Aeolothrips jajarmi Alavi and Minaei, 2019

Alavi, Jalil & B, Kambiz Minaei, 2019, Two new species and a new record species of the genus Aeolothrips (Thysanoptera: Aeolothripidae) from Iran, Turkish Journal of Zoology 43 (4), pp. 349-355 : 350-355

Aeolothrips jajarmi Alavi and Minaei sp. nov. ( Figures 1–8 ).

Material examined: Holotype female, IRAN: Khorasan-e Shomali Province, Jajarm, Water Spreading Station , from flowers of Acanthophyllum crassifolium Boiss. , 25.v.2014, Leg. J. Alavi.

Paratypes: 20 females, same data as holotype ; 4 females, location and date same as holotype, from flowering Peganum harmala L., Leg. J. Alavi.

Description: Female macroptera. Body generally brown, fore tarsi and extreme apex of fore tibiae slightly lighter ( Figure 1 ).

Head: Antennal segments I and II dark brown, the same color as head, II lighter at extreme apex, III–IX lighter brown than I and II, III uniformly brown, slightly lighter than the rest ( Figure 2 ). Vertex with paired interocellar setae arising behind anterior margin of posterior ocelli, postocular area with 4 or 5 pairs of setae each side, arranged regularly in 2 rows ( Figure 5 ). Frontoclypeus with about 12–15 pairs of small setae, without distinctive pair of midlateral setae beside eyes ( Figure 6 ). Antennal segment III with long linear sensorium about 0.6 as long as segment, extending to basal third of the segment; IV with linear straight sensorium, not curved and not wider at the apex, extending from extreme apex to basal fourth of the segment; last 4 antennal segments elongated, VI 1.3 to 1.4 times as long as wide, V 2.1–2.2 times as long as VI, and 0.6 times as long as VI–IX together ( Figure 2 ).

Thorax: Forewings pale with 2 transverse dark bands which are usually connected posteriorly by narrow and weak brown longitudinal band ( Figure 3 ); in a few specimens this connection is very weak and the bands appear to be separate ( Figure 4 ). The first transverse dark band with a longitudinal pale band medially which extends about the distal third of the band. Forewings first cross-vein at middle of first transverse dark band; second cross-vein within the pale area between transverse dark bands ( Figures 3, 4 ). Pronotum with about 30 minute discal setae, 5 pairs of anteromarginal, and 5 pairs of small posteromarginal setae ( Figure 5 ). Mesonotum with 1 pair of median and 2 pairs of lateral setae ( Figure 7 ). Metascutum with transverse concave reticulation on posterior two-thirds and relatively equiangular weak reticulation on anterior third, without internal markings ( Figure 7 ). Abdomen: Abdominal tergite I without median paired campaniform sensilla. Sternite I not eroded; II with 3 pairs of submarginal setae; III–VII with 4 pairs of setae on posterior margins of which 2 lateral pairs are far from margins; II–VI without discal setae; on sternite VII setae S1 closer to S2 than to each other; sternite VII with 2 pairs of widely separated median accessory setae ( Figure 8 ). Hemisternites VIII without discal setae. Structure of spermatheca is not recognizable.

Measurements of holotype female (in microns): Body distended length 2140, head length (width across cheeks) 170 (170), interocellar setae length 5. Antennal segments length (width): I 26 (35), II 53 (29), III 107 (24), IV 82 (24), V 50 (23), VI 25 (19), VII 21 (17), VIII 18 (11), IX 18 (6). Pronotum median length 173, width 220. Mesonotum median setae length (interval) 19 (40), strong lateral setae length 30. Metascutum anterior marginal setae length (interval) 27–32 (46), posterior setae length (interval) 12 (25). Forewings length 960, width across first cross-vein 130, across second cross-vein 150; first and second transverse dark bands length along the anterior margin 170 and 170, respectively, intervening white area length 200; fore to hind tibiae length 180, 180, and 290, respectively. Tergite IX median length 130, setae S1 length 162, S2 length 180. Ovipositor length 440.

Male unknown.

Remarks: This species runs to A. heinzi zur Strassen 1990 in the key by Zur Strassen (2003). The new species is somewhat similar to that in the length of antennal segments as follows: antennal segment III is much longer than IV; V is relatively short, only 2 times as long as VI, about 0.6 times as long as last 4 segments together; the last 4 segments slightly elongated. However, according to the original description of A. heinzi , the new species differs from it in the following characters: antennal segments VI is 1.3–1.4 times as long as wide (vs. 1.5–1.6 times); antennal segment III uniformly light brown (vs. darker in distal fourth or third); the linear sensorium of antennal segment IV is almost straight (vs. curved distally); all setae on posterior margin of pronotum small (vs. 3 median pairs are distinctly thicker and longer than laterals); forewings transverse dark bands connected along posterior margin by narrow and faint longitudinal band (vs. distinctly separated), the first transverse dark band with a longitudinal pale band medially (vs. without band), the pale area between dark bands of forewing trapezoidal (vs. more or less rectangular).

This species runs to A. arnebiae Priesner 1948 in the key by Priesner (1948). But according to the original description, and by comparing the specimens with some photos of the holotype female deposited in Senckenberg Museum (Frankfurt, Germany), the new species differs from A. arnebiae as follows: the antennal segment III is noticeably longer with 100–109 microns (vs. 80 microns), VI is longer than wide with 1.3–1.4 times (vs. 1.6 times), VI is 1.2 times as long as VII (vs. 1.7 times), V is 2 times as long as VI (vs. 1.5 times), the 2 transverse dark bands on the forewings are connected posteriorly (vs. separated), and the ring vein around the apex of the forewings is pale (vs. cloudy brown).

Distribution: Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali Province.

Etymology: Species name refers to the place of the collection. Jajarm is a city located 160 km southwest of the capital city of Khorasan-e Shomali Province, Bojnourd.

Aeolothrips oteri Alavi and Minaei sp. nov.

( Figures 9–21 )

Material examined: Holotype female, IRAN: Khorasan-e Shomali Province, Bojnourd, Oter-abad village , from flowers of Paliurusspina-christi Mill. ( Rhamnaceae ), 30.iv.2014, Leg. J. Alavi. Paratypes: 2 males, same data as holotype, Leg. J. Alavi .

Description: Female macroptera. Body brown, median abdominal segments somewhat lighter; legs wholly brown including tarsi; fore tarsi somewhat lighter ( Figure 9 ).

Head: Antennal segment I and II brown, same color as head, II slightly lighter at extreme apex, III light brown, lightest segment, IV–IX brown, lighter than head, IV slightly lighter at base except dark pedicle ( Figure 10 ). Antennal segment III with long linear sensorium, extending to behind half of segment; IV with linear sensorium curved and a little wider at the apex, extending at most to basal third of segment; V short, about 0.6–0.7 times as long as last 4 segments together ( Figure 10 ). Vertex with paired long interocellar setae arising behind anterior margin of posterior ocelli; postocular area with 9–10 pairs of small setae in 2 regular oblique rows each side ( Figure 12 ). Frontoclypeus with about 14–15 pairs of small setae, without distinctive pair of midlateral setae beside eyes ( Figure 13 ).

Thorax: Pronotum with about 36 minute discal setae, 4 or 5 pairs of anteromarginal and 4 pairs of small posteromarginal setae ( Figure 12 ). Mesonotum with 1 pair of median setae ( Figure 14 ). Metascutum with weak sculpture of polygonal reticulation, without internal markings ( Figure 14 ). Forewings pale with 2 pale brown transverse dark bands connected posteriorly by cloudy brown marginal vein ( Figure 11 ). Forewings’ first cross-vein at middle of first transverse dark band, second cross-vein at third beginning of second transverse dark band ( Figure 11 ).

Abdomen: Abdominal tergite I without median paired campaniform sensilla. Abdominal sternite I not eroded, II with 3 pairs of submarginal setae; III–VII with 4 pairs of setae on posterior margins of which 2 lateral pairs rise submarginally; setae S1 on sternite VII closer to S2 than to each other, distance between setae S1 is about 1.7 times as long as distance between each of them to setae S2 ( Figure 15 ); sternite VII with 2 pairs of accessory setae arranged vertically between setae S1 and S2, 1 pair rising at posterior margin of the sternite and another pair rising in front of them ( Figure 15 ); sternites and hemisternites VIII without discal setae. Spermatheca oval-shaped with conical head, less chitinous, without spiniform processes ( Figure 16 ).

Measurements of holotype female (in microns): Body distended length 1820, Head length (width across cheeks) 142 (170). Interocellar setae length 25. Antennal segments length (width): I 30 (32), II 50 (28), III 87 (23), IV 65 (23), V 48 (21), VI 18 (17), VII 17 (15), VII 18 (11), IX 15 (7). Pronotum median length 150, width 185. Mesonotum median setae length (interval)? (25). Metascutum anterior marginal setae length (interval) 25 (39), posterior setae length (interval) 7 (31). Forewings length 840, width across first cross-vein 112, across second cross-vein 132; first and second transverse dark bands length along the anterior margin 130 and 150, respectively, intervening white area length 160; fore to hind tibiae length 150, 149, and 220, respectively. Tergite IX median length 112, setae S1 length 125, S2 length 150. Ovipositor length 370.

Male macroptera: General body structure same as female but smaller, and color of antennae and legs different ( Figure 17 ); antennal segments I brown, lighter than head; II–III light brown, III gradually somewhat darkening toward apical third; IV–IX brown, same color as I ( Figure 18 ). Forelegs brown except inner margins of femora and tibiae as well as tarsus of forelegs yellow, apices of mid and hind tibiae as well as their tarsus yellowish brown. Antennal segment III sensorium extending to half of segment; sensorium on IV extending basal third of segment; antennal segment V shorter than last 4 segments together, about 0.7 times as long as they are ( Figure 18 ). Forewings’ color pattern similar to that of female. Mid coxae without ridges or tubercle. Abdominal tergites without tubercles; tergites III–VIII with 2 transverse dark stripes on anterior margin ( Figure 19 ); IX without claspers or sickle-shaped setae laterally, with 3 pairs of lateral setae of which the most posterior is longest, with 2 marginal and 1 midlateral pairs of setae, campaniform sensilla situated in front and far away from marginal setae S1 ( Figure 20 ). Sternites II–VIII without discal setae; sternite IX with 4 pairs setae arranged in 2 longitudinal lines ( Figure 21 ).

Measurements of paratype male (in microns): Body distended length 1390. Head length (width across cheeks) 125 (157). Interocellar setae length 17. Antenna segments length (width): I 22 (31), II 42 (25), III 62 (20), IV 62 (18), V 45 (19), VI 17 (15), VII 12 (14), VIII 15 (11), IX 14 (7). Pronotum median length (width) 125 (162). Mesonotum median setae length (interval) 19 (27), strong lateral setae length 26. Metascutum anteromarginal setae length (interval) 20 (35), posterior setae length (interval) 5 (20). Forewings length 670. Fore to hind tibiae length 125, 130, and 190, respectively. Abdominal tergite I length 120, tergite IX median length 125, posteromarginal setae S1 length (interval) 35 (55), length of longest lateral seta 118, segment X length 50, setae S1 length 83, setae S2 length 177.

Remarks: A. oteri is very similar in structure and general body color to a group containing A. afghanus Jenser 1984 , A. eremicola Priesner 1938 , A. persiae Alavi & Minaei 2018 , A. flaviventer Pelikan 1983 , and A. zurstrasseni Minaei 2013 (see Alavi and Minaei, 2018), but unlike them, the metascutum sculpture is nearly in the form of equiangular reticulation (vs. in the form of curved transverse reticulation on posterior half, and relatively equiangular reticulation on anterior half), and the number of small setae on frontoclypeus is fewer (less than 15 pairs) (vs. about 20 pairs). Moreover, it can be distinguished from them (except A. flaviventer ) by having 1 pair of rather long interocellar setae. This character is also seen in A. flaviventer , but the new species is different from that in the color of forewings, antennae, legs and median abdominal segments. Furthermore, A. oteri is sometimes similar to A. eremicola and A. persiae in the color pattern of the forewings, but can be distinguished from them as follows: in A. oteri , tibiae are uniformly dark (vs. apices of all tibiae in A. eremicola and fore and mid tibiae in A. persiae yellow). Antennal segments III entirely light brown (vs. more or less bicolored in A. eremicla and A. persiae ).

The male can easily be separated from all similar species by the status of the 4 pairs of setae on sternite IX, which are spread far apart from each other, while they are closer together in other species. For example, distance between S2 and S 3 in the new species is 50 ( Figure 21 ), while in the other species this distance is 17–20 in A. afghanus , 30–37 in A. eremicola , 20–21 in A. persiae , and 20–25 in A. zurstrasseni . Additionally, seta S1 on tergite X is significantly longer than that in all of the species mentioned above (83–85 vs. 17–25). Moreover, unlike A. eremicola , the head is entirely brown and antennal segment III is not sharply bicolored, and unlike A. persiae , antennal segments I and II are dark, and mid and hind tibiae are not bicolored.

Etymology. Species name refers to the place of the collection, Oter-abad village.

Distribution. Iran, Khorasan-e Shomali Province.

Aeolothrips intactus Pelikán, 1963: 99 .

Aeolothrips samarkandicus Djadetshko, 1963: 161 .

Material examined: IRAN, Khorasan-e Shomali Province, 1 female, Bojnourd, Oter-Abad village, from flowers of Paliurus spina-christi Mill. ( Rhamnaceae ), 12.v.2014, Leg. J. Alavi.

Remarks: A. intactus originally described based solely on one female from central Asia ( Uzbekistan) by Pelikán (1963) ( Figure 22). This is the first report of this species after its first description. Only one female specimen of the species was found in this study.

Comparing the characters stated in the original description with some photos of the holotype revealed that an important character was ignored by the author. This character is the darkness of the distal half of abdominal segments X. Therefore, when Bhatti (1970) compared A. novus Bhatti 1970 with A. intactus , he wrote that “both species have the body uniformly yellow with the apex of the abdomen not darkened”. However, in both the holotype and the specimen collected in this study, the posterior half of the abdominal segment X is clearly darker ( Figures 23 and 24). In this regard, A. intactus is similar to A. montivagus Priesner 1948 ( Figure 25), although they are separated by the lack of any dark marking on the forewings in A. intactus ( Figure 26) and the presence of 2 transverse dark bands in A. montivagus ( Figure 27). Moreover, in A. intactus , the antennae are whitish yellow, segment III has a pale gray line at apical margin, IV shaded in apical fourth to third with gray pedicle, rest of antenna shaded ( Figure 28); in A. montivagus the antennae are distinctly bicolored, III brown in the distal fourth, IV dark brown although sometimes lighter at base, rest of antenna dark brown ( Figure 29). Furthermore, meso- and metanotum of A. intactus are uniformly yellowish without any markings ( Figure 30), while these have light brown markings in A. montivagus ( Figure 31).

A. intactus can also be compared with the Indian species A. novus , since that is another yellow species in the genus with no dark shading on the forewings, but A. intactus can be readily separated as follows: the abdominal segment X is shaded distally (vs. apex of abdomen being yellow in A. novus ), antennal segments III and IV at apex, and V –IX completely light gray (vs. uniformly yellow), antennal segment III grayish at apical margin (vs. completely whitish in A. novus ). Furthermore, in general the measurements of A. intactus are smaller than those of A. novus (see Bhatti, 1970).

Figures

Figures 1–8. Aeolothrips jajarmi sp. nov., female. 1 – general habitus; 2 – antenna; 3–4 – forewing; 5 – head and pronotum; 6 – ventral surface of head (frontoclypeus); 7 –mesonotum and metascutum; 8 – abdominal sternite VII.

Figures 9–21. Aeolothrips oteri sp. nov. (9–17) – Female (holotype). 9 – general habitus; 10 – antenna; 11 – forewing; 12 – head and pronotum; 13 – ventral surface of head (frontoclypeus); 14 – mesonotum and metascutum; 15 – abdominal sternite VII; 16 – spermatheca. (17–21) – Male. 17 – general habitus; 18 – antenna; 19 – abdominal tergites I–IV; 20 – abdominal tergites VIII–X; 21 – abdominal sternites VIII–IX.