Ectopsocus petersi Smithers 1978 ♀ (Psocodea Homilopsocidea Ectopsocidæ Ectopsocinæ Ectopsocini)

Illustration for a comparative ecophylogenetic analysis of local myrmecofaunas, based on r/K selection theory and intra / interspecific parabiosis / lestobiosis, particularly focused on allochthonous and invasive species.

 

[Ectopsocus McLachlan 1899: 176 (IT: 7) spp]

 

FLVOR of this species in IT. Conspecific sympatric ♀, dorsal and sx side.

 

The order Psocodea contains 7 soo. and 11,000 spp. Phthiraptera are believed to have evolved from within the infraordo Psocoptera, despite their greatly differing appearance.

 

Ectopsocus petersi differs from the closely related E. briggsi and E. meridionalis in having more extensive, darker spots at wing vein ends; ♂♂ can be recognised by better developed tubercular areas on 8th tergite, with a median tubercular area instead of E. briggsi comb-like structure (a comb-like structure is present on 9th tergite in both spp) and by phallosome asymmetrical mediodistal sclerite, possessing only one pair of horns. Colouration of E. petersi is darker than the parthenogenetic E. meridionalis. Currently, E. petersi is one of the most common Psocoptera in BE and NL. However, there is no historical material present for E. petersi, although E. briggsi is well represented in historical collections. Also, no historical records have been published from other countries, indicating that E. petersi was first introduced to EU in the British Isles and is now gradually colonising the rest of EU. However, it is unclear where this species originates from.

 

REFERENCES

 

K. Lock 2017: Ectopsocus petersi ES FLVOR.

E.G.F. Regina 2015: Ectopsocus petersi IT FLVOR.

K. Yoshizawa & K.P. Johnson 2008: Psocidæ systematics.

K. Yoshizawa 2002: Phylogeny of subordo Psocomorpha.

C. Lienhard 1998: Psocodea EU, pp. 246-248.

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