First record of the genus Medaura Stål (Phasmatodea, Phasmatidae, Clitumninae) from China, with description of a new species

Background

The stick insect tribe, Medaurini in subfamily Clitumniae, contains 11 genera and 75 known species, with species diversity of this tribe being rich in southeast Asia and China, as is reflected in the Phasmida Species File Online [PSF]. The genus Medaura includes four named species and they are distributed over Bangladesh, Indonesia and India. The discovery of this new species in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture marks the first identification of the genus Medaura in China.

New information

The genus Medaura Stål is reported for the first time from China, based on a new species M.aculeiformis Xie & Qian sp. n. and the identification characteristics of species are described and illustrated in this paper.

Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) From the Brazilian Amazonian Savannas, a Poorly Sampled and Threatened Environment

The Amazonian region is composed by many kinds of environments, including the Amazonian savannas, which comprise about 5% of the Amazon biome in Brazil. The biota of Amazonian savannas is poorly known, especially for insects. In this study, we performed a faunistic inventory of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) of four Brazilian Amazon savannas, where we recorded two subfamilies, 16 genera, and 40 species, two of which are described as new to science: Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) helenae sp. nov. and Lipoptilocnema augustoi sp. nov. Oxysarcodexia graminifoliaSouza, Pape & Thyssen, 2020 is recorded for the first time for Brazil. Dexosarcophaga paulistanaLopes (1982), Helicobia biplagiataDodge, 1966, Helicobia cearensisTibana, 1976, Oxysarcodexia simplicoides (Lopes, 1933), and Oxyvinia excisa (Lopes, 1950) are newly recorded for the Brazilian Amazon. Oxysarcodexia nitidaSoares & Mello-Patiu, 2010 is a new record for the state of Pará. The species D. paulistana is redescribed, and photographs and detailed illustrations of male terminalia are provided.

New Synonym and New Species Record of Filchneria (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from China with a Morphological, Phylogenetic and Biogeographic Study on This Genus

The type species of Filchneria Klapálek, 1908, F. mongolica (Klapálek, 1901), is based on a single female collected from Mongolia, but it was considered the same as another species, F. songi from Qinling, China, when the genus Filchneria was proposed. This study narrates the story of these two species, which have been confused for a century. Until now, the distribution of F. mongolica has been confirmed only in Mongolia and Russia, and we recently recorded it for the first time in Inner Mongolia as a new species record in China. Additionally, the genus Sinoperlodes is a junior synonym of Filchneria, as demonstrated by both the morphological and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the subfamily Perlodinae is provided, along with morphological and biogeographic comparisons of Filchneria and its relatives.

New Synonym and New Species Record of Filchneria (Plecoptera: Perlodidae) from China with a Morphological, Phylogenetic and Biogeographic Study on This Genus

The type species of Filchneria Klapálek, 1908, F. mongolica (Klapálek, 1901), is based on a single female collected from Mongolia, but it was considered the same as another species, F. songi from Qinling, China, when the genus Filchneria was proposed. This study narrates the story of these two species, which have been confused for a century. Until now, the distribution of F. mongolica has been confirmed only in Mongolia and Russia, and we recently recorded it for the first time in Inner Mongolia as a new species record in China. Additionally, the genus Sinoperlodes is a junior synonym of Filchneria, as demonstrated by both the morphological and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the subfamily Perlodinae is provided, along with morphological and biogeographic comparisons of Filchneria and its relatives.

Identification of enigmatic Mediterranean fish Gobius ater Bellotti, 1888 (Teleostei: Gobiidae) based on morphology from underwater photographs

Gobius ater Bellotti, 1888 is the Mediterranean gobiid species whose live appearance has remained unknown the longest since its description. A goby observed in southern France in 2021 is here identified as G. ater based on a diagnosis of morphological characters visible on high-quality underwater photographs. Then, the authors provide the first description of colouration in live G. ater and a species diagnosis based on colouration. This diagnosis allows the authors to validate a previous photographic record, also from France. Reviewing all claims of G. ater, they argue that only seven records are unambiguously valid, including the two photographic records presented here.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Bolivia

BACKGROUND

The subfamily Triatominae, which comprises 157 species, carries the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This short communication reports for the first time the occurrence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Bolivia.

METHODS

Active searches were carried out on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus in Beni district, Bolivia.

RESULTS

Fifteen R. montenegrensis specimens were collected from a rural area of the Beni district, Bolivia, and tested positive for T. cruzi.

CONCLUSIONS

This new report expands the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Due to their ability to transmit trypanosomatids, the species deserves the attention of vector control programs.

A new crane fly species of the genus Libnotes Westwood, 1876 (Diptera, Limoniidae) from Jilin, China

Background

Twenty-eight Libnotes Westwood, 1876 species belonging to three subgenera have been known to occur in China, of which 13 belong to the nominotypical subgenus. Amongst the 13 Chinese Libnotes (s. str.) species, eight are from the Chinese mainland and five are from Taiwan.

New information

A Libnotes (s. str.) species from Jilin, China, L. (L.) changbaishana sp. nov. is described and illustrated as new to science. The genus Libnotes is recorded from Jilin Province for the first time. The new species can be distinguished from congeners mainly by its body colour, wing and male genitalia.

Four new species and two newly recorded species of Limacodidae (Lepidoptera, Zygaenoidea) from China

Four new species, Kitanolashilinensis sp. nov., K.eleganta sp. nov., Fignyaravalba sp. nov., and Euphlyctinidespseudolaika sp. nov., are described from southwestern China. Two species are reported new to China, Euphlyctinidisindi Solovyev, 2009 and Limacocerapachycera (Hampson, 1897). The adults and genitalia of all the treated species are illustrated. A checklist for the species belonging to the treated genera is provided.

Taxonomic review of the subgenus Tatsipolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis of the genus Dasypolia Guenée with descriptions of two new species from southern Xizang, China (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

The subgenus Tatsipolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011 of the genus Dasypolia Guenée, 1852 is reviewed. Two new species, D. (T.) sejilaensissp. nov. and D. (T.) cerritulasp. nov. are described from the Linzhi (Nyingchi) Prefecture in southern Xizang, China. The adults and the male and female genitalia of all species in the subgenus are illustrated. Additionally, Dasypolia (Auropolia) carlotta Floriani, Benedek, Behounek & Saldaitis, 2011 is reported from Xizang for the first time.

First record of Lepidiella Enderlein, 1937 from the Oriental Region (Diptera, Psychodidae)

We provide the first record of the genus Lepidiella Enderlein, 1937 from the Oriental Region with the description of Lepidiellalimicornis sp. nov., based on two male specimens collected in Thailand. Additionally, we provide a list of the world species of Lepidiella and discuss the diagnosis and taxonomic placement of the genus.

Updated taxonomic keys for European Hippoboscidae (Diptera), and expansion in Central Europe of the bird louse fly Ornithomyacomosa (Austen, 1930) with the first record from Slovakia

The available keys for European Hippoboscidae are outdated and do not cover all species currently known from Europe. Therefore, identification keys to the eleven genera and 31 species of the European hippoboscids are provided here. Ornithomyacomosa (Austen, 1930) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) is recorded for the first time from the territory of Slovakia based on one female found on a sand martin, Ripariariparia (Linnaeus, 1758). The list of keds and louse flies recorded from the territory of Slovakia is increased to 20 species. New host records for Slovakia are presented.

A review of Leuctridae (Insecta, Plecoptera) in Wuyi Mountains, China

Background

Wuyi Mountains are located in the northern Oriental Region and the edge of the southern Palaearctic Region. They have a unique geographical location, complex landform and superior climatic conditions, providing a good ecological environment for Leuctridae species. However, due to the damage of some holotypes in the 20^th century, limited drawings and lack of colour figures, it is necessary to reorganise and supplement the preserved Leuctridae specimens from Wuyi Mountains.

New information

In this study, we found that there are twelve species of Leuctridae recorded in Wuyi Mountains, accounting for about 20% of the recorded species of Leuctridae in China. These records include two genera and five new distribution records species: one species of the genus Paraleuctra Hanson, 1941: Paraleuctraorientalis (Chu 1928) and eleven species of the genus Rhopalopsole Klapálek, 1912, including five new distribution records to Wuyi Mountains: Rhopalopsolefengyangshanensis Yang, Shi & Li, 2009; Rhopalopsolesinensis Yang & Yang, 1993; Rhopalopsoleyangdingi Sivec & Harper, 2008; Rhopalopsoleflata Yang & Yang, 1995; Rhopalopsolebasinigra Yang & Yang, 1995. Now a total of twelve species of Leuctridae have been recorded from Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province of south-eastern China. In this paper, we also provide a key to the male, new images and some notes of these twelve species, except Rhopalopsolerecurvispina (Wu, 1949) and Rhopalopsolespiniplatta (Wu, 1949). We failed to collect these two species and we regard R.recurvispina as a nomen dubium, because there are no distinctive features that can be used to distinguish this species.

New Distribution Records of Biting Midges of the Genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Latreille, Culicoides bergi and Culicoides baueri, in Southern Ontario, Canada

Some species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) can be pests as well as pathogen vectors, but data on their distribution in Ontario, Canada, are sparse. Collecting this baseline data is important given ongoing, accelerated alterations in global climate patterns that may favor the establishment of some species in northern latitudes. Culicoides spp. were surveyed using UV light traps over two seasons in 2017 and 2018 at livestock farms in southern Ontario, Canada. Two Culicoides spp. not previously recorded in Canada were identified, C. bergi and C. baueri, representing new country and provincial records. Unlike some congenerics, these two species are not currently recognized as vectors of pathogens that pose a health risk to humans, livestock or wildlife in North America. However, the possibility that these Culicoides species may have recently expanded their geographic range, potentially in association with climate and/or landscape changes, warrants ongoing attention and research. Furthermore, our results provoke the question of the potential undocumented diversity of Culicoides spp. in Ontario and other parts of Canada, and whether other Culicoides spp. may be undergoing range expansion. The current and future distributions of Culicoides spp., and other potential vectors of human, agricultural, and wildlife health significance, are important to identify for proper disease risk assessment, mitigation, and management.

A survey of ctenid spiders (Araneae, Ctenidae) from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China

Background

Amauropelma Raven, Stumkat & Gray, 2001 currently contains 24 species. It is distributed in Australia, India, Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia. This genus has not been found in China. Ctenus Walckenaer, 1805 comprises 213 known species. This genus is distributed worldwide. Currently, only two species, Ctenuslishuqiang Jäger, 2012 and Ctenusyaeyamensis Yoshida, 1998 are known to occur in China.

New information

Three new species of ctenid spiders are described from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan Province, China: Amauropelmayunnan sp. nov., Ctenusbanna sp. nov. and Ctenusyulin sp. nov. Amauropelma and Ctenusrobustus Thorell, 1897 are reported from China for the first time.

Revision of the javanicus species group of the millipede genus Glyphiulus Gervais, 1847, with descriptions of five new species from China (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Cambalopsidae)

The javanicus-group of Glyphiulus is re-assessed and its Chinese component species are presently divided between the following two newly-circumscribed species groups, i.e. the formosus- and the sinensis-group. The two can be differentiated, based on the diagnostic characters of the first pair of legs in the male. In addition, metatergal crests being complete and the carinotaxy formula on the collum being I-III+P+M are only characteristic of the formosus-group. A molecular phylogeny of the genus, based on DNA sequencing of four gene fragments of four genes, allows for Glyphiulus to be recovered as a monophyletic group, the phylogenetic relationship being ((Clade A, Clade B), Clade C). Molecular evidence is fully congruent with the morphological one. In addition, based on barcoding data, interspecific p-distances between Glyphiulus species amount to 11.2-24.9%, vs. 0-8.2% for intraspecific p-distances. Five new species of Glyphiulus, all cavernicolous, are described from China: G.sinuatoprocessus Zhao & Liu, sp. nov., G.conuliformis Zhao & Liu, sp. nov. (both from Guangdong Province), G.xiniudong Zhao & Liu, sp. nov., G.scutatus Zhao & Liu, sp. nov. and G.portaliformis Zhao & Liu, sp. nov. (all three from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region). The known Chinese species of the formosus-group appear to mainly be confined to the South China region.

Six new species of Aspidophorodon Verma, 1967 (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae) from China

The genus Aspidophorodon Verma is presented including six new species from China namely Aspidophorodoncapitatum Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. Aspidophorodonlongicornutum Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. Aspidophorodonreticulatum Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. Aspidophorodonfurcatum Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. Aspidophorodonlongirostre Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. and Aspidophorodonobtusirostre Qiao & Xu, sp. nov. Aspidophorodoncornuatum Qiao 2015, is considered as a junior synonym of Aspidophorodonlongituberculatum (Zhang Zhong & Zhang 1992), syn. nov. Two species Aspidophorodonharvense Verma and Aspidophorodonindicum (David Rajasingh & Narayanan) are recorded for the first time in China. The genus is mainly distributed in East Asia and is represented by 15 species in the world of which 12 are found in China. Keys to the species of Aspidophorodon are given.

First record of the symbiotic palaemonid shrimp Pontonidessibogae Bruce, 2005 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from Korea

Background

A single specimen of Pontonidessibogae was collected from a dendrophylliid coral by trimix SCUBA diving at a depth of 75 m during fieldwork around Jejudo Island, Korea in 2020. The morphology of the specimen corresponds closely to the main diagnostic characters of the holotype, especially in the presence of a distinct tubercle on the eyestalk, as well as the second pereiopod with fusiform setae along the dorsal border of the ischium.

New information

The genus Pontonides had previously not been reported from Korean waters. Herein, colour photographs are provided, as well as an illustrated description including previously unreported characteristics.

Taxonomic and faunistic notes on the genus Trichotichnus from Korea (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Harpalinae, Harpalini)

Background

Trichotichnus Morawitz, 1863 is a genus of the subtribe Harpalina, comprising more than 260 species worldwide. In Korea, nine species of the nominotypical subgenus are listed in the Korean catalogue (National Institute of Biological Resources 2019), while seven species of the nominotypical subgenus are listed to occur in Korea according to the Palaearctic catalogue (Kataev and Wrase 2017). Therefore, the checklist of the Korean species of the genus Trichotichnus needs to be revised.

New information

In the course of taxonomic studies on Trichotichnus species from Korea, two unrecorded species are identified: Trichotichnus (Bottchrus) nanus and Trichotichnus (Trichotichnus) vespertinus. In addition, the distribution of a poorly known species, T. (T.) miser, is firstly recognized in the southern part of Korea. Along with the description of the newly-recorded species, a checklist of the Korean species of the genus Trichotichnus is revised. As for the checklist, the distribution of T. (Iridessus) lucidus and T. (T.) leptopus in Korea is re-discussed, and T. (T.) leptopus is excluded from the Korean fauna. Lastly, additional distribution records for the following species are provided: T. (I.) lucidus, T. (T.) longitarsis, T. (T.) nishioi, and T. (T.) noctuabundus.

The genus Pareuryaptus (Carabidae, Pterostichini) in China, with three new country records

Background

Pareuryaptus is a genus of Carabidae containing 18 species and one subspecies, distributed mainly in the Oriental Region. However, only one species and one subspecies were recorded from China before the present study.

New information

Four species and one subspecies of Pareuryaptus are reported from China with three of them newly recorded: Pareuryaptusadoxus (Tschitschérine) from Yunnan; Pareuryaptusexiguus Dubault, Lassalle & Roux from Guangxi; and Pareuryaptusluangphabangensis Kirschenhofer from Yunnan. Moreover, the male of Pareuryaptusexiguus Dubault, Lassalle & Roux is firstly described and a key to all known Chinese species is provided.

A New Record of Ornithoica aequisenta and an Updated Checklist of Hippoboscidae, Nycteribiidae, and Streblidae in China

Ornithoica aequisenta Maa 1966 (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) is recorded for the first time from a rodent from China. An updated checklist of louse flies including 21 genera and 52 species of Hippoboscoidea (Hippoboscidae, Nycteribiidae, and Streblidae) is presented for mainland China and Taiwan, including collection records and host species.

First record of the family Issidae (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoroidea) from the Hawaiian Islands

Background

Euroxenusvayssieresi (Bonfils, Attie & Reynaud, 2001) (Issinae, Sarimini) was described (in the genus Borbonissus Bonfils, Attie & Reynaud, 2001) from Réunion Island, in the Indian Ocean and, previous to this report, has not been recorded elsewhere. Euroxenusvayssieresi is here illustrated and re-described to improved taxonomic diagnosis.

New information

Euroxenusvayssieresi is recorded for the first time from the Island of Hawaii in the Hawaiian Archipelago. This is first record of the family Issidae from the Hawaiian Archipelago.

 Neothelaxespileata, a new species from China (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aphididae, Thelaxinae)

Neothelaxespileata Qiao sp. nov., found on Pileamartinii (Urticaceae) in China, is described and illustrated. Neothelaxes Chakrabarti & Quednau is also a new generic record for China.

Diversity and Distribution of Forest Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Nepal: Implications for Sustainable Forest Management

Simple Summary

There is little information available about the species diversity and distribution patterns of Nepalese ants, as well as their importance in maintaining forest health. A survey of forest ants was conducted in Nepal to learn about their diversity, distribution, and role in forest management. Ants were collected using vegetation beating, sweeping, and hand collection methods in eastern, central, and western Nepal. Seventy ant species from thirty-six genera and six subfamilies were recorded in the study. The research also discovered five genera and nine species new for the country, as well as eight tramp species, four of which are major ecological, agricultural, and/or household pests. The study discovered that western Nepal and the Siwalik region have a relatively high ant diversity. Ant diversity was found to decrease with increasing elevation. The assessment of ant diversity using multiple sampling methods that cover all seasons and forest types may be useful in obtaining complete ant diversity data. Early intervention through sustainable forest management initiatives would aid in preventing invasive ant incursions in the forests of Nepal.

Abstract

The information available on the diversity of ant species and their distribution and interaction with forest health in Nepal remains limited. As part of a nationwide project on forest health, we conducted inventories to assess the diversity and distribution of forest ants and their role in forest management in Nepal. Ants were collected from 187 plots of 10 m × 10 m size along the north–south belt transects in eastern, central, and western Nepal. We used vegetation beating, sweeping, and hand collection methods in selected forest types. In each transect, we designed six plots in each major forest type (Sal, Schima–Castanopsis, and broadleaf mixed forests) and three plots each in deodar, Alnus, riverine, and Cryptomeria forests. We recorded 70 ant species from 36 genera and six subfamilies. This includes five genera and nine species new for the country, as well as eight tramp species, four of which are major ecological, agricultural, and/or household pests. Our study indicates that forest ant species richness is high in western Nepal and the Siwaliks, and it decreases as elevation increases. The high diversity of ant species in the forests of Nepal needs to be assessed with further exploration using multiple sampling methods covering all seasons and forest types. Ants can be useful indicators for ecosystem management and human impacts on forests. Reports of invasive ants in Nepalese forests indicate the relevance of urgent interventions through sustainable forest management initiatives to prevent future incursions.

Nine new species of the spider family Araneidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China

Nine new species of the orb-weaver spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 from Menglun Town, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China are described: Acusilastongisp. nov. (♂♀), Chorizopesyuisp. nov. (♂♀), Chorizopesoidesguoisp. nov. (♂♀), Deionechenisp. nov. (♀), D.yangisp. nov. (♂♀), Hypsosingapullasp. nov. (♂♀), Mangorabaiisp. nov. (♂♀), M.cephalasp. nov. (♂♀) and Miloniagemellasp. nov. (♂♀). The genus Milonia Thorell, 1890 is recorded from China for the first time. The previous description of Chorizopesoideswulingensis (Yin, Wang & Xie, 1994) from Libo County, Guizhou by Mi and Wang (2018) refers to Chorizopesoidesannasestakovaesp. nov. (♂♀). Diagnostic photos of the habitus and copulatory organs of the new species are provided.

The Genus Haploglenius Burmeister 1839 (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae: Haplogleniinae) in French Guiana, with Description of a New Species

The species of Haploglenius of French Guiana are reviewed, and an identification key to the species occurring in the arrondissement is presented. A new species of the genus, Haploglenius legnotos, tentatively inferred to be endemic, is described, figured, and compared with congeners. It is diagnosed by its relatively short antennae among species in the genus, the presence of a well-developed pronotal valve in males, the HW cubital field with two rows of cells, the pterostigmata pale, and the wing pattern distinctive, the last character being unique in the genus. Diagnostic characteristics placing the new species within Haploglenius are discussed. The species H. abdominevittatus Ardila Camacho and Jones is newly recorded from the region. A distribution map of Haploglenius in French Guiana is provided, as is a DarwinCore-compliant database of material examined.