Aleurocyperus humus Ko & Dubey, 2007, sp. nov.
Creators: name: Ko, Chiun-Cheng
name: Dubey, Anil Kumar
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2007
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Aleyrodidae
Aleurocyperus
Aleurocyperus humus

description: Aleurocyperus humus sp. nov.
(Figs. 5–67)
Puparium (Figs. 5, 30, 66, 67). Pale to white, with secretion of transparent colourless wax on dorsum, luminous in certain lights, but white wax deposition prominent at tracheal pore openings and sometimes in furrows; broadly elliptical in shape, broadest at third and fourth abdominal segments, less dimorphic, ɗ 1.47– 1.53 mm long, Ψ 2.00– 2.02 mm long, ɗ 0.77–0.80 mm wide, Ψ 1.02–1.08 mm wide, found singly on the lower surface of leaves. Overlapping population of previous instars was observed. Margin (Fig. 6) smooth or irregularly crenulate, if crenulate, 8–14 crenulations in 0.1 mm. Caudal tracheal comb (Fig. 7) and thoracic tracheal combs (Figs. 8, 31) unclearly differentiated from margin. Anterior and posterior marginal setae at lateral margins of puparia, each 2.75 µm long.
Dorsum. Submargin not separated from dorsal disc. Submedian pockets and depressions present on all the cephalothoracic and abdominal segment sutures. Longitudinal molting suture very faint but present and reaching margin, transverse molting suture reaching outer submedian area. Cephalothoracic sutures appear to be made up of broken lines (Fig. 9). Submarginal striations absent but reticulations present in the form of polygonal structures. Thoracic and caudal tracheal furrows defined without lateral margins but easily recognizable due to irregular striations. Dorsal pores usually in geminate pairs (Fig. 10). Median length of seventh abdominal segment almost equal to sixth (Fig. 32). Eye spots absent.
Chaetotaxy. A pair of minute setae each on meso- and metathorax 1.25 µm and 2 µm long, respectively, eighth abdominal setae anterolaterad of vasiform orifice, 1.25 µm long. Cephalic setae tiny, present. First abdominal setae absent. Caudal setae 4.25 µm long, placed far from caudal opening. Interestingly, the caudal setae are at the lateral margins of the eighth abdominal segment instead of at the posterior (Fig. 5), a condition not previously reported for any whitefly species.
Vasiform orifice (Figs. 11, 33, 34). Subcordate, ɗ and Ψ 7.00 µm long, ɗ 6.75–6.87 µm wide, Ψ 7.50–8.00 µm wide, notched at hind end, inner lateral and caudal margin with irregular ridges (Fig. 34) and tiny setae. Operculum subcordate, truncate at caudal end, ɗ 3.75–3.87 µm long, Ψ 4.25–4.50 µm long; ɗ 4.12–4.50 µm wide, Ψ 4.75–5.25 µm wide. Lingula setose, exposed and included.
Venter (Fig. 35). A pair of ventral abdominal setae 4.25 µm long, 4.75–6.50 µm apart. A pair of setae at base of meso- and metathoracic legs, 0.50 and 0.62 µm long, respectively. A pair of setae at base of rostrum, 1.25 µm long, 1.75 µm apart. Antennal base near apical end of prolegs, pads on apical end of legs faintly indicated. Antenna reaching midpoint of prothoracic leg, apical end keel-like (Fig. 12). No clear difference was seen in antennal length of male and female puparia. Thoracic tracheal folds with longitudinal striations (leaf surface impression) (Fig. 36) and caudal tracheal fold (Fig. 37) with fine dots, dots in caudal tracheal fold absent on submarginal area.
Adult male. Length from vertex to claspers, 1.425 mm. Upper and lower compound eyes not joined (Figs. 13, 39). A pair of facet-like structures is seen in intervals of upper and lower compound eyes, many microtrichia in intervals. Antenna (Figs. 14, 38): Seven-segmented, elongate with many rows of concentric rings of microtrichia, segment I 2.75 µm long; segment II 5.75 µm long, three minute setae present; segment III cylindrical, longest, 16 µm long, armed with two primary sensoria and one sensorial cone, sensoria located subapically and close together; segment IV sub-cylindrical, 5 µm long, segment V sub-cylindrical, 6 µm long, a primary sensorium subapically; segment VI 5 µm long; segment VII sub-cylindrical, 4 µm long, a sensorial cone subapically, a primary sensorium and an apical seta. Wings: Forewing (Fig. 15) 127.5 µm long, 47.5 µm wide, widest at apical 1/3rd region, not mottled, wing venation reduced to radius and cubitus, not reaching to margin, radius slightly curved downward in middle; hindwing (Fig. 16) 105 µm long, 40 µm wide, widest at apical 1/3rd region, not mottled. Legs: Mesotibia (Figs. 17 A, 17B) 38.5 µm long, with rows of spines, proximal tarsus 11 µm long, 8 long and 3 small setae present, distal tarsus 8.5 µm long; hindtibia (Figs. 18 A, 18B, 40) 47.75 µm long, proximal tarsus 13.25 µm long, 11 long and 5 small setae on proximal tarsus, distal tarsus 9.25 µm long, each distal tarsus ending with 2 claws and 1 paronychium, four setae on distal tarsus of meso- and hindtibia; metatibial comb with 17 spines in a row, metatibial brush absent. Four abdominal plates (Fig. 19), each with a minute seta on outer margin, and 2 setae on inner margin, position of setae varies. Anterior and posterior plates usually reduced in size.
Genitalia (Figs. 20, 41, 42). Clasper broadest at basal 1/3rd region, 4.37 µm wide at base, 13 µm long, 20– 22 pairs of setae (usually 5 pairs on outer margin, 8 pairs on centre, 6 pairs on inner margin and 1 pair subapically), subapical tooth present (Fig. 43). Aedeagus 9.5 µm long, 1.5 µm wide at base, shorter than clasper, thick at base and slightly constricted in middle, swollen subapically and bluntly pointed (Fig. 44). Operculum slightly constricted at lateral and apical middle margins, apical lateral margins without setae; lingula exposed and setose (Figs. 21, 45); genital plate with three pairs of long setae, placed dorsally in oblique row.
Adult female (Figs. 62, 63). Most characters are that of male. Vertex to tip of ovipositor 1.63 mm long. Upper and lower compound eyes not joined (Figs. 22, 51, 52), some facets pigmented, a pair of small facetlike structures are seen in intervals of upper and lower compound eyes (Fig. 52), sometimes not clear; intervals filled with many microthrichia. Antenna (Figs. 23, 46): Seven-segmented, many concentric rings of microtrichia, segment I 3.25 µm long; segment II 7.25 µm long with 6 setae; segment III longest, 13.75 µm long; segment IV 3 µm long; segment V 5 µm long; segment VI 5.75 µm long; segment VII 3.87 µm long; 4 primary sensoria (Fig. 50)- 2 on segment III sub-apically (Fig. 47), these 2 sensoria are not close together as in male, and 1 each on segment V and VII sub-apically, segment VII with a apical seta (Fig. 48), 1.5 µm long. Two sensorial cones- 1 each on segment VI and VII subapically (Fig. 49), sensorial cone absent on sixth antennal segment of male but present in female, interestingly, sensorial cone absent on third antennal segment of female but present in male, perhaps, it is a useful documentation of sexual dimorphism in adults. Wings: As for males, forewing 146.25 µm long, 52.5 µm wide; hindwing 122.5 µm long, 43.75 µm wide, radius not reaching apical margin. Legs: Mesotibia (Figs. 24 A, 24B) 39.5 µm long, proximal tarsus 10.75 µm long, 9 long and 3 small setae, distal tarsus 9.25 µm long, 1 seta and 5 long setae; hindtibia (Figs. 25 A, 25B, 54, 55) with a row of 19–21 setae, 51.25 µm long, proximal tarsus 13.25 µm long, 12 long and 3 small setae present, distal tarsus 9.25 µm long, 1 small and 5 long setae present, each distal tarsus ending in a pair of claws and a paronychium (Fig. 53). Two abdominal plates (Fig. 26), each with 1 minute seta on outer margin and 2 setae on inner margin, position of setae varies.
Genitalia (Figs. 27, 56). Two pairs of long setae on gonapophysis on outer subapical margin and 1 pair on basal region. A pair of setae on median area of unpaired gonapophysis (Fig. 57), unpaired gonapophysis diverted apically. Gonapophysis with row of transverse bands only on apical inner margin, giving serrated look to outer apical margin (Figs. 58, 59). Microtrichia abundant on gonapophysis and basal abdominal segment. A pair of setae on eighth abdominal segment, lateral to basal part of female genitalia present. Operculum subrectangular, concave in middle, 3.5 µm long, 5.25 µm wide at base, anterolateral margins with a seta (Figs. 28, 60, 61); lingula setose, excluded and two-segmented, basal segment longer (3 µm long) than apical segment (2.25 µm long), however, exposed basal segment is smaller than apical segment. Cement gland like a coiled ribbon and constricted at many places (Fig. 29).
Egg (Figs. 2, 64). Elliptical, surface smooth and shining in certain lights, 33.8 µm long, 12.5 µm wide. Distal end broadly acute and basal end with a pedicle attached to the leaf surface, pedicle 7.5 µm long. Mostly on lower surface and lateral margins of leaves; laid singly, sometimes in rows.
Second instar (Fig. 3). Broadly elliptical, 0.52–0.62 mm long, 0.25–0.37 mm wide; margin smooth or irregularly crenulate, if crenulate, 10–12 major crenulations in 0.1 mm. Anterior and posterior marginal setae 1.75 and 2.25 µm long respectively, eighth abdominal setae 0.38 µm long, caudal setae 1.75 µm long and first abdominal setae absent. A pair of setae on submedian area of meso- and metathorax present. Thoracic and caudal tracheal furrows indicated without definite margins, distinguished by semicircular markings or striae. Longitudinal molting suture reaching margin, transverse molting suture reaching submedian region. Cephalothoracic and abdominal segment sutures visible. Vasiform orifice subcordate, 3.25–3.5 µm long, 4.00–4.25 µm wide; operculum subrectangular, 2.00–2.75 µm long, 2.87–3.25 µm wide. Lingula exposed, setose and included. Caudal furrow visible without definite margins, 4.12–5.25 µm long. A pair of minute setae at base of prolegs, 0.5 µm long, mesolegs 0.37 µm long, metalegs 0.12 µm long and at base of rostrum 1.12 µm long. Antennae small, 1.87 µm long, above prolegs, the distance between base of proleg and antenna measured 2.75 µm. Thoracic tracheal folds without dots but caudal tracheal fold indicated with dots. Legs conical and pads not clear. All four pairs of spiracles visible.
Third instar (Figs. 4, 65). Broadly elliptical, 1.05–1.10 mm long, 0.57 mm wide. Margin smooth or irregularly crenulate, if crenulate, 19–26 crenulations in 0.1 mm. Anterior and posterior marginal setae each 2.75 µm. Eighth abdominal setae 1.25 µm, caudal setae 2.25 µm, first abdominal setae absent. A pair of setae on submedian area of meso- and metathorax, each 0.62 µm. Cephalothoracic and abdominal segment sutures and pockets visible. Longitudinal molting suture faint, transverse molting suture visible, reaching submedian area. Vasiform orifice subcordate, 5.75–6.12 µm long, 5.5–5.75 µm wide; operculum subrectangular, 3.25– 3.50 µm long, 4.00–4.5 µm wide. Lingula exposed, setose and included. A pair of setae at base of mesothoracic legs 0.5 µm long, metathoracic legs 0.75 µm long. Pair of setae at base of rostrum 1 µm long, 0.87 µm apart. Antennae anterior to prolegs, curved and forming hook-shaped structure, distance between bases of proleg and antenna 1.87 µm. Paired ventral abdominal setae 2.00 µm long, 0.42 µm apart.
Holotype puparium. Taiwan, Tainan Hsien, Baihe, 28.ix.2003, on Eleusine indica (Poaceae), (C. C. Ko) (NTU).
Paratypes. Taiwan, Tainan Hsien, Baihe, 207 puparia, 18 second instar, 23 third instar, 15 ɗ, 22 Ψ on 52 slides, 28.ix.2003, on Eleusine indica, C. C. Ko (one paratype slide deposited each in the collections of ANIC, BMNH, CDFA, IARI, NMNH, NTU, SMTD, ZMU, ZSI and rest in NTU collection); Chiai Hsien, Jhongpu, 10 puparia, 24.vi.2006, on Cyperus rotundus (Cyperaceae), C. C. Ko, 102 puparia on 9 slides, 15 puparia, 8 second instar, 7 third instar, 8 ɗ, 12Ψ on 16 slides, Taichung Hsien, Wufong, 30.viii.2005, on Cyperus rotundus, C. C. Ko; one puparium on a slide, 21.ii.2004, on Cyperus rotundus, C. C. Ko; Chiai Hsien, Jhongpu, 15 puparia, 6 second instar, 5 third instar, 8 ɗ, 4 Ψ, on 18 slides, 24.vi.2006, on Cyperus rotundus, C. C. Ko; Chiai Hsien, Yijhu, 12 puparia on 4 slides, 10.ix.2006, on Cypersus rotundus, C. C. Ko; Chiai Hsien, Jhongpu, 10 puparia on 2 slides, 17.ix.2006, on Cyperus rotundus, C. C. Ko; Tainan Hsien, Baihe, 10 puparia, 11 second instar, 15 third instar, 20 ɗ, 18 Ψ on 17 slides, 29.viii.2004, on Torulinium odoratum (Cyperaceae), Chiai Hsien, Jhongpu, 14 puparia on 5 slides, 17.ix.2006, on Kyllinga brevifolia, C. C. Ko (all NTU COLL.).
Host plants. Cyperaceae: Cyperus rotundus, Kyllinga brevifolia, Torulinium odoratum; Poaceae: Eleusine indica.
Distribution. Known only from Taiwan.
Etymology. The species epithet is a Latin word ‘ humus ’, it means ground, soil or earth, emphasizing the unique behaviour of the species feeding at the basal region of its host.
description: Published as part of Ko, Chiun-Cheng & Dubey, Anil Kumar, 2007, Aleurocyperus humus gen. et sp. n. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Taiwan, with interesting feeding behaviour, pp. 37-54 in Zootaxa 1443 on pages 39-49, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.176068