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Numerous faunistic and ecological studies have been conducted throughout the Indo-Pacific Ocean to assess its biodiversity. Despite the abundance of research, studies on the species that inhabit the Indo-Pacific are still necessary due to its extent and high species richness. The major species richness of the genus Okenia Menke, 1830 (Nudibranchia, Goniodorididae) is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including 38 of 60 valid species. Nevertheless, this number does not represent the real biodiversity, since at least 20 more species are already reported in field-guides as undescribed species belonging to this genus. The systematics of the genus Okenia are still unclear since it has been the subject of only a few and incomplete studies. In the present paper, we describe five new Okenia species from the coastlines of Japan, Mozambique and Australia: Okenia aurorapapillata sp. nov., Okenia elisae sp. nov., Okenia nakanoae sp. nov., Okenia siderata sp. nov. and Okenia tenuifibrata sp. nov. Moreover, anatomical details not previously described of Okenia atkinsonorum, Okenia barnardi, Okenia cf. echinata, Okenia hallucigenia, Okenia hiroi, Okenia japonica, Okenia pellucida, Okenia pilosa and Okenia rhinorma are provided. New partial sequences of standard markers (COI, 16S rRNA and H3) were obtained and a phylogenetic analysis that included all species with available data was performed. ZOOBANK urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:28AE2536-A264–4194–8AE3-C430620572E7

Gastrotricha is a cosmopolitan phylum of aquatic and semi-terrestrial invertebrates that comprises ~820 described species. To date, freshwater gastrotrichs have not been the subject of faunistic or taxonomic research in the polar regions. In this paper, we present the first species-level description of a freshwater gastrotrich from the Arctic (Svalbard Archipelago). Evidence from morphology, morphometry and molecular analyses reveals that the species represents a new genus in Chaetonotidae: Bifidochaetus arcticus, gen. et sp. nov. Taking into consideration many morphological similarities to Chaetonotus (Primochaetus) veronicae Kånneby, 2013 we propose to include C. (P.) veronicae in the newly established genus under the new combination Bifidochaetus veronicae (Kånneby, 2013), comb. nov. In the phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data, B. arcticus, gen. et sp. nov. is nested within the family Chaetonotidae, as the sister group to the genus Lepidochaetus Kisielewski, 1991. In this paper we also present new taxonomic characters useful for gastrotrich taxonomy: the pharynx-to-intestine length ratio (I) and the spine bifurcation ratio (B).

Among ~1300 species of world nemerteans, seven species in five genera of lineid heteronemerteans have been known to possess a branched proboscis. In this paper, we describe the eighth branched-proboscis species: Gorgonorhynchus citrinus sp. nov. from Okinawa, Japan. We also report Gorgonorhynchus cf. repens Dakin & Fordham, 1931 with uniformly orange body, as a new member for the Japanese nemertean fauna. We infer the phylogenetic relationships between these forms and other members of Lineidae McIntosh, 1874 for which partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and the nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and histone H3 genes are available in public databases, along with newly sequenced data of another branched-proboscis heteronemertean, Polydendrorhynchus zhanjiangensis (Yin & Zheng, 1984) from China. In the resulting tree, Gorgonorhychus Dakin & Fordham, 1931 was sister group to non-branched-proboscis Dushia Corrêa, 1963, whereas P. zhanjiangensis was sister group to likewise non-branched-proboscis Cerebratulus lacteus (Leidy, 1851). http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:685992C5-F595-4C28-9178-256D945E595A

This paper addresses the systematics of the New Zealand spiders of the family Malkaridae. Malkarids are small araneoid spiders that live primarily in the leaf litter and mosses of temperate and tropical wet forests in Australia and New Zealand, with the exception of a single species in southern South America and another in New Caledonia. We treat the New Zealand species of Malkaridae that are not members of the subfamily Pararchaeinae, a monophyletic group of 11 new species that we classify in 2 new genera (Tingotingo, gen. nov. and Whakamoke, gen. nov.) and a new subfamily (Tingotinginae, subfam. nov.). We describe, diagnose, illustrate and map the distribution of specimen records of these 11 new species of New Zealand Malkaridae: Tingotingo porotiti, sp. nov., T. pouaru, sp. nov., T. tokorera, sp. nov., T. aho, sp. nov., Whakamoke orongorongo, sp. nov.; W. tarakina, sp. nov.; W. guacamole, sp. nov.; W. hunahuna, sp. nov.; W. paoka, sp. nov.; W. heru, sp. nov.; and W. rakiura, sp. nov. We also treat the phylogenetic relationships of Malkaridae and use the results of our previous work on the molecular phylogeny of Araneoidea as the bases for the classification of the family. Tingotingo, gen. nov. and Whakamoke, gen. nov. are sister clades. Tingotinginae, subfam. nov. is the sister group of the Malkarinae plus Pararchaeinae clade. We further hypothesise and discuss the morphological synapomorphies of Malkaridae, Tingotinginae, subfam. nov. and the two new genera.

The ragged sea hare (Bursatella leachii) and the long-tailed sea hare (Stylocheilus striatus) are two widely distributed species of benthic heterobranch sea slugs. In this paper, integrative taxonomic analyses have been conducted to detect possible cryptic diversity. Our results revealed that both nominal species are actually species complexes, consisting of five genetically distinct taxa. Two of them belong to the genus Bursatella and three to the genus Stylocheilus. The name B. leachii is retained for a widely distributed species, present in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Indo-Pacific region. The name B. ocelligera is resurrected for the other species, restricted to the Indo-Pacific and co-occurring with B. leachii in that area. With the present data, it is not possible to test whether B. leachii and B. ocelligera have evolved allopatrically in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific or sympatrically in the latter. Bursatella leachii has been able to maintain gene flow between the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific Oceans, possibly because of a combined effect of the Agulhas Leakage process and the ability to survive the colder waters of South Africa. On the contrary, the three species of Stylocheilus are allopatric; the name S. striatus is retained for an Indo-Pacific species, while the names S. polyomma and S. rickettsi are resurrected for species inhabiting the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific respectively. Finally, the discovery of a museum specimen mistakenly identified as B. leachii, but bearing a shell in its adult form, led to the resurrection of the genus Phycophila, previously synonymised with Aplysia. Phycophila euchlora, the only species described to date, is distributed in the Central and Western Pacific Ocean.

The mirid subfamily Orthotylinae is hyperdiverse in Australia but poorly described; this work is part of a series of papers on the documentation of this fauna. Two new species of the Australian endemic plant bug genus Myrtlemiris Cheng, Mututantri & Cassis (Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae: Orthotylini) are described as new to science: Myrtlemiris kararensis, sp. nov., and M. lochada, sp. nov. The new Australian genus and species Neomyrtlemiris picta gen. nov. et sp. nov. are also described. Myrtlemiris is analysed phylogenetically using 32 morphology-based characters, as well as molecular alignments (COI, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA; including 1958 base pairs) with the genus found to be monophyletic based on molecular, morphological and combined analyses. Neomyrtlemiris is the sister to Myrtlemiris. Host plant association analysis demonstrated constraints to the myrtaceous tribe Chamelaucieae, with Malleostemon and Calytrix recovered as ancestral host plants. Ancestral state reconstructions were carried out on male genitalic structures, demonstrating the phylogenetic value of endosomal spicules. This work demonstrates that the Orthotylinae are a rich component of Australia’s biodiversity, particularly in the south-west of Western Australia.

The Phoronida, which is one of the smallest phyla of invertebrates, includes only 13 valid species, although ~40 larval forms of phoronids were recently described. This report uses light microscopy and molecular methods to describe a new phoronid species, Phoronis embryolabi Temereva & Chichvarkhin, sp. nov. The morphology of P. embryolabi, which lives commensally in the burrows of Axiidea shrimp Nihonotrypaea japonica in Vostok Bay (the Sea of Japan), is extremely similar to that of Phoronis pallida Silen, 1952; the bodies of both species exhibit specific regionalisation. However, the organisation of the metanephridia differs between P. pallida and P. embryolabi. Moreover, P. embryolabi has a unique type of development, viviparity, in which mothers release fully developed larvae into the environment. In all other phoronid species, the spawning occurs as a release of fertilised eggs or early embryos. Viviparity of completely developed larvae has not been previously described for any phoronid. According to analysis of partial 28S rRNA, P. embryolabi is close to Phoronis pallida. On the other hand, analysis of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I indicated a unique position of P. embryolabi among phoronids. These results should be used for revision of phoronid taxonomy (i.e. the type of development should be considered as characteristic of subgenera within the genus Phoronis). This report also establishes the relationship between P. embryolabi and an Actinotrocha sp. that was described in a previous paper.

The present paper presents a cladistic analysis of the spider genus Tobias Simon, 1895. The analyses were based on a matrix with 29 terminal taxa scored for 86 morphological characters, with a dataset tested under two methodologies for character weighting (i.e. equal and implied weighting). Both analyses supported the paraphyletic relationship of Tobias with Epicadus Simon, 1895, with the former considered a junior synonym of the latter (new synonymy). Onocolus, Epicadinus and Epicadus form a clade supported by two synapomorphies, corroborating previous taxonomic assumptions regarding the proximity of these genera. Epicadus has two lineages: the ‘pustulosus clade’, comprising bark-like individuals that camouflage themselves on tree trunks and branches, and the ‘heterogaster clade’, which consists of a group of spiders that present a wide range of polychromatism and use flowers as hunting sites. Synonymies are presented and a new combination for all species previously assigned as part of Tobias is proposed. Epicadus now comprises nine species.

Since the inception of Linnaean taxonomy, termite species and genus descriptions have been mostly based on the morphology of soldiers, sometimes complemented by alate characters, though these are seldom discriminant. However, narrowly soldier-based descriptions may overemphasise ancestral characters and lead to the establishment of non-monophyletic taxa. In this paper, we used an integrative taxonomic approach that incorporates the morphology of all castes, including workers, as well as molecular and chemical data, to describe Palmitermes impostor Hellemans & Roisin, 2017 (Termitidae:Termitinae), a new termite genus and species from French Guiana. Although the soldiers of P. impostor resemble those of Termes Linnaeus, 1758, the digestive tract and mandibles of workers suggest that Palmitermes is closely related to Cavitermes Emerson, 1925. The sister-group relationship between Palmitermes and Cavitermes was confirmed by a phylogenetic reconstruction based on full mitochondrial genome sequences as well as by the comparison of the profiles of cuticular hydrocarbons of workers with those of related taxa. Our study illustrates the benefits of using an integrative taxonomic approach to describe new taxa and the pitfalls of using soldier morphology as the exclusive set of characters in termite systematics.

Australia houses some unusual biota (insects included), much of which is undescribed. Cystococcus Fuller (Hemiptera : Sternorrhyncha : Coccoidea : Eriococcidae) currently comprises two species, both of which induce galls exclusively on bloodwoods (Myrtaceae: Corymbia Hill & Johnson). These insects display sexual dichronism, whereby females give birth first to sons and then to daughters. Wingless first-instar females cling to their winged adult brothers and are carried out of the maternal gall when the males fly to find mates – a behaviour called intersexual phoresy. Here, we use data from two gene regions, as well as morphology and host-use of the insects, to assess the status of a previously undescribed species. We describe this newly recognised species as Cystococcus campanidorsalis, sp. nov. Semple, Cook & Hodgson, redescribe the two existing species – C. echiniformis Fuller and C. pomiformis (Froggatt), designate a lectotype for C. echiniformis, and provide the first descriptions of adult males, and nymphal males and females for the genus. We have also reinterpreted a key morphological character of the adult females. This paper provides a foundation for further work on the genus, which is widespread across northern Australia and could prove to be useful for studies on biogeography and bloodwood ecosystems. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3A9DC645-0CBC-48B0-8BD3-5ACC0E2130D1

The trapdoor spider family Migidae has a classical Gondwanan distribution and is found on all southern continents except the Indian region. The Australian fauna consists of three genera including Moggridgea O. P. Cambridge from south-western Australia and Kangaroo Island, South Australia; Moggridgea is otherwise widespread throughout Africa. The sole named species of Moggridgea from Western Australia, M. tingle Main, and its unnamed relatives are the subject of the present paper, which was stimulated by concern for the long-term persistence of populations, and the discovery of deep genetic divergences between populations. A phylogeny of the Western Australian species relative to African and South Australian Moggridgea was generated using molecular COI and ITS rDNA data, and based on both molecular and morphological criteria we conclude that the Western Australian taxa should be removed from Moggridgea and transferred to a new genus, Bertmainius. The seven species are delimited using both morphological and molecular criteria: B. tingle (Main) (the type species), and six new species, B. colonus, B. monachus, B. mysticus, B. opimus, B. pandus and B. tumidus. All seven species are considered to be threatened using IUCN criteria, with the major threatening processes being inappropriate fire regimes and climate change.

The Tenthredinoidea is the most diverse superfamily of non-apocritan Hymenoptera. It is also one of the largest herbivorous groups within the order, some species having substantial economic impact. Until very recently, no comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of the superfamily had been undertaken. This paper presents the largest morphological dataset assembled so far for elucidating the phylogeny of the Tenthredinoidea. In total, 129 taxa were scored for 146 characters from the adult head, thorax, wings and ovipositor apparatus. The emphasis of the taxon sample is on Tenthredinidae (104 terminals), which is by far the largest family in the Tenthredinoidea. The results of the cladistic analyses confirm the monophyly of the Tenthredinoidea, the first split being between the Blasticotomidae and the remaining families (Tenthredinoidea s. str., also monophyletic), and the monophyly of all families except Tenthredinidae. The analyses fail to consistently retrieve any of the six currently recognised subfamilies within Tenthredinidae, although core clades of Heterarthrinae, Nematinae, Selandriinae and Tenthredininae are often supported. Diprionidae are placed inside the Nematinae under some weighting conditions. The failure to corroborate the tenthredinid subfamilies might be ascribed to an insufficient character/terminal ratio, but also to problems with the existing classification. Inclusion of characters from the male genitalia and the larval stages as well as molecular data currently being assembled will hopefully lead to a more robust classification of the Tenthredinidae in the future.

A recent molecular phylogenetic study on Glaucus, a genus of neustonic aeolid nudibranchs, revealed undescribed cryptic diversity. Glaucus atlanticus is sister to the traditional species Glaucus marginatus, which is a complex of four genetically distinct cryptic species (Informal clade ‘Marginatus’). The present paper revises the systematics of Glaucus and provides formal descriptions for three new species in the informal clade ‘Marginatus’ substantiated by species delimitation analyses. Molecular and morphological evidence confirms that the type species of Glaucus, Glaucus atlanticus, has a cosmopolitan subtropical distribution and is characterised by having a uniseriate ceratal arrangement, a penial spine and a longitudinal, medial silver stripe on the sole of the foot. Examination of type material indicates that the name G. marginatus should be retained for the most widespread of these species, found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This species is characterised by molecular diagnostic characters as well as the presence of a bursa copulatrix. Glaucus marginatus is sister to the undescribed species Glaucus bennettae, sp. nov., which is found in the South Pacific Ocean and lacks a bursa copulatrix. The other two undescribed species, Glaucus thompsoni, sp. nov. and Glaucus mcfarlanei, sp. nov. are only known from the North Pacific Ocean, and are characterised by molecular diagnostic characters as well as possessing and lacking a bursa copulatrix, respectively. Because sister species of Glaucus differ in their reproductive anatomy, we hypothesise that mating behaviour has played a role in cladogenesis in this group. ZooBank Publication code: http://zoobank.org/References/E352E264-A440-4AF1-8565-B57B7EEE25BC

The Australian endemic ant-mimetic seed bug genus Daerlac is revised. This paper provides a redescription of the genus Daerlac and four species: D. apicalis, D. cephalotes, D. nigricans and D. picturatus. Daerlac tricolor is synonomised with D. cephalotes. A taxonomic key to species is provided. Known distributions of D. apicalis, D. nigricans and D. picturatus are each extended beyond previously known ranges. Daerlac species are found predominantly in temperate open forest and woodlands in association with ants and eucalypts. All species are broadly distributed and there is a high degree of overlap in distributions. They are seed predators found on the ground, in leaf litter, under bark or on trunks of eucalypts, and putatively forage on post-dispersed seeds. Cladistic analysis of morphological characters finds that the four species of Daerlac form two well-supported sister-groups (D. apicalis + D. picturatus, and D. cephalotes + D. nigricans). A discussion of the distribution, biology and myrmecomorphy of the genus is provided, and the tribal placement of Daerlac and its relationship to Laryngodus are discussed.

The New Zealand Cellana strigilis complex has been traditionally divided into six subspecies. Recent molecular investigations, however, revealed that the complex comprises two clades. In this paper, an additional morphometric analysis on 160 shells from the two clades confirms the need for taxonomic reconsideration of the C. strigilis complex. Here, two species are recognised in the Cellana strigilis group, a western species, C. strigilis (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841), from South, Stewart, Snares, Auckland and Campbell islands, with Patella redimiculum Reeve, 1854 and C. strigilis flemingi Powell, 1955 as synonyms; and an eastern species, C. oliveri Powell, 1955, from Chatham, Bounty Islands and Antipodes Islands, with C. strigilis bollonsi Powell, 1955 and C. chathamensis of authors (not Pilsbry, 1891) as synonyms. Acmaea chathamensis Pilsbry, 1891 is based on mislocalised foreign shells, probably C. rota (Gmelin, 1791) from the Red Sea. A neotype is designated for P. strigilis Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841, lectotypes are designated for P. redimiculum Reeve, 1854 and A. chathamensis Pilsbry, 1891, and a type locality is selected for P. redimiculum.

Australia was historically considered a poor prospect for subterranean fauna but, in reality, the continent holds a great variety of subterranean habitats, with associated faunas, found both in karst and non-karst environments. This paper critically examines the diversity of subterranean fauna in several key regions for the mostly arid western half of Australia. We aimed to document levels of species richness for major taxon groups and examine the degree of uniqueness of the fauna. We also wanted to compare the composition of these ecosystems, and their origins, with other regions of subterranean diversity world-wide. Using information on the number of ‘described’ and ‘known’ invertebrate species (recognised based on morphological and/or molecular data), we predict that the total subterranean fauna for the western half of the continent is 4140 species, of which ~10% is described and 9% is ‘known’ but not yet described. The stygofauna, water beetles, ostracods and copepods have the largest number of described species, while arachnids dominate the described troglofauna. Conversely, copepods, water beetles and isopods are the poorest known groups with less than 20% described species, while hexapods (comprising mostly Collembola, Coleoptera, Blattodea and Hemiptera) are the least known of the troglofauna. Compared with other regions of the world, we consider the Australian subterranean fauna to be unique in its diversity compared with the northern hemisphere for three key reasons: the range and diversity of subterranean habitats is both extensive and novel; direct faunal links to ancient Pangaea and Gondwana are evident, emphasising their early biogeographic history; and Miocene aridification, rather than Pleistocene post-ice age driven diversification events (as is predicted in the northern hemisphere), are likely to have dominated Australia’s subterranean speciation explosion. Finally, we predict that the geologically younger, although more poorly studied, eastern half of the Australian continent is unlikely to be as diverse as the western half, except for stygofauna in porous media. Furthermore, based on similar geology, palaeogeography and tectonic history to that seen in the western parts of Australia, southern Africa, parts of South America and India may also yield similar subterranean biodiversity to that described here.

Goniosomatine harvestmen have strongly armed pedipalps, generally large bodies and, commonly, very long legs (sometimes more than 20 cm), and are distributed in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, from southern Bahia to Santa Catarina. Since they are conspicuous animals and individuals of some species tend to concentrate in caves (and also under rock boulders), they have been (and still are) the target of several studies, especially those focusing on reproductive and defensive behavior, population ecology, physiology, chromosomes, etc. In spite of their importance for biological studies (some species constitute important and frequently used models for these studies), the taxonomy of Goniosomatinae has faced some problems, including misidentification, a large number of undescribed species and the lack of a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships among its species (which would allow evolutionary studies to be made). The last taxonomic changes in the subfamily were made 60 years ago. Considering a taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the subfamily to be of paramount importance, the main scope of the present paper is to provide a cladistic analysis and taxonomic revision of the species of Goniosomatinae and a new arrangement of genera (and species). The main taxonomic changes are given as follows. Six genera are recognised within the subfamily: Goniosoma; the newly described genus Pyatan; the reestablished genera Serracutisoma, Heteromitobates and Mitogoniella; and Acutisoma. New generic synonyms include: Glyptogoniosoma = Goniosomella = Lyogoniosoma = Metalyogoniosoma = Xulapona = Goniosoma, Acutisomelloides = Pygosomoides = Spelaeosoma = Serracutisoma; and Acutisomella = Heteromitobates. Newly described species include: Goniosoma capixaba; G. apoain; Pyatan insperatum DaSilva, Stefanini-Jim & Gnaspini; Serracutisoma pseudovarium; S. fritzmuelleri; S. guaricana; Heteromitobates anarchus; H. harlequin; H. alienus; Mitogoniella taquara; M. unicornis; and Acutisoma coriaceum. New combinations include: Goniosoma macracanthum (Mello-Leitão, 1922); G. unicolor (Mello-Leitão, 1932); G. carum (Mello-Leitão, 1936); Serracutisoma proximum (Mello-Leitão, 1922); S. banhadoae (Soares & Soares, 1947); S. molle (Mello-Leitão, 1933); S. thalassinum (Simon, 1879); S. catarina (Machado, Pinto-da-Rocha & Ramires, 2002); S. inerme (Mello-Leitão, 1927); S. spelaeum (Mello-Leitão, 1933); Heteromitobates inscriptus (Mello-Leitão, 1922); H. albiscriptus (Mello-Leitão, 1932); Mitogoniella modesta (Perty, 1833); and M. badia (Koch, 1839). Reestablished combinations include: Mitogoniella indistincta Mello-Leitão, 1936 and Acutisoma longipes Roewer, 1913. New specific synonyms include: Acutisomella cryptoleuca = Acutisomella intermedia = Goniosoma junceum = Goniosoma patruele = Goniosoma xanthophthalmum = Metalyogoniosoma unum = Goniosoma varium, Goniosoma geniculatum = Goniosoma venustum; Goniosomella perlata = Progoniosoma minense = Goniosoma vatrax, Glyptogoniosoma perditum = Progoniosoma cruciferum = Progoniosoma tijuca = Goniosoma dentipes; Leitaoius iguapensis = Leitaoius viridifrons = Serracutisoma proximum; Acutisoma marumbicola = Acutisoma patens = Serracutisoma thalassinum; Progoniosoma tetrasetae = Serracutisoma inerme; and Acutisoma monticola = Leitaoius nitidissimus = Leitaoius xanthomus = Mitogoniella mutila = Acutisoma longipes. The following species are considered species inquirenda: Goniosoma lepidum Gervais, 1844; G. monacanthum Gervais, 1844; G. obscurum Perty, 1833; G. versicolor Perty, 1833; and Mitogoniella badia (Koch, 1839). The monotypic genus Goniosomoides Mello-Leitão, 1932 (and its species, G. viridans Mello-Leitão, 1932) is removed from Goniosomatinae and considered incertae sedis.

The genus Tainonia comprises unusually large pholcids endemic to Hispaniola. Previously, only the type species had been formally described, represented in collections by no more than 12 adult specimens. However, the existence of more species has been hypothesised based on a few further individuals. The present paper is based on a sample of 205 mostly newly collected adult specimens from 18 localities in the Dominican Republic and four localities in Haiti. The increased sampling reveals a wide range of variation, including intermediate levels of divergence that often blur rather than clarify species limits. Therefore, although not all taxonomic questions can be settled here, morphological (including morphometric) and molecular (mitochondrial 16S, CO1) data strongly support two new species: one in La Visite National Park, Haiti (T. visite, sp. nov.) and another on Samaná Peninsula and parts of the eastern Dominican Republic (T. samana, sp. nov.). Species limits among the other populations are more difficult to support or reject. Specimens from Bayahibe (eastern Dominican Republic) and from La Ciénaga (Cordillera Central) are each assigned species status on the basis of consistent morphological differences (T. bayahibe, sp. nov., T. cienaga, sp. nov.), but no molecular data are available due to lack of specimens. All other specimens are provisionally assigned to a possibly paraphyletic T. serripes (Simon). There is considerable morphological variation within this widely distributed group of populations but this variation is rather continuous and molecular distances fill most of the range between morphologically unambiguous conspecifics and unambiguous heterospecifics.

Over the last two decades, Australia has undergone a renaissance in studies of subterranean biology. This paper sets these recent developments into context from the perspective of groundwater fauna. Owing to its obligate subterranean life, typical local endemicity and the geological persistence of subterranean habitats, stygofauna is an excellent subject for biogeographic study. Groundwater containing diverse faunas range from freshwater to marine salinities in both coastal and continental locations. They occur in typical karst, alluvial, and fractured rock aquifers, but also in novel matrices formed during the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater (goethite pisolites and groundwater calcretes) in the Tertiary. This range of habitats, water quality and the diverse origins of the fauna (Gondwanan, Pangaean and Tethys) support a phylogenetically highly diverse fauna. Several taxa, notably among the Podocopida, Bathynellacea, Amphipoda, and Dytiscidae show remarkable species diversity. Typically there is fine spatial scale endemicity of species associated with local aquifers, but there are inexplicable regional differences, such as the change of fauna between the Yilgarn and Pilbara, contiguous areas on the long emergent Western Shield. The anchialine taxa representing higher taxa are highly disjunct from their congeners in the North Atlantic. The emerging species richness, the fine scale patchwork of endemicity, and the distinct regional differences, respectively, contribute to a substantial increase in α, β and γ diversity of the aquatic fauna, especially in arid Australia. This diversity is posing challenging issues for proponents and regulators of mineral development because much of this diversity has emerged in the two most mineraliferous provinces of Australia. The scientific capacity to respond is challenged by the sheer scale of the emerging issues.

The extent intraspecific variation among 42 morphological characters within Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari : Phytoseiidae) is examined. Neoseiulus californicus is an important biological control agent used commercially worldwide to control pest mites in many crops. The correct diagnosis of this species is thus of prime importance for successful biological control and agricultural development. Incorrect interpretation of intraspecific variation could lead to misidentification and potentially to the description of new species that may be invalid. Three hundred female N. californicus representing ten populations collected from all over the world were measured and compared with the types of two morphologically close species: Neoseiulus marinus (Willmann) and Neoseiulus ornatus (Athias-Henriot). Significant differences between the populations were observed for almost all of the characters considered. However, these differences were small and low within-population standard errors in measurement data were observed. The mites collected in Chile were very different from the specimens of the other populations of N. californicus considered. The level of intraspecific morphological variation found within N. californicus indicates that caution must be applied to correctly determine species boundaries within this genus and morphological variation needs to be considered more in species’ descriptions. Based on our morphological analysis we conclude that N. ornatus, N. marinus and N. californicus are valid species. Redescriptions of these three species are given in this paper.

The histerid subfamily Chlamydopsinae is a clade of obligate inquilines of social insects, mainly ants. They show a wide range of bizarre morphological characteristics, including highly varied trichomes, associated with this lifestyle. They occur throughout Australia and Indomalaysia, with a few species occurring as far from this centre of diversity as India and Japan. At present the subfamily contains 12 genera and 174 species, several of which are newly described herein (Teretriopsis theryi, gen. nov., sp. nov., Papuopsis andersoni, gen. nov., sp. nov. and Quasimodopsis riedeli, gen. nov. sp. nov.). This paper presents a phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters of all of the main lineages of the family, provides a complete catalogue of the species, a key to all the genera, and proposes several new combinations. The phylogenetic analysis reveals two large clades, one (including the genera Chlamydopsis Westwood, Eucurtia Mjöberg, and Ectatommiphila Lea) is largely restricted to the Australian continent, whereas the other, containing all other genera, is much more widespread, including many Australian species, but extending also through Indomalaysia into south-east Asia. The beetles are known to utilise many hosts, including ants in four different subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, and Formicinae), as well as termites in the genus Eutermes. However, host records are not yet sufficiently comprehensive to exhibit any clear phylogenetic signal.

Acarinaria are specialised structures on the bodies of insects that harbour dispersing mites, providing a secure attachment place for the mites. The structures are best known among bees and wasps. Their presence remains enigmatic, however, since the associated mites often have negative or neutral effects on their hosts. A new hypothesis explaining the origin of the acarinarium as a specialised defence mechanism is proposed. In nests with partitions (as constructed by many bees and wasps), parasitic or cleptoparasitic mites are rarely found in all cells. They negatively interact only with host larvae developing in infested cells and apparently cannot disperse within the nest to attack others in the developing brood before bee emergence. Only when emerging bees break the partitions can the mites reach other hosts. We propose that acarinaria serve to concentrate unwanted mites, reducing the chance that they will disperse to other members of the brood as the infested host leaves the nest. Development of special mite pouches (acarinaria) by hymenopteran hosts presumably increases the likelihood that all mites will stay with the individual(s) with reduced fitness, thereby reducing their effect on other bees in the brood. This paper reviews the associations between chaetodactylid mites and long-tongued bees (Apidae and Megachilidae). Only apid bees (Apidae) have acarinaria; megachilid bees, which harbour species of Chaetodactylus that usually kill the bee larvae, do not possess acarinaria. The following associations involving previously undescribed acarinaria or mite species are reported: Achaetodactylus ceratinae (axillar acarinarium on Ceratina nigriceps); Roubikia latebrosa, sp. nov. (metasomal acarinarium on Tetrapedia sp.), Sennertia argentina (genital acarinarium on Xylocopa fimbriata), Sennertia devincta, sp. nov., Sennertia sayutara, sp. nov. (metasomal acarinaria on Ceratina (Zadontomerus) spp.), Sennertia lauta, sp. nov. and Sennertia ratiocinator, sp. nov. (incipient scutellar–metanotal acarinarium on Xylocopa (Zonohirsuta) spp.). In the latter case, the mites display a remarkable difference in the attachment sites between male and female hosts. In females, the mites are phoretic in a groove between the scutellum and metanotum (scutellar–metanotal acarinarium), whereas on males, mites attach to the hairs of the anterior scutum.

This paper presents a revision of Haplomesus Richardson, 1908 (Ischnomesidae). Poor character definition, ineffective diagnosis of the genus and inadequate or poor descriptions and illustrations have resulted in difficulties in identification of species and generic membership. This study is based on type material and descriptions in the literature and encompasses 28 species. Four new genera are created, justified by a phylogenetic analysis of 37 ingroup taxa and two outgroup taxa. Three species of the ingroup were excluded owing to missing data. Four species are retained in Haplomesus sensu stricto, two species are removed to Cornuamesus, gen. nov., 11 species are removed to Fortimesus, gen. nov. and 12 species are removed to Gracilimesus, gen. nov. One species, Haplomesus franklinae Merrin & Poore, 2003 is removed from the group and placed in Contrarimesus, gen. nov. with another species, Ischnomesus curtispinis Brandt, 1992. The species level is conferred on Haplomesus insignis orientalis Birstein, 1960. Haplomesus quadrispinosus sensu Brandt (1992) is removed from H. quadrispinosus (Sars, 1879) and Haplomesus ?gorbunovi sensu Svavarsson (1984) is removed from Gracilimesus gorbunovi (Gurjanova, 1946).

The spider genus Dysdera Latreille is an excellent model for the study of the evolution of cave life: ten species are known to exist exclusively in the subterranean environment of the Canary Islands, where the genus has undergone local diversification. In the present paper, two new troglobitic species (Dysdera madai, sp. nov. and D. sibyllina, sp. nov.) and the previously unknown sex of five additional species are described and illustrated: the males of D. gollumi Ribera & Arnedo, 1994, D. hernandezi Arnedo & Ribera, 1999 and D. labradaensis Wunderlich, 1991; and the females of D. andamanae Arnedo & Ribera, 1997 and D. gibbifera Wunderlich, 1991. The first direct evidence of troglobitic members of Dysdera in micro- and mesocaverns are reported. The evolution of cave life as hypothesised following a combined morphological and molecular phylogeny is investigated. Troglobitic Canarian Dysdera species have colonised the underground on eight independent occasions. The Dysderidae groundplan represents a preadaptation to cave life and has facilitated the colonisation of caves. Canarian members of Dysdera have a predominantly parapatric mode of speciation, although postspeciation changes in distribution may have obscured allopatric processes. Eye regression and, to a lesser extent, larger body size and appendage elongation characterise troglobitic species. The different levels of troglobiomorphism are interpreted as local adaptations to heterogeneous subterranean conditions. The high levels of sympatry among troglobites are explained by trophic segregation and changes in prey capture strategy were involved in the single identified case of subterranean speciation in the group.

The genus Priochirus Sharp (Coleoptera : Staphylinidae) is a rove beetle group with great variation in cephalic structures, especially the teeth on the frontal margin of head. In this paper, phylogenetic relationships among ten subgenera of the genus Priochirus sensu lato, and of Priochirus and other genera of the tribe Leptochirini are analysed. A cladistic analysis was conducted based on 62 characters of adult morphology. Results indicate that the genus Priochirus is not a monophyletic group and is divided into two lineages (called here Lineages I and II respectively). The subgenus Euleptarthrus Jakobson, which included three species-groups (japonicus, longicornis and malayanus), is shown to be polyphyletic. Lineage I corresponds with the Leiochirus + (Exochirus + Syncampsochirus) + (Eutriacanthus + (Plastus + (japonicus-group of Euleptarthrus + (Barychirus + Stigmatochirus)))) clade and forms a sister group to the genus Thoracochirus Bernhauer. Lineage II corresponds with the Priochirus, s. str. + (Cephalomerus + (longicornis- and malayanus-group of the Euleptarthrus)) clade. In addition, the analysis reveals sister relationships between representatives of Lineage I and the genus Thoracochirus. On the basis of phylogenetic inference, the genus Plastus Bernhauer, stat. nov. is proposed to include the subgenera of Lineage I and a new subgenus Sinumandibulus, subgen. nov., which is erected for the japonicus-group of the former subgenus Euleptarthrus. The genus Priochirus Sharp sensu novo is redefined to include the subgenera of Lineage II. Seven new species are described from China: Plastus (Sinumandibulus) curvaticornis, sp. nov. from Sichuan; Plastus (Sinumandibulus) recticornis, sp. nov. from Hubei; Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) amblyodontus, sp. nov. from Hunan; Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) baoxingensis, sp. nov. from Sichuan, Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) elongates, sp. nov. from Guizhou, Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) parvicornis, sp. nov. from Fujian and Priochirus (Euleptarthrus) oxygonus, sp. nov. from Hainan.

Individuals of the ground beetle genus Diplous Motschulsky, 1850 occur in riparian areas predominately throughout boreal North America and Asia. In order to infer the species phylogeny of the North American Diplous, we examined 97 morphological characters (56 quantitative characters and 41 qualitative characters) and 458 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I region. We used the four North American species, four Palearctic species, and one undescribed species of a closely related genus to test the monophyly and the direction of character state change in North American Diplous. Overall, we found that North American Diplous appear to represent a monophyletic group, but that the morphological and molecular evidence did not support the same relationships in the placement of one of the species. We found that the total evidence trees agreed most with biogeography and considerations of accelerated morphological evolution. In this paper, we present a morphological phylogenetic tree, a molecular phylogenetic tree, a total evidence phylogenetic tree, a species key, species diagnoses, and a distribution map of Nearctic Diplous. Additional keywords: COI, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, Diplous, glacier, ground beetle, Platidius, Pleistocene, refugia, riparian, total evidence, vicariance.

The nephilid ‘coin spiders’ (Herennia Thorell) are known for their arboricolous ladder webs, extreme sexual size dimorphism and peculiar sexual biology. This paper revises Herennia taxonomy, systematics, biology and biogeography. The widespread Asian Herennia multipuncta (Doleschall) ( = H. sampitana Karsch, new synonymy; = H. mollis Thorell, new synonymy) is synanthropic and invasive, whereas the other 10 species are narrowly distributed Australasian island endemics: H. agnarssoni, sp. nov. is known from Solomon Islands; H. deelemanae, sp. nov. from northern Borneo; H. etruscilla, sp. nov. from Java; H. gagamba, sp. nov. from the Philippines; H. jernej, sp. nov. from Sumatra; H. milleri, sp. nov. from New Britain; H. oz, sp. nov. from Australia; H. papuana Thorell from New Guinea; H. sonja, sp. nov. from Kalimantan and Sulawesi; and H. tone, sp. nov. from the Philippines. A phylogenetic analysis of seven species of Herennia, six nephilid species and 15 outgroup taxa scored for 190 morphological and behavioural characters resulted in 10 equally parsimonious trees supporting the monophyly of Nephilidae, Herennia, Nephila, Nephilengys and Clitaetra, but the sister-clade to the nephilids is ambiguous. Coin spiders do not fit well established biogeographic lines (Wallace, Huxley) dividing Asian and Australian biotas, but the newly drawn ‘Herennia line’ suggests an all-Australasian speciation in Herennia. To explain the peculiar male sexual behaviour (palpal mutilation and severance) known in Herennia and Nephilengys, three specific hypotheses based on morphological and behavioural data are proposed: (1) broken embolic conductors function as mating plugs; (2) bulb severance following mutilation is advantageous for the male to avoid hemolymph leakage; and (3) the eunuch protects his parental investment by fighting off rival males.

This paper presents a global review of the current unwieldy concept of the genus Paramunna Sars, 1866. The study is based mainly on large new collections of material from Australia and subantarctic islands south of Tasmania and New Zealand. Of the four genera previously synonymised with Paramunna, Austrimunna Richardson, 1906 is revived (type species A. antarctica), Leptaspidia Bate & Westwood, 1867 and Metamunna Tattersall, 1905 are considered indeterminable, while Austronanus Hodgson, 1910 is not considered part of the Paramunna complex. Forty-three species, 27 new, are treated, mostly from Australia and adjacent subantarctic islands. Fifteen species currently in Paramunna do not belong in this complex. The type genus Paramunna Sars, 1866 comprises four known species, P. bilobata Sars, 1866, P. capensis Vanh�ffen, 1914, P. integra Nordenstam, 1933 and P. koreana Malyutina & Ushakova, 2001, and four new species. Nine new genera are created based on a cladistic analysis (type species, original combination): Ascionana (A. darwinia, sp. nov.), Epipedonana (E. profunda, sp. nov.), Harrietonana (Austrimunna subtriangulata Richardson, 1908), Kiklonana (Paramunna arnaudi Amar & Roman, 1974), Omonana (O. brachycephala, sp. nov.), Pagonana (Paramunna rostrata Hodgson, 1910), Palanana (Austrimunna serrata Richardson, 1908), Spiculonana (S. platysoma, sp. nov) and Sporonana (S. robusta, sp. nov.). Six species of Paramunna are transferred to other genera in the complex: P. simplex Menzies, 1962 and P.�parasimplex Winkler, 1994 to Omonana, gen. nov.; P. dilatata Vanh�ffen, 1914 to Pagonana, gen. nov.; P. gaini (Richardson, 1913) to Palanana gen. nov.; P. laevifrons Stebbing, 1910 and P. rhipis Shimomura & Mawatari, 1999 to Ascionana, gen. nov. Paramunna shornikovi Malyutina & Ushakova, 2001, is synonymised with P. rhipis. Keys to genera and species (if more than two in a genus) are given. Terminal males (males with elongated cephalon and massively enlarged pereonite 1) are documented in several genera. The distribution of the complex confirms that this part of the Paramunnidae is a Southern Hemisphere, shallow water group. Species previously thought to be circumpolar prove to be species complexes, with each species having a small distribution.

The semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera : Heteroptera, infraorder Gerromorpha), comprising water striders and their allies, are familiar inhabitants of water surfaces in all continents. Currently, the world fauna has more than 1900 described species classified in eight families and 165 genera. A phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony was performed on a dataset comprising 56 morphological characters scored for 24 exemplar genera covering all families and subfamilies of Gerromorpha. The phylogenetic relationships found concur with those presented by Andersen (1982) except that the relationships between some subfamilies of Veliidae and Gerridae are unresolved. The Australian fauna of Gerromorpha comprises six families, 30 genera, and 123 species. One-third of the genera and more than 80% of the species are endemic to Australia. Previously, we have covered all Australian species of the families Gerridae, Hermatobatidae and Veliidae. The present paper deals with the families Hebridae, Hydrometridae, and Mesoveliidae. We offer redescriptions or descriptive notes on all previously described species, describe Mesovelia ebbenielseni, sp. nov. (Mesoveliidae), Austrohebrus apterus, gen. et sp. nov., and Hebrus pilosus, sp. nov. (Hebridae), and synonymise Hebrus woodwardi Lansbury, syn. nov. (Hebridae) and Hydrometra halei Hungerford and Evans, syn. nov. (Hydrometridae). We present keys for the identification of genera and species, and map the distribution of all species. We also give a key for the identification of the families of Gerromorpha known from Australia.

Water striders and their allies (Hemiptera, Gerromorpha) are familiar inhabitants of water surfaces throughout the world. One of the most species-rich groups is the subfamily Microveliinae (Veliidae) and, in particular, the genus Microvelia Westwood, 1834. This genus comprises small or very small bugs inhabiting the nearshore areas of stagnant or slow-flowing fresh water. Accumulation of material during the past 30 years has shown that the Australian fauna of Microvelia is much richer and more diverse than previously recognised. In the present paper we discuss the subgeneric classification of the genus Microvelia based on the results of a phylogenetic analysis using maximum parsimony, describe three new subgenera and redescribe all previously known Australian species of the genus. The new taxa are: Microvelia (Austromicrovelia), subgen. nov. (type species: Microvelia mjobergi Hale, 1925) with the species Microvelia (Austromicrovelia) spurgeon, M. hypipamee, M. margaretae, M.�monteithi, M. tuberculata, M. myorensis, M. woodwardi, M. carnarvon, M. annemarieae, M. mossman, spp. nov. (all from Queensland), M. eborensis and M. milleri, spp. nov. (New South Wales), M. queenslandiae, M.�ventrospinosa, spp. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland), M. angelesi, M. alisonae, M. odontogaster, spp. nov. (Northern Territory), M. apunctata, sp. nov. (Northern Territory, Queensland), M. pennicilla, sp. nov. (Northern Territory, Western Australia), M. herberti, M. malipatili, M. torresiana, and M. australiensis, spp. nov. (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia), Microvelia (Barbivelia), subgen. nov. (type species: Microvelia barbifer, sp. nov.) with the species Microvelia (Barbivelia) barbifer, sp. nov. (Queensland) and M. falcifer, sp. nov. (Northern Territory); Microvelia (Pacificovelia), subgen. nov. (type species: Microvelia oceanica Distant, 1914) with the species M. tasmaniensis, sp. nov. (Tasmania), M. lilliput, and M. kakadu, spp. nov. (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia). We further recognise the subgenus Microvelia (Picaultia), stat. nov. (type species: Picaultia pronotalis Distant, 1913), and describe the following new species: Microvelia (Picaultia) justi and M. paramega, spp. nov. (Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia), and M. cassisi, sp. nov. (New South Wales). Finally, Microvelia fluvialis weiri Malipatil, 1980, is synonymised with Microvelia fluvialis Malipatil, 1980. Keys to adults of all species are provided and their distributions mapped.

Longicorn beetles of the New Zealand genus Coptomma Newman are associated with a wide range of both native and exotic tree genera and are of some economic importance in forestry and horticulture because they kill leading shoots and degrade sawn timber. In this paper, the genus is revised and its scope is redefined. The genus Navomorpha White is synonymised with Coptomma. Two species, N. textorium and N. philpotti, are synonymised with Coptomma lineatum (Fabricius). A new species, C. marrisi, is described for Coptomma. All known species are redescribed. As a result of this revision, the present number of species in Coptomma has increased to five: C.�variegatum, C. lineatum, C. sulcatum, C. sticticum and C. marrisi. A key to species is given. Terminalia of both sexes are illustrated and described. The phylogeny of species is analysed cladistically and the monophyly of the genus is confirmed. Coptomma is widely distributed on the North Island, South Island, Stewart Island and Three Kings Islands of New Zealand. Known biology is noted for each species. The distribution of each species is mapped and discussed.

This paper documents the mtDNA genealogy and molecular taxonomy of the Anadenobolus excisus millipede species-group on the island of Jamaica. This endemic species-group originally comprised two nominal species, A. excisus (Karsch) and A. holomelanus Pocock. However, the latter species was considered by Hoffman likely to be a subspecies of the former, owing to their overall morphological and gonopodal similarity (the secondary sexual features most commonly used to delineate millipede species). We summarise molecular and morphological data that paints a rather different picture of the diversity in this group. Based on the 16S rRNA gene of the mitochondrion and a comparative analysis of millipede size (reported here and elsewhere), we find that this species-group comprises at least three sibling species, one of which, A. dissimulans, sp. nov., is newly described. The study documents the first myriapod species diagnosed on the basis of molecular data.

This paper reviews the darwinulid ostracods from Australia and Oceanian islands. Eleven species in three genera have thus far been found in Australia, only the genera Microdarwinula and Alicenula are absent. Vestalenula matildae, sp. nov. is here described from Western Australia. Some taxonomic notes on other species, as well as a preliminary discussion on the distribution of the group on this continent, are also offered.

The number of narrow-range taxa of conservation concern is steadily increasing. As a consequence, there is an urgent need to obtain data on their spatial distributions and to determine how genetic diversity and population structure are affected by fragmentation. This paper outlines the way in which spatial analysis of genetic variation can be used to guide conservation management decisions using allozyme data for the endangered endemic terrestrial mollusc Meridolum corneovirens (Pfeiffer, 1851) (Pulmonata : Camaenidae). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that M. corneovirens populations are highly structured at very short distances (2 m) and that the radius of a genetic neighbourhood is approximately 350 m. An estimate of genetic neighbourhood size is a particularly useful parameter to have available for a species, especially from a conservation management perspective. It gives an indication of the distances moved by individuals between birth and breeding and hence the size of gaps in distribution that can be filled within a generation. Furthermore, replicate samples need to be separated by more than 350 m to be considered independent. Allozymes and spatial autocorrelation analysis can be used to obtain relevant management information for some species of conservation concern in a rapid, cost effective way.

The marron, Cherax tenuimanus (Smith), is one of the most easily recognisable members of the freshwater crayfish genus Cherax. Since its description in 1912, the taxonomy of the species has not been in dispute, but recent genetic studies have demonstrated that the species is not homogenous and consists of two genetically distinct forms. One of these forms is widespread and exploited via aquaculture and the other is restricted to a single river system, the Margaret River. This paper presents allozyme data, collected over a 19-year period, which documents the introduction of the widespread form into the Margaret River and the subsequent reproductive interactions between the two forms. These data indicate minimal interbreeding between the two forms of marron and so justify their recognition as distinct species. As the original description of the marron was based on specimens collected from the Margaret River, the form native to this river retains the name C. tenuimanus and a new species, Cherax cainii Austin is described for the common, widespread form of marron. An additional outcome of this study is that C. tenuimanus has been rapidly displaced by the introduced C. cainii within the Margaret River. Consequently, urgent conservation measures are required to protect C. tenuimanus and prevent its possible extinction.

Australian populations of the primitive podonomine genus Archaeochlus have a restricted distribution associated with seepage areas on granite outcrops in south-western and central Australia. These granite outcrops are disjunct and the intervening land offers no apparent suitable habitat for Archaeochlus. This paper uses the DNA sequence of the mitochondrial Cytb gene to assess the phylogenetic relationships between populations of three species, and to examine the hypothesis that these populations achieved their present distribution via ancient river systems that existed up until about 65 million years ago. The phylogeny supports the existence of the three species, but also raises the possibility that a population of A. brundini from Baladjie Rock may be specifically distinct. The phylogenetic relationships do not discriminate between the ancient river hypothesis and alternative explanations. However, estimation of the times of separation of the various populations within species indicates that these populations are too recent to have spread via the river systems. The results show that for each species the most northerly populations are the oldest and that there has been a southward spread of the populations. It is postulated that the southward spread may be a consequence of the increasing aridity of the northern parts of their range since the end of the tertiary.

Water striders and their allies (Hemiptera, Gerromorpha) are familiarinhabitants of water surfaces throughout the world. One of the mostspecies-rich groups is the subfamily Microveliinae (Veliidae) that comprisessmall or very small bugs inhabiting the nearshore areas of stagnant orslow-flowing freshwater. Accumulation of material during the past 30 years hasshown that the Australian fauna of Microveliinae is much richer and morediverse than previously recognised. In the present paper we discuss thegeneric classification of the subfamily and describe three new genera forspecies previously classified in the genus MicroveliaWestwood as well as three other new genera and nine new species. The new taxaare: Drepanovelia, gen. nov. (type-species:Microvelia dubia Hale),D. millennium (NSW, Queensland),D. biceros (NSW), and D. nielseni(Queensland) spp. nov., Lacertovelia hirsuta, gen. etsp. nov. (NSW), Petrovelia, gen. nov.,P. agilis (Queensland) andP. katherinae (NT) spp. nov.,Nesidovelia, gen. nov. (type species:Microvelia howense Hale),Microvelopsis, gen. nov. (type species:Microvelia melancholica Hale),M. exuberans (Queensland) andM. minor (Queensland) spp. nov.,Tarsoveloides brevitarsus, gen. et sp. nov.(Queensland). We also redescribe and give additional Australian records fortwo species of the genus Phoreticovelia D. Polhemus & J. Polhemus. Keys to adults of all species are provided and theirdistributions mapped.

Systematists have frequently interpreted lateral compression of the idiosoma in post-larval instars of water mites as a synapomorphy indicating common ancestry. This paper re-examines the evidence to support this assumption and concludes that lateral flattening has occurred independently several times during water mite evolution, and especially often in various basal clades of the superfamily Hygrobatoidea. Reassessment of the phylogenetic relationships of the genera attributed to these clades results in improved understanding of the early evolution and biogeography of hygrobatoid water mites and necessitates redefinition of several clades and significant revision of the family classification. The South African genus Karlvietsia K.O. Viets, 1962 is transferred from the subfamily Frontipodopsinae of the family Aturidae to the Hygrobatidae. The Australian genera Tasmanaxona Cook, 1986, Wheenyella Cook, 1986 and Wheenyoides Harvey, 1990 are also removed from Frontipodopsinae and placed with the genus Wettina Piersig, 1892, here removed from the family Pionidae, in the family Wettinidae Cook, stat. nov. Based on apparent relationship with members of Wettinidae, the South African genus Stormaxonella K.O. Viets, 1962 is transferred from the Aturidae and provisionally placed in the Wettinidae. The clade including the predominately Holarctic genus Lethaxona K.H. Viets, 1932 and the Western Hemisphere genus LethaxonellaCook, 1963 is recognised as the probable sister group of Wettinidae, and these genera are consequently removed from the Aturidae and placed in Lethaxonidae, fam. nov. The genus Frontipodopsis Walter is reassigned from Aturidae to the now monobasic family Frontipodopsidae K.H. Viets, stat. nov. Finally, five new species are described, including Frontipodopsis (Frontipodopsella) sudafricanus, sp. nov., Wettina occidentalis, sp. nov., Karlvietsia simplex, sp. nov., Hygrobates (Hygrobates) gereckei, sp. nov. and Hygrobates (Hygrobatides)frontipodoides, sp. nov., and both Karlvietsia brevipalpis K.O. Viets and K. angustipalpis K.O. Viets are redescribed.

In this paper we consider the extent of our knowledge of global beetle diversity. Depending on the estimates adopted, some 70–95% of all beetle species remain to be formally described, and at the current rate of progress it could be more than 200 years until the task is completed. One of the reasons for this is the difficulty of adequately sampling tropical beetle faunas and thereby ensuring sufficient material is available to taxonomists for comparative studies. Despite this, recent years have seen significant advances in our understanding of beetle taxonomy, biology, ecology and biogeography, and we are now in a good position to apply this understanding to ecological and management issues. Saproxylic (dead-wood-associated) beetles are used to illustrate this latter point.

Larvae of Melolonthini are commonly known as whitegrubs or, in the Australian sugar industry, as canegrubs. In Australia, there are 119 recognised species of Melolonthini, of which 75 are found in Queensland. Of the 75 species, this study examines 19 species that are recognised sugarcane pests. These belong to the genera Antitrogus Burmeister, Dermolepida Arrow, Lepidiota Kirby and Rhopaea Erichson. Descriptions of adults and larvae of the 19 species are provided in this paper, as well as species identification keys for both adults and larvae and a key to the tribes, as a premise for introducing more effective management strategies. Identification of canegrubs is pertinent because the various species have different ecologies, behaviours and insecticide susceptibilities, and their control requires different methods and rates of application of insecticides. We have separated larvae of the species on the basis of their raster pattern, locality and, where necessary, head width. Larvae of some species are difficult to identify and we suggest use of molecular tools for their identification.

The spider genus Tamgrinia Lehtinen, 1967 currently includes three species from western China and the East Sikkim region of India: T. alveolifer (Schenkel, 1936), T. laticeps (Schenkel, 1936), and T. chhanguensis (Tikader, 1970). In this paper, two additional species are recognised: T. coelotiformis (Schenkel, 1963), which is removed from the synonymy of T. laticeps, and T. tulugouensis, sp. nov. The species Amaurobius potanini Schenkel, 1963 is newly synonymised with T. laticeps rather than with T. alveolifer. Both males and females of T. laticeps are described. The original female of T. laticeps described by Schenkel in 1963 is shown to be a species of the coelotine genus Paracoelotes Brignoli, 1982. A key to the species is provided. The spinneret, tracheae, and trichobothria morphology of the family Amaurobiidae are also described using representatives of eight genera from four of the five amaurobiid subfamilies. The sister-group relationship between Tamgrinia and Taira Lehtinen, 1967, and the subfamilial placement of the genus Tamgrinia are questioned.

The discovery of asellotan isopod species resembling Stenetrium, but with male pleopods like those in the genus Pseudojanira Barnard, 1925 necessitated a re-examination of the taxonomy of the family Pseudojaniridae Wilson, 1986. Data presented in this paper support the assignment of the Pseudojaniridae to the superfamily Stenetrioidea Hansen, 1905, thus eliminating the superfamily Pseudojaniroidea Wilson. A new definition of the Stenetrioidea and a generic key are provided. The genus Pseudojanira and its species are revised, including a species-level key. A study of Pseudojanira investigatoris Poore and Just, 1990 has revealed two new cryptic species, Pseudojanira fremantlensis, sp. nov. and Pseudojanira justi, sp. nov. Some paratypes and other specimens originally classified as Pseudojanira investigatoris are reassigned to other species. Descriptions of two new monotypic genera of the Pseudojaniridae, Schottea taupoensis, gen. nov., sp. nov. andAdajinoperus tetanomorphus, gen. nov., sp. nov. further expand the recognised morphological diversity of this family. A new genus of Stenetriidae, Lexcenium, gen. nov., with two new species, L. poorei, sp. nov. and L. greenensis, sp. nov., provides additional evidence of the diverse, non- homologous forms of the ‘stylet-like’ appendix masculina within the superfamily.

Water striders (Hemiptera, Gerromorpha) are common inhabitants of aquatic habitats throughout the world. More than 150 species representing five families have colonised the marine environment, chiefly coastal areas of tropical seas in habitats with a strong tidal influence. The Australian fauna of marine water striders is particularly diverse and species-rich, comprising about 30 species. The present paper deals with the marine Haloveliinae (Veliidae) of Australia, New Caledonia and southern New Guinea. They are classified in two genera, Xenobates Esaki and Halovelia Bergroth. Xenobates mangrove, ovatus, major and spinoides (Queensland), X. lansburyi and chinai (Northern Territory), and X. caudatus (southern Papua New Guinea) are described as new. X. myorensis (Lansbury), X. angulanus (Polhemus) and X. loyaltiensis (China) comb. nov. are redescribed. Descriptive notes are presented for the five species of Halovelia recorded from Australia. Keys to adults of all species are provided and their distributions mapped. Finally, we discuss the zoogeography and ecology of the marine Haloveliinae of Australia.

Ascid mites are an important component of the predatory meiofauna in soil, on vegetation, and in association with other animals, yet the Australian fauna is almost unknown. At least 15 genera of ascid mites occur in Australia, of which 14 genera and 26 species are treated in this paper. Four of these genera (Gamasellodes, Hoploseius, Platyseius, Xenoseius) are here recorded from Australia for the first time. Six new species are described [Antennoseius (Antennoseius) lobochelus, sp. nov., Arctoseius memnon, sp. nov., Gamasellodes plaire, sp. nov., Platyseius cupensis, sp. nov., Xenoseius elizae, sp. nov., and Zerconopsis pristis, sp. nov.], and six other species are reported from Australia for the first time [Arctoseius semiscissus (Berlese), Gamasellodes rectiventris Lindquist, Proctolaelaps aurora (Vitzthum), Proctolaelaps bickleyi (Bram), Proctolaelaps lobatus De Leon, and Protogamasellus massula (Athias-Henriot)]. Proctolaelaps nesbitti (Womersley) is removed from synonymy with P. pygmaeus (Muller). Lectotypes are designated for Proctolaelaps antennatus Karg and P. australis Stone. P. antennatus has wrongly been recorded from Australia, and is known only from New Zealand. The first observations of feeding behaviour of mites in the genera Iphidozercon, Xenoseius and Zerconopsis confirm that nematophagy is prevalent among soil Ascidae. Keys to the world genera and Australian species are provided. Protogamasellopsis Evans and Purvis is transferred to the Rhodacaridae, Tangarorellus Luxton to an unspecified family in the Rhodacaroidea, and Lindquistoseius Genis, Loots & Ryke to the Ologamasidae. Orolaelaps DeLeon is removed from synonymy with Melichares Hering. The following new synonymies are proposed: Arctoseius bicuspidatus Willmann, 1949 and Arctoseius limburgensis Nesbitt, 1954 = Arctoseius semiscissus (Berlese, 1892); Cheiroseius (Posttrematus) Karg, 1981 = Episeius Hull, 1918; Iphidozercon californicus Chant, 1963, Leioseius (Arctoseius) elegans Bernhard, 1963 and Iphidozercon variolatus Ishikawa, 1969 = Iphidozercon corticalis Evans, 1958; Garmania longipilis Chant, 1958 = Proctolaelaps aurora (Vitzthum, 1925); Proctolaelaps lewisi Garman & McGregor, 1956 = P. utahensis Chant, 1958; Lasioseius conviva var. laevisternus Berlese, 1916a = Proctolaelaps pygmaeus (Muller, 1859); Neojordensia lativentris Karg, 1982 = Africoseius areolatus Krantz, 1962.

The Australian taxa of Micropezidae (listed at end of paper) are keyed and described. Crus, Scela, Veru and Seva are new subgenera of Metopochetus Enderlein. In all, 21 new species are described in the genera Metopochetus, CothornobataCzerny, CrepidochetusEnderlein and Mimegralla Rondani. Cothornobata inermis (Malloch) is a new combination (from Grammicomyia). Lectotypes are designated for Calobata compressa Walker (now in Metopochetus), Calobata bivittata Macquart (now in Metopochetus),Mimegralla contingens australicaHennig (now M. australica), Calobata contraria Walker [synonym ofMimegralla sepsoides (Walker)]. Records of the following from Australia are found to be erroneous: Calobata albimana Macquart [synonym ofTaeniaptera trivittata (Macquart)],Mimegralla abana (Walker), Calobata brevicellulata Macquart (now in Mimegralla), Calobata coeruleifrons Macquart (now in Mimegralla) and Metopochetus tipuloides (Walker). The erroneous record of Cothornobata viriata (Enderlein) from Papua New Guinea is corrected. Distributions of species are recorded by means of grid references to a key map. Information on ecology and habits of Australian micropezids is summarised. The populations of two flightless species are vulnerable, because each is apparently dependent on an ecologically vulnerable host-plant species (families Brassicaceae and Cephalotaceae). A phylogeny of the recognised subfamilies and tribes of Micropezidae is given. Literature on fossil micropezids is reviewed.

The coracina group ofScaptodrosophila Duda is largely endemic to Australia.With the four new species (S. precaria,S. garumga, S. claytoni andS. evanescens) described in this paper, 14 species arenow recognised in the group. Other species included in thecoracina group are S. cancellata(Mather), S. coracina (Kikkawa & Peng),S. ellenae (Bock), S. enigma(Malloch), S. howensis (Parsons & Bock),S. lativittata (Malloch),S. nitidithorax (Malloch),S. novamaculosa (Mather),S. specensis (Bock)andS. subnitida (Malloch). In the past there has beensome confusion in the taxonomy of several species; these problems areaddressed. Taxonomic changes, and a large amount of additional material, hasresulted in a better understanding of the distribution of the group. Mostspecies are widely distributed along the east coast of Australia, with twofoci of diversity, one centred on south-eastern Queensland (11 species) andthe other in the region around Cairns (8 species).

Species of Labiostrongylus are parasitic in the stomachs of macropodid and potoroid marsupials. The subgenus Labiostrongylus (Labiosimplex) is revised in this paper. The species Labiostrongylus (Labiosimplex) australis, L. (Ls.) bancrofti, L. (Ls.) bipapillosus, L. (Ls.) clelandi, L. (Ls.) communis, L. (Ls.) kungi, L. (Ls.) longispicularis, L. (Ls.) petrogale and L. (Ls.) redmondi are redescribed. L. ualabatus is placed as a synonym of L. (Ls.) clelandi. Twelve new species, L. (Ls.) robustus, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) major, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) occidentalis, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) aridus, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) flanneryi, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) thetidis, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) irma, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) thomasae, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) dendrolagi, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) pearsortensis, sp. nov., L. (Ls.) godmani, sp. nov., and L. (Ls.) laterilabellosus, sp. nov., are described. Labiostrongylus spp. 1–4 from Macropus parma and Lagorchestes hirsutus are discussed but not named and a key to the subgenus is given. A list of macropodid and potoroid hosts of species of Labiostrongylus is provided, and an indication of where further host collection is needed to augment taxonomic work on the genus is given.

The sea skaters, genus Halobates Eschscholtz (Gerridae : Halobatinae), include the only known oceanic insects, although most species of Halobates and the related genus Asclepios Distant are found in sheltered coastal waters. In this paper we describe a freshwater relative of these marine genera, Austrobates rivularis, gen. et sp. nov., from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. Although the new species has a mixture of characters shared with Asclepios and Halobates (tribe Halobatini) a phylogenetic (cladistic) analysis places Austrobates as sister-group of Halobates. The implications of this finding for the historical biogeography and ecology of sea skaters are discussed. We hypothesise that Halobates originated somewhere in the area that now includes the northernmost part of the Australian continent. Finally, we offer a narrative hypothesis explaining the evolution of the marine habit in halobatine water striders.