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Recent studies have reported incipient morphological caste dimorphism in the Van der Vecht organ size of some temperate Polistes paper wasps. Whether species other than the temperate ones show a similar pattern remains elusive. Here, we have studied some Neotropical Polistes species. By comparing females collected through the year, we showed caste related differences in the size of the Van der Vecht organ in P. ferreri (body size corrected Van der Vech organ size of queens = 0.45 ± 0.06, workers = 0.38 ± 0.07 mm2, p = 0.0021), P. versicolor (body size corrected Van der Vech organ size of queens = 0.54 ± 0.11, workers = 0.46 ± 0.09 mm2, p = 0.010), but not P. simillimus (body size corrected Van der Vech organ size of queens = 0.52 ± 0.05, workers = 0.49 ± 0.06 mm2, p = 0.238). Therefore, it seems that queens and workers of some Neotropical Polistes have diverged in their ontogenic trajectory of the Van der Vecht organ size, providing clear evidence for incipient morphological caste dimorphism. As Polistes are distributed mostly in the tropics, we propose that physical caste differences may be widespread in the genus. Also, we highlight that morphological divergence in the queen–worker phenotypes may have started through differential selection of body structures, like the Van der Vecht organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acta Zoologica was founded in 1920 by Nils Holmgren, professor of Zoology at the private Stockholm College (now the publicly funded Stockholm University). However, Holmgren (with 22 papers, some very large) is beaten by Lorenzo Alibardi of Bologna, Italy, who has published 32 papers in Acta Zoologica so far, probably with many more to come. Another category of often well-cited papers is exemplified by Holmgren's 1933 paper on the origin of tetrapod limbs, a topic to which he returned several times in later papers published in Acta Zoologica. [Extracted from the article]

Insecticides interact with biochemical sites, disrupting homeostasis, leading to moribundity and death. Considering this process of intoxication, investigating insecticide uptake ensures an understanding of exposure profile. This study evaluated insecticide uptake by bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. as affected by time and formulation, and a comparative uptake by German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.). Insects exposed to chlorfenapyr residues from two Phantom insecticide formulations (i.e. Aerosol and Suspended Concentrate (SC)) were solvent extracted and analyzed by GC-ECD. Chlorfenapyr uptake by bed bugs significantly increased with time, but the rate of external chlorfenapyr adsorption between the two formulations was not significantly different. However, initial exposure and uptake to the aerosol-treated versus SC-treated surfaces were significantly greater by 2.7x. Absorption-rates of chlorfenapyr residues inside the insect, associated with internal insect tissues or exoskeleton-bound, were significantly lower compared with external adsorption, with aerosol and SC formulations accumulating at 4.8x and 14.4x less, respectively. An unexpected formulation effect occurred with aerosol-treated papers and aging of residues. A reformulation of the aerosol provided a greater adsorption of chlorfenapyr at 19.1x that of the original formula after 2 hr. External versus internal uptake of chlorfenapyr by cockroaches was inverse to that seen in bed bugs, with greater chlorfenapyr absorption. Obstructing cockroach mouthparts prevented an internal uptake of chlorfenapyr and provided a similar exposure profile to bed bugs. This work demonstrates a need to evaluate insecticide uptake with formulation and insect morphology to maximize dose, especially in such a morphologically and environmentally isolated insect as the bed bug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchies constitute the base of many social groups. Hence, understanding how they are established is critical. Here we examine how hierarchies are formed in foundresses associations of the common paper wasp Polistes dominulus. By comparing field data with computer simulations, we evaluate order of arrival at the nest, body size, facial color patterns, and within-group kinship structure as determinants of inheritance rank. Hierarchies (ranks 1–5) were experimentally inferred for 53 nests. Overall, the order in which foundresses arrived at the nest and their body size were not significantly correlated with rank. A foundresss rank was negatively correlated with the number of full sisters it had in its group. Highly ranked wasps (ranks 1 and 2) were less likely to share a nest with their full sisters than wasps of lower rank. A wasps rank was not determined by the relative rank of its nest-mate sisters. A foundresss rank was significantly correlated with the size of its black clypeal marks, but the number of foundresses with clypeal marks in each nest was small. On 15 of 20 nests where wasps with marks were present, only 1 wasp had such marks. Overall, our results suggest that within-group relatedness structure is important in the establishment of dominance hierarchies in P. dominulus foundress associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Notiobiella Banks, 1909 is a green-coloured genus of brown lacewing (Hemerobiidae) that is widely distributed in Central and South America, Africa, southeast Asia, Australia and some south-western Pacific islands. There are approximately 49 species of this genus worldwide, with 10 species recorded from China, including one new species that is described in this paper. New information: In this paper, we describe a new species, Notiobiella maculosa sp. n. of the genus Notiobiella Banks, 1909 from Yunnan Province. The morphological characters of the adults are described in detail and illustrated. A key for identification of adults is also provided. All specimens have been deposited in the Entomological Museum of China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out successfully from October 2020 to December 2023 throughout 9 Governorates (Sharquia, Giza, Qalyubia, Monufia, Beheira, Alexandria, Fayoum, Beni Suef, and Kafr El-Shaikh). The Governorates of Kafr El-Shaikh and Beni Suef were among the Governorates in which samples of large specimens were collected, especially Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866), of which large numbers were collected in both Governorates, followed by Fayoum and then Alexandria. Giza, Qalyubia and Monufia, in ascending number. It is noted that the samples of this family are present in general throughout the year, but they increase in the months of July, August and September, and the numbers decrease significantly during the months of December, January, and February. The species Megaselia koffleri Schmitz, 1935 Name updated by Megaselia curtineura (Brues, 1909); Megaselia luttela Schmitz, 1929; Megaselia xanthozona (Strobl, 1892); Spiniphora bergenstammii (Mik, 1864). The study gave a newly recorded genus and species Conicera tibialis Schmitz,1925 (Diptera: Phoridae) in Egypt was collected from Wadi El-Natron, Beheira, and Giza Governorates. In this paper, the economic importance, survey, morphology, and taxonomy were studied. Also, keys for two subfamilies Phorinae and Metopininae, and genera are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new information on black fungus gnats (Sciaridae) based on field studies at seven localities in Iran. Five sciarid species from the genera Bradysia Winnertz, Corynoptera Winnertz and Lycoriella Frey were collected with Malaise traps, yellow sticky traps, sweep net and an aspirator between 2015 and 2021: Bradysia cellarum Frey, 1948; B. ocellaris (Comstock, 1882); B. tilicola (Loew, 1850); Corynoptera fatigans (Johannsen, 1912); Lycoriella sativae (Johannsen, 1912). All species are first records for the Sistan and Baluchestan province. Bradysia tilicola (Loew) is new to Iran and was recorded for the first time in the Middle East. This brings the number of known sciarid species from Iran to seven. For five species are given a short morphological diagnosis and the global distribution. A map illustrates the distribution of all identified sciarid species in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this paper, we used scanning electron microscopy to describe the morphological types, number of sensilla, and their distributions on the antennae of each nymphal instar and adult of Notobitus meleagris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae). The results show that there were eight subtypes of sensilla on the antennae of the nymphs and 11 subtypes of sensilla on the antennae of the adults. With the growth of instars, the type, quantity, and size of the sensilla gradually increased. Sexual dimorphism did not appear in the type of sensilla but existed in the length and diameter of some sensilla. In addition, we also discussed the functions of different types of sensilla through previous published studies, which will be helpful for further research on the behavioral and biological control of N. meleagris. The bamboo bug Notobitus meleagris (Fabricius, 1787) is a serious pest of bamboo shoots in China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore. The antennae of the nymphal instars and adults of N.meleagris are involved in communication among individuals and finding the host plants. In order to understand the morphology of antennal sensilla, their types, and the distribution of sensilla on the antennae of nymphal instars and adults in N. meleagris, we studied the morphology of antennal sensilla with a scanning electron microscope. The antennae of the nymphs and adults comprised the scape, pedicel, and two flagellomeres. Four types and eight subtypes of sensilla were identified in the nymphal instars (sensilla trichodea [St].1, St.2, St.3, sensilla basiconica [Sb].1, Sb.2, sensilla chaetica [Sc].1, Sc.2, sensilla coeloconica [Sco].1), whereas those of the adults had five types and eleven subtypes of sensilla (St.1, St.2, St.3, Sb.1, Sb.2, Sb.3, Sc.1, Sc.2, Sco.1, Sco.2, and sensilla campaniformia [Sca]). There are significant differences in the number, type, and size of the sensilla in different nymphal instars, which increases with the increase in nymphal instars. There was no sexual dimorphism observed in the adult sensilla; however, the length and diameter of St.3, Sb.2, and Sb.3 were sexually dimorphic. The potential functions of each sensillum were discussed based on the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla and were compared with similar published studies. Our results provide primary data for further research on the behavioral mechanism, green prevention, and control of N. meleagris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The updated Checklist of the Diptera Culicidae recorded in Friuli Venezia Giulia (north-eastern Italy) is reported. In addition to already published data since 1920s, recent and original data are provided. The list includes a total of 37 mosquito species (out of 66 species known for Italy) of which 31 currently present. The occurrence of Anopheles hyrcanus, Culex martinii, Culiseta subochrea and Uranotaenia unguiculata needs to be confirmed; Ae. dorsalis is of uncertain identification; An. sacharovi, the main past malaria vector, is presumably locally extinct. The list includes three exotic species, Aedes albopictus widespread in plain and hilly urban areas, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus, both recently detected in some hilly and mountain areas. Data on the geographic distribution in the region and on the ecology of the pre-imaginal stages are provided. Many of the recorded species are of health concern as potential vectors of pathogens. Further studies, conducted mainly in the less investigated mountain areas, will probably enrich the regional mosquito fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among insect pests of field crops, sap-sucking insects are a major threat to all agricultural commodities. The sucking insect pests damage the crops by sucking the sap thereby weakening the plants, and transmitting several bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. The electrical penetration graph (EPG) has emerged as a highly valuable tool for analyzing the feeding behavior of sap-sucking insects on a broad range of host plants, examining pathogen transmission, evaluating the efficacy of feeding-restricting insecticides, plant responses to insect attack, and insect morphology and physiology. The EPG generates waveforms that facilitate the observation of probing behavior of the insects, enabling them to gain insights into the mechanisms and extent of underlying feeding. The integration of multiple complementary techniques, including histological analysis, video tracking, electron microscopy, elicitor proteins, and gene editing, has yielded significant advancements in the management of sap-sucking insects. These techniques have provided a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and interactions involved in insect feeding behaviors, offering new opportunities for targeted interventions and improved pest control strategies. The EPG has been employed since the last five decades, yet needs to be investigated at higher levels with modernization. In spite of having a wide application, it still faces certain limitations, challenges, and research gaps that require addressing for enabling the scientists in novel findings. This review paper provides a historical prospect, the applications and technical intricacies of EPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomic findings from biodiversity hotspots are always fascinating because of their vulnerability. In this paper we are reporting Pardosa parathompsoni Wang & Zhang, 2014 for the first time from Western Ghats region of India along with additional information on cheliceral morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To become integrated into an ant society, myrmecophilous parasites must overcome both the defenses and the communication system of their hosts. Some aleocharine staphylinid beetles employ chemical and tactile strategies to invade colonies, where they later consume ant brood and participate in parasitic trophallaxis with host ants. By producing compounds that both appease their hosts and stimulate adoption, the beetles are able to live in and deposit their own eggs in the well defended ant nest. In the current paper, previous findings on the myrmecophilous behavior and morphological features of the staphylinid beetle Lomechusoides (formerly Lomechusa) strumosus are reviewed and re-evaluated. Hitherto unpublished results concerning the beetles’ ability to participate in the social food flow of their host ants are reported. Furthermore, we present an analysis and documentation of the behavioral interactions between beetles and host ants during the adoption process, and we report new histological and scanning electron microscopic analyses of the exocrine glands and morphological adaptations that underlie the myrmecophilous behavior of L. strumosus. The main features of L. strumosus are compared with those of the staphilinid myrmecophile Lomechusa (formerly Atemeles) pubicollis. The paper concludes with a description of the life trajectory of L. strumosus and presents a brief history and discussion of the hypotheses concerning the evolution of myrmecophily in L. strumosus and other highly adapted myrmecophilous parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed-eater eurytomids of the genus Bruchophagus Ashmead, 1988 were collected from Ardabil and Qazvin provinces in northwest Iran. Various host plants were collected and their seeds were kept in laboratory conditions from 2007 to 2012. Scope of this paper focused on the Bruchophagus species reared from seeds of Astragalus brachydontus Boiss (Fabaceae). We obtained six species of Bruchophagus including B. astragali Fedoseeva. They were B. saxatilis Zerova; B. mutabilis Nikolaskaya; B. nikolskayae (Zerova); B. turkestanicus Zerova, and B. robiniae Zerova. Of which, Bruchophagus saxatilis Zerova, is a new record for the Iranian fauna. New host associations were found for all collected species and it seems a complex biological association that was recorded for the first time. Currently, 11 species of Bruchophagus are occurred inassociated with seeds of A. brachydontus. All previously known species of the genus Bruchophagus in Iran are also tabulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite the recent advancement of faunal research of longhorned beetles in South Korea, the number of tribes of Cerambycinae has remained at 16 during the last 40 years. New information In this paper, two cerambycine tribes, Stenopterini Gistel, 1848 and Thraniini Gahan, 1906, are reported for the first time in Korea by species Merionoeda (Macromolorchus) hirsuta (Mitono & Nishimura, 1936) and Thranius variegatus Bates, 1873, respectively. Morphological comments, biological observations and illustrations of both species are provided. An updated key to tribes of Korean cerambycinae is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed a slight degree of queen–worker morphological divergence in wasps with a primitively eusocial organization, even though, by definition, they lack physical castes. Previously, we showed that in the Neotropical paper waspPolistes versicolor, the cuticular excretory area of the Van der Vecht organ is disproportionally bigger in queens than in workers (non-isometric difference). Here, we look for caste difference in another component of the same organ, the sternal brush – a tuft of hairs arising from the excretory area. We found that the number of hairs in the sternal brush is higher in queens than in workers. Contrary to our expectation, such a difference is the result of an isometric growth, as caste difference vanishes after correcting for the wasp’s overall body size. For the reason that only non-isometric relations are considered evidence of queen–worker divergence, we state that there is no morphological caste difference regarding the sternal brush of the Van der Vecht organ. Thus, the number of hairs in the sternal brush and the excretory area from which these hairs emerge have different scaling relations with the wasp’s body size (isometric and non-isometric, respectively). We discuss implications for the study of incipient morphological castes in primitively eusocial wasps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of a symposium held at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) titled "Entomology: Partnering With Small Liberal Arts Colleges." Topics covered include the need for science students to develop scientific writing skills, the examination of insect morphology to distinguish an insect from other types of animals and the importance of knowing the scientific literature and incorporating findings into one's own work.

An annotated and updated checklist of Iranian bee taxa in the Halictus genus-group is presented and synopsized in this paper. Totally 59 species within two genera (Halictus Latreille and Seladonia Robertson) are listed which among them, Seladonia (Pachyceble) petrae (Blüthgen, 1933), Seladonia (Seladonia) mugodjarica (Blüthgen, 1933) and the rare Seladonia (Seladonia) semitecta (Morawitz, 1873), are introduced as new records for the country. Diagnostic morphological features and worldwide distribution information are provided for all new records. Our findings contribute to improve the knowledge about the species diversity and distribution of the halictid bees in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With 90 described species, the genus Oecobius Lucas, 1846 is the largest genus of the family Oecobiidae Blackwall, 1862, five of which are known from China. Since Oceobius przewalskyi was described by Hu & Li in 1987, no males of this species have ever been reported. New information The male of Oceobius przewalskyi is described for the first time, based on the specimens collected in Tibet Autonomous Region. Morphological description and illustrations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic entomology is a growing field within the Caribbean, but lacks practical application. There remains room for further growth inclusive of primary baseline information, such as determining the identity of flies of forensic importance on the various Caribbean islands. Descriptions of morphology and biology of immature stages of some flies are also lacking, especially for the family Sarcophagidae. Described here is the morphology of the third larval stage of two species of Sarcophagidae of forensic importance, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) and Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) plinthopyga (Wiedemann, 1830). The two species were found to colonise and breed in decomposing pig meat. Specimens collected were reared and dissected using light microscopy. Key larval features are illustrated for use in identification, as an alternative or addition to adult morphology. Structures described include the anterior and posterior spiracle, anal segment, and cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Both species are considered to be of forensic importance and have been shown to colonise human corpses in a review of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Musei Brukenthal is the property of Brukenthal National Museum and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of EPPO Bulletin is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The investigation into the cockroach genus Paranauphoeta Brunner vonWattenwyl is insufficient, and there is a lack of taxonomic documentation of this genus from China. Recently, the authors obtained some newly collected specimens which facilitated this study. In this paper the generalized morphology of Paranauphoeta is interpreted in detail, particularly for the male phallic complex, which is illustrated as a whole rather than in pieces. The taxonomy of Paranauphoeta species from China is revised. One out of four species recorded from China, P. indica Saussure&Zehntner, is removed; instead, P. kirby nom. nov. is recorded from China. Together with three new species described in this paper, namely, P. anulata sp. nov., P. brachyptera sp. nov. and P. lineola sp. nov., a total of seven Paranauphoeta species are now known to occur in China, whose habitus photos are provided. The new species confirm that this genus is wing-polymorphic. Male structures, if available, are illustrated. Female structures and oothecae, of which knowledge is limited in this genus and also in cockroach taxonomy, are illustrated or documented, respectively. A key to and a distribution map of the Paranauphoeta species from China are provided. In addition, P. atra Shelford nom. rev., P. sinica Bey-Bienko stat. nov. and P. vietnamensis Anisyutkin stat. nov. are regarded as valid separate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although all ground beetles have pygidial glands homologous in structure and function, there are many differences among species, often significant, in terms of chemical composition of the secretion and morphology of the gland components. In this paper, two predatory ground beetle species of the genusCarabus, namelyC. (Tomocarabus)convexusandC. (Procrustes)coriaceus, were subjected to chemical, morphological and histological study of their pygidial glands and the glands’ secretions. Altogether, three carboxylic acids were isolated, and the pygidial gland reservoir and other glandular parts are morphologically described in the study. We also tested whether there exist differences in chemical content of the secretion obtained by upsetting the beetles in a traditional way and that obtained directly from intact reservoirs. Detailed data on morphology of the pygidial glands of both species are presented, as well as updated information about the chemical components of the glandular secretions. Apart from tiglic and methacrylic acids, which are typical forCarabuspygidial secretions, we also found benzoic acid as a minor component of the secretion in both species. In addition, a chemotaxonomic overview ofCarabustaxa is given in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Steinernema feltiae belongs to the feltiae-kraussei-oregonensis group, clade III, and is an ubiquitarian species of entomopathogenic nematode. It is found in all types of soil and in all types of habitat. Species identification in the entomopathogenic nematodes genera Steinernema is a very complex task, given the broad variability of both morphological and biological traits within populations of a single species. To accomplish this, molecular techniques have been adopted which, however, require additional knowledge. Particularly relevant would be the possibility of testing in a reliable way the variability between different populations of the same species, which might represent different strains with different biological properties. During numerous samplings in Italy, several strains of S. feltiae were isolated. In this paper we analyze the intraspecific variability of the main morphometric and biological data of juveniles and males of 50 Italian populations of S. feltiae. The aim of our work was to determine if morphometric and biological analysis were useful to identify characters having significant diagnostic value, allowing to reliably discriminate among strains. Seven characters routinely computed for morphology (5 morphometrics for infective juveniles, spicula and gubernaculum shapes for males) and 2 biological performances (time to achieve adult stage, reproduction and progeny) were considered. The results showed extreme variability from both morphological and biological points of view [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence patterns of chrysomelid beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), associated with willow (Salix spp.) at 42 sites across Europe, have previously been described. The sites form a transect from Greece (lat. 38.8 °N) to arctic Norway (lat. 69.7 °N). This paper reports additional records and the results of DNA sequencing in certain genera. Examination of further collections from the transect has added 13 species in the genera Aphthona, Chrysomela, Cryptocephalus, Epitrix, Galerucella (2 spp.), Gonioctena, Phyllotreta (2 spp.), Pachybrachis (3 spp.) and Syneta. We also report the sequencing of the DNA regions cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) and cytochrome B (cytB) for a number of samples in the genera Plagiodera, Chrysomela, Gonioctena, Phratora, Galerucella and Crepidodera. The cytB sequences are the first available for some of these taxa. The DNA barcoding largely confirmed previous identifications but allowed a small number of reassignments between related species. Most notably, however, it was evident that the southernmost material (Greece and Bulgaria) of specimens, previously treated as Crepidodera aurata sens. lat., belonged to a distinctive molecular cluster. Morphological reexamination revealed these to be C. nigricoxis Allard, 1878. This is an example of how morphotaxonomy and DNA barcoding can work iteratively to refine identification. Our sequences for C. nigricoxis appear to be the first available for this taxon. Finally, there is little geographic structure evident, even in widely dispersed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate identification of an insect is essential for the effective pest management program. However, due to the restrictions of phenotypic identification, molecular process (e.g. DNA barcoding) is used to overcome some of these limitations. The present paper was aimed to identify the Jujube fruit fly by morphological characters of the adults and molecular DNA barcoding of the larval stage in southeast Iraq. The adults was morphologically identified as Carpomyia incompleta (Becker, 1903) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Results of the molecular method revealed that the mitochondrial COI - COII marker was successfully identified immature stage of the species. The sequence analysis results identified the specimens (AHL1 and AHL2) as C. incompleta. Sequences of the specimens were recorded in The US National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under accession numbers (ON045002.1 and ON045003.1, respectively. These results were consistent with the phenotypic identification of the Jujube fruit flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant factor in the evolution of the Cyclorrhapha (Diptera), the most biodiverse of higher dipteran taxa, is the larva. The larva also has wide-ranging trophic and environmental relationships, including positive and negative impacts on human health and wealth. Despite its importance, the larva is neglected and a low proportion of species are known in this stage. In this paper, factors contributing to larval neglect are reviewed, including: poor attitudes leading to cycles of neglect and shallow treatment; taxonomy that uses adult not larval stages; lack of material in collections; rearing barriers, and presumptions of morphological similarity suggesting that characters will be problematic to acquire and analyse. Neglect is pervasive and affects many subjects; those considered here are: species inventories and rarity assessments for biodiversity and conservation, in which larvae are usually ignored although they can be more cost-effective to sample and a richer source of environmental data; determining larval feeding modes where controversies due to conflicting evidence persist unresolved; and reliance on a limited pool of increasingly old publications whose data are repeated rather than tested and updated with new research. In an attempt to reinvigorate interest, which is the main aim of this paper, poorly assessed larval features possibly significant to cyclorrhaphan diversification are also considered. These include: change facilitated by independently evolvable modules; rapid change enabled by labile trophic morphology; shifts between saprophagy and phytophagy due to opportunities provided by angiosperm evolution; and enhanced adaptive potential resulting in derived more than basal taxa developing adaptations that enable access to new and little used resources. Apart from the need to rear more larvae, a major conclusion from this review is that knowledge will improve when the movement capabilities of larvae are used to inform morphological and taxonomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical termite genus Uncitermes Rocha & Cancello, 2012 was known from a single species, U. teevani (Emerson, 1925). In this paper a new species, Uncitermes almeriae sp. n., is described and illustrated from worker and soldier castes, along with observations on the Uncitermes nest. A distribution map with the occurrences of both species is presented. The new species is distinguished from its congener by the presence of short bristles covering the head capsule and frontal tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we explore the evolution of cluster structure in closely related species in the Euphydryas aurinia complex based on morphological (wing pattern, genital armatures) and molecular (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) characters. Male genitalia differ in the length and shape of the uncus, harpe and juxta branches, by the shape of some parts of the phallus, and by the amount of spikes on the ventral section of the valva. The main trends in the vertical distribution of the E. aurinia group are dwarfism with increasing altitude, coupled with enlargement of paler and darker-coloured elements of the wing pattern, increasing the overall contrast. Unlike the Euphydryas maturna, the E. aurinia complex forms many local populations specialized under different ecological conditions, probably affected by different evolutionary scenarios. The phylogenetic analysis of the group reveals two ecologically distinct subgroups: one associated with the boreal forest-mesophyllic meadow biome and one associated with the xeromesophyllic steppe biome. Within each group, two major ecological strategies have evolved in parallel: montane and lowland. Based on the results of the analyses, we revise the nomenclature as follows: E. aurinia pyrenesdebilis (Verity, 1928), stat. rev. (= debilis Oberthür, 1909, syn.n., nomen nudum), E. aurinia bulgarica (Fruhstorfer, 1916), stat. rev., E. aurinia provincialis (Boisduval, 1828), stat. rev. and E. beckeri (Lederer, 1853), stat. rev. The following name-bearing types are designated: neotype of Papilio aurinia Rottemburg, 1775, neotype of Papilio merope de Prunner, 1798, lectotype of Melitaea beckeri Lederer, 1853, and lectotype of Melitaea aurinia banghaasi Seitz, 1908. All name-bearing types are figured. A new subspecies, Euphydryas laeta ostracon Korb, Bolshakov, Fric, ssp.n., is described (type locality by holotype data: Kazakhstan, Vostochno-Kazakhstanskaya Oblast, Shemonaikha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinotoperla jacobsi sp. n. (Holotype male, New South Wales, Warrumbungle, Belar Creek, 31.3430° S, 149.09200° E, 29-Sept-2015) is described from the Warrumbungle Range in New South Wales, Australia. Its affinities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Andean Altiplano, known for its extreme weather and high biodiversity, is an ideal place to study how insects adapt to their environment. This research focuses on the butterfly species Phulia nymphula, which is common in the high-altitudinal Andes Mountains, to identify how their wing shapes vary across six locations in the Northern Chilean Altiplano. By analyzing the wings of 77 butterflies, the study found significant differences in wing shape, likely due to local environmental conditions. These differences suggest that the butterflies have adapted to their specific habitats. The findings showed how the wing shape differentiate between localities across the Northern Altiplano and provide insights into how high-altitude species evolve and adapt through changes in their morphology, highlighting the role of ecological and evolutionary processes in shaping biodiversity in extreme environments. The Andean Altiplano, characterized by its extreme climatic conditions and high levels of biodiversity, provides a unique environment for studying ecological and evolutionary adaptations in insect morphology. Butterflies, due their large wing surface compared to body surface, and wide distribution among a geographical area given the flight capabilities provided by their wings, constitute a good biological model to study morphological adaptations following extreme weathers. This study focuses on Phulia nymphula, a butterfly species widely distributed in the Andes, to evaluate wing shape variation across six localities in the Northern Chilean Altiplano. The geometric morphometrics analysis of 77 specimens from six locations from the Chilean Altiplano (Caquena, Sorapata Lake, Chungará, Casiri Macho Lake, Surire Salt Flat, and Visviri) revealed significant differences in wing shape among populations. According to the presented results, variations are likely influenced by local environmental conditions and selective pressures, suggesting specific adaptations to the microhabitats of the Altiplano. The first three principal components represented 60.92% of the total wing shape variation. The detected morphological differences indicate adaptive divergence among populations, reflecting evolutionary responses to the extreme and fragmented conditions of the Altiplano. This study gives insights into the understanding of how high-altitude species can diversify and adapt through morphological variation, providing evidence of ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity in extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Oecanthus is described from Mexico. Oecanthus mhatreae sp. nov. occurs in central Mexico in the understory of tropical deciduous forest. Oecanthus mhatreae sp. nov. is currently known only from the Corregidora area of the Mexican state of Querétaro. The widened tegmina and chirp-like brief trills song are consistent with some members of the rileyi species group; however, this new species of tree cricket is different in several aspects. The chirp-like brief trills are generally irregularly spaced, it does not have the expected grouping of the chirp pulses, and the colors of buff, light olive green, or light brown are vastly different than the four known pale green species in the rileyi species group of the Western Hemisphere. Morphology, habitat, and song details of this new species, with the common name of Otomi tree cricket, are provided in this paper. Video can be viewed at www.oecanthinae.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Bombycidae (sensu Minet, 1994) is a diverse group of species belonging to the superfamily Bombycoidea. It is an economically important group of moth species, containing well‐known silk‐producing insects, as well as many pests of agriculture and forestry. The morphology‐based hypothesis of Minet (1994) on the composition of Bombycidae is in conflict with subsequent phylogenetic hypotheses for the superfamily based on nuclear genes. In this paper, the complete mitochondrial genomes of nine species of Bombycidae are presented for the first time. Based on these genomes, four dataset partitions and three gblocks parameter settings, phylogenetic relationships among Bombycidae were reconstructed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Bombycidae was confirmed as a polyphyletic group, with the traditional subfamilies Prismostictinae and Oberthueriinae forming a single well‐supported clade that is distant to Bombycinae. The phylogenetic relationships within Bombycoidea were supported as ((((Bombycinae, Sphingidae), Saturniidae), (Prismostictinae, Oberthueriinae)), Eupterotidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphorina citri is a vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus,’ (CLas), associated with Huanglongbing, (HLB, or citrus greening) disease in citrus. D. citri exhibits three different color morph variants, blue, gray and yellow. Blue morphs have a greater capacity for long-distance flight as compared to non-blue morphs, but little else is known about how color morphology influences vector characteristics. In this study, we show that the color morphology of the insect is derived from pigmented cells of the fat body. Blue morphs acquire a lower level of CLas in their bodies from infected trees as compared to their gray and yellow conspecifics, referred to in this paper collectively as non-blue morphs. Accordingly, CLas titer in citrus leaves inoculated by non-blue insects was 6-fold higher than in leaves inoculated by blue insects. Blue color morphs harbored lower titers of Wolbachia and ‘Candidatus Profftella armatura,’ two of the D. citri bacterial endosymbionts. Expression of hemocyanin, a copper-binding oxygen transport protein responsible for the blue coloration of hemolymph of other arthropods and mollusks, was previously correlated with blue color morphology and is highly up-regulated in insects continuously reared on CLas infected citrus trees. Based on our results, we hypothesized that a reduction of hemocyanin expression would reduce the D. citri immune response and an increase in the titer of CLas would be observed. Surprisingly, a specific 3-fold reduction of hemocyanin-1 transcript levels using RNA silencing in blue adult D. citri morphs had an approximately 2-fold reduction on the titer of CLas. These results suggest that hemocyanin signaling from the fat body may have multiple functions in the regulation of bacterial titers in D. citri, and that hemocyanin is one of multiple psyllid genes involved in regulating CLas titer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The New World genus Trismegistomya Reinhard, 1967b (Diptera: Tachinidae) previously included only the type species Trismegistomya pumilis (Reinhard, 1967a) from Arizona, U.S.A. New information We describe a new species of Trismegistomya, Trismegistomya jimoharai Fleming & Wood sp. n., from Area de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica, reared from wild-caught caterpillars of Melipotis januaris (Guenée, 1852) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). Our study provides a concise description of the new species using morphology, life history, molecular data and photographic documentation. In addition to the new species description, we provide a redescription of the genus, as well as of its type species Trismegistomya pumilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the potential of employing Malaise traps for collecting butterflies and moths for morphological analysis and presents a protocol for preparing Macrolepidoptera from Malaise trap samples that were preserved in ethanol. About 80 specimens of Lepidoptera, including Nymphalidae, Geometridae, Hesperiidae, Erebidae, Noctuidae, Pyralidae and Tortricidae, were mounted, following the protocol. All specimens with robust wings and contrasting wing patterns were well suited for the study of external morphology, regardless of the family. The specimens used in this study were collected in highland forest areas of central Vietnam with a little known entomofauna, as part of the German-Vietnamese biodiversity project 'VIETBIO'. The study offers new methodological approaches in an attempt to make the most of the material that was obtained using Malaise traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a contribution to the knowledge of Saga pedo (Pallas, 1771), summarizing the results of a field study carried out on a population of the Italian W Alps. The peculiar eco-ethological traits of this species make its observation difficult in nature and overall also its biology is little known, especially in Italy. The habitat selection is outlined from 34 unpublished presence data, collected between 2016 and 2018. Moreover, some biometric traits are compared between adult individuals observed in two different and disjointed survey areas. The results show that the environments in which this species lives in Susa Valley should not be referred exclusively to xerothermic oases in strict sense. This species appears to be also associated, in fact, with xeric environments of agricultural origin, mostly abandoned vineyards. These land uses (especially viticulture) could have guaranteed the survival of S. pedo over time. The closure of these open areas by shrub and tree vegetation, constitutes an important threat factor. Phenology and morphology of this species in Susa Valley, seem do not differ from those reported for other European populations. However, from the biometric analysis some significant differences emerge (p < 0.05) among the individuals sampled in the two areas, that are difficult to interpret. The observation of imagoes, always combined with high densities of potential prey and sometimes grouped, suggests some hypotheses that it would be interesting to test, to learn more about the ethology and ecology of this enigmatic protected species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the external structures of the late larval stages of two Palearctic myrmecophilous staphylinids: Amidobia talpa and Oxypoda haemorrhoa associated with the Formica rufa species group. This is the first-ever description of the larva of Amidobia, and the only complete, detailed account of the morphology of this developmental stage in the genus Oxypoda currently available. For the first time in these two genera, 13 and 10 larval diagnostic features, respectively, are proposed. Morphological differences have been established between known and the newly described larvae of five species (genera) of myrmecophilous and one nonmyrmecophilous Aleocharinae, belonging to three tribes. Amidobia talpa and O. haemorrhoa are probably typical, tiny predators, like most other Aleocharinae, including non-myrmecophilous ones. Being very small and highly mobile, they are ignored by worker ants. Not surprisingly, no particular larval morphological modifications were found to enable them to survive among ants. Such features have, however, evolved in the larvae of larger aleocharines, that is, those that are perceived by ants and are wholly integrated with their hosts in the ant nest (e.g. Lomechusa). This comparative analysis of the functional morphology of the larvae of known myrmecophilous Aleocharinae is a springboard to further such studies of these interesting insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clubiona Latreille, 1804, with more than 500 named species, is one of the largest genera of Araneae. The genus has 15 synonyms, most of which are not listed in the World Spider Catalog (2018) and unknown to many arachnologists. The most comprehensive survey of Clubiona sensu lato by Wunderlich (2011) also lacked a few synonyms. In this paper all genus group names described in Clubiona are listed with their type species. Most of these names correspond to the species groups recognised in Clubiona sensu lato. We agree that Porrhoclubiona Lohmander, 1944 (= Clubiona genevensis-group) deserves a status of a separate genus and provide the diagnosis of this taxon. Three species of Porrhoclubiona that occur in Central Asia are surveyed, and two of them are described as new to science: P. laudata (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1885), comb. n. (♂♀, Xinjiang, Tibet, China), P. bosmansi sp. n. (♂♀, Tajikistan), and P. moradmandi sp. n. (♂♀, Fars, Iran). It seems that all records of P. genevensis L. Koch, 1866 from China refer to P. laudata. The records of Clubiona vegeta Simon, 1918 from Tajikistan and Iran refer to P. bosmansi sp. n. and P. moradmandi sp. n., respectively. The following new combinations have been established: Porrhoclubiona decora (Blackwall, 1859), comb. n., P. diniensis (Simon, 1878), comb. n., P. leucaspis (Simon, 1932), comb. n., P. minor (Wunderlich, 1987), comb. n., P. pseudominor (Wunderlich, 1987), comb. n., P. pteronetoides (Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001), comb. n., P. vegeta (Simon, 1918), comb. n., P. viridula (Ono, 1989), comb. n., and P. wunderlichi (Mikhailov 1992), comb. n. (all ex. Clubiona). SEM study of the structure considered earlier as scopula in Clubiona and Porrhoclubiona reveals that it is represented by several lateral rows of movable macrosetae (spines) with a locking mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European species of Euplectrus Westwood are comprehensively treated for the first time, using a combination of morphological and DNA data (CO1, the barcode). Ten species are included, seven already described: E. bicolor (Swederus), E. flavipes (Fonscolombe), E. intactus Walker, E. liparidis Ferrière, E. maculiventris Westwood, E. nigriceps Ferrière, E. phthorimaeae Ferrière, and three new species: E. carinifer sp. n., E. geometricida sp. n., E. pallidigaster sp. n. To stabilize the nomenclature a neotype is designated for E. bicolor. Euplectrus intactus is removed from synonymy under E. bicolor and E nigriceps from synonymy under E. platyhypenae Howard, and both are re-established as valid species. Several host records are given and presented in a table, and new geographical records are introduced for previously described species. All host records are from exposed Lepidoptera caterpillars and the dominant host groups are Geometridae and Noctuidae. A key including all European species of tribe Euplectrini is presented. Prior to this paper the identification of European Euplectrus species has been difficult and misidentifications have probably been common. Existing host and geographical records in the literature must therefore be treated with great care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As yet little is known of the bionomics of weevils of the genus Cleopomiarus Pierce, 1919; current knowledge is limited to data on the morphology and biology of the preimaginal stages of certain species. This paper includes original information on the life cycle of Cleopomiarus micros (Germar, 1821). It presents the morphology of the egg, last larva (L3) and pupa. Data on the host plant (Jasione montana L.) and breeding plant (Campanula patula L.) and on the oviposition and phenology of the species are updated. The anatomy of the third-stage larva of C. micros shares certain traits with other species of the tribe Mecinini Gistel, 1848. Comparison of the morphology of preimaginal stages of C. micros with those previously described for other species of the genera Cleopomiarus and Miarus Schönherr, 1826 - previously considered the same genus - reveals species differences in larval body length, colour of the body and epicranium, and chaetotaxy of head and body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent snap-shot surveys for fruit flies in Vietnam in 2015 and 2017 using traps baited with the male Dacinae fruit fly lures methyl eugenol, cue-lure and zingerone, collected 56 species, including 11 new country records and another 11 undescribed species, four of which are described in this paper. This increases the number of described species known to occur in Vietnam from 78 to 93. Species accumulation curves, based on the Chao 2 mean estimate, suggest that we collected 60-85% of the local fauna at the sites sampled, and that species diversity decreases with increasing latitude. The four new species are named: Bactrocera (Tetradacus) ernesti Leblanc & Doorenweerd sp. n., B. (Asiadacus) connecta Leblanc & Doorenweerd sp. n., B. (Parazeugodacus) clarifemur Leblanc & Doorenweerd sp. n., and B. (Bactrocera) adamantea Leblanc & Doorenweerd sp. n. In addition to morphological data COI DNA sequence data of both the COI-5P and COI-3P mitochondrial DNA gene regions is provided. Three of the four newly described species are morphologically and genetically easily distinguished from all other members of Dacini. Bactrocera clarifemur sp. n. is superficially similar to B. pendleburyi (Perkins) based on morphology, but there are several apomorphic characters to distinguish the two. Both COI and a segment of the nuclear gene Elongation Factor 1 alpha separate the two species as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts, is a serious pest of grains and stored dry food stuffs and is the subject of strict quarantine measures in many countries including Australia. Morphologically the khapra beetle can only be reliably identified by dissection by a limited number of skilled taxonomists. Suspect specimens found in grain products are usually the larvae or larval skins which are difficult to diagnose morphologically. Adult specimens are usually scarce and damaged. Due to their similarity, warehouse beetle (Trogoderma variabile) and other native Trogoderma spp. could be mistakenly identified as T. granarium with market access implicatons or could mask an incursion. Molecular diagnostic protocols have been developed for khapra beetle, but remain largely untested against other species of Trogoderma, some also capable of being pests. Western Australia has a broad large, poorly studied native Trogoderma fauna, many of which are still undescribed; their estimated number is possibly over 100 species. Occasionally native Australian species can occur in stored commodities. Their identification and at least separation from the pestiferous exotic Trogoderma presents a serious problem. The work in this paper has been undertaken in an attempt to distinguish T. granarium from Australian native Trogoderma and related Dermestid species by both morphological and molecular methods. Dermestid specimens were sourced mainly from a targeted survey around grain silos throughout Australia, using two trap types, inside and outside facilities. Khapra beetle specimens were sourced from different geographical locations around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]