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A new species of bristletail Ctenolepismacapsicum sp. n. is described, which is closest to the congeners common in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, such as C. mauritanicum (Lucas 1846), C. turkestanicum Kaplin & Shakula 2022, and C. przewalsky Kaplin 1982. They all share a medium-sized and weakly to moderately pigmented body, two pairs of abdominal styli, the absence of bristle combs from abdominal sternites I and II and of medial combs from all other sternites, and the presence of 1 + 1 sublateral bristle combs on urosternites III–VIII and the posterior margin of the thoracic tergites. The first tergite of their abdomen bears 1 + 1 lateral; the second, 2 + 2 or 3 + 3; terga III–VII, 3 + 3 each; and tergite VIII, 2 + 2 bristle combs. These species are clearly distinguished from each other by the number of sensory papillae on the apical article of the labial palps, the ratio of the length of the distal portion of the prosternum occupied by bristle combs to the total length of the prosternum, the chaetotaxy of the second tergite of the abdomen and thoracic sternites, and the number of ovipositor articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chaetotaxy of the external pedipalp femur and distal ventral pedipalp movable finger was studied in 120 species, 69 genera and 17 families of scorpions. Setation was generally denser in the 'Buthus' group, a major arid-adapted buthid lineage distributed across Palearctic deserts. On the external femur, macrosetae formed a prominent cluster, the 'distal external macrosetal cluster' (DEMC); on the distal ventral movable finger they formed a dense patch, the 'distal ventral macrosetal cluster' (DVMC). In other buthids and non-buthids, the DEMC and DVMC were mostly absent, except in a few arid-adapted genera. Relative setation densities of DEMC and DVMC in different species depended strongly on size, being denser in larger species and sparser in smaller species, while absolute density varied only weakly with size (mean spacing of setae -200 μm in DEMC, -40 μm in DVMC). Ontogenetic variation followed similar trends. Multivariate morphometric analyses revealed taxonomic differences in setation patterns. The 'Buthus' group, other buthids, and non-buthids, were partially separable according to their spatial profiles of setation. In the 'Buthus' group, major genera were separable by spatial and density profiles of setation. In buthids, there were taxonomic differences in external femoral trichobothriotaxy. The 'Buthus' and Tityus' groups were largely separable by proximodistal positioning of trichobothrium e1. Relative setation densities of DEMC and DVMC were positively correlated, in that species with dense DEMCs also tended to have dense DVMCs. In the buthid Olivierus martensii, DEMC and DVMC were observed to brush the median ocelli during sponge-bathing. In all examined buthids, the DEMC was located where it would contact the ipsilateral median ocellus during femoral articulation. Both DEMC and DVMC may assist in the ocular grooming of desert buthids, by removing sand and dust from surfaces of the median ocelli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cernotina Ross, 1938 is represented in the southeastern United States by three nominal species: Cernotina calcea Ross, 1938, Cernotina spicata Ross, 1938, and Cernotina truncona Ross, 1947. Of all Cernotina species, only the larva of C. spicata has been described to date. The goal of this paper is to describe, illustrate, and diagnose the larva of C. truncona using ecologically associated specimens. In addition, we used publicly available mitochondrial DNA barcoding data to evaluate the genetic relationships of these species. The larvae of Cernotina truncona can be distinguished from those of C. spicata by differences in setal placement and number on the meso- and metanota, mandibular morphology, head width, and distal setation of the tarsi. The ultrastructure of the anal claw is figured, highlighting the novel finding of small spines on the concave margin of a larva of Cernotina. With this new description, just the second described larva from this genus, only C. calcea remains unknown in the southeastern United States. The information provided herein enables the in-depth study of the ecology and life history of this diminutive caddisfly.

The genus Cernotina Ross, 1938 is represented in the southeastern United States by three nominal species: Cernotina calcea Ross, 1938, Cernotina spicata Ross, 1938, and Cernotina truncona Ross, 1947. Of all Cernotina species, only the larva of C. spicata has been described to date. The goal of this paper is to describe, illustrate, and diagnose the larva of C. truncona using ecologically associated specimens. In addition, we used publicly available mitochondrial DNA barcoding data to evaluate the genetic relationships of these species. The larvae of Cernotina truncona can be distinguished from those of C. spicata by differences in setal placement and number on the meso- and metanota, mandibular morphology, head width, and distal setation of the tarsi. The ultrastructure of the anal claw is figured, highlighting the novel finding of small spines on the concave margin of a larva of Cernotina. With this new description, just the second described larva from this genus, only C. calcea remains unknown in the southeastern United States. The information provided herein enables the in-depth study of the ecology and life history of this diminutive caddisfly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important, but generally overlooked source in intraspecific variability of characters used in tardigrades taxonomy is sexual dimorphism. Dioecious tardigrades species with unisexual or bisexual populations are common, but external sexual dimorphism is rarely observed. The discovery and integrative analysis of a Diploechiniscus species population with high sexual dimorphism from Calvert Island (Canada) has allowed its description as a new species. Diploechiniscus dimorphus n. sp. is characterized by a different chaetotaxy in males and females, and by enlarged cephalic sensory appendages in the males. The discovery of this new species shows that it is important to consider sexual dimorphism as a source of intraspecific variability in tardigrade taxonomy due to its implications on the use of traits commonly used to delineate species such as chaetotaxy. Lastly, the finding of individuals of Diploechiniscus horningi (Schuster and Grigarick, 1971), a species previously synonymized with Diploechiniscus oihonnae (Richters, 1903), allows us to prove that it is genetically a separate species and to reinstate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New faunistic data on mites of the family Cunaxidae of Asian Russia are provided. A total of 11 species were found, among them four species are described as new for science, namely, Neobonzia scutatasp. nov., Cunaxa palustrissp. nov., C. quinquesetosasp. nov., and Cunaxoides magnificussp. nov. Scirula impressa Berlese is recorded from Russia for the first time and redescribed; Cunaxoides trepidus Kuznetsov and Livshitz recorded from Asian Russia for the first time and redescribed; Armascirus fendai Kalúz and Vrabec and Cunaxoides lootsi Den Heyer are recorded from Russia for the first time; Cunaxa gordeevae Sergeyenko, C. anomala Khaustov and Kuznetsov, and Cunaxoides desertus Kuznetsov and Livshitz are recorded from Asian Russia for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Paragus Latreille, 1804 with over 100 species of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) is widely distributed except for Antarctica. The larval biology of these hoverflies is well known since they develop in aphid colonies, which are often of economic importance. However, the immature stages of only 9 of the 27 known larvae of genus Paragus are described. Paragus (Paragus) hyalopteri Marcos-García & Rojo, 1994, is a Palaearctic species described from Spain. Its larva has only been found preying on the aphid Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy, 1762) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), on several species of fruit trees and on leaves of Arundo donax L., and Phragmites spp. Here for the first time the full life cycle of a Paragus hoverfly is described including egg, all three larval stages and the puparium. Eggs, larvae and pupae of P. hyalopteri were collected on leaves of Phragmites australis (Cav.) among aphid colonies of H. pruni, and their morphology analyzed and described in detail using stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscope techniques. To facilitate the diagnosis of Paragus larvae, a key to all known larvae of Paragus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acerentulus panamensissp. nov. from the tropical forest of the Gigante Peninsula of Barro Colorado Nature Monument (9°06'N, 79°54'W – Panama) is described. The new species belongs to the cunhai group being characterized by a short sensillum a not reaching the base of seta γ3 and by sensillum b shorter than c. Acerentulus panamensissp. nov. is close to A. gerezianus da Cunha, 1952, A. ladeiroi Da Cunha, 1950, A. omoi Imadaté, 1988 and A. catalanus Condé, 1951. It differs from the first species by the absence of seta Pc on sternite VII, by the chaetotaxy of tergites II–V (6/16 in the new species and 8/14 in A. gerezianus), by the longer foretarsal sensillum e and by shorter sensilla f and a'. Finally, in Acerentulus panamensissp. nov. sensillum a' is at the same level of t1 closer to the base of tarsus than in A. gerezianus. In A. ladeiroi, the chaetotaxy of tergites II–V is 8/14 (as in A. gerezianus). Moreover, A. ladeiroi is distinguishable from the new species by shorter foretarsal sensilla e and t2, by a longer sensillum f, and by a longer sensillum a' placed distally to t1. The new species differs from A. omoi by the absence of seta Pc on sternite VII, by the porotaxy of sternites I–III, and by the longer foretarsal sensillum e and shorter sensillum b. Acerentulus panamensissp. nov. differs from A. catalanus by the chaetotaxy of tergites II–V, by the shorter sensilla a, b and f, and by the number of teeth of comb VIII (11–12 vs 7–8). [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]

Four new species of Homidia are described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Homidia longiantenna sp. nov. is characterised by its long antenna and slightly expanded post-labial chaetae; H. guangxiensis sp. nov. by the presence of smooth chaetae on the post-labium and posterior face of the ventral tube; H. huapingensis sp. nov. by the presence of smooth post-labial chaetae and pointed tenent hairs; and H. oligoseta sp. nov. by the pointed tenent hairs and fewer macrochaetae on Abdomen IV. Additions to the original description of Homidia acutus Jing & Ma, 2022 are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preimaginal stages of the enigmatic genus Solus Watson, 1913 are described for the first time, based on a completed life history of a representative species Solus parvifenestratus Bryk, 1944 fed with Camphora officinarum, with a report on testing of alternative potential host plants. The complete mitochondrial genomes are produced for two species within the genus and they are used to construct phylogenetic hypothesis and analyze nucleotide diversity. The alternative hypotheses derived from the molecular analyses are discussed in light of 14 morphological and biological features, the optimal result supports Solus to be the sister group of Saturniini + Attacini and justifies the establishment of the tribe Solini within the subfamily Saturniinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subgenus Anicla, commonly known as green cutworms, harbours some of the owlet moths (Lepidoptera: Noctuinae), whose larvae are notable for their economic importance. Knowledge of the immature stages for this group is available for three of the nine described species. Anicla infecta Ochsenheimer, 1816 is widely distributed in the Americas and is especially abundant in agricultural ecosystems. However, in the Neotropics, its economic damage can be confused with sympatric species, including Anicla ignicans (Guenée, 1852), whose distributions overlap in most parts of the American continent. In this sense, here, the identity of A. ignicans is investigated through its geographical distribution, based on molecular and morphological data. Additionally, the morphological and behavioural traits of immature stages were described in detail, information about its geographical distribution and larval host plants was gathered, and the species' biological parameters from larvae reared on an artificial diet were determined. Anicla ignicans is distributed throughout the Neotropical region, preferably in areas with xeric and/or grass‐dominated ecosystems. The eggs present valuable characters to distinguish A. ignicans from other owlet moth species, such as the reduced number of ribs, the way the micropyle openings are arranged and the shape of the aeropyles. However, the larvae show very similar chromatic polymorphisms to other Anicla species. Although A. ignicans prefer to feed on grasses, it was observed that more than 85% of the larvae that were fed with a modified bean‐based Greene diet survived. Additionally, the percentage of time for each phase of development obtained here is very similar for the different species of Anicla, regardless of the temperature or feeding of the larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leptophallus nigrovenosus is a trematode parasite found in snakes that requires feeding on amphibians to acquire the parasite. Firstly, this study investigated, in detail, the sensory receptors on the cercariae of these parasites, shedding light on the adaptations that allow them to find their host species. Secondly, the metacercariae of Salamandra salamandra were studied using histology to examine inflammatory responses in the eyes and potential eye damage. This study involved collecting snails (Planorbius metidjensis) and observing the emergence of cercariae. Salamander larvae were then exposed to these cercariae, and the larvae were later examined for the presence of metacercariae. Notably, this study is the first to report the presence of L. nigrovenosus in the snail P. metidjensis, a previously unrecorded host. These findings revealed that members of the genus Salamandra can serve as secondary intermediate hosts for L. nigrovenosus. Such infections in amphibians can lead to various eye issues, including cloudiness, inflammation, and tissue damage, ultimately affecting their survival. This research highlights the need for further investigation into trematode infections in amphibian eyes, which would provide valuable insights into their prevalence, transmission dynamics, and impact on host populations. (1) Background: Leptophallus nigrovenosus, an esophageal parasite that primarily affects water snakes of the genus Natrix, has a known life cycle that involves snail and amphibian hosts. However, the biological aspects, chaetotaxic patterns, and pathogeny of this parasite in its hosts have not been fully elucidated. (2) Methods: Snails (Planorbarius metidjensis) were collected in Spain and examined for cercaria emergence. The larvae were used to experimentally infect Salamandra salamandra, and metacercariae were isolated. Their chaetotaxy was studied using microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The eye histology was also examined. (3) Results: The cercariae displayed distinctive morphological characteristics. The results of this study revealed three types of ciliated sensory papillae on the cercarial teguments, suggesting an adaptation for host detection and orientation. The metacercariae isolated from subcutaneous tissues showed oval bodies covered in spines. The chaetotaxy patterns matched those of Leptophallinae species. This is the first report of the presence of L. nigrovenosus in the snail P. metidjensis. Additionally, this study detected metacercariae in the eyes of S. salamandra, emphasizing the need for further research on trematode infections in amphibian eyes. (4) Conclusions: Members of the genus Salamandra can serve as secondary intermediate hosts for L. nigrovenosus, and the presence of metacercariae in amphibian eyes may have implications for the survival and habitat management of these amphibians. Understanding this parasite's prevalence, transmission dynamics, and impacts on host populations is crucial for conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligonychus washingtoniae Mushtaq, Kamran & Alatawi, 2022 (Acari: Tetranychidae) is reported for the second time in the world based on new materials from Iran. The ontogenetic changes in leg chaetotaxy and new data of this species is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of aquatic Coleoptera specimens was collected from Güvenç Village in the Kahramankazan region of Ankara. Among these specimens was Dryops rufipes (Krynicki, 1832) (Coleoptera: Dryopidae), which is recorded from the Middle Anatolian Region of Turkey for the first time. The egg morphology of D. rufipes is described based on light and scanning electron microscope micrographs. Copulation and oviposition are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Trogolaphysa comprises 81 described species distributed across the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions. In the Americas, just over half of the species found in subterranean habitats have a reduced eye number (0–5 eyes). Subterranean species are of interest as models to study the evolution of morphological adaptations. Many subterranean species of Trogolaphysa were described before the introduction of chaetotaxy as a diagnostic tool and thus remain incompletely described and diagnosed. To identify gaps in descriptions and facilitate the identification of newly collected forms, we provide standardized summary descriptions, species diagnoses, diagnostic tables, and a dichotomous key to the 33 Neotropical species of Trogolaphysa with reduced eye number. As a result of this synthesis, we describe two new troglobiontic species, Trogolaphysa reneaui n. sp. and Trogolaphysa welchi n. sp. from Belizean caves.

Acerentulus panamensis sp. nov. from the tropical forest of the Gigante Peninsula of Barro Colorado Nature Monument (9°06’N, 79°54’W – Panama) is described. The new species belongs to the cunhai group being characterized by a short sensillum a not reaching the base of seta γ3 and by sensillum b shorter than c. Acerentulus panamensis sp. nov. is close to A. gerezianus da Cunha, 1952, A. ladeiroi Da Cunha, 1950, A. omoi Imadaté, 1988 and A. catalanus Condé, 1951. It differs from the first species by the absence of seta Pc on sternite VII, by the chaetotaxy of tergites II–V (6/16 in the new species and 8/14 in A. gerezianus), by the longer foretarsal sensillum e and by shorter sensilla f and a’. Finally, in Acerentulus panamensis sp. nov. sensillum a’ is at the same level of t1 closer to the base of tarsus than in A. gerezianus. In A. ladeiroi, the chaetotaxy of tergites II–V is 8/14 (as in A. gerezianus). Moreover, A. ladeiroi is distinguishable from the new species by shorter foretarsal sensilla e and t2, by a longer sensillum f, and by a longer sensillum a’ placed distally to t1. The new species differs from A. omoi by the absence of seta Pc on sternite VII, by the porotaxy of sternites I–III, and by the longer foretarsal sensillum e and shorter sensillum b. Acerentulus panamensis sp. nov. differs from A. catalanus by the chaetotaxy of tergites II–V, by the shorter sensilla a, b and f, and by the number of teeth of comb VIII (11–12 vs 7–8). https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:19B1F711-95B9-47DA-8157-98327ADEF104

The genus Trogolaphysa comprises 81 described species distributed across the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions. In the Americas, just over half of the species found in subterranean habitats have a reduced eye number (0–5 eyes). Subterranean species are of interest as models to study the evolution of morphological adaptations. Many subterranean species of Trogolaphysa were described before the introduction of chaetotaxy as a diagnostic tool and thus remain incompletely described and diagnosed. To identify gaps in descriptions and facilitate the identification of newly collected forms, we provide standardized summary descriptions, species diagnoses, diagnostic tables, and a dichotomous key to the 33 Neotropical species of Trogolaphysa with reduced eye number. As a result of this synthesis, we describe two new troglobiontic species, Trogolaphysa reneaui n. sp. and Trogolaphysa welchi n. sp. from Belizean caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe for the first time, the larvae of Cybister (Cybister) lewisianus Sharp, 1873, an endangered species of diving beetle in Japan, emphasizing the chaetotaxy of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphi. Cybister lewisianus larvae are characterized by a longer third article of antenna 3 than the sum of the first and second articles; rounded apex of parietal setae 1–3; labium seta 8 absent; elongated trochanter seta 4, not multi-branched; rounded apex of abdominal setae 1, 12, and 13 (instar I); narrow lateral projections of the frontoclypeus; pronotum without two dark-brown longitudinal stripes dorsally (instar III); and the base of the thick row of small setae on the inner edge of the mandible angulate and projecting medially (all instars). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The scarce genus of Pelecocera Meigen, 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) from the Holarctic Region has 14 species described. The taxonomic diagnosis of the immature stages of Pelecocera has not been performed; however, Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) japonica (Shiraki, 1956) larvae were found feeding on Rhizopogon roseolus in Japan. Following the findings in Japan, larvae of Pelecocera were collected in Denmark. We here report the first morphological description of the immature stages of Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) lugubris and Pelecocera (Pelecocera) tricincta, as well as specific data on their breeding sites. Larvae of both species were collected feeding on Rhizopogon luteolus in Denmark. The morphology of immature stages of P. lugubris and P. tricincta was studied by using both a scanning electron microscope and a stereomicroscope. A taxonomic diagnosis of the immature stages of Pelecocera and a taxonomic key are provided to separate them from the larvae of other genera. With 14 species, Pelecocera Meigen, 1822 is a scarce and small genus of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae: Rhingiini) from the Holarctic Region. Apart from the finding of larvae of Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) japonica (Shiraki, 1956) in fungi in Japan, the larval biology of these hoverflies is virtually unknown. The early stages of all Pelecocera species are undescribed. The adults of Pelecocera (Pelecocera) tricincta Meigen, 1822 and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) lugubris Perris, 1839 are found in Palearctic conifer forests with sand dunes. We here report the first morphological evidence of the immature stages of Pelecocera (P. lugubris and P. tricincta), as well as specific data on their breeding sites. Larvae of both species were collected feeding on the hypogean basidiomycete Rhizopogon luteolus Fr. & Nordholm, 1817 in Denmark in 2021. The first larval stage and second larval stage of P. tricincta, the third larval stage of P. lugubris, the anterior respiratory process, and the posterior respiratory process of the puparia of these two species were analyzed and studied using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope techniques. The chaetotaxy of the puparium of each species is also described and illustrated. A taxonomic diagnosis of the larvae of the genus Pelecocera is proposed to separate them from the larvae of other genera of the tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Oudemansia dhritiae sp. nov. is described from Lakshadweep Island, India. It is characterised by unguis with a single internal tooth and without any lateral teeth; mandibles with 11 teeth, six dental setae, and antennae IV with 6 sensilla. Identification key to the world species of Oudemansia Schött, 1893 is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typhlodromina conspicua (Garman) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and the genus Typhlodromina are reported from Türkiye for the first time. Many morphological details, including measurements of dorsal setae, were missing in its original description. In addition, there are inconsistencies regarding the dorsal setal lengths and number of macrosetae on leg IV among the redescriptions of this species by different authors. Most importantly, we observed five setae (pd absent) on trochanter I of this species, compared to six in many groups of the subfamily Typhlodrominae, which have been mainly reported from the Palearctic region. Therefore, a supplementary description and new illustrations of this species are provided, based on female specimens collected from Populus deltoides and P. nigra (Salicaceae) trees in Samsun Province on the Black Sea coast. In addition, the important diagnostic characters of this species are reviewed to facilitate species delimitation. Based on our examinations of two of the six known species of the genus, it appears that Typhlodromina spp. could be elevated to the level of tribe or subfamily, based on their distinctive morphological characters. However, additional molecular analysis, in combination with the use of morphological characters, would help to confirm the taxonomic status of Typhlodromina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ontogenetic development of a generalist phytoseiid predator, Cydnoseius negevi (Swirski and Amitai, 1961) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), was studied for the first time through detailed morphological description of all developmental stages (from larvae to adults). All the developmental stages were collected from Cynodon dactylon (Poaceae) in a date palm orchard, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae) from Saudi Arabia. In addition, developmental changes for each life stage relating to body and leg chaetotaxy, and number and position of setae, are discussed. We highlight the potential morphological features which could be used as additional diagnostic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomy of the subgenus Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has become challenging and often causing confusions among taxonomists. We here provide complementary descriptions of three species, T. (A.) bengalensis Karmakar et al., T. (A.) bulbosis Karmakar et al., and T. (A.) serrulatus Ehara, based on the specimens collected from Karnataka, India. During the identification of our specimens, we observed several important morphological differences between the new specimens and the original descriptions of the first two species. The morphological differences include number of dorsal solenostomes (absence or presence of gd5), position of preanal pores, chelicera dentition including position of teeth, shape of calyx of spermatheca, and leg chaetotaxy including number of setae on genu II, number of macrosetae and shape of ventral setae. Since these characters are crucial for phytoseiid taxonomy, we decided to examine the type specimens of these two species. Our examination on their holotypes confirmed that the morphological characters mentioned above are different than those reported in their original descriptions, but identical to the complementary descriptions provided here. In addition, T. (A.) serrulatus has not been recognized by several acarologists and repeatedly described under different names. We proposed five new and three suspected synonymies for this species. Lastly, we also provided the first description of males of T. (A.) bengalensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of species of Arlesia Handschin, 1942 with 7+7 eyes revealed new characteristics, such as position and shape of guard S-chaetae of Ant III organ, mandible teeth number, number of chaetae on thorax I and mucro: dens ratio, which supported the revalidation of Handschinia Stach, 1949. Arlesia fluminensis (Arlé, 1939) and Arlesia proxima (Arlé, 1939) are formally transfered to Handschinia, H. fluminensis (Arlé, 1939) comb. nov. and H. proxima (Arlé, 1939) comb. nov., and a new species, Handschinia rauli sp. nov. is described and illustrated. Remarks on the genus Arlesia and Handschinia are made. The diagnosis of Handschinia is expanded.

Callyntrura (s.l.) Börner, 1906 is the largest genus of the subfamily Salininae and contains 11 subgenera and 98 species from all over the world (mainly Asia), with eight species recorded from China. In the present paper, three new species of Callyntrura (s.l.) are described from China: C. (Japonphysa) xinjianensis sp. nov.; C. (J.) tongguensis sp. nov. and C. (J.) raoi sp. nov. Their differences in colour pattern, chaetotaxy and other characters are slight, however distances of COI mtDNA support their validation as three new distinct species. A key to the Chinese Callyntrura (s.l.) is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Szeptyckitheca Betsch & Weiner is a genus of Sphyrothecinae (Sminthuridae) similar to Sphyrotheca Börner, with 13 nominal species. Most descriptions of Szeptyckitheca taxa lack valuable data in face of the current taxonomy of Symphypleona. In this study the previously described species of the genus were surveyed, aiming to provide updated diagnoses for them. Three species were also transferred to Szeptyckitheca: Sphyrotheca karlarum Palacios-Vargas, Vázquez & Cuéllar, 2003, S. peteri Palacios-Vargas, Vázquez & Cuéllar, 2003, and S. koreana Betsch & Weiner, 2009, based on trochanteral and/or dental chaetotaxy. Two new Brazilian species of the genus are described and illustrated, S. andrzeji Medeiros, Bellini & Weiner, sp. nov., with a remarkable reduced ventral dental chaetotaxy not seen in other Neotropical species, and S. cyanea Oliveira, Medeiros & Bellini, sp. nov. with a distinctive large set of head vertex spines (18). Finally, an updated key to all the valid species of the genus is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sound production in Passandridae is discovered and the involved structures are described and illustrated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a single type of stridulatory apparatus. The phylogenetic significance of this newly described mechanism is discussed based on a finely detailed analysis of representatives from 8 of 9 passandrid genera as well as from five closely related families, which allows hypothesizing the presence of a prosterno-coxal stridulatory apparatus as a unique synapomorphy of the clade comprising all passandrid genera except Aulonosoma Motschulsky. A note on the sound generation mechanism and behaviour is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinquelaophonte is a genus of laophontid harpacticoid, including 13 valid species around the world. Many of them are known to possess inter- and/or intra-individual variations in their swimming legs. During a survey of the meiofaunal biodiversity of Jeju Island in Korea, specimens of Quinquelaophonte were collected from an intertidal zone off the west coast of Jeju Island. This study examined the morphological characteristics and amplified partial sequence of four genes (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, COX1, and CYTB). As with other Quinquelaophonte species, specimens of this new species showed variability in the chaetotaxy of their swimming legs in both sexes. There was a setal arrangement pattern in females that could be considered a standard, whereas male individuals showed two sets of the chaetotaxy on the fourth swimming legs. The molecular data confirmed that individuals belonged to a single species, regardless of morphological variations. The result of the morphological comparison showed that the new Quinquelaohponte species shared some characteristics with congeneric species but included some specific morphological characters different from its congeners. The new species was named Quinquelaophonte sominer sp. nov. and was presented with detailed descriptions, illustrations, and confocal micrographs. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses were conducted using newly obtained data plus the sequences of other copepods and two Quinquelaophonte species. The result suggested that Q. sominer sp. nov. and two congeners were classified as branched lineages. This discovery brings the total number of species to three in the Northwest Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third-instar larva of Suphisellus curtus (Sharp, 1882) is described and illustrated for the first time, including morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphus. This is the second detailed larval description for the genus Suphisellus Crotch, 1873. Larvae of this genus can be readily separated from other known noterid larvae by the strongly developed galea, subequal in length to maxillary palpus. Suphisellus curtus differs from S. rufipes (Sharp, 1882) in the dorsal colour pattern, S. rufipes being entirely testaceous and S. curtus testaceous with transverse brown bands between body segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular examination of representatives of Balaustium from several populations in SW Poland, performed using the sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, confirmed their common specific affiliation and identity with Balaustium murorum. The potential presence of distinct species in the studied material, preliminarily inferred from the discovery of clusters as a result of Principal Component Analysis exploring the metric data sets, was rejected due to the finding of only one haplotype, at intra- and inter-population sampling. An insight into meristic traits in larvae, focused on chaetotaxy of legs, revealed wider variation than hitherto recognized for the species. The variation was higher in laboratory-reared larvae compared to field-collected ones. The overall deviations from the mean character values at intra- and interpopulation levels, higher than hitherto observed for the species, vote for the reappraisal of the criteria adopted for discrimination of members of Balaustium with the application of an integrative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive black flower thrips Thrips parvispinus (Karny) has recently emerged as a significant threat to Indian chilli production. Identifying T. parvispinus became difficult due to the complex presence of thrips species in Indian chilli and allied ecosystems. Pest management success depends on assessing invasive pests genetic populations and their distribution in newly habituated areas. Methods and results: The current study investigated the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of T. parvispinus across major chilli-growing zones representing different agro-climatic conditions in Tamil Nadu. The species-specific chaetotaxy characteristics of T. parvispinus and molecular analysis of the mtCOI gene were used to confirm that the species T. parvispinus has expanded rapidly in three regions (North Western, Western and Cauvery delta), sparsely in one (Southern) and absent from two (hilly and high rainfall). Fifteen allied crops in chilli/capsicum growing tracts served as host plants for T. parvispinus. A shrub species, namely Littleleaf boxwood, Buxus microphylla Siebold & Zucc., is described as a host plant for the first time. On capsicum and chilli, T. parvispinus and Scirtothrips dorsalis coexisted. Thrips palmi, T. tabaci, Frankliniella schultzei, and Microcephalothrips abdominalis co-occurring alongside T. parvispinus on allied crops. Conclusion: Molecular characterization and haplotype identification help define the genetic composition of T. parvispinus and serve as a foundation for efficient monitoring and creation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. As a result, the genetic data presented in this work strongly argues that T. parvispinus as a population is resolving itself towards a fixed state through natural selection that spans its native range globally along with low genetic diversity [Hd: 0.771]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper gives a detailed and illustrated redescription of Entomobrya nigriventris Stach, 1929, and the description of a new species collected from open sand steppe habitat in Hungary. Based on the colour pattern, E. arenaria Winkler, Flórián & Dányi, sp. nov. is close to E. violaceolineata Stach, 1963 but differs from it by the morphology of the labral papillae and the dorsal macrochaetotaxy of the head, Th II, and Abd II-IV. The new species is also characterised by dark ventral body colouration in adult specimens. In this regard, an overview of European Entomobrya species in which the dark ventral side may occur is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current knowledge of morphology and chaetotaxy of the different developmental stages within the subfamily Scolytinae presents an information deficit that needs to be addressed. Thus, the objective of the present study was to describe, the chaetotaxy and morphology of larvae and pupae, and determine the number of larval instars, the sexual dimorphism in adults, and the development time in Phloeosinus tacubayae. The number of larval instars was determined using traditional morphometry of cephalic capsule and multivariate analysis; description of morphology and chaetotaxy of larvae and pupae, and sexual dimorphism in adults was based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy photographs; finally, we quantified development time by mean reviews of 10 gallery systems selected randomly in infested logs, in the laboratory. Morphometric analysis of the cephalic capsule allowed the recognition of 3 different instars. Our results showed that the larvae of P. tacubayae have unique attributes in the body that differentiate them from other genera of the subfamily for example the epicranial suture is not marked, and differentiated from Phloeosinus canadensis , such as a smaller number of setae in the maxillae and without a tergal plate. The pupa had a smaller number of setae on the whole body. The most useful morphological characters to identify a sexual dimorphism in adults were found in the shape and relative position of the seventh and eighth tergites; development time lasted 40 days in total, being the pupal stage the one that took the longest to complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoseiidae comprised over 2000 described species with different feeding habits. However, the mechanisms of food selection were virtually unknown in most phytoseiid mites. To explore the potential mechanism of odor perception, we compared the type and number of chemosensilla on the tarsi of legs and pedipalps by scanning and transmission electron microscopy in three representative predatory mites, i.e., Phytoseiulus persimilis (specialized predator of Tetranychus), Neoseiulus californicus (selective predator of tetranychid mites), and Amblyseius swirskii (generalist predator). All three species had two types of putatively olfactory sensilla, with a porous vs. grooved surface on the tip of the first pair of legs. Of these, five porous setae were found in each of the three species of predatory mites studied. However, only one grooved seta was found at the tip of the first pair of legs in P. persimilis, and two in A. swirskii and N. californicus. In addition, the pedipalp has nine grooved setae, which were hypothesized to be contact chemosensilla in each of the three species. No porous setae were found on either pedipalp or the other three pairs of legs, i.e., leg II, III and IV. Additionally, we provided a new chaetotactic notation for the tarsus of leg I by considering the type and number of setae based on our observation of the three species of Phytoseiidae studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of flat mite (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), Brevipalpus canastra Castro, Beard & Ochoa sp. nov., is described from the adult female, deutonymph, protonymph and larval stages collected on Sabicea brasiliensis (Rubiaceae), in the Cerrado region of Brazil. The new species belongs to the Brevipalpus phoenicis species group. The ontogenetic changes in the idiosoma and leg chaetotaxy of all stages are presented and micrographs using low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM) are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Leptophallus nigrovenosus, an esophageal parasite that primarily affects water snakes of the genus Natrix, has a known life cycle that involves snail and amphibian hosts. However, the biological aspects, chaetotaxic patterns, and pathogeny of this parasite in its hosts have not been fully elucidated. (2) Methods: Snails (Planorbarius metidjensis) were collected in Spain and examined for cercaria emergence. The larvae were used to experimentally infect Salamandra salamandra, and metacercariae were isolated. Their chaetotaxy was studied using microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The eye histology was also examined. (3) Results: The cercariae displayed distinctive morphological characteristics. The results of this study revealed three types of ciliated sensory papillae on the cercarial teguments, suggesting an adaptation for host detection and orientation. The metacercariae isolated from subcutaneous tissues showed oval bodies covered in spines. The chaetotaxy patterns matched those of Leptophallinae species. This is the first report of the presence of L. nigrovenosus in the snail P. metidjensis. Additionally, this study detected metacercariae in the eyes of S. salamandra, emphasizing the need for further research on trematode infections in amphibian eyes. (4) Conclusions: Members of the genus Salamandra can serve as secondary intermediate hosts for L. nigrovenosus, and the presence of metacercariae in amphibian eyes may have implications for the survival and habitat management of these amphibians. Understanding this parasite’s prevalence, transmission dynamics, and impacts on host populations is crucial for conservation strategies.

Ranges of tardigrade intraspecific and interspecific variability are not precisely defined, both in terms of morphology and genetics, rendering descriptions of new taxa a cumbersome task. This contribution enhances the morphological and molecular dataset available for the heterotardigrade genus Viridiscus by supplying new information on Southern Nearctic populations of V.perviridis, V.viridianus, and a new species from Tennessee. We demonstrate that, putting aside already well-documented cases of significant variability in chaetotaxy, the dorsal plate sculpturing and other useful diagnostic characters, such as morphology of clavae and pedal platelets, may also be more phenotypically plastic characters at the species level than previously assumed. As a result of our integrative analyses, V.viridianus is redescribed, V.celatus sp. nov. described, and V.clavispinosus designated as nomeninquirendum, and its junior synonymy with regard to V.viridianus suggested. Morphs of three Viridiscus species (V.perviridis, V.viridianus, and V.viridissimus) are depicted, and the implications for general echiniscid taxonomy are drawn. We emphasise that taxonomic conclusions reached solely through morphological or molecular analyses lead to a distorted view on tardigrade α-diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary and secondary chaetotaxy of the larval head capsule and head appendages of five New World species of Enochrus Thomson are described for the first time. These species belong to three subgenera: Enochrus (Hugoscottia) tremolerasi (Knisch), E. (Lumetus) hamiltoni (Horn), E. (Methydrus) barituensis Fernández, E. (Methydrus) ochraceus (Melsheimer) and E. (Methydrus) pygmaeus (Fabricius). Morphometric characters derived from the head capsule and mouthparts are also included, together with detailed illustrations of all characters. A comparative study of the chaetotaxy of four subgenera of Enochrus yields an important number of characters useful to diagnose the larvae of these subgenera, and could be used in future phylogenetic analyses. Several characters showing variation within a subgenus are discussed; additionally, possible diagnostic characters for Enochrus and the subfamily Enochrinae are discussed. The chaetotaxy of two subgenera, Enochrus Thomson and Hydatotrephis MacLeay, still remains unknown, and should be a priority to complete the larval knowledge of the genus Enochrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storchia pacifica (Summers, 1964) is redescribed from specimens intercepted by staff of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry from Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Nigeria, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Vietnam. Most of the specimens were intercepted on products made from woven natural fibre such as mats and baskets. The specimens show variation in the form of their dorsal setae, which are slender and tapered to strongly clavate distally. Otherwise, dorsal and leg chaetotaxy is consistent, as is the characteristic pattern of body striation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first exploratory study was conducted on the compound eye morphology and spectral characteristics of Agasicles hygrophila (Selman & Vogt, 1971) to clarify its eye structure and its spectral sensitivity. Scanning electron microscopy, paraffin sectioning, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that A. hygrophila has apposition compound eyes with both eucones and open rhabdom. The micro-computed tomography (CT) results after 3D reconstruction demonstrated the precise position of the compound eyes in the insect’s head and suggested that the visual range was mainly concentrated in the front and on both sides of the head. The electroretinogram (ERG) experiment showed that red, yellow, green, blue, and ultraviolet light could stimulate the compound eyes of A. hygrophila to produce electrical signals. The behavioural experiment results showed that both males and females had the strongest phototaxis to yellow light and positive phototaxis to red, green, and blue light but negative phototaxis to UV light. This study of the compound eyes of A. hygrophila will be helpful for decoding its visual mechanism in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of climate change and invasive insects it is important to study the different life stages of insect pests in economically important crops. Eteoryctis syngramma (Meyrick 1914) (Gracillariidae: Lepidoptera) is an important pest of Mangifera indica Linnaeus (1753) and Anacardium occidentale Linnaeus (1753) in India. Larva mines the dorsal side of the tender leaves and cause significant damage to the crop. The morphology of immature and adults of E. syngramma was studied. Hitherto, the undescribed larval chaetotaxy, a pupa and adult genitalia of E. syngramma is presented. Further, the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequence of E. syngramma under study exhibited 99.04% similarity with differences in five nucleotides to a population from Bangalore, India and varied by 7.69 per cent with a closely related species of E. deversa (Meyrick 1922). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larva of the ixodid tick Dermacentor parumapertus Neumann, chiefly a parasite of hares and rabbits, is redescribed using scanning electron micrographs of seven specimens derived from two engorged females collected from two black-tailed jackrabbits, Lepus californicus, at the Black Gap Wildlife Management Area, Brewster County, southwestern Texas. The use of chaetotaxy for separating the genera of Ixodidae is discussed, and a morphological key is provided for separating the larvae of D. parumapertus from those of five other Dermacentor species with partly sympatric geographic ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Sminthurididae, Sphaeridia piauiensis Medeiros & Bellini, sp. nov. and Denisiella piracurucaensis Silva, Medeiros & Bellini, sp. nov. from Piaui state, Brazil, are herein described and illustrated. Sphaeridia piauiensis sp. nov. resembles species of the irmleri group, like S. irmleri Bretfeld & Gauer, S. fibulifera Bretfeld & Gauer, and S. peruensis Bretfeld & Schulz, by its complex male ventral tube without asymmetrical structures or medial process. However, it differs from them by the combination of the male tibiotarsus III with a leaf-shaped IIpe chaeta and a regular IIIpi chaeta, ventral tube with 1+1 chaetae, and the absence cuticular hooks on the furca. Denisiella piracurucaensis sp. nov. resembles its congeners without the nasal organ, especially D. colombiana Ospina & Palacios-Vargas, by the presence of spiniform chaetae at least on the second antennal segment of the females, four serrated spines on tibiotarsus III, and the ventral dens chaetotaxy, but D. piracurucaensis sp. nov. differs from the latter especially by the presence of 8+8 eyes and the shape of the male proximal tibiotarsal organ. To describe both species all Neotropical Sphaeridia and all described Denisiella species were surveyed, presenting notes on both genera, comparative tables, and keys for these taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]