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The life history of the Taiwanese spider wasp Minotocyphus formosanus (Pompilidae: Pepsinae) is reported, including the developmental process of the immature stages. The larva was attached by the spider wasp to the abdomen of the funnel-web spider Macrothele hungae (Mygalomorphae: Macrothelidae). In terms of mode of life, M. formosanus was established as a koinobiont ectoparasitoid. These biological findings are the first reports for not only the species M. formosanus, but also the genus Minotocyphus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first faunal analysis of the ants (Formicidae) of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), an island nation in the Arabian Gulf. We document a total of 35 ant species based on published, unpublished and new specimen records, including 26 presumed native species and nine non-native tramp species. The native fauna was predominantly of Palaearctic origin, with a few Afrotropical species. A new species of the genus Lepisiota Santschi, 1926, L. bahrainensissp. n., is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. Habitat suitability modelling of the ant fauna of Bahrain was generated using a total of 157 recorded points against the panel of 19 bioclimatic factors. We used Maxent software to generate the final map which indicates a significantly high and excellent habitat suitability of species on the northern part of the country and high suitability on the eastern coasts. Our results show that the mean temperature of the driest season is the most effective parameter in modelling the distribution, and we present interpretations of the very low habitat suitability in the extremely arid desert in the southern regions of the main island. Finally, we present ecological and biological remarks and distribution maps for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionAquatic plants can reproduce through abiotic or biotic pollination. In Cyperaceae anemophily is plesiomorphic, but studies have registered floral visitors in some genera, including Eleocharis. Wind and insects, therefore, can act together in the pollination, characterising ambophily. However, so far there has been no evidence that water could also be a pollen vector in this family.Expand understanding of the pollination mechanisms in Cyperaceae.We analysed the floral biology, pollen to ovule ratio, floral visitors, performed pollen vector exclusion experiments, characterised the floral colour in the models of insect vision and analysed the chemical composition of floral scent of Eleocharis geniculata and E. mutata.Both species have anemophilous attributes. In Eleocharis mutata, wind was an effective pollen vector, increasing the fruit set. Individuals of E. geniculata exposed to water were more likely to produce fruits (p < 0.01). Eight species of insects were recorded as floral visitors of E. mutata, among which an Ephydroidea fly acting as the main pollinator. Flowers of both species had the same scent as the vegetative parts, and were shown to be visible and distinguishable from the background in both Hymenoptera and Diptera vision models.Our results suggest a new pollination strategy (hydrophily in E. geniculata), and another case of ambophily in Cyperaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common name 'Ferguson squathopper' is proposed for Messena sinuata Atkinson (Eurybrachidae). Cycas circinalis L. (Cycadaceae), Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae), Pongamia pinnata (L.) Merr. (= Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi), Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.) (both Fabaceae), Terminalia catappa L., T. paniculata Roth (Combretaceae) and Tectona grandis L. f. (Verbenaceae) are newly recorded as host plants of M. sinuata. Messena albifasciata Distant is possibly a junior synonym of M. sinuata. Hymenopteran parasitoids Proleurocerus litoralis Hayat and Kazmi (Encyrtidae, Encyrtinae), Parachrysocharis malabarensis Narendran (Eulophidae, Tetrastichinae) and an unnamed Anastatus sp. (Eupelmidae: Eupelminae) (males only) are newly reported as egg parasitoids of M. sinuata. All parasitoids are described with illustrations. The hitherto unknown male of Parachrysocharis malabarensis is described. Notes on parasitisation are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social insects have developed different nest defence strategies; for example, social wasps use nonaggressive mechanisms or aggressiveness, including stinging. This subject has been widely examined in the literature, and it may help improve our understanding of wasps' ecology. The nesting behaviour of some genera is still poorly known. In this paper, we report new information on the nesting behaviour of the species Clypearia in different Brazilian biomes. We observed six nesting events in natural and anthropic environments of the Amazon rainforest, Atlantic forest, and Cerrado domains, sporadically from 2004 to 2022. From our observations, we suggest that Clypearia nest defence includes (i) preference for nest camouflage rather than aggressive behaviour; (ii) selection of nesting sites close to water sources in natural or anthropic environments, and eventually obtaining food from the substrate; (iii) nesting association with ants for mutual protection against predators; and (iv) variations in the nests' height. Our records suggest nest camouflage and association with ants are strategies for nest defence. These may have influenced nest height in relation to the ground, which may also vary according to the environment explored by the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 (Apidae: Xylocopini) Latreille includes efficient pollinating bees that visit a wide range of botanical species. Although several studies have investigated their interactions with plants in dune ecosystems, there is still a limited understanding of these bee communities in coastal environments. This study aimed to characterize the larval diet of Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) cearensis Ducke, 1910 by analyzing pollen from their nests to assess the presence of specialization or generalization in relation to botanical species. The research was carried out in coastal sandbanks of the Delta do Parnaíba Environmental Protection Area, Tutóia, Maranhão-BR, over a 12-month period. The natural nests were inventoried by active searches and, when possible, transported to the Federal University of Maranhão. Pollen samples were collected from 19 brood cells of 12 nests in total. All the nests were found on branches of Anacardium occidentale L. Using the acetolysis method, 21 types of pollen were recognized, representing 14 botanical families. Three of those types of pollen were considered to be Frequent pollen, Mouriri cearensis Huber (35.44%), Chamaecrista ramosa (Vogel) H. S. Irwin & Barneby (32.80%) and Myrcia multiflora (Lam.) DC (27.05%). Based on these results, X. cearensis can be characterized as a polylectic species that demonstrates adaptability. These floral resources serve as essential protein sources for the nutrition of their brood, highlighting the importance of these plant species in supporting their reproductive success. This study provides useful information that can serve as a reference for future research on other Xylocopa species in similar ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of the parasitoid species of the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a cosmopolitan pest of citrus, was carried out in 2019 and 2020 in the major citrus production area of Tunisia. Four different Eulophidae species were found: Citrostichus phyllocnistoides (Narayanan), representing 81.82% of the identified parasitoids, Semielacher petiolatus (Girault) (9.40%) and the native species Pnigalio pectinicornis (L.) (2.82%). Cirrospilus ingenuus Gahan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a new report for the parasitoid entomofauna of P. citrella in the country, representing 5.96% of the identified parasitoids. It has probably spread naturally from other Mediterranean regions. Predation by generalist predators is the main mortality factor of CLM (up to 59.11% of the mortality was caused by natural enemies), followed by parasitism (oviposition) (22.47%) and host-feeding (18.42%). Second and third instar larvae of the CLM were the preferred stages for parasitism. Host-feeding and generalist predators' attacks were most common on first and second instars. Data highlighting the ability for C. phyllocnistoides to develop and disperse clearly predominates in Tunisian citrus orchards. Citrostichus phyllocnistoides may compete with S. petiolatus, exerting a complementary action to that of C. phyllocnistoides, particularly earlier in the season when the densities of the latter species are low. Further studies focusing on inter-specific relationships between these two exotic parasitoids are needed in order to test whether the observed field results could have been estimated from laboratory assays. This will be helpful in critically evaluating the results of the classical biological control programme developed against CLM in Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of ponerine ant from Mexican amber, Siinikaponera sulimata, is described and illustrated. The type material is an amber inclusion from the Montecristo mine in Chiapas, Mexico, which dates back to the Oligo-Miocene period. Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. shares traits with other ants in the subfamily Ponerinae, including the outer edges of the frontal lobes forming simple short semicircles or blunt triangles, presence of promesonotal suture, meso- and metatibia with 0–2 spurs, antenna with 12 segments, constriction between the first and second gastral tergite well impressed, presence of sting, complete wing venation, and complete cell patterns. Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. also has unique features that separate it from other ponerine ants, such as fore, middle and hind tibiae with two spurs each, anterior margin of clypeus with two anteriorly projecting lobes, mandible dentition pattern, posterior peduncle of petiole long, and presence of relatively long coxae. A distinctive feature of Siinikaponera sulimata gen. et sp. nov. is the presence of two projecting lobes on the anterior clypeal margin, a plesiomorphic character shared with the genus Dinoponera. Accordingly, this new fossil record offers valuable insights into the worldwide diversity and distribution of ponerine ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview on the history of the British cuckoo wasps is presented. Some very old publications dealing with this fauna have fallen into oblivion, along with the description of some taxa. In the present paper I discuss these taxa and other species observed in museum collections. The species formerly identified as Cleptes semicyaneus Tournier, 1879 was found in England and Scotland. This species was misidentified in the literature and it is here described as Cleptes britannicorum Rosa, sp. n. Three new synonymies are proposed: Chrysis politus Harris, 1776 syn. n. of Omalus aeneus (Fabricius, 1787); Chrysis curax Harris, 1776 syn. n. of Trichrysis cyanea (Linnaeus, 1758); Chrysis variegata Curtis, 1837 nec Olivier, 1790 syn. n. of Chrysis leachii Shuckard, 1837. The lectotype of Chrysis lucidula Fabricius, 1775 (type species of the genus Hedychrum Latreille, 1802) is designated. Chrysis aenea Fabricius, 1787 is considered a nomen protectum and Chrysis politus Harris, 1776 a nomen oblitum. A discussion on nomina nuda and nomina dubia found in historical publications is given. In the context of British fauna, Chrysis rutilans Olivier, 1790 is considered regionally extinct, and the presence of Chrysis mediadentata Linsenmaier, 1951 and Pseudomalus triangulifer (Abeille de Perrin, 1877) in England is reported for the first time. The following species recently added to the British fauna are considered native because they were present in the UK in the nineteenth century and can be traced in historical collections: Elampus konowi (du Buysson, 1892); Hedychridium caputaureum (Trautmann and Trautmann, 1919); C. corusca Valkeila, 1971; C. schencki Linsenmaier, 1968; C. terminata Dahlbom, 1854; and Chrysis mediadentata Linsenmaier, 1951. It is also confirmed, based on historical data, that Holopyga generosa (Förster, 1853) and Hedychrum nobile (Scopoli, 1763) have recently expanded their distributional limits, making their presence in England evident only in the last few decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telenomus nizwaensis Polaszek sp. n. an egg parasitoid of the pomegranate pest Deudorix livia (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), is described. The description is minimal, as it serves primarily to make the name available following an earlier electronic-only description that carried a non-operational ZooBank Life Science Identifier (LSID), hence failing to make the name available. The name is thus now available from the present publication. A valid ZooBank LSID is also provided for the species name. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chilled adult technique is a suitable strategy for the mass - release of insects for the area - wide management of insect pests. Chilling may have undesirable effects on the released insects. The relationship between physical traits and the effects of cold-induced lethargy on the fitness of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata has not been fully explored. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between weight, size, and water and lipid content in D. longicaudata subjected to cold-induced lethargy at 9, 6, and 3°C, and the effects of cold induction on the survival, flight ability, and fecundity of parasitoid adults. During gradual chilling from 15°C to 3°C over a 45 min period, we observed that most wasps became lethargic at 9°C. The tibias of wasps that became lethargic at 3°C were larger than those of parasitoids that became lethargic at 9 and 6°C. Body water and lipid contents were higher in lethargic females chilled at 3°C, but no differences were observed in males. Lethargic males experienced reduced flight ability compared with the control, whereas fecundity was reduced only in lethargic females that had been exposed to 3°C. The survival rate was lower in both sexes. Our results suggest that greater body size and higher water and lipid contents delay the onset of cold-induced lethargy, but do not prevent negative effects on survival, fecundity, and flight ability in D. longicaudata. This study will help the advancement of parasitoid-release field programmes that use the chilled adult technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bethylid wasp Goniozus omanensis has been identified as a key natural enemy of Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae), an important pest of date palm. Efficient rearing of natural enemies can be an important part of biological pest control programmes but cultures of G. omanensis are challenging to maintain on B. amydraula. We evaluate two readily available species of Pyralid moths, Corcyra cephalonica and Galleria mellonella, as potential factitious hosts. We find that G. omanensis can develop on the larvae of either species, but the probability of failure is circa 75% overall. Both trialled host species were approximately equally suitable, but failures were typically during the early stages of brood production when presented with C. cephalonica and during the later stages when presented with G. mellonella. This suggests that C. cephalonica larvae may be more difficult to suppress and that G. mellonella larvae may be of lower nutritional value. The average production of adult parasitoids per host provided was approximately 1 and, given the observed female biased sex ratio, the average number of females was around 0.8. We suggest potential routes to improving the efficiency of rearing G. omanensis on these factitious hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the first record of Lasioglossum subfasciatum (Imhoff, 1832) (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Halictidae) in the Sila National Park (Calabria, Italy), a Biosphere Reserve included in the UNESCO program. The species has been classified as endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, throughout Europe. Three specimens were found during a monitoring activity, in May 2022. Here, we provide a description of the species, the environmental characteristics of the site where it was found and a chronological map of its European distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Oopristus Steffan is being reported for the first time from India. O. iqrae Usman and Anwar sp. nov. is described based on females. An updated catalogue to the family Torymidae is provided from India. This catalogue lists 75 valid species included in 21 genera and four subfamilies. The subfamily Podagrioninae includes the largest number of 34 species (6 genera) followed by Toryminae 28 species (7 genera), Monodontomerinae 10 species (6 genera), and Microdontomerinae 3 species (2 genera). New combinations are provided for two Indian species of Pseuderimerus as Erimerus corianderi (Narendran and Mercy) comb. nov. and E. indicus (Subba Rao and Bhatia) comb. nov. Three species, Chrysochalcissa physomeri Bouček, Diomorus orientalis Masi, and Torymus varians (Walker), are removed from the fauna list of India. Article LSID: Species LSID: Oopristus iqrae Usman & Anwar [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two complete nests of Pterocheilus phaleratus (Panzer, 1797) were described from the north-eastern edge of the Pomeranian Flying Club in Toruń (northern Poland). Both nests were built in sandy terrain on a sloping surface (about 20°). The nests consists of a 5 cm long main burrow with a single cell. Digging and backfilling the nest involves carrying fine gravel in the mandibles. Females transported prey at a frequency of 6 to 12 minutes. The cell contained 25 larvae from the Tortricidae family (Acleris spp.). Metopia cf. argyrocephala (Meigen, 1824) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was observed following the female into the nest, but specimens of this species were not excavated from the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Zaomma eriococci (Ferrière, 1955) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was obtained through next-generation sequencing, making the first reported complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Zaomma. The mitochondrial genome is 15,648 bp in length and includes 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes along with an A + T rich region. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiate with typical ATN codons. Of these, 10 PCG genes terminate with TAA, while three terminate with TAG. Additionally, there are 22 tRNA genes, ranging in size from 62 to 70 bp. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 13 PCGs, indicates that Z. eriococci is closely related to Tassonia gloriae. This mitochondrial genome will serve as a valuable molecular resource for species identification, genetic analysis, and comparative genomic studies of Z. eriococci, contributing to the growing collection of mitochondrial genomes within the family Encyrtidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthophilous insects are of key importance for onion reproduction due to the protandrous nature of flowers, related to inbreeding avoidance. We documented the diversity of floral visiting insects on onion flowers at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during 2019-21. The pollinator community is composed of thirty hymenopteran species, sixteen dipteran species, eight lepidopteran species, four hemipteran species, and one species from Coleoptera. From these, Hymenoptera and Diptera contributed >75% of the floral visitors. The majority of the floral visits by the anthophilous insects were for collecting nectar (81.59%) followed by nectar as well as pollen foraging (9.97%) and only pollen (8.44%). The proportion of stigma contact did not depend on the body size of the floral visitor. However, stigma contact depends on whether floral visitors collected nectar or pollen and also on the head width of the floral visitor. The present study helps to understand the pollination efficiency of pollination candidates for onion. Further, there is a need to study the pollen harvest and effective stigmatic pollen deposition by the floral visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe order Hymenoptera is one of the most species-rich insect orders, with more than 150,000 described extant species. Many hymenopteran insects have very different mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) organizations compared to the putative ancestral organization of insects. In this study, we sequenced 18 mitogenomes of representatives in the order Hymenoptera to increase taxonomic sampling. A total of 475 species were used in phylogenetic analyses, including 18 new mitogenomes and 457 existing mitogenomes. Using a site-heterogeneous model, Bayesian’s inference from amino acid data yielded more resolved relationships among Hymenoptera than maximum-likelihood analysis and coalescent-based species analyses. The monophyly of Symphyta was not supported. The Xyeloidea was the earliest branching clade in the Hymenoptera. The Orussoidea was closely related to Apocrita. Within Apocrita, the Parasitoida was non-monophyletic. The monophyly of most Parasitoida superfamilies received strong support. The Proctotrupomorpha clade was supported in Bayesian’s analysis. The Apoidea was monophyletic when excluding Ampulex compressa from consideration. The superfamilies Vespoidea and Chrysidoidea were found to be non-monophyletic. Comparisons of mitochondrial gene order revealed a higher frequency of gene rearrangement among lineages with a parasitoid lifestyle, particularly prominent in Chalcidoidea. The degree of gene rearrangement ranked second in specific taxa of Cynipoidea and Ichneumonoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees are the main pollinators of terrestrial ecosystems and, among them, we can highlight oil-collecting bees, which show different morphological and behavioral adaptations associated with plants that offer this floral resource. Floral oils are used in provisioning, building, and lining the brood cell and nests. The genus Epicharis has a neotropical distribution and females are closely associated with plants of the Malpighiaceae family, with the highest number of records in species of the genus Byrsonima. However, due to the strong seasonality of adult activity and solitary behavior, knowledge about important floral resources to Epicharis bees is still scarce. In order to identify important resource sources for a widely distributed species, the current work aimed to analyze the pollen spectrum of Epicharis flava Friese in an urban area in the Atlantic Forest domain. For this, females of E. flava were captured during five days while visiting flowers of Byrsonima sericea DC. (Malpighiaceae) in an urban area, and the pollen load in their scopae was submitted to acetolysis processing for further analysis under the microscope. In total, 71 pollen types were found, with emphasis on Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Bignoniaceae, and Malpighiaceae, considered sources of nectar, pollen, and floral oils. This study made it possible, through the analysis of pollen in the scopae, to identify a list of potentially important species for the maintenance of E. flava populations. This information is necessary for the management of urban green areas, aiming at increasing biodiversity. In addition, these data can serve as a base for further research on oil-collecting bees in the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, four doryctine wasps, Dendrosotinus (Dendrosotinus) ferrugineus (Marshall, 1888), Euscelinus sarawacus Westwood, 1882, Leluthia (Euhecabolodes) nr. ruguloscolyti (Fischer, 1962), and Monolexis fuscicornis Foerster, 1863 (Braconidae), are recorded here for the first time for the Syrian fauna. All were reared from larvae of the grape borer beetle, Amphicerus bimaculatus (Olivier) (Bostrichidae), attacking Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae) in Homs (Syria). Both E. sarawacus and M. fuscicornis were formerly recorded as parasitoids of Amphicerus bimaculatus (Olivier) (Bostrichidae) attacking Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae). The other two, D. ferrugineus and L. nr. ruguloscolyti, are here recorded for the first time in association with A. bimaculatus and Punica granatum. The newly recorded species are here diagnosed and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pompilidae are a cosmopolitan family of aculeate parasitoid wasps with 24 extinct species. Here, we provide a new species description for an enigmatic species of Pepsinae: Paleogenia indomini Colombo & Waichert sp. nov. The new taxon is easily distinguished from congeners by having a long tibial spur, ~0.8× longer than the first tarsomere, and by the presence of a large basal pale line extending medially on the clypeus. A key for the species of Paleogenia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of entomopathogenic fungus in social wasps is limited, however, association appears to be more common than past thinking. In this study, we recorded the occurrence of eight social wasp species infected: Agelaia fulvofasciata, Agelaia testacea, Apoica cf. pallida, Polistes rufiventris, Polybia dimidiata, Polybia liliacea, Polybia striata, Synoeca virginea, Polistes (Aphanilopterus), and one Mischocyttarus (Mischocyttarus) morphotypes by Ophiocordyceps sphecocephala for the first, and added some new geographic range extension records for the already reported association of Ophiocordyceps humbertii for some locations in the Neotropics with a brief behavioral diagnosis of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on the chalcidid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) reports 26 species belonging to 12 genera and four subfamilies from the state of Goa, India. Of these, 20 species and seven genera are newly recorded from Goa. An illustrated key, synonyms, brief description and habitus images are provided for all the species of Chalcididae found in Goa, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of floral resources and mealybug honeydew on the longevity of Anagyrus fusciventris (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of both the longtailed (Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni Tozzetti) and citrophilus mealybugs (P. calceolariae Maskell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in New Zealand, was investigated in the laboratory. A. fusciventris longevity was significantly increased by the provision of sugar solution, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and alyssum (Lobularia maritima) flowers, and P. calceolariae honeydew compared with water alone. Female A. fusciventris provided with buckwheat survived 17 days longer than females provisioned with water alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), is regarded as one of the most significant biocontrol agents of several pests. An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of cold storage on the table table parameters. The emergence rate of parasitoids declined as the storage period increased (82.54 ± 2.19, 60.09 ± 2.11, 52.12 ± 4.52 and 48.67 ± 4.20%) after cold storage for one, two, three, and four weeks respectively. The life table parameters were negatively affected by cold storage. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) decreased (0.20 d-1) when pupa storing for 4 week. The net reproduction rate (R0) and the finite rate of increase (λ) both displayed a similar trend. Also, the doubling time (DT) increased when compared to the control (2.36 ± 0.13 d). In conclusion, it is not advised to store the pupae at low temperatures for long durations. However, the cold storing is considered to some extent a suitable way for short-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the study of extinct species is crucial for diversification and evolutionary history of Hymenoptera, the past diversity of Liadoxyelini (Xyelidae, Xyelinae) is relatively poorly documented. Herein, one new fossil genus with one species, Novoxyela bella gen. et sp. nov., and one species, Platyxyela elegans sp. nov., are described and figured from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Beds of Inner Mongolia, China. N. bella gen. et sp. nov. differs from other Liadoxyelini by combination of traits including unusual large head, pterostigma only sclerotised basally, 1-Rs almost as long as 1-M and 1 m-cu slightly shorter than 2-Cu. P. elegans sp. nov. exhibits unique features hitherto unknown among species of the Platyxyela, viz., pterostigma of medium width, completely sclerotised and ovipositor sheaths widest subapically. The diversity of known fossil species of Liadoxyelini and new forewing characters, as well as a new key to species of Platyxyela, are presented. LSIDurn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:874C3A78-2EA3-4877-AA5E-AC352A8AFCAE [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Western Thailand, Miocene shales from Wang Kaew, in the Mae Sot basin, have yielded a diverse insect assemblage comprising 115 articulated specimens. In this preliminary review, 15 subcomplete specimens are studied and referred to at least eight forms belonging to five orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, and Hemiptera). Coleoptera are represented by very nicely preserved specimens of weevils (Curculionidae). Diptera are known by three different taxa referred to Bibionidae, Sciaridae and Brachycera. Hymenoptera are known by representatives of Vespidae and Formicidae. Orthoptera are represented by a single specimen of uncertain affinities and Hemiptera by one Gerrinae. This insect assemblage is the most complete ever reported in Southeast Asia during the Cenozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome-level features are crucial genetic resources for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome of Aphidius colemani Viereck 1912 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) was sequenced, determined and analyzed. The circular genome is 16,372 bp in length with an overall base composition of 38.9% for A, 46.2% for T, 6.7% for C, and 8.2% for G. The mitochondrial genome of A. colemani contained 13 protein-coding genes that initiated by the ATN codon, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a control region (CR). It shared the same gene arrangement patterns that occurred in two tRNA clusters of trnI-trnQ-trnM and trnW-trnC-trnY with Aphidius gifuensis. Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference and Maximum-likelihood methods supported that the two species of Aphidiinae formed a clade and sister to other subfamilies of Braconidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streblote siva (Lefèbvre) (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a polyphagous pest of many economically important crops, including moringa (Moringa oleifera Lamarck). The present study reports, for the first time, a species of Telenomus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) as an egg parasitoid of S. siva. The rearing data revealed that this egg parasitoid was gregarious in nature, and upon further taxonomic examination it was found that the parasitoid represented an undescribed species of Telenomus. In this study, an mt COI DNA barcode was generated for this new species from India. Additionally, with the mt COI gene data and the published 28S sequence data concatenated, a two-gene phylogenetic tree was constructed to ascertain the placement of this new species within the genus Telenomus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study from the state of Odisha, India, documents for the first time a species of Idris Förster (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) as an egg parasitoid of a clubionid spider. In Scelionidae, two genera, Ceratobaeus Ashmead and Odontacolus Kieffer, are known to attack clubionids. The emerged species of Idris did not fit the descriptions of congeners; hence, the new species is described and illustrated here as a novel species, Idris hirsutus Sunita and Rajmohana sp. n. The mt COI gene-based molecular characterisation of the species is provided. In addition, a preliminary phylogenetic tree to decipher the placement and broader geographic groupings of Idris on a country-wide scale is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In social insects, post-hibernation queens of independent-founding species (e.g. bumble bees, some ants and wasps) need to overcome various difficulties for survival and reproduction during the initial period of the colony. Specifically, a single queen must perform all tasks related to colony defense and nursing juveniles alone. In this study, we examined whether the reproductive conditions of post-hibernation solitary queens of the vespine wasp Vespa analis are affected by the following four factors: (1) collection date, (2) mating status, (3) body size and (4) the presence of Xenos parasites. The results showed that ovary development of the queens was associated with collection date and mating status but not with body size or parasitism. The positive effects of the first two factors are reasonable, because they are closely related to life history, but the absence of a link between ovary development of the queens and parasitism was surprising. No association of ovary development of the queens with body size prompts the need for more comparative studies, which might reveal differences in the fecundity-body size relationship among temperate Vespa species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eretmocerus mundus Mercet (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a highly efficient parasitoid that has been commercially used for augmentative biological control of the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). The success of control efforts with this parasitoid could be compromised by the use of non-selective pesticides. This study was conducted to determine if acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, spinetoram, and sulfoxaflor had transgenerational effects on juvenile development of E. mundus. The mean development time from oviposition (OVP) to first sign of parasitism (FSP) for progeny of females treated with control was 9.03 days, which was the shortest compared to the insecticide treatments. After FSP, the control groups reached their pre-pupal (PP) stage in an average time of 3.85 days, while it was in the range of 3.98–4.46 days for insecticide-treated groups. The developmental period from pre-pupal to black-eyed pupal stage ranged from 2.32–2.69 days for parasitoids treated with insecticides, but it was 2.22 days for the control group. The overall mean development time—from oviposition until adult emergence—was 16.24 days for control, which was statistically shorter than all other treatments. Spinerotam and sulfoxaflor prolonged immature development by 2.37 and 1.83 days, respectively, when compared with the control. Male development was slightly shorter than that of female in control, spinetoram, and sulfoxaflor groups, and the opposite was true for the neonicotinoids. Compared to the neonicotinoids, the non-neonicotinoids had more negative effect on juvenile development of E. mundus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To be successfully established on oceanic islands, native ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) have to migrate from the mainland or from nearby islands, crossing the ocean barriers, to find a suitable habitat. Despite the general interest on oceanic islands biotas, nothing is known about the deep-time migration and settling of native ants in these insular ecosystems. Palaeoentomological studies on oceanic islands that could provide palaeobiological information on Formicidae are scarce. Here, we describe and illustrate the first fossil of an ant from the Macaronesian archipelagos (Atlantic Ocean), based on a partial forewing found within 1.3 Ma (Calabrian, Pleistocene) lacustrine sediments from Madeira Island, Portugal. Although unidentifiable beyond the family level, this fossil record provides a minimum age for the presence of ants in the Madeira archipelago. Palaeoecologically, this record indicates the presence of suitable habitats for ants during the early Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia, is a significant pest for grain crops worldwide. Bioagents such as the parasitoid, Aphidius colemani and the predator, Coccinella undecimpunctata have been shown to be effective against many aphid species. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of releasing these two bioagents on controlling D. noxia without using pesticides. To achieve this, three systems of release were evaluated in the field: (1) the parasitoid A. colemani at rate of 4 mummies/m2, (2) the predator C. undecimpunctata at rate of 10 individuals (3rd larval instar)/m2, and (3) A. colemani (4 mummies/m2) + C. undecimpunctata (10 individuals/m2) and control. After four releases, the combination of A. colemani and C. undecimpunctata resulted in the highest percentage of reduction in aphid population, with a reduction of 95.58, 95.53% in 2020 and 2021, followed by 86.94, 83.92% in A. colemani plots and the lowest reduction percentage in C. undecimpunctata plots, with 65.1, 68.92%, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Based on these results, it is recommended to use the combination of the two bioagents, A. colemani and C. undecimpunctata for controlling D. noxia in a wheat field. Therefore, the use of a combination of natural enemies, carefully timed and repeated releases, and consideration of intraguild predation dynamics can help to achieve effective biological control of aphids in wheat crops. The use of natural enemies such as A. colemani and C. undecimpunctata can reduce the application of pesticides and promote sustainable pest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of the subgenus Paragris de Saussure, 1855 of the genus Synagris Latreille, 1802 is revised, with recognition of the following species and synonymies: Synagris huberti de Saussure, 1855 (= Synagris clypeata Mocsáry, 1903 syn. n.; = Synagris huberti var. bimaculata Maidl, 1914 syn. n.; = Synagris huberti var. nigricans Maidl, 1914 syn. n.), Synagris ornatissima Maidl, 1914, and Synagris rufopicta Tullgren, 1904 (= Synagris rufopicta var. mimetica Bequaert, 1918 syn. n.; = Synagris parvula von Schulthess, 1928 syn. n.). Lectotypes are designated for Synagris parvula and Synagris huberti var. bimaculata. A key to the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceraphronidae is one of the small, commonly collected families of parasitoid Hymenoptera. Aphanogmus cecidovorus Ranjith sp. n. is described here as a parasitoid of the acarivorus cecidomyiid Microdiplosis pongamiae Mani. This is the first host-parasitoid association of Aphanogmus parasitising an acarivorus cecidomyiid reported from outside the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. The new species is described and compared with related species and those with a similar association. Taxonomic placement of the new species and host-parasitoid association are commented on briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma spp. have been used or have been proposed for use in biological control programmes of lepidopteran pests, including the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, and the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. Releases are typically made by placing cards with parasitised eggs at set points in the field. However, this method can be cost-prohibitive due to its laborious nature. As a result, labour-saving mechanised release programmes have been developed, including distribution by spray equipment. However, few have investigated applying Trichogramma with a standard pesticide application (i.e. 'tank mix'). As a first step to ascertain the feasibility of such a system, we observed the effect of immersion of T. ostriniae pupae in field-relevant concentrations of eight herbicides (bentazon, clethodim, fomesafen, quizalofop, Glacial acetic acid, glyphosate, imazamox, imazethapyr), three fungicides (Copper Hydroxide, flutriafol, and penthiopyrad), one insecticide (K+ salt of fatty acid), and five adjuvants (Ammonium Sulfate, Crop Oil Concentrate, Methylated seed oil, Non-ionic surfactant, and Urea-Ammonium Nitrate) on the emergence of T. ostriniae adults. The herbicides GAA and clethodim; the fungicides copper hydroxide, flutriafol, and penthiopyrad; and the adjuvants COC, MSO, and NIS all reduced T. ostriniae emergence compared to a water control. No emergence was observed with exposure to quizalofop, GAA, or K+ salt of fatty acid treatments. Other treatments did not affect emergence compared to water. Thus, deploying Trichogramma with a standard pesticide application may be a feasible labour-saving distribution method that warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on a new species of mite of the genus Myrmozercon Berlese in Japan. Females of a new species, Myrmozercon kishidai sp. nov., were collected clinging to Crematogaster teranishii Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The new species is described and illustrated based on morphological characters of the adult female and compared with known congeners. This new species is the first record of Myrmozercon from Japan. In addition, an identification key to all known species of the genus is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new genus Evacuxyela gen. nov., with two new species, Evacuxyela conflata sp. nov. and Evacuxyela hsiaoae sp. nov., is described and illustrated on the basis of two fossils from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of northeastern China. The new genus Evacuxyela gen. nov. is placed in the subfamily Macroxyelinae Ashmead, 1898, tribe Angaridyellini of Xyelidae, mainly based on veins C and R connected by a bridge next to pterostigma. The two new fossil species are similar, but differentiated by degree of expansion for hind femur, sclerotisation of pterostigma and venational details. In addition, the well-preserved spurs and expanded femora of hind legs provide important morphological characters to enhance our understanding of Xyelidae. ZooBank ID (LSID): Evacuxyela: Evacuxyela conflata: Evacuxyela hsiaoae: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations were undertaken for a better understanding of seasonality, interaction with tea ecosystem, and parasitic impact of an endoparasitoid Cotesia ruficrus (Haliday) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on the destructive tea looper Hyposidra talaca (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). The population abundance of C. ruficrus was noticed as high in the months of pre-winter and spring seasons which was coincided with the population increase of H. talaca. C. ruficrus found to foraging and collecting nectar from the flowers of Lantana camera L., Moringa oleifera Lam., and Clerodendron infortunatum L. associated with the tea ecosystem. The life table parameters including intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) and net reproductive rate (Ro) of C. ruficrus were 0.203 per day and 41.11 female offspring/female, respectively, with the gross reproductive rate (∑mx) 50.09 eggs/female. The parasitic impact of C. ruficrus has significantly affected the food consumption and development of H. talaca. Resultantly, a drastic reduction in body weight, changes in differential hemocyte count (DHC), and morphology of hemocytes were observed in parasitized host larvae. Toxic effect of quinalphos and thiamethoxam on C. ruficrus showed 100% mortality followed by bifenthrin > deltamethrin > emamectin benzoate > flubendiamide > fenpyroxymate after 72 h of the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of three host plants, sweet pepper, cucumber and eggplant, on the survival and fecundity of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hem.: Aphididae) and population growth parameters of Aphidius platensis as a solitary endoparasitoid of green peach aphid were studied. The raw data were analysed using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The results showed that sweet pepper is the most suitable host plant for green peach aphid development and reproduction. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) of M. persicae reared on eggplant, sweet pepper and cucumber were 0.32 ± 0.01, 0.33 ± 0.01 and – 0.071 ± 0.06 d−1, respectively. Furthermore, other population parameters of aphids raised on sweet pepper and eggplant were significantly higher than corresponding parameter values of aphids fed on cucumber plant. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) of A. platensis reared on sweet pepper was 0.29 ± 0.01 d−1. The life expectancy (exj) of A. platensis parasitised pepper raised green peach aphids was 21.08 days on the first day of emergence, and the maximum reproductive value of A. platensis females occurred on the 14th day. Our results showed that sweet pepper could serve as a suitable host plant for rearing M. persicae as a host for A. platensis within a biological control programme context according to the pre-adult period, survival, adult longevity and fecundity of M. persicae. This information could be useful for mass rearing of A. platensis in insectariums where the faster growth and development of aphids are desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native hyperparasitoids may readily expand their host range by including non-native parasitoids that are introduced in classical biological control of pest insects. Here we report our observation on biology of Cheiloneurus nankingensis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an obligate hyperparasitoid attacking non-native parasitoid Aenasius arizonensis residing in Phenacoccus solenopsis mealybugs that have invaded into Asian regions. We measured durations of antennae-tapping, ovipositor-drilling and ovipositor-probing/ovipositing behaviours by C. nankingensis wasps on parasitised mealybugs with the host at either larval or pupal stage and on the unparasitised mealybug as the control. The ovipositor-probing/ovipositing duration was much longer on a pupal host than on the larval while shortest on the control. We then observed offspring development progression of C. nankingensis at attacking either egg, larva or pupa of its host by daily dissecting hyperparasitised mealybugs. The development was faster in a larval or pupal host than in the egg. Finally, our measurements of the reproductive output showed that C. nankingensis wasps during 14 days after the emergence attacked more parasitised mealybugs and produced more offspring reaching adulthood when ovipositing in the mealybug with a host larva than with a pupa. Our results from this study suggest that C. nankingensis may employ the ovipositor to probe for the host within a mealybug and the host at the larval stage is of high quality for the reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect pollination plays a pivotal role in maintaining sustainable and profitable agriculture practices with limited environmental disturbance. This research was conducted to assess the diversity of floral visitor insects and their foraging and behavioral activities over two seasons. In addition, we determined the impact of insect pollination on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of sweet orange (cvs. Early Gold, Rhode Red, and Trovita). During seasons 1 and 2, seven insect species, including six Hymenopterans and one Dipteran, visited the sweet orange flowers and collected nectar and/or pollen. During the two seasons, the highest mean number of flowers visited (per min) by various floral visitor insects was recorded for Xylocopa tenuiscapa Westwood and the lowest for Nomia sp. The time spent (s/flower) was the highest in Nomia sp. and lowest in X. tenuiscapa. The fruit set, fruit yield, fruit weight, number of seeds/fruit, and total soluble solids (TSS) content were considerably higher with open pollination during the two seasons than with pollinator exclusion. In both seasons the highest fruit set, number of seeds/fruit, fruit weight, and fruit yield were noted in cv. Early Gold. To summarize, the quality and quantity of fruit production of sweet oranges were influenced by insect pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Pachycephus smyrnensis Stein, 1876 collected from Sivas, Turkey, is described. The circled genome is 20,393 bp in length and contains a typical set of 37 genes. The missing control regions, trnQ and trnI in previously reported P. smyrnensis (KX907846) were obtained in this precise assembly based on a considerable amount of raw data. A denser sampled phylogenetic analysis shows that the two P. smyrnensis constitute a branch sister to P. cruentatus (Eversmann, 1847). Pachycephus is a sister group of Phylloecus within Hartigiinae and remote from Characopygus, a genus within Cephinae. The monophyly of Pachycephini has been rejected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing energy costs has become an important concern for sustainable manufacturing systems, owing to concern for the environment. We present a multi-objective hybrid ant colony optimisation (MHACO) algorithm for a real-world two-stage blocking permutation flow shop scheduling problem to address the trade-off between total energy costs (TEC) and makespan ( C max ) as measures of the service level with the time-of-use (TOU) electricity price. We explore the energy-saving potential of the manufacturing industry in consideration of the differential energy costs generated by variable-speed machines. A mixed integer programming model is developed to formulate this problem. In the MHACO algorithms, the max–min pheromone restriction rules and the local search rules avoid the localisation trap and enhance neighbourhood search capabilities, respectively. The Taguchi method and small-scale pilot experiments are employed to determine the appropriate experimental parameters. Based on three well-known multi-objective optimisation algorithms, viz., NSGAII, SPEA2, and MODEA, six algorithms with different batch-sorting methods are adopted as a comparison in small-, moderate-, and large-scale instances. A four-dimensional performance evaluation system is established to evaluate the obtained Pareto frontier approximations. The computational results show that the proposed MHACO–Johnson algorithm outperforms other algorithms in terms of solution quality, quantity, and distribution, although it is time consuming when dealing with moderate- to large-scale instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Afrotropical genus (Ifrika gen. n.) and three new species (Ifrika mnyamasp. n., Ifrika nyigusp. n. and Ifrika wadudusp. n.) are described and illustrated. A fourth species, Ifrika pauculihirtacomb. n., is transferred from Dissomphalus. The males of this genus are easily recognised among the other genera of Pristocerinae by having the following combination of characteristics: the median clypeal lobe indistinct from the lateral ones, the dorsal pronotal area very short, the hypopygium with an inner membrane and a posterior margin deeply excavated, the genitalia with the harpe strongly incurved, almost fully divided, the aedeagus with a basal cover plate, the mediodorsal fold, and the median projection ventrally curved and apodeme dorsally curved. A key to all species and some comments on the Afrotropical Bethylidae fauna are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent examination of type specimens and unidentified Indian cuckoo wasps deposited at the Natural History Museum (London) and at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History led to the discovery of: two new Indian species, Chrysis parviocula sp. n. (amneris species group) and Elampus bicolorsp. n.; a new synonymy, Chrysis quaerita Nurse, 1902 syn. n. of Chrysis dissimilis Dahlbom, 1854; an unnecessary replacement name, Hedychridium mocsaryi Rosa, 2021 for Hedychridium virescens (Mocsáry, 1914); and a misidentification of Chrysis obscura Smith, 1860 which is now excluded from the Indian fauna. Chrysis perfecta Cameron, 1897 is transferred to the viridissima group. New distributional records are given for Chrysis arkadyi Rosa et al. 2021, Chrysis bayadera du Buysson, 1896, Chrysis musa Semenov-Tian-Shanskij, 1954 and Praestochrysis palawanensis (Mocsáry, 1899). Eighteen types of Indian and Oriental species are illustrated for the first time. Types of six Oriental and Australian species described by Cameron, Smith, and Gray are illustrated and their status and depositories discussed. A lectotype is designated for Chrysis festina Smith, 1874. Type material of Stilbum princeps (Gray, 1832) is rediscovered 190 years after its description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pistillate flower with maturing fruit is described as Plukenetia minima sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae) in Cenozoic amber from the Dominican Republic. The fossil is characterised by its small size, short glabrous pedicel, glabrous receptacle, 4 sepals, 0 petals and disk, stylodia connate into a column with entire stigmatic tips, and four-carpellate ovary. The nearly mature fruits consist of 4, 2-valvate locules with septicidal dehiscence attached to a long, glabrous columella. An encyrtid wasp (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is adjacent to the flower and a developing gall gnat (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is developing in one of the seed pods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 is a worldwide distributed and hyperdiverse ant genus consisting of almost 600 taxa manifesting various life history strategies. Species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group represents one of the most extreme forms of parasitism and consist of degenerate workerless social parasites of several Tetramorium species. So far, its members have been recorded in the Palearctic from montane to alpine zones and reveal an interesting disjunction in host selection observed between eastern-Mediterranean and western-Mediterranean species. We describe a fifth member of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group: Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. The species morphologically differs from the remaining members of the group by the combination of the following characters: dense and erect pilosity of appendages and the whole body, smooth head sculpture, predominantly smooth anepisternum and katepisternum, lack of blunt teeth on propodeum, and presence of distinct carianae on the dorsolateral margins of the propodeum. Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. was collected in a lowland olive grove, a site so far not associated with the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group, from a nest of Tetramorium kephalosi (a new host species for the group). The data presented in this paper provide new insights into the habitat preferences of the species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group and extend our knowledge on the potential host species of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology of Mimumesa littoralis was studied on sandy soil (Sierakowo) and wasteland with hard substrate (Kowalewo Pomorskie) in northern Poland. The study presents information on the bionomics of the rare digger wasp Mimumesa littoralis (Bondroit,1934). Females of Mimumesa littoralis nested both on sandy soil and wasteland with hard substrate. Their nests consisted of 2–3 cells. One cell contained up to 11 prey items belonging to species from five genera: Megadelphax spp., Dicranotropis hamata, Javesella spp., Laodelphax striatella, Javesella pellucida (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and Streptanus sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), which had not been previously reported in the literature. The frequency with which the female brought prey to the nest varied from 12 to 21 min. In addition, the kleptoparasite Senotainia conica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) was found in the nest. Adult individuals were observed feeding on the flowers of Pimpinella sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]