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The myrmecophilous Paederinae rove beetle genus Megastilicus Casey, 1889 from North America is reviewed based on museum specimens. Prior to this study, the genus was monotypic with one species Megastilicus formicarius Casey, 1889 described. Here, we provide a redescription of the genus and the type species, designate a lectotype, and provide pictures of habitus and illustrations of the aedeagus and genital segments. Additionally, we describe a new species for the genus, Megastilicus iowaensis sp. nov., include an identification key to the two species and present the distribution map of both of them, including new state records. We discuss the assignment of the genus to the subtribe Stilicina based on morphological features.
Selizitapia gen. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae) from tapia woodlands of Madagascar
(2021)
A new monotypic genus of flatid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Flatidae), Selizitapia gen. nov., is described for Selizitapia pennyi gen. et sp. nov. (type species) from the island of Madagascar. Habitus, male and female external and internal genital structures of the new species are illustrated and compared with similar taxa. Selizitapia pennyi gen. et sp. nov. is endemic to Madagascar where it is known to date only from one locality in the Central Plateau and is associated with tapia woodland formation.
Bujurquina is the most widely distributed and species-rich genus of cichlids in the western Amazon of South America. In this study we describe a new species from Peru from a hypothesized reverse flowing river system. Prior to the origin of the modern Amazon River at 4.5 Ma, this river system had its headwaters on the Iquitos arch, one of several main structural arches (swells) in the Amazon. Prior to the origin of the modern Amazon these arches formed topographic barriers of drainage basins in lowland Amazonia. For our analyses we use morphological and molecular data, analyzed through multivariate statistics and molecular phylogenies, respectivelly. For all valid species in the genus (except B. cordemadi and B. pardus) we additionally for the first time provide photographs of live specimens. Based on DNA phylogeny and coloration patterns we demonstrate that Bujurquina is divided into two main clades and based on this we provide a dichotomous key for all the species.
Three subterranean leptodirine leiodid taxa, viz., Bozidaria Ćurčić & Pavićević gen. nov., Bozidaria serbooccidentalis Ćurčić & Pavićević gen. et sp. nov. and Proleonhardella (Proleonhardella) tarensis Ćurčić & Pavićević sp. nov., are described and diagnosed. Bozidaria Ćurčić & Pavićević gen. nov. belongs to the phyletic series of “Leonhardella”. The new beetle taxa differ from their closest relatives in numerous morphological characters. They most likely belong to phyletic lineages of Pliocene age. The new leiodid taxa are endemic to the Dinaric mountain chain of western Serbia. Keys to the leptodirine leiodid genera of the phyletic series of “Leonhardella” and to the taxa of the genus Proleonhardella Jeannel, 1910 are included.
Plagiognathus ozgurkocaki sp. nov. is described based on a long series of specimens from Karaman, Turkey. The new species is remarkable among its congeners in Palearctic Region due to the combination of following characters: remarkably small size, dense and unicolorous pale yellow vestiture, darkened cuneus and yellow first antennal segment with a basal ring and pre-apical dots. The new species is associated with the endemic Phlomis leucophracta P.H.Davis & Hub.-Mor. (Lamiaceae) which makes it unique among all its congeners. Additionally, Plagiognathus bipunctatus albicans (Reuter, 1901) and Plagiognathus marivanensis Linnavuori, 2010 are recorded from Karaman, former constitutes a new record for Turkey.
In this paper, four new cave-dwelling species of the subgenus Tachycines (Gymnaeta) from Guangxi, Hunan and Jiangxi are described, i.e., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) quadratus sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) shiziensis sp. nov., Tachycines (Gymnaeta) sparsispinus sp. nov. and Tachycines (Gymnaeta) papilious sp. nov. The female of Tachycines (Gymnaeta) liboensis Zhu, Chen & Shi, 2020 is recorded for the first time. Moreover, images illustrating the morphology of the four new and three previously described species are provided.
Five new species of the genus Phlugiolopsis Zeuner, 1940 (Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from China
(2024)
This paper reports five new species of Phlugiolopsis Zeuner, 1940 from Sichuan, Yunnan and Guangxi in China, i.e., Phlugiolopsis luojishanensis sp. nov., Phlugiolopsis lata sp. nov., Phlugiolopsis rongshuiensis sp. nov., Phlugiolopsis acuta sp. nov. and Phlugiolopsis daweishanensis sp. nov. We present a redescription of the male of Phlugiolopsis punctata Wang, Li & Liu, 2012, describe the female of Phlugiolopsis punctata Wang, Li & Liu, 2012 and the male of Phlugiolopsis pentagonis Bian, Shi & Chang, 2013 for the first time. In addition, images illustrating the morphology of these species and seven previously described species are provided. The distribution map of the genus Phlugiolopsis from China is also provided.
New species of genus Atractides Koch, 1837 (Acari: Hydrachnidiae, Hygrobatidae) from Qinghai, China
(2022)
The paper deals with five new species of the genus Atractides Koch, 1837 (Acari: Hydrachnidiae, Hygrobatidae) collected from Qinghai Province, P.R. China, Atractides (Atractides) biprojectus Zhang, Li & Guo sp. nov., Atractides (Atractides) smiti Zhang, Li & Guo sp. nov., Atractides (Atractides) menyuanensis Zhang, Li & Guo sp. nov., Atractides (Atractides) longiprojectus Zhang, Li & Guo sp. nov. and Atractides (Atractides) xianmiensis Zhang, Li & Guo sp. nov. All the new species are described and illustrated in detail, and all the type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
Conidera Rivalier, 1961 is a well-defined subgenus of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) hitherto only known from two species endemic to the island of Luzon. This paper describes the first species from Mindoro, with a doubtful record from Mindanao. Cylindera (Conidera) mindoroana Zettel and Wiesner, new species, differs strongly by an unusual shape of the female’s elytra. A diagnosis for Conidera and a key to the species of this subgenus is presented.
The taxonomic and faunistic status of the spider family Oecobiidae in Iran, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan is revised. A new species, namely Uroctea gambronica sp. nov. (♂) is described from southern Iran, and the male of U. grossa Roewer, 1960 is described and illustrated for the first time. Additionally, new faunistic data are provided, including the first records of Oecobius putus O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1876 and U. grossa in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, respectively, and the re-evaluation of previously misidentified and questionable records of this family in the region. The known distribution ranges of all species are mapped for these three countries.
The taxa of the subgenus Turritus of Cochlostoma (Cochlostomatidae) are analysed based on molecular and morphological data. The phylogenetic trees, based on ribosomal (16S) and nuclear (H3) DNA, indicate that the currently accepted taxonomy should be revised. Based on our data, there are 37 species in Turritus of which 5 are new to science: Cochlostoma (Turritus) pallgergelyi sp. nov., C. (T. ) muranyii sp. nov., C. (T. ) hallgassi sp. nov., C. (T. ) kontschani sp. nov. and C. (T. ) lacazei sp. nov. Of these, we describe the shells and the female genitalia and summarize the distributional data. Some samples (or set of samples) will remain undetermined for lack of data and these are reported in the appendix.
Fourteen new species of the Colletes fasciatus species group are described, all of them endemic to the winter rainfall area in South Africa: C. ascopalis sp. nov. ♀, C. carolinae sp. nov. ♀♂, C. cedarbergensis sp. nov. ♀, C. fabiani sp. nov. ♀♂, C. fuscitergus sp. nov. ♂, C. khoisanorum sp. nov. ♀, C. kogelbergensis sp. nov. ♀♂, C. littoralis sp. nov. ♀, C. longitarsus sp. nov. ♂, C. peerboomi sp. nov. ♀, C. richtersveldensis sp. nov. ♀, C. ruschia sp. nov. ♀♂, C. spinipes sp. nov. ♂, C. troetroeensis sp. nov. ♀. Two species are synonymized based on newly recognized sex associations: C. katharinae Kuhlmann, 2007 syn. nov. is synonymized with C. infracognitus Cockerell, 1937 and C. bokkeveldi Kuhlmann, 2007 syn. nov. with C. zygophyllum Kuhlmann, 2007. The previously unknown female of C. inornatus Cockerell, 1946 is described for the first time and new records of already described species are added. All of the currently known 37 species of the C. fasciatus-group are imaged and included in a key to facilitate their identification.
Antiochtha is a genus of the family Lecithoceridae characterized by the forewing with veins M2 and M3 coincident, the hindwing with vein M2 absent, and the male genitalia with the valva narrowed from base to apex. The genus comprises 23 species and is mainly distributed in the Oriental Region. In this paper, we describe three new species: Antiochtha erromera sp. nov., A. hainanensis sp. nov. and A. miniscula sp. nov., and propose a new synonym, A. rotunda Zhu & Li, 2009 syn. nov., of A. jianfengensis Zhu & Li, 2009. Antiochtha semialis Park, 2002 is newly recorded in China and its female is described for the first time.
The Chinese fauna of the pselaphine genus Sathytes Westwood (Batrisitae: Batrisini) currently includes 20 species. In this paper, 15 new species from various provinces of the country are described: S. alpicola sp. nov. (Xizang), S. australis sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi), S. chayuensis sp. nov. (Xizang), S. chengzhifeii sp. nov. (Yunnan), S. huapingensis sp. nov. (Guangxi), S. linzhiensis sp. nov. (Xizang), S. maoershanus sp. nov. (Guangxi), S. nujiangensis sp. nov. (Yunnan), S. panzhaohuii sp. nov. (Xizang), S. shennong sp. nov. (Hubei), S. tianquanus sp. nov. (Sichuan), S. transversus sp. nov. (Xizang), S. valentulus sp. nov. (Guangxi), S. xingdoumontis sp. nov. (Hubei) and S. xizangensis sp. nov. (Xizang). New collection records are provided for S. longitrabis Yin & Li, 2012, S. tangliangi Yin & Li, 2012 and S. yunnanicus Yin & Li, 2012. Maps showing the distribution of the genus in China, and an updated checklist of the world species are provided.
A review of the genus Stratiomys from India is presented. The new species Stratiomys brunettii sp. nov. is described based on male and female specimens collected from the Kashmir Himalayas. The only other congener previously recorded in India, Stratiomys approximata, is redescribed. A key to the species is presented.
Japanese species of the genus Georissus are revised. Seven species, including two new, G. (Neogeorissus) takahashii sp. nov. and G. (Ne.) satoi sp. nov. are recognized. Georissus (Neogeorissus) sakaii Satô, 1972 and G. (Ne.) katsuoi Nakane, 1995 are synonymized with G. (Ne.) japonicus Satô, 1972. Based on the type series and additional specimens, three subgenera and seven species are (re)described with SEM micrographs of the external morphology and figures of male and female genitalia. The terminology of some structures of the head and the pronotum are redefined for convenience of taxonomy. A key to the Japanese species is also given.
The species of Stenothemus Bourgeois, 1907 from Southwest China are reviewed. Three species are transferred to this genus, S. davidi (Pic, 1926) comb. nov. (from Malthacus Kirby, 1837), S. minutissimus (Pic, 1933) comb. nov. (from Micropodabrus Pic, 1920) and S. singularicollis (Pic, 1933) comb. nov. (from Lycocerus Gorham, 1895). Two new synonyms are suggested, S. dinshuiensis Švihla, 2011 syn. nov. is synonymized with S. davidi and S. melleus Švihla, 2005 syn. nov. with S. singularicollis. Stenothemus shaanxiensis Švihla, 2004 stat. nov. is raised to species level from a subspecies of S. benesi Švihla, 2004. Five new species are described, S. gracilis Y. Yang & X. Yang sp. nov., S. chongqingensis Y. Yang & H. Liu sp. nov., S. flavicollis Y. Yang & S. Ge sp. nov., S. jindraimimus Y. Yang & X. Yang sp. nov. and S. laticornis Y. Yang & H. Liu sp. nov., which are illustrated with photographs of habitus, aedeagi, abdominal sternites VIII and internal genitalia of the female. Characters of the female reproductive system are described for the first time for the following species: S. diffusus Wittmer, 1974, S. dundai Švihla, 2004, S. grahami Wittmer, 1974, S. jindrai Švihla, 2004, S. tryznai Švihla, 2004 and S. singularicollis. Some additional distribution information is added for previously known species. A key for the identification of all studied species is provided.
The species of Stenothemus Bourgeois, 1907 from Southeast China are reviewed. Stenothemus fukienensis Wittmer, 1974 and S. kuatunensis Wittmer, 1979 are supplementarily described. Two new species are described, S. longicornis Y. Yang & H. Liu sp. nov. (China: Guangdong) and S. flavus Y. Yang & X. Yang sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang). Five new combinations are established: S. biimpressiceps (Pic, 1930) comb. nov. (from Cantharis L.), S. chinensis (Wittmer, 1982) comb. nov., S. limbatipennis (Pic, 1926) stat. rev. et comb. nov., S. nigriceps (Wittmer, 1955) comb. nov. and S. pallicolor (Wittmer, 1951) comb. nov. (from Lycocerus Gorham). Leiothorax atrosanguineus Švihla, 2005 syn. nov. is synonymized with S. chinensis, Lycocerus limatus Kazantsev, 2007 syn. nov. with S. limbatipennis. The above species are illustrated with habitus photos, aedeagi, abdominal sternites VIII and internal genitalia of female. A key for the identification of the above species is provided.
Twelve species of the subgenus Vestiplex (Diptera, Tipulidae) were previously known to occur in Tibet (= Xizang), China. Here, six species are described and illustrated as new to science: Tipula (Vestiplex) bucera sp. nov., Tipula (Vestiplex) magatama sp. nov., Tipula (Vestiplex) motuoensis sp. nov., Tipula (Vestiplex) nayogabuensis sp. nov., Tipula (Vestiplex) platyphylla sp. nov. and Tipula (Vestiplex) uncinella sp. nov. The following three species are redescribed: Tipula (Vestiplex) himalayensis Brunetti, 1911, Tipula (Vestiplex) nigroapicalis Brunetti, 1911 and Tipula (Vestiplex) zayulensis Alexander, 1963. A key to the species of Tipula (Vestiplex) from Tibet is presented.
Three novel species collected from Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve (DHSBR) in southern China, Russula cylindrica Y.Song sp. nov. and R. lacteocarpa Y.Song sp. nov. in subgenus Archaeae and R. reticulofolia Y.Song sp. nov. in subg. Compactae, are described based on morphological and molecular data. In addition, Russula leucobrunnea Y.Song nom. nov. is proposed in replacement of R. leucocarpa nom. illeg. in subg. Brevipedum, as R. leucocarpa (T.Lebel) T.Lebel had been described earlier. Differences between the three novel species and their closely related taxa were analyzed. Another two known species in subg. Brevipedum, R. callainomarginis J.F.Liang & J.Song and R. japonica Hongo were also identified among specimens from DHSBR and are described and illustrated. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS and a five-locus phylogeny (concatenated LSU, mtSSU, rpb1, rpb2 and tef1) support the recognition of these taxa.
Prothyma (Genoprothyma) thandamoeae Wiesner, Phyu and Hori, new species, Prothyma (Genoprothyma) sotai Wiesner, Phyu and Hori, new species, and Prothyma (Genoprothyma) asamii Wiesner, Phyu and Hori, new species (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are described from Myanmar. A key to all members of the genus known to occur in Myanmar is given.
Cylindera (Cylinderina) sierramadrensis Wiesner and Dheurle, new species (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) is described from Luzon. Re-descriptions of the other seven species of this subgenus (C. (C.) nanula (Horn, 1937), C. (C.) nana (Schaum, 1862), C. (C.) pseudonana (Horn, 1924), C. (C.) werneri Wiesner, 1988, C. (C.) rothschildi (Horn, 1896), C. (C.) genieri Cassola and Werner, 2003, C. (C.) vandenberghei Dheurle, 2016) are provided together with a key and pictures of their habitus, labrum and aedeagus.
Seven new species of the giant pill-millipede genus Zoosphaerium Pocock, 1895 are described from Madagascar: Z. nigrum sp. nov., Z. silens sp. nov., Z. ambatovaky sp. nov., Z. beanka sp. nov., Z. voahangy sp. nov., Z. masoala sp. nov. and Z. spinopiligerum sp. nov. All species are described based on drawings and scanning electron microscopy, while genetic barcoding of the COI gene was successful for six of the seven new species. Additional COI barcode information is provided for the first time for Z. album Wesener, 2009 and Z. libidinosum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897). Zoosphaerium nigrum sp. nov. and Z. silens sp. nov. belong to the Z. libidinosum species-group, Z. ambatovaky sp. nov. to the Z. coquerelianum species-group, Z. beanka sp. nov., Z. voahangy sp. nov. and Z. masoala sp. nov. to the Z. platylabum species-group and Z. spinopiligerum sp. nov. to the Z. piligerum species-group. Updated identification keys are provided for each species-group. Two western dry forest species, Z. silens sp. nov. and Z. voahangy sp. nov. are recorded from two localities, while the other five species are currently only known from their type localities. Of special conservation concern might be Z. ambatovaky sp. nov. from the lowland rainforest fragment of Ambatovaky, a nowadays isolated lowland rainforest, rapidly shrinking due to slash and burn agriculture. In addition to the new species, new locality data is provided for 11 species and numerous unidentifiable species of Zoosphaerium: Z. neptunus (Butler, 1872), Z. platylabum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902) and Z. piligerum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) from the central eastern montane forests, as well as Z. ambrense Wesener, 2009, Z. aureum Wesener, 2009, Z. libidinosum, Z. corystoides Wesener, 2009, Z. discolor Wesener, 2009, Z. smaragdinum Wesener, 2009, Z. villosum Wesener & Sierwald, 2005 and Microsphaerotherium anjozorobe Wesener, 2009.
New species and taxonomical notes in Gorybia Pascoe, 1866 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae)
(2019)
Three new Gorybia Pascoe, 1866 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Piezocerini), species from Bolivia are described: G. martinsi Wappes, Botero and Santos-Silva new species; G. galileoae Wappes, Botero and Santos-Silva, new species; and G. clarkeorum Wappes, Botero and Santos-Silva, new species. In addition, G. bispinosa Martins, Galileo and Limeira-de-Oliveira, 2009 is proposed as a synonym of G. castanea (Gounelle, 1909) and G. maculosa Martins, 1976 as a synonym of G. apatheia Martins, 1976.
Serratacosa, a new genus of Lycosidae (Araneae) from the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas
(2021)
A new wolf spider genus, Serratacosa gen. nov., is erected based on the type and new species, S. medogensis gen. et sp. nov. and two newly combined species, S. himalayensis (Gravely, 1924) (from Hogna Simon, 1885) and S. multidontata (Qu, Peng & Yin, 2010) (from Pardosa C.L. Koch, 1847). All of them are from the southern slopes of the Eastern Himalayas. Descriptions of the new genera and species, and a redescription of S. multidontata are provided together with digital images, illustrations and a distribution map.
Six species of the spider genus Spinirta Jin & Zhang, 2020 from southern China (Araneae: Corinnidae)
(2024)
In the current study, six species of the genus Spinirta from southern China are recognized, four new species are described: S. hongyui Wang, Lu & Z.S. Zhang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. liuae Wang, Lu & Z.S. Zhang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. simianshan Wang, Lu & Z.S. Zhang sp. nov. (♂♀) and S. yintiaoling Wang, Lu & Z.S. Zhang sp. nov. (♂). Females of S. aviforma Jin & Zhang, 2020 (♂♀) and S. quadrata Jin & Zhang, 2020 (♂♀) are described for the first time. Photos of the body and copulatory organs, as well as the locality map are provided.
Review of the Panorpa wormaldi group (Mecoptera: Panorpidae), with descriptions of two new species
(2022)
Panorpa Linnaeus, 1758 is the largest genus in the scorpionfly family Panorpidae. In this paper, a taxonomic review of the Panorpa wormaldi group is provided, with two new species described from China: Panorpa fengyanga Wang & Suzuki, sp. nov. from Zhejiang, and Panorpa zhuohengi Wang & Suzuki, sp. nov. from Guangdong. The male of Panorpa implicata Cheng, 1957 is discovered and described for the first time. A distributional map and keys to species are also provided for this group. Species number in this group is updated from 17 to 19. In addition, their biogeographical and evolutionary implications are briefly discussed.
The justification of the 4 genera that currently compose the class Pavlovophyceae is based on a low number of species and a relative paucity of available, traceable and referenced cultures. Previous integrative phylogeny work revealed strains that can refine and strengthen our knowledge of the genera in the class. The application of multiple light and electron microscopy techniques allowed us to prioritize the cytomorphological characters (pyrenoid, thylakoid, stigma, knob-scales, life stage / life cycle) used for the taxonomy of these algae and to describe two new species: Exanthemachrysis fresneliae Véron sp. nov. and Rebecca billardiae Véron sp. nov. Consequently, revisions of the two genera Exanthemachrysis Lepailleur emend. Véron and Rebecca Green emend. Véron were made. In addition, the genus Pavlova Butcher emend Véron is revised in the light of these characters. Particular emphasis is placed on the life stages and habitat of the species.
Revision of the Merodon bombiformis group (Diptera: Syrphidae) – rare and endemic African hoverflies
(2021)
In the present work, the Afrotropical species of the bombiformis species group, part of the aureus lineage, are revised. Six species are recognized, based on a combination of morphological and genetic features. Three of these species are new to science: Merodon lotus Vujić & Radenković sp. nov., M. vittatus Vujić & Likov sp. nov., and M. zebra Vujić & Radenković sp. nov. Redescriptions are provided for the other three species: M. bombiformis Hull, 1944, M. multifasciatus Curran, 1939, and M. nasicus Bezzi, 1915. The female of M. bombiformis is described. The name Merodon edentulus Macquart, 1855 is considered here as a nomen dubium. One new synonymy is proposed: M. apimima Hull, 1944 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. multifasciatus). The distribution of the bombiformis species group is discussed. The larval host plant of M. multifasciatus is identified as Gladiolus. A key to the identification of both males and females of the bombiformis group is provided.
Coelogynoporidae (Platyhelminthes) includes comparatively large and slender Proseriata, usually occurring in shallow benthic environments. Coelogynopora Steinböck, 1924 is the most frequently reported genus and the one with the highest species diversity. Notwithstanding that, the genus has never been reported from the Southern Hemisphere. A recent analysis of sediment from the Magellan Strait shores (Chile) resulted in the discovery of a new species of Coelogynopora, the first representative of the genus to be found in austral waters. The new species is defined by the following combination of characters: sclerotised copulatory system consisting of a slender, ventrally curved stylet with a broad base and three pairs of symmetrically arranged spines, the proximal ends of which are fused laterally to the base of the stylet; distal ends of the three pairs of spines hooked, with apophyses at progressively longer distances from the tip; accessory spines and solar organ absent. Based on the morphological characters, the new species appears to be more related to species from the Pacific Ocean than to those from the Atlantic Ocean. The present work suggests a vast biogeographic disjunction in the genus Coelogynopora, which may be described as a bipolar or amphitropical pattern of distribution.
In February 2012, Odonata were recorded and voucher specimens collected in Luzon, The Philippines. The focus of study was set on localities near Dinapigue and San Mariano (Isabela Province), sites in Casiguran (Aurora Province) and on Polillo Island (Quezon Province). 60 Odonata species were recorded. Three are new to science and have been formally to be described. Four species were recorded for the first time in Luzon. Amphicnemis furcata and Diplacodes nebulosa were rediscovered after several decades since they were last documented from Luzon.
The adult stage of Helioandesia tarregai gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Heliodinidae) is described and illustrated from the arid western slopes of the Andes of northern Chile. The larvae of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. feed as leaf skeletonizers on Mirabilis acuta (Reiche) Heimerl (Nyctaginaceae). The mostly gray forewing of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov., ornamented with strongly bulging metallic spots, resembles that of the representatives of the mainly Nearctic Lithariapteryx Chambers, 1876. However, the latter lacks CuP in the forewing, has a single bristle in the female frenulum, and lacks a well-developed cornutus. Helioandesia gen. nov. clustered as sister to Neoheliodines Hsu, 2004 in a cladistic analysis, although no synapomorphies were found for this cluster, while Lithariapteryx was sister to Helioandesia gen. nov. + Neoheliodines based on two synapomorphies. The genetic distance between a DNA barcode sequence of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. and representatives of other genera of Heliodinidae Heinemann, 1877 was 9.0–12.5% (K2P), and a maximum likelihood analysis based on this molecular marker confirmed the placement of H. tarregai gen. et sp. nov. as a member of this micromoth family. This contribution represents the first confirmed record of Heliodinidae for Chile.
Two new species of aulacid wasps, Pristaulacus iuliae Turrisi & Nobile sp. nov. from South India (Karnataka) and Pristaulacus ninae sp. nov. from Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang), are described, figured and compared with most related species. Based on the present addition, the Indomalayan area currently includes 27 species of Pristaulacus Kieffer out of 61 known from the whole Oriental Region, which is however a largely underestimated number. An identification key to species and an updated checklist of Pristaulacus occurring in the Indomalayan area are provided.
A new species of the genus Mesobiotus is described from the Republic of South Africa using a traditional morphological approach (light and scanning electron microscopy) combined with molecular analysis (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2 and COI markers). Mesobiotus anastasiae sp. nov. differs from all known Mesobiotus species by having a unique combination of characters of the adult animals and the eggs. Adults of the new species have an oral cavity armature without elongate teeth in the second band, while the processes of the egg chorion have a basal collar and distinct rows of large pores. An updated key to the species of the genus Mesobiotus, including 66 of 70 currently described species, is given. An aquatic mite species from the Lobohalacarus weberi complex (freshwater Halacaridae) co-occurs with M. anastasiae sp. nov., suggesting that the newly described tardigrade inhabits constantly wet moss cushion habitats.
A new genus with a new species of soft-winged flower beetle, Pectotibialis paghmanensis Tshernyshev gen. et sp. nov. are described from Afghanistan. The new genus can be distinguished from the congeners of the tribe Apalochrini by the dark pectination in the apices of tibiae in both sexes, and the anterior tibiae which are hollowed at distal half, flattened and rounded femora, bituberculate basal parts of head and pronotum, two lamellate metathoracic appendages, tarsal comb above second tarsomere of anterior legs, and serrate antennae in the male. Based on the metathoracic appendages and comb in anterior legs would attribute this new species to the new genus Dromanthomorphus Pic, 1921, but all the other above-mentioned characters define its independent status and the designation of a new genus; Pectotibialis Tshernyshev gen. nov. The external appearance, special male characters and genitalia of the type species of the new genus are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. A key to the Apalochrus-section of the tribe Apalochrini is provided.
Soft-winged flower beetles from the United Arab Emirates are studied for the first time. Three new genera, Tonyattalus gen. nov. of the tribe Attalini, Tonycolotes gen. nov. of the tribe Colotini, and Arabotroglops gen. nov. of the tribe Troglopini, and two species, Tonyattalus vanharteni gen. et sp. nov. and Arabotroglops longantennatus gen. et sp. nov., are described. Tonycolotes kovari (Švihla, 1987) gen. et. comb. nov. is recorded from the United Arab Emirates for the first time and transferred from the genus Colotes Erichson, 1840. All species discussed in the paper are described and illustrated. The fauna of soft-winged flower beetles of the Arabian Peninsula is reviewed.
The species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 from Southeast Asia are reviewed based on recent sampling efforts as well as unreported historical material from southern mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. We report 42 new species records for these regions. A total of 20 species new to science are described: S. anhdaoae sp. nov., S. claviseta sp. nov., S. crinigera sp. nov., S. decumbens sp. nov., S. delicata sp. nov., S. densissima sp. nov., S. doydeei sp. nov., S. fellowesi sp. nov., S. intermedia sp. nov., S. jaitrongi sp. nov., S. liuweii sp. nov., S. longidens sp. nov., S. mediocris sp. nov., S. rongi sp. nov., S. scutica sp. nov., S. strummeri sp. nov., S. xenopilus sp. nov., S. yamanei sp. nov., S. zanderi sp. nov. and S. zhenghuii sp. nov. The descriptions of the existing species S. elegantula (Terayama & Kubota, 1989) and S. nathistorisoc Tang et al., 2019 are revised. Strumigenys formosensis Forel, 1912 syn. nov. is synonymized with S. feae Emery 1895 in the light of recently collected specimens. Three species complexes are created within the S. leptothrix-group: elegantula-complex, leptothrix-complex and zanderi-complex, based on differences in dentition. A new species group, S. nathistorisoc-group, is introduced. The key to Strumigenys of East Asia (as Pyramica) by Bolton is partially revised to accommodate species from these species groups that were described since the publication of the key. Finally, the implication of our results to the region and the current limitation of species groups and complexes of the genus is discussed.
Examination of Coccinellidae material recently collected from Napo Province in Ecuador revealed 38 species of ladybird beetles, of which six are new: Chnoodes yanayacu sp. nov., Cyrea mcclarini sp. nov., Eupalea borowieci sp. nov., Exoplectra misahualli sp. nov., Hyperaspis rutai sp. nov., Toxotoma gonzalezi sp. nov. Seven species are recorded for the first time from Ecuador: Cyrea noticollis (Mulsant, 1850), Eupalea formosa Mulsant, 1850, Epilachna transverselineata (Mader, 1858), Psyllobora marshalli Crotch, 1874, Toxotoma fuscopilosa (Weise, 1902), Toxotoma taeniola (Gordon, 1975), Zenoria linteolata Mulsant, 1850. For three species: Epilachna obtusiforma Gordon, 1975, Hinda ecuadorica Gordon & Canepari, 2013 and Siola atra González, 2015, supplementary notes on the original descriptions are provided. New name combinations are proposed for six species, which are transferred to the genus Toxotoma Weise, 1900: Toxotoma aequatorialis (Gordon, 1975), Toxotoma chigata (Gordon, 1975), Toxotoma flavocirculus (González, 2015), Toxotoma fuscopilosa, Toxotoma hybridula (Gordon, 1975), Toxotoma taeniola. The occurrence of Scymnus interruptus (Goeze, 1777) in Ecuador is also confirmed.
Two species of Xorides Latreille, 1809 are reported parasitizing wood-boring insects in trunks and relatively larger twigs of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. in Kuandian Manzu Autonomous County, Liaoning, in the Palaearctic part of China. Two new species are described: X. juglanse Sheng, Broad & Sun sp. nov. and X. kuandianense Sheng, Broad & Sun sp. nov. One species, X. sapporensis (Uchida, 1928), was associated with wood-borers in J. mandshurica Maxim. for the first time. A key to the 46 species of Xorides Latreille known from China is provided.
In this study, I describe two new species of Macrobiotus based on morphological data collected through light and scanning electron microscopy. Both species are accompanied by DNA sequences from four commonly used molecular markers (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-2, and COI). Macrobiotus ovovittatus sp. nov. was discovered in Greenland and can be distinguished from similar taxa of Macrobiotus by its continuous, solid, and clearly wrinkled egg surface, adorned with sparse, very small and irregularly spaced pores. Additionally, the terminal discs of egg processes are covered in multiple light-refracting dots, resembling crocheted napkins. Macrobiotus mileri sp. nov. was found in Israel and is characterized by unique pore arrangements in its body cuticle, expressed in two distinct animal forms: (i) forma porata with large pores arranged in five distinct patches and (ii) forma aporata with single, almost undetectable pores. It also features weakly defined convex terminal discs with smooth edges. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analyses conducted in this study offer the most updated phylogeny of superclade I within the family Macrobiotidae. This facilitates additional discussion concerning the interrelationships among species within the genus Macrobiotus and the circumscription of species groups within it.
A new millipede species of the genus Sechelleptus Mauriès, 1980 is described and illustrated from Mayotte Island, Indian Ocean. This new species, S. arborivagus sp. nov., found on trees, looks particularly similar to the sympatric S. variabilis VandenSpiegel & Golovatch, 2007, but is much larger and has a very different ecological behavior. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of the COI and 16S rRNA genes and including nine species of Spirostreptidae (including Sechelleptus, Doratogonus Attems, 1914, Bicoxidens Attems, 1928 and Spirostreptus Brandt, 1833), strongly support the monophyly of Sechelleptus. Despite the similarity of their genitalia, the molecular analyses also reveal a clear-cut genetic divergence between S. arborivagus sp. nov. and S. variabilis (22.55% for COI and 6.63% for 16SrRNA) and further suggest the presence of a higher diversity within the genus Sechelleptus on Mayotte.
Cheilostomatid bryozoans are present in large quantities in Miocene sediments of western Kachchh. A detailed investigation, as presented here, has yielded 11 species. Among them, two species – Canda ukirensis sp. nov. and Antropora ramaniaensis sp. nov. – are new to science. Five species had already been reported from the same region, while a genus and the remaining three species are left in open nomenclature pending an exhaustive study using better preserved material.
We describe a new species of Dichotomius Hope, 1838, from the D. agenor species-group from Costa Rica and Nicaragua: D. woodruffi Solís and Kohlmann, new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). Based on this discovery, we confirm that Dichotomius enioi Montoya-Molina and Vaz-de-Mello, 2021 and D. agenor (Harold, 1869) are not currently distributed in Costa Rica. Instead, the only species of Dichotomius that are currently distributed in Costa Rica from the D. agenor species-group are D. centralis (Harold, 1869) and D. woodruffi. We discuss the distribution of the Dichotomius agenor species-group in Central America.
A new species Alainites neeru sp. nov. is described based on larvae collected from a hill stream in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the first report of the genus Alainites Waltz & McCafferty, 1994 from India. The new species is closely related to the Palearctic species A. muticus (Linnaeus, 1758), but can be distinguished from the latter by the length of the maxillary palp, the reduced number of spine-like setae on the margin between the prostheca and mola of the right mandible, the reduced tracheation in the tergalii, and by a reduced number of spines on the prolongation of the paraproct. With this record, the genus Alainites encompasses a total of twenty-two species.
The linyphiid spiders Tenuiphantes zelatus (Zorsch, 1937), T. zibus (Zorsch, 1937), and Centromerus mariannae sp. nov. are diagnosed, described or redescribed and illustrated, including the previously undescribed female of T. zibus. All are common species of the Pacific Northwest of North America but were previously inadequately described (T. zelatus and T. zibus) or illustrated only but not described or named (C. mariannae).
Serratichneumon Riedel & Sheng gen. nov. and Serratichneumon maculatus Sheng & Riedel gen. et sp. nov. belonging to the tribe Ichneumonini of subfamily Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), collected in the Oriental Region (China, Vietnam, and Indonesia), are described and illustrated. The new genus is placed in Tereshkin’s key to the Palaearctic genera of the subtribe Amblytelina, and compared with similar genera, Hepiopelmus Wesmael, 1845, and Tricholabus Thomson, 1894.
Four new species of Ommatius Wiedemann, the female of O. stramineus Scarbrough, and the male of 0. nigellus Scarbrough from Hispaniola are described. A lectotype for O. gwenae Scarbrough and a neotype for O. cinnamomeus are selected. Notes of previously named species, new records, illustrations of terminalia, and a key to the species are included.
Martensina thailandica gen. et sp. nov., a freshwater ostracod species representing a new subfamily, Martensininae subfam. nov., in the family Cyprididae, is here described from a swamp in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. The new genus and species is mainly characterized by the 7-segmented antennula which has a Rome organ and remarkably long aesthetasc ya, the morphology of the sexually dimorphic antenna (A2), the markedly elongated A2 terminal segment, the short and thin α- and β-setae on the mandibular palp, the elongated terminal segment of the maxillula, the obviously 2-segmented male prehensile palp, the presence of d1 and d2 setae on the protopod of the second thoracopod (T2), the sexually dimorphic T2, the distinctive terminal segment of the third thoracopod bearing three long setae, the well-developed caudal ramus, the large hemipenis which has a complex internal structure, and the Zenker organ with funnel-shaped ends and numerous spiny whorls.
The number of currently described species of Afrotropical parasitoid wasps does not reflect the true species diversity. One of the most severely understudied parasitoid wasp groups is Ceraphronoidea. In this first study on Afrotropical mainland Ceraphronoidea in more than 20 years, which is also the first ever taxonomic monograph focusing on Ceraphronidae, we describe 88 new species of Ceraphronidae (85 new species) and Megaspilidae (3 new species) from Kakamega Forest (Kenya), Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Ivindo NP (Gabon): Aphanogmus abaluhya sp. nov., A. ashitakai sp. nov., A. idakho sp. nov., A. ikhongamurwi sp. nov., A. isiukhu sp. nov., A. kakamegaensis sp. nov., A. lateritorum sp. nov., A. mangimelii sp. nov., A. mariae sp. nov., A. mashariki sp. nov., A. nehbergi sp. nov., A. njia sp. nov., A. vestrii sp. nov., A. yala sp. nov. (all clavicornis species group), A. dimidiatus sp. nov., A. fraterculus sp. nov., A. guenteri sp. nov., A. kakakili sp. nov., A. kisiwa sp. nov., A. maua sp. nov., A. morriconei sp. nov., A. ndefu sp. nov., A. ngai sp. nov., A. nikii sp. nov., A. pilosicoxa sp. nov., A. rafikii sp. nov., A. robustus sp. nov., A. simbai sp. nov., A. taji sp. nov., A. ukanda sp. nov. (all fumipennis species group), A. campanula sp. nov., A. kikuyu sp. nov., A. pagoda sp. nov. (all tenuicornis species group), Ceraphron banda sp. nov., C. brashi sp. nov., C. breviharpis sp. nov., C. breviscapus sp. nov., C. buyangu sp. nov., C. chemositi sp. nov., C. cingulum sp. nov., C. clavatumeris sp. nov., C. digiti sp. nov., C. eaerendili sp. nov., C. ekero sp. nov., C. ellae sp. nov., C. eulbergi sp. nov., C. herreni sp. nov., C. hitagarciai sp. nov., C. insolitus sp. nov., C. isecheno sp. nov., C. isukha sp. nov., C. ivindoensis sp. nov., C. kaharabu sp. nov., C. kaimosiensis sp. nov., C. kakamegaensis sp. nov., C. kidole sp. nov., C. kimathii sp. nov., C. lirhanda sp. nov., C. longiharpis sp. nov., C. longisetae sp. nov., C. longumerunus sp. nov., C. maathaiae sp. nov., C. malava sp. nov., C. mamamutere sp. nov., C. metapleuralis sp. nov., C. mikoi sp. nov., C. mwekaensis sp. nov., C. nandi sp. nov., C. nzoia sp. nov., C. onesimusi sp. nov., C. pilosiharpis sp. nov., C. pleurosulcus sp. nov., C. reinholdi sp. nov., C. salazar sp. nov., C. sataoi sp. nov., C. semira sp. nov., C. sungura sp. nov., C. tenuimeris sp. nov., C. tiriki sp. nov., C. trietschae sp. nov., Cyoceraphron dhahabudorsalis sp. nov., C. harpe sp. nov., C. invisibilis sp. nov., C. kahawia sp. nov., C. njano sp. nov. (all Ceraphronidae), Conostigmus kijiko sp. nov., C. koleo sp. nov., and Dendrocerus wachagga sp. nov. (all Megaspilidae). In addition, we describe four species of Aphanogmus and five species of Ceraphron without formal naming. A neotype is designated for Dendrocerus anneckei Dessart, 1985 (Megaspilidae). With these new species we more than double the number described from the Afrotropical mainland (65 vs 153). The species numbers found allow us to estimate the real worldwide species number of Ceraphronoidea as being roughly 12 000–21 000, i.e., 16–29 times the number of the currently described species (~730, including the species described herein). This study is meant to highlight that it is necessary and also possible to study the parasitoid wasps of tropical regions and provide momentum for exploring the diversity of small and diverse insect groups in the Afrotropics and elsewhere while also providing the basic knowledge that is much needed for protecting biodiversity and understanding evolution and the networks of life on earth. All described species are diagnosed and illustrated, with focus on the male genitalia. Furthermore, we provide an identification key to males of Afrotropical Ceraphronidae.
Revision of the species confused with "Nereis falsa" de Quatrefages, 1866 (Annelida, Nereididae)
(2021)
Nereis falsa de Quatrefages, 1866 has been regarded as a cosmopolitan species, and several species described from different localities have been regarded as junior synonyms of N. falsa. The present study is an attempt to resolve the taxonomic confusion in N. falsa, which seems to contain several distinct species due to previous inappropriate synonymy, widely distributed in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. For this purpose, the authors first propose the resurrection of the synonymy of N. falsa with Hediste diversicolor that was concluded during the 19th century but disregarded later. After the fixation of the identity of N. falsa sensu stricto, the authors re-evaluate the proper taxonomic status of species which have previously been confused with N. falsa. Type, topotype and non-type specimens were examined; most species are redescribed, and others are reinstated. Nereis splendida Grube, 1840 is a valid Mediterranean species, and a neotype is proposed; it includes the Mediterranean populations of what is currently regarded as N. falsa. Consequently, N. falsa is transferred to Hediste Malmgren, 1867, and some taxonomic comments are added for the latter genus and a key to species is also included. Nereis callaona Grube & Kröyer in Grube, 1857, N. marginata Grube & Örsted in Grube, 1857 and N. riisei Grube & Örsted in Grube, 1857 are restricted to tropical American shores and are all redescribed. Nereis pelagica lunulata Ehlers, 1901, formerly regarded as a junior synonym of N. falsa by Fauvel (1941), is redescribed and elevated in rank to species level. Nereis lucipeta Ehlers, 1908, formerly regarded as a junior synonym of N. splendida by Ehlers (1913) and of N. falsa by Fauvel (1919), is reinstated. Nereis occidentalis Hartman, 1945 is also redescribed. Furthermore, N. ambigua Treadwell, 1937, formerly regarded as a junior synonym of N. riisei by Monro (1933), deserves to be reinstated. Western Africa specimens recorded as N. falsa are newly described as N. mezianei sp. nov.
The family Hahniidae is reported from Thailand for the first time. The genus Hexamatia gen. nov. and two new species, Hexamatia seekhaow gen. et sp. nov. and Hahnia ngai sp. nov., are described and illustrated. DNA sequences are provided for all the species reported here. The phylogenetic position of the novel genus Hexamatia gen. nov. and its relation to Hahnia are discussed. Based on these results, a new combination is proposed for Hexamatia senaria (Zhang, Li & Zheng, 2011) gen. et comb. nov. = Hahnia senaria. Known distribution of the species Hahnia saccata Zhang, Li & Zheng, 2011, originally described from China, is expanded. A brief review and notes on the taxonomy of the six-eyed hahniids are included.
The genus Neostasina Rheims & Alayón is revisited. New material is examined, resulting in the description of seven new species: N. aceitillar sp. nov. (♀), N. bani sp. nov. (♂♀), N. demaco sp. nov. (♀) from Dominican Republic, N. juanita sp. nov. (♀), N. paraiso sp. nov. (♂♀), N. toronegro sp. nov. (♀) from Puerto Rico, and N. maisi sp. nov. (♂♀) from Cuba. New distribution records are given for N. amalie, N. cachote, N. guanaboa, N. iberia, N. saetosa, N. siempreverde and N. turquino. In addition, an updated identification key and updated distribution maps for all species of the genus are provided.
Rhytidaphora Reshchikov & Quicke gen. nov. (type species Rhytidaphora thailandica Reshchikov & Quicke gen. et sp. nov.) from Thailand is described and illustrated. It belongs to the tribe Euryproctini of the subfamily Ctenopelmatinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) based on the absence of glymma and the subapical notch on the ovipositor. The new taxon differs from all other genera of Euryproctini by the occipital carina being broadly incomplete dorsally, the hypostomal carina joining the occipital carina shortly before the base of the mandible, distinctly pectinate tarsal claws, and immovably fused and strongly sculptured second and third metasomal tergites.
Drepanoistodus basiovalis (Sergeeva, 1963) is a common conodont species in Middle Ordovician strata of Baltica. For many years it has been widely accepted that the species encompasses a wide range of morphological plasticity. Hence, several different morphotypes that significantly deviate from the holotype have nonetheless been included in the broad species concept. In this study, we performed a detailed taxonomical study on 112 predominantly well-preserved specimens (geniculate elements) from the St. Petersburg region of Russia; 37 of these were selected for morphometric analyses together with 21 well-illustrated specimens from the published literature. The results demonstrate that, among the morphotypes that share some characteristics with D. basiovalis sensu lato, at least five species can be readily distinguished. Hence, three new species – Drepanoistodus iommii sp. nov., D. svendi sp. nov. and D. viirae sp. nov. – are here added to the previously known D. basiovalis and D. contractus (Lindström, 1955). In addition, some specimens were left under open nomenclature and assigned to Drepanoistodus aff. basiovalis and D. cf. suberectus (Branson & Mehl, 1933). In order to objectively compare the Drepanoistodus taxa and test the validity of the new species, we performed a Principal Component Analysis combined with non-parametric (PERMANOVA) tests based on 21 morphological characters.
Inocybe hopeae sp. nov. and first record of Pseudosperma keralense (Inocybaceae) from Thailand
(2023)
Based on genetic studies, supported further by morphological and ecological differences, we present a taxonomic novelty (Inocybe hopeae Raghoonundon & Raspé sp. nov.) and a new geographical record (Pseudosperma keralense) from forests of Northern Thailand. Inocybe hopeae is characterized by medium-sized basidiomes, brownish orange to brown pileus that is darker towards the margin, off-white to pale brown context, light brown to dark brown stipe with off-white basal mycelium and pale brown to grayish brown lamellae. A three-gene phylogeny (LSU, tef1, rpb2) coupled with macroscopic / microscopic descriptions and illustrations are provided confirming the species’ positions in their respective generic clades. Inocybe hopeae was sister to I. thailandica with strong support (BS = 100%, PP = 1.0). Our Thai collections of OR1629 had similar morphological characters and 100% identical sequences with the holotype of Pseudosperma keralense from India.
Late Miocene Conidae of Crete (Greece) have recently been evaluated for the genera Conilithes and Conus (Kalloconus). We continue this first inventory of the Miocene Conidae from Crete by discussing the genera Conus (Lautoconus), Conus (Stephanoconus), Conus (Plagioconus) and two species, not attributed to a subgenus of Conus. With the use of UV light, we recognized 17 species, of which five are new: Conus (Lautoconus) ictini sp. nov., Conus (Lautoconus) lauriatragei sp. nov., Conus (Lautoconus) damianakisi sp. nov., Conus (Stephanoconus) moissettei sp. nov. and Conus davolii sp. nov. Six species are first reported in the Late Miocene of Greece: Conus (Lautoconus) cf. baldichieri Borson, 1820, Conus (Stephanoconus) cf. taurinensis Bellardi & Michelotti, 1841, Conus fuscocingulatus Hörnes 1851, Conus (Plagioconus) elatus Michelotti, 1847 and Conus (Plagioconus) aquensis d’Orbigny, 1852. Six species are left in open nomenclature.
In this study, the new genus Spanglerelmis Polizei & Bispo is described; Microcylloepus ochus Hinton, 1940 is synonymized with Microcylloepus femoralis Hinton, 1940, and transferred to the new genus; and two new species, S. xiririca gen. et sp. nov. and S. timburi gen. et sp. nov. are described. The new genus can be characterized by the combination of the following characters: 1) pronotum without transverse, longitudinal or oblique impressions, sulci or gibbosities on disc; 2) elytra with a carina on interval III and two sublateral carinae on intervals V and VI; 3) mesoventrite with sides strongly raised; and 4) femora with an oblique belt of tomentum dorsally and a transverse belt ventrally. The specimens of the two new species were collected mainly in riffles of unimpacted streams in the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo State, Brazil. Scanning electron microscope images, an identification key for the genus and habitat notes are also presented.
A new fossil ceratopogonid genus and species from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber, Baskintoconops maaloufi Pielowska-Ceranowska gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The studied material originates from a newly discovered amber site in the Lebanese village Baskinta at a locality dubbed Qanat Bakish. The described genus is typified by its wing venation pattern combining characters of genera Fossileptoconops and Jordanoconops belonging to the subfamily Leptoconopinae.
Two new species of the genus Chlorogomphus are described based on both sexes collected from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. These species are C. hoaian sp. nov. (holotype male from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, 14.3672° N, 108.5368° E, alt. 1000 m) and C. vani sp. nov. (holotype male from Chu Yang Sin National Park, 12.4780° N, 108.4617° E, alt. 749 m). Furthermore, C. gracilis Wilson & Reels, 2001 is recorded from Vietnam for the first time, with notes on its morphology and detailed illustrations of male and female structures.
In this paper eight tribes (Gyrophaenini, Placusini, Homalotini, Diestotini, Falagriini, Athetini, Lomechusini, and Oxypodini), 19 genera and 42 species are recognized. Four genera (Brachyglyptaglossa n. gen. [Homalotini], Trisporusa n. gen., Daccordiusa n. gen. [Lomechusini], and Antistydatusa n. gen. [Oxypodini]) and 37 species are described as new. Each new genus and species is illustrated. Placusa fauveli Pasnik, 2001, from Sydney, is placed in synonymy with Placusa tridens Fauvel, 1878, from Sydney. A new combination to Spallioda for Calodera carissima Oliff is proposed.
Descriptions of two new elateroid beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae, Elateridae) from Burmese amber
(2019)
Two new elateroid taxa are described from amber deposits excavated from the northern region of Myanmar. Two genera, Cenomana gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae), and Cretopityobius gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are described for the first time from Burmese amber. The following new species are described: Cenomana clavata sp. nov. and Cretopityobius pankowskiorum sp. nov. Each new species is diagnosed and illustrated.
Thirteen new fossil eucnemid taxa (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) are described from amber deposits excavated from the vicinity of Santiago, Dominican Republic. Two new genera, Mioxylobius and Paleoquirsfeldia are described. The following 13 new species are described from Dominican amber: Mioxylobius bicolor, Balistica serrulata, Paleoquirsfeldia epicrana, Dyscharachthis dominicana, Idiotarsus poinari, Euryptychus antilliensis, Euryptychus hispaniolus, Plesiofornax caribica, Fornax dominicensis, Fornax serropalpoides, Dromaeolus argenteus, Nematodes miocenensis and Nematodes thoracicus. Each new species are both diagnosed and illustrated. Calyptocerus Guérin-Méneville and Lissantauga Poinar are shown to be congeneic, resulting in a new combination: Calyptocerus epicranis (Poinar, 2013). Summaries of fossil eucnemid discoveries, highlighting differing hypothesis of prehistoric Caribbean island formations/speciation, accounts of ancient Dominican Republic environmental conditions and Dominican Republic amber are provided.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:48A76A23-E48B-46B5-8A35-A27DD6134B6D
Three species of false click beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae) are added to the Nearctic fauna. One new species, Isorhipis bicolor, is described from a small series collected in Florida, U.S.A. Eighteen specimens collected from Georgia were identified as Dyscharachthis amplicollis (Fleutiaux), new U.S.A. records for a species previously taken from Japan and Southeast Asia. Examination of a series of eucnemids collected by Kyle Schnepp in Florida allowed me to revisit the Deltometopus fauna in eastern North America. Antennal structures present in a series of male specimens in the loan and past examined specimens are definitive enough to resurrect Deltometopus ereptus Bonvouloir, status restored, from synonymy with Deltometopus amoenicornis (Say). Species identification keys are provided for Deltometopus Bonvouloir and Isorhipis Boisduval and Lacordaire in the Nearctic region. Diagnostic differences are briefly noted for each of the three newly added species found in the United States. Images of three species and the related D. amoenicornis are provided.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:30F462F1-966F-4A4F-9D10-BF967AED6574
The West Indian genus Onychotillus Chapin (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Tillinae) is revised and includes O. androwi Opitz, new species, O. apiculus Opitz, new species, O. cinctipennis (Chevrolat,1874), O. cubana de Zayas,1988, O. dimidiatus de Zayas,1988, O. lineatus Opitz, new species, O. minutus de Zayas,1988, O. trinitatis de Zayas,1988, O. woodruffi Opitz, new species, and O. vittatus Chapin,1945.
Two new genera, Skelleyus Opitz and Divulgoatus Opitz (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Enopliinae), show unusual antennal development. Funicular antennomeres become shorter as they approach an extensive capitulum. This study involves three taxa, Skelleyus leavengoodi Opitz, new species, Divulgoatus kelleri Opitz, new species, and Divulgoatus discrepans (Gorham).
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E059A916-DDE2-4193-A090-8CDD46EDC859
The Acanthocinini genus Alcathousiella Monné, 2005 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) is revised with both the genus and the type species, Alcathousiella polyrhaphoides (White, 1855) redescribed. New country records for the species, greatly expanding its known distribution in South America, are also presented. Lastly, Alcathousiella giesberti sp. nov., from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama is described and illustrated.
Seven new euptychiine (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) taxa are described and named herein, namely Harjesia argentata Nakahara, Zacca and Lamas, n. sp., Orotaygetis Nakahara and Zacca, n. gen., O. surui Nakahara, Zacca and Lamas, n. sp., Euptychoides sanmarcos Nakahara and Lamas, n. sp., Pseudeuptychia cuzquenya Nakahara and Lamas, n. sp., P. languida austrina Nakahara and Lamas, n. ssp., and Godartiana astronesthes Lamas and Nakahara, n. sp. A revisional note is provided for Harjesia Forster, 1964 and Pseudeuptychia Forster, 1964, and as a result, Taygetis vrazi Kheil, 1896 is removed from Harjesia and a new taxonomic arrangement, Pseudodebis vrazi n. comb., is proposed based on both morphology and molecular data.
A faunal study for the order Phasmatodea of the Chicaque Natural Park is presented, including a list of species found, descriptions, redescriptions, and biological notes. A total of nine species were found and studied; two new genera: Ramandeun new genus, Nubilophasma new genus, and four new species: Atratomorpha jorgei new species, Isagoras franciscoverai new species, Nubilophasma chicaquensis new genus and new species, and Ramandeum coronatum new genus and new species are described. The description of the eggs of the new taxa, of the previously unknown eggs of Paraceroys quadrispinosus (Redtenbacher, 1906), and the redescription of the eggs of Libethra rabdota Stål, 1875, and Libethra inchoata Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1907 are provided. Additional comments on the ecology and morphological variation of the reviewed taxa are included. Finally, further studies on the stick insect fauna of the Colombian Andes are discussed and recommended to provide more information to broaden the understanding of the species that inhabit this complex mountain system.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7D34FF9A-CDEE-4DD4-A643-E0F467E00A5B
Three leptostracan species (Crustacea: Phyllocarida) are reported from mud volcanoes at the Moroccan margin of the Gulf of Cadiz (NE Atlantic). Nebalia strausi Risso, 1826 and N. abyssicola Fage, 1929 were found in experimentally deployed organic substrates in Mercator, Meknès and Darwin mud volcanoes; N. abyssicola was also found among bathymodiolin bivalves and is recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean. The third species was collected from the Gemini mud volcanoes and is described herein as Sarsinebalia ledoyeri sp. nov. The new species is characterised by having the eyes provided with ommatidia and lacking pigment, the ventral margin of the eye is concave along distal half, the antennular scale is more than twice as long as wide, the second article of the mandibular palp bears one seta on lateral surface about 0.5 times as long as the article and one subterminal seta longer than the third article, the distal article of the maxilla II endopod is about 1.8 times as long as the proximal article, the maxilla II exopod is clearly longer than the endopod proximal article, the lateral margin of the pleopod I exopod lacks setae and the posterodorsal border of pleonites VI–VII is provided with rounded to pointed denticles.
We provide a floristic account for the Begoniaceae of Peru. The family is represented in Peru by 76 species, which are all members of the genus Begonia and represent eighteen sections. Twelve new species are described: B. condorensis Jara & Moonlight sp. nov., B. deltoides Moonlight sp. nov., B. huancabambae Moonlight sp. nov., B. imbrexiformis Moonlight sp. nov., B. longinqua Moonlight sp. nov., B. longitepala Moonlight sp. nov., B. nunezii Moonlight sp. nov., B. occultata J.P.Allen & Moonlight sp. nov., B. pedemontana Moonlight sp. nov., B. serratistipula Moonlight sp. nov., B. vargasii Moonlight sp. nov. and B. yuracyacuensis Moonlight sp. nov. We also provide four new records for the country: B. andina Rusby, B. brandbygeana L.B.Sm. & Wassh., B. neoharlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh. and B. unilateralis Rusby. We provide an identification key to all species. The ecology, distribution, and conservation status of all Peruvian Begonia species are discussed, including provisional IUCN threat assessments. Most species are illustrated by either historical illustrations, contemporary photographic plates, or line drawings. Twenty-six names are newly synonymised including fifteen previously accepted species, and we designate eighty-three lectotypes, four neotypes, and four epitypes.
A new species of Chrysina Kirby, C. clavellina Monzón, Blackaller, and Hawks (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini) is described from Santiago Clavellinas in the Sierra Azul in Oaxaca, Mexico. Chrysina cosijoezai (Ramírez-Ponce and Curoe) is placed as a junior synonym of C. lacordairei (Boucard), and notes on the Chrysina fauna of this mountain range are included.
The Neotropical D. agenor species group of the subgenus Luederwaldtinia Martínez, 1951 is taxonomically reviewed. After examination of specimens in collections, the D. agenor species group will consist of seventeen species, a leap from the former nine species: D. agenor (Harold, 1869), D. amplicollis (Harold, 1869), D. belus (Harold, 1880), D. centralis (Harold, 1869), D. deyrollei (Harold, 1869), D. sagittarius (Harold, 1869) stat. rev., D. tristis (Luederwaldt, 1923), D. triquetrus (Luederwaldt, 1923), D. validipilosus (Luederwaldt, 1931), D. fornicatus (Luederwaldt, 1931) [transferred to D. lucasi species group and to which D. bosqi (Pereira, 1941) is considered to be a new synonym], D. inachoides (Felsche, 1901) [transferred from the group fisus (Selenocopris)], D. simplicicornis (Luederwaldt, 1935) [transferred from the group fisus (Selenocopris)], D. subaeneus (Castelnau, 1840) [transferred from the D. carbonarius species group], D. rafanunezi sp. nov. from Mato Grosso, D. henripittieri sp. nov. from Venezuela and D. enioi sp. nov. from Guatemala and Costa Rica. This review was based on external morphology and characters of the male genitalia (aedeagus and internal sac). Descriptions of new species and redescriptions were made after examining the type-specimens of the already described species. Lectotype designations, species revalidations, redescriptions and new species descriptions are provided.
The previously endemic Australian genus Habritella Girault & Dodd, 1915 is reported for the first time in the Afrotropical region with four new species: H. africana sp. nov., H. mandibulata sp. nov., H. noyesi sp. nov., and H. viridifrons sp. nov. The males of Habritella are described for the first time. A new generic synonymy and combination are also proposed: Ezgia Koçak & Kemal, 2008 syn. nov. and H. stylifera (Bouček, 1988) comb. nov. Habritella is redescribed to accommodate the newly discovered and transferred species. An illustrated key to the Afrotropical species is provided.
Thopeutica (Thopeutica) petertaylori Medina, Cabras and Wiesner (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), new species, is described from the Cagan river, New Bataan, Mindanao. It is characterized by the metallic ground colour of the elytra, prominent middle tooth in the labrum, and bottle-shaped aedeagus with apical hook.
Six new species of the genus Caccothryptus (Coleoptera: Limnichidae) are described from the Himalayan region: C. brendelli sp. nov., C. arakawae sp. nov., C. championi sp. nov., C. larryi sp. nov., C. tardarsauceae sp. nov. and C. abboti sp. nov. Photographs of type specimens with relevant morphological characters to distinguish species are provided.
Revision of the Eurasian species of Aegilips Haliday, 1835 (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Anacharitinae)
(2022)
The knowledge of Aegilips in Eurasia is updated. One new species is described: Aegilips insularis Mata-Casanova and Pujade-Villar sp. nov., from Portugal (Madeira). The genus is also cited for the first time in the Indomalayan region with specimens of A. atricornis found in Northern India and Pakistan. Aegilips curvipes Giraud, 1860, Aegilips gemellus Belizin, 1961, Aegilips laevis (Hedicke, 1914), Aegilips montanus Belizin, 1951 and Aegilips punctatus Belizin, 1951 are synonymized with A. nitidulus (Dalman, 1823). Aegilips vena Fergusson, 1985 is synonymized with Aegilips zaitzevi Kovalev, 1974. Aegilips notatus Belizin, 1951, and Aegilips punctulatus Hedicke, 1928 are designated as incertae sedis. The known distributions of A. atricornis, A. kozlovi, A. nitidulus and A. romseyensis are expanded. Morphological differences are discussed and a key for Eurasian Aegilips species is also given.
Labahitha spiders (Arachnida: Araneae: Filistatidae) from islands in the Indian and Pacific Ocean
(2022)
The genus Labahitha has hitherto comprised two species from peninsular Malaysia and Christmas Island (Australia). We here demonstrate that the genus is widespread in islands and territories across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the following species that have been previously assigned to other filistatid genera: Labahitha marginata (Kishida, 1936) comb. nov. (= Filistata bakeri Berland, 1938 syn. nov.), Labahitha garciai (Simon, 1892) comb. nov. (= Pritha heikkii Saaristo, 1978 syn. nov., = Pritha sechellana Benoit, 1978 syn. nov.), Labahitha nicobarensis (Tikader, 1977) comb. nov., Labahitha littoralis (Roewer, 1938) comb. nov., Labahitha insularis (Thorell, 1891) comb. nov., Labahitha sundaica (Kulczyński, 1908) comb. nov. (all transferred from Pritha, the latter three provisionally, pending re-examination of the type material); Labahitha fuscata (Nakatsudi, 1943) comb. nov. and Labahitha ryukyuensis (Ono, 2013) comb. nov. (both transferred from Tricalamus). Many of these species have been collected in synanthropic settings and from disparate islands thousands of kilometers apart. This suggests either high dispersal capabilities or, more likely, human-mediated introductions. At least L. marginata has been introduced to continental America. Two new species of Labahitha are described: Labahitha platnicki sp. nov. from New Caledonia and the Bismarck Islands and Labahitha incerta sp. nov. from Queensland, Australia. The male of Labahitha gibsonhilli (Savory, 1943) is reported for the first time. Wandella loloata sp. nov. is described from Papua New Guinea, representing the first record of this genus outside Australia. Pritha hasselti (Simon, 1906) from Indonesia is shown to be a Filistatinae, and thus the species is provisionally transferred back to Filistata.
The nitidus species group of the bee genus Scrapter Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 is redefi ned, revised and 15 species are described as new for science: S.caeruleus sp. nov. ♀, S.confusus sp. nov. ♀♂, S.convexoides sp. nov. ♂, S. convexus sp. nov. ♀♂, S. crassipunctatus sp. nov. ♀♂, S.felicis sp. nov. ♀♂, S.fl avipunctatus sp. nov. ♀♂, S.imparilis sp. nov. ♀♂, S. littoralis sp. nov. ♀, S.longicornis sp. nov. ♂, S.montanus sp. nov. ♀♂, S.mpumalangensis sp. nov. ♀♂, S.obtusus sp. nov. ♀♂, S. perpunctatulus sp. nov. ♂ and S.variabilis sp. nov. ♀♂. The previously unknown males of S. divergens (Friese, 1925), S. semirufus Cockerell, 1932 and S. perpunctatus Cockerell, 1933 are described for the fi rst time. All currently known 28 species of the S. nitidus species group are redescribed, imaged and included in a key to facilitate their identifi cation.
A recent phylogenetic analysis has shown that the genus Stephanopis comprises several different lineages of bark-dweller crab spiders. The ones with South American distribution that present a close relationship with other Neotropical genera like Epicadus, Onocolus, Rejanellus and Epicadinus were recovered in a single clade, with good support and stability. Here, we present a taxonomic review of Stephanopis species attributed to the ‘pentacantha clade’, proposing the new genus Kryptochroma Machado gen. nov. to accommodate them. New distribution records are provided and the following species are described for the first time: Kryptochroma gigas Machado & Viecelli gen. et sp. nov., Kryptochroma hilaris Machado & Teixeira gen. et sp. nov., Kryptochroma quadrata Machado & Viecelli sp. nov. and Kryptochroma septata Machado & Teixeira sp. nov. The species Stephanopis borgmeyeri is considered a nomen dubium, Stephanopis aheneus is a junior synonym of Epicadus tuberculatus, Stephanopis quimiliensis is transferred to Ulocymus and Stephanopis stelloides is transferred to Epicadus, being Epicadus stelloides the senior synonym of Stephanopis salobrensis, Stephanopis trilobata and Epicadus caudatus.
The genus Scipopus (Diptera, Micropezidae, Taeniapterinae) is redefined and revised to include the genera previously treated as the “Scipopus group” which included Scipopus Enderlein, Pseudeurybata Hennig, and Phaeopterina Frey. Pseudeurybata is treated as a junior synonym of Phaeopterina and the genus Scipopus is redefined to include three subgenera: Scipopus s. str., Phaeopterina and Parascipopus subgen. nov.. Redescriptions of 18 previously described species, and descriptions of 25 new species are provided as follows: S. (Parascipopus) subgen. nov., S. (Parascipopus) alturas sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) fenestratus sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) kubus sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) monteverde sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) nigriscapus sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) otisi sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) savegre sp. nov., S. (Parascipopus) tico sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) argentum sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) brunneus sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) lineatus sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) musculosus sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) narupa sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) noturgidus sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) turgidus sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) vee sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) fraudator sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) metallicus sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) quetzal sp. nov., S. (Phaeopterina) uniformis sp. nov., S. (Scipopus) brikelos sp. nov., S. (Scipopus) convexus sp. nov., S. (Scipopus) nitidus sp. nov., S. (Scipopus) planus sp. nov., and S. (Scipopus) wokomung sp. nov. Scipopus (Scipopus) limbativertex Enderlein is a new junior synonym of S. (Scipopus) nigripennis (Hendel), S. (Scipopus) bolivianus Hennig is a new junior synonym of S. (Scipopus) belzebul (Schiner), S. (Scipopus) frit Cresson is a new junior synonym of S. (Scipopus) calocephalus (Bigot) and S. (Scipopus) alvarengai Albuquerque is a new junior synonym of S. (Scipopus) erythrocephalus (Fabricius). The phylogeny of Scipopus s. lat. and its presumed outgroup (a clade containing Rainieriella Aczel) is considered using morphological and molecular data and supported with a maximum likelihood tree for the genes 12S, 28S and COI.
Six species of the genus Polyplectropns are recorded from the People's Republic of China. All the species are new to science. A key to the males is given. The larva of Polyplectropns nanjingensis sp. nov. is illustrated. The phylogenetic relationships among these species and with Polyplectropns species of the New World are discussed.
The species of Rhyacobates Esaki, 1923 are reviewed. Three new species, R. bui sp. nov. from Guangxi, China and Lạng Sơn, Vietnam, R. elongatus sp. nov. from Hà Tĩnh, Vietnam and R. turgidus sp. nov. from Sichuan and Chongqing, China are described. Supplemental descriptions, diagnoses and new distribution records are provided for the fourteen previously known species, i.e., R. abdominalis Andersen & Chen, 1995, R. anderseni Tran & Yang, 2006, R. angustus Tran & Nguyen, 2016, R. chinensis Hungerford & Matsuda, 1959, R. constrictus Tran & Nguyen, 2016, R. edentatus Andersen & Chen, 1995, R. gongvo Tran & Yang, 2006, R. lundbladi (Hungerford, 1957), R. malaisei Andersen & Chen, 1995, R. recurvus Andersen & Chen, 1995, R. scorpio Andersen & Chen, 1995, R. svenhedini (Lundblad, 1934), R. takahashii Esaki, 1923, and R. zetteli Tran & Nguyen, 2016. Photographs and line drawings of the habitus, diagnostic characteristics of both sexes, the habitat and in-situ photographs are presented. A revised key to the species of Rhyacobates is also provided.
We report a new myxozoan, Myxobolus opsaridiumi sp. nov., infecting the ornamental fish Opsaridium ubangiensis (Pellegrin, 1901) collected from the Anga River near the city of Yaounde, Cameroon. Plasmodia were found in the skin, muscles and spleen. The overall prevalence of infection was 54.7% (288 parasitized fish out of 526 examined). The myxospores were ovoid to subspherical in frontal view and lenticular in lateral view. The valves were symmetrical and relatively thick, without edge markings. The myxospore measurements were 10.7 ± 0.14 (10–11.5) μm long, 9 ± 0.15 (8–10) μm wide and 6.2 ± 0.7 (5.6–7.2) μm thick. The two ovoid polar capsules were equal in size, converging and opening together at the anterior end, measuring 5 ± 0.07 (4.3–6.0) μm long and 2.7 ± 0.07 (2.2–3.0) μm wide. Polar filaments were coiled from 5 to 7 turns. Histopathological analysis revealed no inflammatory reaction associated with the infection. A BLAST search found that the newly obtained 18 rDNA sequence had a low sequence similarity with available sequences for Myxobolus on GenBank. A phylogenetical analysis based on ribosomal DNA partial sequences showed that M. opsaridiumi sp. nov. is closely associated with several species of Myxobolus infecting cyprinid fish.
The genus Cerabilia Laporte de Castelnau (Carabidae: Abacetini) is revised for New Zealand. Thirteen species are recognized.
Seven species are described as new: Cerabilia (Cerabilia) cordata Larochelle and Larivière new species, Cerabilia (Cerabilia) kaihoka Larochelle and Larivière new species, Cerabilia (Cerabilia) laevis Larochelle and Larivière new species, Cerabilia (Cerabilia) motunau Larochelle and Larivière new species, Cerabilia (Cerabilia) rugosa Larochelle and Larivière new species, Cerabilia (Cerabilia) takaka Larochelle and Larivière new species, Cerabilia (Cerabilia) willi Larochelle and Larivière new species.
A lectotype is designated for Zabronothus striatulus Broun, 1893.
A revision of all species of Cerabilia (Cerabilia) is provided. Descriptions, an identification key, illustrations of male genitalia, habitus photos, distributional data, and maps are given. Information on ecology, biology, dispersal power, and collecting techniques is included for each species.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7E3F093D-A5EA-4912-8B30-8380A6F2D890
This review lists Agama smithii Boulenger 1896 as a synonym of Agama agama (Linnaeus 1758), Agama trachypleura Peters 1982 as a synonym of Acanthocercus phillipsii (Boulenger 1895) and describes for the first time Acanthocercus guentherpetersi n. sp. Without more convincing evidence, Chamaeleon ruspolii Boettger 1893 cannot be accepted as specifically distinct from Chamaeleo dilepis Leach 1819, nor Chamaeleo calcaricarens Böhme 1985 from C. africanus Laurenti 1768. Consequently, 101 species of lizard are currently recognised in Ethiopia, of which some 40% appear to be denizens of the Somali-arid zone. This significant proportion is attributable in part to the importance of the Horn of Africa as a centre for reptilian diversification and endemicity, in part to the fact that this lowland fauna was rather extensively sampled during the 1930s, but also to the conspicuous neglect of lizards in other regions of the country. Mountain and forested habitats are widespread in Ethiopia, so it seems extraordinary to record only five saurian species which are believed to be endemic in such environments. The inference that there are many more still to be discovered has important implications for conservation, because montane forest is known to be among the most threatened of Ethiopian biomes and there is clearly an urgent need for its herpetofauna to be more thoroughly researched and documented.
The Australian genus Pleuroseta Richards, 1973 is revised, including P. wentworthi (Richards, 1973) and three new species: P. ingens sp. nov. (Queensland), P. monteithi sp. nov. (Queensland) and P. occidentalis sp. nov. (Western Australia). Leptocera (Biroina) dorrigonis Richards, 1973 is treated as a new junior synonym of Pleuroseta wentworthi.
Six new and four known species of the genus Axonchium Cobb, 1920 are described and illustrated from the Western Ghats of India. Axonchium indicum sp. nov. has a 1.2–1.4 mm long body, offset lip region, 8–9 µm long odontostyle, expanded part of pharynx 39–49 % of total neck length, anterior uterine sac 0.9–1.6 times the mid-body diameter long, and a bluntly conoid tail. Axonchium microspiculum sp. nov. has a 1.1–1.22 mm long body, offset lip region, 7–8 µm long odontostyle, 20–23 µm long spicules, two weakly developed ventromedian supplements, and obtusely rounded tail. Axonchium nilgiriense sp. nov. has a 1.4–1.6 mm long body, offset lip region, 8–9 µm long odontostyle, vagina strongly bent posteriad, 37–41 µm long spicules, 3–4 ventromedian supplements, and bluntly conoid tail. Axonchium paracingulatum sp. nov. has a 2.5–2.8 mm long body, offset lip region, 10–11 µm long odontostyle, vaginal lumen highly expanded in the middle, 69 µm long spicules, and broadly conoid tail with rounded terminus. Axonchium tropicum sp. nov. has a 1.7–2.0 mm long body, offset lip region, 11–12 µm long odontostyle, anterior uterine sac 2.3–4.0 times the mid-body diameter long, 40 µm long spicules, 4 widely spaced ventromedian supplements, and broadly rounded tail. Axonchium uniqum sp. nov. has a 1.7–2.0 mm long body, offset lip region, 10–11 µm long odontostyle, anterior uterine sac 2.5–2.8 times mid-body diameter long, 68 µm long and slender spicules, and broadly conoid tail. Axonchium nitidum, A. saccatum, A. transkeiense and A. vallum are redescribed based on specimens collected from several localities. A diagnostic key to the identification of the valid species of this genus is provided.
Known by many names, the Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa L.) is a monoecious plant species originating from south-eastern Asia which has been introduced as an ornamental in numerous areas outside its native range, including the Mediterranean. Like every species of Ficus, it is associated with a series of chalcid wasp species, known as fig wasps. These species are distributed in the families Agaonidae, Epichrysomallidae, Eurytomidae, Ormyridae and Pteromalidae. In this publication, we describe a new species of Ormyrus Westwood, 1832 (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Ormyridae), O. microcarpae Askew & Koutsoukos sp. nov., reared from figs of F. microcarpa collected from Greece and Cyprus. The new species is compared with O. lini and O. watshami. This species is likely to be a parasitoid of Meselatus bicolor Chen, 1999 (Hymenoptera, Epichrysomallidae). In addition, the previously unknown female of O. lini is also described and illustrated. This publication constitutes the first report of species of Ormyrus associated with figs in Europe.