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The Belgian Salpingidae are small elongated or long-oval beetles measuring 1,5 to 5,2 mm. They are usually glossy black or brown, sometimes with a reddish-brown head and pronotum. Larvae, as well as imagos, live behind the bark of dead deciduous and coniferous trees and in the galleries of bark beetles. This small beetle family counts about 350 species worldwide. In Europe, 19 species are known. In this article, the 11 Belgian species are discussed with attention to their breeding trees and their distribution. Not much is known about their way of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study recorded a total of 30 species of diving beetles (Dytiscidae) under 12 genera and 5 subfamilies from the central region of Kerala State, India, of which Copelatus neelumae, Hydaticus discindens, Hydaticus incertus, Sandracottus festivus, Hydrovatus picipennis, Hydroglyphus pendjabensis, Clypeodytes bufo, Microdytes cameroni cf., Laccophilus auropictus cf., Laccophilus elegans and Cybister tripunctatus lateralis are new records to Kerala. The genus Clypeodytes is a first report from Kerala. Hydrovatus picipennis and Hydaticus incertus are new reports from South India. Short diagnoses of the new records are provided. A checklist of 62 species of diving beetles of Kerala is furnished by compiling the 30 species from this study with previous relevant studies. The updated checklist has 11 additions. A brief account of habitat preference and co-existence among Dytiscidae and an identification key for 30 species of diving beetles from the study area is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), is an invasive pest causing significant ecological and economic damage to certain hemlock tree (Tsuga (Endlicher) Carrière, Pinales:Pinaceae) species. In response to this invasive threat, biological control strategies have been implemented, introducing natural predators such as Laricobius nigrinus Fender (Coleoptera: Derodontidae) and, more recently, Laricobius osakensis Montgomery and Shiyake (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), as specialist predators against A. tsugae. However, the genetic and morphological similarities between L. osakensis and both L. nigrinus and the native beetle, Laricobius rubidus LeConte (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), pose challenges in their identification. Effective monitoring of released predators is integral to evaluating the success of biological control measures. Environmental DNA (eDNA) holds potential for various detection applications, including species monitoring. In this study, we developed specific primers and probes targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene sequences, achieving high specificity despite their 95% sequence similarity. With an optimal annealing temperature of 60 °C, our tools effectively differentiated L. osakensis from the other 2 beetles and demonstrated eDNA detection sensitivity down to 2 copies/µl. This research underscores the potential of precise molecular tools for advancing biological control and biodiversity assessment against invasive threats like A. tsugae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niche theory predicts that ecologically similar sympatric species should show differentiation in at least one of the main niche dimensions (time, space, and/or food). Here, we combined observations of breeding timing, nest site selection, and diet (the latter determined using DNA metabarcoding) to analyze the niche overlap and differentiation between two sympatric secondary cavity‐nesting birds, the Japanese Tit Parus minor and the Yellow‐rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia. The results showed that (1) there were significant differences in the first egg laying date, length of the egg laying period, incubation date, and hatching date between tits and flycatchers, and the breeding time of flycatchers peaked later (about 30 days) than that of tits; (2) the two species had a large overlap in nest site selection, although the canopy coverage and shrub density of flycatchers were significantly higher than those of tits; and (3) the niche overlap in diet was minimal, with both species heavily relying on Lepidoptera (39.6% and 63.7% for tits and flycatchers, respectively), but with flycatchers consuming significantly higher percentages of Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera than tits. The results indicate that these two sympatric secondary cavity‐nesting species have significant niche differentiation in breeding time and diet, but little differentiation in nest site selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The dung beetle fauna of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) and National Park in Bihar, India, was surveyed to document the diversity of this group. The landscape of VTR serves as an ecotone region where the lower Shivalik hills and the flood plains of the Gandak river meet, resulting in species that represent both overlapping landscapes. Fifteen species of genus Onthophagus (tribe Onthophagini) were collected using dung from various animals as bait. All these species were recorded for the first time from Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar. Detailed illustrations of each species are provided to aid in the identification of Scarabaeoid beetles in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neotropical myrmecophile rove beetle genus Paraxenopygus Bernhauer, 1911 is reviewed and two species are described as new, P. maurocyanossp. n. from Colombia and P. newtonisp. n. from Brazil. Lectotypes are designated for P. tremolerasi Bernhauer, 1911 and P. peruvianus Bernhauer, 1915. An identification key is provided along with photographs and illustrations for the identification of the five species in the genus. We also illustrated and discussed the importance of the metacoxal shield in Paraxenopygus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the extant staphylinid genus Vicelva Moore & Legner, V. rasilis sp. nov., is reported from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar. Vicelva rasilis is distinguishable from extant members of Vicelva by the smoother dorsal surface of head, pronotum and elytra, less prominent median projection of clypeus, unnotched mesal edge of mandibles, semiglabrous antennomere 6, and longer tarsomere 1. The pollen‐containing coprolite attached to the beetle and the crystals within the beetle body provide valuable information about the biology and taphonomy of the fossil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) are recorded for the first time for Guinea: Neoplocaederus viridipennis (Hope, 1843), N. iridescens (Atkinson, 1953), N. glabricollis (Hope, 1843) and Olenecamptus triplagiatus Jordan, 1894. Habitus photographs and distribution maps of the four species are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a list of the 47 species of subgenre Atomaria Stephens, 1829 (Coleoptera, Cryptophagidae) recorded in China and adjacent regions (Mongolia, Russian Far East, Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern part of India, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Japan, N. Korea, N. Thailand). Atomaria (Atomaria) derougemonti sp. nov. is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccinellids of Genus Illeis are among the most familiar beetles that belong to the tribe Coccinellini of subfamily Coccinellinae under the family Coccinellidae of order Coleoptera. The present study was conducted to understand the distributional, taxonomical, and morphological features of four species of Coccinellids of Genus Illeis recorded from four different Doon Valley, Uttarakhand study sites. Four species of coccinellids of the genus Illeis were recorded during the study period. During the study period, Illeis confusa (Timberlake), Illeis cincta (Fabricius), Illeis indica (Timberlake), and Illeis koebelei (Timberlake) were the four observed species of the genus. From the study, it was observed that among all four species of coccinellids, Illeis confusa was the dominant species (267 individuals), followed by Illeis indica (110), Illeis koebelei (40), and Illeis cincta (35) in term of number of individuals. Out of the four species, Illeis koebelei (Timberlake) was recorded for the 1st time from Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carabid beetle Cnemalobus Guérin-Ménéville, 1838 inhabits high- and lowland grasslands of southern South America. The highest diversity is found in the Patagonian Steppe, where distribution patterns are associated with latitude and elevation. Northern Patagonia, a large volcanic region with a complex geoclimatic history, exhibits elevated grades of endemism. However, a great deal remains unknown regarding diversification and biogeographical patterns for most of the endemic groups. We describe new Cnemalobus species restricted to isolated volcanoes from these extra-Andean mountain systems. We assess the phylogenetic relationships by updating the phylogeny of the genus and conduct a Bayesian binary Markov chain-Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis on the resulting phylogenetic tree to discuss the biogeographical distribution patterns. We also provide a taxonomic key to all currently known species of Cnemalobus from the Patagonian Steppe. Our phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the new species Cnemalobus tromen sp. nov., Cnemalobus silviae sp. nov., Cnemalobus aucamahuida sp. nov. and Cnemalobus domuyo sp. nov. grouped with C. diamante and C. nevado, referred to as the 'Extra-Andean' mountain lineage. Biogeographical analysis recognises vicariant events as the most plausible explanation for the allopatric distributions of the new species. We hypothesise that these vicariant events could be related to climatic barriers that likely promoted speciation processes by generating geographical isolation in ancestral populations. Our findings contribute significantly to the biogeographical understanding of the Patagonian volcanic region, prompting new inquiries to unravel the speciation processes of the endemic biota in extra-Andean mountain systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Podontia rustiai Calcetas and Staines (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) in the Philippines, is described. The species Podontia flava Baly, 1865 is very similar and known from Borneo (Sarawak, Sabah) and Brunei is redescribed, and the introduced Podontia quatuordecimpunctata (L., 1767) is contrasted and compared. However, the endophallic median sclerite of the paramere of the male genitalia in P. flava is whip-like and apically tapered, whereas it is shield-like and apically rounded in P. rustiai new species. A key to the genus Podontia in the Philippines and Sarawak is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study constitutes the first report of Cordia boissieri serving as a host plant (feeding resource: flowers and fruits) for the scarab flower beetle Euphoria sepulcralis. To our knowledge, these results are the first to document the interaction of members of the genus Euphoria with plants in the order Boraginales. These findings are important because they increase knowledge of the food sources of this species (and genus) of generalist beetles, helping us to understand the adaptation mechanisms of this group of beetles to their feeding resources. Resumen Este estudio constituye el primer reporte de Cordia boissieri como planta hospedera (recurso alimenticio: flores y frutos) para el escarabajo floral Euphoria sepulcralis. Hasta donde sabemos, estos resultados son los primeros en documentar la interacción de miembros del género Euphoria con plantas del orden Boraginales. Estos hallazgos son importantes debido a que aumentan el conocimiento de las fuentes de alimento de esta especie (y género) de escarabajos generalistas, lo que nos ayuda a comprender aún más los mecanismos de adaptación de este grupo de escarabajos hacia sus recursos alimenticios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stephanorhynchus White, 1846 is a eugnomine weevil genus endemic to New Zealand, with 18 nominal taxa described within the genus. Examination of the type specimens of these taxa with greater understanding of related genera has led to the distinction of four well-defined genera from the species ascribed to the genus. These are the monotypic genus Pittosporobiusgen. nov., with type species P. crassus (Broun, 1880) comb. nov.; Moanusgen. nov., with type species M. lawsoni (Sharp, 1876) comb. nov., and including M. brevipennis (Pascoe, 1876) comb. nov. (= Stephanorhynchus griseipictus Broun, 1886 syn. nov.), M. nigrosparsus (Broun, 1893) comb. nov. (= Stephanorhynchus pygmaeus Broun, 1903 - syn. nov.) and M. tumulus Mazur and Brown sp. nov. (type locality Mt Dick, Otago Lakes, South Island, New Zealand); Glabrorhynchusgen. nov., with type species G. costifer (Broun, 1893) comb. nov., and including G. insolitus (Broun, 1893) comb. nov., G. purus (Pascoe, 1876) comb. nov., and G. halli (Broun, 1914) comb. nov. A reduced concept of Stephanorhynchus White, 1846 contains now four species: S. curvipes White, 1846, S. tuberosus Broun, 1881, S. attelaboides (Fabricius, 1775), S. aper Sharp, 1886. All species within the complex have been redescribed, with details provided of their external morphology and terminal structure and supported by drawings and colour photographs. Keys to genera and species are also provided as well as distribution maps and information about host plants and biology. The systematic position of these genera within the Eugnomini and their similarity with the genus Callistomorphus Perroud, 1865 from New Caledonia are discussed.Article registered number New taxa Glabrorhynchus gen. nov. Moanus gen. nov. Moanus tumulus sp. nov.Pittosporobius gen. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cleopus Dejean, 1821, a genus belonging to the tribe Cionini Schoenherr, 1825 of the large subfamily Curculioninae and the family Curculionidae, is distributed in the Oriental and Palaearctic regions. This paper reviews all valid species of the genus based on morphological characters for the first time. Five already known species are redescribed, and thirteen species new to the science are described. This is the fourth part of the revision of the tribe Cionini after three revisions of Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental species of the genus Cionus Clairville, 1798. Beside detailed descriptions and redescriptions, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, diagnoses, remarks and comparative notes, biological notes, distribution, lists of examined specimens, and a key to all valid species are given. The genus Cleopus Dejean, 1821 is herein revised for the first time. Based on adult morphological characteristics, 18 species are recognized as valid. Thirteen species, all distributed in the Eastern Palaearctis or Oriental region, are described as new: C. aduncirostris sp. n.; C. cognatus sp. n.; C. confusus sp. n.; C. dohertyi sp. n.; C. hajeki sp. n.; C. lirenae sp. n.; C. longitarsis sp. n.; C. minutus sp. n.; C. pallidisquamosus sp. n.; C. parvidentatus sp. n.; C. philippinensis sp. n.; C. simillimus sp. n.; and C. subaequalis sp. n. Lectotypes of following two valid species and three synonyms were designated: Curculio solani Fabricius, 1792; Curculio pulchellus Herbst, 1795; Cionus setiger Germar, 1821; Curculio immunis Marsham, 1802; and Cleopus pulchellus rigidus Stephens, 1831. Neotypes of Curculio perpensus Rossi, 1792 and Cleopus pulchellus flavus Stephens, 1832 were designated. The following new synonyms of Cleopus pulchellus (Herbst, 1795) were established: Cleopus pulchellus var. flavus Stephens, 1831 syn. n. and C. pulchellus var. rigidus Stephens, 1831 syn. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the first and third larval instars of Hydrocanthus levigatus (Brullé, 1837), including morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphus. Larvae of this species have many dark dorsal maculae on the body, similar to those of H. socius Sahlberg, 1844 and H. debilis Sharp, 1882. First instar larvae of H. levigatus can be separated from those of H. socius and H. debilis by the following combination of characters: large size and seta TI5 somewhat longer than tibial length on mesothoracic and metathoracic legs. Conversely, the third instar of H. levigatus differs from those of H. socius and H. debilis in the greater number of secondary setae on the legs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six coleopteran species were collected on cucumber from the Tonkpi Region of Man, Cote d’Ivoire Aulacophora foveicollis, Alticini sp, Paranapiacaba tricincta and Acalymma vittatum observed damaging the plants by making holes on the leaves and flowers. Maximum damage occurred during the dry season (34.66%) and the damage intensity was moderate (12%). In contrast, least damage was during the rainy season (24%) and the damage intensity was lower (6.6%). Predator species recorded were Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia dimidiata and these were more abundant during the rainy season. Shannon’s index ranged from 2.94 to 3.15 during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The occurrence frequencies during the dry and rainy season were varied from 62 to 99% and were classified as constant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate alternative methods to control longhorn beetle (Oberea linearis) infestations in walnut orchards. Wild isolates of entomopathogenic fungi obtained from soil samples from Greece and Cyprus were tested for their efficacy against adults and larvae of O. linearis. Insect populations were acquired from a heavily infested walnut orchard and individuals were placed in Petri dishes provided with ground walnut wood for larvae and fresh leaves for adults. The tested insects were subjected to 16 different wild isolates from the genera Beauveria, Cordyceps, Metarhizium, and Purpureocillium, where 108 conidia/mL were applied by spraying, and insects were monitored daily for 16 days. The results showed that all the tested fungi resulted in a mortality rate of 66–100%, with Cordyceps fumosorosea exhibiting the highest virulence, causing complete mortality to both larvae and adults. These findings suggest that the management of O. linearis, which has traditionally relied on chemical applications, could transition to an organic approach by utilizing entomopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study presents the new species Scymnus (Pullus) cardi sp. nov. and provides its mitochondrial genome. We describe the distinguishing features of S. (P.) cardi when compared with related species and discuss its habitat and feeding preferences. Additionally, based on the mitochondrial genomic dataset, the phylogeny of Coccinellidae is analyzed. The results confirm the position of the new species, which is nested within the genus Scymnus, and recovered subfamilies as monophyletic groups (such as Coccinellinae and Microweiseinae). These findings contribute to the understanding of Coccinellidae evolution and highlight the need for further taxonomic and genetic studies within the family. In this study, a new species of the subgenus Pullus belonging to the Scymnus genus from Pakistan, Scymnus (Pullus) cardi sp. nov., was described and illustrated, with information on its distribution, host plants, and prey. Additionally, the completed mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the new species using high-throughput sequencing technology was obtained. The genome contains the typical 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNAs, and 22 transfer RNAs) and a non-coding control region, and is arranged in the same order as that of the putative ancestor of beetles. The AT content of the mitogenome is approximately 85.1%, with AT skew and GC skew of 0.05 and −0.43, respectively. The calculated values of relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) determine that the codon UUA (L) has the highest frequency. Furthermore, we explored the phylogenetic relationship among 59 representatives of the Coccinellidae using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods, the results of which strongly support the monophyly of Coccinellinae. The phylogenetic results positioned Scymnus (Pullus) cardi in a well-supported clade with Scymnus (Pullus) loewii and Scymnus (Pullus) rubricaudus within the genus Scymnus and the tribe Scymnini. The mitochondrial sequence of S. (P.) cardi will contribute to the mitochondrial genome database and provide helpful information for the identification and phylogeny of Coccinellidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of artificial snags, so-called high stumps, within forest management operations is a recently established tool to enrich standing deadwood as a habitat for saproxylic species. In this study, we analysed the impact of active high stump management on saproxylic beetle species. We selected 63 high stumps in six Bavarian forest districts (Germany), which were felled and subjected to close examination, focusing on beetle (Coleoptera) colonization. We identified 63 emerged coleopteran species belonging to 29 families; a further 10 taxa were identified only at the genus or family level, respectively. Moreover, 17% of the obtained taxa are listed in the German Red List of Coleoptera. Furthermore, 32% of the examined high stump trunks, predominantly broad-leaved tree species, harboured Red List beetle taxa. In particular, trembling aspen (Populus tremula) showed a disproportionately high number of Red List beetle species. The total species richness of beetles was independent of the height, diameter and decay stage of the snags. High stumps (snags) containing Red List beetle species tended to have higher amounts of deadwood in their surroundings, but the difference was not significant. According to the results of our study, actively creating high stumps proved to be a suitable method for creating habitats and serve as stepping-stones for endangered saproxylic species. Proactive high stump management during harvest can be a valuable component of deadwood management and biodiversity protection in forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nisotra chrysomeloides Jacoby, 1885, N. dohertyi (Maulik, 1926), N. gemella (Erichson, 1834), and Nisotra nigripes Jacoby, 1894 are redescribed with illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae. Nisotra nigripes is recorded for the first time from Taiwan. The immature stages and life history of N. gemella were studied in the laboratory using a novel rearing design. Four synonyms previously proposed are confirmed: Sphaeroderma javana de Motschulsky, 1866, S. orbiculata de Motschulsky, 1866, Nisotra bowringi Baly, 1876, and Podagrica hibisci Bryant, 1941 with N. gemella (Erichson, 1834). Lectotypes are designated for Haltica gemella Erichson, 1834, N. chrysomeloides Jacoby, 1885, N. bowringi Baly, 1876, and Podagrica hibisci Bryant, 1941. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of ambrosia beetle Indocryphalus chiyui Lin & Beaver (tribe Xyloterini LeConte, 1876) from Taiwan is described. The species is monogamous and xylomycetophagous, breeding in Castanopsis cuspidata var. carlesii (Hemsl.) Yamazaki (Fagaceae). Indocryphalus sordidus (Blandford) is recorded for the first time from Taiwan. Diagnostic characters, biological data and a key to species of Indocryphalus in Taiwan are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Microperus ambrosia beetle fauna of Taiwan is reviewed. Microperus alpha (Beeson, 1929), M. kadoyamaensis (Murayama, 1934), M. kirishimanus (Murayama, 1955), M. perparvus (Sampson, 1922), M. quercicola (Eggers, 1926) have all been previously recorded from Taiwan. Microperus bucolicus Sittichaya, Smith & Beaver, 2021 and M. latesalebrinus Smith, Beaver & Cognato, 2020 are new country records for Taiwan. Of which, the males of M. alpha, M. bucolicus, M. kadoyamaensis, M. latesalebrinus, M. perparvus, and M. quercicola are described for the first time. In this study, we document a likely occurrence of mycocleptism by M. bucolicus. Diagnostic characters, biological data and a key to species in Taiwan are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Metiini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is endemic to southern South America, in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and in the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. The tribe comprises five genera, being Metius Dejean the most diverse in species. The study of one of its species, Metius crassiusculus Putzeys, reveals that it is not cogeneric with the remaining of the genus, and presents some exclusive characters and combination of other characters not present in any of the other Metiini genera. Thus, the new genus Selknam is proposed to include it. Description and a key to the genera of Metiini are provided. Some aspects of the coastal habitat where S. crassiusculus was found are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first phylogenetic inference of Calopterini and Eurrhacini focused on Calocladon and related taxa was carried out. A data matrix composed of 46 species and 51 morphological characters was assembled and analyzed using parsimony and model-based approaches. Eurrhacini were recovered monophyletic. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses highly supported the Calocladon clade including also Atlanticolycus, Cladocalon, and Gorhamium gen. nov. as its sister clade. Our trees consistently recovered monophyly of the new genus with two new species: Gorhamium bidentatum sp. nov. (Panama, Baru Volcano) and G. unidentatum sp. nov. from the Pacific slopes of Ecuador. A revised key to the genera of Eurrhacini is given and illustrations of distinguishing characters are provided. Phylogenetic relationships of Eurrhacini and character evolution are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diplogyniopsis fluctuosumsp. nov. associated with passalid beetles is described based on females from China on undermined passalid beetles, as well as on females and males from Thailand on Aceraius helferi (Coleoptera: Passalidae). The species represents the second known species of Diplogyniopsis Trägårdh, prompting us to redefine the genus diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lycid genus Ponyalis Fairmaire, 1899 is reviewed. Six new species are described from China, including P. longicornis sp. nov., P. truncata sp. nov., P. dabieshanensis sp. nov., P. hainanensis sp. nov., P. quadricollimima sp. nov., and P. zhejiangensis sp. nov. Nine previously known species, including P. alternata (Pic, 1927), P. fukiensis (Bocak, 1999), P. gracilis (Bocak, 1999), P. himalejica (Bourgeois, 1885), P. klapperichi (Bocak, 1999), P. laticornis Fairmaire, 1899, P. nigrohumeralis (Pic, 1939), P. quadricollis (Kiesenwetter, 1874), and P. variabilis Li, Bocak & Pang, 2015 are illustrated with images of the habitus and aedeagi to make the comparisons with the new species. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key to all 24 species of Ponyalis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ctonoxylon is a strictly Afrotropical genus of bark beetles breeding under bark of rainforest trees and lianas. A taxonomic revision of the genus included a molecular phylogenetic analysis of ten species based on three gene fragments and was compared to a morphology-based tree topology for all 24 currently recognised species. Four species are described as new to science: Ctonoxylon torquatum, sp. nov., Ctonoxylon tuberculatum, sp. nov., Ctonoxylon quadrispinum, sp. nov., all from Madagascar, and Ctonoxylon pilosum, sp. nov. from Cameroon. Ctonoxylon hirsutum Hagedorn, 1910, stat. rev. is resurrected from synonymy with C. flavescens Hagedorn, 1910, and C. atrum Browne, 1965 stat. rev. from its synonymy with C. methneri Eggers, 1922 (as C. hamatum Schedl, 1941). The following species have new synonymies suggested: Ctonoxylon festivum Schedl, 1941 (= C. dentigerum Schedl, 1941, syn. nov.), C. methneri Eggers, 1922 (= C. hamatum Schedl, 1941, syn. nov., = C. griseum Schedl, 1941, syn. nov.), C. montanum Eggers, 1922 (= C. longipilum Eggers, 1935, syn. nov., = C. nodosum Eggers, 1940, syn. nov.), C. camerunum Hagedorn, 1910 (= C. conradti Schedl, 1939, syn. nov.), and C. spinifer Eggers, 1920 (= C. setifer Eggers, 1920, syn. nov.). New country records are noted for C. festivum (Tanzania), C. flavescens (Uganda), C. camerunum (Liberia), C. crenatum Hagedorn, 1910 (Democratic Republic of the Congo), C. spathifer Schedl, 1941 (Ghana), C. atrum (Cameroon), and C. spinifer (Madagascar), with patterns in distribution and colonisation of Madagascar discussed. An identification key with pictures of all species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niche theory predicts that ecologically similar species coexist by minimizing interspecific competition through niche partitioning. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of niche partitioning is essential for predicting interactions and coexistence between competing organisms. Here, we study two phoretic mite species, Poecilochirus carabi and Macrocheles nataliae that coexist on the same host burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides and use it to 'hitchhike' between reproductive sites. Field observations revealed clear spatial partitioning between species in distinct host body parts. Poecilochirus carabi preferred the ventral side of the thorax, whereas M. nataliae were exclusively found ventrally at the hairy base of the abdomen. Experimental manipulations of mite density showed that each species preferred these body parts, largely regardless of the density of the other mite species on the host beetle. Force measurements indicated that this spatial distribution is mediated by biomechanical adaptations, because each mite species required more force to be removed from their preferred location on the beetle. While P. carabi attached with large adhesive pads to the smooth thorax cuticle, M. nataliae gripped abdominal setae with their chelicerae. Our results show that specialist biomechanical adaptations for attachment can mediate spatial niche partitioning among species sharing the same host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revision of the flea beetle genus Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860 in Madagascar is provided. Six new species are described: Argopistes janakmoravecorum sp. nov., A. laterosinuatus sp. nov., and A. vadoni from the northern area; A. jenisi sp. nov., A. keiseri sp. nov., and A. seyrigi sp. nov. from the central area. A new synonym of Argopistes brunneus Weise, 1895 is established: A. sexguttatus Weise, 1895, syn. nov., since A. sexguttatus is shown to be a chromatic form of A. brunneus. A diagnostic key of the seven Malagasy Argopistes species is provided, with photographs of the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Finally, based on known occurrences, the current suitable areas for this flea beetle genus in Madagascar are estimated using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of malachiine Melyridae, Platyintybia gen. nov., is described based on several male-specific characters, along with description of its type species, Platyintybia zhongshanensis sp. nov., from China. A new combination, Platyintybia sarawakensis (Champion, 1921), comb. nov., is proposed after examining the type specimen; this species is newly recorded from China. A key to the genera of Chinese Apalochrini is provided for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterospilus sicanus (Marshall, 1888) is redescribed and illustrated based on the holotype of Dendrosoter sicanus Marshall, 1888 and on recently collected material from its type locality (Sicily, Italy). Previous host records for this species are unreliable. Here, the host of H. sicanus, the rare ptinid beetle Gastrallus pubens Fairmaire, 1875, is recorded for the first time, having been reared in a historic library in Palermo, Italy. Heterospilus sicanus is compared with the similar species Telebolus (= Heterospilus) corsicus Marshall, 1888, which was described in the same monograph from Corsica (France), and it is also redescribed and illustrated. Atoreuteus ceballosi Docavo Alberti, 1960, syn. nov. is synonymised under Heterospilus sicanus (Marshall, 1888), and Hormiopterus (= Rhaconotus) ollivieri Giraud var. flava Fahringer, 1931, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Heterospilus cephi Rohwer, 1925. A key for determination of the Western Palaearctic Heterospilus species with a striate vertex is provided and the distributions of H. sicanus and H. corsicus are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, all species of the leaf-beetle genus Sinoluperus Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 from China are redescribed based on the reexamination of type specimens, and a new species, S. variegatus sp. nov. from Nanling Mountains, is described. A key to the three Chinese species of Sinoluperus is provided, as well as photographs of the habiti and aedeagi of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corynotopsis omanicus sp. nov. of the myrmecophilous supertribe Clavigeritae is described from Oman. The type series was collected at night and the ant host species remains unknown. Corynotopsis scotti Jeannel, 1951 is newly recorded for Yemen, and Commatocerus concinnus Besuchet & Cuccodoro, 2011 for Oman. Lasius Fabricius, 1804 and Lepisiota Santschi, 1926 are, for the first time, determined as hosts of the latter species. The problematic taxonomic status of Corynotopsis scotti is discussed. A distribution map of all Clavigeritae known from the Arabian Peninsula is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the genus Lathrobium Gravenhorst (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from North America north of Mexico are reviewed and 41 species are recognized. Morphology and mitochondrial COI sequence data were used to guide species designations in three flightless lineages endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains, a biologically diverse region known for cryptic diversity. Using a combination of phylogeny, algorithm-based species delimitation analyses, and genitalic morphology, five new cryptic species are described and possible biogeographic scenarios for their speciation hypothesized: L. balsamense Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. camplyacra Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. islae Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. lividum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. smokiense Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov. Five additional species are described: L. absconditum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. hardeni Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. lapidum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. solum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., and L. thompsonorum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov. Two species are transferred from Lathrobium to Pseudolathra Casey: Pseudolathra parcum (LeConte, 1880), comb. nov. and Pseudolathra texana (Casey, 1905), comb. nov. Twenty-six names are reduced to synonymy. Lectotypes are designated for 47 species. Larvae are described where known, and characters of possible diagnostic value are summarized. Species diagnoses, distributions, illustrations of male and female genitalia, and a key to Lathrobium species known from the Nearctic region (including several introduced species) are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many symbionts are sexually transmitted and impact their host's development, ecology, and evolution. While the significance of symbionts that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is relatively well understood, the prevalence and potential significance of the sexual transmission of mutualists remain elusive. Here, we study the effects of sexually transmitted mutualist nematodes on their dung beetle hosts. Symbiotic Diplogastrellus monhysteroides nematodes are present on the genitalia of male and female Onthophagus beetles and are horizontally transmitted during mating and vertically passed on to offspring during oviposition. A previous study indicates that the presence of nematodes benefits larval development and life history in a single host species, Onthophagus taurus. However, Diplogastrellus nematodes can be found in association with a variety of beetle species. Here, we replicate these previous experiments, assess whether the beneficial effects extend to other host species, and test whether nematode‐mediated effects differ between male and female host beetles. Rearing three relatively distantly related dung beetle species with and without nematodes, we find that the presence of nematodes benefits body size, but not development time or survival across all three species. Likewise, we found no difference in the benefit of nematodes to male compared to female beetles. These findings highlight the role of sexually transmitted mutualists in the evolution and ecology of dung beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed anthicid beetles (Coleoptera: Anthicidae) in the Paso del Norte region, a poorly studied area of West Texas, USA, between 20 May 2020 and 4 October 2021. In total, 536 specimens were collected in two subfamilies, seven genera, and nine species. Notoxus haustrus Chandler was reported for the first time in West Texas. Vacusus confinis (LeConte) was the most often collected, accounting for 96.1% of the records. Three species of Anthicus Paykull were documented: Anthicus bellulus LeConte, A. cervinus LaFerté-Senéctère, and A. lutulentus Casey. Ischyropalpus subtilissimus (Pic) was collected one time, and we documented two adventive Old World species, Omanadus floralis (Linnaeus) and Stricticomus tobias (Marseul). The records are the first inventory of the family Anthicidae from the Paso del Norte region and serve as a baseline for future ecological and biodiversity comparison. We also present the first annotated list of species recorded from West Texas based on material examined from collections known to have significant holdings from the region and literature records. Estudiamos escarabajos de la familia Anthicidae (Coleoptera) en la región de Paso del Norte, una área poco estudiada del oeste de Texas, USA, entre el 20 de Mayo de 2020 y el 4 de Octubre de 2021. Se recolectaron 536 especímenes en dos subfamilias, siete géneros y nueve especies. Notoxus haustrus Chandler fue reportado por primera vez en el oeste de Texas. Vacusus confinis (LeConte) fue el más recolectado, representando 96,1% de los registros. Se documentaron tres especies de Anthicus Paykull: Anthicus bellulus LeConte, A. cervinus LaFerté-Senéctère, y A. lutulentus Casey. Ischyropalpus subtilissimus (Pic) fue recolectado una vez y documentamos dos especies adventistas del Viejo Mundo: Omanadus floralis (Linnaeus) y Stricticomus tobias (Marseul). Los registros son el primer inventario de la familia Anthicidae de la región Paso del Norte y sirven como base para futuras comparaciones ecológicas y de biodiversidad. También presentamos la primera lista comentada de especies registradas en el oeste de Texas con base en material examinado de colecciones que se sabe que tienen existencias importantes de la región y registros bibliográficos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beetle subtribe Anthroherponina (Coleoptera: Leiodidae), including also ecologically specialized and semi-aquatic hygropetricolous genera, presents one of the most illustrative examples of morphological variability in cave-adapted animals. However, phylogenetic relations within the tribe remain dubious. Recent exploration of deep-phreatic caves of the Western Balkans Dinaric Karst enabled us to collect all known Anthroherponina genera and access new populations of hygropetricolous beetles, representatives of the iconic Hadesia and elusive Nauticiella. We studied the taxonomic structure of newly collected semi-aquatic beetle populations by using traditional morphology and deploying uni- and multilocus molecular species delimitation. In addition, we tested the monophyly of the subtribe Anthroherponina and set the group's evolutionary development into a palaeogeographic context by reconstructing a multilocus calibrated phylogeny. As a result, three new species of specialized semi-aquatic beetles are described. The morphologically based monophyly of Anthroherponina was shown to be an artefact of evolutionary convergences, while the evolutionary development of the monophylum seems to be paired with the orogeny of the Dinarides. Finally, the new results raise more questions about our understanding of evolution in subterranean beetles and their adaptation to special ecological niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlyctinus callosus and P. xerophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are two cryptic species of native entimine weevils, previously grouped together under the P. callosus sensu lato concept, that are pests of economic importance to the deciduous fruit and vine industry in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Laboratory bioassays were conducted using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates of Beauveria and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema yirgalemense, to determine differences in susceptibility of adult P. callosus and P. xerophilus to potential biological control agents. The test arena used was 24‐well bioassay plates with an inoculation rate of 200 infective juveniles (IJs)/insect for EPNs and 5 × 105 conidia/insect for EPF. Insects were inoculated using a 12.7 mm filter paper impregnated with 50 μL of entomopathogen suspension. Infection was determined after 96 h incubation for EPNs through dissection of cadavers. Insects inoculated with EPF were incubated in the wells for 18 days and mortality recorded daily. Cadavers were surface sterilized and observed for overt mycosis. Differential susceptibility between P. callosus and P. xerophilus was observed in EPF but not in EPN bioassays. Differential susceptibility to EPF could be due to methodology. Low adult weevil pathogenicity was found for all entomopathogens, with variable results obtained from different bioassay batches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species group of Lilioceris Reitter, 1913 is proposed and reviewed, the semipunctata group. It includes eleven species: L. atrilateralis Kimoto & Takizawa, 1973, L. consentanea (Lacordaire, 1845), L. dentifemoralis Long, 1988, L. discrepens (Baly, 1879), L. jianfenglingensis Long, 1988, L. latissima (Pic, 1932), L. lianzhouensis Long, 2000a, L. rondoni Kimoto & Gressitt, 1979, L. rufometallica (Pic, 1923), L. semipunctata (Fabricius, 1801), and L. yuae Long, 2000b. Lilioceris discrepens and L. rondoni were new records from China. Two synonyms are proposed: Lilioceris xinglongensis Long, 1988, syn. nov. of L. consentanea (Lacordaire, 1845), and Crioceris rufimembris Pic, 1921, syn. nov. of L. semipunctata. An identification key, descriptions, habitus photographs, geographic distributions, host plants and habitats (if available), are provided for these species [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Hesperopenna Medvedev & Dang, 1981 are described from Singapore: H. temasek sp. nov. and H. bakeri sp. nov. The specimens of both new species were collected by Charles Fuller Baker and found in the unidentified Galerucinae material deposited in the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. Hesperopenna temasek sp. nov. is diagnosed by the black extreme elytral suture in the basal third, antennae longer than the body, the structure of the penis, and the last abdominal ventrite with two deep U-shaped incisions in females. Hesperopenna bakeri sp. nov. is diagnosed by the black tibia and first two tarsomeres, and the structure of the penis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is one of the most beneficial and identifiable predators of numerous soft-bodied and sucking insect pests of several crops. Biological parameters and olfactory response of C. sexmaculata were investigated under laboratory conditions by providing three different aphid species i.e., mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach), citrus black aphid (Toxoptera citricida Kirkaldy), and peach aphid (Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov) as a food source. The developmental period of immature stages of C. sexmaculata was shorter on D. noxia as compared to other aphid species. The adult longevities were longer on D. noxia and T. citricida while shorter on L. erysimi. Female fecundity was highest on D. noxia while lowest on L. erysimi. Life table parameters i.e., intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (Ro), and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were maximum on D. noxia while minimum on L. erysimi. The mean generation time C. sexmaculata was 20.90, 23.69, and 26.2 days on D. noxia, L. erysimi, T. and citricida, respectively. These findings were further confirmed from the olfactory experiment where D. noxia proved to be the most preferred prey. This study provides necessary information for mass-rearing of C. sexmaculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neotropical cyclocephaline beetles, a diverse group of flower-loving insects, significantly impact natural and agricultural ecosystems. In particular, the genus Cyclocephala , with over 350 species, displays polymorphism and cryptic complexes. Lacking a comprehensive DNA barcoding framework, accessible tools for species differentiation are needed for research in taxonomy, ecology, and crop management. Moreover, cuticular hydrocarbons are believed to be involved in sexual recognition mechanisms in these beetles. In the present study we examined the cuticular chemical profiles of six species from the genus Cyclocephala and two populations of Erioscelis emarginata and assessed their efficiency in population, species, and sex differentiation. Overall we identified 74 compounds in cuticular extracts of the selected taxa. Linear alkanes and unsaturated hydrocarbons were prominent, with ten compounds between them explaining 85.6% of species dissimilarity. Although the cuticular chemical profiles efficiently differentiated all investigated taxa, only C. ohausiana showed significant cuticular profile differences between sexes. Our analysis also revealed two E. emarginata clades within a larger group of ' Cyclocephala' species, but they were not aligned with the two studied populations. Our research underscores the significance of cuticular lipid profiles in distinguishing selected cyclocephaline beetle species and contemplates their potential impact as contact pheromones on sexual segregation and speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The genus Oides belongs to the subfamily Galerucinae and is widely distributed in the Old World. In this study, Chinese species of the genus Oides were revised based on comparative morphological characteristics. In total, seven new species and a new record in China are described. A key to all the Chinese Oides species is provided. In this study, 25 species of Oides Weber from China were reviewed. Among them, the following seven new species are described: Oides angustasp. nov., O. cystoprocessasp. nov., O. paraborerisp. nov., O. parabowringiisp. nov., O. parathibettanasp. nov., O. shimenensissp. nov., and O. yunnanensissp. nov.; Oides innocua Gahan has been recorded in China for the first time. A key to all the Chinese Oides species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of peat mosses ('Sphagnum farming') is a new wet and climate-friendly agricultural use of degraded bog sites. However, it is largely unknown to what extent these surrogate habitats are used by bog fauna. This study investigated the potential of Sphagnum cultivation sites as surrogate habitats for beetles and evaluated the relationship between the vegetation structure and the occurrence of beetle species. In 2017 and 2018, comparative surveys were carried out at different sub-areas of two Sphagnum cultivation sites and one near-natural bog. Beetles living in and on the upper Sphagnum layer were studied by manually extracting quadrat samples. Vegetation surveys were conducted in the same quadrats to analyze the occurrence of beetle species based on vegetation parameters. We collected 926 individuals of beetles belonging to 89 species out of 17 families. At the different sections of the cultivation sites, 8–16 bog-typical beetle species were found, while at the sub-areas of the near-natural bog, there were 15 and 19 bog-typical species, respectively. The statistical analyses showed that vegetation structure influenced the numbers of beetle species and individuals at both the cultivation and near-natural sites. Implications for insect conservation: A dense and high Sphagnum carpet is a fundamental habitat structure for the beetle fauna of cultivation sites, while vascular plants initially help to create habitat structures on bare peat. Conversely, if the vascular plants overgrow and shade the Sphagnum, this can have a negative effect on bog-typical beetle species, as shown at the near-natural site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Myllocerus vathalmalaensis sp. nov. and M. depressus sp. nov., are described from India. M. vathalmalaensis differs from M. lineaticollis (Boheman, 1842) in possessing a fine central carina on the impressed rostrum, the second funicle segment longer than the first one and tegmen without parameres. M. depressus differs from M. cardoni Marshall, 1916 by the dorsally depressed rostrum, which is longer than the head, a prothorax depressed and constricted near the posterior margin, the antennae and legs black in colour, the hind femora with a single spine and a spermatheca with curved nodulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degeneration in flight ability in beetles has rarely been studied in detail with regard to the polymorphism of flight traits within species. However, intraspecific diversity in flight traits means that the flight ability of species is in the process of degenerating, which could provide important insights into how flight ability in beetles degenerates. In this study, the flight muscle and hind wings of the genus Synuchus in Japan were studied, which revealed the morphological status of flight traits in 21 species of Synuchus. Several species in this genus were found to show intraspecific polymorphisms in the states of the flight muscle and hind wings, and in particular, the very high diversity of different types of hind wings. These results indicate that this genus contains a mixture of species at various stages in the degeneration of the ability to fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese species of Lilioceris are revised, and three new species are described from Tibet, China: Lilioceris zhentangensis Xu & Liang, sp. nov., Lilioceris medogensis Xu & Liang, sp. nov. and Lilioceris zayuensis Xu & Liang, sp. nov. Five species of Lilioceris are reported for China as new records: L. dromedarius (Baly, 1861), L. pulchella (Baly, 1859), L. semicostata (Jacoby, 1908), L. unicolor (Hope, 1831) and L. nepalensis Takizawa, 1989. Lilioceris seminigra (Jacoby, 1889) is proposed as a junior synonym of L. unicolor Hope, 1831. Redescriptions, habitus photographs, geographic distributions, host plants (if available) and habitats are provided for these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finding of the wharf borer, Nacerdes melanura, is the first record of this species from Serbia, as well as from the continental part of the Balkans. The species was recorded in Mirijevo, Belgrade, on June 16th, 2021, during the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]