Search

The larva of Argia cuprea (Hagen, 1861) is described and figured. It falls into the group of Argia larvae with prominent ligula and one palpal seta, but it differs from its closest relatives by a combination of features such as male gonapophyses reaching posterior ventral margin of S10; dorsal and ventral margin of paraproct with long, abundant, white, delicate setae on distal 0.40; tip of paraproct 20% its total length; lateral surface of paraproct with abundant spiniform setae restricted to the triangular, yellowish-brown, slightly sclerotized area along the inflated area. It appears closely related to A. oenea Hagen in Selys, 1865 and A. orichalcea Hagen in Selys, 1865 larvae.

This study intended to record a species of feather mite, Neopteronyssus bilineatus Mironov, 2003, (Arachnida: Pteronyssidae), from a grey-capped pygmy woodpecker, Yungipicus canicapillus (Blyth, 1845), in the Republic of Korea. Mite samples were collected from the flight feathers of a woodpecker, preserved directly in 95% ethyl alcohol, and then observed by a light microscope after specimen preparation. Morphology of Neopteronyssus bilineatus is distinguished from other pici group species by opisthosoma part with 2 longitudinal bends, tarsal seta rIII 3 times longer than tarsus III in males, and 2 elongated hysteronotal plates extending beyond the level of setae e2 in females. In the present study, a species of feather mite, N. bilineatus, was newly recorded from Y. canicapillus in Korean fauna.

A new monotypic subgenus, Tibetamara subgen. n., is established for Amara validula Tschitschérine, 1898, from Tibet. It shows some features unique among Amara: a very short right paramere with a simple tip and groups of long setae on the plantar surface of the tarsi. The position of the new subgenus within the genus Amara is discussed.

A new species of Aloninae, Karualona arcana sp. nov. (Cladocera: Chydoridae) is described from Northeast Thailand. It differs from other species of the genus Karualona Dumont & Silva-Briano, 2000 by: (1) the inner distal lobe of limb I bearing two setae; (2) shape of the postabdomen; (3) setae on the apical segment of the antenna endopodite of equal thickness; and (4) the presence of setules on the anterior margin of labrum. Some morphological characteristics of this taxon do not match well with the genus diagnosis, but share several important characteristics as well, such as: (1) presence of two main head pores and minute lateral pores; (2) presence of a lateral indentation on labral plate; (3) presence of denticles on the posteroventral angle of valves; (4) two flaming-torch setae on endite of limb IV; and (5) lack of composite denticles on postabdomen.

A new, extinct species of Allodia Winnertz is described from early Miocene amber of Ethiopia. Allodia paleoafricana sp. nov. is mostly characterized by the scutum with strong anteromarginal, dorsocentral, and lateral setae and the wing with the stem of the M-fork slightly shorter than the vein r–m and the base of the M4–CuA fork aligned with the base of r–m. The assignment to any of the two subgenera Allodia stricto sensu or Brachycampta Winnertz remains equivocal as the fossil intermingles traits found in both taxa. Allodia is known mostly from the Palearctic region, while only a few species have been described from Africa. In this regard, the new fossil species from Ethiopia brings significant new information regarding the Afrotropical distribution and natural history of the genus.

The larvae of Plutella xylostella treated with Tagetes minuta oil were processed for SEM and detoxification enzyme activities. In treated larvae, reduction in the length of the setae (15.93 ± 3.46 ...

Several species belonging to the harpacticoid families Ameiridae Boeck, Ancorabolidae Sars, Argestidae Por, and Rhizothrichidae Por have been described so far as an ongoing long-term project on the diversity of deep-sea benthic harpacticoids collected from the Gulf of California and Mexican Pacific. Amongst the several harpacticoid taxa, the subfamily Stenheliinae Brady (Miraciidae Dana) showed to be one of the most important components to overall species richness in deep-sea sediments. Following the rejection of segmentation pattern of the first swimming leg as the only discriminant for subgeneric assignment of stenheliin taxa, four new species of Delavalia Brady, 1869 and two new genera, Archaeohuysia gen. nov. and Diarthropodella gen. nov. are proposed herein. The new Delavalia species belong to the longicaudata-group with close relatives in shallow-water habitats. The so far monotypic Archaeohuysia gen. nov. showed to be unique in the combination of the general structure of the first swimming leg and retention of the primitive complement of four setae on the second endopodal segment of the same leg. Diarthropodella gen. nov. is the only stenheliin taxon with a two-segmented exopod of the first swimming leg. Some comments are given on probable multiple colonization events of stenheliin taxa.

Two species of the marine harpacticoid family Pseudotachidiidae (Copepoda) are reported from subtidal sediments in the Southern Sea of Korea. Psammis wellsi sp. nov. (Danielsseniinae) is most closely related to P. longisetosa Sars, 1910 but differs from its European congener in the ventral ornamentation of the female genital double-somite, the dorsal ornamentation of the second abdominal somite in the male, the armature of the proximal endite of the maxillary syncoxa, the relative setal lengths and general shape of the female P5, and the relative length of the inner seta of the male P5 endopodal lobe and P6. The female of Pseudomesochra tatianae Drzycimski, 1968 is redescribed in detail, constituting the only other record of the species since its discovery at the type locality in western Norway. East Asian records of members of the four subfamilies currently recognized in the Pseudotachidiidae are summarized. Published and other records of the 23 described species in the Pseudomesochrinae are collated and their armature patterns of P1–P5 are tabulated and corrected where necessary. Pseudomesochra affinis (Sars, 1920) is removed from its synonymy with P. longifurcata T. Scott, 1902 and formally reinstated as a valid species. An updated female-based key to the 19 valid species of Pseudomesochra T. Scott, 1902 and four species of Keraia Willen & Dittmar, 2009 is presented.

Two new species in the genus Nannopus Brady, 1880 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from intertidal mudflats of the Yellow Sea along the Korean peninsula, Nannopus cylindricus sp. nov. and N. robustus sp. nov., are described. Nannopus cylindricus belongs to the group of Nannopus species with seven elements on P4 exp-3. Within this group, it is closest to a cryptic species complex related to N. ganghwaensis Vakati, Kihara & Lee, 2016 based on an inflated caudal seta IV. However, N. cylindricus differs from the other species in this complex with respect to caudal seta V (inflated and heavily cylindrical at its base in N. cylindricus, inflated only in the N. ganghwaensis cryptic complex). Nannopus robustus belongs to the group of species displaying two setae on P2 enp-2. Within this group, N. robustus is closely related to N. serratus Vakati & Lee, 2017 based on the presence of one endopodal naked seta arising from a stem-like protrusion on the mandibular palp. However, N. robustus can be distinguished from N. serratus based on the following characters: outermost distal spine on P2 exp-3 (extremely strong, smooth and recurved in N. robustus, moderately strong, denticulate and normal-shaped in N. serratus, and spine 1.6 times as long in N. robustus as in N. serratus), P2 exp-2 inner seta (absent in N. robustus, present in N. serratus), shape of caudal seta V (anterior part distinctly cylindrical in N. robustus, normal-shaped in N. serratus), and ornamentation of caudal seta VI (naked in N. robustus, pinnate in N. serratus). An updated key to the 17 valid species of Nannopus is provided.

The previously unknown females of Danielssenia spitsbergensis Gee & Huys, 1994 and males of Mucrosenia kendalli Gee & Huys, 1994 (Pseudotachidiidae, Danielsseniinae) are described based on specimens collected in the Kara and East Siberian Seas. Females of D. spitsbergensis exhibit the main diagnostic features of the genus Danielssenia Boeck, 1873 (antennule four-segmented; proximal segment of antennary exopod with one seta; structure of all the mouthparts; absence of an inner seta on exopod-1 of P2–P4; P5 not fused medially and with distinct exopod and baseoendopod, the latter with five setae; genital field with small copulatory pore and short copulatory duct leading to seminal receptacle with paired anterior chambers). At the same time, these specimens also exhibit some distinctive features which are unique for the species but disagree with the generic diagnosis. These peculiarities validate the placing of D. spitsbergensis as species incertae sedis within Danielssenia and point out the necessity of examination of other ‘Danielssenia-like’ forms before the true taxonomic position of this species can be elucidated. Both males and females of M. kendalli exhibit the autapomorphies of the genus, viz. P2 endopod-2 with a mucroniform process reaching almost to end of endopod-3 (this sexually dimorphic character is more pronounced in the males but also present in females); P2 endopod-2 without inner seta; posterior displacement of caudal ramus seta II; presence of tuft of long setules at inner distal corner of caudal ramus; P2 endopod shorter than exopod; P2–P4 exopod-1 without inner seta. Furthermore, some particular features (anal somite and pseudoperculum morphology; female P1 endopod distinctly longer than exopod; P5 exopod with distinct suture on dorsal surface separating it from the baseoendopod; prominent mucroniform process on P2 endopod-2) of the Kara and East Siberian Sea specimens conform fully with the original description of M. kendalli but apparently differ from M. kliei (Smirnov, 1946), the single female of which was collected from the same region and depth. Therefore, the validity and definite status of the specimen described by Smirnov is still a matter of conjecture pending additional findings and, particularly, the discovery of the male.

A new species of the genus Helmutkunzia Wells & Rao, 1976 (Miraciidae) is described from specimens collected from an intertidal sandy beach in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Helmutkunzia xiamenensis sp. nov. differs from its two congeners by the length/width ratio of the female P5 exopod, the number or length of the setae on the sexually dimorphic P2 endopod in the male and the relative length of the spines on the endopodal lobe of the male P5. The Chinese species is morphologically closest to H. variabilis Wells & Rao, 1987 from the Andaman and Nicobar island chain. Females of both species can readily be differentiated by the relative length of the P5 exopod while males can be differentiated by the length of the armature elements on P2 enp-2 and the endopodal lobe of P5. The genus Balucopsylla Rao, 1972 is reviewed, resulting in the proposal of Pseudobalucopsylla gen. nov. to accommodate the type species Balucopsylla triarticulata Wells & Rao, 1987 and three new Indo-Pacific species previously identified with it: P. obscura sp. nov. from the Andaman Islands, P. costaricensis sp. nov. from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and P. mielkei sp. nov. from the Galápagos archipelago. A key to species of Pseudobalucopsylla sp. nov. is provided.

[EN] We compare published morphometric measurements of females and males of Scapulaseius asiaticus (Evans) and S. reptans (Blommers) collected in various countries, with new measurements and character states of type specimens of both species and additional material. The aim is to establish definitively whether the two species are synonyms or not. This paper follows the doubt on the taxonomic status of the former and the hypothesis of conspecificity of the two species formulated by both authors in previous papers concerning Mauritius phytoseiid fauna. Setal and shield measurements were highly similar between species. In addition, other morphological characters previously used to separate these taxa, such as the position of setae R1, showed a wide intraspecific variability, and largely overlapped between populations previously identified as S. asiaticus vs S. reptans. We conclude that the two forms are conspecific and, therefore, S. reptans is herein designated a junior synonym of S. asiaticus., The digitalization of Acarologia papers prior to 2000 was supported by Agropolis Fondation under the reference ID 1500-024 through the << Investissements d'avenir >> programme (Labex Agro: ANR-10-LABX-0001-01)

We describe Expanathura monile sp. nov. from Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan, northwestern Pacific. This species resembles E. collaris, E. macronesia, and E. haddae in having very broad uropodal rami, a broad telson, and a moderately shortened pleopod 1 endopod, but differs from these three species in the female having (1) the head with a dorsal V-shaped band of brown pigmentation, (2) the antennular flagellum with 3–4 articles, (3) antennal peduncular article 2 with an outer triangular projection, (4) the uropodal endopod longer than wide, (5) the uropodal exopod with an acute triangular projection, (6) an oval telson, and (7) the posterolateral setae on the telson similar in length. We present a revised key to known species in the genus Expanathura and briefly discuss the male polymorphism observed in E. monile.

The Bythograeidae is unique amongst brachyuran crab taxa as it is the only family where all 6 genera and 16 species are endemic to hydrothermal vents. During the research conducted by German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources to identify inactive polymetallic sulphide deposits along Central and Southeast Indian Ridges, the INDEX project collected from hydrothermal vent fields 6 Bythograeidae megalopae. Entire specimens and dissected appendages were stained, mounted on slides and examined using Light Microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Additional molecular analysis using mtCOI confirmed the identification of the specimens as Austinograea rodriguezensis Tsuchida & Hashimoto, 2002. The megalopal stage of A. rodriguezensis shows similarities and distinctions between the characters of two other bythograeid megalopae, Bythograea thermydron Williams, 1980, and B. microps Saint Laurent, 1984. Unlike other brachyuran megalopae, B. thermydron and A. rodriguezensis lack long serrate setae and stout serrate spines on the dactylus of the fifth pereiopod. In both species no coxal spines on the pereiopods were observed. The elliptical carapace of B. thermydron is broader than long vs longitudinally rectangular in A. rodriguezensis. This carapace shape resembles B. microps more than B. thermydron, however, the dorsal surface of B. microps carapace is densely covered in short setae vs only covered with short setae on the anterior 1/4 and the posterior 1/6 length of carapace in A. rodriguezensis. Furthermore, the amount of plumose natatory setae on the pleopods in B. microps is in total larger and more variable, than in A. rodriguezensis. Bythograeid megalopae seem quite generalized and miss specific features that reveal them distinctively as endemic vent crab. A distinction from other species is possible by observing the unique combinations of certain characters. This is the first megalopal stage description of Austinograea and the fourth within the Bythograeidae.

One new genus and two new species of oribatid mites (Oribatida) of the family Galumnidae are described from soil in Nepal. Anomalogalumna gen. nov. (with type species Anomalogalumna dungeri sp. nov.) differs from Flagellozetes Balogh, 1970 by the absence of octotaxic system, and the presence of short, notogastral setae and areolate-reticulate surface of the notogaster and anogenital region. Allogalumna beateae sp. nov. differs from all other species of the genus by the presence of thickened rostral, lamellar and interlamellar setae, and the position of rostral seta (close to lamellar seta and distant from the rostrum).

Osman, Marwa M., Sallam, Wafaa S., Madkoura, Fedekar F., Wicksten, Mary K. (2021): Morphology of camouflage by encrustation in the spider crabs Schizophrys dahlak and Hyastenus hilgendorfi (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea: Epialtidae) from the Suez Canal, Egypt. Journal of Natural History 55 (33-34): 2047-2064, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2021.1973132

The first-instar larvae of the scorpionflies Panorpa kunmingensis Fu & Hua, 2009 and Panorpa changbaishana Hua in Hou & Hua, 2008 were compared using scanning electron microscopy. The larvae of both species are eruciform and similar in gross morphology, each bearing three pairs of thoracic legs and eight pairs of abdominal prolegs. The head is more flattened and widened in P. changbaishana than in P. kunmingensis. Cephalic setae are mostly setiform in P. kunmingensis, but are apically expanded in some setae of P. changbaishana. Annulated processes are more prominent in P. changbaishana than in P. kunmingensis. The potential value of larval characters in phylogenetic analyses is briefly discussed in the Panorpidae.

Karabakh: From Conflict to Resolution. Edited by Muhittin Ataman and Ferhat Pirinççi. SETA Publications, 2021.

The freshwater amphipod of the genus Hyalella is typical from continental American waters and shows high levels of endemicity and Brazil has the second largest diversity. A new species is described here, Hyalella longipropodus n. sp. that occurs in a spring of southern Brazil in the municipality of Palmeira das Missões, in the northwestern region of state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brasil. Hyalella longipropodus n. sp. shows the following character states: antenna 2 more than half body length, gnathopod 2 propodus elongated, uropod 1 inner ramus of male without apical curved setae, uropod 3 peduncle with seven strong distal setae with accessory setae, ramus of uropod 3 with ten cuspidate setae with accessory setae. Hyalella longipropodus n. sp. occurs in sympatry with H. gauchensis, but these differ especially in the size and shape of gnathopod 2, the presence of curved setae on uropod 1 in H. gauchensis and the absence in H. longipropodus n. sp., antenna length (longer in H. longipropodus n. sp.) and number of cuspidate setae on uropods 1, 2, and 3. Besides the morphological differences, H. longipropodus n. sp. presented genetic differences always above 19% for the COI gene and 29 % for the 16S rRNA gene, when compared with other species found in the northwestern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, showing that it is really a species not yet described by science.

A new species of the genus Geminoppia (Oribatida, Oppiidae) is described from moss of Hogsback State Forest, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Geminoppia amatholensis sp. n. differs from its related species Geminoppia maior comb. n. by the absence of discidium and the presence of very long notogastral seta h1. Summarized generic traits, an identification key, distribution and habitats of all known species of Geminoppia are presented.

Two new species of the family Galumnidae are described from soil-litter in the riverine forest of Gorongosa National Park (Central Mozambique). Allogalumna mozambiquensis Ermilov sp. n. differs from all species of the genus by the morphology of bothridial seta (with the head having a long setiform tip). Neoctenogalumna gorongosaensis Ermilov sp. n. is similar to N. congoensis in the bothridial seta with developed head, specific notogastral ornamentation and narrowly elongate postanal porose area, but differs from the latter by the smaller body size, heavily ciliate bothridial seta and diagonal position of adanal lyrifissure.

— Lychnocephalus cipoensis, L. grazielae, and L. jolyanus, three new species from the Cerrado of the Brazilian Central Plateau, are hereby described and illustrated. Lychnocephalus is characterized by its tomentose to densely lanate branches, heads organized in third order syncephalia and inner pappus series with twisted setae and narrowed apex. These new species are microendemic in the campos rupestres of Serra do Cipó, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, and were previously misidentified as other species of the genus. However, they are distinguished by their habit, leaf arrangement, leaf shape and size, presence or absence of petiole, number of florets per head, and number of pappus series, among other characteristics discussed here. These new species are described and illustrated, their affinities discussed, and a key to all species of Lychnocephalus is provided.

A new fossil tiger beetle species, Goriresina fungifora gen. n., sp. n. (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae), is described from Eocene Rovno amber. The new genus belongs to the subtribe Iresiina, tribe Cicindelini, due to the glabrous head, the labrum with six submarginal setae (latero-basal setae very long) and two apical teeth with notch between them, the glabrous and globular pronotum, the lack of setae on the metepisternum and metepimeron, as well as on the visible parts of abdominal sternites, the single long seta each on the fore- and mesotrochanter. The new species is characterized by the long and moderately convex labrum, two clypeal setae, the elongate and apicad converging elytra with an angularly, but smoothly rounded apex, the small and sharp sutural spine, the probable presence of an apical portion of the elytral humeral spot, a slightly sinuate, transverse medial fascia with an extended and downward directed apical portion, and a slightly transverse basal portion of the apical spot. This is the first record of a tiger beetle in Rovno amber and only a fourth well-preserved Cicindelidae from fossil resins.

Two new species of the genus Glyphiulus Gervais, 1847 are described and illustrated. The first species, G. longussp. nov., is the second species of the javanicus-group to be found in Thailand. It resembles G. guangnanensis Jiang, Guo, Chen & Xie, 2018, from southern China, but is distinguished by a smaller size and the carinotaxic formula of the collum, combined with ♂ legs 1 bearing very strongly reduced telopodites, the anterior gonopods showing a pair of very long and slender apicomesal processes, and the denser plumose and stout flagella of the posterior gonopods. The second species, G. promdamisp. nov., the fifth member of the granulatus-group in Thailand, seems to be particularly similar to G. subbedosae Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2017, from Laos. However, it can be distinguished from the latter species mainly by showing a uniformly yellow collum and the posterior gonopod coxite bearing several strong setae in median and lateral views, coupled with the anterior gonopod coxosternum being microsetose in the anterior and medial parts in caudal view. An identification key to, and a distribution map of, all seven Glyphiulus species currently known to occur in Thailand are also provided.

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials collected from Mozambique in 2019. A list of identified taxa, including 53 species/subspecies from 44 genera and 28 families is provided. Of these, six species are new to science, all other taxa are recorded for the first time in the Mozambican fauna. One new species, Galumnella mikhailovi Ermilov sp. nov., is described herein: it is similar to G. csavasorum in the presence of setiform, unilaterally spinose bothridial setae and rugose notogaster, but differs in smaller body size, the presence of monodactylous legs and rounded rostrum, as well as in the absence of sublamellar line and rugose sculpturing in the anogenital region.

Integrative approach of taxonomy drives us to the discovery of three new species of the genus Eutyphoeus Michaelsen 1900, namely Eutyphoeus phawngpuiensis sp. nov., Eutyphoeus serei sp. nov. and Eutyphoeus tawi sp. nov. from protected forests of Mizoram, India. E. phawngpuiensis sp. nov. belongs to the Eutyphoeus hastatus group, and is characterized by holandric male organs, having spermathecal pores at “a or ab”, bidiverticulate spermathecae, and lack of genital marking glands. While, E. tawi sp. nov. has spermathecal pores at b or lateral to b, without lateral intestinal caeca. E. serei sp. nov. belongs to the Eutyphoeus gigas group, and is distinguished by having metandric male organs, lacking female pore of right side, and having spoon shaped tip of penial setae without ornamentation. Molecular characterization using coi gene marker also supports the findings. The maximum intraspecific distances and distance to the nearest neighbour of E. phawngpuiensis sp. nov., E. serei sp. nov. and E. tawi sp. nov. were recorded 3.5%, 9.37%; 2.35%, 14.83%; and 2.28%, 12.86% respectively. The key to Eutyphoeus species of India was also updated.

Three new aetideid species, Bradyidius abyssalis sp. nov., Bradyidius parabyssalis sp. nov., and B. kurilokamchaticus sp. nov. are described from female specimens collected near the seafloor in the abyss of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Specimens of Bradyidius parabyssalis sp. nov. were obtained in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Argentine Basin, area of the Meteor Seamount and the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench). Bradyidius abyssalis sp. nov. was found only in the Atlantic Ocean, (Brazil and Guinea Basins and area of the Meteor Seamount) and Bradyidius kurilokamchaticus sp. nov. was recorded from the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench of the Pacific Ocean. Three new herein described Bradyidius species constitute the first documented records of the genus from the abyss of the World Ocean. In addition, three Bradyidius species from the Weddell Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench, are briefly described without biological names due to their bad condition. Bradyidius parabyssalis sp. nov. and B. abyssalis sp. nov. are distinguished from all known congeners by the presence of 3 setae at the basis of the mandible and morphological details of the prosome posterior corners and P1. They show close resemblance to each other but differ in body size, rostrum structure, P4 coxa armament and length of the setae of the antennule ancestral segment I and the mandible basis. Bradyidius kurilokamchaticus sp. nov. shares with B. curtus Markhaseva, 1993, B. pacificus (Brodsky, 1950) and B. arnoldi Fleminger, 1957 a rostrum with non-divergent or parallel points, but differs from these species in the size, the well developed lateral spine on exopod segment 1, in the number of setae at the antenna exopod segment 1 and some morphological details of the prosome posterior corners. Characters that define the genus Bradyidius Giesbrecht, 1897 from Aetideopsis Sars, 1903, i.e. the shape of lateral spines of P1exopod segments 1 and 2; the endopod of P2 segmentation and the setation of the antennule ancestral segments XII, XV and XVII are discussed.

The remarkable ability of geckos to adhere to smooth surfaces is often thought of in terms of external structures, including the branching setae that make contact with the surface producing van der Waals forces. Some geckos also exhibit unique movements of the distal segments of the limbs during locomotion and static clinging, including active digital hyperextension and considerable pedal rotation. During static clinging, geckos can exhibit considerable adduction/abduction of the pes while the crus and thigh remain firmly adpressed to the substratum. This decoupling of pedal adduction/abduction from ankle flexion/extension and pedal long-axis rotation is a significant departure from pedal displacements of a typical lizard lacking adhesive ability. The structure of the ankle is likely key to this decoupling, although no detailed comparison of this complex joint between pad-bearing geckos and other lizards is available. Here we compare the configuration of the mesotarsal joint of nongekkotan lizards (Iguana and Pristidactylus) with that of the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) using prepared skeletons, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomographic (µCT) scans. We focus on the structure of the astragalocalcaneum and the fourth distal tarsal. The mesotarsal joint exhibits a suite of modifications that are likely associated with the secondarily symmetrical pes of pad-bearing geckos. For example, the lateral process of the astragalocalcaneum is much more extensive in G. gecko compared with other lizards. The mesotarsal joint exhibits several other differences permitting dissociation of long-axis rotation of the pes from flexion-extension movement, including a reduced ventral peg on the fourth distal tarsal, an articulatory pattern dominated by a well-defined, expansive distomesial notch of the astragalocalcaneum, and an associated broad proximodorsal articulatory facet of the fourth distal tarsal. Pad-bearing geckos are capable of effectively deploying their intricate adhesive system across a broad array of body angles because of this highly modified ankle. Future research should determine whether the differences encountered in G. gecko (and their extent) apply to the Gekkota as a whole and should examine how the elements of the ankle move dynamically during locomotion across a range of taxa.

The second- and third-instar larvae of the diving-beetle species Hydrovatus crassulus Sharp, 1882 are described and illustrated, including detailed morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment and urogomphi. Larvae of this species lack the parietal pore PAo, the premental seta LA3 and the urogomphal seta UR8, and have the sensillum MN2 shaped as a short hair-like seta and the ventral surface of the abdominal segments II–V sclerotized. All these characteristics are shared with the other species of Hydrovatus Motschulsky, 1853 known in detail (H. caraibus Sharp, 1882) and therefore are considered diagnostic for the genus. Hydrovatus crassulus also characterizes by the presence of a small galea, which reinforces the hypothesis that this structure is part of the ancestral condition of Hydrovatus. Larvae of H. crassulus differ from those of H. caraibus in having a smaller size, a smaller ratio U/LAS, and a larger ratio U1/U2, and also in the presence (in most cases) of a secondary seta on the anteroventral surface of femur.

Two new species of the genus Camptoscaphiella Caporiacco, 1934 are described from Yunnan, China, i.e., C. changxu Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀) and C. linyejiei Tong & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀). Camptoscaphiella changxu Tong & Li, sp. nov. is characterized by the long, strongly-curved setae between male paturons, which is unknown in other oonopids and in any other spiders. Camptoscaphiella linyejiei Tong & Li, sp. nov. is the third blind species of this genus in the world. Morphological descriptions and photographic illustrations of the two new species are given.

Two new species of the genus Macrobrachium Spence Bate have been described from near Mandalay of Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, Myanmar (22°2′37″N; 96°2′37″E). Macrobrachium univmandalay sp. nov. is closely related to Macrobrachium spinosum Cai & Ng, 2002 and Macrobrachium yui Holthuis, 1950 and is characterized by the presence of 10–12 dorsal teeth of which 3–4 post-orbital, first tooth at about 1/4th of anterior carapace; second chelate legs are dissimilar in size and shape in which carpus of major leg distinctly shorter than palm, cutting edges of fingers with 2 large and 2–3 smaller denticles at proximal part and without denticles on the distal half. Minor leg in which merus longer than carpus and palm, carpus shorter than palm as well as fingers and fingers without denticles in the cutting edges. M. spinosum and M. yui differ from this species in all these characters above. Macrobrachium ayeyarwadiense sp. nov. shows close affinity with Macrobrachium horstii de Man, 1892 and M. spinosum and can be easily separated on the basis of difference in characters of rostrum, position and arrangement of teeth on upper and lower margins, position of first dorsal tooth, distance between post-orbital edge and first dorsal tooth and its relation to rostrum length, length of antennular peduncle in relation to post-orbital carapace, shape and structure of 2nd cheliped, nature, size and arrangement of spines on outer and inner margins of ischium, merus, carpus, palm and fingers and nature of denticles on cutting edges of major and minor legs. The species can at once be identified on the absence of tubercles at distal half beyond larger denticles on fingers, convex nature of merus, carpus and disposition of spines on them, swollen palm and curved nature of movable finger and crossed nature of fingers distally of major 2nd peraeopod. Nature of long stiff setae on inner side of ischium, merus and carpus of major cheliped is characteristic to the species. Minor 2nd cheliped is also species specific in which the fingers are slender and curved so that a wide gap exists when closed. A note on Macrobrachium lamarrei (H. Milne Edwards 1937) is also given in the text.

Two new species of palpigrades are described: a soil-dwelling species of the genus Koeneniodes Silvestri, 1913 from a broadleaf forest in Tibet and an extraordinary cave-dwelling species from Jinhua cave in China belonging to Prokoenenia Börner, 1901. Koeneniodes tibetanus sp. n. is related to Koeneniodes spiniger from Thailand. The two species share the presence of four thick and spiniform setae on the second lobe of the female genitalia; they differ in the number of thick setae on opisthosomal sternite IV, the number of cheliceral teeth, the coxal setal formula, and the morphology of the spiniform setae. Prokoenenia sarcodactylica sp. n. is based on an immature female from Jinhua Cave, Beijing. The presence of 18 finger-shaped blades in the lateral organs—unique among palpigrades –, the large body size (2150 μm) and the extremely long basitarsus IV (205 μm) indicate that the new species is the first undoubtedly cave–adapted Prokoenenia. This is also the first record of the genus Prokoenenia from China.

A new species of Pergalumna (Oribatida, Galumnidae) is described from leaf litter of rain forest in the Espejillos environs near the Bolivian Ambor National Park. Pergalumna espejillosensis sp. nov. is similar to Pergalumna nasica Pérez-Íñigo & Baggio, 1980 in the presence of protruding rostrum, three pairs of rounded/oval notogastral porose areas and minute interlamellar seta, and in the absence of dorsosejugal suture, but differs by the smaller body length, setiform bothridial seta and long lamellar seta, and the absence of a median pore. An identification key to known species/subspecies of the genus from the Neotropical region is presented.

The oriental sugarcane thrips, Fulmekiola serrata (Kobus) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is a serious pest in sugarcane growing countries of South and Southeast Asia. Correct diagnosis of thrips at initial stage of infestation is essential prerequisite for minimizing yield loss with immediate intervention of management practices. Thrips were collected from sugarcane crop and ficus trees from Peernagar Soodna (Hapur) and Dohara (Ludhiana). For the first time, scanning electron microscope images of F. serrata were taken for detailed diagnosis. The results were the following: head longer than wide. Antennae seven segmented and forked sense cones on 3rd and 4th segments. Only two pairs ocellar setae present, pair II longer than side of ocellar triangle, pair III anterolateral to triangle. Metanotum with converging lines of sculpture; Campaniform sensilla present; median setae arise behind anterior margin. Pronotum with 2 pairs of long posteroangular setae, posterior margin with 3 pairs of setae. Forewing first vein with 3 setae on distal half, second vein with 10–12 setae. Tergites I–VII with craspedum of pale narrow lobes, the lateral one pointed. Tergites VI–VIII with median pair of setae as long as lateral pair. Tergites V–VIII with paired ctendia laterally, on VII postermesad of spiracle. Sternites without discal setae, posteromarginal craspedum of pointed lobes. In addition, morphometric analysis revealed that F. serrata population of sugarcane (Hapur) showed comparatively higher body length and antennae length than Ficus population (Ludhiana), whereas no significant differences were observed between other characters under study.

The sea squirt Cnemidocarpa amphora was collected from Ras El-Tin beach in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt. This study identifies two small sabelline fan-worms, Parasabella minuta and Parasabella leucaspis, inhabiting the tunic of the sea squirt. The identification was made on live and fixed worms using stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopes based on body size, radiolar crown, ciliation in the radioles, lenticular, pygidial and peristomial eyes, thorax and abdomen, morphology of lips, noto- and neuropodia, uncini, setae, secondary denticles, manubrium and the peristomial collar. P. minuta measures up to 5.5 mm in length and up to 1 mm in width, bearing lenticular radiolar eyes. Dorsal lips are triangular and the ventral lips are curved. Thoracic neuropodia are provided with uncini aviculares and three rows of secondary denticles. The manubrium is well-developed and slightly short. Abdominal neuropodia are provided with 2–6 elongated setae and the abdominal ones are provided with uncini aviculares covered by 3–4 rows of secondary denticles. P. leucaspis measures 5–41 mm long and up to 5 mm wide, with radiolar crown measuring 1–10 mm long. Dorsal lips are triangular and are provided with radiolar appendages while the ventral lips are curved. The thorax consists of 5–9 segments. The first segment has a narrow margin and is provided with elongated setae. From the second segment, the notopodia are provided with elongated upper setae. Thoracic neuropodia are provided with uncini aviculares and five rows of secondary denticles with elongated manubrium. Abdominal neuropodia are provided with 2 rows of bristles and the abdominal notopodia are provided with uncini aviculares and 5–6 rows of secondary denticles.

Tarantulas are large spiders that can defend themselves by shedding urticating hairs (setae). In this paper, we aim to discuss the ocular conditions caused by these setae through a literature review. In total, 25 cases were identified in the PubMed database. Tarantula setae have a barbed structure that enables migration through the globe. They give rise to a spectrum of complaints, causing a granulomatous inflammatory reaction in the compartment they settle. Superficial corneal hairs cause a mild keratitis, while hairs that penetrate Descemet’s membrane can induce an anterior uveitis. Both can be treated with local steroids; when possible, hairs should be debrided. Setae that migrate into the posterior segment can cause a focal vitritis that can be more difficult to treat, sometimes requiring vitrectomy.

Russian Altai of Western Siberia is described and illustrated. This species is similar to O. janovskii Korotyaev, 1990 but differs from it in the long decumbent setae on the elytra, larger teeth on the femora, wider rostrum and weakly narrowed apex of the aedeagus. Otiorhynchus altaicus Stierlin, 1861, syn. nov. is synonymous to Otiorhynchus (Podonebistus) bardus Boheman, 1842. A key for identifying species from the subgenus Podonebistus from Altai and adjacent territories is given.

The first finding of the genus Greeffiella Cobb 1922 (Greeffiellinae, Desmoscolecidae) in the Black Sea is presented. Two mature females were collected in Northwestern Shelf of Crimea in strongly silted fine sand with detritus at a water depth of 56 m. Greeffiella sp. is described and illustrated. The absence of males in the collections does not allow the authors to present it as a new species for science or to identify it as one of the known species of the genus Greeffiella. Black sea specimen is distinguished from the other known species of the genus Greeffiella with the presence of 8 pairs of thicker specific setae along the body, the basis of which looks like a small lamina, but without hairs, which was previously described for G. pierri Schrage & Gerlach, 1975 and G. australis Schrage & Gerlach, 1975. The short esophagus at the base has two salivary glands and a cardia. Cardia has not been mentioned before for the known species of the genus Greeffiella.

Phylloporia moricola is described as a new species based on collections from Sichuan Province, China. All studied basidiocarps grow on trunks of Morus sp. This new species is supported by morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences inferred from a dataset of nuc 28S rDNA. P. moricola is characterized by having effused-reflexed to pileate basidiocarps, pores 7–9 per mm, duplex context with a black line when young, dimitic hyphal system, and brownish, slightly thick-walled basidiospores generally measuring 3.4–4 × 2.7–3.2 μm. Phylloporia moricola is phylogenetically most closely related to Phylloporia mori, that also occurs on Morus sp., but that species differs from P. moricola in having hymenial setae and larger basidiospores (4–4.8 × 3.1–3.8 μm).

A new species of the continental shelf hyperbenthic genus Pilarella is described, the first from the Indo-Pacific. This is the second species of Pilarella known, and the first description of a male in the genus. The new species is easily distinguished from other species of Pilarella (P. longicornis) based on: (1) short caudal rami, approximately 1.5 times longer than wide; (2) 2 setae on the mandibular endopod; (3) 6 setae on the maxillular coxal epipodite; and (4) in the female, a short left antennule reaching the posterior border of the genital double-somite. The new diagnosis of Pilarella differs from Metacalanus in the separation of ancestral segments IX–XII and XIV–XV of the antennule, and the presence of 5–6 setae on the maxillular praecoxal arthrite. Pilarella is also separated from Metacalanalis based on the absence of a seta on the third ancestral segment of the antennary exopod, the symmetry of legs 1–3, the presence of a medial basal seta on the female leg 5, and 2 lateral exopodal spines on the female leg 5. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of some representative genera of the family Arietellidae, including the present new species, recovers two arietellid clades (Metacalanus- and Arietellus-clades) as in previous studies. Dichotomous keys for the genera of Arietellidae and the species of Pilarella are included.

The morphological ontogeny of Proteremaeus oralensis sp. nov. from the elderberry litter (Sambucus nigra L.) from Kazakhstan is described and illustrated. The adult of this species is the most similar to that of P. macleani Behan-Pelletier, 1982, but differs from it mainly in the shape of lamellar complex, posterior notogastral tip, distribution of genital setae, and some leg characters. The juveniles of P. oralensis are oval, light-brown, with short prodorsal and gastronotal setae and clavate bothridial seta. The nymphs are quadrideficient and eupheredermous, i.e. they lack setae of d-series and carry the exuvial scalps of previous instars on the gastronotum. In the nymphs, setae p1 and h1 are inserted close to each other, and seta h2 is placed approximately at similar distances from seta p1 and p2.

Two new wood-rotting fungi in the family Hymenochaetaceae, Fulvifomes dracaenicolasp. nov. and Hymenochaete dracaenicolasp. nov., are described and illustrated from tropical China based on morphological characteristics and molecular data. It is worth to mention that both of them grow on Dracaena cambodiana which is a kind of angiosperm tree distributed in tropical regions. F. dracaenicola is characterised by perennial, pileate, triquetrous basidioma with yellowish brown fresh pores which becoming honey yellow with silk sheening upon drying, a dimitic hyphal system in trama and monomitic in context, and subglobose basidiospores measuring 4.8–5 × 4–4.1 μm. H. dracaenicola is characterised by annual, resupinate basidioma with a clay buff hymenophore, a dimitic hyphal system, absence of tomentum and cortex, presence of subulate setae, absence of cystidia, presence of cystidioles and simple hyphidia, and oblong ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 5.2–5.8 × 2.5–2.8 µm. The phylogenetic analyses based on ITS + nLSU rDNA sequences confirm the placement of two new species respectively in Fulvifomes and Hymenochaete. Phylogenetically closely related species to the two new species are discussed.

The first detailed description of the late-instar larva of Prionochaeta opaca (Say, 1825) is provided, with chaetotaxy, illustrations and photos. The single Nearctic representative of Cholevina and the only known larval stage of Prionochaeta Horn, 1880 is discussed and compared to other known larvae of Cholevini with special reference to its autapomorphic characters: pectinate tergal setae and four-segmented antenna. New data confirmed a mosaic distribution of larval characters within the subtribes Cholevina and Catopina and only one character supporting division into subtribes (mandibular prostheca), after excluding Cholevinus Reitter, 1901. The placement of Prionochaeta in the clade of Cholevina, based on larval morphological characters, is doubtful because of many characters unique to this larva, but the unusual prostheca (apically wide with minute spines) places them in this subtribe.

An illustrated description of two nematode species (D. lutosum sp. n. and D. stagnalis sp. n.) of the genus Daptonema Cobb, 1920, found in artificial reservoirs for shrimp farming in Vietnam and new to science, is provided. D. lutosum sp. n. is similar to D. borealis Gagarin, 2020 and D. dihystera Gagarin, Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2005 in the structure of the specular apparatus and body sizes. It differs from D. borealis Gagarin, 2020 in longer outer labial setae, amphidial foveae extending from the anterior body end, shorter spicules, and the posterior uterus present in females. It differs from D. dihystera Gagarin, Nguyen Vu Thanh, 2005 in a shorter pharynx, longer outer labial setae, amphidial fovea extending from the body anterior end, and longer terminal setae at the tail tip. D. stagnalis sp. n. is most similar to D. dihystera and D. lutosum sp. n. in the structure of the spicule apparatus and body size. It differs from both species in a thicker body, a thicker tail, and the lack of a posterior uterus in females. A table of the main morphometric traits of males of the valid species identified to the swalbardensis species group of the genus Daptonema is given.

Two new species of the subgenus Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) from China are described and illustrated. Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) liangshanensis sp. nov. differs from S. (Bischeloribates) dаlawaeus Corpuz-Raros,1980 by longer bothridial setae with unilaterally dilated, apically pointed, barbed head. Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) sanmingensis sp. nov. differs from other known species of this genus by the presence of U-shaped furrow underneath the Notogaster. The subgenus Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) is recorded in mainland China for the first time. Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) mahunkai Subías, 2010 is recorded in China for the first time. An identification key to world species of Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) is given.

Synopsis Larvae of barnacles typically pass through naupliar and cyprid planktonic stages before settlement and metamorphosis. As the final larval stage, cyprids swim much faster than nauplii and in turbulent fluid environments with high shears as they seek habitat. Cyprids swim with six pairs of reciprocating thoracic appendages and use two anterior antennules during settlement. Our understanding of how thoracic appendages generate movement is limited due to short stroke intervals (∼5 ms) that impede observations of the shape and trajectory of appendages. Here, we used high-speed videography to observe both free-swimming and tethered cyprids of the intertidal acorn barnacle Balanus glandula to produce a comprehensive description of thoracic appendage swimming kinematics. Cyprids used a drag-based method of swimming: their six pairs of thoracic appendages moved through metachronal power strokes and synchronous recovery strokes similar to the thoracopod motions in calanoid copepods during escape swimming. During the power stroke, plumose setae on each appendage pair spread laterally into a high surface area and high drag paddle composed of a meshwork of fused setules. This interconnected setal array collapsed into a low surface area and low drag shape during the recovery stroke. These effective swimming appendages allowed cyprids to move upward at an average speed of 1.4 cm/s (∼25 body lengths/s) with an average beat frequency of 16 beats/s, and reach an instantaneous velocity of up to 6 cm/s. Beat frequency of the thoracic appendages was significantly associated with speed, with higher beat frequencies indicating faster swimming speed. At their average speed, cyprids moved at the intermediate Reynolds number of ∼10, in which both viscous and inertial forces affected movement. Cyprids could alter swimming direction by sweeping the posterior-most appendage pair to one side and beating the remaining thoracic appendages synchronously through the power stroke with greater motion on the outside of their turn. These results greatly enhance our understanding both of cyprid motility and how small planktonic organisms can use swimming appendages with fused setule arrays to reach high swimming speeds and affect directional changes.

The first representative of Tigriopus Norman, 1869 from the north-western Indian Ocean is described from rock pools on the Iranian coast. Tigriopus iranicussp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners by i) the possession of two maxillary endites, each with two setae; ii) a two-segmented mandibular endopod; iii) P1enp-3 with one pinnate claw, a well-developed geniculate spine and a small seta; and iv) female P6 with two setae. Additionally, we present a complete redescription of Tigriopus raki Bradford, 1967 on the basis of paratype material and a key to the species of the genus.

Morphological and phylogenetic analyses were performed on recently collected Marasmius specimens including specimens previously determined as Marasmius jalapensis in northern Argentina and Paraguay. A description of a new species for northern Argentina and Colombia and a new morphological delimitation of M. jalapensis with a more restricted distribution range are proposed. Marasmius tricystidiatus sp. nov. is characterised by its yellowish and slightly sulcate pileus, medium-sized basidiomata, setae in all tissues and cheilocystidia of three types, viz., Siccus-type broom cells, cheilosetae, and transitional elements; M. jalapensis, the closest species, is similar in pileus coloration and presence of setoid cystidia in all tissues, but mainly differs in having only cheilosetae and broader basidiospores on average. Both species are closely related and belong to sect. Globulares subsect. Leonini, but the relationships within the latter still must be resolved.

The morphological ontogeny of Eremobelba geographica Berlese, 1908 is described and illustrated. This species was investigated mainly in ecological and biological aspects. It inhabits forest soils and cultivated areas, but is not abundant, and adults dominate in extracted samples. In the juveniles, the prodorsal seta in is short, and the bothridial seta is setiform. The nymphs are quadrideficient and eupheredermous, i.e. they carry exuvial scalps of the previous instars, using a cornicle. Paraproctal setae occur in all juvenile instars, which is rare in Brachypylina, and hypertrichy occurs in the aggenital region of the deutonymph, tritonymph and adult, and adanal region of the adult. In all instars, seta d on all genua and tibiae is present, except for tibia I of adult.