New data on the distribution and abundance of Dendrolimus sibiricus (Tshetverikov, 1908) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) in the Komi Republic.

The Siberian silkworm (Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetv.) is a defoliator pest that poses a significant threat to coniferous forest stands. Over the past decades, several large outbreaks of this species have occurred in Siberia (Russia), which has led to changes in forest ecosystems and an increase of expenses involved in reforestation. Adults capture new territories in the process of migration, therefore, a set of measures is needed to register the number and prevent further dispersal of the moth. One of methods of trapping is glue traps with synthetic pheromone. 16 district forestries located in the middle taiga subzone, with a total area of 151 850 hectares, were surveyed as a part of the phytosanitary monitoring of the Siberian silkworm in the Komi Republic (Russia). Analysis of 773 pheromone traps showed 414 males of the target species that were identified by their genitals. The highest indicators of catchability were found in three district forestries. Taking into account the results obtained, it was proposed to continue the monitoring using the pheromone traps, to survey more northern forest districts and to carry out subsequent searches for preimaginal stages of the silkworm in the forest districts of Priluzsky district. The study will be useful for predicting the further spread of the silkworm and for developing optimal containment and control of the pest.

The morphology of preimaginal stages and male genitalia of Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

The eggs, larvae, imago variability, and male genitalia of Cirina forda (Westwood, 1849) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) are illustrated.

Review of the Merodon natans group with description of a new species, a key to the adults of known species of the natans lineage and first descriptions of some preimaginal stages

Merodon natans group (Diptera, Syrphidae) taxa are reviewed using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological, morphometric and molecular techniques. The approach substantiates recognition of the three species: M. calcaratus (Fabricius, 1794), M. natans (Fabricius, 1794) and M. pulveris Vujić & Radenković in Radenković et al. 2011, and reveals the existence of a new species, M. makrisi Vujić, Radenković & Tot sp. nov., which is described. It also highlights the existence of a series of natans group populations, especially on some of the Mediterranean islands, in the Levant and in the Afrotropical Region, for which more comprehensive data are required to clarify their status. A key is provided to the natans lineage species currently recognised, and preimaginal stages of some natans-group species are described for the first time. Redescriptions for M. calcaratus and M. natans are provided. A neotype is selected for M. natans. Lectotypes are designated for M. annulatus (Fabricius, 1794) and M. melancholicus (Fabricius, 1794). Merodon annulatus is recognised as a synonym of M. natans.

The preimaginal stages and bionomics of Scythris sinensis (Felder and Rogenhofer, 1875) (Lepidoptera, Scythrididae), a Borer in Chenopodium album L. (Chenopodiaceae)

The bionomics and distribution of Scythris sinensis (Felder and Rogenhofer, 1875) were studied in Hungary from 2004 to 2018. The host plant was found to be Chenopodium album L. The larva feeds on the leaves in a loose web. The length of the larval stage varies from 12 to 15 days, that of the pupal stage from 7 to 10 days of the summer generation. The species is generally bivoltine in Hungary, but in the southern, warmer areas a third partial generation may occur. Adults of the second and third generations have characteristic yellow patches on the forewing. The species overwinters as pupa in a white cocoon near the host plant. The immature stages and the adult are illustrated and a map of the Hungarian records is given with two Figures.

The preimaginal stages of Galerita ruficollis Dejean, 1825 and the position of the tribe Galeritini in the classification of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

The complete development cycle of Galerita (Galerita) ruficollis Dejean, 1825 was studied for the first time. In laboratory, at a temperature of 22 °C and long-day conditions, the development from egg to adult lasted 58–60 days. The development of the third instar larva lasted particularly long (on average, 19 days), and the most intense increase in biomass (from 20 to 100 mg) was observed at that phase as well. The extended embryonic development (11–20 days) and the relatively short development time of the third instar larva were found to be characteristic of G. ruficollis. The bifurcated protrusion of the anterior edge of the head was proven to represent an outgrowth of the frontal sclerite (frontale), but not of the nasale, as believed previously. The chaetotaxy of Galerita larvae is described in detail for the first time. Based on larval features, the monophyly of the Galeritini + Dryptini group is confirmed. Based on the morphology of the larvae and pupae, this group can be suggested as occupying a separate position within the Truncatipennia, possibly being related to the assemblage that includes Pterostichini, Harpalini, Licinini, Chlaenini, and Platynini. The monophyly of Zuphiitae (sensu Erwin and Sims 1984; Erwin 1985) and the Zuphiitae clade (sensu Ober and Maddison 2008) is confirmed.

EPIZOOTOLOGICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BLOOD-SUCKING DIPTERANS IN THE TYUMEN REGION (REVIEW)

Blood-sucking dipterans are widespread in the Tyumen Region and pose a danger as vectors of many infectious and invasive diseases of humans and animals, which are widespread in many countries of the world. Geographic, ecological, and biological features of the Tyumen Region are favorable for the circulation of pathogens of vector-borne diseases. Particular importance in the spread of diseases is attached to the ability of insects to travel long distances with a flying distance of horseflies, mosquitoes and blackflies for tens of kilometers. Monitoring of the fauna and ecology features of blood-sucking dipterans in the territories is currently necessary, since at present literature data on these insects are fragmentary and are only for informational purposes. As a result of climate warming processes, phenodates are shifted, the distribution areas of specific insect vectors expand, and new types of vector competence are acquired. An increase in air temperature, an increase in the number of hatching sites, as well as changes in the nature of aquatic vegetation and a decrease in the salinity of water bodies make them more acceptable for the formation of preimaginal stages of insect development. To date, research is relevant and requires to perform further study in preserving the well-being of territories for a number of especially dangerous diseases.

Aedes larval bionomics and implications for dengue control in the paradigmatic Jaffna peninsula, northern Sri Lanka

Background The larval bionomics of Aedes across the Jaffna peninsula in northern Sri Lanka was investigated to obtain information needed for developing more effective larval source reduction measures to control endemic arboviral diseases. Methods The habitats of preimaginal stages of Aedes mosquitoes were surveyed, and ovitrap collections were carried out in densely populated areas of the Jaffna peninsula. Aedes larval productivities were analysed against habitat characteristics, rainfall and dengue incidence. Adults emerging from collected larvae were tested for dengue virus (DENV). Results Only Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. vittatus were identified in the field habitat collections and ovitraps. Aedes aegypti was the predominant species in both the field habitat and ovitrap collections, followed by Ae. albopictus and small numbers of Ae. vittatus. Tires and open drains were the preferred field habitats for Ae. aegypti, although larval productivity was higher in discarded plastic containers. The three Aedes species differed in field habitat preferences. Concomitant presence of the three Aedes species was observed in the field habitats and ovitraps. Larval productivities were inversely correlated with the salinity of the field habitat. Rainfall in the preceding month significantly correlated with larval productivity in the field habitats. DENV serotype 2 was detected in Ae. aegypti collected from ovitraps in the city of Jaffna. High Breteau, House and Container indices of 5.1, 5.1 and 7.9%, respectively, were observed in the field habitat surveys and ovitrap indices of up to 92% were found in Jaffna city. Conclusions Aedes larval indices in populated areas of the peninsula showed a high potential for dengue epidemics. Unacceptable littering practices, failure to implement existing dengue control guidelines, vertical transmission of DENV in vector mosquitoes and preimaginal development in brackish water and open surface drains, as well as in domestic wells that provide potable water, are serious constraints to the current Aedes larval source reduction methods used to control dengue in the Jaffna peninsula. Similar shortcomings in arboviral disease control are likely present in other resource-constrained tropical coastal zones worldwide.

A comparative study of the immature stages of closely related species Cassida pfefferi Sekerka, 2006, Cassida nobilis Linnaeus, 1758 and Cassida vittata Villers, 1789 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Cassidini)

Immature stages of Cassida pfefferi Sekerka, 2006 from Cyprus are described and illustrated for the first time and compared with immatures of closely related species Cassida nobilis Linnaeus, 1758 and Cassida vittata Villers, 1789. Detailed descriptions of mature larvae and pupae of C. nobilis and C. vittata are also given. Analysis of the morphological body structure of the preimaginal stages of the studied species reveals subtle characters distinguishing C. pfefferi from other species of C. nobilis groups and confirms its species status.

The number of insects of midges complex and ratio of its various components in the forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen Region

The purpose of the research is comparing abundance levels of blood-sucking dipterans in the forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen Region for 8 years with different meteorological conditions.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in 2006 and 2013–2019 in vicinity of the villages of Isetskoe and Barkhatovo, Isetsky District, Tyumen Region. Tabanid flies were collected and counted using funnel-shaped traps permanently on the same pasture on a regular basis once every 5–7 days during the entire emergence period. When counting the number of mosquitoes, midges and sandflies, we used a net with removable bags. Each count included 10 sweeps with a motion of the figure eight "around itself" in 10 replications.Results and discussion. The abundance of blood-sucking dipterans is largely determined by natural and climatic conditions and a hydrological regime of rivers, and is liable to significant fluctuations. The maximum abundance of gnats was recorded in 2014, the minimum in 2006. In comparing the average number for seasons with maximum and minimum abundance, a difference of 3.7 times was found. The abundance level and ratio of individual components of the midges complex depending on the season also underwent significant changes. In collected insects, midges dominated in 2006 and 2014, and mosquitoes in 2013 and in 2015–2019. Meteorological and hydrological conditions in winter and spring had the biggest impact on the abundance level of insects of the midges complex. Fluctuations in the abundance were 9 times for mosquitoes, 20 times for tabanid flies, and 39 times for midges and sandflies depending on the season. The main limiting factors for mass development of blood-sucking Diptera in the forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen Region are hard and dry winters which cause death of some insects at the preimaginal stages in development, as well as sharp changes in air temperature in the spring-summer period and small areas of breeding places.