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Evaluating data quality and inventory completeness must be a preliminary step inany biodiversity research, particularly in the case of insects and high biodiversityareas. Yet, this step is often neglected or, at best, assessed only for one insectgroup, and the degree of congruence of sampling effort ffor different insect groupsremains unexplored. We assess the congruence in the spatial distribution of sampling effort for fiveinsect groups (butterflies, caddisflies, dung beetles, moths, and aquatic beetles) inthe Iberian Peninsula. We identify well-surveyed areas for each taxonomic groupand examine the degree to which the patterns of sampling effort can be explainedby a set of variables related to environmental conditions and accessibility. Irrespective of the general lack of reliable inventories, we found a general but lowcongruence in the completeness patterns of the different taxa. This suggests thatthere is not a common geographical pattern in survey effort and that idiosyncraticand contingent factors (mainly the proximity to the workplaces of entomologists)are differentially affecting each group. After many decades of taxonomic and faunistic work, distributional databases ofIberian insects are still in a very preliminary stage, thus limiting our capacity toobtain reliable answers to basic and applied questions. We recommend carrying out long-term, standardised and well-designed entomolog-ical surveys able to generate a reliable image of the distribution of different insect groups. This will allow us to estimate accurately insect trends and better under-stand the full extent of global biodiversity loss.

Six new species of the genus Paracymus Thomson are described in Venezuela, deposited in the Arthropod Museum of the University of Zulia (MALUZ), Maracaibo, Zulia State. The six species are from different localities or regions of Venezuela such as the western region (Lara), the llanos (Apure, Guárico), sout southern Venezuela (Amazonas): Paracymus lara sp. nov., P. melvae sp. nov., P. petiti sp. nov., P. piaroa sp. nov., P. tomuso sp. nov., P. yaruro sp. nov. Habitus and diagnostic characters such as  antennal sclerites, palps, and chin are illustrated; ventral sclerites such as the  proventritus, the mesoventral process and the genital sclerites. A map is included with all the species of Venezuela., Se describen seis nuevas especies del género Paracymus Thomson en Venezuela, depositadas en el Museo de Artrópodos de La Universidad del Zulia (MALUZ), Maracaibo, estado Zulia. Las seis especies son procedentes de diferentes localidades o regiones de Venezuela como, la región occidental (Lara), los llanos (Apure, Guárico), sur de Venezuela (Amazonas): Paracymus lara sp. nov., P. melvae sp. nov., P. petiti sp. nov., P. piaroa sp. nov., P. tomuso sp. nov., P. yaruro sp. nov. Se ilustran habitus y caracteres diagnósticos como el esclerito antenal, palpos y mentón; escleritos ventrales como el proventrito, proceso mesoventral y los escleritos genitales. Se incluye mapa con todas las especies de Venezuela.

Scirtes goodrichi Springer and Waller, a new species of Scirtes Illiger, 1807 (Coleoptera: Scirtidae: Scirtinae) from Virginia and South Carolina, is described and illustrated. Six species are now recognized for Scirtes in America north of Mexico: S. orbiculatus (Fabricius), S. tibialis Guérin-Méneville, S. oblongus Guérin-Méneville, S. plagiatus Schaeffer and S. goliai Epler. A taxonomic key to the six species of Scirtes is provided.

Akvatični tvrdokrilci familije Elmidae, iako su prepoznati kao važna grupa u bioindikaciji vodenih ekosistema, na području Balkanskog poluostrva su još uvek taksonomski nedovoljno istraženi. Stoga, u svrhu sveobuhvatne analize ove familije, primenjena je intergrativna taksonomija koja objedinjuje morfometrijske, ekološke i molekularne analize taksona. Tradicionalnom morfometrijskom analizom, koja je obuhvatila 16 izabranih morfometrijskih parametara tri vrste roda Limnius: L. volckmari, L. intermedius i L. opacus, i tri vrste roda Elmis: E. cf. aenea, E. cf. maugetii i E. cf. rioloides, utvrđeno je da je kod analiziranih vrsta izražena intra- i interspecijska populaciona varijabilnost. Postoji uticaj abiotičkih, pre svega fizičkih i hemijskih parametara vode na morfometriju navedenih vrsta, kao i na sastav i strukturu populacija iz različitih zemalja Balkana (Srbija, Bosna i Hercegovina i Bugarska). Kod vrste E. maugetii analiziran je uticaj hidrološkog pritiska na morfometriju vrste i pokazano je da su krupnije jedinke nađene u rekama sa većim proticajem. Filogenetska analiza elmida Balkana obuhvatila je 8 taksona iz Srbije, Hrvatske, Bugarske, Severne Makedonije i Grčke. Različite populacije istih vrsta pokazuju slabo izraženu intraspecijsku geografsku varijabilnost unutar analiziranih gena mitohondrijalne DNK, što je potkrepljeno rezultatima ovog istraživanja. Kod vrste Elmis maugetii analizirani su i populacioni-genetički parametri i utvrđene razlike populacija sa Balkana u odnosu na populacije 6 zemalja u Evropi i jedne u severnoj Africi. Genetički diverzitet ove vrste je manji na severu, što ukazuje da je mogući postglacijalni pleistoicenski koridor rekolonizacije počeo sa područja Balkanskog poluostrva koje predstavlja njen glavni glacijalni refugijum u Evropi., Aquatic beetles of the family Elmidae, whilst recognized as important bioindicator group, are still taxonomically poorly explored in the Balkan Peninsula. Thus, for the purpose of comperhensive analysis of this family, the integrative taxonomic approach was applied comprising morphometric, ecological and molecular taxa analyses. Based on traditional morphometric analysis, including 16 selected morphometric parameters of three species of the genus Limnius: L. volckmari, L. intermedius and L. opacus as well as of three species of the genus Elmis: E. cf. aenea, E. cf. maugetii and E. cf. rioloides it is asserted that intra- and interspecific population variability were expressed. Abiotic factors, predominantly physical and chemical parameters of water affected the species’ morphometrics, and population composition and structure from different Balkan’s countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Bulgaria). For E. maugetii the influence of hydrological pressure to the species’ morphometrics was analysed and it was shown the larger specimens were found in streams characterised by higher flow velocity. Phylogenetic analysis of the Balkan’s riffle beetles included eight taxa from the following countries: Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Greece. Different populations of same taxa barcoded had low intraspecific geographic variation within analysed mtDNA genes, which was corroborated by the results of the present study. For Elmis maugetii the population-genetic parameters were calculated for the Balkans’ populations and compared to six European countries and one North African country as well. Genetic diversity of E. maugetii was lower in northern latitudes of Europe revealing the species possible postglacial recolonization corridore most likely started from the Balkan Peninsula, suggested as the species’ main glacial refugium in Europe.

Myxophagan water beetles from Madagascar are comprehensively revised. Holotypes of the two previously known speciesare re-described and illustrated. Six new species of Incoltorrida Steffan and one new species of Hydroscapha LeConte aredescribed and illustrated. The larvae of Incoltorrida quintacostata are illustrated and discussed. The presence of peritrichciliates of the genus Platycola Kent on specimens of Incoltorrida madagassica Steffan is discussed and illustrated.Habitus, habitats, and male genitalia are illustrated, and distributions are mapped. The following new species are described(type localities parenthetic): Incoltorrida benesculpta n. sp. (Fianarantsoa, 3.2km S Ambohimanjaka); I. galoko n. sp.(Antsiranana, Diana, Ambilobe, Antsaba, Galoko mountains ); I. magna n. sp. (Antsiranana, Diana, Ambilobe, Antsaba,Galoko mountains); I. marojejy n. sp. (Antsiranana, Sava, Marojejy National Park); I. quintacostata n. sp. (Fianarantsoa,3.5km N Ivato); I. zahamena n. sp. (Toamasina, Alaotra-Mangoro, Zahamena National Park); Hydroscapha andringitran. sp. (Fianarantsoa, Ambilavao, Sendrisoa, approx. 10km N of Andringitra National Park).

Myxophagan water beetles from Madagascar are comprehensively revised. Holotypes of the two previously known speciesare re-described and illustrated. Six new species of Incoltorrida Steffan and one new species of Hydroscapha LeConte aredescribed and illustrated. The larvae of Incoltorrida quintacostata are illustrated and discussed. The presence of peritrichciliates of the genus Platycola Kent on specimens of Incoltorrida madagassica Steffan is discussed and illustrated.Habitus, habitats, and male genitalia are illustrated, and distributions are mapped. The following new species are described(type localities parenthetic): Incoltorrida benesculpta n. sp. (Fianarantsoa, 3.2km S Ambohimanjaka); I. galoko n. sp.(Antsiranana, Diana, Ambilobe, Antsaba, Galoko mountains ); I. magna n. sp. (Antsiranana, Diana, Ambilobe, Antsaba,Galoko mountains); I. marojejy n. sp. (Antsiranana, Sava, Marojejy National Park); I. quintacostata n. sp. (Fianarantsoa,3.5km N Ivato); I. zahamena n. sp. (Toamasina, Alaotra-Mangoro, Zahamena National Park); Hydroscapha andringitran. sp. (Fianarantsoa, Ambilavao, Sendrisoa, approx. 10km N of Andringitra National Park).

The Malagasy endemic whirligig beetle Heterogyrus milloti Legros, 1953 is redescribed. Jumping behavior of H. milloti is reported here for the first time with video recordings provided. Results of a behavioral experiment conducted in the field demonstrate H. milloti jumps in a targeted manner in a downstream direction. The unique habitat of H. milloti is described in detail with both image and video of the habitat included. Morphology of H. milloti is discussed in detail, revealing symplesiomorphies with Spanglerogyrus Folkerts, 1979, characters forming transitional series between Spanglerogyrus and the Gyrininae, and features unique to H. milloti. The potential adaptive significance of these peculiar morphological features in association with the habitat of H. milloti is discussed. Finally, an argument for the necessity of conservation of this species is made, and common names in English, French, Malagasy, and Swedish for H. milloti are proposed to aid conservation efforts.

The Malagasy endemic whirligig beetle Heterogyrus milloti Legros, 1953 is redescribed. Jumping behavior of H. milloti is reported here for the first time with video recordings provided. Results of a behavioral experiment conducted in the field demonstrate H. milloti jumps in a targeted manner in a downstream direction. The unique habitat of H. milloti is described in detail with both image and video of the habitat included. Morphology of H. milloti is discussed in detail, revealing symplesiomorphies with Spanglerogyrus Folkerts, 1979, characters forming transitional series between Spanglerogyrus and the Gyrininae, and features unique to H. milloti. The potential adaptive significance of these peculiar morphological features in association with the habitat of H. milloti is discussed. Finally, an argument for the necessity of conservation of this species is made, and common names in English, French, Malagasy, and Swedish for H. milloti are proposed to aid conservation efforts.

Macroinvertebrate samples collected during spring-summer 2013 in high mountain rivers of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Pyrenees) contained several Hydraena species (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) where we found two genera of suctorian ciliates as epibionts: Tokophrya and Discophrya. The individuals of the genus Tokophrya probably belong to species Tokophrya stenostyla, being the first time that this species is observed attached on arthropods. Suctorians of the genus Discophrya were identified as a new species called Discophrya ordesae sp. n. The presence and abundance of epibionts was discussed in the frame of the biological and ecological characteristics of the species of Hydraena where they were found.

We recorded, for the first time in Brazil, the genus and species Neblinagena doylei Kodada & Jäch, expanding the geographic distribution of the genus and species in South America. We complement this information with data on the environment and water quality of the locality where the species was collected. Adittionally, we cited the following genera and species of Elmidae collected along with N. doylei: Cylloepus, Microcylloepus, Neoelmis, Xenelmis micros Grouvelle and Xenelmis tarsalis Hinton., Registra-se pela primeira vez no Brasil Neblinagena doylei Kodada & Jäch (Elmidae, Larainae) ampliando a distribuição geográfica do gênero e da espécie na América do Sul. São apresentadas informações sobre o ambiente e a qualidade da água do local de coleta da espécie. Adicionalmente, citam-se os seguintes gêneros e espécies de Elmidae amostradas juntamente com N. doylei: Cylloepus, Microcylloepus e Neoelmis e as espécies Xenelmis micros Grouvelle e Xenelmis tarsalis Hinton.

The larval morphology of Amphiops mater mater Sharp, 1873 is described, including chaetotaxy and morphological transformation between instars. Among genera of the family Hydrophilidae, the larvae of Amphiops Erichson, 1843 may be distinguished by the following combination of characters: coronal line present; clypeolabrum almost symmetrical; mandibles symmetrical and with three inner teeth; dorsal surface of palpomere 1 completely sclerotized; mentum with strongly projecting and sharply pointed anterior corners; ligula absent; spiracular atrium well developed. Several primary sensilla are absent from all instars of A. mater mater, in contrast to the stable chaetotaxy in the majority of Hydrophilidae species studied in detail to date.

The larval morphology of Amphiops mater mater Sharp, 1873 is described, including chaetotaxy and morphological transformation between instars. Among genera of the family Hydrophilidae, the larvae of Amphiops Erichson, 1843 may be distinguished by the following combination of characters: coronal line present; clypeolabrum almost symmetrical; mandibles symmetrical and with three inner teeth; dorsal surface of palpomere 1 completely sclerotized; mentum with strongly projecting and sharply pointed anterior corners; ligula absent; spiracular atrium well developed. Several primary sensilla are absent from all instars of A. mater mater, in contrast to the stable chaetotaxy in the majority of Hydrophilidae species studied in detail to date.

The larval morphology of Amphiops mater mater Sharp, 1873 is described, including chaetotaxy and morphological transformation between instars. Among genera of the family Hydrophilidae, the larvae of Amphiops Erichson, 1843 may be distinguished by the following combination of characters: coronal line present; clypeolabrum almost symmetrical; mandibles symmetrical and with three inner teeth; dorsal surface of palpomere 1 completely sclerotized; mentum with strongly projecting and sharply pointed anterior corners; ligula absent; spiracular atrium well developed. Several primary sensilla are absent from all instars of A. mater mater, in contrast to the stable chaetotaxy in the majority of Hydrophilidae species studied in detail to date.

Aim In Europe, the relationships between species richness and latitude differ for lentic (standing water) and lotic (running water) species. Freshwater animals are highly dependent on suitable habitat, and thus the distribution of available habitat should strongly influence large-scale patterns of species richness. We tested whether habitat availability can account for the differences in species richness patterns between European lentic and lotic freshwater animals. Location Europe. Methods We compiled occurrence data of 1959 lentic and 2445 lotic species as well as data on the amount of lentic and lotic habitats across 25 pre-defined biogeographical regions of European freshwaters. We used the range of elevation of each region as a proxy for habitat diversity. We investigated the relationships between species richness, habitat availability and habitat diversity with univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results Species richness increased with habitat availability for lentic species but not for lotic species. Species richness increased with elevational range for lotic species but decreased for lentic species. For both groups, neither habitat availability nor diversity could account for previously reported latitudinal patterns in species richness. For lotic species, richness declined with latitude, whereas there was no relationship between habitat availability and latitude. For lentic species, richness showed a hump-shaped relationship with latitude, whereas available habitat increased with latitude. Main conclusions Habitat availability and diversity are poor predictors of species richness of the European freshwater fauna across large scales. Our results indicate that the distributions of European freshwater animals are probably not in equilibrium and may still be influenced by history, namely the recurrent European glaciations and possible differences in post-glacial recolonization. The distributions of lentic species appear to be closer to equilibrium than

Aim In Europe, the relationships between species richness and latitude differ for lentic (standing water) and lotic (running water) species. Freshwater animals are highly dependent on suitable habitat, and thus the distribution of available habitat should strongly influence large-scale patterns of species richness. We tested whether habitat availability can account for the differences in species richness patterns between European lentic and lotic freshwater animals. Location Europe. Methods We compiled occurrence data of 1959 lentic and 2445 lotic species as well as data on the amount of lentic and lotic habitats across 25 pre-defined biogeographical regions of European freshwaters. We used the range of elevation of each region as a proxy for habitat diversity. We investigated the relationships between species richness, habitat availability and habitat diversity with univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results Species richness increased with habitat availability for lentic species but not for lotic species. Species richness increased with elevational range for lotic species but decreased for lentic species. For both groups, neither habitat availability nor diversity could account for previously reported latitudinal patterns in species richness. For lotic species, richness declined with latitude, whereas there was no relationship between habitat availability and latitude. For lentic species, richness showed a hump-shaped relationship with latitude, whereas available habitat increased with latitude. Main conclusions Habitat availability and diversity are poor predictors of species richness of the European freshwater fauna across large scales. Our results indicate that the distributions of European freshwater animals are probably not in equilibrium and may still be influenced by history, namely the recurrent European glaciations and possible differences in post-glacial recolonization. The distributions of lentic species appear to be closer to equilibrium than