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Widely distributed phoretic blister beetles usually display unstructured geographic patterns of genetic diversity within species, resulting from recurrent long-dispersal events across their range. To investigate the extent of this pattern in the phoretic genus Lampromeloe, and particularly in western Mediterranean and European populations of L. variegatus, we performed: (1) a phylogeographic analysis based on fragments of the mitochondrial genes COI and 16S, and (2) a morphological revision based on qualitative and morphometric traits. Two allopatric lineages were recovered within L. variegatus, one distributed across Europe and the other in North Africa. These lineages are readily distinguishable based on morphological traits. We conclude that these lineages constitute two diagnosable evolutionary units and, consequently, we describe the North African populations as a new species, Lampromeloe pantherinus sp. nov. The new species is closely related to L. variegatus, from which it differs mainly by the elytral macrosculpture and by the shape of male genitalia. The elytral macrosculpture of L. pantherinus is somewhat similar to that of L. cavensis, a species widely distributed in the lowlands of the Mediterranean Basin. However, these two non-sister species can be distinguished by the morphology and macrosculpture of the pronotum and by the shape of the male genitalia.
The “trachystreptoform” species of Spirostreptidae, i.e., species which would formerly have been ascribed to the tribe Trachystreptini, from the Udzungwa Mountains are (re)described, including one new genus and five new species: Attemsostreptus reflexus Akkari & Enghoff, 2019, A. cataractae Enghoff sp. nov., A. leptoptilos Enghoff sp. nov., A. julostriatus Enghoff sp. nov., Lophostreptus tersus (Cook, 1896) (= L. ptilostreptoides Carl, 1909 syn. nov.), L. magombera Enghoff sp. nov., and Udzungwastreptus marianae Enghoff gen. et sp. nov. The type material of Lophostreptus regularis Attems, 1909 (= L. tersus) is discussed. The discussion includes paragraphs on the classification and the Udzungwa fauna of Spirostreptidae, on grouping of the Udzungwa trachystreptoform species in relation to altitude, and on the possibly recent immigration of A. reflexus and L. tersus into the Udzungwa Mts.
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.
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
Identifications of recently collected Eucnemidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea) borrowed from two collections have resulted in the discovery of two new species: Entomophthalmus abbreviatus Otto (Cuba) and Trigonopleurus cordobaalfaroi Otto (Guatemala and Louisiana, USA). Images of the two newly described species along with two New World Entomophthalmus Bonvouloir species for comparative purposes are included.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E83B2AC6-33ED-4680-8F2E-4E455A26D4C8
Several adult female monstrilloid copepods, collected in March 2022 from the protected reef area of Xcalak, on the southern part of the Mexican Caribbean coast, proved to belong to two undescribed species of Monstrilla Dana, 1849. They are described here as M. xcalakensis sp. nov. and M. annulata sp. nov., partly by use of scanning electron microscopy. Females of the two species are generally similar but differ in: (1) antennular segmental structure, (2) antennular armature and ornamentation, (3) structure and setation of the fifth leg, (4) number and modifications of the caudal setae, and (5) integumental ornamentation. Comparison with congeneric species revealed distinctive features for both species that support their status as new. These two species are interesting additions to the reef-dwelling monstrilloid copepod fauna of the Mexican Caribbean and confirm Monstrilla as the most diverse genus of monstrilloids in this area, now represented by nine species.
The genus Neocranaus Roewer, 1913 is revisited, its composition is expanded from two to five species and a new generic diagnosis is presented. Neocranaus albiconspersus Roewer, 1913, type species of the genus, is redescribed. The genus Tolimaius Roewer, 1915 syn. nov. is considered as a junior subjective synonym of Neocranaus, its sole member being transferred to Neocranaus – N. pectinitibialis (Roewer, 1915) comb. nov. – and redescribed here. The new combination Neocranaus laevifrons (Roewer, 1917) comb. nov. is proposed for Holocranaus laevifrons Roewer, 1917. The new species Neocranaus gladius Villarreal & Kury sp. nov. is described, from P.N.N. Yariguíes, Santander Department, Colombia. For the first time, the genital structure of this genus is illustrated. A key to the identification of the males of Neocranaus and some considerations about the reproductive biology of N. albiconspersus and N. pectinitibialis are presented.
Empty shells (thanatocoenoses) have been reviewed of species in the genus Granulina (Gastropoda: Granulinidae) from the lower shelf and upper bathyal zones off Mauritania and Western Sahara. We encountered nine species of which four were already known from off Mauritania. Four new species are proposed herein: Granulina reginae sp. nov., G. ronaldi sp. nov., G. sandrae sp. nov. and G. sigridae sp. nov. These four sympatric new species lack labial denticles and they probably form a phyletic clade with a common ancestor. Most hitherto known species in Granulina from the NE Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean possess labial denticles. One additional new species with denticles was left in open nomenclature because the material available was considered inadequate. Species in Granulina from Mauritania and Western Sahara have not been found off NW Morocco or the Canary Islands, and the species known from NW Morocco and the Canary Islands have not been found off Mauritania and Western Sahara. The southern extents of the distributions of the Mauritanian species are currently uncertain as additional sampling would be required off Senegal or further South. A key to Mauritanian species in Granulina is given.
A comprehensive review of the enigmatic genus Masona van Achterberg is provided. Two new species are described from the USA: Masona neon Dal Pos & Martens sp. nov. from Puerto Rico, and Masona wow Dal Pos & Martens sp. nov. from California. A key to the world species of Masona is presented, together with a discussion of the morphology of the genus and an annotated catalogue of the species. [Masona] timpaynei Quicke, 2019, is excluded from Braconidae and placed as incertae sedis in the Ichneumonidae, subfamily Neorhacodinae.
Five new and four known species of the genus Dorylaimellus Cobb, 1913 are described and illustrated from the Western Ghats of India. Dorylaimellus attenuatus sp. nov. has a 0.73–0.84 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle attenuated with indistinct lumen, odontophore 9–10 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 39–48% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic and tail long filiform. Dorylaimellus cylindricaudatus sp. nov. has a 1.0–1.15 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle 4 µm long, odontophore 11–12 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 47–56% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic, and tail elongate-cylindrical with rounded terminus. Dorylaimellus karnatakensis sp. nov. has a 1.2–1.3 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle 5 µm long, odontophore 12–13 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 45–53% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic; spicules 22 µm long, ventromedian supplements four, and tail elongate-conoid dorsally convex. Dorylaimellus kasplateauensis sp. nov. has a 0.68–0.83 mm long body, lip region with a weak perioral disc; odontostyle 6–7 µm long, odontophore 11–14 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 38–43% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic, and tail elongate arcuate conoid. Dorylaimellus tropicus sp. nov. has a 0.6–0.7 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle 4–5 µm long, odontophore 8–10 µm long; hemizonid present; expanded part of pharynx 43–52% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic and tail elongate-filiform, sudden tapering, ending with rounded tip. Dorylaimellus andrassyi, D. discocephalus, D. belondirelloides, D. chakpilus are redescribed based on the specimens collected from several localities of the Western Ghats.
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 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
We propose several nomenclatural changes for taxa in the subfamily Cladodinae and the lampyrid tribes Cratomorphini, Lamprocerini, Lampyrini, Photinini, and Pleotomini in the subfamily Lampyrinae (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). We present evidence for the correct year of description of Calotrachelum flavolineatum Pic, 1941, Diaphanes lateapicalis breveapicalis Pic, 1954, Photinus conradti Pic, 1940, and all species described by Charles Émile Blanchard. Spellings are corrected for Diaphanes lateapicalis breveapicalis Pic, 1954, Diaphanes latipennis dartevillei Pic, 1952, Diaphanes longecarinatus Pic, 1955, Diaphanes moultoni latemarginatus Pic, 1938, Lampyris olivieriana von Heyden, 1890, and Photinus reductemarginalis Pic, 1941. We propose Lucidota puertoestrellaensis Keller and Martin nomen novum to replace Lucidota boliviana Pic, 1927, and Photinus laticollis brasiliensis Keller and Martin nomen novum for Photinus laticollis latior Pic, 1941. Seventy taxa described as variations or aberrations in the tribes Cratomorphini, Lamprocerini, Lampyrini, Photinini, and Pleotomini in the subfamily Lampyrinae by McDermott (1966), are evaluated to subspecies with their availability determined based on ICZN (1999: Article 45.6). Photinus motschulskyi Zaragoza-Caballero, Zurita-Garcia, and Ramírez-Ponce, 2023 is synonymized under Photinus intercalatus Gemminger, 1870. Lastly, we correct the type species of the genus Lucidina Gorham, 1833, and address the dates of publication for fireflies described by Blanchard.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DCD31B02-DF17-4115-A9A8-A6CBB02D8684
The genus Lichnanthe Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Glaphyridae) has been comprised of eight Nearctic species and contains the only New World members of their family. Here, two new species of arenicolous bumblebee scarabs are described from the central United States. The recent discovery of an undescribed Wyoming species led to the reevaluation of a dubious 134-year-old Nebraska Lichnanthe specimen, indicating that it also was an undescribed species. These two species, Lichnanthe brusti new species from central Wyoming and L. bruneri new species from central Nebraska are immediately distinguishable from all existing species of the genus by their square mandibles.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:401927DA-66D9-47A1-AE68-965210824713
Anthrenus (Anthrenus) muehlei, a new species (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae) from Iran
(2024)
A new species, Anthrenus muehlei Holloway and Herrmann (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae), from Iran is described. Images of internal and external features are presented. Only female specimens were found and described, but the bursa copulatrix contains obvious sclerites enabling easy differentiation from all other known species from the Palaearctic A. pimpinellae complex. The possible function and taxonomic implication of the sclerites is mentioned.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:97661C20-803E-4785-A4B0-58B16C94D9A2
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
We describe a new species of karst-dwelling pitviper from Chumphon Province of Peninsular Thailand, in the Isthmus of Kra, based on morphological and molecular data (2427 bp from cyt b, ND4 and 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes). Morphologically, Trimeresurus kraensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: a dark/bottle-green dorsum with reddish-brown or purple crossbands; pale green venter lacking dark dots; stripes present on the lateral sides of the ventrals; internasals generally in contact; one large supraocular scale on each side of the head; iris pale copper; tail brown with dark purplish-brown crossbars; dorsal scales in 21–21–15 rows; ventral scales 167 in a single male, 169–171 in females; subcaudal scales 62 in a single male, 52–54 in females, all paired. White vertebral spots present in males, located on approximately every two or four dorsal scales; dark brown spots forming discontinuous pattern present on 1–3 lateral dorsal scale rows; males with reddish-brown postocular stripe with jagged edges. The new species differs from the morphologically similar species Trimeresurus venustus s. str. by a notable divergence in cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene sequences (p = 5.9%).
The subgenus Indonthophagus Kabakov, 2006 of Onthophagus Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini) is reviewed. A morphological definition of it is provided. A diagnosis, based both on external and internal characters, of the seven species deemed to belong to the group according to literature, is supplied. As a result, Onthophagus spinifex (Fabricius, 1781), previously placed with some uncertainty in the subgenus, is definitively excluded. A key to Indonthophagus species is also provided, as well as images of male, aedeagus and endophallus for each species. New country records of Onthophagus turbatus Walker, 1858 for Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan are given.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9D0CE9F2-35CF-449D-8984-1B4C722762F7
U.S. port of entry interception data revealed that Frankliniella Karny (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was the most frequently intercepted genus of Thripidae. No published identification resource for intercepted Frankliniella is available to USDA port of entry entomology identifiers. A morphological review of intercepted species was conducted. A dichotomous key for the identification of intercepted slide mounted adult females was created. Morphological diagnosis, description of each species with their geographic region(s) of origin and frequency of interception is provided.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:403B362E-9A7F-4385-A0F1-9DB87FE09AD2
A taxonomic revision of the oil-collecting bees of the subgenus Epicharis (Epicharitides) Moure, 1945 is provided. A total of nine species were recognized: E. cockerelli Friese, 1900; E. duckei Friese, 1901; E. iheringi Friese, 1899; E. luteocincta Moure & Seabra, 1959; E. minima (Friese, 1904); E. obscura Friese, 1899, and E. rufescens Moure & Seabra, 1959, along with E. mesoamericana sp. nov. and E. lia sp. nov., two new species from the Central American and Amazonian provinces, respectively. Redescriptions, diagnoses, and figures of specimens of both sexes, floral records, distribution maps, an identification key, and an updated catalogue of all species of the group are also provided. In addition, the lectotype of E. duckei was also designated to stabilize the application of the name.
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.
Four new species of the jumping spider genus Stenaelurillus Simon, 1886 are described from India: Stenaelurillus feral Tripathi, Kuni & Kadam sp. nov. (♂, from the Eastern Coastline), S. naldurg Kuni, Kadam & Tripathi sp. nov. (♂♀, from the Deccan Plateau), S. judithbleisterae Kadam, Tripathi & Kuni sp. nov. (♂♀, from the Western Ghats) and S. solapur Kuni, Tripathi & Kadam sp. nov. (♂♀, from the Deccan Plateau). Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, illustrations, natural history and distribution map are provided. Additionally, new locality records for the other five species within the states are presented and mapped.
We review the diagnosis of the genus Eugenys Quate, 1996 (Diptera: Psychodidae) which occurs in the Neotropical Region. Initially known from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, we describe one additional species from Costa Rica, Eugenys singularis sp. nov., and two species from Ecuador, namely, Eugenys micra sp. nov. and E. upsilon sp. nov., bringing the total known species to six. This study provides detailed descriptions of the new species based on male and female specimens, along with the first DNA barcodes for the genus and some of the newly described species. We also provide an identification key for identifying male specimens of the genus worldwide. Finally, we discuss the morphological characteristics of Eugenys and compare the genus with other taxa, tentatively suggesting a placement within the tribe Pericomaini.
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.
Angel sharks (Squatina spp. Duméril, 1805) are a group of coastal benthic sharks distributed worldwide, currently including threatened and understudied species. Two species are formally described along the East Pacific coast, the California angel shark S. californica Ayres, 1859 and the Chilean angel shark S. armata (Philippi, 1887). The latter species occurs in the southeastern Pacific and has historically been understudied. Additionally, the original description of S. armata lacks sufficient data to confidently identify individuals of this species compared to modern descriptions, and no type specimen is currently available to ensure specimen identification. Detailed morphological descriptions for identifying species are an essential resource for solving taxonomic issues in groups of morphologically similar species and to promote the conservation of critically endangered species. Therefore, a neotype from the type locality is here designated for S. armata, and a detailed and standardized morphological characterization based on modern taxonomic works is provided. This work contributes in improving the knowledge on the Chilean angel shark taxonomy and provides an improved frame of reference for identifying angel sharks in the East Pacific, especially in areas where species may occur in sympatry.
The review of the taxonomic status of Herpetoreas xenura species complex, based on morphological and molecular data, revealed a new species from Myanmar, which we describe as Herpetoreas davidi sp. nov. from the Rakhine Yoma Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary in Rakhine State. It is suggested to be a sister species to Herpetoreas pealii and Herpetoreas xenura sensu stricto, and can be separated from the latter species by a combination of morphological and scalation characters, and by its pattern. Another population from the Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Region, was previously confused with H. xenura. However, as a closer examination of its morphology, shows it to be closer to Hebius khasiensis, we herein tentatively refer to this population as Hebius khasiensis, pending further molecular data confirming its taxonomic status. Consequently, we propose to temporarily remove Herpetoreas xenura from the fauna of Myanmar. Further studies, especially in the northwestern region of Myanmar, such as near border with India in Chin Hills and Naga Hills, are required. An updated key for the species of Herpetoreas is also provided.
Belostomatidae Leach, 1815 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) of northeastern Brazil
(2024)
Belostomatidae Leach, 1815 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha), also known as giant water bugs, is a family with 11 genera and about 160 described species, most of which are recorded from the Neotropical region. Knowledge about these bugs in northeastern Brazil is relatively poor, with 16 previously recorded species. Here, we present new records for five additional species based on material from the states of Ceará, Maranhão, and Piauí deposited in the Coleção Zoológica do Maranhão, Caxias, Brazil. This increases to 21 the number of species recorded from the region. In addition, we provide photographs, distribution maps, and a key to the fauna of Belostomatidae from northeastern Brazil.
The cosmopolitan pipunculid genus Dasydorylas Skevington, 2001 includes just a few species from the Neotropical Region and is completely unknown to Colombia. Three new species of Dasydorylas are described from protected areas and conflict territories of limited access in Colombia, namely Dasydorylas colombiensis sp. nov. (type locality: Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, Boyacá), D. gibber sp. nov. (type locality: Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, Boyacá), and D. santainesensis sp. nov. (type locality: Páramo de Santa Inés, Belmira, Antioquia). Diagnoses, illustrations and distributional data of the new species are presented. Dasydorylas nigellus (Rafael, 1991) is recorded for the first time from Colombia and its amended diagnosis is provided. An identification key to males of all Neotropical species is presented. With this paper, the number of Neotropical species of Dasydorylas is increased from six to nine.
A re-analysis of the morphological phylogeny of the Nopinae is made, based on an update in the description of Aamunops Galán-Sánchez & Álvarez-Padilla, 2022 and the addition of the recently described genera Nopsma Sánchez-Ruiz, Brescovit & Bonaldo, 2020 and Roddemberryus Sánchez-Ruiz & Bonaldo, 2023. Two new species, Aamunops hoof sp. nov. (male) and Aamunops yiselae sp. nov. (male and female), are also described, which allows a better understanding of the genus morphology and resulted in an emended diagnosis. The description of Aamunops has been updated to include several characteristics of the ultrastructural morphology, legs, chelicerae, palps and female genitalia. The inclusion of these new characters of Aamunops along with those of Nopsma and Roddemberryus in the previous data matrix resulted in a new, completely different hypothesis of the relationships of the nopine genera: Nopsma is part of a group formed by Cubanops and Nyetnops, while Aamunops and Roddemberryus are grouped with representatives of Tarsonops. The four-eyed Nopsides ceralbonus Chamberlin, 1924 was recovered as the most basal species of Nopinae. The relationships among genera of Nopinae and the phylogenetic position of three species, whose taxonomic position is doubtful (Cubanops luquillo Sánchez-Ruiz, Brescovit & Alayón, 2015, Orthonops confuso Galán-Sánchez & Álvarez-Padilla, 2022 and Tarsonops irataylori Bond & Taylor, 2013), is also discussed.
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).
Two new species of Strandesia Stuhlmann, 1888 are described from the northeastern part of Thailand: S. karanovicae sp. nov. and S. amnatcharoenensis sp. nov. Strandesia karanovicae is characterized by a tumid carapace in dorsal view, a small anterior overlap, the absence of a dorso-subapical seta on the first segment of the antennule (A1), a large aesthetasc Y on the antenna, an α seta shape with a needle-like tip and a large β seta on the mandibular palp (Md-palp), serrated bristles on the maxilla, a long h1 seta on the second thoracopod (T2) and a slender caudal ramus (CR). Strandesia amnatcharoenensis has a small compressed posterior part of the right valves (RV) which makes it closely related to S. pholpunthini Savatenalinton, 2015. The new species can be distinguished primarily by a considerably small anterior overlap of the left valve over the right valve (RV), a postero-ventral flange of the RV, a remarkably large claw Ga of the CR and the chaetotaxy of the limbs, especially A1, Md-palp and T2. In addition, in the present study, the sexual population of S. martensi Savatenalinton, 2015 is recorded for the first time, and thus the first description of the male is provided here. Moreover, the morphological examination of both males and females revealed differences between asexual and sexual females and also points to the fact that S. martensi is a mixed reproduction species. This is the first record of the mixed reproductive mode in the genus Strandesia or even in the Cypricercinae.
Systematics of the Sierra Nevada endemic earwig: Eulithinus analis (Forficulidae, Dermaptera)
(2024)
Since the description of Eulithinus analis (Rambur, 1838) the taxonomic position of this Sierra Nevada endemic earwig has been controversial. It has been subdivided in different taxa, assigned to various genera or transferred to different subfamilies. With the aim of clarifying its systematics, we performed a mitochondrial phylogeographic analysis using specimens from different localities of Sierra Nevada representing the diverse phenotypes treated as differentiated taxa until now, and a phylogenetic analysis including representatives of apparently distant, but morphologically close, relatives. The phylogenetic and phylogeographic results obtained using mitochondrial (cytb, cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) markers and the study of morphological characters, indicate that the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range harbors a single species of the genus Eulithinus. Based on these molecular data, the morphological characters used to date in the internal taxonomy of this group of earwigs, especially size and shape of the cerci, lack diagnostic validity and show a large inter- and intra-populational variability. These results imply the synonymy of Eulithinus montanus (Steinmann, 1981) with Eulithinus analis (Rambur, 1838) syn. nov. and the reconsideration of Eulithinus analis outside the subfamily Allodahliinae. We established the synonymy between Eulithinus analis (Rambur, 1838) and Forficula brevis Rambur, 1838 syn. nov., a name that must be removed from the synonymy of Forficula decipiens Gené, 1832.
Two new species of Palpimanus Dufour, 1820 are described from India: P. godawan Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov. (♂♀), collected from the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, and P. maldhok Kuni, Tripathi & Sankaran sp. nov. (♂♀), collected from Maharashtra. Images of the endogyne and male palp of the holotype and paratype of P. narsinhmehtai Parajapati, Hun & Raval, 2021 are presented to facilitate its identification. A key to Indian species of Palpimanus and a catalogue of Indian palpimanid spiders are provided. The current distribution of all the known Indian palpimanid spiders is mapped.
A new planthopper genus, Aodingus Chen & Li gen. nov. and three new species (A. hainanensis Chen & Li gen. et sp. nov., A. obscurus Chen & Li gen. et sp. nov. and A. cuongi Chen & Li gen. et sp. nov.) are described from China and Vietnam. The new genus is superficially similar to Procidelphax Bartlett, 2009 in general appearance in that the body is strongly dorsoventrally flattened. Distinctive features of the new taxon include broadly compressed body with vertex broad, apical margin broadly rounded, middle part concave, median and submedian carinae absent, frons broad and large, wider at base than at apex, forewing broad and long, aedeagus tubular, curved ventrally. A diagnosis for all species, illustrations and an identification key of new genus are provided. A key to the Chinese genera of Tropidocephalini is also provided.
Strange new spiders: on Roddenberryus, a new and unusual caponiid genus (Araneae, Caponiidae)
(2023)
The new nopine genus Roddenberryus gen. nov. is erected to include in total five species: three new species, R. kirk gen. et sp. nov. (male and female) from Costa Rica, R. spock gen. et sp. nov. (female) from Campeche, Mexico and R. mccoy gen. et sp. nov. (male) from Baja California Sur, Mexico, as well as two species previously misplaced in Caponina Simon, i.e., R. sargi (Pickard-Cambridge, 1899) gen. et comb. nov. from Guatemala and R. pelegrina (Bryant, 1940) gen. et comb. nov. from Cuba. A male specimen reported as C. sargi Pickard-Cambridge from Costa Rica by E. Kritscher (1957) is assigned to Roddenberryus kirk together with one female collected at the same locality. The new genus is characterized by the distally projected endites and a triangular, projected labium, a conformation unique among nopines; also by a triangular, very short, scaly gladius, serrula with interspersed multiple tooth rows, and a tarsal organ with strongly projected margins. Roddenberryus shares with Tarsonops Chamberlin the cracked tarsi and metatarsi, with multiple adesmatic joints intertwined on the cuticle and an unusual internal respiratory system with both posterior tracheae fused in a single trunk.
The planthopper family Caliscelidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha) and the tribe Adenissini are recorded here for the first time from the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen). A new genus, Oceatra gen. nov., is described for two new species from Socotra Island – Oceatra litoralis gen. et sp. nov. (type species) from coastal sand dunes and salt marshes, and O. scandens gen. et sp. nov. from evergreen montane woodland and shrub communities of the Hagher mountains. Oceatra gen. nov. is similar to Perissana Metcalf, 1952 but differs in the structure of the male style and phallobase. A key to distinguish the genera of the subtribe Adenissina is provided.
The genus Parandes Muir, 1925 (Cixiinae, Andini) is recorded from China for the first time with two new species, Parandes circinatus Wang & Chen sp. nov. and Parandes fuscus Wang & Chen sp. nov. Color images for the adults of the two new species and line drawings for the genitalia are provided. A key is presented to separate all species within the genus.
This work provides the first revision and illustration of the type material of the ammonite species Parahoplites abichi Anthula [Type species of Protacanthoplites Tovbina] and Parahoplites aschiltaensis Anthula [Type species of Acanthohoplites Sinzow] from the upper Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) of Dagestan, Russia. The close affinities and synonymy between these two species are confirmed, and Acanthohoplites aschiltaensis is here retained as the senior valid name by its long quoting history and its historical use as a zonal index of the upper Aptian. The genus Protacanthoplites should be thus synonymised with Acanthohoplites by priority in the date of publication. Comparison with, and distinction from, closely allied Acanthohoplitidae is provided.
We simultaneously considered morphology and molecular phylogeny to modify the generic classification of the ‘pyropterine clade’ (Lycidae, Erotinae, Dictyopterini). To place species previously included in Benibotarus Kôno, 1932 in reciprocally monophyletic genera, we propose Gomezzuritus gen. nov. with the type-species Dictyopterus alternatus Fairmaire, 1856. Further, we transfer Gomezzuritus alternatus (Fairmaire, 1856) comb. nov., G. longicornis (Reiche, 1878) comb. nov., and G. rubripes (Pic, 1897) comb. nov. from Benibotarus to Gomezzuritus gen. nov. The pyropterine clade contains five genera in the Palaearctic region: Pyropterus Mulsant, 1838, Gomezzuritus gen. nov., Helcophorus Fairmaire, 1891, Greenarus Kazantsev, 1995, and Benibotarus Kôno, 1932. The arrangement of longitudinal elytral costae proved misleading for consideration of relationships. Two genera in distant positions share only four primary costae (Pyropterus and Helcophorus), and three similarly distant genera share the shortened primary costa 3, resulting in three primary and four secondary longitudinal costae (Gomezzuritus, Greenarus, and Benibotarus). The larva of Gomezzuritus alternatus is described in detail, and it is compared with the larvae of other Dictyopterini, including the presumed larva of G. longicornis.
Costanana DeLong & Freytag, 1972 is a Neotropical genus of leafhoppers currently comprising 13 species with a wide distribution from Mexico to Argentina. In this study, eight new species of Costanana are described, C. xenomorpha sp. nov. from Department of Cuzco, Peru, and seven Brazilian species: C. alata sp. nov. from Minas Gerais State; C. bifida sp. nov. from Paraná and Mato Grosso states; C. cifi sp. nov., C. obtusa sp. nov. and C. piraquarensis from Paraná State; C. luzi sp. nov. from Distrito Federal; and C. rubromarginata sp. nov. from Mato Grosso and Pará states. We propose that Costanana cella DeLong & Freytag, 1972 is a junior synonym of C. praecellens (Stål, 1862) and C. asymmetrica DeLong & Freytag, 1972 is a junior synonym of Gypona viridans DeLong & Martinson, 1972. Costanana costata DeLong & Freytag, 1972 and C. flavicosta (Stål, 1862) are transferred to Gypona Germar, 1821, C. minuta (Spångberg, 1878) is transferred to Acuponana DeLong & Freytag, 1970 and Gypona nupera Van Duzee, 1907 is transferred to Costanana. Gypona costata comb. nov. and Costanana santana DeLong & Wolda, 1983 are newly recorded from Pernambuco State, and Gypona flavicosta comb. nov. is recorded from Espírito Santo and Paraná states, Brazil. The female genitalia of Costanana flavina DeLong & Freytag, 1972, C. praecellens and Gypona flavicosta comb. nov. are described and illustrated for the first time and a brief note on feeding behavior is given for C. flavina and C. praecellens. A key to males and a new diagnosis are provided for Costanana. We also describe and illustrate Metacostana cornuta gen. et sp. nov., a new Brazilian genus for Gyponini sharing characteristics with Costanana, Acuthana Domahovski & Cavichioli, 2018, Domahovana Silva et al., 2022 and Dumorpha DeLong & Freytag, 1975.
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.
Three new species of the genus Pelodera Schneider, 1866 viz., P. indica sp. nov., P. adeeli sp. nov. and P. paratretzeli sp. nov. collected from dung beetles and P. cylindrica (Cobb, 1898) collected from soil samples, are described and illustrated. Pelodera indica sp. nov. is characterised by sexual dimorphism in anterior region, cupola-shaped tail with a spike; males having punctated, striated and lobed bursa with no genital papillae originating anterior to cloaca. Pelodera adeeli sp. nov. is characterised by coarsely annulated cuticle; relatively narrow stoma; tail conoid without spike; males with punctated, lobed bursa and nine pairs of genital papillae arranged in a 2/1+2+P+3+1 configuration. Pelodera paratretzeli sp. nov. is characterised by sexual dimorphism in anterior region, stoma wide with three well-developed metastegostomal denticles; tail cupola-shaped with a long spike; males having spicules fused distally up to 12–14% of spicule length; bursa peloderan, anteriorly closed and punctated with nine pairs of genital papillae arranged in a 3/2+P+3+1 configuration. Pelodera cylindrica is described with additional details. The comparative analysis as well as phylogenetic relationship of the species belonging to the coarctata group have been elaborated by incorporating scanning electron microscopic observations. Information on the biogeographical distribution has also been provided.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
A review of the Ptocasius Simon, 1885 spiders of Gaoligong Mountains, China (Araneae: Salticidae)
(2023)
Sixteen new species of the genus Ptocasius are described from Mt. Gaoligong, Yunnan: P. angulatus sp. nov. (♀); P. circulus sp. nov. (♀); P. danzhu sp. nov. (♂♀); P. davidi sp. nov. (♀); P. filiformus sp. nov. (♂♀); P. foliolatus sp. nov. (♀); P. geminus sp. nov. (♂♀); P. jietouensis sp. nov. (♂♀); P. longapophysis sp. nov. (♂♀); P. longlingensis sp. nov. (♂♀); P. rectangulus sp. nov. (♀); P. robustus sp. nov. (♀); P. tengchongensis sp. nov. (♂♀); P. umbellulatus sp. nov. (♀); P. zabkai sp. nov. (♂♀) and P. zonatus sp. nov. (♀). Including P. montanus (Żabka, 1981) and P. pseudoflexus (Liu, Yang & Peng, 2016), a total of eighteen species of Ptocasius have been reported from Mt. Gaoligong. For each new species, a morphological description, photos of the body and copulatory organs, line drawings of copulatory organs, and locality maps are provided.