Insecta Mundi, Volume 10 (1996)
The new genus and species, Caenelmis octomeria, belonging to the Elmidae and subfamily Elminae, are described. Character states used for recognition of the new genus are illustrated by line drawings and scanning electron micrographs. The 8-segmented antenna of the new genus will readily distinguish it from the other 25 elmid genera knownfrom Africa.
Mound and Marullo's aim in producing this book initially was to be an introduction to the Thysanoptera of Costa Rica. The extensive distribution of these small insects caused the authors to extend the geographical area covered and review the Neotropical thrips fauna at family and genus level as there are no available comprehensive publications. The family classification for the suborder Terebrantia is that adapted by Mound, Heming and Palmer (1980). The suborder Tubulifera is exceptionally difficult, and all authors are not in agreement in their respective classifications. Gauld and Mound (1982), Crespi (1993), and Mound and Cresi (1994) are followed here. All areas reported on are not equally known, and faunal comparisons are not given. Some of the more serious pests are listed, and flight, dispersal, and seasonal wind systems are discussed. Sex ratios and polymorphism, life cycles, body structures, phylogeny, family classification, habitat association, and collecting, as well as microscope slide preparation, are included in the introduction.
A new endemic species of Eurycotis, E. perezassoi, predominantly found under stones associated with Pinus cubensis, is described from the eastern region of the Island of Cuba. Differences for separation of E. rhodae Gurney and E. lacernata Cabrera, from the new taxon, are given.
Any book that purports to be an encyclopedic treatment of the behavior of insects, arachnids, myriapods, and terrestrial representatives of other invertebrate phyla invites skepticism. That made it all the more pleasing to find this book to be remarkably comprehensive and scholarly. Adding to this pleasure were more than 200 full-color, original photographs of live invertebrates doing what land animals do and about 40 line illustrations redrawn from the primary literature.