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The spectacular radiation of insects has produced a stunning diversity of phenotypes. During the past 250 years, research on insect systematics has generated hundreds of terms for naming and comparing them. In its current form, this terminological diversity is presented in natural language and lacks formalization, which prohibits computer-assisted comparison using semantic web technologies. Here we propose a Model for Describing Cuticular Anatomical Structures (MoDCAS) which incorporates structural properties and positional relationships for standardized, consistent, and reproducible descriptions of arthropod phenotypes. We applied the MoDCAS framework in creating the ontology for the Anatomy of the Insect Skeleto-Muscular system (AISM). The AISM is the first general insect ontology that aims to cover all taxa by providing generalized, fully logical, and queryable, definitions for each term. It was built using the Ontology Development Kit (ODK), which maximizes interoperability with Uberon (Uberon multi-species anatomy ontology) and other basic ontologies, enhancing the integration of insect anatomy into the broader biological sciences. A template system for adding new terms, extending, and linking the AISM to additional anatomical, phenotypic, genetic, and chemical ontologies is also introduced. The AISM is proposed as the backbone for taxon-specific insect ontologies and has potential applications spanning systematic biology and biodiversity informatics, allowing users to (1) use controlled vocabularies and create semi-automated computer-parsable insect morphological descriptions; (2) integrate insect morphology into broader fields of research, including ontology-informed phylogenetic methods, logical homology hypothesis testing, evo-devo studies, and genotype to phenotype mapping; and (3) automate the extraction of morphological data from the literature, enabling the generation of large-scale phenomic data, by facilitating the production and testing of informatic tools able to extract, link, annotate, and process morphological data. This descriptive model and its ontological applications will allow for clear and semantically interoperable integration of arthropod phenotypes in biodiversity studies.

The first molecular phylogeny of the tribe Sepidiini is inferred from analyses of DNA sequence data from the following five loci (CAD, wg, COI, COII, 28S rRNA). Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses were performed on a dataset containing 41 taxa, of which a majority represent Molurina (27) and Phanerotomeina (6). The resulting topologies were used to discuss phylogenetic placement and diagnostic characters of all of the genera representing Molurina. Within the subtribe, the results revealed paraphyly of the genus Psammodes. The P. vialis species-group, currently classified within Psammodes, was recovered as sister to all other Molurina genera. Based on this topology and morphological investigations, a new genus named Toktokkus gen. nov. is established. Within Phanerotomeina, Ocnodes is paraphyletic with regard to Tarsocnodes. In order to restore the monophyly of Ocnodes, the subgenus Chiliarchum stat. nov. is elevated to generic level. Finally, as the homology of female terminalia structures has never been fully assessed for Sepidiini, a comparative study of ovipositor morphology was conducted. As a result, this paper presents the first fully annotated ovipositors for tok-tokkie beetles.

Structural connectivity and dispersal ability are important constraints on functional connectivity among populations. For aquatic organisms that disperse among stream corridors, the regiona...

The spectacular radiation of insects has produced a stunning diversity of phenotypes. During the last 250 years, research on insect systematics has generated hundreds of terms for naming and comparing those phenotypes. In its current form, this terminological diversity is presented in natural language and lacks formalization, which prohibits computer-assisted comparison using semantic web technologies. Here we propose a Model for Describing Insect Anatomical Structures (MoDIAS) which incorporates structural properties and positional relationships for standardized, consistent, and reproducible descriptions of insect phenotypes. We applied the MoDIAS framework in creating the ontology for the Anatomy of the Insect Skeleto-Muscular system (AISM). The AISM is the first general insect ontology that aims to cover all taxa by providing generalized, fully logical, and queryable, definitions for each term. It was built using the Ontology Development Kit (ODK), which maximizes interoperability with Uberon (Uberon multi-species anatomy ontology) and other basic ontologies, enhancing the integration of insect anatomy into the broader biological sciences. A template system for adding new terms, extending and linking the AISM to additional anatomical, phenotypic, genetic, and chemical ontologies is also introduced. The AISM is proposed as the backbone for taxon-specific insect ontologies and has potential applications spanning systematic biology and biodiversity informatics, allowing users to (1) use controlled vocabularies and create semi-automated computer-parsable insect morphological descriptions; (2) integrate insect morphology into broader fields of research, including ontology-informed phylogenetic methods, logical homology hypothesis testing, evo-devo studies, and genotype to phenotype mapping; and (3) automate the extraction of morphological data from the literature, enabling the generation of large-scale phenomic data, by facilitating the production and testing of informatic tools able to extract, link, annotate, and process morphological data. This system will allow for clear and semantically interoperable integration of insect phenotypes in biodiversity studies.

The article provides information on the organizational aspects of the International Tenebrionoidea Virtual Symposium VI and the preceding North American Tenebrionidae identification and classification virtual workshop. Both events took place in May of 2021. Useful references to permanent online resources (schedules, talks) from both these meetings are presented.

Infection by the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes lethal meningitis, primarily in immune-compromised individuals. Colonization of the brain by C. neoformans is dependent on copper (Cu) acquisition from the host, which drives critical virulence mechanisms. While C. neoformans Cu+ import and virulence are dependent on the Ctr1 and Ctr4 proteins, little is known concerning extracellular Cu ligands that participate in this process. We identified a C. neoformans gene, BIM1, that is strongly induced during Cu limitation and which encodes a protein related to lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). Surprisingly, bim1 mutants are Cu deficient, and Bim1 function in Cu accumulation depends on Cu2+ coordination and cell-surface association via a glycophosphatidyl inositol anchor. Bim1 participates in Cu uptake in concert with Ctr1 and expression of this pathway drives brain colonization in mouse infection models. These studies demonstrate a role for LPMO-like proteins as a critical factor for Cu acquisition in fungal meningitis. In the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, Bim1 is a copper-binding lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase-like protein that participates in copper uptake in concert with the Ctr1 importer to drive virulence mechanisms during fungal meningitis.

A new genus (Saeculumgen. nov.) of South African endemic Asidini is described to accommodate two newly described species (Saeculum zoologicumsp. nov. – type species, and Saeculum merklisp. nov.) and Saeculum tuberosum (Wilke, 1925) comb. nov. (previously treated as incertae sedis within Asidini). A key to the species is provided.

Sepidiini is a speciose tribe of desert-inhabiting darkling beetles, which contains a number of poorly defined taxonomic groups and is in need of revision at all taxonomic levels. In this study, two previously unrecognized lineages were discovered, based on morphological traits, among the extremely speciose genera Psammodes Kirby, 1819 (164 species and subspecies) and Ocnodes Fåhraeus, 1870 (144 species and subspecies), namely the Psammodes spinosus species-group and Ocnodes humeralis species-group. In order to test their phylogenetic placement, a phylogeny of the tribe was reconstructed based on analyses of DNA sequences from six nonoverlapping genetic loci (CAD, wg, COI JP, COI BC, COII, and 28S) using Bayesian and maximum likelihood inference methods. The aforementioned, morphologically defined, species-groups were recovered as distinct and well-supported lineages within Molurina + Phanerotomeina and are interpreted as independent genera, respectively, Tibiocnodes Gearner & Kamiński gen. nov. and Tuberocnodes Gearner & Kamiński gen. nov. A new species, Tuberocnodes synhimboides Gearner & Kamiński sp. nov., is also described. Furthermore, as the recovered phylogenetic placement of Tibiocnodes and Tuberocnodes undermines the monophyly of Molurina and Phanerotomeina, an analysis of the available diagnostic characters for those subtribes is also performed. As a consequence, Phanerotomeina is considered as a synonym of the newly redefined Molurina sens. nov. Finally, spectrograms of vibrations produced by substrate tapping of two Molurina species, Toktokkus vialis (Burchell, 1822) and T. synhimboides, are presented.

Hamilton, Chris A., Shockley, Floyd W., Simmons, Rebecca, Smith, Aaron, Ware, Jessica, Zaspel, Jennifer M. (2021): The Future for a Prominent Taxonomy. Insect Systematics and Diversity (AIFB) 5 (1), No. 2: 1-2, DOI: 10.1093/isd/ixaa020, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaa020

The taxonomic position of Penichrus blapstinoidesChampion, 1885 (type species of PenichrusChampion, 1885) within Tenebrionidae is discussed based on the analysis of both type material and comprehensive internal and external morphology. The species was formerly classified within Opatrini (subfamily Blaptinae); however, this hypothesis is hereby rejected as this species does not share any of the diagnostic characteristics proposed for that tribe. A detailed analysis of other phylogenetically crucial features (including male and female terminalia, defensive glands, antennae, and abdominal ventrites) places Penichrus within Tenebrioninae. However, a more detailed assignment is not currently possible given the present circumscriptions of tenebrionine tribes. The genus is hereby placed as incertae sedis within Tenebrioninae. A morphological analysis and discussion of current tribal concepts is presented, which exposes the weakness of the currently accepted classification system, and highlights a need for extensive comparative morphological studies within Tenebrioninae and related subfamilies. A lectotype for Penichrus blapstinoides is designated. Distolinus impressicollisFairmaire, 1892 is reinstated as a junior synonym of Penichrus blapstinoides. A revised checklist and key to the genera of Opatrini known from mainland North America are provided.

Vizcainyxgen. nov., and six new species (V. andrewsisp. nov., V. australissp. nov., V. brownisp. nov., V. clarkisp. nov., V. insularissp. nov., V. peninsularissp. nov.) in the tribe Edrotini are described from Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico. Three of the six species occur on islands: two are island endemics and the third is found both on islands and the adjacent mainland. A key to the species and distribution map are provided.

The darkling beetle genus Hypogena Dejean, 1834 (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae) is revised. Hypogena is entirely composed of dorsoventrally flattened species that live subcortically in dead trees. This genus is generally identified by male specific characters, particularly the presence of cephalic horns. Hypogena is currently placed within the tribe Triboliini Gistel, 1848. However, several previously overlooked morphological characters call into question its placement within the tribe. A morphological matrix of 94 external adult characters was assembled to examine species relationships and boundaries. The resulting phylogeny is presented. Thirteen Hypogena species were previously recognized as valid, including Hypogena marginalis Doyen & Poinar from Dominican amber. Four previously unidentified species are described in this study: Hypogena akuma sp. nov. (Brazil), Hypogena cryptica sp. nov. (Mexico), Hypogena hirsuta sp. nov. (Ecuador), and Hypogena reburra sp. nov. (Colombia). Lectotypes are designated for Hypogena depressa (Champion, 1886), Hypogena dejeani (Champion, 1886), Hypogena canaliculata (Champion, 1886), and Hypogena vacca (Fabricius, 1801). A neotype is designated for Tenebrio biimpressus (Latreille, 1833) (type species of Hypogena, synonymized under Hypogena brasilica (Perty)) in order to maintain stability within the genus.

The ability of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans to adapt to variable copper (Cu) environments within the host is key for successful dissemination and colonization. During pulmonary infection, host alveolar macrophages compartmentalize Cu into the phagosome and C. neoformans Cu-detoxifying metallothioneins, MT1 and MT2, are required for survival of the pathogen. In contrast, during brain colonization the C. neoformans Cu+ importers Ctr1 and Ctr4 are required for virulence. Central for the regulation and expression of both the Cu detoxifying MT1/2 and the Cu acquisition Ctr1/4 proteins is the Cu-metalloregulatory transcription factor Cuf1, an established C. neoformans virulence factor. Due to the importance of the distinct C. neoformans Cu homeostasis mechanisms during host colonization and virulence, and to the central role of Cuf1 in regulating Cu homeostasis, we performed a combination of RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq experiments to identify differentially transcribed genes between conditions of high and low Cu. We demonstrate that the transcriptional regulation exerted by Cuf1 is intrinsically complex and that Cuf1 also functions as a transcriptional repressor. The Cu- and Cuf1-dependent regulon in C. neoformans reveals new adaptive mechanisms for Cu homeostasis in this pathogenic fungus and identifies potential new pathogen-specific targets for therapeutic intervention in fungal infections.

Fungal cells colonize and proliferate in distinct niches, from soil and plants to diverse tissues in human hosts. Consequently, fungi are challenged with the goal of obtaining nutrients while simultaneously elaborating robust regulatory mechanisms to cope with a range of availability of nutrients, from scarcity to excess. Copper is essential for life but also potentially toxic. In this review we describe the sophisticated homeostatic mechanisms by which fungi acquire, utilize, and control this biochemically versatile trace element. Fungal pathogens, which can occupy distinct host tissues that have their own intrinsic requirements for copper homeostasis, have evolved mechanisms to acquire copper to successfully colonize the host, disseminate to other tissues, and combat host copper bombardment mechanisms that would otherwise mitigate virulence.

Morphological, anatomical, and distributional data concerning the South African endemic beetle subtribe Pythiopina (Tenebrionidae: Pedinini) are revised. Five species, representing two genera, are recognized. Included in this total is one new species (Meglyphus mariae Kaminski sp.n.). The following species are placed in synonymy: Meglyphus ciliatipes [=Meglyphus calitzensis syn.n.]; Meglyphus laenoides [=Meglyphus andreaei syn.n.; =Meglyphus namaqua syn.n.]. Microtomographic models for all valid Pythiopina species, including the holotype of the newly described species, are presented and analysed. Endoskeleton morphology (specifically characters of the tentorium and metendosternite) proved to be informative at the specific and generic levels. An identification key is provided to all known species of the subtribe. Environmental niche models are presented for the majority of species. A molecular phylogeny of Pedinini based on six genetic loci (28S: D1–D3 region; 28S: D4–D5 region, COII, ArgK, CAD2, wg) was also produced to explore the phylogenetic position of Pythiopina. This analysis is the first to include representatives of all seven subtribes of Pedinini, and supports a sister relationship between Pythiopina and the Palaearctic subtribe Dendarina. Results also suggest the existence of a second pair of sister taxa within Pedinini (in addition to Melambiina) with an amphitropical African distribution. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:285AD87A-46B1-4FE9-BC57-949EA1F70D49.

Pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands have drastically changed over the last century with juniper encroaching into adjacent habitats and pinyon experiencing large-scale mortality events from drought. Changes in climate and forest composition may pose challenges for animal communities found in PJ woodlands, especially if animals specialize on tree species sensitive to drought. Here we test habitat specialization of ground-dwelling arthropod (GDA) communities underneath pinyon and juniper trees. We also investigate the role of climate and productivity gradients in structuring GDAs within PJ woodlands using two elevational gradients. We sampled 12,365 individuals comprising 115 taxa over two years. We found no evidence that GDAs differ under pinyon or juniper trees, save for a single species of beetle which preferred junipers. Climate and productivity, however, were strongly associated with GDA communities and appeared to drive differences between sites. Precipitation was strongly associated with arthropod richness, while differences in GDA composition were associated with environmental variables (precipitation, temperature, vapor pressure, and normalized difference vegetation index). These relationships varied among different arthropod taxa (e.g. ants and beetles) and community metrics (e.g. richness, abundance, and composition), with individual taxa also responding differently. Overall, our results suggest that GDAs are not dependent on tree type, but are strongly linked to primary productivity and climate, especially precipitation in PJ woodlands. This implies GDAs in PJ woodlands are more susceptible to changes in climate, especially at lower elevations where it is hot and dry, than changes in dominant vegetation. We discuss management implications and compare our findings to GDA relationships with vegetation in other systems.

The taxonomic concept of the genusMachleidaFåhraeus, 1870 is tested and revised based on newly identified material. The following new species are described:Machleida banachi,M. flagstaffensis,M. tarskii, andM. zofiaeKamiński.Machleida capillosaWilke, 1925 is considered as a junior subjective synonym ofAsida deviaPéringuey, 1899.Asida lectaPéringuey, 1899 (=Pseudomachla recurvaWilke, 1925) (transferred toAfrasida),Machleida nossibianaFairmaire, 1897 (transferred toScotinesthes), andMachleida tuberosaWilke, 1925 (interpreted asincertae sedisin Asidini) are excluded fromMachleida. An identification key for the species of the newly revisedMachleidais provided. The present paper brings the total number of species within the genus to six (M. banachisp. nov.;M. devia(Péringuey, 1899);M. flagstaffensissp. nov.;M. nodulosaFåhraeus, 1870;M. tarskiisp. nov.;M. zofiaeKamińskisp. nov.). The morphology of female terminalia (ovipositor and genital tubes) is described for the genus for the first time.

This catalogue includes all valid family-group (six subtribes), genus-group (55 genera, 33 subgenera), and species-group names (1009 species and subspecies) of Sepidiini darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae), and their available synonyms. For each name, the author, year, and page number of the description are provided, with additional information (e.g., type species for genus-group names, author of synonymies for invalid taxa, notes) depending on the taxon rank. Verified distributional records (loci typici and data acquired from revisionary publications) for all the species are gathered. Distribution of the subtribes is illustrated and discussed.Several new nomenclatural acts are included. The generic namesPhanerotomeaKoch, 1958 [=OcnodesFåhraeus, 1870] andParmulariaKoch, 1955 [=PsammodesKirby, 1819] are new synonyms (valid names in square brackets).The following new combinations are proposed:Ocnodesacuductusacuductus(Ancey, 1883),O. acuductusufipanus(Koch, 1952),O. adamantinus(Koch, 1952),O. argenteofasciatus(Koch, 1953),O. arnoldiarnoldi(Koch, 1952),O. arnoldisabianus(Koch, 1952),O.barbosai(Koch, 1952),O.basilewskyi(Koch, 1952),O.bellmarleyi(Koch, 1952),O. benguelensis(Koch, 1952),O. bertolonii(Guérin-Méneville, 1844),O. blandus(Koch, 1952),O. brevicornis(Haag-Rutenberg, 1875),O. brunnescensbrunnescens(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. brunnescensmolestus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1875),O. buccinator(Koch, 1952),O. bushmanicus(Koch, 1952),O. carbonarius(Gerstaecker, 1854),O. cardiopterus(Fairmaire, 1888),O. cataractus(Koch, 1952),O. cinerarius(Koch, 1952),O. complanatus(Koch, 1952),O. confertus(Koch, 1952),O. congruens(Péringuey, 1899),O. cordiventris(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. crocodilinus(Koch, 1952),O. dimorphus(Koch, 1952),O. distinctus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. dolosus(Péringuey, 1899),O. dorsocostatus(Gebien, 1910),O. dubiosus(Péringuey, 1899),O. ejectus(Koch, 1952),O. epronoticus(Koch, 1952),O. erichsoni(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. ferreiraeferreirae(Koch, 1952),O. ferreiraezulu(Koch, 1952),O. fettingi(Haag-Rutenberg, 1875),O. fistucans(Koch, 1952),O. fraternus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1875),O. freyi(Koch, 1952),O. freudei(Koch, 1952),O. fulgidus(Koch, 1952),O. funestus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. gemmeulus(Koch, 1952),O. gibberosulus(Péringuey, 1908),O. gibbus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1879),O. globosus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. granisterna(Koch, 1952),O. granulosicollis(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O.gridellii(Koch, 1960),O. gueriniguerini(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. guerinilawrencii(Koch, 1954),O. guerinimancus(Koch 1954),O. haemorrhoidalishaemorrhoidalis(Koch, 1952),O. haemorrhoidalissalubris(Koch, 1952),O. heydeni(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. humeralis(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. humerangula(Koch, 1952),O. imbricatus(Koch, 1952),O.imitatorimitator(Péringuey, 1899),O. imitatorinvadens(Koch, 1952),O. inflatus(Koch, 1952),O. janssensi(Koch, 1952),O. javeti(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. junodi(Péringuey, 1899),O. kulzeri(Koch, 1952),O. lacustris(Koch, 1952),O. laevigatus(Olivier, 1795),O. lanceolatus(Koch, 1953),O. licitus(Peringey, 1899),O. luctuosus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. luxurosus(Koch, 1952),O. maputoensis(Koch, 1952),O. marginicollis(Koch, 1952),O. martinsi(Koch, 1952),O. melleus(Koch, 1952),O. mendicusestermanni(Koch, 1952),O. mendicusmendicus(Péringuey, 1899),O. miles(Péringuey, 1908),O. mimeticus(Koch, 1952),O. misolampoides(Fairmaire, 1888),O. mixtus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. monacha(Koch, 1952),O. montanus(Koch, 1952),O. mozambicus(Koch, 1952),O. muliebriscurtus(Koch, 1952),O. muliebrismuliebris(Koch, 1952),O. muliebrissilvestris(Koch, 1952),O. nervosus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O.notatum(Thunberg, 1787),O. notaticollis(Koch, 1952),O. odorans(Koch, 1952),O. opacus(Solier, 1843),O. osbecki(Billberg, 1815),O. overlaeti(Koch, 1952),O. ovulus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. pachysomaornata(Koch, 1952),O. pachysomapachysoma(Péringuey, 1892),O. papillosus(Koch, 1952),O. pedator(Fairmaire, 1888),O. perlucidus(Koch, 1952),O. planus(Koch, 1952),O. pretorianus(Koch, 1952),O. procursus(Péringuey, 1899),O. protectus(Koch, 1952),O. punctatissimus(Koch, 1952),O. puncticollis(Koch, 1952),O. punctipennisplanisculptus(Koch, 1952),O. punctipennispunctipennis(Harold, 1878),O. punctipleura(Koch, 1952),O. rhodesianus(Koch, 1952),O. roriferus(Koch, 1952),O. rufipes(Harold, 1878),O. saltuarius(Koch, 1952),O.scabricollis(Gerstaecker, 1854),O. scopulipes(Koch, 1952),O. scrobicollisgriqua(Koch, 1952),O. scrobicollissimulans(Koch, 1952),O. semirasus(Koch, 1952),O. semiscabrum(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. sericicollis(Koch, 1952),O.similis(Péringuey, 1899),O. sjoestedti(Gebien, 1910),O. spatulipes(Koch, 1952),O. specularis(Péringuey, 1899),O. spinigerus(Koch, 1952),O. stevensoni(Koch, 1952),O. tarsocnoides(Koch, 1952),O. temulentus(Koch, 1952),O. tenebrosusmelanarius(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. tenebrosustenebrosus(Erichson, 1843),O. tibialis(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. torosus(Koch, 1952),O. transversicollis(Haag-Rutenberg, 1879),O. tumidus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1871),O. umvumanus(Koch, 1952),O. vagus(Péringuey, 1899),O. vaticinus(Péringuey, 1899),O. verecundus(Péringuey, 1899),O. vetustus(Koch, 1952),O. vexator(Péringuey, 1899),O. virago(Koch, 1952),O. warmeloi(Koch, 1953),O. zanzibaricus(Haag-Rutenberg, 1875),Psammophanesantinorii(Gridelli, 1939), andP.mirei(Pierre, 1979).The type species [placed in square brackets] of the following genus-group taxa are designated for the first time,OcnodesFåhraeus, 1870 [OcnodesscrobicollisFåhraeus, 1870],PsammodophysisPéringuey, 1899 [PsammodophysisprobesPéringuey, 1899], andTrachynotidusPéringuey, 1899 [PsammodesthoreyiHaag-Rutenberg, 1871].A lectotype is designated forHistrionotusomercooperiKoch, 1955 in order to fix its taxonomic status.UlamusKamiński is introduced here as a replacement name forEchinotusMarwick, 1935 [Type species.AviculaechinataSmith, 1817] (Mollusca: Pteriidae) to avoid homonymy withEchinotusSolier, 1843 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Eremocantor marioni, gen. nov. et sp. nov. is described for an unusual species of stridulating darkling beetle discovered in West Texas, USA. Stridulation in other members of the tribe Edrotini (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) is discussed, including Edrotes LeConte and the previously unrecognized sound producing genera Pimeliopsis Champion, Pescennius Champion, Trichiotes Casey, and Oxygonodera Casey. A key to the known stridulating edrotine genera is also provided.

Rhypasma Pascoe, 1862 is transferred from the tribe Stenosini (Pimeliinae) to Belopini (Lagriinae). Caribanosis gen. nov. is described and placed in Stenosini (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) to hold Rhypasma quisqueyanus Garrido et Varela, 2011. The following new combination is established: Caribanosis quisqueyanus (Garrido et Varela, 2011), comb. nov. Caribanosis is similar to the South American genus Grammicus Waterhouse, 1845 but differs in having a single central pronotal keel, not two lateral keels as in Grammicus. Both are members of the subtribe Stenosina.

Zink (2015) argued there was no evidence for genetic, morphological, or ecological differentiation between the federally endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and other Willow Flycatcher subspecies. Using the same data, we show there is a step-cline in both the frequency of a mtDNA haplotype and in plumage variation roughly concordant with the currently recognized boundary between E. t. extimus and E. t adastus, the subspecies with which it shares the longest common boundary. The geographical pattern of plumage variation is also concordant with previous song analyses differentiating those 2 subspecies and identified birds in one low-latitude, high-elevation site in Arizona as the northern subspecies. We also demonstrate that the ecological niche modeling approach used by Zink yields the same result whether applied to the 2 flycatcher subspecies or to 2 unrelated species, E. t. extimus and Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia). As a result, any interpretation of thos...

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen whose pathogenic lifestyle is linked to its ability to cope with fluctuating levels of copper (Cu), an essential metal involved in multiple virulence mechanisms, within distinct host niches. During lethal cryptococcal meningitis in the brain, C. neoformans senses a Cu-deficient environment and is highly dependent on its ability to scavenge trace levels of Cu from its host and adapt to Cu scarcity to successfully colonize this niche. In this study, we demonstrate for this critical adaptation, the Cu-sensing transcription factor Cuf1 differentially regulates the expression of the SOD1 and SOD2 superoxide dismutases in novel ways. Genetic and transcriptional analysis reveals Cuf1 specifies 5’-truncations of the SOD1 and SOD2 mRNAs through specific binding to Cu responsive elements within their respective promoter regions. This results in Cuf1-dependent repression of the highly abundant SOD1 and simultaneously induces expression of two isoforms of SOD2, the canonical mitochondrial targeted isoform and a novel alternative cytosolic isoform, from a single alternative transcript produced specifically under Cu limitation. The generation of cytosolic Sod2 during Cu limitation is required to maintain cellular antioxidant defense against superoxide stress both in vitro and in vivo. Further, decoupling Cuf1 regulation of Sod2 localization compromises the ability of C. neoformans to colonize organs in murine models of cryptococcosis. Our results provide a link between transcription factor–mediated alteration of protein localization and cell proliferation under stress, which could impact tissue colonization by a fungal pathogen.

A new fossil species belonging to the extant Central American genus Diceroderes Solier, 1841 (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Toxicini) is described based on an exquisitely preserved male specimen from early Miocene Mexican (Chiapas) amber (~23–16 Ma). High-resolution X-ray microtomography was used to document fine anatomical detail of soft tissues, including well-preserved male genitalia. Diceroderes jiangkuni sp. nov. can be most readily differentiated from congenerics by the clypeus with a transverse row of tubercles, apices of pronotal horns strongly angled upwards in the male, elytra rounded in lateral view, and all male tibiae lacking apical spines. This represents the first fossil record of Toxicini from Mexican amber and indicates that the genus persisted in the region since the early Miocene.

Flour beetles are a classic model system for studying competitive dynamics between species occupying the same ecological niche. Competitive performance is often interpreted in terms of biological species traits such as fecundity, resource use, and predation. However, many studies only measure competitive ability when species enter an environment simultaneously, and thus do not consider how the relative timing of species' arrival may determine competitive outcome (i.e., priority effects). Whether priority effects may influence competition in Tribolium remains to be tested. The present study examined the importance of priority effects in competitions between two common species of flour beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Tribolium castaneum and T. confusum. To investigate whether priority effects confer competitive advantages to Tribolium beetles, relative introduction times of T. castaneum and T. confusum to competitive arenas were manipulated, and adult populations were measured for seven months. Four important patterns were noted: (1) Tribolium species given two-weeks priority access to experimental arenas attained larger populations than their late-arriving competitor, (2) when founding adults were introduced simultaneously, T. castaneum was competitively dominant, (3) T. castaneum benefited more from priority arrival than T. confusum, and (4) available bran resources largely predicted population decline in adult beetles toward the end of the experiment. These results suggest competitive outcome in Tribolium is not always predicted by species' identity, and that performance could instead be determined by the timing of species' arrivals and available resources.

For decades, literature has described success for Black males as an unattainable phenomenon due to the nearly insurmountable hardships they face. Although this narrative has changed within the last 15 years, there are insignificant amounts of research on Black male life success. This study sought to identify and discover how 14 Black males in Central Virginia achieved life success. This study defined life success for Black males utilizing the psychological construct of well-being. This grounded theory study identified a framework for Black male life success which included a definition for life success as well as common attributes and circumstances or Black males on their journey towards life success.

The genus Alaudes Horn is revised and placed in a new subtribe, Alaudina. The genus includes A. singularis Horn, A. setigera Blaisdell, A. alternata Fall, and the following new species: A. mojavensis Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Mojave Desert: California and Arizona), A. coloradoensis Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Colorado Desert, California), A. moenkopii Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Colorado Plateau, northern Arizona and southern Utah), A. californicus Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Central Valley, California), and A. vizcainensis Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Vizcaino Desert: Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico). Alaudes fallax Fall, A. testacea Blaisdell, and A. squamosa Blaisdell are placed as new synonyms of A. singularis Horn. The subtribe Alaudina is described and diagnosed. A key is provided to the known Alaudes species. The biology of the genus is discussed, including host preference, immatures, life expectancy, and habitat diversity. All Alaudes species are associated with various species of ants (Formicidae), and some degree of colony integration is indicated by their possession of trichomes. The species span a range of habitats from extreme deserts to midelevation mesic montane forests. The immature stages are not known.

The genus Craniotus LeConte is revised. The genus includes Craniotus pubescens LeConte and the following new species: Craniotus mardecortesi Aalbu, Smith, and Sanchez Pinero (Isla San Esteban, Baja California, Mexico) and Craniotus triplehorni Aalbu, Smith, and Sanchez Pinero (Gulf Islands and Baja California, Mexico). Craniotus blaisdelli Tanner is placed as a synonym of C. pubescens. This form corresponds to northern populations of C. pubescens. A key to the species is provided. The distribution and biology of the genus are briefly discussed.

The flightless genus Diceroderes Solier, 1841 previously contained a single species, Diceroderes mexicanus Solier, 1841, known from Mexico and Guatemala. The genus is revised based on an examination of museum material, revealing that the genus contains at least four additional species, each with a fairly limited montane distribution. Diceroderes mexicanus is redescribed and a lectotype is designated from Solier's collection. Four new species are described: Diceroderes subtriplehorni Smith and Cifuentes-Ruiz, new species, from Mexico (Veracruz and Oaxaca), Diceroderes ocozocoautlaensis Smith, new species, from Mexico (Chiapas), Diceroderes skelleyi Smith, new species, from Guatemala (El Progreso and Baja Verapaz), and Diceroderes cusucoensis Smith, new species, from Honduras (Cortes) and Guatemala (Izabal). The genus is redescribed, and a key to the known species, habitus and male genitalic images, and a distribution map are provided.

The tenebrionid tribe Amphidorini LeConte from the state of Arizona is herein reviewed. Amphidorini is represented in Arizona by four genera. Trogloderus LeConte and Neobaphion Blaisdell are each represented by a single species, Embaphion Say by three species, and Eleodes Eschscholtz by 34 species. Keys for genus and species identification are provided along with species accounts containing diagnoses, distributional ranges, and images. A complementary on—line dynamic checklist, available on the Symbiota Collections of Arthropods Network (SCAN), is presented.