A non-native fish species reaches the south-western European waters: the Atlantic croaker, Micropogoniasundulatus (Acanthuriformes, Sciaenidae) and its invasion history in Europe

The Atlantic croaker Micropogoniasundulatus, a sciaenid fish native to the North Atlantic American coast, holds importance in recreational and commercial fisheries. Moreover, its potential as an invasive species should be noted, given its expansion and establishment in Atlantic European waters. This study reports its southernmost occurrence in Europe, in the Gulf of Cadiz. Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed its identity, revealing genetic similarities to US sequences. A comprehensive review of historical non-native distribution records underscored the species' expansion throughout European waters, suggesting human-mediated introduction. The escalating frequency of such arrivals emphasises the critical need for effective monitoring and management efforts in order to control non-native species in this region.

The Phlebotomine sand fly fauna of Switzerland revisited

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae; Newstead, 1911) are widespread in Europe, being particularly common in the Mediterranean region but rare north of the Alps. Thus, Switzerland is an opportune place to investigate the sand fly fauna on both sides of the Alpine crest, in southern sub-Mediterranean climate and northern oceanic temperate climate. We reinvestigated the Swiss sand fly fauna with the aim to assess changes in composition, altitudinal distribution, abundance and seasonality. Thirty-eight sites were investigated with light traps and/or interception sticky traps in 4 years. Ninety and 380 specimens were caught by light traps and sticky traps, respectively, at 15 collecting sites. Four species were identified. Phlebotomus mascittii (Grassi, 1908), Phlebotomus perniciosus (Newstead, 1911) and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843) were confirmed in Ticino, and P. mascittii for the first time in neighbouring Grisons. Also, Phlebotomus neglectus (Tonnoir, 1921) is for the first time reported, though at a very low density compared to P. perniciosus at the same site. Its presence in Ticino supports the northward spread observed in Italy. Sand flies were detected north of the Alps at one site only, endorsing a historical report. Overall, the low density of P. perniciosus and very low density of P. neglectus suggest that canine leishmaniosis may not be an important disease risk in Switzerland.

First Record of Aedes Japonicus in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana

Information of species presence and abundance is useful for taking a targeted approach to controlling populations of medically important and nuisance mosquito species. In April 2023, staff at St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District (STPMAD), in Slidell, Louisiana, identified Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901) mosquitoes from a larval sample brought in from the field for identification. Although invasive Aedes species like Aedes albopictus are commonly found in Louisiana, this is the first record of Ae. japonicus in St. Tammany Parish.

FIRST RECORD OF AEDES JAPONICUS IN ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

Information of species presence and abundance is useful for taking a targeted approach to controlling populations of medically important and nuisance mosquito species. In April 2023, staff at St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District (STPMAD), in Slidell, Louisiana, identified Aedes japonicus (Theobald, 1901) mosquitoes from a larval sample brought in from the field for identification. Although invasive Aedes species like Aedes albopictus are commonly found in Louisiana, this is the first record of Ae. japonicus in St. Tammany Parish.

Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Geodiaprialongiceps Kieffer, 1911 (Hymenoptera, Diapriidae) and synonymy of the genus Geodiapria Kieffer, 1910

This paper reviews the status of Geodiapria and its nominotypical and only included species G.longiceps. Geodiapria was previously understood to be very similar to, and doubtfully separated from the genus Basalys. We use integrative taxonomy (morphology, DNA-barcoding, phylogenetic tree building) to show that the valid name for what was G.longiceps Kieffer, 1911 is now Basalysrufocinctus (Kiefer, 1911) and that Geodiapria is consequently a junior synonym of Basalyssyn. nov. The following taxa are new synonyms of B.rufocinctus: Loxotropalongiceps Wasmann, 1909, syn. nov., G.longiceps Kieffer, 1911, syn. nov., L.rufosignata Kieffer, 1911, syn. nov. Basalysrufocinctus is newly reported from Corsica, Germany, Norway and Spain.

First Discovery of the North American Leaf-Mining Moth Chrysaster ostensackenella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Russia: The Genetic Diversity of a Novel Pest in Invaded vs. Native Range

Here, we report the first detection of the North American leaf-mining moth Chrysaster ostensackenella (Fitch, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on North American black locust Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae) in Primorsky Krai (the Russian Far East) in July 2022. Overall, six moths were reared from the leaf mines and identified based on adult morphology (forewing pattern and male genitalia) and three of them were DNA barcoding. Description of the leaf mines that allowed us to distinguish the damage of Ch. ostensackenella from other gracillariids associated with R. pseudoacacia is provided. The phylogeographic analysis comparing the DNA barcodes from Russia with those from other invaded countries in Europe (Italy) and East Asia (South Korea and Japan) and from the native range (North America) was performed. Intraspecific genetic diversity reached 3.29%. Altogether, 10 haplotypes were revealed among 21 studied specimens in the Holarctic. The detection of one haplotype common for Japan and the USA (North Carolina) suggests that the invasion to East Asia could have happened from the USA directly, rather than through Europe. A shared haplotype defined for Japan and the Russian Far East points at a possible moth species' spread to Primorsky Krai from earlier invaded Hokkaido. Further distribution of Ch. ostensackenella in East Asia and Europe is expected, bearing in mind the wide planting of R. pseudoacacia in these continents. Furthermore, an accidental introduction of the moth to the Southern Hemisphere, where black locust was introduced, is not ruled out.

New State Record for Culex rejector and Cx. restrictor in Yucatan, Mexico

Several known mosquito species occur in the Mexican state of Yucatan, including competent and suspected vectors responsible for transmitting zoonotic arboviruses. Between February and July 2022, mosquito collections were carried out in several forested areas in Yucatan. As part of the ongoing monitoring, we present the first reports of Culex (Microculex) rejector and Cx. (Anoedioporpa) restrictor. Another 14 species were identified during the monitoring: Aedes albopictus, Ae. bimaculatus, Ae. tormentor, Ae. cozumelensis, Anopheles albimanus, Cx. coronator s.l., Cx. erraticus, Cx. lactator, Cx. salinarius, Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Limatus durhamii, Psorophora ciliata, Toxorhynchites theobaldi, and Wyeomyia mitchellii. Currently, the mosquito fauna in Yucatan consists of 65 species. The subgenera Microculex and Anoedioporpa had not been documented in Yucatan State prior to the current investigation.

An integrative approach method reveals the presence of a previously unreported species of Imparfinis Eigenmann and Norris 1900 (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) in Argentina

Specimens of Imparfinis were recently collected in north-western Argentina from the Bermejo River basin (Salta and Jujuy Provinces), del Valle River (Salta Province) and Horcones River (Santiago del Estero Province). An integrative approach to taxonomy, combining a detailed morphological study and molecular phylogenetic analyses, was applied to determine the species identity of these specimens. A principal components analysis of morphological data clustered the specimens from north-western Argentina and from the Amazon basin, indicating a close morphological resemblance. Also, a molecular phylogenetic analysis showed populations of I. guttatus from Argentina and Peru forming a clade. According to the conducted haplotype network analysis these populations are distinct in two mutations. Thus, in the absence of morphological or molecular data indicating the contrary, the combined method supports the identity of the specimens from the tributaries of the Paraguay River in Argentina as I. guttatus, whose type locality is in the upper Beni River basin in Bolivia. This contribution is also the first record for this species from Argentina. The disjunct distribution of I. guttatus provides new evidence reinforcing the hypothesis for the origin of the Paraguayan ichthyofauna. We also provide an approach to the phylogenetic relationships of Imparfinis in Heptapteridae.

Clistobothrium sp. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) in oarfish (Regalecus russelii) stranded on the coast of Akita Prefecture, Japan

Oarfish (Regalecus russelii Cuvier) are mesopelagic fish with little known about their life history. Oarfish live in deep water, making it difficult for researchers to collect specimens; thus, records of their parasitic helminths are limited. Two plerocercoids were found for the first time in an oarfish stranded on the coast of Akita Prefecture, Japan. These plerocercoids were identified as Clistobothrium sp. RR-1 using morphological and molecular analyses. It was revealed that oarfish represent one of the intermediate hosts of the genus Clistobothrium, and large sharks are the definitive hosts for these parasites.

First Record of Aedes podographicus in Nuevo León State, Mexico

In Mexico, Aedes podographicus is one of the most common species within the subgenus Protomacleaya of Aedes. This species has been collected in 12 states close to the coastal regions; however, few records confirm the presence of Ae. podographicus inland. During a mosquito-survey using ovitraps in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico, Ae. podographicus was collected in association with Ae. albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus. This is the first record of the presence of Ae. podographicus in Nuevo León. With the addition of Ae. podographicus to the mosquito fauna of Nuevo León, there are currently 66 species in the state, 19 within the genus Aedes and 6 within the subgenus Protomacleaya, the genus Aedes being the group with the major number of species in Nuevo León. Specimens collected during this study were deposited in the collection of insects and mites of medical importance of the Laboratory of Medical Entomology of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Mexico.

New Species of Soldier Fly-Sargus bipunctatus (Scopoli, 1763) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), Recorded from a Human Corpse in Europe-A Case Report

Simple Summary

In the current study, we present the first record of twin-spot centurion fly larvae, Sargus bipunctatus (Scopoli, 1763), feeding on a human corpse. The morphology of collected imagines and larvae of S. bipunctatus was documented, and a standard COI barcode sequence was obtained. Morphology- and DNA-based methods were used to distinguish the larvae of S. bipunctatus and its relative, Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758). The potential of S. bipunctatus for practical applications in forensic entomology is currently difficult to assess.

Abstract

The only European Stratiomyidae species known for feeding on human corpses was the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758). Analysis of fauna found on a human corpse, discovered in central Poland, revealed the presence of feeding larvae of another species from this family: the twin-spot centurion fly Sargus bipunctatus (Scopoli, 1763). The investigated corpse was in a stage of advanced decomposition. The larvae were mainly observed in the adipocere formed on the back and lower limbs of the corpse, and in the mixture of litter and lumps of adipocere located under the corpse. Adult specimens and larvae were identified based on morphological characters, and final identification was confirmed using DNA barcoding. Implementing a combination of morphological and molecular methods provided a reliable way for distinguishing the larvae of S. bipunctatus and H. illucens. The potential of S. bipunctatus for practical applications in forensic entomology is currently difficult to assess. Wide and reliable use of S. bipunctatus in the practice of forensic entomology requires further studies of the bionomy of this fly.

A new species of Princaxelia from Shinkai Seep Field, Mariana Trench (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Pardaliscidae)

A new pardaliscid amphipod, Princaxeliamarianaensissp. nov., is described from a single female captured at the Shinkai Seep Field, Mariana Trench, from a depth of 5,689–5,683 m. A key to species of Princaxelia is provided. This is the first species of Princaxelia to be described from the Mariana Trench, and the second report of this genus from this region.

First record of the opal chimaera, Chimaera opalescens (Holocephali: Chimaeridae) and revision of the occurrence of the rabbitfish Chimaera monstrosa in the Azores waters

The presence of the opal chimaera, Chimaera opalescens, is reported for the first time in the deep waters of the Azores, with the capture of four specimens by fishermen and the video recording of an additional five individuals. Species identification was supported by the 646 bp sequenced fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I. Because C. opalescens is a recently recognised species that had been recurrently misidentified as rabbitfish, Chimaera monstrosa, the historical data of C. monstrosa in the Azores were reviewed to assess the possible presence of both Chimaera species in the region. Although several authors have reported the occurrence of C. monstrosa in the Azorean waters since the 1800s, the majority of these are based on only three specimens caught during the late 1800s. The investigation performed using literature and examination of the museum specimens still available concluded that the most likely scenario is that C. monstrosa is absent from the Azores and past records of that species in the region are most likely misidentifications of C. opalescens.

Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) collected from some small mammals (Mammalia: Rodentia, Eulipotyphla) in Turkey, with new records and new host associations

Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) are among the most common ectoparasites of small mammals. We investigated fleas infesting on the small mammals (Mammalia: Rodentia, Eulipotyphla) from 15 different localities in Turkey. A total of 276 flea (133 males and 143 females) specimens belonging to 32 different flea taxa were collected from 90 (42 males, 16 females and 32 undetermined) small mammals belonging to 20 different species. With many new flea-host associations, the first occurrences of Ctenophthalmus agyrtes peusianus Rosicky, Ctenophthalmus golovi golovi Ioff & Tiflov, Ctenophthalmus secundus vicarius Jordan & Rothschild, Doratopsylla dasycnema cuspis Rothschild, Leptopsylla algira popovi (Wagner & Argyropulo) and Rhadinopsylla pentacantha (Rothschild) fleas were reported in Turkey. In addition, three flea species, Ctenophthalmus coniunctus Peus, Ctenophthalmus contiger Peus, and Palaeopsylla incisa Peus, are reported for only the second time since their original descriptions.

Apparently contradictory routes in the expansion of two fish species in the Eastern Atlantic

One specimen of the boreal Clupea harengus (Clupeidae) was caught southerly, in the Gulf of Cádiz (southern Spain), whereas a specimen of the subtropical Epinephelus aeneus (Serranidae) was caught northerly, in Galician waters (north-west of Spain). These catches represent a new southernmost record in the eastern Atlantic for C. harengus and the second northernmost for E. aeneus. The co-occurrence of warm and cold affinity fishes in temperate latitudes is unusual, but the existence of anomalies in the temperature of the Atlantic waters could be behind these findings.

Checklist of hover flies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of the Republic of Georgia

A checklist of the Syrphidae species of the Republic of Georgia is presented. New hover fly (Diptera: Syrphidae) records from Georgia are provided as a result of field work conducted in 2018. At the same time, published syrphid records for the country are here reviewed and updated. A total of 357 species of hoverflies are now documented from Georgia, 40 of which are reported for the first time. Moreover, DNA barcodes were sequenced for 238 specimens, representing 74 species from this country.

First Report of Aedes albopictus in Guerrero State, Mexico

In 1988, Aedes albopictus was first described in Mexico. Since then, it has been recorded in most of the coastal states that have a shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, 3 states in Central Mexico and 2 states on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. This is the first report documenting the presence of this invasive species in Guerrero, a state with coastlines on the Pacific Ocean. This evidence suggests that the distribution of Ae. albopictus is expanding throughout Mexico. It remains unknown the extent to which Ae. albopictus contributes to vector-borne disease transmission in this country; however, the risk should not be neglected.

First record of a by-the-wind-sailor (Velella velella Linnaeus, 1758) in the Galápagos Archipelago - Ecuador

We present the first official record of the by-the-wind-sailor (Velellavelella) for Ecuador. Twelve individuals were found along different beaches of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz Islands in Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador. These sightings may be influenced by El Niño Southern Oscillation events.

First Record of Aedes gabriel in Hidalgo State, Mexico

Aedesgabriel is one of the rare species endemic in Mexico. This species was originally described from specimens collected in the state of Morelos in 1970; however, very few occurrence records have been published since. During an ovitrap survey of mosquitoes in 2018, eggs of Ae. gabriel were collected for the 1st time in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Aedes gabriel appears to have become common and the species is frequently found in ovitraps, and often confused with other common species of Aedes, such as Ae. epactius, Ae. podographicus, Ae. aegypti, and Ae. albopictus. Females of Ae. gabriel are highly anthropophagous and persistent biters in wild habits during the rainy season. Although the medical importance of Ae. gabriel is unknown, its biting habitats and increasing abundance indicate that the potential importance of this species should not be neglected by the public health officials of Mexico.

First record and spreading of the invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in Croatia

Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) has recently established across North America and Central Europe. A 3-year survey was conducted in northwestern Croatian regions from 2013 to 2015 using mosquito ovitraps at possible points of entry and house yards, occasionally complemented by larval collections from cemetery vases. In the first year, the survey investigated the county bordering Slovenia, where the first detection of Ae. j. japonicus had taken place on 28 August 2013. During the next 2 years, Ae. j. japonicus was detected in this area from early May until late October. In 2015, several counties further to the east were included in the survey, leading to the detection of Ae. j. japonicus approximately 100 km eastward from the initially surveyed region. Given a moderate continental climate and homogeneous climatic conditions in this part of Europe, the eastward spread of Ae. j. japonicus can be expected to continue.

First Record of an Invasive Fruit Fly Belonging to Bactrocera dorsalis Complex (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Europe

Emerging pests are increasingly threatening fruit orchard health across the Mediterranean area. Tephritidae, representing serious threats for Europe, are numerous, and the fruit flies Bactrocera zonata and those belonging to Bactrocera dorsalis complex are among the most alarming species. These species are highly polyphagous and B. zonata has already spread to some Mediterranean countries. Due to these ongoing threats, in the Campania Region (southern Italy), a survey with traps and infested fruits analysis was performed with the aim of detecting the presence of species of Bactrocera dorsalis complex. In two mixed fruit-trees fields, some adults belonging to a species of Bactrocera were captured in traps baited with the highly attractive male lure (methyl eugenol). They were distinguished from similar-looking Bactrocera spp. by morphological and molecular comparative analyses. Considering the existing morphological keys, specimens were tentatively identified as B. dorsalis but molecular characterization with COI split them into two clades. Some specimens were grouped with B. dorsalis similar to B. kandiensis and B. kandiensis and others in a clade including B. dorsalis and B. invadens (syn. B. dorsalis). ITS1 sequences instead confirmed morphological identification. The integrative approach allowed identifying all the specimens collected as belonging to the B. dorsalis complex. This finding represents the first field interception in Europe of a member of one of the most dangerous groups of fruit flies.

First Record of Aedes albifasciatus in Magallanes Region, Chile

Aedes albifasciatus is known for transmitting western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), a virus that can affect humans and animals. In this work, we record for the first time Ae. albifasciatus from the Magallanes Region in Chile, as the only culicid species known from this southernmost region. Although WEE poses a serious problem to cattle production in neighboring Argentina, no WEE has been recorded in Chile. The need for surveillance programs of WEE in Magallanes is also discussed here.

First Record of Invasive Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Tabasco and Yucatan, Mexico

The invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently distributed in most of the southern Mexican region. Since the species was first recorded in the state of Tamaulipas, in northeastern Mexico in 1988, it has expanded its distribution throughout the Sierra Madre Oriental and Gulf of Mexico to the Neotropical region of the country. Currently the species occurs in the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, Chiapas, Morelos, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, San Luis Potosi, and Hidalgo. This is the first report of the mosquito in the states of Tabasco and Yucatan and the confirmation of its presence in Quintana Roo state. Aedes albopictus has been incriminated as a secondary vector of diseases such as those caused by dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, which have caused epidemic outbreaks in most tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico; therefore, surveillance for the detection of Ae. albopictus is paramount so that targeted control strategies can be implemented for its control throughout Mexico.

First Record of Culex Coronator in Virginia, with Notes on Its Rapid Dispersal, Trapping Methods, and Biology

Culex coronator is a Neotropical mosquito species that was first described in Trinidad in the early 20th century. Since then, the species has been discovered from Patagonia to the southern USA. A single adult female Cx. coronator was collected on November 1, 2016, in Suffolk, VA, in a BG-Sentinel 2® trap during routine mosquito surveillance. This represents the 1st record of this species in the state of Virginia and the northernmost record in the USA. Based on male specimens examined from Texas and Mississippi, Cx. coronator sensu stricto seems to be the only species from the complex expanding into the southeastern USA. A comprehensive review of the available literature from the southern and southeastern USA is provided describing trapping methods, ecological, and biological information.

Morphological and genetic analyses of the first record of longrakered trevally, Ulua mentalis (Perciformes: Carangidae) and of the pinjalo snapper, Pinjalo pinjalo (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in the Odisha coast, Bay of Bengal

Identification of fish species have so far been carried out mostly by classical morpho-taxonomy. In the present study, however, an attempt has been taken to identify two species of fishes Ulua mentalis and Pinjalo pinjalo of order Perciformes which happens to be the first record in Odisha coast Bay of Bengal, India during the year 2015, using DNA barcoding technique for reconfirmation over conventional morpho-taxonomy. During recent past, study of molecular-taxonomical profile of mitochondrial DNA in general and Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in particular has gained enormous importance for accurate identification of species. In the present study, the partial COI sequence of Ulua mentalis and Pinjalo pinjalo were generated. Analysis using the COI gene produced phylogenetic trees in concurrence with other multi gene studies and we came across the identical phylogenetic relationship considering Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood tree. Moreover, these molecular data set further testified in Bayesian framework to reevaluate the exact taxonomic groupings within the family. Surprisingly, Ulua mentalis and Pinjalo pinjalo seems to be closely related to their sister taxa.

First Record of the Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Hidalgo State, Mexico

The occurrence of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus , has been reported in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila (northeastern), Veracruz, Chiapas, Quintana Roo (southeastern), Morelos, San Luis Potosí (middle), and Sinaloa (northwestern). In April and September 2012, Ae. albopictus was collected in a variety of habitats and landing/biting on the collecting personnel in 12 counties of Hidalgo state (middle). This is the first record of the occurrence of this species in Hidalgo state.

The first record of the millipede genus Streptogonopus Attems, 1914 from Vietnam, with description of a new species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)

This paper describes a new species of the millipede genus Streptogonopus Attems, 1914, Streptogonopusmontanussp. n. from Vietnam, the first record of Streptogonopus in Vietnam. The new species is characterised by the solenophore completely sheathing the solenomere, both coiled twice, and the solenophore with a small spine at its middle. The species was found at ca. 1,800–2,100 m on Ngoc Linh Mountain. This first record for the genus in the Indochina peninsula has expanded its distributional range to the easternmost part of Southeast Asian mainland. An identification key to Streptogonopus species is also provided.

Establishment of Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southern Ontario, Canada

Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus (Dyar and Knab) is now established in southern Ontario, Canada. This species was first discovered in 2002 during a province-wide adult mosquito surveillance program for West Nile virus. Using CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps, a few Cx. erraticus were collected from 2002 to 2011, but the total number increased during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The number of Ontario Public Health Units with records for Cx. erraticus has also increased since 2002, demonstrating that the geographic distribution of this species is expanding northward. Cx. erraticus is a potential arboviral bridge vector for a number of pathogens and its establishment in Ontario should be considered a potential public health concern.

Tettigettalnajosei (Boulard, 1982) (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea): first record in Spain, with notes on the distribution, genetic variation and behaviour of the species

The small cicada Tettigettalnajosei (Boulard, 1982) was until recently only known from southern Portugal and was considered endemic to this country. Fieldwork in 2013 led to the first record of the species in Spain, expanding its known eastern range to Andalusia. The northern limits remain poorly defined but it appears that the distribution of Tettigettalnajosei is restricted to the south Atlantic coastline in the Iberian Peninsula, with the highest densities found in Algarve. Some notes on behaviour and genetic variation of Tettigettalnajosei are also given.

A new species of genus Tetrasticta Kraatz (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) from Xishuangbanna, Southwest China

Tetrasticta bobbii Zheng & Zhao, sp. n., collected in Nangongshan, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, is described and illustrated.

First record of Tettigettalnamariae Quartau & Boulard, 1995 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadoidea) in Spain

Tettigettalnamariae Quartau & Boulard 1995 is recorded for the first time in Spain. Thought to be endemic to Portugal (occurring in the southern province of Algarve), the present paper adds its distribution to southern Spain, being an Iberian endemism. The acoustic signals of the new specimens collected were recorded in different localities of Huelva province, in Andalusia during August 2012. According to their present known distribution, specimens of Tettigettalnamariae tend to be sparsely distributed in small range populations in southern Iberian Peninsula, favouring wooded areas with Pinuspinea.

New record of the biting midge Leptoconops noei in northern Spain: notes on its seasonal abundance and flying height preference

During the summers of 2004-2006, harmful outbreaks of Leptoconops noei Clastrier and Coluzzi (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) occurred in a small region in the southern part of Alava (Basque Country, Spain). Two types of traps were placed for monitoring L. noei: CDC traps baited with dry ice in eight different locations and sticky traps at three different heights (two, four, and six meters). A total of 1,823 adults were captured with dry ice traps and 163 specimens with sticky papers. Dry-baited collections occurred between June and August in two of the eight samplings places. Significant differences were observed concerning the vertical distribution of L. noei. The most specimens were captured at a height of two meters. A specific area near the riverside composed of sandy matter was described as the main developmental site for L. noei. This is the first record of L. noei in Spain.

A new species of Orobdella (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Orobdellidae) from Taipei, Taiwan

A new quadrannulate species of Orobdella, Orobdella ketagalansp. n., from Taipei, Taiwan, is described. This is the first record of Orobdella and the family Orobdellidae from Taiwan. This new species possesses small, paired sperm duct bulbs in the male reproductive system. In addition to these bulbs, the following combination of characters distinguishes this new species from other quadrannulate species: somite IV uniannulate, male gonopore at XI b6, female gonopore at XIII a1, 1/2 + 4 + 1/2 between gonopores, simple tubular gastroporal duct, lacking epididymides, and undeveloped atrial cornua. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear 18S rDNA and histone H3 as well as mitochondrial COI, 12S rDNA, tRNA^Val, and 16S rDNA markers showed that Orobdella ketagalan is related to the two Ryukyu Archipelago species Orobdella dolichopharynx Nakano, 2011 and Orobdella shimadae Nakano, 2011.