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Oxyethira Eaton, 1873 is one of the most diverse genera of Hydroptilidae, comprising over 240 species distributed in all biogeographical regions. Here three new species of Oxyethira (Trichoglene) Neboiss, 1977 are described and illustrated from male specimens collected in New Caledonia: O. (Trichoglene) hamus sp. nov., recognized by the hook-shaped apex of the long inferior appendages in lateral view and by the posterior margin of segment IX with a trilobed appearance in ventral view; O. (Trichoglene) rectangulata sp. nov., recognized by the rectangular shape of the inferior appendages, which are totally fused and with two pairs of small setae on the inner face; and O. (Trichoglene) spiralis sp. nov., recognized by the strongly curvilinear shape of the subgenital process in dorsal and lateral views and by the long process spiralling around the ejaculatory duct at the phallus apex.
Pseudocetherinae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) revisited: phylogeny and taxonomy of the lobe-headed bugs
(2022)
The concept of the previously monogeneric subfamily Pseudocetherinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) is revised and expanded. We here transfer Gerbelius Distant, 1903, Kayanocoris Miller, 1954, Microvarus Jeannel, 1917, Paragerbelius Miller, 1958, and Voconia Stål, 1866 from Reduviinae to Pseudocetherinae and treat Kayanocoris, Microvarus, Paragerbelius, and Pseudocethera Villiers, 1963 as junior synonyms of Voconia, resulting in new combinations for Voconia conradti (Jeannel, 1917) comb. nov., V. ifana (Villiers, 1963) comb. nov., V. monodi (Villiers, 1963) comb. nov., V. motoensis (Schouteden, 1929) comb. nov., V. ornata (Distant, 1903) comb. nov., V. schoutedeni (Villiers, 1964) comb. nov., V. typica (Miller, 1958) comb. nov., and V. wegneri (Miller, 1954) comb. nov. We also describe 23 new species of Voconia: V. bakeri sp. nov., V. bracata sp. nov., V. brachycephala sp. nov., V. chrysoptera sp. nov., V. coronata sp. nov., V. decorata sp. nov., V. dolichocephala sp. nov., V. fasciata sp. nov., V. grandioculata sp. nov., V. hemera sp. nov., V. isosceles sp. nov., V. laosensis sp. nov., V. lasiosoma sp. nov., V. lirophleps sp. nov., V. loki sp. nov., V. mexicana sp. nov., V. minima sp. nov., V. nyx sp. nov., V. smithae sp. nov., V. tridens sp. nov., V. trinidadensis sp. nov., V. tuberculata sp. nov., and V. vittata sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Gerbelius confluens Distant, 1903, G. typicus Distant, 1903, V. conradti comb. nov., V. ornata comb. nov., and V. pallidipes Stål, 1866. A revised diagnosis and description of Pseudocetherinae are provided along with photographs of the species and of the male genitalia of 13 pseudocetherine and five closely related reduviine species. An identification key to the two genera of Pseudocetherinae as well as a key to species of Voconia are presented. A phylogenetic hypothesis is proposed for the relationships of Pseudocetherinae using parsimony analyses of 77 morphological characters.
Contrary to what its name suggests, Nemesia arboricola is not strictly arboreal in habit. Here we compare female specimens of N. arboricola collected from arboreal and terrestrial nests. We furthermore describe the male of N. arboricola for the first time as well as two recently discovered species of Nemesia (N. maltensis sp. nov. and N. cominensis sp. nov.). Nemesia maltensis is described from both sexes, N. cominensis is described from the female and a juvenile male specimen. For N. cominensis we discuss the sexual dimorphism of juvenile male and female spiders. Field observations and laboratory observations show remarkable features of the Maltese Nemesia fauna that are unknown from Nemesia species found elsewhere. Particularly, the arboreal dwellings of N. arboricola and the absence of a trapdoor to close off the burrow entrance in N. maltensis appear to be exceptional. The composition of the Maltese Nemesia fauna, as located in the central Mediterranean, is finally discussed in relation to the different Nemesia species-complexes occurring in the eastern and western Mediterranean basin.
The genus Oplognathus MacLeay, 1819 is revised based on type material of two of the three described species and scattered additional material from several collections around the world. The diagnostic characters of the genus are confirmed, distinguishing it from other Brazilian Areodina mainly by: quadrangular clypeus with trilobate apex in males, rounded in females, extending beyond labrum in both sexes; mandibles with three distinct teeth; maxillae with six teeth; antenna with 10 antennomeres; 10 elytral striae; mesoventral process present; and asymmetrical parameres. The genus and all three species are redescribed, and the female of Oplognathus bahianus Ohaus, 1912 is described for the first time. We consider Oplognathus helmenreichi var. maculicollis Ohaus, 1914 an unavailable infrasubspecific taxon that is conspecific with Oplognathus helmenreichi Ohaus, 1905; its distribution is updated, and the different spelling of the specific epithet is discussed. A neotype is designated for Oplognathus kirbii MacLeay, 1819 since the holotype is currently considered lost. Additionally, an identification key and a distribution map are included.
The genus Lacronia Strand, 1942 is herein revised, and a maximum parsimony phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters (30 taxa, 115 characters, 2962 scorings) is performed to test its monophyly. As a result, Lacronia is herein made monophyletic by means of the inclusion of Discocyrtus boraceae B. Soares, 1942, Discocyrtus niger Mello-Leitão, 1923 and Discocyrtus tenuis Roewer, 1917. Lacronia including those species is the sister group of Discocyrtus s. str. inside the DRMN-clade, and should be removed from Pachylinae Sørensen, 1884, although without a new subfamilial assignment for now. Four new junior subjective synonyms are detected for the first time (Discocyrtus rarus B. Soares, 1944 = Discocyrtus fazi Piza, 1942 = Discocyrtus niger Mello-Leitão, 1923; Discocyrtus infelix Mello-Leitão, 1940 = Discocyrtus nigrolineatus Mello-Leitão, 1923 = Discocyrtus tenuis Roewer, 1917). Accordingly, the following new combinations are proposed: Lacronia boraceae (B. Soares, 1942) comb. nov., Lacronia nigra (Mello-Leitão, 1923) comb. nov. and Lacronia tenuis (B. Soares, 1942) comb. nov. Lacronia is endemic to the Atlantic province of Brazil, with verified records from the states of Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. As a geographic note, the record of ‘D. fazi’ for Chile is here discussed and considered incorrect.
A new genus and species of Parabathynellidae (Crustacea: Bathynellacea), Megabathynella totemensis Camacho & Abrams gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Northern Territory, Australia. This species is the first to be described from an Australian cave. It is a new giant species (4 to 6 mm). The new species displays several unique morphological character states within Parabathynellidae and is the only known species with: more than 12 articles on antennules, with a short, curved barbed seta on each article from the fifth; eight setae on the last article of antennae; more than three setae on the mandibular palp; up to 17 articles on the exopod of the thoracopods, without ctenidia but with a strong spine on each article at the base of the external seta; strong row of pair of spines on latero-external side of second article of endopod in all thoracopods; the male thoracopod VIII is different from all those known; more than 50 spines on the sympod of the uropod and more than 35 spines on the furcal rami. Specimens of the new species are morphologically different from all known species, but more closely resemble some giant species of the genera Kampucheabathynella (Asia), and Billibathynella and Brevisomabathynella (Australia).
From 2004 to 2012, ten multidisciplinary oceanographic surveys were conducted along the coast of Northwest Africa, between the Strait of Gibraltar and the northern border of Sierra Leone. A total of five species of Euryalida Lamarck, 1816 belonging to three families were captured at 29 of the 1298 stations sampled in the area. Among them, Astrodendrum juancarlosi sp. nov. is described and figured in this paper. Ophiocreas oedipus Lyman, 1879 is recorded for the first time on West African continental margin and Gorgonocephalus pustulatum (H.L. Clark, 1916), an Indo-Pacific species only known from South African coast in the Atlantic, is reported off Guinea-Bissau, greatly extending to the North its Atlantic distribution. In addition, Asteroschema inornatum Koehler, 1906, a northeast Atlantic species, is recorded for the first time in African waters, off Western Sahara, extending its range of distribution to the south. Our data also extend the bathymetric distribution of A. inornatum to shallower waters and of G. pustulatum to deeper waters. The association of some euryalids with certain species of pennatulaceans and gorgonians is also described.
The family Gymnophthalmidae contains nearly 235 species with a distribution range from southern Mexico to central Argentina as well as in the Antilles. Among gymnophthalmids, the genus Colobosaura is a member of the tribe Iphisini, and currently is considered monotypic (C. modesta). The diversity of the tribe was studied recently, with the erection of several new genera. In this work genetic and morphological data of specimens of Colobosaura recently collected in Paraguay were analyzed. Genetic (16S barcode) data indicate that these samples are not conspecific with C. modesta and they are allocated to the nominal species C. kraepelini. Because the original primary type of the latter taxon is considered to be lost, a neotype (SMF 101370) is designated for this species and a redescription provided based on our material. Colobosaura kraepelini is distributed in the Humid Chaco, being the only member of the whole tribe in this ecoregion.
Holocarpic oomycetes are poorly known but widespread parasites in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Most of the holocarpic species seem to belong to clades that diverge before the two crown lineages of the oomycetes, the Saprolegniomycetes and the Peronosporomycetes. Recently, the genus Miracula was described to accommodate Miracula helgolandica, a holocarpic parasitoid of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms, which received varying support for its placement as the earliest-diverging oomycete lineage. In the same phylogenetic reconstruction, Miracula helgolandica was grouped with some somewhat divergent sequences derived from environmental sequencing, indicating that Miracula would not remain monotypic. Here, a second species of Miracula is reported, which was found as a parasitoid in the limnic centric diatom Pleurosira leavis. Its life-cycle stages are described and depicted in this study and its phylogenetic placement in the genus Miracula revealed. As a consequence, the newly discovered species is introduced as Miracula moenusica.
This paper describes a new genus and species of Achilidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) Achiplecton stilleri gen. et sp. nov from the newly established tribe Achiplectini trib. nov. This tribe belongs to one of three Achilidae subfamilies, Myconinae, and is found solely in the West Cape of Southern Africa. The whole region is thought to be one the of the Earths most biologically diverse areas, also characterized by the phylogenetic antiquity of its invertebrates. Morphological peculiarities of the new achilids are discussed, especially modification of the head capsule presenting the ‘laternarisation syndrome’, which is unique in Achilidae, and tegmina modifications, without the postclaval lobe overlapping.
New and notable stomatopods are reported on and added to the Mozambican faunal list, based principally on material housed in the collections of the Iziko South African Museum. Seven species are reported for the first time from Mozambican waters including one undescribed species of Clorida Eydoux & Souleyet, 1842, bringing the total known Mozambican stomatopod fauna to 22 species, comprising 17 genera and eight families. The known fauna is tabulated and taxonomic accounts of eight species are given, seven of these representing the new species records including one undescribed species, while the eighth species account is of the previously poorly documented Erugosquilla woodmasoni (Kemp, 1911), which is reported on from unpublished material. The new record of Manningia australiensis Manning, 1970 represents the first record of the family Eurysquillidae from southern Africa.
Two new species of Mexican Clytini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) are described: Trichoxys giesberti Botero, Santos-Silva and Wappes (also added to a recent key) and Megacyllene giesberti Botero, Santos-Silva and Wappes. The geographical distribution of Megacyllene melanaspis (Chevrolat, 1862) is expanded to include Bolivia, new country record, and compared to the similar and sympatric Megacyllene proxima (Laporte and Gory, 1841); Megacyllene asteca (Chevrolat, 1860) is proposed as a new combination for the previous Plagionotus asteca, and Amyipunga armaticollis (Zajciw, 1964) is redescribed to correct previous errors regarding it in the literature. Additionally, characters to help separate it from the similar species Amyipunga moritzii (Thomson, 1861) are provided.
New species, synonymy, new records, and taxonomic notes in American Cerambycidae (Coleoptera)
(2022)
Cotyclytus parumnotatus (Zajciw, 1963) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Clytini) is revalidated and a neotype is designated. Anatinomma Bates, 1892 (Cerambycinae: Hesperophanini) is reported as a neuter gender and two species-group names are corrected: A. brevicorne Fisher, 1944 and A. insulare Chemsak and Linsley, 1964; the latter is newly recorded from Honduras. Pachymerola vitticollis Bates, 1892 (Cerambycinae: Hyboderini) is recorded for the first time in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and chromatic variation is reported. Smodicum dinellii Bruch, 1911 (Cerambycinae: Smodicini) is recorded from Bolivia; and Corcovado bezarki Martins and Galileo, 2008 (Lamiinae: Hemilophini) is recorded from Belize. Parhippopsis Breuning, 1973 (Lamiinae: Agapanthiini) is synonymized with Rosalba Thomson, 1864 (Lamiinae: Apomecynini) and Rosalba columbiana (Breuning, 1973) is a new combination. Neocompsa flavoquadripunctata Botero and Santos-Silva, new species (Cerambycinae: Neoibidionini), is described from Mexico (Jalisco); Temnopis spiculata Botero and Santos-Silva, new species (Cerambycinae: Oemini) is described from Bolivia (Beni); Trichohippopsis basilaris Botero and Santos-Silva, new species (Lamiinae: Agapanthiini) and Anobrium bicolor Botero and Santos-Silva, new species (Lamiinae: Pteropliini) are described from French Guiana.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8722FCF5-3ACB-4CA5-93DD-9A7647163BD0
Handaoia Seyrig, 1952 is a small genus of Phygadeuontinae currently represented by eleven described species from Madagascar, Tanzania and Europe, and can be recognized by the combination of the distally expanded and ventrally flattened antennal flagellum, complete posterior transverse carina of the mesosternum, isolated ‘pit’ (episternal scrobe) in the mesopleuron, and a single bulla in fore wing vein 2m-cu. Most species have a distinctive combined area basalis and area superomedia on the propodeum. The following six new species from Central and South America are described and illustrated: H. cuscoensis Bordera sp. nov. from Peru, H. fritzi sp. nov. from Brazil, H. mercedensis Bordera sp. nov. from Peru, H. plaumanni sp. nov. from Brazil, H. ruizcancinoi Bordera sp. nov. from Mexico, and H. urceus sp. nov. from Brazil. A key to the New World species is provided.
Drassodes lapidosus und Drassodes cupreus (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) - eine unendliche Geschichte
(2006)
Drassodes lapidosus and Drassodes cupreus (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) – a never-ending discussion. According to PLATNICK (2006) the taxa Drassodes lapidosus (Walckenaer, 1802), the type species of the genus Drassodes (Westring, 1851), and Drassodes cupreus (Blackwall, 1834) are two valid species. However, GRIMM (1985) merged them into one taxon. Different taxonomists have separated these species by the positions of the teeth in the frontal margin of the chelicerae and by the proportions of the palpal segments in males. Females are separated by the proportions of different features in the epigyne. The altitude at which they occur is used for separation, too. The aim of this paper is to discuss whether these characteristics really allow the separation of these two taxa. In order to solve this taxonomical problem, 116 male and 108 female specimens from Central Europe were examined. The variation of the mentioned characters is shown. Spearman’s rho correlations and factor analyses are presented. The results show that there are transitions between the two taxa D. lapidosus and D. cupreus and, thus, they cannot be separated using the diagnostic features currently available.
The western Indian Ocean genus Paracephaelis is revised. Sixteen species are endemic to Madagascar, 12 of which are new for science: P. aristata sp. nov., P. bardotiae sp. nov., P. capitulifera sp. nov., P. gautieri sp. nov., P. grandifructa sp. nov., P. longipedicellata sp. nov., P. orientalis sp. nov., P. pauciflora sp. nov., P. ranirisonii sp. nov., P. russata sp. nov., P. sambavensis sp. nov., and P. seyrigii sp. nov. Paracephaelis trichantha occurs on the east coast of continental Africa and on the islands of the Aldabra Group. One other species is newly described from the Comoros, P. comorensis sp. nov. Paracephaelis is characterized by sessile inflorescences, pubescent inflorescence and flower parts, ovules arranged at the periphery of the placenta, laterally flattened seeds with entire endosperm and a shallow elongate hilum, and pollen with supratectal elements. Of the Malagasy endemics, five species are assessed as Critically Endangered with P. sambavensis sp. nov. possibly Extinct in the Wild, three are Endangered, four are Vulnerable, one is Near Threatened, and three are Least Concern. Outside Madagascar, P. trichantha and P. comorensis sp. nov. are assessed as Vulnerable.
Silometopus ambiguus (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1905) is a species occurring in coastal habitats from northeastern to western Europe. S. curtus (Simon, 1881), occurring in southern France and north-eastern Spain, was for a long time mixed up with S. ambiguus, even though corrections have been published very early and several times. This contribution summarizes publications on this topic, discusses doubtful records of both species and proposes corrections for the World Spider Catalog; and thus tries to avoid repetitions of the mistake in the future.
Metafruticicola is a diverse land snail genus inhabiting the north-eastern Mediterranean region from S Albania to Israel. In this study, we describe Metafruticicola kavafis sp. nov., a new species for science from Kasos Island. We also focus on the reproductive system of steno-endemic species and subspecies of the genus from small islands of the Aegean Archipelago, whose anatomy was previously completely unknown. These species are M. crassicosta, M. pieperi, M. coartata gemina and M. nicosiana conciliatrix. For the latter subspecies, only the outlines of the genitalia were previously given. Additionally, we investigated in detail for the first time the genital anatomy of M. nicosiana nicosiana from Cyprus. Hitherto, information on the genital apparatus of this subspecies was based on sparse data derived from sexually immature specimens. These new anatomical data contribute to a plethora of controversies concerning the subgeneric division of Metafruticicola, which was based solely on conchological features and especially the microsculpture of the teleoconch. We suggest that the current subgeneric division of the genus should be abandoned.
The present study aims to resolve the taxonomic confusion involving several taxa within Mycetophagidae Leach, 1815, originating from the introduction of the genus Atritomus Reitter, 1877, and then by its subsequent controversial interpretation. A detailed overview of the taxonomic and nomenclatural history of the taxa previously linked to Atritomus is provided. The authors propose the introduction of Stereophilus Biscaccianti, Audisio & Esser gen. nov. for Atritomus filicornis Reitter, 1887, and the restoration of Entoxylon Ancey, 1869 at the genus rank, together with some rectifications regarding the authorship and the date of publication of both Entoxylon and its type species, E. abeillei Ancey, 1869. Moreover, the Ethiopian species Atritomus vicinus Grouvelle, 1908 is herein transferred to the genus Typhaeola Ganglbauer, 1899 based on the examination of the holotype. The following new combinations are proposed: Entoxylon baudii (Seidlitz, 1889) comb. nov. (from Esarcus Reiche, 1864), Entoxylon besucheti (Dajoz, 1964) comb. nov. (from Esarcus subg. Entoxylon), Entoxylon franzi (Dajoz, 1964) comb. nov. (from Esarcus subg. Entoxylon), Entoxylon inexpectatus (Dajoz, 1964) comb. nov. (from Esarcus subg. Entoxylon), Entoxylon martini (Reitter, 1887) comb. nov. (from Esarcus), Stereophilus filicornis (Reitter, 1887) gen. et comb. nov. (from Atritomus), Typhaeola vicina (Grouvelle, 1908) comb. nov. (from Atritomus).
Dual-task paradigms encompass a broad range of approaches to measure cognitive load in instructional settings. As a common characteristic, an additional task is implemented alongside a learning task to capture the individual’s unengaged cognitive capacities during the learning process. Measures to determine these capacities are, for instance, reaction times and interval errors on the additional task, while the performance on the learning task is to be maintained. Opposite to retrospectively applied subjective ratings, the continuous assessment within a dual-task paradigm allows to simultaneously monitor changes in the performance related to previously defined tasks. Following the Cognitive Load Theory, these changes in performance correspond to cognitive changes related to the establishment of permanently existing knowledge structures. Yet the current state of research indicates a clear lack of standardization of dual-task paradigms over study settings and task procedures. Typically, dual-task designs are adapted uniquely for each study, albeit with some similarities across different settings and task procedures. These similarities range from the type of modality to the frequency used for the additional task. This results in a lack of validity and comparability between studies due to arbitrarily chosen patterns of frequency without a sound scientific base, potentially confounding variables, or undecided adaptation potentials for future studies. In this paper, the lack of validity and comparability between dual-task settings will be presented, the current taxonomies compared and the future steps for a better standardization and implementation discussed.
A new species of snail-eating snakes of the genus Pareas Wagler, 1830 is described from the eastern Himalayas. The species Pareas kaduri sp. nov. differs from all known species of the genus in bearing the following suite of characters: SVL 455–550 mm, TaL/TL 0.184–0.207, brown dorsum with black transverse bands throughout the body, 15 dorsal scale rows throughout the body and mid-dorsal vertebral scale rows enlarged, 8 rows keeled in males, loreal not touching orbit, ventrals 160–183, subcaudals 65–70 in males, 52 in one female specimen, hemipenis short, unilobed and 6–7 maxillary teeth. Molecular data for mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome b genes further attest the distinctness of the new species, which was recovered as a member of the Pareas hamptoni clade. Our work brings the total number of species recognized within the genus Pareas to 20.
We here describe a new Indian helicarionoidean genus, Varadia Bhosale & Raheem gen. nov., containing the single species Varadia amboliensis Bhosale, Thackeray, Muley & Raheem gen. et sp. nov. This new semi-slug is endemic to the northern and central Western Ghats and is primarily a forest-living species. We describe and figure the shell, reproductive system, radula, spermatophore and external morphology of this new species, and detail its known distribution. We explore its relationships to other helicarionoideans using phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data for part of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and discuss the morphology of the new genus in relation to other, primarily South Indian, helicarionoidean taxa. Based on characters of the reproductive system, particularly the male genitalia and the gametolytic sac, we provisionally place Varadia gen. nov. in the Macrochlamydinae (Ariophantidae). This is consistent with the results of our molecular phylogenetic analyses. The combination of large size, broad, densely tuberculated shell lobes and a shell with ca 4 whorls and a disproportionately large body whorl makes V. amboliensis gen. et sp. nov. unique among the helicarionoidean taxa of the Western Ghats. The new semi-slug is also highly distinctive in the morphology of its male genitalia.
Four new species and one new genus of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are described: Nyssodrysilla humeralis new species (Acanthocinini), from Paraguay; Atrypanius schmidi new species (Acanthocinini), from Paraguay; Chicanatonus hovorei, new genus, new species (Acanthocinini), from Mexico; Euryestola transversa new species (Calliini), from Ecuador. The following new combinations are established: Leiopus convexus Melzer, 1934 is transferred to Hyperplatys Haldeman, 1847; Leiopus floccidus Erichson, 1847 is transferred to Anisopodus White, 1855; Leiopus marcelamonneae Audureau and Demez, 2015 and L. pleuriticus White, 1855 are transferred to Atrypanius Bates, 1864. Leiopus histrionicus Gistel, 1848 is newly synonymized with Eutrypanus dorsalis (Germar, 1823). The formal transference of Leiopus soricinus Fairmaire and Germain, 1859 to Lepturges (Lepturges) Bates, 1863, forgotten in recent catalogs and checklists, is reinforced. Atrypanius marcelamonneae new combination is excluded from the Paraguayan fauna. Euryestola cribrata (Bates, 1881) is newly recorded from Panama. Keys to species of Nyssodrysilla Gilmour, 1962 and Euryestola Breuning, 1940 are provided. The occurrence of Colobothea naevia Bates, 1865 in Ecuador is confirmed. Colobothea olivencia Bates, 1865 is newly recorded from Ecuador and from the Brazilian states of Pará and Ceará; variation in the pubescent pattern on the pronotum of this species is reported. Four new species and one new genus of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are described: Nyssodrysilla humeralis new species (Acanthocinini), from Paraguay; Atrypanius schmidi new species (Acanthocinini), from Paraguay; Chicanatonus hovorei, new genus, new species (Acanthocinini), from Mexico; Euryestola transversa new species (Calliini), from Ecuador. The following new combinations are established: Leiopus convexus Melzer, 1934 is transferred to Hyperplatys Haldeman, 1847; Leiopus floccidus Erichson, 1847 is transferred to Anisopodus White, 1855; Leiopus marcelamonneae Audureau and Demez, 2015 and L. pleuriticus White, 1855 are transferred to Atrypanius Bates, 1864. Leiopus histrionicus Gistel, 1848 is newly synonymized with Eutrypanus dorsalis (Germar, 1823). The formal transference of Leiopus soricinus Fairmaire and Germain, 1859 to Lepturges (Lepturges) Bates, 1863, forgotten in recent catalogs and checklists, is reinforced. Atrypanius marcelamonneae new combination is excluded from the Paraguayan fauna. Euryestola cribrata (Bates, 1881) is newly recorded from Panama. Keys to species of Nyssodrysilla Gilmour, 1962 and Euryestola Breuning, 1940 are provided. The occurrence of Colobothea naevia Bates, 1865 in Ecuador is confirmed. Colobothea olivencia Bates, 1865 is newly recorded from Ecuador and from the Brazilian states of Pará and Ceará; variation in the pubescent pattern on the pronotum of this species is reported.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7C223856-CC09-4A47-8A52-E4F98C445241
A new species of Strepsiptera of the genus Paraxenos Saunders, 1872 (Xenidae) from the United Arab Emirates is described. It was recorded from the host species Bembix kohli Morice, 1897 and represents the first occurrence of Paraxenos from Bembix Fabricius, 1775 in the Afrotropical region. A detailed redescription of the female cephalothorax of Paraxenos hungaricus (Székessy, 1955) is provided, together with the first description of the male cephalotheca. The holotype of Paraxenos krombeini Kifune & Hirashima, 1987 was redescribed. Additionally, a key for parasites of Bembix among Paraxenos species is provided based on characters of the female cephalothorax and male cephalotheca. The distribution and conservation status of Paraxenos spp. on Bembix are also discussed.
The classification of the genera belonging to the doryctine tribe Rhaconotini (Braconidae) is updated. The following new taxa are described: Troporhaconotus gen. nov. (with 12 species), Afroipodoryctes subgen. nov. (of Ipodoryctes Granger, 1949) (with three species), Hexarhaconotinus subgen. nov. (of Rhaconotinus Hedqvist, 1965) (with ten species), Bathycentor zimbabwensis sp. nov., Ipodoryctes (Afroipodoryctes) reunionus sp. nov., I. (A.) saintphilippensis sp. nov., Platyspathius (Platyspathius) venezuelicus sp. nov., P. (P.) ranomafanus sp. nov., Rhacontsira haeselbarthi sp. nov., Rh. mozambiquensis sp. nov., Rh. saigonensis sp. nov. and Rh. toamasina sp. nov. The generic status of Euryphrymnus Cameron, 1910 is resurrected. The generic name Aptenobracon Marsh, 1965 is synonymised under Rhaconotus Ruthe, 1854 (syn. nov.); Rhaconotus asiaticus Belokobylskij, 1990 is synonymised under Rh. kerzhneri Belokobylskij, 1985 (syn. nov.). The new name, Rhaconotinus austrochinensis nom. nov., is suggested for the preoccupied name Rhaconotus chinensis Chen & Shi, 2004 (December) not Rhaconotus chinensis Belokobylskij & Chen, 2004 (June). New species contents, in many cases with numerous new combinations, are suggested for the genera Bathycentor Saussure, 1892, Euryphrymnus Cameron, 1910, Ipodoryctes Granger, 1949, Rhaconotinus Hedqvist, 1965 and Rhaconotus. The tribe Leptorhaconotini is synonymised with Rhaconotini based on previously published molecular phylogenetic studies, though we leave this group within the subtribe Leptorhaconotina.
This paper reviews little-known species of the dysderid spider genera Dysdera Latreille, 1804, and Dysderella Dunin, 1992 based on specimens collected in the Caucasus, Middle East, and Central Asia. After combining molecular phylogeny of five mitochondrial and three nuclear genes with morphological evidence, Dysderella is proposed as a junior synonym of Dysdera. In addition, three species are described as new to science: D. jaegeri Bellvert & Dimitrov sp. nov., D. naouelae Bellvert & Dimitrov sp. nov., and D. kourosh Bellvert, Zamani & Dimitrov sp. nov. Four combinations are proposed: Dysdera caspica Dunin, 1990 comb. rev., Dysdera transcaspica Dunin & Fet, 1985 comb. rev., Dysdera elburzica (Zamani, Marusik & Szűts, 2023) comb. nov. and Dysdera sancticedri (Brignoli, 1978) comb. nov. (ex. Dasumia Thorell, 1875). Furthermore, we report a first record of D. festai Caporiacco, 1929 in Turkey and its male cheliceral polymorphism. Our results illustrate the deficiencies that undermine the current taxonomy of this genus. For example, many species are described based on only one or few specimens or limited locality data. The advancements in DNA sequencing technologies applied to museum specimens reduce the need for fieldwork collection and export of fresh specimens. This highlights the significance of museum collections for improving research in this field.
The African species Cheiracanthium furculatum Karsch, 1879 was recognised as being introduced to Germany and is re-described and illustrated in the present study. C. tenuipes Roewer, 1961 is recognised as a junior synonym of C. africanum Lessert, 1921 (new synonymy); both subspecies of C. strasseni Strand, 1915, namely C. strasseni strasseni Strand, 1915 and C. strasseni aharonii Strand, 1915, are recognised as junior synonyms of C. mildei L. Koch, 1864 (new synonymies). Photographic images of the copulatory organs of the types of C. cretense Roewer, 1928, recently synonymised with C. mildei, are provided and discussed in the course of intraspecific variation in C. mildei. The female holotype of C. rehobothense Strand, 1915 is re-described and illustrated. Relations of C. rehobothense to other Cheiracanthium species are discussed.
A comprehensive checklist of Habenaria from Chapada dos Veadeiros, State of Goiás, was performed alongside morphologic and molecular phylogenetic studies, revealing three new taxa endemic to this region. A total of 61 taxa (59 species and two varieties) of Habenaria are recorded for Chapada dos Veadeiros, representing a two-fold increase compared to previous lists and comprising one of the greatest diversities of the genus in Brazil. Of this total, four taxa are locally endemic. Habenaria cultellifolia, until recently known only from the type collection, was rediscovered in the region after 127 years without records and represents this species’ only known extant population. Three proposed new taxa of Habenaria (H. minuticalcar J.A.N. Bat. & Bianch. sp. nov., H. proiteana J.A.N. Bat., A.A. Vale & Bianch. sp. nov., and H. lavrensis var. xanthodactyla J.A.N. Bat. & Bianch. var. nov.) are corroborated by molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and plastid markers. They are described, illustrated, tentatively assessed as threatened, and compared to phylogenetically and morphologically related species. Since some areas of this mountain range have not yet been floristically sampled, additional taxonomic novelties and new records are still expected in the future.
Chvalaea australis sp. nov. is described and illustrated, representing the first species of Chvalaea Papp & Földvári, 2002 from the Australasian Region. A discussion of the geographic distribution and the possible relationship among the species of the genus is provided.
Scelolabes, historically is a monotypic genus of Ocydromiinae (Hybotidae) that for a long time was not studied due to the absence of the type of the type species (Scelolabes bivittatus Philippi), which is probably lost or destroyed. In this context, we propose an updated diagnosis and redescription of the genus, based on specimens identified by experts and in agreement with the original description of Philippi (1865), as well as illustrating male and female terminalia for the first time. This serves as an aid to discuss and corroborate the status of Scelolabes in the Neotropical region as a genus distinct from Hoplopeza. In addition, two new species are described, and an identification key and a distribution map are provided to all the Neotropical species of the genus.
Two common sigalionid species from the Northeast Atlantic, Sthenelais boa (Johnston, 1833) and S. limicola (Ehlers, 1864), have never been revised in detail. Although their validity has never been questioned, a number of taxonomic problems related to Sthenelais Kinberg, 1856 and the later established Fimbriosthenelais Pettibone, 1971 remain unresolved. The validity of F. minor (Pruvot & Racovitza, 1895) has been repeatedly discussed, but no agreement reached. Also the validity of Fimbriosthenelais has been at stake, affecting the generic assignment of Fimbriosthenelais zetlandica (McIntosh, 1876), another species present in the area. Among the investigated species of Sthenelais, some where thought to be synonyms of Eusthenelais hibernica McIntosh, 1876, which led us to also include Eusthenelais McIntosh, 1876. We also re-examined Eusthenelais abyssicola McIntosh, 1879, the only other species attributed to the genus, and confirm that it is indeterminable. In total, we investigated 37 nominal taxa reported from the Northeast Atlantic and as a result we consider only five species to be valid: Sthenelais boa, S. limicola, Fimbriosthenelais zetlandica, F. longipinnis (Grube, 1869) and Eusthenelais hibernica. These genera and species are described and discussed herein and an updated identification key to all Northeast Atlantic species of Sigalioninae Gonzalez et al., 2018 is given.
Two new species of the family Nemouridae of the genus Indonemoura Baumann, 1975, Indonemoura yingjiangensis Bai & Qian sp. nov. and Indonemoura longihamata Bai & Qian sp. nov. are described from Yunnan Province, southwest of China. The morphological characteristics of the two new species are compared to related taxa.
Detection of morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species implies using an integrative taxonomic approach with a combination of molecular, contemporary morphological, ecological and other relevant analyses. Within a contemporary morphological analysis, two approaches are commonly used in hoverfly taxonomy: a geometric morphometric analysis of the wing and surstyle shape. Here, the importance of the R4+5 vein shape is tested in cryptic species delimitation within four Merodon species groups using linear and semilandmark geometric morphometric analyses. As expected, geometric morphometrics showed a stronger resolution compared to linear morphometrics. Linear morphometrics failed to detect differences related to sexual dimorphism or differences among the species M. pruni and M. obscurus. However, all cryptic species and sexes were separated with high significance based on the R4+5 vein shape. Moreover, obtained results concurred with the landmark-defined wing shape and molecular results published in previous studies. Additionally, combining two characters, the semilandmark R4+5 vein shape and the landmark-defined wing shape, provided more detailed and precise insights into the shape differences. Our results showed that the R4+5 vein shape stands out as an important character in species delimitation of hoverflies where the sinuation of this vein is present. Therefore, it can be beneficial as a single character or in combination with a landmark-based wing shape analysis.
The genus Tekellina Levi, 1957 is currently composed of ten species, six of which are Neotropical. They are small-sized spiders (0.9 to 1.5 mm), with a wide distribution, with a great diversity in the Neotropical Region and well represented in Brazil. In this article, males and females of the species Tekellina bella Marques & Buckup, 1993 and T. crica Marques & Buckup, 1993 are redescribed and illustrated. The female of Tekellina minor Marques & Buckup, 1993 is described and illustrated for the first time. New records are included for Neotropical species. Tekellina guaiba Marques & Buckup, 1993 is synonymized with T. pretiosa Marques & Buckup, 1993. Three new species are described for Brazil: Tekellina picurrucha Rodrigues & Estol sp. nov. (São Paulo, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul), Tekellina miuda Rodrigues & Estol sp. nov. (São Paulo and Paraná) and Tekellina miudinha Rodrigues & Estol sp. nov. (São Paulo). Distribution maps with new records and an identification key of the Neotropical species are also presented.
Taxonomic history and review of the Förster genera of Platygastridae (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea)
(2023)
Platygastridae is a ʻdark taxonʼ, with many genera and species in dire need of professional attention. The taxonomic impediment is especially severe in the Palearctic Platygastrinae due to the abundance of names with vague concepts. Historical descriptions and their associated type material must be examined and clarified before further revisionary work can occur. Arnold Förster described 18 genera of Platygastridae, most of which represent distinct and recognizable lineages. The present study reviews their taxonomic history, providing diagnostic remarks, English translations, and illustrations of important specimens from the Förster collection in the Natural History Museum Vienna. The collection also includes original exemplar specimens of European species whose types have been lost. Neotypes and lectotypes are designated from this material to improve nomenclatural stability in the group. Neotypes are designated for Amblyaspis forticornis (Nees, 1834), Isocybus grandis (Nees, 1834), Platygaster striolata Nees, 1834, and Trichacis tristis (Nees, 1834). Lectotypes are designated for Leptacis spinigera (Nees, 1834) comb. nov. and for Platygaster corvina Förster, 1861, with Platygaster henkvlugi Buhl, 1996 treated as a junior synonym. Platygaster mutica Nees, 1834 stat. rev., nomen dubium, is transferred from Synopeas.
Three Neotropical species are transferred to the genus Premnobius Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Ipini): Premnobius assiduus (Schedl, 1961, from Xyleborus), P. flechtmanni (Wood, 2007, from Acanthotomicus) and P. neoajunctus (Schedl, 1967, from Xyleborus). An illustrated key is presented for the native and introduced species of the genus known from the New World.
An annotated list of twenty species of rarely collected and little known bees of the genus Sphecodes Latreille, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Halictidae) from the Himalayas is given. Sphecodes bluethgeni sp. nov. is described from Bhutan. Three species are newly recorded from the Himalayas: S. binghami Blüthgen, 1924, S. kershawi Perkins, 1921 and S. laticeps Meyer, 1920. Based on type specimens, new synonymies have been proposed for Sphecodes cameronii (Bingham, 1897) = S. armeniacus Warncke, 1992 syn. nov.; S. gibbus (Linnaeus, 1758) = S. indicus Bingham, 1898 syn. nov.; and S. invidus (Cameron, 1897) = S. nigrobasalis Meyer, 1922 syn. nov. A lectotype is designated for Sphecodes sikkimensis Blüthgen, 1927. Illustrated keys to males and females of all species known from the Himalayas and an updated checklist of the 26 Himalayan species of Sphecodes are provided. Additionally, one new species from neighboring Uttar Pradesh (India), Sphecodes uttaricus sp. nov., is here described as new and included due to its close relationship to the Himalayan S. sikkimensis Blüthgen, 1927.
Two new species, Habrocestum sahyadri sp. nov., and Irura shendurney sp. nov. are described from the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. The unknown female of Habrocestum kerala Asima, Caleb, Babu #38; Prasad, 2022 is described and three other species: Gelotia lanka Wijesinghe, 1991, Phintella accentifera (Simon, 1901) and Vailimia jharbari Basumatary, Caleb #38; Das, 2020 are recorded from the locality. Detailed descriptions, diagnosis and illustrations of the species are provided.
Panaeolus punjabensis M. Asif, Q. Firdous, A. Izhar, Niazi & Khalid sp. nov. was collected from three different localities (Bahawalnagar, Kasur, and Lahore) in Punjab, Pakistan. Morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear encoded internal transcribed spacers (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 = ITS) and D1/D2 domain of large subunit (28S) rDNA confirmed the taxonomic distinctness of this species. The new species is potentially hallucinogenic and characterized by a parabolic pileus with a light brown center, broadly fusiform basidiospores, presence of cheilocystidia, pileocystidia, and caulocystidia, and absence of pleurocystidia and clamp connections. The DNA sequences of the species clustered together in a well-supported distinct clade. We present a detailed description, photographs, and line drawings, and elucidate and discuss the phylogenetic position of the new species. Morphological comparisons with phylogenetically and morphologically allied species are discussed.
A new genus of hubbardiid schizomid, Bucinozomus gen. nov. with the single species B. hortuspalmarum spec. nov., is described on basis to two male specimens found in the "Palmengarten" greenhouse in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It clearly differs from other known genera by having a long and conical abdominal segment IX, as well as the following combination of characters: anterodorsal margin of femur IV produced at less than a 90° angle, metapeltidium divided, and pedipalps with prominent spinose setae. It differs from Trithyreus Kraepelin, 1899 by having the pedipalp trochanter with a mesal spur, leg femur IV not slender and a pedipalp tarsus with a shorter claw (half of tarsus length). Living sympatric with this new taxon were female specimens of Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 and Zomus bagnallii (Jackson, 1908).
Camellia sinensis is one of the major crops grown in Taiwan and has been widely cultivated around the island. Tea leaves are prone to various fungal infections, and leaf spot is considered one of the major diseases in Taiwan tea fields. As part of a survey on fungal species causing leaf spots on tea leaves in Taiwan, 19 fungal strains morphologically similar to the genus Diaporthe were collected. ITS (internal transcribed spacer), tef1-α (translation elongation factor 1-α), tub2 (beta-tubulin), and cal (calmodulin) gene regions were used to construct phylogenetic trees and determine the evolutionary relationships among the collected strains. In total, six Diaporthe species, including one new species, Diaporthe hsinchuensis, were identified as linked with leaf spot of C. sinensis in Taiwan based on both phenotypic characters and phylogeny. These species were further characterized in terms of their pathogenicity, temperature, and pH requirements under laboratory conditions. Diaporthe tulliensis, D. passiflorae, and D. perseae were isolated from C. sinensis for the first time. Furthermore, pathogenicity tests revealed that, with wound inoculation, only D. hongkongensis was pathogenic on tea leaves. This investigation delivers the first assessment of Diaporthe taxa related to leaf spots on tea in Taiwan.
Two new species and one new genus of Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are described in Acanthocinini: Embera flava new species, new genus, from Panama; and Nealcidion lingafelteri new species from Costa Rica. The species-group name of Nealcidion napoensis Nascimento and McClarin, 2018 is corrected and morphological variations in Leptostylus cristulatus Bates, 1872 are reported. Trypanidius mimicavus Carelli, Monné, and Souza, 2013 is redescribed and transferred to Carphina Bates, 1872, forming the new combination Carphina mimicavus. Colombicallia curta Galileo and Martins, 1992 (Calliini) is recorded from Panama for the first time.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7DD2EF0F-7DC9-4A85-83DA-10F4EE8CA8CB
The present paper is devoted to the description of three new species of the genus Acanthophorella Antić & Makarov, 2016 from Georgia, western Caucasus: A. devi Antić sp. nov. and A. valerii Antić sp. nov., both presumed troglobionts and each from a single cave, and the epigean A. aurita Antić sp. nov. The troglobiotic Acanthophorella barjadzei Antić & Makarov, 2016 is reported from two additional caves, with further descriptive notes given. Notes on the ecology and localities, and a distribution map for all six species of the genus are presented. A key is given to all members of the Flagellophorella complex. The relationships within the complex and the distribution and troglomorphism in the genus Acanthophorella are briefly discussed.
A new species of the genus Caucaseuma Strasser, 1970, Caucaseuma strasseri Antić sp. nov., is described from a cave in the Western Caucasus, representing the eighth species of the genus, and the fourth presumed troglobiontic Caucaseuma. An updated key to and a distribution map of all eight species of Caucaseuma is presented, including new records. In addition, the cave millipede fauna of the Caucasus is briefly discussed, with the inclusion of the most relevant references.
The pseudoscorpion (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) fauna of mainland Ecuador, excluding the Galápagos Islands, is poorly known, with only 41 described species in 9 families. The family Syarinidae has a pantropical distribution and presently comprises ca 120 species in 17 valid genera that are found in leaf litter and subterranean habitats, mostly in tropical and subtropical climates. Four syarinid species have been recorded from Ecuador, including the Galápagos, in two widespread genera, Ideobisium and Ideoblothrus, but field collections suggest that these pseudoscorpions are common and abundant in all forest systems across the country. Here, we review field collections of syarinids from mainland Ecuador and describe five new species in these genera: Ideobisium kichwa sp. nov. (Napo Province, Colonso Chalupas Natural Reserve), I. sonqo sp. nov. (Napo Province, Colonso Chalupas Natural Reserve), I. susanae sp. nov. (Napo Province, Jatun Sacha Natural Reserve), Ideoblothrus nadineae sp. nov. (Napo Province, Colonso Chalupas Natural Reserve) and I. safinai sp. nov. (Pichincha Province, Otongachi Natural Reserve) based on morphology. These species seem to have narrow distributions and we therefore restrict the ranges of two species previously recorded from Ecuador (Ideobisium crassimanum Balzan, 1892 and Ideoblothrus costaricensis (Beier, 1931)) to their countries of origin, which is Costa Rica and Venezuela, respectively.
Eight new species of Itauara Müller, 1888 are described based on specimens collected in southeastern Brazil: I. bispinata sp. nov., I. caparao sp. nov., I. cipoensis sp. nov., I. cristata sp. nov., I. holzenthali sp. nov., I. mangaratiba sp. nov., I. robertsonae sp. nov., and I. rupicola sp. nov. In addition, we provided an updated distributional list of species of Itauara, with new records of I. jamesii Robertson & Holzenthal, 2011 and I. lucinda Robertson & Holzenthal, 2011 for Espírito Santo State (Brazil), I. plaumanni (Flint, 1974) for Paraná State (Brazil), and I. tusci Robertson & Holzenthal, 2011 for Minas Gerais State (Brazil). We performed an equal weighted parsimony analysis adding the new species to the dataset provided by Robertson & Holzenthal (2013), with modification of the interpretation of some morphological characters. The genus was recovered as monophyletic, but overall statistic support for clades was weak. Itauara is restricted to South America and has a disjunct distribution, with some species occurring in northern South America and others in southeastern South America. Probably, the diversification of Itauara in South America is related to the connections between the Amazon Forest and the Atlantic Forest through historical events at different times.
The genus Seticornuta Morley, 1913 currently comprises nine described species; here, nine new species are described: S. anchanchu sp. nov., S. carinata sp. nov., S. cuckoo sp. nov., S. curupira sp. nov., S. flava sp. nov., S. muqui sp. nov., S. nigroflava sp. nov., S. quilmes sp. nov., and S. rufa sp. nov. The genus is redescribed to encompass the features found in Neotropical species and distinctions between the species in the New World and Old World are presented. The genus is recorded for the first time for Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru.
Three species of Corethrella Coquillett, 1902 from the state of Amazonas, Brazil are described as new to science based on female adult specimens. Corethrella cabocla Feijó, Belchior, Marialva & Pessoa sp. nov. possesses four large setae on the frons between the ventromedial area of ommatidia, a wide clypeus with 1–4 setae, a wing with the apex of R2 basal to the apex of M2 and with a midlength band, and with the abdomen entirely dark brown. Corethrella ielemdei Feijó, Ramires, Lima & Pessoa sp. nov. possesses an elongated coronal suture, four large setae on the frons between the ventromedial area of ommatidia, a clypeus squarish with 42–43 setae, a wing with the apex of R2 basal to the apex of M1 and with a midlength band and dark scales on the basal and subbasal areas of the anterior margin, legs with dark scales, and with the abdomen entirely dark brown. Corethrella menini Feijó, Picelli, Ríos-Velásquez & Pessoa sp. nov. possesses wings with the apex of R2 basal to the apex of M2 and a midlength band, with darker basal scales along all veins, basal band dark scales on C, Sc, R, M, and Cu and the abdomen entirely dark brown. With the addition of the new species, the numbers of frog-biting midges described in the Amazon basin, Brazil and in Neotropical region are now 31, 49 and 80 species, respectively.
The genus Thlaspi has been variously subdivided since its description by Linnaeus in 1753, but due to similarities in fruit shape several segregates have still not gained broad recognition, despite the fact that they are not directly related to Thlaspi. This applies especially to segregates now considered to belong to the tribe Coluteocarpeae, which includes several well-studied taxa, e.g., Noccaea caerulescens (syn. Thlaspi caerulescens), and the widespread Microthlaspi perfoliatum (syn. Thlaspi perfoliatum). The taxonomy of this tribe is still debated, as a series of detailed monographs on Coluteocarpeae was not published in English and a lack of phylogenetic resolution within this tribe was found in previous studies. The current study presents detailed phylogenetic investigations and a critical review of morphological features, with focus on taxa previously placed in Microthlaspi. Based on one nuclear (ITS) and two chloroplast (matK, trnL-F) loci, four strongly supported major groups were recovered among the Coluteocarpeae genera included, corresponding to Ihsanalshehbazia gen. nov., Friedrichkarlmeyeria gen. nov., Microthlaspi s.str., and Noccaea s.l. In addition, two new species of Microthlaspi, M. sylvarum-cedri sp. nov. and M. mediterraneo-orientale sp. nov., were discovered, which are well supported by both morphological and molecular data. Furthermore, M. erraticum comb. nov. (diploid) and M. perfoliatum s.str. (polyploid) were shown to be distinct species, phylogenetically widely separate, but with some overlap in several morphological characters. Detailed descriptions, notes on taxonomy, geographical distribution, and line drawings for the new species and each species previously included in Microthlaspi are provided. In addition, the current taxonomic state of the tribe Coluteocarpeae is briefly discussed and it is concluded that while several annual taxa are clearly distinct from Noccaea, many perennial taxa, after thorough phylogenetic and morphological investigations, may have to be merged with this genus.
With the change to one scientific name for pleomorphic fungi, generic names typified by sexual and asexual morphs have been evaluated to recommend which name to use when two names represent the same genus and thus compete for use. In this paper, generic names in Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina are evaluated based on their type species to determine which names are synonyms. Twenty-one sets of sexually and asexually typified names in Pucciniomycotina and eight sets in Ustilaginomycotina were determined to be congeneric and compete for use. Recommendations are made as to which generic name to use. In most cases the principle of priority is followed. However, eight generic names in the Pucciniomycotina, and none in Ustilaginomycotina, are recommended for protection: Classicula over Naiadella, Gymnosporangium over Roestelia, Helicobasidium over Thanatophytum and Tuberculina, Melampsorella over Peridermium, Milesina over Milesia, Phragmidium over Aregma, Sporobolomyces over Blastoderma and Rhodomyces, and Uromyces over Uredo. In addition, eight new combinations are made: Blastospora juruensis, B. subneurophyla, Cronartium bethelii, C. kurilense, C. sahoanum, C. yamabense, Milesina polypodii, and Prospodium crusculum combs. nov.
Matsucoccus krystalae Ahmed and Miller, new species, (Hemiptera:Coccomorpha: Matsucoccidae) is described based on morphological characters of adult females and third-instar males. We designate the lectotype of Matsucoccus alabamae Morrison. Matsucoccus alabamae Morrison and M. gallicolus Morrison are redescribed, also based on adult females and third-instar males. Detailed illustrations and descriptions are presented for each species and an identification key for the five species occurring in the eastern U.S. is provided. Analysis of 18S, 28S D2/D3, and 28S D10 loci were performed to support morphological determination. Barcodes using 5′ COI of M. alabamae and M. krystalae were generated, the first such data from authoritatively identified Matsucoccus species. Of particular interest is that most of the specimens in the study were taken in Lindgren funnel traps.
The hoverfly genus Eumerus Meigen, 1822 (Eristalinae: Merodontini) comprises 250+ described species, of which 36 are reported from the Iberian Peninsula. The high species diversity linked to the low degree of morphological differentiation between some species, which is even lower in females, leads to a high taxonomic complexity in this genus. The aim of this work is to confirm the morphological and molecular validity of an undescribed species of Eumerus, which is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula. The new species is described and compared with similar species. The genitalia of the new species are similar to those of Eumerus clavatus Becker, 1923 and Eumerus uncipes Rondani, 1850, but also share some features with Eumerus nudus Loew, 1848. The COI-5’ barcode is provided for the new taxon and analysed together with those of other named Eumerus sequences/species publicly available online. In the light of the morphology and barcoding data, the systematic position of the new species is discussed.
The genus Microplitis Förster, 1862 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) was studied from northern Iran. Specimens were collected using Malaise traps during 2010–2011. A total of 13 species were collected and identified, of which six species are recorded for the first time from Iran: M. cebes Nixon, 1970, M. docilis Nixon, 1970, M. eremitus Reinhard, 1880, M. kaszabi Papp, 1980, M. pallidipennis Tobias, 1964 and M. varipes (Ruthe, 1860). Two species M. kaszabi and M. pallidipennis are new records for the west Palaearctic region. A new species, Microplitis alborziensis Abdoli & Talebi sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The number of species of Microplitis in Iran is now raised from 17 to 24. A faunistic list, an identification key to all known Iranian species and brief diagnoses and illustrations for all species that have been collected in this study are provided. The validity of the new species is supported by DNA barcoding.
The taxonomic status of the widely distributed freshwater crab Potamonautes lirrangensis (Rathbun, 1904) sensu lato is revised because morphological and molecular evidence indicates that this taxon is a complex comprising more than one species. Four taxa are now recognized: Potamonautes lirrangensis (Rathbun, 1904) s. str. and P. kisangani sp. nov. from the Middle Congo River in Central Africa, P. amosae sp. nov. from the drainages of Lakes Kivu and Tanganyika, and P. orbitospinus (Cunnington, 1907) from Lake Malawi which had been previously synonymised with P. lirrangensis s. lat. Diagnoses, illustrations and distribution maps are provided for each of these taxa and they are compared to similar species from Central and Southern Africa.