Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) insularis (Walker, 1853)

Tauber, Catherine A., Sosa, Francisco, Albuquerque, Gilberto S. & Tauber, Maurice J., 2013, Adults and larvae of two Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) species (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae): descriptions, biological notes, and relationships, Zootaxa 3750 (2), pp. 101-129 : 117-119

Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) insularis (Walker, 1853)

Figs 9 , 13–22

L. (L.) insularis taxonomic history & geographic distribution. Adams (1977) and Tauber (2004) provided the taxonomic history of the species and redescribed the adults based on the type specimen and other material. The type of L. (L.) insularis (male, BMNH) is in relatively poor condition; it appears to be teneral, and its body was damaged by dermestids. See images ( Fig. 13 ).

Adams (1977) and Tauber (2004) also illustrated the male and female genitalia and documented significant geographic variation in the species’ adult coloration. To help facilitate comparisons, here we provide images of the L. (L.) insularis adult color polymorphism ( Fig. 14 ), wing markings ( Fig. 15 ), and genitalia (♂: Fig. 16 ; ♀: Figs 17 , 18 ).

Leucochrysa (L.) insularis occurs throughout the eastern and central states of the United States (north to Massachusetts and Nebraska, south to Texas and Florida), eastern Mexico [Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz (new state record)], and the West Indies ( Cuba, Dominican Republic and Jamaica). Thus, L. (L.) insularis and L. (L.) nigrilabris appear to have adjacent, allopatric distributions.

Jones (1929) provided a well-illustrated larval description of L. (L.) insularis [as Nodita virginica (Fitch) ]. Although it does not specify which instar (2nd or 3rd) is described, it contains fascinating information on both the morphology and biology of the larvae. The descriptions below are based on new material. The first instars were teneral and somewhat shriveled; their structures were not measured; many small setae were not visible. The third instar was teneral and not measured. For both instars, characteristics are as described above for L. (L.) nigrilabris , except where noted.

Description (First Instar, Semaphoront A).

Head. 0.54 mm wide, 0.40 mm long; mandibles 0.56 mm long; ratio, mandible length: head width, ~1.02:1.

Thorax. T1: S1 long, arising from large chalaza; S3, S4, S5 very short.

Abdomen. A6: Two short, straight setae anteriorly, no setae posteriorly.

Description (Third Instar, Semaphoront B).

Body. Dorsum cream-colored to brown, with brown sclerites.

Head ( Figs 20 A–D). 1.32 mm wide, 0.76 mm long, mandibles 1.48–1.53 mm (right-left) long; ratio mandible length: head width, 1.12:1.0. Genal marking light brown, diffuse, extending broadly toward eye and ventral margin of cranium. All stemmata, including posteroventral one, surrounded by brown outline. Posterior section of cranium densely spiculate.

Thorax ( Figs 20 D, E). Large sclerites Sc1 (prothorax), Sc3 (mesothorax), Sc2 (metathorax) brown, shiny; markings on venter not visible. Setae associated with small sclerites between segments and subsegments not readily observed. LTs spiculate; LS smooth basally becoming slightly salebrose distally, with tips mostly curly, sometimes with small hook.

T1: Sc1 large, extending laterally to base of LT; S1Sc1 long, robust, S2Sc1 very short. LT with ca 22 LS (ca 10 apical, ca 12 lateral). Primary setae S1 long, robust; S2 short; S3, S4, S5 very short. T2: Posterior row with 6 setae – 4 long, robust, straight to curvey, arising from 2 pairs of large, plump, juxtaposed chalazae, and 2 short, straight, arising from mesal margin of mesal chalazae. LT bearing 20–24 LS (8 apical, 14–16 lateral). T3: Anterior row with two intermediate-length, robust setae; posterior row with 12 long, robust, hooked setae arising from large, plump chalazae. LT bearing ca 20–23 LS (8–9 apical, 11–15 lateral). [Note: The ranges in setal counts are derived from paired tubercles.]

Abdomen ( Figs 20 E, F). SMS of A1–A6 robust, hooked, arising from plump chalazae; A1–A5: LDT plump, with two long, hooked, robust LDS, one microseta between LDS. [Note: The right LDT bore 3 full-sized LDS.]

A2–A3: LT with seven to eight long, robust LS, four shorter, straight setae basally. Dorsum with anterior row of seven to ten (A2, A3) SMS, mesal row of four (A2, A3), posterior row of eight (A2, A3) between LDTs. A4–A5: LT with nine to ten (A4), six (A5) robust, hooked or straight LS apically, dorsally, one to four short, straight LS basally. LDS long, robust, hooked. Dorsum with anterior row of eight (A4, A5) long SMS, mesal row of four SMS, posterior row of eleven to eight SMS (A4, A5) between LDTs. A6: Anterior row of three intermediate-length SMS, no other SMS. A7: LDT with one long, robust, straight LDS, two short, straight LDS. Two to three pairs of very small setae between spiracles. A8: Row of four short, robust setae between spiracles. Posterior margin with four short, robust setae.

Biological notes. Like L. (L.) nigrilabris females, L. (L.) insularis females lay their eggs in clusters at the ends of long, intertwined stalks [Mark S. Fox, personal communication; his photos here ( Fig. 21 ) and on http:// bugguide.net/node/view/350432)].

L. (L.) insularis larvae have been found in leaf litter, and their debris packets consist largely of small snail shells, and sometimes live snails. Jones (1929, 1941) reported the following snail species from specimens collected in Vinton and Washington Counties, Ohio: Punctum vitreum (H. B. Baker) [as Punctum pygmaeum (Drap.) ], Euconulus fulvus (Müller) , Striatura milium (Morse) , Carychium exiguum (Say) , Strobilops labyrinthica (Say) , Cochlicopa lubrica (Müller) . Archer (1938) reported the following snail species from larvae that are almost certainly L. (L.) insularis , in North Carolina and Alabama: Glyphyalinia indentata (Say) [as Retinella indentata paucilirata ], Glyphyalinia carolinensis (Cockerell) [as R. carolinensis wetherbyi ], juveniles of Inflectarius rugeli (Shuttleworth) [as Polygyra rugeli ], Hawaiia minuscula (A. Binney) , Guppya sterkii (Dall) [as Euconulus sterkii ], Euconulus chersinus (Say) , and Vertigo gouldii (A. Binney) . The third instar (described here, collected in Swain County, North Carolina) also carried mainly small snail shells in its packet ( Fig. 22 ); D. C. Dourson (personal communication, 2005) identified them as Carychium clappi Hubricht , Gastrocopta contracta (Say) , G. pentadon (Say) , Punctum blandianum Pilsbry, P. minutissimum (I. Lea), and P. vitreum . For systematic and biological information on many of the snails listed above, see Dourson & Dourson (2006).

In addition to snail shells, body parts from a diverse array of insects also are reported from the packets. Jones (1941) described the behavior involved in applying the snail shells to the larval dorsum. He observed that the shells were held to the larval setae via silken strands; he suggested that the strands originate from a fluid that the tip of the abdomen applies to the shell and that hardens on the snail shell. He also stated that larvae feed on snails and that sometimes larvae carry living snails in the packet which are later removed and eaten. Finally, Jones (1941) mentioned that L. (L.) insularis larvae overwinter hidden within coiled leaves.

Specimens examined (adults and larvae, in addition to the type). UNITED STATES. GA: Richmond Co., Augusta, 24.v.1968 (1♂, AMNH); KY: Carter Co., along Little Sandy River below Grayson Dam (US-CI), 10.viii.1995, B. C. Kondratieff & R. F. Kirchner (1♀, COSU); LA: St. Tammany Parish, Honey Island Swamp, M. Fox, 26.x.2009 (♀) (1♀, cluster of hatched eggs laid in lab, 6 neonates, unfed; UCB); MI: Hinds Co., Jackson, 24.viii.1968, B. Mather (1♂, prob., AMNH); NC: Swain Co., Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Purchase Knob Survey / Site #28, Sap Tree 00ZING 9-6-05, D. Dourson (1L3, UCB, on loan from Great Smoky Mountains National Park); VA: Federick Co. Rt. 50, Back Cr., 16.vii.1980, Kondratieff (1♂, COSU). MEXICO. Veracruz: Córdoba, 11.x.1966, A. & B. Lan (1♀, ROM). DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Azua: East side of crest, Sierra Martin Garcia, 7 km WNW Barrero, k18-21N, 70–50W, 860m, 25–26.vii.1992, cloud forest adjacent to disturbed forest, C. Young, R. Davidson, S. Thompson, J. Rawlins (6♂, 8♀, CMNH); La Vega: Jarabacoá, 4000’, ex vegetation, J. Doyen (1♂, prob., UCB); San Juan: Estrelleta, Rio Limpio, 650 m, 15.viii.1980, A. Norrbom (1♂, CMNH); Santiago: Cordillera Septentrional, Pico Diego de Ocampo, 1.1 km E. summit, 19.35.06N, 70.44.23M, 958 m, 31.v.2004, J. Rawlins, C. Young, C. Nunez, J. Fetzner (1♂, CMNH); Santiago Rodriguez: 7 km from Moncion, nr. Mao River, 23.x.1986, R. Greenfield (1?, BPBM); Province unknown: 20.ii.1978, S. A. Marshall (1♀, DEBU). UNKNOWN. Sanchez, xii.1915, ac. 4806 (1♂, 1♀, AMNH).

Figures

FIGURE 9. Prothorax of third instar of four Leucochrysa (Leucochrysa) species. A. L. (L.) nigrilabris; B. L. (L.) insularis; C. L. (L.) varia; D. L. (L.) boxi [A, C, D, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; B, North Carolina, United States].

FIGURE 13. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis holotype (male), Jamaica, BMNH. A. Head, prothorax, dorsal; B. Head, frontal; C. Head, prothorax, lateral; D. Forewing; E. Hindwing; F. Terminal segments of abdomen, lateral; G. Terminus of ninth abdominal sternite, ventral; H. Labels.

FIGURE 14. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis, variation in head and thoracic coloration. A-C. Head, thorax, dorsal; D-G. Head, frontal [note the polymorphic coloration of the mesoscutellum (Figs A-C, partially obscured by pins).] [A, D. Jefferson County, FL, female (prob); B, C, E, G. Dominican Republic (B, E, G, females; C, male); F. State of Veracruz, Mexico, female].

FIGURE 15. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis, wings, body, dorsal [Santiago, Cuba, male].

FIGURE 16. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis, male abdomen and genitalia. A. Abdomen, lateral; B. Terminal abdominal segments, lateral; C. Callus cerci; D. Hypandrium internum; E. Gonarcus, lateral; F. Gonarcus, dorsal; G. Gonarcus, dorsofrontal, with sclerotized plates and connecting semi-sclerotized membrane bearing gonocristae; H. Gonarcus, dorsal, with sclerotized plates and connecting semi-sclerotized membrane bearing gonocristae [note two patches of gonosetae on membrane below mediuncus] [A, B, G, Cuba; C-F, H, Dominican Republic]. Abbreviations: bk, beak-like tip of mediuncus; c, comes; c. c., callus cerci; d. a., dorsal apodeme of T 9 + ect; fl, mediuncal flange; gs, gonarcus; gse, gonosetae on small chalazae; g. a., gonarcal apodeme; g. b., gonarcal bridge; m, membranous connection between sclerotized plates, with gonocristae; mu, mediuncus (fused rods and beak); s. p., sclerotized plate on membrane above tip of S 8 + 9; S 8 + 9, fused eighth and ninth sternites; tr, trichobothria; T 7, seventh tergite; T 9 + ect, fused ninth tergite and ectoproct.

FIGURE 17. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis female abdomen. A. Fourth to terminal segments, lateral; B. Sixth to terminal segments, lateral; C. Callus cerci; D. Subgenitale, lateral, with genitalia removed [A, B. Dominican Republic, mature specimens; C. Dominican Republic, slightly teneral specimen; D. Veracruz, Mexico, teneral specimen]. Abbreviations: g. l., gonapophysis lateralis; sg, subgenitale; sg-bl, bilobed, dorsal process of subgenitale; sg-v, protruding ventral process of subgenitale; sp, spermatheca; sp. d., spermathecal duct; S 7, seventh sternite; tr, trichobothria; T 5, T 6, fifth and sixth tergites; T 9 + ect, fused ninth tergite and ectoproct.

FIGURE 18. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis female genitalia. A. Spermatheca, lateral; B. Spermatheca, dorsal; C. Dissected genitalia, bursa copulatrix (torn); D. Colleterial complex, lateral [all, Veracruz, Mexico]. Abbreviations: acc. gl., colleterial accessory gland; b. c., bursa copulatrix; b. d., bursal duct; b. gl., bursal gland; col. gl., colleterial gland; col. r., colleterial reservoir; g. l., gonapophysis lateralis; inv, spermathecal invagination; slit, dorsal slit in spermathecal vellum that opens to bursa copulatrix; sp, spermatheca; sp. d., spermathecal duct; tr. s., transverse sclerite; vel, velum.

FIGURE 19. Species-specific genital characteristics of Leucochrysa (L.) insularis (left column) and L. (L.) nigrilabris (right column). A, B. Gonarcal complex; C, D. Subgenitale [A, C. Dominican Republic; B, D. Aragua, Venezuela]. Abbreviations: bk, beak-like tip of mediuncus; gc, gonocornu; g. a., gonarcal apodeme; g. b., gonarcal bridge; mu, mediuncus (fused rods and beak); sg-bl, bilobed, dorsal process of subgenitale; sg-v, protruding ventral process of subgenitale; sp, spermatheca.

FIGURE 20. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis third instar. A. Head, dorsal; B. Head, ventral; C. Head, lateral; D. Head and prothorax; E. Mesothorax, metathorax, and abdominal segments A 1 – A 5; F. Abdominal segments 1 – 10, dorsal [all, North Carolina, USA]. Abbreviations: Ax, abdominal segment number; T 1 LT, prothoracic lateral tubercle; T 3, metathorax.

FIGURE 21. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis cluster of hatched eggs; stalk length ~ 1 cm [Honey Island Swamp, St. Tammany Parish, LA]. Photo by Mark S. Fox.

FIGURE 22. Leucochrysa (L.) insularis third instar with debris packet containing snails. A. Dorsal; B. Lateral. [Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Swain Co., NC]. Photo by Daniel C. Dourson.