest yields found in catchments with higher precipitation and runoff. Analysis of river N:P and dissolved Si:N ratios suggested that the sampled rivers were typically N enriched, and P limited with respect to dissolved Si. Molar dissolved Si:N ratios < 1, an indicator of river eutrophication, were associated with total nitrogen concentrations exceeding 1.8 mg L-1 or greater. The Indicator of Coastal Eutrophication index was used to assess the potential role of dissolved Si in the eutrophication of coastal waters. Negative values indicating limited eutrophication potential to non-siliceous algae were generally found, although some rivers had annual Indicator of Coastal Eutrophication index values exceeding 0, with values as high as 35 kg C km−2 day−1. In many eutrophic rivers, high dissolved Si concentrations derived from catchment lithology, kept the Indicator of Coastal Eutrophication index values below zero. Results have demonstrated that high N and P export have likely shifted most Great Britain rivers and coastal waters beyond the stoichiometric range where diatoms dominate production and into one where non-siliceous algae maybe increasingly present. Thus, future assessments of macro-nutrient management schemes, such as those involving wetlands should include dissolved Si routinely due to its stoichiometric importance

Dissolved inorganic carbon export from rivers of Great Britain: Spatial distribution and potential catchment-scale controls

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) fluxes from the land to ocean have been quantified for many rivers globally. However, CO2 fluxes to the atmosphere from inland waters are quantitatively significant components of the global carbon cycle that are currently poorly constrained. Understanding, the relative contributions of natural and human-impacted processes on the DIC cycle within catchments may provide a basis for developing improved management strategies to mitigate free CO2 concentrations in rivers and subsequent evasion to the atmosphere. Here, a large, internally consistent dataset collected from 41 catchments across Great Britain (GB), accounting for ∼36% of land area (∼83,997 km2) and representative of national land cover, was used to investigate catchment controls on riverine dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), bicarbonate (HCO3−) and free CO2 concentrations, fluxes to the coastal sea and annual yields per unit area of catchment. Estimated DIC flux to sea for the survey catchments was 647 kt DIC yr−1 which represented 69% of the total dissolved carbon flux from these catchments. Generally, those catchments with large proportions of carbonate and sedimentary sandstone were found to deliver greater DIC and HCO3− to the ocean. The calculated mean free CO2 yield for survey catchments (i.e. potential CO2 emission to the atmosphere) was 0.56 t C km−2 yr−1. Regression models demonstrated that whilst river DIC (R2 = 0.77) and HCO3− (R2 = 0.77) concentrations are largely explained by the geology of the landmass, along with a negative correlation to annual precipitation, free CO2 concentrations were strongly linked to catchment macronutrient status. Overall, DIC dominates dissolved C inputs to coastal waters, meaning that estuarine carbon dynamics are sensitive to underlying geology and therefore are likely to be reasonably constant. In contrast, potential losses of carbon to the atmosphere via dissolved CO2, which likely constitute a significant fraction of net terrestrial ecosystem production and hence the national carbon budget, may be amenable to greater direct management via altering patterns of land use

Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands. I. Taomica, new genus of Pselaphini and a catalogue of Pselaphinae

Volume: 52Start Page: 79End Page: 8

Identifying the best method for restoring dung beetle biodiversity and function in the early stages of rainforest restoration

With less than half of the world's tropical forests remaining, ecological restoration is urgently needed to halt biodiversity loss. However, the efficacy of different active reforestation methods remains largely untested particularly with respect to the recovery of fauna during the early years of restoration. Here, we present the results of a long‐term restoration project in the Australian Wet Tropics after 6 years of planting. Using dung beetles as bioindicators of restoration success, we investigated how the diversity and density of trees in experimental plots influence the recovery of dung beetle diversity and their ecological functions (dung removal and secondary seed dispersal). We found that after only 6 years since planting, a native dung beetle community, representing around 41% of the species found in the adjacent rainforest, has colonized the experimental plots. Plots with the highest diversity of trees (24 species planted) showed higher dung beetle diversity, dung removal, and seed dispersal but only when the density of trees on the plots was low. These plots also have higher species richness, diversity, and abundance of rainforest species, while the opposite trend was found for open‐habitat species. Therefore, planting a higher diversity of trees appears to be the best method for the early recovery of rainforest dung beetle communities and their functions. This is particularly crucial at low tree density, which is a common issue in active restoration projects as tree mortality is relatively high in the early years

Evidence from Australian mesic zone dung beetles supports their Gondwanan origin and Mesozoic diversification of the Scarabaeinae. Supplemental Material

The evolution of dung beetles remains contentious with two hypotheses reflecting Cretaceous and Paleo­gene origins driven by different methods. We explore biogeographic evidence and phylogeographic origins against vicariance and dispersal scenarios that attribute to the four elements of the Australian fauna using a multi-gene approach. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses supported the Australasian clade, com­posed of almost all Australian, New Caledonian and New Zealand endemic genera (to the exclusion of <i>Bo­letoscapter</i>). Two Australian lineages with east-west splits and few lineages with restricted, non-overlapping distrbution were identified, and biogeography models provided evidence that vicariance and founder event speciation are important processes in the diversification of Australasian scarabaeines. Our phylogenetic results are largely congruent with a mid-Cretaceous origin of the Australasian clade, the tectonic history of Gondwanaland and climatic history of the Australian continent, and provide compelling evidence that Australian dung beetles are a relictual fauna whose history is linked to mesic zone fragmentation

Site-specific chlorophyll reference conditions for lakes in Northern and Western Europe

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires EU Member States to assess the “ecological status” of surface waters. As a component of ecological status, many European countries are developing a classification scheme for chlorophyll concentrations as a measure of phytoplankton biomass. The chlorophyll classification must be based on the degree of divergence of a water body from an appropriate baseline, or ‘reference condition’. This paper describes the development of a series of regression models for predicting reference chlorophyll concentrations on a site-specific basis. For model development a large dataset of European lakes considered to be in reference condition, 466 lakes in total, was assembled. Data were included from 12 European countries, but lakes from Northern and Western Europe dominated and made up 92% of all reference lakes. Data have been collated on chlorophyll concentration, altitude, mean depth, alkalinity, humic type, surface area, and geographical region. Regression models were developed for estimating site-specific reference chlorophyll concentrations from significant predictor ‘typology’ variables. Reference chlorophyll concentrations were found to vary along a number of environmental gradients. Concentrations increased with colour and alkalinity, and decreased with lake depth and altitude. Forward selection was used to identify independent explanatory variables in regression models for predicting site-specific reference chlorophyll concentrations. Depth was selected as an explanatory variable in all models. Alkalinity was included in models for low colour and humic lakes and altitude was included in models for low colour and very humic lakes. Uncertainty in the models was quite high and arises from errors in the data used to develop the models (including natural temporal and spatial variability in data) and also from additional explanatory variables not considered in the models, particularly nutrient concentrations, retention time and grazing. Despite these uncertainties, site-specific reference conditions are still recommended in preference to type-specific reference conditions, as they use the individual characteristics of a site known to influence phytoplankton biomass, rather than adopt standards set to generally represent a large population of lakes of a particular type. For this reason, site-specific reference conditions should result in reduced error in ecological status classifications, particularly for lakes close to typology boundaries