Taiwanese Journal of Entomological Studies

30-38

Authors: YOU-TING HSIEH, SHENG-FENG LIN, YI-CHANG LIAO

The morphology of insect galls often has a species-specific relation to gall-inducers. Therefore, using gall morphotypes as a surrogate of insect species, researchers can preliminarily investigate the gall-inducing insect fauna of an area. The Penghu Islands are the largest offshore islands of Taiwan, but the gall-inducing insect fauna is poorly known. In this study, we selected the widespread Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa L.) as the target of our faunistic survey focused on gall-inducing insects. We collected insect galls on F. microcarpa in Magong island, Baisha island and Xiyu island from September 2020 to February 2021. A total of 4 gall morphotypes were newly recorded in the islands. These gall morphotypes were induced by Horidiplosis sp. and an unidentified gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae, 2 morphotypes), Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Carsidaridae), and Gynaikothrips sp. (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae, 1 morphotype). We infer and discuss the potential taxonomic position of each gall-inducing insect based on given specimens and gall morphotypes. Gall-inducing insects on F. microcarpa in Penghu Islands might naturally disperse from neighboring regions, such as mainland China or Taiwan Island, but there is a possibility that gall-inducing insects were introduced from the southern part of Taiwan Island due to the import of nursery trees for the afforestation project in the 1910s. Further molecular work could help clarify the origin of the gall-inducing insects on F. microcarpa in Penghu Islands.

43-54

Authors: YOU-SHENG LIN

The following provides a brief introduction and a pictorial key to the adults from the 14 families of Fulgoroidea known from Taiwan, including (and in accordance with the current higher classification): the Achilidae, Caliscelidae, Cixiidae, Delphacidae, Derbidae, Dictyopharidae, Flatidae, Fulgoridae, Issidae, Lophopidae, Meenoplidae, Nogodinidae, Ricaniidae and the Tropiduchidae.

64-74

Authors: MING-LUEN JENG, UITSIANN ONG

This study is a supplement to the fauna of Rhipiceridae in Taiwan. In addition to the three documented Sandalus species, we added an undetermined species from Kinmen Island - Rooted in specimen examination, observation, citizen science, and literature, this study aims to provide records of the distribution and phenology of each species. Biological notes based on field observation are provided where possible. The available data indicates that Sandalus sauteri sauteri Emden has two seasonal occurrences: spring to early summer and fall, while other species have a single seasonal occurrence or show no clear pattern due to insufficient data. A number of S. sauteri sauteri were found and collected concurrently in a water tank in southern Taiwan in the early October, 2021. All 24 individuals were male, and may had drowned not long before being collected. It is likely that they were attracted to the water tank by the reflective polarized light while flying in the forest. This new finding suggests an emergence peak of S. sauteri sauteri in early October, which is later than the local cicada seasons and may not overlap with the latter. The phenomenon observed is largely congruent with the behavioral ecology of the Nearctic Sandalus niger Knoch.

27-29

Authors: CHIEN-YU HUANG, MEI-LING LO

The bionomics of Tritaeniopteron excellens (Hendel, 1915) is poorly understood. The present study provides a description of the ovipositional behavior of this species on Acacia confusa Merr., and discusses larval hosts of related species.

6-12

Authors: WEI-ZHE TSENG, REN-CHUNG CHENG

Phaeopholus Roelofs, 1873 is a small genus composed of four species, known to be widely distributed in East Asia, but there is no formal record in Taiwan. This paper provides the first record of genus Phaeopholus in Taiwan, with two new distribution records for P. ornatus Roelofs, 1873 and P. major Roelofs, 1879. The partial COI sequences of both species and the photograph of habitus and male genitalia are provided.

24-26

Authors: PO-WEI CHEN

An observational record of a pair of Pyrgocorypha formosana Matsumura & Shiraki, 1908 found hiding inside an artificially cut bamboo stump as refuge on a winter night in Xihu Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan is provided. The discussion of potential mate-guarding behaviour in this species is also provided.

1-5

Authors: CHENG-YU CHEN, YU-HAN WU, HUNG-PO CHEN

More than 80% of bees and wasps are not eusocial insects; they are so-called solitary bees. Some of them adopt pre-existing cavities to build nests, which are called trap-nesting bees/wasps. Nowadays, nesting resources are becoming less available due to urbanization, making it harder for them to survive. The Nature Conservation Association of National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan used ecological survey methods called nest traps and cooperated with service courses to conduct surveys on the campus. Our aim was to investigate the bionomics of solitary bees at the university, conserve their populations, and promote environmental education. At the beginning, the university rejected the plan because of the fear of bees/wasps expressed by professors and students. After much communication, we succeeded in setting up 14 solitary bee hotels on the campus. Our results show that the solitary bee hotels' location must be kept away from the rain and the soil surface. Additionally, the main reproduction period is from July to October. This information will help us optimize future plans to further conserve trap-nesting bees/wasps on the university campus.