Ascodipteron speiserianum Muir, 1912

Hastriter, Michael W., 2007, A review of Ascodipterinae (Diptera: Streblidae) of the Oriental and Australasian regions with a description of three new species of Ascodipteron Adensamer and a key to the subfamily, Zootaxa 1636 (1), pp. 1-32 : 18-21

Ascodipteron speiserianum Muir, 1912

( Fig. 7 )

Ascodipteron speiserianum Muir, 1912: 351–366 ; Bezzi, 1916: 179; Hardenberg,

1929: 498; Stiles and Nolan, 1931: 659; Tokunaga, 1932: 89; Schuurmans

Stekhoven, 1951: 479; Maa, 1965b: 384, 1967: 756, 1989: 796.

Ascodipteron australiansi Muir, 1912: 366 . New synonymy.

Ascodipteron australiense . Bezzi, 1916: 179 (ending of specific name corrected to “se” to agree in gender with genus name); Maa, 1971: 28.

Ascodipteron australianse . Stiles and Nolan, 1931: 659 (incorrect subsequent spelling).

Ascodipteron sp. Hughes, 1960: 183 (not examined, referred to this species based on

host, locality, and site of attachment).

Lectotype designation for Ascodipteron speiserianum Muir. Muir clearly examined many specimens of A. speiserianum during his studies in Amboina, Indonesia; however, he did not designate a holotype, nor did he specify a repository in his original description. He was a noted entomologist at the British Museum (Natural History) and two specimens were obtained from that museum in alcohol from Amboina. The vial contained the label “ Syntype of Ascodipteron ? speiserianum Muir ”. One specimen represented a whole neosome, whereas the genital aperture of the second specimen had been cut off and was missing. Both neosomes were mounted by me. The following lectotype and paralectotype are based on these specimens. LECTOTYPE, dealate female, Indonesia: Amboina, host and site of attachment not listed [presumably M. schreibersi (under skin at base of ear)], VI 1909, F. Muir (slide A-103B/British Museum #1911-122) (BMNH). Paralectotype, dealate female; same data as lectotype (slide A-103A/British Museum #1911-122) (BMNH).

Neotype designation for Ascodipteron australiansi Muir. Described from a single dealate female collected at the base of the ear of M. schreibersi from the Mossman district of North Queensland, Australia. Repository was not designated and holotype could not be located. Maa (1971: 18) examined 10 dealate females attached to the base of the ears of M. schreibersi blepotis (Temminck) = M. schreibersi and Miniopterus australis from New South Wales and Queensland. The Rockhampton, Queensland specimen was selected as the neotype of A. australiansi because of its condition and the clarity of its characters. NEOTYPE, dealate female, Australia: Queensland, Rockhampton, ex. Miniopterus australis, IV 1969 , O. Kemp, (base of ear, BM-1055, BPBM). The neotype of A. australiansi is considered conspecific with the lectotype of A. speiserianum , and hence A. australiansi is treated as a junior synonym of A. speiserianum .

Material examined. Australia: New South Wales, Cangai, ex. M. australis , V 1962, P.D. Dwyer, (one neosome in alcohol was labeled “ A. australiense ” by Maa, 1, A-100, ANIC); Queensland, Cave of Mungana, ex. Miniopterus australis australis = M. australis ( V) ( AMNH #183480), 19 VII 1959, R.F. Peterson, (1, base of ear, AMNH-5012, AMNH); Queensland, Phoenician mine, Mt. Amos, ex. Miniopterus schreibersi oceanensis = M. schreibersi ( V) ( AMNH #156912), 27 VIII 1950, J. Roberts, (3, base of ear, AMNH-5013A–B, AMNH-5014, data in vial AMNH-5013A–B indicated slide #1177 as 1 of 3 specimens. Slide #1177 not examined, AMNH); latter seven specimens (6 identified in alcohol) were identified by Maa 1971: 18 as “ A. australiense ”. China: Nodoa, Hainan Island, ex. Miniopterus schreibersi fuliginosus (Hodgson) = M. schreibersi ( V) ( AMNH #85246/85247), 21 XII 1922, C.H. Hope (3 rd Asiatic Expedition) (3, base of ear, AMNH-5011A– C, AMNH). Indonesia: Java, Mt. Gedeh, ex. M. schreibersi , (3, “cysts on ear”, Leiden-4016A–C, RMNH); Java, Tjilatjap (7°44'S, 109°E), ex. Miniopterus sp. , (1, “behind ear”, Leiden-4017, RMNH); Java, ex. Miniopterus sp. , (1, “cyst on hind leg, base, dorsum”, Leiden-4018, RMNH); same data, (2, Leiden-4019A–B, RMNH); Key Island, (Kai Islands, SE of Seram in Banda Sea), ex. M. australis, 1873 , O. Baccarii, (1, Genova-2006, BPBM); Hohle Liangikan, Ambon, ex. Miniopterus sp. , VI 1922, Dr. Ropstein, (3, 1 larva in genitalia vial, 3 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1090A–C, BPBM); Obi Anggai (Moluccas), ex. Myotis sp. Kaup, 23 III 1953, A.M. R. Wagner, (4, 18 neosomes in alcohol, Bogar-3000A–D, BPBM); Sumatra, Batigha, ex. M. schreibersi, II 1891 , E. Modigiani, (1, site not specified, Genova-2004, BPBM); Sumatra, Moriglian Collection, ex. Miniopterus sp. , (3, “all neosomes on inner mesal surface of ear”, 10 neosomes in alcohol, Genova- 2007A–C, BPBM, 10 neosomes in alcohol, FMNH). Japan: Shimogamo, Shizuoka, ex. M. schreibersi , 1 VII 1965, Y. Wada, (1, BM-1082, BPBM). Myanmar: Thao nu Monti Karans, ex. M. schreibersi, II 1888 , L. Fea, (1, wing, Genova-2005, BPBM). Papua New Guinea: D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago, Kiriwina Island, Liuta, ex. Miniopterus tristis (Waterhouse) ( V) (A.E. #14981), 15 XII 1956, Archbold Expedition, (1, base of ear, AMNH-5016, AMNH); Javarere Caves, 610m, ex. M. tristis ( V) (BBM-25288–25289), 23 VIII 1966, N. Wilson, (3, BM-1056A–C, BPBM); 0.6 km SE Pine Tops Bridge, 16 km NW Wau, ex. Miniopterus magnater Sanborn ( V) (BBM-20091), or M. tristis ( V) (BBM-20092), 19 VII 1966, N. Wilson, (1, BM-1057, BPBM); Bulolo River, ex. “bat-Minn.” [ Miniopterus sp. ?], P. Shanahan, (2, BM-1062A–B, BPBM); Bulolo River, ex. M. tristis ( V) (#27610), P. Shanahan, (3, 2 larvae in genitalia vials, 3 neosomes in alcohol, BBM-NG- 27610A–C, BPBM); Eastern Highlands, Esinodona Cave, 5 km SE Okapa Patrol Post, Okapa area, ex. M. magnater ( V) (A.E. 16732, 16676, 16679), 29 IX 1059, H.M. Van Deusen, (3, larva in genitalia vial, “behind ears”, BM-1063, BM-1091A–B, BPBM); 0.6 km N Clear Creek, 2040m, Eddie Creek, ex. M. schreibersi ( V), or ex. Miniopterus fuscus Bonhote ( V) (BBM-52529–52548), 19 VII 1966, N. Wilson and R. Mitchell, (2, BM-1076A–B, BPBM); Louisiade Archipelago, Misima Island, Quartz Mt. Mine, Narian, ex. M. schreibersi ( V) (#14248), 8 VIII 1956, R.F. Peterson, (2, “behind ears”, BM-1077A–B, BPBM); Louisiade Archipelago, Kebu’bwa Cave, Misima Island, ex. M. tristis ( V) (A.E. #14247-14256, 14259, 14260), 8 VIII 1956, R.F. Peterson, (3, 3 neosomes in alcohol, behind ears, BM-1078A–C, BPBM); Sudest Island, Joe’s Landing, ex. M. schreibersi ( V) (A.E.#14353), 21 VIII 1956, R.F. Peterson, (1, behind ear, BM-1079, BPBM); Bulolo River, ex. M. tristis ( V) (#27602), P. Shanahan, (1, BM-1080, BPBM); same data except ex. Miniopterus pusillus Dobson ( V) (#27606), (2, BM-1081A–B, BPBM); Eastern Highlands, Sinofi, 1590m, 30 km S Kainantu, ex. Miniopterus ? minor (TMP-781–817), 30 IX 1959, (6, BM-1083, BM-1084A–C, 2 larvae in genitalia vials, 1 neosome in alcohol, BM-1089A–B, BPBM); Sandaun Province, Telefomin, 1600 m, ex. Miniopterus sp. (BBM-22762), 6 VIII 1963, P. Temple, (1, BM-1087, BPBM); Morobe Province, Kalalo, 750 m, ex. Miniopterus sp. ( V) (#52997), 22 VIII 1966, (1, BBM-NG-52997, BPBM); Central Province, Bogeri Javarere Cave #1, ex. M. tristis ( V) (#60237), 31 X 1968, N. Wilson and M. Nadchatram, (2, 2 larvae in genitalia vials, BBM-NG-60237A–B, BPBM); Western Highlands, Mt. Hagen, ex. M. magnater ( V) (AMNH-183808), 8 VIII 1959, R.F. Peterson, (1, behind ear, AMNH-5015, AMNH). Philippine Islands: Luzon, Rizal Province, Montalban, “bat”, 8 II 1962, L. Quate and S. Quate, (2, BM-NG-935–944, BPBM). Malaysia: Perak, ex. Miniopterus sp., 1907 , G.B. Cerruti, (3, 8 neosomes in alcohol, Genova-2008A–C, BPBM); Selangor, Batu Cave, ex. Hipposideros sp. , 22 VIII 04, K. Dittmar, (1, wing, A-116/Dip-2, DNA vouchers, BYU). Thailand: Chiang Mai Province, Ban Tham, Amphoe Chieng Dao, ex. “bat”, 13 XI 1962, (1, 1 larva in genitalia vial, BM-1003, BPBM); Chiang Mai Province, Fang, Tham Tap Tao [cave S of Fang], ex. M. schreibersi , 16 I 1974, Kitti Thonglongya, (1, BM-1073, BPBM); Chanthaburi Province, Khao Wongkot [cave at Wat Khao Wongkot], ex. M. schreibersi , 20 VI 1974, CTNRC, (2, BM-1074A–B, BPBM); Lop Buri Province, Chai Badan Tham Burapha, ex. M. schreibersi , 10 XI 1973, Kitti Thonglongya, (1, BM-1075, BPBM); Chiang Mai Province, Mae Chan, Huaimae Salaep, ex. M. schreibersi , 14 XI 1972, Kitti Thonglongya, (1, BM-1088, BPBM). Taiwan: Hsinchu Cave, Kuanhsi, ex. M. schreibersi fuliginosus = M. schreibersi , 22 III 1973, S.C. Lien, (3 “ear base behind ear lobe”, 6 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1044A–C, BPBM); Fairy Cave, Hengchun, Guizijiao, ex. Miniopterus sp. , II 1949, T.C. Maa and G.F. Forris, (3, 2 larvae in genitalia vials, 40 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1058A–C, BPBM, 10 neosomes in alcohol, FMNH); Pingdong, Chunri Xiang, Guhua Cun, ex. Miniopterus sp. (338 bats), ex. Rhinolophus sp. (6 bats), ex. Scotophilus sp. Leach (4 bats), 15 I 1963, P.Y. Hsieh, (3, 15 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1059A–C, BPBM, 10 neosomes in alcohol, FMNH); Gao Xiong, Liugui, Xinsheng village, ex. Miniopterus sp. , 24 IV 1954, Chung’s, (3, BM-1060A–C, BPBM); Pingdong (city), Xiaoan, inside tunnel, ex. Miniopterus sp. , 20 III 1963, (1, BM-1061, BPBM); Tzepeng Taitung hsien, ex. M. schreibersi , 1 II 1964, T.C. Maa, (1, base of ear, BM-1064, BPBM); Taiping Tsuen, in tunnel, Pianan, Taitung hsien, ex. Miniopterus sp. , 24 II 1964, J.S. Kuo, (1, 1 larva in genitalia vial, BM-1065, BPBM); Puli, Nantou hsien, ex. M. schreibersi fuliginosus = M. schreibersi ( TMT 26–37), 11 XII 1963, T.C. Maa, (1, 1 larva in genitalia vial, BM-1066, BPBM); Lung Sou, Kuai-Shan, Tao-yuan hsien, ex. M. schreibersi , 2 XII 1963, T.C. Maa, (3, 3 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1067A–C, BPBM); Taoyuan hsien, Kueishan County, Longshou village, ex. M. schreibersi (TAMRI-90713), 19 XII 1957, J.C. Lien, (3, 5 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1068A–C, BPBM); Taichung, Tungshih, ex. Miniopterus sp., 1966 , J.C. Lien, (1, base of ear, BM-1069, BPBM); Lungsou, Kueishan, Taoyuan hsien, ex. M. schreibersi , 13 XII 1960, H. Hurlbut, (1, BM-1070, BPBM); Pingdong city, Taiwu County, Jiapin village, ex. Miniopterus sp. , IV 1963, C.P. Kao, (3, 17 neosomes in alcohol, BM- 1071A–C, BPBM). West Papua: Danawaria, Vogelkop, 2 VI 1959, J.L. Gressitt, (3, 26 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1072A–C, BPBM, 10 neosomes in alcohol, FMNH); Danawaria Caves, 100-700m, Fak Fak, NE Vogelkop, 2 VI 1959, (6, 4 larvae in genitalia vial, 10 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1085A–C, BM-1086 A-C, BPBM); Tapitapipi Caves, Dabora, Cape Vogel Peninsula, ex. M. tristis ( V) (A.E. #11875–11899), 16 IV 1963, H.M. Van Deusen, (3, “behind ears”, 3 neosomes in alcohol, BM-1092A–C, BPBM); same data except ex. M. tristis ( V) (A.E. #11803), (1, base of ear, BM-1093, BPBM); Itoda, Kamo Valley, Wisselmeren, 1500– 1600 m, 3°55'S, 136°15'E, ex. Miniopterus sp. , 18 VIII 1962, N. Wilson, (4, BBM-NG-15376A–D, BPBM).

Diagnosis. Blunt papilla-like, non-pigmented setae on the labial theca, which differ from those on gena, separates A. speiserianum from other species.

Description. Head ( Figs. 7A–D ). Labial theca ca. equal in length and width; usual peg-like spiniform setae reduced to ca. 40 non-pigmented minute tubercles on dorsal surface and ca. 50+ similar tubercles on ventral surface. Dorsal surface without thin setae; anteroventral surface with medial patch of ca. 15 minute setae. Caudal margin of dorsal labial theca concave; ventral margin convex. Posterior margin of frons trilobed. Arista with multiple fine branches; basal antennal segment with single long seta. Length of lateral vertex 2x width; anteromedial surface strongly concave; surface adorned with ca. 30 minute tubercles, most with canals extending from bases. Gena with 25–30 lightly pigmented peg-like spiniform setae; grossly differing from tubercles on labial theca. Thorax ( Figs. 7E–F ). Scutum covered laterally with setiferous tubercles; medial area without tubercles. Scutellum with single seta at each side. Prespiracular setae of mesopleuron with 5–8 pigmented peg-like setae; postspiracular setae of 4–6 slender dorsal setae and 10–12 pigmented peg-like ventral setae. Pteropleuron with 18–20 minute sharp, nonpigmented papilla-like setae (as on labial theca). Hypopleuron and sternopleuron without setae. Coxa 1 with 8 lateral minute spiniforms; trochanters 1 and 2 club-shaped, each with combination of minute and robust spiniform setae. Coxa 3 with fine setae along lateral and mesal margins. Mesosternum and metasternum with 7–8 and 3–4 long slender setae, respectively. Genital Aperture ( Figs. 10D–E ). R1 and R3 comprised of darkly pigmented peg-like spiniforms. Setae on dorsum of R2 similar to those of R1 and R3; ventral setae of R2 long and slender (5x length of width of aveoli). R4 and R5 same as ventral setae of R2. VSS of 16 setae; MSS of 2 pairs, each between cercus and spiracle #5; DSS of 11–12 setae. Spiracular setae all long and slender as those in R1 and R3. Cercus 20µ in diameter; 2–3 fine long setae.

Dimensions. Head and thorax: 1227µ (n = 25, range: 998–1398µ); Labial theca, length: 464µ (n = 25, range: 411–541µ), width: 422µ (n = 25, range: 341–477µ); Genital aperture, diameter: 917µ (n = 24, range: 659–1193µ); Neosome, length: 3740µ (n = 86, range: 2500–5000µ) ( Table 1).

Remarks. Muir (1912) did not designate a repository for either A. australiansi or A. speiserianum and his illustrations did not focus on reliable characters to differentiate them. The material examined herein from Australia, represents the same material cited and discussed by Maa (1971: 18). Maa (1971) attempted to distinguish between A. australiansi and A. speiserianum by noting differences in the setae between the interspaces of spiracle 7 (herein referred to as VSS). It should be noted that Maa’s interpretation of VSS in reality represented R5 ( Maa 1971: 17, fig. 36 vs. 39). The VSS are occasionally hidden within a crypt between R5 and the ventral margin of the genital opening. Although the setae of each appear shorter in A. australiansi ( Australia) than in A. speiserianum ( Indonesia) , this character is highly variable from specimen to specimen even from the same host specimen. For example, AMNH-5013A and 5013B represent conspecific material with that examined by Maa (1971) as slide #1177 (Maa’s fig. 36) and BM-1090A–C are conspecific with Maa’s slide #1178 (Maa’s fig. 39). Slides #1177 and #1178 are from Australia and Indonesia, respectively (neither slide could be located for examination). Maa compared only one mounted specimen each from two widely separated geographical areas. After comparison of the above material, I concluded that the length of the metasterna of each species was not discernibly different and the “narrowness” of the lateral vertices was a highly variable character. The lateral vertices are subject to immense distortions from the pressures exerted by host tissues during the endoparasitic life of the neosome and from distortions induced in slide mounted preparations. I did not find the Australian specimens (considered by Maa 1971 as A. australiansi ) to differ significantly from the syntypes of A. speiserianum (lectotype and paralectotype) from Amboina, Indonesia. The neotype of A. australiansi was collected within about 200 km of those from the Phoenician mine from the same bat species ( M. schreibersi ) and from the same site of attachment (base of ear). The Rockhampton specimens were collected from the base of the ears also, but from A. australis .

Figures

FIGURE 7. A–F. Ascodipteron speiserianum, ex. M. schreibersi. A. Labial theca, dorsal (Leiden-4016A, Java). B. Peglike setae on labial theca (AMNH-5011C, China). C. Peg-like setae on gena (AMNH-5011C, China). D. Lateral vertex (A-103B, lectotype, Amboina, Indonesia). E. Lateral thorax (Leiden-4016A, Java). F. Sternum (Leiden-4016A, Java). Scale A, E = 200µ, D, F = 100µ.

FIGURE 10. A–G. Genital aperture. A. Ascodipteron phyllorhinae (AMNH-5006A, ex. H. diadema, Australia. B. Short, thick setae in R4 and thin setae in R5, A. phyllorhinae (AMNH-5006A). C. Short, thick setae in R1 and R2 (R3 not illustrated are thin setae), A. phyllorhinae (AMNH-5006A). D. Ascodipteron speiserianum (A-103B, lectotype, ex. M. schreibersi, Amboina, Indonesia). E. Five terminal annular rows of setae, A. speiserianum (Leiden-4019A, ex. Miniopterus sp., Java). F. Ascodipteron wenzeli sp. nov. (F-38470A, paratype, ex. R. paradoxolophus, Vietnam). G. Two thin setae in R4 and three thick setae in R3, A. wenzeli sp. nov. (F38470A, paratype).