A free-choice feeding test chamber for cave arthropods was designed and fabricated to enable the authors to conduct controlled feeding experiments with due consideration for the peculiarities of cave-dwelling species and of the cave... more
A free-choice feeding test chamber for cave arthropods was designed and fabricated to enable the authors to conduct controlled feeding experiments with due consideration for the peculiarities of cave-dwelling species and of the cave environment. The design was described, its cost compared with those of previous designs for surface-dwelling species, the steps for using it outlined and both its advantages and disadvantages discussed. The design was modified from the set up used and described by Caasi-Lit and Morallo-Rejesus (1989). The smaller compartments simulate to a certain extent the crevices and spaces found inside caves wherein arthropods stay. Overall, the improvised feeding chamber presents great potentials for use in free-choice feeding experiments. Improvements could include more appropriate designs that would increase the size and number of organisms that can be studied.
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The collections of litter-baited cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattodea) from Bulalon Cave in Polillo Island from a previous study were revisited. After re-examination of the five morphospecies initially reported, only two species are now... more
The collections of litter-baited cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattodea) from Bulalon Cave in Polillo Island from a previous study were revisited. After re-examination of the five morphospecies initially reported, only two species are now recognized. Blattidae sp. 2 and sp. 4 are nymphs of Hemithyrsocera sp., while Blattidae sp. 1, sp. 3 and Cryptocercidae sp. 1 are hereby identified as Pycnoscelus striatus (Kirby), a new record for the Philippines. The abundance and distribution of P. striatus is discussed and the importance of depositing voucher specimens in reputable collections is also emphasized.
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Cockroaches collected during a protracted series of fieldwork in several limestone caves in Polillo Island, Philippines were taxonomically studied. A new species of Nocticola (Nocticolidae), N. gonzalezi Lucañas & Lit, sp. n., is... more
Cockroaches collected during a protracted series of fieldwork in several limestone caves in Polillo Island, Philippines were taxonomically studied. A new species of Nocticola (Nocticolidae), N. gonzalezi Lucañas & Lit, sp. n., is described. The male of Periplaneta banksi Hanitsch (Blattidae) is described for the first time. Altogether, the present cave cockroach fauna of the island consists of six species.
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A new species of the genus Psithyristria Stål, 1870, Psithyristria ridibunda sp. nov., is described from Quezon, Luzon, Philippines. The new species is very similar to Psithyristria incredibilis Lee & Hill, 2010, but the cubital cell is... more
A new species of the genus Psithyristria Stål, 1870, Psithyristria ridibunda sp. nov., is described from Quezon, Luzon, Philippines. The new species is very similar to Psithyristria incredibilis Lee & Hill, 2010, but the cubital cell is distinctly larger than the radial cell and the medial branch of the uncal lobe is much shorter than the lateral branch and has two tiny apical spines. Psithyristria isarogensis Boulard & Yap, 2013 is synonymized with Psithyristria paracrassis Lee, 2010. A revised key to the 15 species of Psithyristria is provided.
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Most entomologists in the Philippines and abroad have been taught and believe that the Embioptera commonly known as webspinners or embiids are rare. In fact, entomology teachers give higher or extra points to students who are able to... more
Most entomologists in the Philippines and abroad have been taught and believe that the Embioptera commonly known as webspinners or embiids are rare. In fact, entomology teachers give higher or extra points to students who are able to collect and submit specimens of these seemingly elusive insects. Previous collections by the first author from rhizomes of some plants in Laguna and UV light trap catches in Quezon as well as collections of the second author from decaying logs and living trees around Laguna reveal that embiopterans or at least a few species belonging to this order may actually be fairly common. These recent observations are discussed vis-à-vis the aspects
of commonness or rarity established in conservation biology. Initial results of attempts to culture them in captivity as well as other observations in the field and in the laboratory are summarized to gain insights on possible research needs, potentials for discovery of new forms or species, ecological/environmental significance and conservation status.
of commonness or rarity established in conservation biology. Initial results of attempts to culture them in captivity as well as other observations in the field and in the laboratory are summarized to gain insights on possible research needs, potentials for discovery of new forms or species, ecological/environmental significance and conservation status.