Journal of Applied Entomologist

First record of Leptogenys birmana Forel, 1900 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India

2026-03-13T15:06:15+00:00

Leptogenys birmana Forel, 1900 is a ponerine ant distributed across the Indomalayan region, with extension into the southern Palaearctic. The species had not previously been recorded from Arunachal Pradesh. During fieldwork on 3 March 2025, it was recorded from Budhisatta, near the Deban Range of the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, representing a new state record and extending its known distribution in northeastern India. This finding adds to the documented ant fauna of the region and highlights the importance of continued myrmecological surveys in underexplored areas of Northeast India.

Patterns of morphological convergence and habitat specialization in mayfly lineages across flow regimes: a review

2026-04-21T07:10:00+00:00

Morphological convergence is a recurrent outcome of environmental filtering in freshwater ecosystems, where hydrological conditions strongly shape organismal form and function. This study investigates patterns of morphological convergence and habitat specialization among diverse mayfly (order Ephemeroptera) lineages distributed across contrasting flow regimes, including lentic, low-flow lotic, and high-velocity stream environments. Using comparative morphometric analyses and phylogenetically informed models, we quantify variation in body flattening, limb robustness, gill structure, and attachment-related traits. Results reveal repeated evolution of dorsoventrally flattened bodies and expanded femora in high-flow specialists, traits that enhance substrate adherence and reduce drag. Conversely, taxa inhabiting slow-flow or standing waters exhibit streamlined or cylindrical forms, elongated gills, and increased swimming appendage surface area, facilitating respiration and maneuverability. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that these trait syndromes have evolved independently multiple times, demonstrating strong ecological filtering across lineages. Habitat specialization is associated with reduced morphological disparity within flow categories but increased divergence among regimes. Our findings highlight the interplay between hydrodynamic forces and evolutionary trajectories, underscoring the role of flow-mediated selection in structuring morphological diversity.

Seasonal dynamics and spatial distribution of black scale insect, Saissetia oleae (Olivier) on olive trees, and role of associated predators

2026-04-25T06:08:56+00:00

Olive (Olea europaea) is an ancient, drought-resistant tree cultivated for several thousands of years, primarily in the Mediterranean region, for oil and table fruit. The olive black scale insect, Saissetia oleae (Olivier) (Coccidae: Hemiptera), is one of the key pests of olive. The seasonal abundance and spatial distribution of S. oleae were investigated over two consecutive seasons; from October 2023 to September 2024 and from October 2024 to Septemb er 2025. Populations exhibited clear annual fluctuations, with winter declines followed by pronounced spring and summer peaks. Immatures dominated throughout both seasons, reflecting continuous recruitment and extended crawler activity. Horizontal distribution showed higher insect densities on south and west directions of the canopy, while the lowest numbers were detected on north direction. Vertical distribution revealed that the middle level of the canopy harbored the highest populations of both immatures and adult females, whereas the lower level contained the fewest individuals. Two coccinellid predators; Coccinella undecimpunctata L. and Exochomus flavipes (Thunberg, 1781) (Coleoptera: coccinellidae), were recorded associated with S. oleae during both seasons. Their populations showed significant positive correlations with the total scale population, indicating a numerical response of the predators to host abundance. Spring and early summer peaks indicate critical windows for targeted management. Overall, the findings highlight the nearly year-round activity of S. oleae, and the influence of canopy microhabitats on population distribution.