Chlorocryptus purpuratus (Smith)

Yoshida, Takuma & Matsumoto, Rikio, 2015, A revision of the genus Chlorocryptus Cameron (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), with the first record of the genus from Japan, Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 62 (1), pp. 81-99 : 82-84

Taxon classification Animalia Hymenoptera Ichneumonidae

Chlorocryptus purpuratus (Smith) Figs 1, 2-12, 22-25, 28-35, 39-42, 43-47, 48-53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58.

Cryptus purpuratus Smith, 1852: 33. Holotype: ♀, China, Hong-Kong (BMNH), mentioned “Ning-po-foo” in original description [examined].

Chlorocryptus metallicus Cameron, 1903: 35. Holotype: ♀, India, Khasia Hill (BMNH) [examined]. Synonymized by Gauld (1987).

Chlorocryptus coeruleus Cameron, 1903: 36. Holotype: ♀, India, Khasia Hill (Oxford University Museum, UK). Synonymized by Gauld (1987).

Chlorocryptus reticulatus Cameron, 1907: 84. Holotype: ♂, India, Sikkim (BMNH) [examined]. Synonymized with coeruleus by Townes et al. (1961).

Cryptaulax cyaneus Szépligeti, 1916: 286. Lectotype: ♀, India, Sikkim (HNHM) designated by Townes et al. (1961) [examined]. Synonymized with coeruleus by Townes et al. (1961).

Cryptaulax metallicus Szépligeti, 1916: 287. Lectotype: ♀, designated by Townes et al. (1961), Celebes, Patunuang (HNHM) [examined]. New synonym.

Cryptaulaxoides purpuratus (Smith): Uchida 1940: 121.

Cryptaulaxoides metallicus (Cameron): Uchida 1940: 121.

Cochlidionostenus purpuratus (Smith): Townes 1957: 104.

Chlorocryptus fuscipennis Townes et al., 1961: 142. Replacement name for Cryptaulax metallicus Szépligeti, 1916.

Chlorocryptus purpuratus (Smith): Townes et al. 1961: 142.

Neodontocryptus hyalina Saxena, 1978: 216. Holotype: ♀, India, Manipur, Kanchipur (depository unknown; see “Remarks”). Synonymized with coeruleus by Gupta (1987).

References.

Gonggrijp 1931: 8 (noted as parasitoid of Thosea asigna , photo); Kellogg 1938: 123 ( reticulatus , listed); Uchida 1940: 121 ( Chryptaulaxoides purpuratus , record), 122 ( Cryptaulaxoides metallicus , in key); Wu 1941: 59 ( Cryptus purpuratus , listed); Uchida 1952: 48 ( Cryptaulaxoides purpuratus , record); Narayanan and Lal 1961: 257 ( coeruleus , listed), 257 ( metallicus , listed) 258 ( reticulatus , listed); Townes et al. 1961: 141 ( coeruleus , catalogued), 142 ( fuscipennis , catalogued), 142 ( metallicus , catalogued), 142 ( purpuratus , catalogued); Townes et al. 1965: 167 ( coeruleus , catalogued), 168 ( purpuratus , catalogued); Chao 1976: 266 ( coeruleus , listed, distribution), 267 ( purpuratus , listed, distribution); Chu et al. 1978: 40 (description, figure, host, parasitism, distribution); Tiong 1979: 282 ( Chlorocryptus sp. nr. coeruleus , noted as parasitoid of Thosea asigna ); Yang and Wu 1981: 303 (listed); Tiong 1982: 535 ( Chlorocryptus sp. nr. coeruleus , noted); Zhang 1983: 21 (diagnosis, host, biology); Xiao 1985: 25 (biological notes); He and Wang 1987: 379 (description, host, distribution); Wang and Li 1987: 1326 (in key, host, distribution, records); Gauld 1987: 130 (diagnosis, figure of fore wing, distribution, hosts, biology); Dang et al. 1990: 12 (description, figure, hosts, distribution); He et al. 1992: 1224 (description, figure, hosts, distribution); He and Tian 1993: 536 (description, figure, hosts, distribution); Wang and Yao 1993: 645 (records); Chen 1993: 138 (noted, figure); He et al. 1996: 511 (description, figure, hosts, distribution); Mariau 1999: 150 (table 1), 153 (listed and noted as a parasitoid of Limacodidae on palms); He et al. 2001: 721 (records); Lin 2003: 939 (catalogued); Wang 2003: 274 ( coeruleus , description, distribution); He et al. 2004: 514 (description, figure, hosts, records, distribution); Jonathan 2006: 191 ( coeruleus , description, figures, records, distribution), 192 ( metallicus , diagnosis, distribution); He and Chen 2006: 111 (description, figures, biology, hosts, distribution); Ding et al. 2009: 27 (record, hosts); Sheng and Sun 2009: 70 (description, photo, hosts, records, distribution); Sheng et al. 2013: 139 (description, photo, hosts, records, distribution).

Type specimens examined.

Holotype of Cryptus purpuratus Smith: ♀, "56 113, Hong Kong", BMNH (ID 3b-572). Holotype of Chlorocryptus reticulatus Cameron: ♂, “Sikkim”, BMNH (ID 3b-2013). Lectotype of Cryptaulax cyaneus Szépligeti: ♂, "India, Sikkim, ex coll. Fruhstorfer", HNHM (ID 115215). Lectotype of Cryptaulax metallicus Szépligeti: ♀, "S.-Celebes, Patunuang, Jan. 1896, H. Fruhstorfer", HNHM (ID 115222). One of the paralectotypes of Cryptaulax metallicus Szépligeti: ♀ same data as the lectotype, SEHU (Uchida collection).

Additional specimens.

Japan. Yamadaike Park, Hirakata, Osaka Pref., 1 ♀, 6.viii.2011, Y. Mori, OMNH. Isoshima, Hirakata, Osaka Pref., 34.82683°N / 135.6450°E, R. Matsumoto, OMNH: 1 ♂, 18.x.2010; 1 ♀, 29.x.2010; 1 ♀, 8.xi.2010; 1 ♀, 3.x.2010; 3 ♀, 2 ♂, 24.ix.2011; 1 ♀, emerged from a cocoon of Parasa consocia Walker collected on 15.i.2013, emerged in iii.2013. Offspring of females collected at Isoshima, bred on Parasa consocia Walker, OMNH: 1 ♂, laid on 1.xi.2010, emerged on 20.xii.2010; 1 ♂, laid on 4.xi.2010, emerged on 22.xii.2010; 1 ♂, laid on 10.xi.2010, emerged on 24.xii.2010; 1 ♂, laid on 9.xi.2010, emerged on 28.xii.2010; 1 ♂, laid on 4.xi.2010, emerged on 6.i.2011. Oka, Hirakata, Osaka Pref., 34.8178°N / 135.6415°E, R. Matsumoto, OMNH: 1 ♂, 28.ix.2011; 1 ♀, 16 ♂, 24.ix.2011 [1 ♂ for DNA extraction: DNA-ICH-002]. Tawaraguchicho, Ikoma, Nara Pref., 34.7027°N / 135.6795°E, 1 ♀, 19.viii.2012, R. Matsumoto, OMNH. Hitakatsu, Tsusima Is., Nagasaki Pref., 1 ♂, emerged from a cocoon of Monema flavescens Walker collected on 28.iii.2013, emerged in iv.2013, K. Sasaki, OMNH. China. Wutaihsien, Shanxi Prov., 1 ♀, 12.viii. SEHU. Chinkiang, Kiangsu [= Jiangsu Prov.], 1 ♀, 12.xi.1918, O. Piel, SEHU. Tchefou [= Yantai] Shandong Prov., 1 ♀, MNHN (coll. de Gaulle). Ningpo, Zhejiang Prov.: 3 ♀, P. Buch, 1924, MHNM; 2 ♀, MNHN (coll. de Gaulle). Moupin, Sichuan Prov., 1 ♀, 1899, Chasseurs indigènes, MNHN (coll. Oberthür). Nepal. Balaju, Kathmandu, 1 ♀, 11.ix.1987, H. Takizawa, SEHU. Vietnam. Chu Yang Sin National Park, 12°27′13.74″N/108°20′21.75″E, Krong Bong District, Dak Lak Province, 1 ♂, 12.iii.2013, K. Konishi. Cuc Phuong, Ha Son Binh Prov. (SEHU): 1 ♂, 28.iv.1996, Y. Okushima, OMNH; 1 ♂, 200-300m alt., 24.iv.1998, R. Matsumoto, OMNH. Ba Be National Park, Ba Be, 200m alt., 22.23°N / 105.37°E, R. Matsumoto, OMNH: 1 ♂, 4.v.2006; 1 ♂, 1.v.2006. Malaysia. Klapa Bali, 3 ♀, 3 ♂, 10.vi.1949, MNHN. Klapa Bali, "ds cage de Setora nitens", “VI–VII 1949", P. Vayssuère: 11 ♀, 5 ♂, 10.vi.1949; 2 ♀, 1 ♂, 11.vi.1949. Indonesia. Semarang, Java, 1 ♀, E. Jacobson, 1906, MNHN. Malang, Java, 1 ♀, MNHN. Gunung Lompobattang, 1250-1350m, South Sulawesi, 1 ♀, 16.xii.2010, K. Takasuka, OMNH. Unknown locality. 2 ♂, “Sina”, MNHN (coll. Sichel).

Immature stage.

Fifth instar larva. 1 ex. Isoshima, Hirakata, Osaka Pref., in cocoon of Parasa consocia Walker, 24.ii.2012, R. Matsumoto [OMNH; DNA extraction: DNA-ICH-001].

Diagnosis.

Punctation on head finer than Chlorocryptus coreanus . Temple flat and narrower, occupying 0.2-0.3 of length of head in dorsal view (Fig. 4). Face with transverse rugae in addition to punctures (Figs 2, 5). Clypeus with median obtuse tubercle on apical margin (Fig. 3). Mandibular teeth acute (Fig. 6). Female flagellum without white annulus and with apical third of flagellum ventrally distinctly flattened and widened (Fig. 7). Epomia turned abruptly horizontally toward mesal line of pronotum at midway to upper edge of pronotum (Fig. 9). Prepectus with a short vertical carina opposite lower corner of pronotum. Mesoscutum with longitudinal rugae in addition to punctures, and with moderate-sized glabrous area on lateral lobe (Fig. 8). Propodeum with posterior transverse carina. Nervellar index 1.9-2.8 (Figs 22-25). Postpetiole usually shorter, 0.7-0.9 times as long as wide in female (Fig. 12), 0.6-0.8 in male. Area between median longitudinal carinae of 1st metasomal tergite distinctly raised at beginning of postpetiole (Fig. 11). Subgenital plate (Figs 33-35) with postero-lateral corner gently curved, with posterior margin simply convex medially, and without white spot at base of its apodeme.

Description.

Adult. ♀. Head 2.0-2.1 times as wide as long in dorsal view (Fig. 4). Temple flat and narrow, occupying only 0.2-0.3 of length of head in dorsal view (Fig. 4). POL/OOL=0.4-0.8. Vertex and gena densely punctate with shallow and small punctures; punctures smaller on gena than on vertex. Face 1.4-1.5 times as wide as high, distinctly convex medially, densely punctate with fine punctures and with some sublateral transverse rugae (Figs 2, 5). Clypeus with median obtuse protuberance on apical margin (Fig. 3); punctures sparser than on face and irregular with mixture of different sized punctures. Malar space 0.9-1.2 times as wide as mandible width. Mandible with acute teeth, its lower tooth about half length of upper one (Fig. 6). Antenna with 31-32 flagellomeres; apical third of flagellum weakly thickened and weakly flattened ventrally, weakly tapered to apex; first flagellomere 3.4-4.3 times as long as apical width, a little longer than 2nd flagellomere; fifth flagellomere 1.5-2.1 times as long as apical width (Fig. 7).

Epomia turns horizontally toward mesal line of pronotum at midway to upper edge of pronotum (Fig. 9). Prepectus with a short vertical carina opposite lower corner of pronotum. Mesoscutum densely punctate, with longitudinal to oblique rugae on median lobe, and with moderate-sized glabrous area on lateral lobe (Fig. 8). Scutellum with large punctures. Mesopleuron punctate to areolate-rugose on lower part to strigate on upper frontal part. Mesosternum punctate-reticulate. Metapleuron areolate-rugose. Upper division of metapleuron punctulate. Propodeum areolate rugose; posterior transverse carina distinct laterally, forming weak crest, with median portion merged in rugae and indistinct; anterior transverse carina and basal section of lateromedian longitudinal carina weakly marked; other carinae absent.

Legs slender. Hind femur 6.0-7.3 times as long as maximum width. Hind tibia 9.3-10.7 times as long as apical width.

Fore wing about 10-15 mm long. Nervellar index 1.8-2.8 (Figs 22-25).

First metasomal tergite 1.8-2.1 times as long as apical width, with postpetiole 0.6-0.9 times as long as apical width; area between median longitudinal carinae distinctly raised at proximal margin of postpetiole (Figs 11, 12). Ovipositor sheath 0.8-1.0 times as long as hind tibia.

Body with metallic luster in blue, purple or green. Flagellum entirely black, without white band. Fore and middle tibiae and all tarsi dark brown to black. Ovipositor sheath and ovipositor black. Wings infumate in variable degrees (Figs 22-25). Veins dark brown to black, strongly pigmented all over.

♂. Similar to female except as follows: face 1.2-1.3 times as wide as long; malar space 0.8-1.0 times as long as basal width of mandible; flagellum with 35-37 flagellomeres, with 5 or 6 tyloids which can be on 13 th– 20th flagellomeres; 1st flagellomere 2.7-3.3 times as long as apical width; 1st metasomal segment 1.6-2.1 times as long as apical width; hind femur 7.3-8.0 times as long as median depth; hind tibia 10.3-12.7 times as long as apical width; anterior side of fore femur, fore tibia and dorsal stripe of middle tibia light brown. Subgenital plate with posterior margin evenly convex and with postero-lateral corner gently rounded (Figs 33-35).

Immature stages. Mandible, labral sclerite, epistoma, hypostoma, and labial sclerite well sclerotized through larval development (Figs 48, 50). Pleurostoma less strongly sclerotized (Figs 48, 50). Mandible with minute teeth both on dorsal and ventral sides (ventral teeth difficult to discern under light microscope) (Figs 55, 56), except for 1st instar (Fig. 54). Labrum with five to seven conspicuous setae in a row on each side along labral sclerite. Clypeus with three pairs of setae on lower margin. Antenna of moderate size, conical, without papilla or obvious seta or sensilla (Fig. 51).

First instar larva (Fig. 48). Hypognathus. Hypostomal spur very weakly sclerotized. Stipital sclerite not developed. Mandible without teeth on blade (Fig. 54). Labrum with three setae on each side. Atrium of spiracle and closing apparatus not differentiated (Fig. 49).

Second instar larva. Prognathus. Narrow epistomal spur present. Two pairs of setae on labium of 1st instar remaining but upper most one situated just below salivary orifice present only as a hole. Spiracle with atrium differentiated.

Third and fourth instar larvae. Epistomal spur more developed than in 2nd instar and stipital sclerite present.

Final instar larva (Fig. 50). Dorsal part of epistoma not distinctly sclerotized and transparent, gradually evanescent. Clypeus slightly sclerotized but well delimited from surrounding area, without setae. Mid-dorsal part of labral sclerite weakly expanded and oval in form. Cardo very slightly sclerotized. Maxillary palp with two sensilla. Labial palp with two sensilla. Salivary orifice U-shaped. Closing apparatus of spiracle adjoining atrium (Figs 52, 53).

Biology.

Several limacodid moths have been recorded as hosts. Some of the moths are serious pests of palm trees in the Oriental Region ( Gauld 1987, Mariau 1999); hence, Chlorocryptus purpuratus is of economic importance as their natural enemy. The host records are summarized in Table 1.

In this study, we observed females collected in Osaka ovipositing into cocoons of Parasa consocia Walker (Fig. 1). They spent more than 30 min to penetrate the moth cocoons and to accomplish the oviposition.

Distribution

(Figs 57, 58). Japan (new record): Honshu, Tsushima Is. China: Beijing ( He and Wang 1987), Fujian ( Chao 1976, Kellog 1938, Wang 2003), Guangxi ( He et al. 1992), Guizhou ( He et al. 1992, Wang and Yao 1993), Hebei ( Wang and Yao 1993), Henan (Dang et al. 1991, Sheng and Sun 2009), Hong Kong ( Smith 1852), Hubei ( He and Chen 2006), Hunan (Dang et al. 1991), Jiangsu ( Uchida 1940), Jiangxi ( Chu et al. 1978, Ding et al. 2009, Sheng et al. 2013), Shaanxi (Dang et al. 1991), Shandong ( Chao 1976, He and Tian 1993), Shanghai ( Chao 1976, Xiao 1985), Shanxi ( Uchida 1952), Sichuan ( He et al. 1992), Yunnan ( Wang and Li 1987), Zhejiang ( Chao 1976, He et al. 2001, 2004). Vietnam (new record). Malaysia: Sabah ( Gauld 1987). Indonesia: Java ( Gauld 1987, Saxena 1978), Sumatra ( Gauld 1987), Sulawesi ( Szépligeti 1916). India ( Cameron 1903, Jonathan 2006, Saxena 1978, Szépligeti 1916). Nepal ( Saxena 1978).

Remarks.

Although this species shows a wide range of variation in density of the surface sculpture and setae, wing color (Figs 22-25), and shape of the subgenital plate (Figs 33-35), these variations are continuous. The specimens from Sulawesi, including the lectotype of Cryptaulax metallicus Szépligeti, have extensively dark wings (Fig. 25); however, we considered this an extreme end of the variation.

Jonathan (2006) treated Chlorocryptus coeruleus Cameron and Chlorocryptus metallicus Cameron as distinct species. However, given his descriptions, they fall within the variation of Chlorocryptus purpuratus .

Despite these large intraspecific variations, this species is clearly distinct from Chlorocryptus coreanus with the above given diagnostic characters.

The distribution of Chlorocryptus purpuratus extends further south than that of Chlorocryptus coreanus although the distributions of both species largely overlap in China (Figs 58, 59). We do not know what determines such a difference in the distribution and whether the species compete or segregate where they co-exist. The host and habitat preferences might be different between the species, which may also be of practical interest in the biological control of the notorious limacodids on various trees.

This is the first record of Chlorocryptus purpuratus from Japan and Vietnam. Considering that Chlorocryptus purpuratus has never before been collected in Japan, most probably the Japanese populations have been introduced recently. Its potential hosts, limacodid moths, are abundant and some of them have been well studied as pests in Japan, including their natural enemies ( Kaji 1979, Koike 1985, 1998, Komeda and Hisamatsu 2006, Minamikawa 1962, Oda and Uezumi 1978, Togashi 1981, Togashi and Ishikawa 1994, 1995, 1996, Toyomura 1970, Yuasa 1934).

In 2012 and 2013, alongside the adults, we also collected two larvae in Parasa consocia cocoons in Osaka. This indicates that Chlorocryptus purpuratus has already been established in this area for two or three years.

One of the limacodid moths, Parasa lepida (Cramer), which had been originally distributed in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China, invaded western Japan and became established in the late 1970's ( Oda and Hattori 1981, Higa and Kishimoto 1984). It is probable that cocoons of Parasa lepida or other Limacodidae containing Chlorocryptus purpuratus were introduced accidentally in Japan with imported nursery trees.

The holotype of Neodontocryptus hyalina Saxena could not be located during the course of this study.

The holotype of the species was deposited in the V. K. Gupta collection, which was originally housed at the University of Delhi. Later, his collection was transferred to Florida, first to the University of Florida ( Yu et al. 2012) and finally to FSCA (Virendra K. Gupta, personal communication). Therefore, we expected that the holotype of Neodontocryptus hyalina would be at FSCA; however, only one paratype was located, whereas the holotype was not found (Jim Wily, personal communication).

The lectotypes of Cryptaulax cyaneus Szépligeti and Cryptaulax metallicus Szépligeti were designated by Townes et al. (1961). Five paralectotypes (two females and three males) of Cryptaulax cyaneus and one paralectotype (female) of Cryptaulax metallicus are preserved at HNHM together with their lectotypes ( Gellért Puskás, personal communication). One female paralectotype of Cryptaulax metallicus is is preserved in the Uchida collection at SEHU, which he obtained probably after visiting HNHM during his study trip to Europe and the United States from 1937 to 1939 ( Uchida 1940).

DNA barcodes.

INSD accession number: AB851419 for DNA-ICH-001 and AB851420 for DNA-ICH-002. Both have identical sequences.