Two new species of Dasineura (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from the Neotropics and new morphological data on Dasineura tavaresiABSTRACT
Two new species of Dasineura Rondani, 1840 from Brazil are described and illustrated based on specimens from the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (MNRJ): D. capsicicola sp. nov. and D. microstachysae sp. nov. The former attacks bud flowers of Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae), a plant economically important, commonly known as sweet pepper and the latter induces leaf galls on Microstachys corniculata (Vahl.) Griseb. (Euphorbiaceae), both plant species native to Brazil. Dasineura capsicicola, has 12-13 flagellomeres in male, 12-14 in female and 8th tergite divided longitudinally, pupa with long apical setae, long prothoracic spiracle, and dorsal spines present on the second to eighth abdominal segments, larva with two-toothed spatula without lateral projections. Dasineura microstachysae, has 15 flagellomeres in male, 14-15 in female, pupa with dorsal spines on the second to eighth abdominal segments, and larval spatula without prominent teeth. The new gall midges are compared with other congeneric Brazilian species and a key to segregate them is presented. Furthermore, the male of Dasineura tavaresi Maia, 1996 is described for the first time and label data from the holotype are corrected herein.
KEYWORDS:
Gall midge; gall-inducing insect; host plant; morphology; Neotropical; taxonomy
INTRODUCTION
Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) is an economically important plant, commonly known as sweet pepper. It is used as food due to its intense flavor and striking aroma. It also has medicinal uses (Useful Tropical Plants 2014), since it helps support the immune system, prevent cancer, protect against brain degeneration, combat premature aging, reduce cardiovascular problems and support vision health. Furthermore, the sweet pepper has agroforestal use. This plant is native to southern North America, Central America and northern South America, where it occurs in humid tropical biomes (POWO 2024).
Three gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induce galls on Capsicum annuum, namely: Asphondylia capsicicola Uechi, Yukawa & Tokuda, 2016, known from the Palearctic and Oriental Regions, Asphondylia gennadii Marchal, 1904, a Palearctic species and Clinodiplosis capsici Gagné, 2000, a Neotropical species (Gagné and Jaschhof 2021).
Microstachys corniculata (Vahl.) Grised (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant native to Mexico, Antilles, Central and South Americas, occurring mainly in coastal regions. In Brazil, it is widespread, extending from north to south (Cordeiro et al. 2024). It is used in the treatment of headaches, heart problems, sores, wounds and cuts (Useful Tropical Plants 2014). Two gall midges are associated with this plant: Clinodiplosis conica Oliveira & Maia, 2008 and Schizomyia spherica Maia & Oliveira, 2007, both described from Brazil (Gagné and Jaschhof 2021).
Two new gall midges of Dasineura are described from Brazil, one of them attacks bud flowers of Capsicum annuum and the other induces leaf galls on Microstachys corniculata. The former was already reported as Dasineura sp. in pepper cultivars in the municipality of Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Southern Brazil (Echer et al. 2003) and in the Distrito Federal, Mid-West of Brazil (Guimarães and Moura 2018), while the latter was previously recorded only in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Southern Brazil (Maia 2001a, Carvalho-Fernandes et al. 2016).
Dasineura Rondani, 1840 is a cosmopolitan and diverse genus with 483 described species, 18 of them reported in the Neotropics and 11 in Brazil (Maia 2010, Gagné and Jaschhof 2021) (Table 1).
Species of Dasineura reported in Brazil. All are gall-inducing, although the genus includes flower-dwelling and leaf-rolling species.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Specimens from the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (MNRJ) associated with Capsicum annuum and Microstachys corniculata were previously mounted on microscope slide following the methods outlined in Gagné (1994) and identified as Dasineura spp. by VCM. Morphological studies, data on host plants and gall shapes indicate that both species are new. Male, female, pupa, and larvae were described and illustrated. Furthermore, the male of Dasineura tavaresiMaia, 1996 is also described based on two specimens found in the same collection. All types are deposited in the MNRJ. We followed the terminology of Gagné (1994) for immature stages and Gagné (2018) for adults.
Drawings were made with the aid of an optical microscope with couplet photographic camera and drawing tube. Then, they were edited using Corel DRAW®. Measurements were made using a microscope slide with scale from 0.01 to 5.0 mm. Length of wings was measured from the arculus to the apex, wing and scape width at midlength; and total length of females from vertex to posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment.
Records of geographical distribution were obtained from published inventories of insect galls from Brazil based on host plant species and gall morphology as well as from labels of the specimens of the Entomological Collection of Museu Nacional (MNRJ). Data from literature were verified in the Web of Science, in March 2024, using the following descriptors: Brazil/Brasil, Galls/Galhas, Gall-inducing insects/Insetos galhadores, and Cecidomyiidae.
The new species are compared to all other Brazilian congeneric species based on data from the original descriptions of Dasineura braziliensis (Tavares, 1922) and D. occultaPereira-Colavite & Urso-Guimarães, 2013, and examination on specimens from the MNRJ, D. byrsonimaeMaia, 2010, D. copacabanensis Maia, 1993, D. couepiae Maia, 2001, D. giganteaAngelo & Maia, 1999, D. globosa Maia, 1996, D. marginalis Maia, 2005, D. myrciariae Maia, 1993, D. ovalifoliae Fernandes & Maia, 2011, and D. tavaresi Maia, 1996. A comparative table is presented (Appendix 1), as well as a key to segregate them.
TAXONOMY
Dasineura Rondani, 1840
Diagnosis. Dasineura is a large, cosmopolitan genus of Lasiopteridi and is distinguished from other genera of gall midges by the following combination of characters: The antennae have an uneven number of flagellomeres within a species, not restricted to 12; male flagellomeres have a single basal node and distinct apical neck, while those of the female have almost no neck beyond the node; the costal wing vein is broken just posteriad of its juncture with the R5 vein, which terminates anterior to the wing apex; the tarsal claws are robust, curved beyond midlength, and have a basal tooth; the empodia are approximately as long as the tarsal claws and the pulvilli are about 1/3 the length of the claws; the gonocoxite has a mediobasal lobe that is closely juxtaposed to the side of the aedeagus; the female eighth tergite is longitudinally divided into two sclerites; the ovipositor is elongate-protrusible and its cerci are fused to form a single lobe. Larvae are generally uniform morphologically, with a full basic cecidomyiine complement of papillae and clove-shaped spatula (Gagné et al. 2014).
Dasineura capsicicola Maia, sp. nov.
Figs 1-3
https://zoobank.org/822F0889-B7FE-4BAA-95EF-E6435322FF39
Diagnosis. Male with 12-13 flagellomeres, female with 12-14 flagellomeres and 8th tergite longitudinally divided; pupa with long apical setae (0.20-0.22 mm), long prothoracic spiracle (0.21-0.26 mm), and dorsal spines present on the second to eighth abdominal segments; larva with two-toothed spatula without lateral projections.
Male (Figs 1A-2A): Body: 1.33-1.75 mm long. Head (Fig. 1A) globoid, 0.20-0.24 mm long, 0.22-0.24 mm wide; eye facets circular, closely appressed, except laterally and at vertex; antenna (Fig. 1B): scape 0.07-0.09 mm long, 0.08-0.10 mm wide, wider apically than basally, pedicel globoid, 0.06-0.07 long, 0.06-0.08 wide, 12-13 flagellomeres, 1st and 2nd flagellomeres fused, 0.22-0.26 mm long, 3rd-9th flagellomeres subequal in length, 0.13-0.15 mm long, 10th-13th progressively shorter, 0.12 mm, 0.10-0.12 mm, 0.08-0.10 mm and 0.08-0.09mm, 3rd-11th or 3rd-12th flagellomeres each consisting of cylindrical basal node and long distal neck, last flagellomere conical, flagellomeres 12 and 13 fused in a single specimen, all flagellomeres setulose, circumfila composed of two horizontal rings connected by two longitudinal bands, necks elongate and bare (Fig. 1C), proportion node/neck: 0.04/0.03-0.025. Mouth parts: labrum long-attenuate with three pairs of setae, hypopharynx of the same shape of labrum, with long lateral setulae anteriorly directed, 0.19-0.20 mm; palpus with four segments, progressively longer, 2nd segment wider than others, 1st segment 0.04-0.05 mm, 2nd segment 0.07-0.08 mm long, 3rd segment 0.09 mm long, 4th segment 0.10-0.12; labella pointed distally, 0.09-0.10 mm long, with lateral and mesal setae. Thorax: scutum with two dorsocentral rows of setae and lateral row of setae on each side, scales intermixed; scutellum with setae only on the basal half; anepimeron with a longitudinal row of setae and some scales, other pleura bare; wing (Fig. 1D) 1.00 mm long, 0.45 mm wide, C with break at juncture with R5, Rs reduced to bend on R5; tarsal claws toothed, empodia about as long as claws (Fig. 1E). Abdomen (Fig. 1F): sclerites with basal pair of trichoid sensillae; 1st-7th tergites rectangular with scattered scales, single posterior row of setae associated with stronger sclerotization, 1st-6th tergites with sclerotization weakened mesally in all/some specimens, 8th tergite sclerotized, band-like with only trichoid sensillae as vestiture; 2nd-8th sternites rectangular with scattered scales, single posterior row and single mesal row of setae. Male terminalia (Figs 1G, 2A): gonocoxite cylindrical, setose and entirely setulose; gonostylus claviform, larger basally and tapering towards apex, setulose in the basal half, striated in the distal half, with scattered short setae, and apical claw; cerci entirely setulose, with several apical setae; hypoproct entirely setulose, with scaterred scales, with one seta on each lobe; parameres slightly shorter than aedeagus, entirely setulose, setose papillae on each lobe apically; aedeagus truncate at apex.
Dasineura capsicicola sp. nov., male: (A) head, ventral view, (B) antennae, Cc) 5th flagellomere, (D) wing, (E) hindleg, tarsal claw and empodium, (F) abdomen, 6th-8th segments, lateral view, (G) male terminalia: gonocoxites, gonostyli, mesobasal lobes and aedeagus, ventral view.
Female (Figs 2B-E): Body: 0.12-0.15 mm long. Head globoid, 0.20-0.25 mm long, 0.22-0.025 mm wide; antennae (Fig. 2B) with 12-14 flagellomeres, progressively shorter, nodes setulose, necks very short and bare, 1st and 2nd flagellomeres fused (except in one specimen), apical flagellomeres not fused (except in one specimen); circumfila composed of two horizontal rings connected by two longitudinal bands (Fig. 2C), scape 0.03-0.04 mm long, 0.04-0.05 mm wide, pedicel 0.03-0.04 mm long, 0.03-0.04 mm wide, 12-13 flagel lomeres, 1st and 2nd flagellomeres fused, 0.08-0.13 mm long, 3rd 0.05-0.07 mm long, 4th and 5th flagellomeres 0.04-0.07 mm long, 5th-10th flagellomeres 0.04-0.06 mm long, 11th-12th flagellomeres 0.04-0.05 mm long, 13th flagellomere 0.04 mm long, 14th flagellomere 0.03-0.04 mm long, last flagellomere conical; mouth parts: hypopharynx 0.09-0.11 mm long; palpus: 1st segment 0.02-0.03 mm long, 2nd segment 0.03-0.04 mm long, 3rd segment 0.04-0.05 mm long, 4th segment 0.05-0.07 mm long; labella 0.05 mm long. Thorax: wing 0.95-1.01 mm long, 0.45-0.50 mm wide. Abdomen (Fig. 2D): sclerites with basal pair of trichoid sensillae; 1st-7th tergites rectangular with scattered scales, single posterior row of setae not associated with stronger sclerotization, 8th tergite divided into two longitudinal sclerites, with only trichoid sensillae as vestiture; 2nd-6th sternites rectangular with with scattered scales, single posterior row and single mesal row of setae, 7th sternite rectangular with scattered scales, single posterior row and double mesal row of setae, 8th sternite not developed. Ovipositor (Fig. 2E) long, protractile; cerci large, fused, entirely setulose, with thick sensory hairs apically; hypoproct small, delicate, bilobed in ventral view, with pair of setae apically.
Dasineura capsicicola sp. nov.: (A) male terminalia: gonocoxites, gonostyli, cercus and hypoproct, dorsal view, (b-f) female, (B) antennae, last eight flagellomeres, (C) 10th flagellomere, (D) Abdomen, 6th-8th segments, lateral view, (E) Ovipositor, ventrolateral view, (F) pupal exuvia, body, general aspect, ventral view, (G) abdominal dorsal spines.
Pupa (Figs 2F-3B): Body (Fig. 2F): 1.40-1.45 mm long. Head (Fig. 3A): apical setae 0.20-0.22 mm long, antennal horns reduced, frons of each side with two frontal and three lateral papillae, one of each set setose, remaining asetose. Thorax: integument smooth, prothoracic spiracle well developed, strongly sclerotized, conical, 0.21-0.26 mm long, with trachea ending at apex (Fig. 3B). Abdomen: segments 2-8 with transverse rows of dorsal spines restricted to the central area of the basal third (Fig. 2G).
Larva of 3rd instar (Fig. 3C-E): Body (Fig. 3C): 1.85-2.00 mm long. Integument grainy ventrolaterally, ventral spiculae on the central area of each thoracic segment and 1st to 7th abdominal segments). Head: posterolateral apodemes and head capsule subequal in length. Thorax: prothoracic spatula 0.12-0.13 mm long, strongly sclerotized, two-toothed, with long stalk, two groups of three lateral papillae on each side, two with setae and one asetose in each group (Fig. 3D). Terminal segment with four pairs of papillae, all with setae of similar length (Fig. 3E).
Dasineura capsicicola sp. nov.: (A, B) pupa, (A) head, ventral view, (B) prothoracic spiracle, (C-E) larva of 3rd instar, (C) body, general aspect, ventral view, (D) prothoracic spatula and associated papillae, ventral view, (E) terminal segment, dorsal view.
Damage. Larvae of Dasineura capsicicola attack flower buds of pepper, causing lesions in the anthers and ovaries. Externally, attacked buds can be recognized by the violet color of the corolla (see figures in Guimarães and Moura 2018).
Etymology. The word “capsicicola” refers to the specific epithet of the host plant.
Material examined. Holotype ♂, Brazil, SP, Piracicaba, 08.XI.1998, M.M. Echer col. MNRJ-ENT1-70156; paratypes: same data, 6♂ (2♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70153; 2♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70154; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70155; 1♂, MHNCE-ENT1-2001); 4♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70155; 2♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70152; 1♀, MHNCE-ENT1-2000); 5 pupal exuviae (MNRJ-ENT1-70147); same local and collector, 22.IX.1998, 1♂ (MNRJ-ENT1-70150); 3♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70150; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70151; 2♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70149); 1 larva of 3rd instar (MNRJ-ENT1-70149); Colombia, IV.2017, M. Manzano col., 5 larvae of 3rd instar (2 larvae, MNRJ-ENT1-70140; 3 larvae, MNRJ-ENT1-70139).
Additional material. Brazil, SP, Piracicaba, 22.IX.1998, M.M. Echer col., 1♀(MNRJ-ENT1-70148); MG, Viçosa, VI.2008, D. Carmo col., 4♂ (2♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70160; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70161; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70162); 2♀ (MNRJ-ENT1-70159), 12 larvae of 3rd instar (6 larvae, MNRJ-ENT1-70157; 6 larvae, MNRJ-ENT1-70158); Colombia, IV.2017, M. Manzana col., 5♂ (2♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70146; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70145; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70144; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70143); 2♀ (MNRJ-ENT1-70142), 1 pupa (MNRJ-ENT1-70141).
Geographical distribution. Colombia; Brazil: Distrito Federal, São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Dasineura microstachysae Carvalho-Fernandes & Maia, sp. nov.
Figs 4-6
https://zoobank.org/79B5A987-8756-4FD8-BA74-84976D924AD1
Diagnosis. Male with 15 flagellomeres, female with 14-15 flagellomeres and 8th tergite longitudinally divided; pupa with dorsal spines on the second to eighth abdominal segments; larval spatula without prominent teeth.
Male (Figs 4A-6A): Body: 2.20-2.50 mm long. Head globoid, 0.30-0.32 mm long, 0.30-0.32 mm wide; eye facets circular, closely appressed, except laterally and at vertex; antenna (Fig. 4A): scape wider apically than basally, 0.05-0.06 mm long, 0.06-0.07 mm wide, pedicel globoid, 0.04-0.05 mm long, 0.05 mm wide, 15 flagellomeres, 1st and 2nd flagellomeres fused, 0.18-0.19 mm long, 3rd-9th flagellomeres 0.10 mm long, 10th-15th progressively shorter, 10th and 11th flagellomeres 0.09-0.10 mm long, 12th and 13th flagellomeres 0.07-0.09 mm long, 14th flagellomere 0.07-0.08 mm long, 15th flagellomere 0.06-0.07 mm long, 2nd-14th flagellomeres each consisting of node and neck, nodes cylindrical, setulose, necks elongate, bare, 15th flagellomere conical, with apical process in two specimens; circumfila composed of two horizontal rings connected by two longitudinal bands (Fig. 4B), proportion node/neck: 2/1, last flagellomere with short apical process; mouth parts: labrum long-attenuate, with three pairs of setae; hypopharynx of the same shape of labrum, with long lateral setulae anteriorly directed, 0.09-0.11 mm long; palpus four-segmented, 1st segment globoid or cilindrical, shorter than others, 0.03 mm long, 2nd 3rd and 4th segments cylindrical and progressively longer, 2nd segment 0.04-0.05 mm long, 3rd segment 0.05-0.06 mm long, 4th segment 0.05-0.07 mm long; labella pointed distally, 0.05-0.06 mm long, with lateral and mesal setae. Thorax: scutum with two dorsocentral rows of setae, lateral row of setae on each side, scales intermixed; scutellum with setae only in the basal half; anepimeron with a longitudinal row of setae and some scales, other pleura bare; wing 1.62-1.70 mm long, 0.75-0.85 mm wide, C with break at juncture with R5, Rs reduced to bend on R5, Cu forked (Fig. 4C); tarsal claws one-toothed, curved beyond midlength, empodia about as long as claws (Fig. 4D). Abdomen (Fig. 4E): Sclerites with basal pair of trichoid sensillae; 1st-6th tergites rectangular with scattered scales, few lateral setae, posterior row of setae; 7th-8th tergites band-like, 7th tergite with few lateral, pair of trichoid sensillae and no caudal setae, 8th tergite with only trichoid sensillae as vestiture; 2nd-6th sternites rectangular, with scattered scales, mesal and posterior row of setae, few lateral setae, 7th and 8th sternites with setae of posterior row more abundant than in the others sternites, few lateral setae. Male terminalia (Figs 4F, 5A): gonocoxite cylindrical, setose and setulose; gonostylus claviform, larger basally and tapering towards apex, setulose in the basal half, striated in the distal half, with scattered short setae, and apical claw; cerci entirely setulose, lobes wide, rounded, with several apical setae; hypoproct entirely setulose, bilobed, lobes slender, acute, incision straight between them, two setae on each lobe; parameres slightly shorter than aedeagus, entirely setulose, with setose papillae on each lobe apically; aedeagus cylindrical, slightly truncate at apex.
Dasineura microstachysae sp. nov., male: (A) head, ventral view, (B) antenna, 3rd flagellomere, (C) wing, (D) hind leg, tarsal claw and empodium, lateral view, (E) abdomen, 7th and 8th segments, lateral view, (F) male terminalia: gonocoxites, gonostyli, mesobasal lobes and aedeagus, ventral view.
Female (Fig. 5B-E): Body: 2.20-2.50 mm long. Head globoid, 0.32-0.35 mm long, 0.32-0.36 mm wide; antennae (Fig. 5B) with 14-15 flagellomeres progressively shorter, flagellomeres setulose, with very short necks (in two specimens last flagellomere longer than the preceding one), scape trapezoid, 0.04-0.06 mm long, 0.05-0.065 mm wide, pedicel globoid, 0.04-0.05 mm long, 0.05-0.055 mm wide, 1st and 2nd flagellomeres fused, 0.14-0.15 mm long, 3rd and 4th flagellomeres 0.06-0.07 mm long, 5th-9th flagellomeres 0.06-0.065 mm long, 10th and 11th flagellomeres 0.06 mm long, 12th flagellomere 0.05-0.06 mm long, 13th-14th flagellomeres 0.045-0.07 mm long, 15th flagellomere 0.04-0.05 mm long; circumfila as in Fig. 5C, mouth parts: hypopharynx 0.09-0.10 mm; palpus: 1st segment 0.03-0.05 mm long, 2nd segment 0.03-0.06 mm long, as long or longer than 1st segment, 3rd segment 0.04-0.06 mm long, as long or longer than 2nd segment, 4th segment 0.07-0.09 mm long and thinner than the others; labella 0.05-0.07 mm long. Thorax: wing 1.30-1.60 mm long, 0.60-0.65 mm wide. Abdomen (Fig. 5D): sclerites with basal pair of trichoid sensillae; 1st-6th tergites rectangular with scattered scales, posterior row of setae, 7st tergite X-shaped with scattered scales, posterior row of setae, setae more abundant than on the preceding tergites, 8th tergite divided into two longitudinal sclerites, with only trichoid sensillae as vestiture (Fig. 5E); 2nd-7th sternites rectangular, with mesal band and posterior row of setae, few lateral setae, 8th sternite not developed. Ovipositor (Fig. 5E) long, protractile; cerci large, fused, entirely setulose, with thick sensory hairs apically; hypoproct small, delicate, bilobed in ventral view, with pair of setae apically.
Dasineura microstachysae sp. nov.: (A) male terminalia, gonocoxites, gonostyli, cercus and hypoproct, dorsal view, (B-E) female: (B) antenna, (C) 3rd flagellomere, (D) abdomen, gonocoxites, gonostyli, cercus and hypoproct, dorsal view, (E) abdomen, 7th-8th segments and ovipositor, lateral view, (F, G) pupa, (F) body, general aspect, ventral view, (G) abdominal dorsal spines.
Pupa (Figs 5F-6B): Body (Fig. 5F): 2.20-2.55 mm long. Head (Fig. 6A): apical seta 0.15-0.17 mm long, antennal horns absent, frons of each side with two frontal and three lateral papillae, one of each set setose, remaining asetose. Thorax: Integument smooth, prothoracic spiracle well developed, strongly sclerotized, conical, 0.13-0.16 mm long, with trachea ending at apex (Fig. 6B). Abdomen: Segments 2-8 with transverse rows of dorsal spines restricted to the central area of the basal third (Fig. 5G).
Dasineura microstachysae sp. nov. (A,B) pupa: (A) head, ventral view, (B) prothoracic spiracle, (C-E) larva of third instar: (C) head, ventral view, (D-E) prothoracic spatula, ventral view, (D) spatula with smooth anterior margin and associated papillae, (E) spatula with microserrated anterior margin, (F) gall, general aspect.
Larva of 3rd instar (Fig. 6C-E): White, body: 1.75-2.40 mm long. Head (Fig. 6C): proportion head capsule/posterolateral apodemes: 2.5/1. Thorax: Prothoracic spatula 0.12-0.13 mm long, strongly sclerotized, anterior margin with no teeth (Fig. 6D) or microserrated in some specimens (Fig. 6E), stalk moderately developed, proportion between teeth and stalk two groups of three lateral papillae on each side, two with setae and one asetose in each group (Fig. 6D). Integument grainy ventrolaterally, ventral spiculae on the central area of each thoracic segment and 1st to 7th abdominal segments. Terminal segment with four pairs of papillae, all with setae of similar length.
Gall (Fig. 6F). Leaf marginal roll, green, glabrous. The gall is occupied by a single gall-inducing larva.
Material examined. Holotype ♂, Brazil, RJ, Arraial do Cabo, Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol, 01.VI.2012, S.P.C. Fernandes col. (MNRJ-ENT1-70176); paratypes: same data, 2♂ (1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70178; 1♂, MHNCE-ENT1-1997); 6♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70186; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70187; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70188; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70189; 1♀, MHNCE-ENT1-1998;1♀, MHNCE-ENT1-1999), 4 pupal exuviae (MNRJ-ENT1-70191); same locality, 08.VI.2021, S. Ascendino col., 3♂ (1♂, MHNCE-ENT1-1996; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70177; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70179); 2♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70180; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70181); 1 larva of 3rd instar (MNRJ-ENT1-70175); Carapebus, Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba, 26.IX.1998, V. Maia col., 1 pupal exuvia (MNRJ-ENT1-70183); 28.XI.1998, same collector, 9 larvae of 3rd instar (5 larvae, MNRJ-ENT1-70185; 4 larvae, MNRJ-ENT1-70184); Maricá, APA de Maricá, 01.VII.2021, Maia & Gomes col., 2♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70192; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70193), 3 pupal exuviae (1 pupal exuvia, MNRJ-ENT1-70190; 2 pupal exuviae, MNRJ-ENT1-70195), 2 larvae of 3rd instar (MNRJ-ENT1-70194); same locality and collectors, 31.VII.2021, 4 pupal exuviae (MHNCE-ENT1-1995); same locality, 30.VII.2019, V. Maia col., 1♂ (MNRJ-ENT1-70182).
Additional material. Brazil, RJ, Arraial do Cabo, Parque Estadual da Costa do Sol, 01.VI.2012, S.P.C. Fernandes col., 2♂ (1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-69156; 1♂ MNRJ-ENT1-69160), 3♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-69157; 1♀, 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-69158; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-69159); Maricá, APA de Maricá, 01.VII.2021, Maia & Gomes col., 3♀ (1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70170; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70171; 1♀, MNRJ-ENT1-70172); same locality and collectors, 25.V.2021, 2♂ (MNRJ-ENT1-70167, MNRJ-ENT1-70168), 1 pupal exuvia (MNRJ-ENT1-70169); same locality, Maia & Azevedo col., 18.VI.2002, 1 pupal exuvia and two wings (MNRJ-ENT1-70166); Oliveira & Maia col., 11.V.2005, 1♀ (MNRJ-ENT1-70165); 11.V.2005, V. Maia col., 1 pupal exuvia (MNRJ-ENT1-70164); 08.VII.2004, V. Maia col., 1 pupa (MNRJ-ENT1-70163); Maricá, Itaipuaçu, 10.VII.1998, V. Maia col., 2♂ (1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70173; 1♂, MNRJ-ENT1-70174).
Geographical distribution. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, São João da Barra, Carapebus, Arraial do Cabo, Araruama, Saquarema, Maricá.
Etymology. The word “microstachysae” refers to the genus of the host plant.
Remarks. Dasineura capsicicola, sp. nov., D. microstachysae, sp. nov., D. couepiae, D. gigantea, and D. marginalis are the only species from Brazil with female 8th tergite longitudinally divided. In the other species, the female 8th tergite is entire. It is clear that the genus needs to be revised. Several species were described when the genus comprised all Oligotrophini species with four-segmented palpus, fused female cerci, toothed tarsal claws, and R5 shorter than wing length. Thus, the current diagnostic combination of characters is not found in all described species. Furthermore, Oligotrophini are not more accepted as a tribe, and Dasineura has been placed in the tribe Dasineurini. Comparing the two new species of Dasineura to D. couepiae, D. gigantea and D. marginalis, we can realize that pupa of Dasineura capsicicola has the longest cephalic seta and prothoracic spiracle, and the larval spatula lacks lateral projection, while Dasineura microstachysae is unique in having prothoracic spatula with no prominent teeth. Furthermore, only pupae of both new species have abdominal dorsal spines.
Dasineura tavaresi Maia, 1996
Figs. 7-8
Male (Fig. 7A-G): Body: 2.20-2.50 mm long. Head (Fig. 7A) globoid, 0.27 mm long, 0.31 mm wide (N = 1); eye facets circular, closely appressed, except laterally and at vertex; antenna: scape wider apically than basally, 0.06 mm long, 0.06 mm wide, pedicel globoid, 0.04-0.05 mm long, 0.05 mm wide (N=2), 13 flagellomeres, 1st and 2nd flagellomeres fused, 0.18 mm long, 3rd-8th flagellomeres 0.10-0.11 mm long, 9th flagellomere 0.10 mm long,10th-13th progressively shorter, 10th flagellomere 0.09 mm long, 11th 0.08 mm long, 13th flagellomere 0.05 mm long, 2nd-13th flagellomeres each consisting of node and neck, nodes cylindrical, setulose, necks elongate, bare, 13th flagellomere conical, without apical process (Fig. 7B); circumfila composed of two horizontal rings connected by two longitudinal bands (Fig. 7C), proportion node/neck: 2/1; mouth parts: labrum long-attenuate, with three pairs of setae; hypopharynx of the same shape of labrum, with long lateral setulae anteriorly directed, 0.12 mm long; palpus four-segmented, 1st segment globoid, shorter than others, 0.03 mm long, 2nd 3rd and 4th segments cylindrical and progressively longer, 2nd segment 0.04 long, 3rd segment 0.06 mm long, 4th segment 0.07 mm long; labella pointed distally, 0.06 mm long, with lateral and mesal setae. Thorax: scutum with two dorsocentral rows of setae, lateral groups of setae on each side, setae more abundant anteriorly, scales intermixed; scutellum with setae only in the basal half; anepimeron with a longitudinal row of setae and some scales, other pleura bare; wing 1.50-1.52 mm long, 0.75-0.85 mm wide, C with break at juncture with R5, Rs reduced to bend on R5, Cu forked (Fig. 7D); tarsal claws one-toothed, curved beyond midlength, empodia about as long as claws (Fig. 7E). Abdomen (Fig. 7F): sclerites with basal pair of trichoid sensillae, except 8th sternite; 1st-6th tergites rectangular with scattered scales, few lateral setae, posterior row of setae; 7th tergite with few lateral, pair of trichoid sensillae and no caudal setae, 8th tergite band-like, with only trichoid sensillae as vestiture; 2nd-7th sternites rectangular, with scattered scales, mesal and posterior row of setae, few lateral setae, 7th and 8th sternites with setae of posterior row more abundant than in the others sternites, few lateral setae. Male terminalia (Fig. 7G): gonocoxite cylindrical, setose and setulose; gonostylus claviform, larger basally and tapering towards apex, setulose in the basal third, striated elsewhere, with scattered short setae, and apical claw; cerci entirely setulose, lobes wide, rounded, with several apical setae; hypoproct entirely setulose, bilobed, lobes relatively slender, rounded at apex, one seta on each lobe; parameres slightly shorter than aedeagus, entirely setulose, with setose papillae on each lobe apically; aedeagus cylindrical, rounded at apex.
Dasineura tavaresi male: (A) head, ventral view, (B) three last flagellomeres, (C) 5th flagellomere, (D) wing, (E) foreleg, tarsal claw and empodium, ventral view, (F) abdomen, 7thand 8th segments, lateral view, (G) male terminalia, dorsal view.
Gall (Fig. 8). Leaf marginal roll, green, glabrous. The gall is occupied by a single gall-inducing larva.
Material examined. Brazil, RJ, Maricá, APA de Maricá, 30.IV.1990, V. Maia col., 1♂, (MNRJ-ENT1-67328); same local and collector, 30.V.1990 (MNRJ-ENT1-67327).
Geographical distribution. Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, São João da Barra, Carapebus, Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio, Araruama, Maricá.
Remarks, During the examination of the type material of Dasineura tavaresi, we noticed an error in the holotype label data. The collecting date is 17.XII.1987 and not 10.IV.1987 as published in Maia (1996).
Key to Brazilian species of Dasineura
1. Palpus four-segmented .................... 2
1’. Palpus with fewer than four segments .................... 7
2. Female 8th tergite longitudinally divided .................... 3
2’. Female 8th tergite entire .................... 8
3. Pupa: 2nd-8th abdominal segments with dorsal spines .................... 4
3’. Pupa: abdominal segments 2nd-8th without dorsal spines .................... 5
4. Male aedeagus clearly truncate at apex, pupa: cephalic setae very long (0.20-0.25 mm), prothoracic spiracle long (0.21-0.26 mm), larva: prothoracic spatula without prominent teeth .................... Dasineura capsicicola sp. nov.
4’. Male aedeagus slightly truncate at apex, pupa: cephalic setae not so long (0.12-0.17 mm), prothoracic spira cle relatively reduced (0.10-0.16 mm), larva: prothoracic spatula with two prominent teeth .................... Dasineura microstachysae sp. nov.
5. Male aedeagus not truncate at apex, pupa: cephalic setae short (0.05-0.10 mm), prothoracic spiracle short (0.04-0.06 mm) .................... 6
5’. Male aedeagus not truncate at apex, pupa: cephalic setae long (0.10-0.17 mm), prothoracic spiracle relatively reduced (0.10-0.16 mm) .................... Dasineura couepiae
6. Pupa: full complement of lower and lateral facial papillae .................... Dasineura gigantea
6’. Pupa: lower and lateral facial papillae absent .................... Dasineura marginalis
7. Eyes separated at vertex, male aedeagus truncate at apex, pupa: lower facial papillae absent, prothoracic spiracle long (0.21-0.26 mm), 2nd-8th abdominal segments without dorsal spines, larva: spatula with proportion teeth/stalk 1/2-1/3.5, three pairs of setose terminal papillae .................... Dasineura byrsonimae
7’. Eyes not separated at vertex, male aedeagus not truncate at apex, pupa: full complement of lower facial papillae, prothoracic spiracle relatively reduced (0.10-0.16 mm), 2nd-8th abdominal segments with dorsal spines, larva: spatula with proportion teeth/stalk 1/8-1/9, four pairs of setose terminal papillae .................... Dasineura occulta
8. Female: antennal flagellomeres with long neck, cerci separate .................... Dasineura ovalifoliae
8’. Female: antennal flagellomeres with short neck, cerci fused .................... 9
9. Eyes contiguous at vertex .................... Dasineura globosa
9’. Eyes separated at vertex .................... 10
10. Female: antenna with 22 flagellomeres, larva: prothoracic spatula with apical teeth close to each other, lateral papillae reduced in number (two papillae on each side), terminal papillae reduced in number (three pairs) .................... Dasineura copacabanensis
10’. Female: antenna with 13-14 flagellomeres, larva: prothoracic spatula with apical teeth apart from each other, full complement lateral papillae (two groups of three papillae on each side), full complement of terminal papillae (four pairs) .................... 11
11. Larva: prothoracic spatula with anterior teeth pointed apically, teeth slender, proportion teeth/stalk 1/4-1/6 .................... Dasineura myrciariae
11’. Larva: prothoracic spatula with anterior teeth rounded apically, teeth wide, proportion teeth/stalk: 1/2-1/3.5 .................... Dasineura tavaresi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We are grateful to Uellinton Oliveira, Maria Antonieta Pereira de Azevedo, Bruno Gomes, Márcia Echer and M. Manzana for field work and specimens rearing, and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ, proc. E-26/ 2010.300/2021) and for financial support.
LITERATURE CITED
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Angelo AC, Maia VC (1999) Dasineura gigantea sp. n. (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associada a Psidium cattleianum Sabine (Myrtaceae) no Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 16(1): 191-195. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81751999000100014
» https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81751999000100014 -
Carvalho-Fernandes SP, Ascendino S, Maia VC, Couri MS (2016) Diversity of insect galls associated with coastal shrub vegetation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 88: 1407-1418. https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201620150658
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Gagné RJ (2018) Key to Adults of North American Genera of the Subfamily Cecidomyiinae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Zootaxa 4392(3): 401-457. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4392.3.1
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Gagné RJ, Jaschhof M (2021) A catalog of the Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) of the world. Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington DC, 5th ed., 813 pp. https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/80420580/Gagne_Jaschhof_2021_Worlld Cat_5th_Ed.pdf [Accessed: 05/03/2024]
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Gagné RJ, Barosh T, Kephart S (2014) A new species of Dasineura Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in flower galls of Camassia (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae) in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Zootaxa 3900(20): 271-278. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3900.2.7
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Maia VC (1996) Três espécies novas de Dasineura Rondani (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associadas a Myrtaceae, na restinga de Barra de Maricá, Rio de Janeiro. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 12(4): 1001-1008. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81751995000400027
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Maia VC (2001b) New genera and species of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) from three restingas of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 18(Suppl. 1): 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81752001000500001
» https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-81752001000500001 - Maia VC (2010) A new species of Dasineura Rondani, 1840 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Byrsonima sericea (Malpighiaceae). Revista Brasileira de Biociências 8(4): 377-380.
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Maia VC, Fernandes SPC (2011) Two new species of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) associated with Erythroxylum ovalifolium Peyr. (Erythroxylaceae) from the Barra de Maricá restinga, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology 71(2): 521-526. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1519-69842011000300024
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Pereira-Colavite A, Urso-Guimarães MV (2013) Nova espécie de Dasineura Rondani, 1840 (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) em capitulos de Hypochaeris chillensis (Kunth) Britton (Asteraceae) para o Brasil. Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia 53: 59-66. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0031-10492013000400001
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» https://tropical.theferns.info/
ADDITIONAL NOTES
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Funding
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ, proc. E-26/2010.300/2021). We are grateful to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ, proc. E-26/ 2010.300/2021) for financial support.
- ZooBank register
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How to cite this article
Maia VC, Carvalho-Fernandes SP (2025) Two new species of Dasineura (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from the Neotropics and new morphological data on Dasineura tavaresi. Zoologia 42: e24033. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-4689.v42.e24033
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Published by
Sociedade Brasileira de Zoologia at Scientific Electronic Library Online - https://www.scielo.br/zool
Appendix
Comparative morphological data among Brazilian species of Dasineura. The question mark indicates missing data.
Adults: characters 1-6:
1. Eyes: contiguous (0) or separated at vertex (1)
2. Antennae: number of flagellomeres
3. Palpus: number of segments
4. Empodia: shorter than claws (0) or as long or longer than claws (1)
5. Male aedeagus: truncate at apex (0), not truncate ate apex (1)
6. Female 8th tergite: entire (0) or divided into two longitudinally sclerites (1)
Pupa: characters 7-12 (Dasineura braziliensis and D. copacabanensis: pupa unknown)
7. Antennal horns: long (0), reduced (1) or absent (2)
8. Cephalic setae: very long - 0.20-0.25 mm (0), long - 0.12-0.17 mm (1), short - 0.05-0.10 mm (2)
9. Lower facial papillae: full complement (0) or absent (1)
10. Lateral facial papillae: full complement (0), reduced in number (1) or absent (2)
11. Prothoracic spiracle: long - 0.21-0.26mm (0), relatively reduced - 0.10-0.16mm (1) or short 0.04-0.06mm (2)
12. Dorsal spines on 2nd-8th abdominal segments: present (0) or absent (1)
Larva of 3rd instar: characters 13-20 (D. globosa and D. marginalis: larva unknown):
13. Prothoracic spatula: number of apical teeth: two (0), one (1), no teeth (2)
14. Teeth of prothoracic spatula: apart from each other (0) or close to each other (1)
15. Shape of teeth: rounded apically (0) or pointed apically (1)
16. Width of teeth: wide (0) or slender (1)
17. Proportion length of teeth (from apex to incision)/stalk: 1/2-1/3.5 (0), 1/4.5-1/6 (1), 1/8-1/9 (2)
18. Lateral projection of spatula: absent (0) or present (1)
19. Number of lateral papillae: full complement (0), reduced in number (1)
20. Number of terminal papillae: full complement (0) or reduced in number - 3 pairs (1)
Data availability
Data citations
Cordeiro I, Pscheidt AC, Esser HJ (2024) Microstachys in Flora e Funga do Brasil.. Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro https://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/FB2554 [Accessed: 01/03/2024]
POWO (2024) Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/ [Access: 05/03/2024]
Useful Tropical Plants Database (2014) The Tropical Plants Database .https://tropical.theferns.info/ [Access: 05/03/2024]
Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
31 Mar 2025 -
Date of issue
2025
History
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Received
27 May 2024 -
Accepted
04 Feb 2025
