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Two new species of the dragon millipede genus Hylomus Cook & Loomis, 1924 are described from mountainous areas in northern Vietnam, namely Hylomus piccolo sp. nov. and Hylomus borealis sp. nov. The COI barcodes are provided for these species, and an identification key is presented to all Vietnamese Hylomus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to improve the identification of Culicidae species from the Vale Ribeira region, São Paulo state, Brazil. Adults were collected in the municipalities of Cananeia and Pariquera-Açu and morphologically identified. Molecular analyses were performed on sequences of COI barcode and a fragment of the D2 expansion of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene generated from field collected mosquitoes. The analyses included species delimitation, phylogeny, and interspecific genetic distances using the Kimura 2-parameter model. Species included in the analyses were Aedes perventor, Aedes scapularis, Aedes serratus/Aedes nubilus, Aedes serratus s.s., Aedes terrens, Haemagogus capricornii, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Haemagogus janthinomys, Kerteszia bellatrix, Kerteszia cruzii, Psorophora ferox, Psorophora forceps, Sabethes conditus, and Wyeomyia confusa. COI sequences from specimens collected at other localities were included in the analysis for comparison. Results of barcode RESL analysis showed that specimens of Ps. ferox and Hg. janthinomys split into three clusters for each species. Similarly, sequences of Ke. bellatrix and Ke. cruzii were recovered in two groups for each species. Distinct from other species included in analyses, Ps. ferox and Ps. forceps shared 100% similarity in the D2 fragment sequenced. Overall, the analysis of COI barcode sequences revealed the following key findings: (1) the presence of subclades within Hg. janthinomys, with its division into three groups suggests that this species may represent a species complex; (2) Ke. bellatrix from the Atlantic tropical rainforest shares 95.59% sequence similarity with a specimen from the type locality, indicating that specimens from Southeastern Brazil may belong to an unidentified species within the Ke. bellatrix complex; (3) Ke. cruzii also represents a species complex; and (4) D2 sequences successfully identified most species studied, apart from Ps. forceps and Ps. ferox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to improve the identification of Culicidae species from the Vale Ribeira region, São Paulo state, Brazil. Adults were collected in the municipalities of Cananeia and Pariquera-Açu and morphologically identified. Molecular analyses were performed on sequences of COI barcode and a fragment of the D2 expansion of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene generated from field collected mosquitoes. The analyses included species delimitation, phylogeny, and interspecific genetic distances using the Kimura 2-parameter model. Species included in the analyses were Aedes perventor, Aedes scapularis, Aedes serratus/Aedes nubilus, Aedes serratus s.s., Aedes terrens, Haemagogus capricornii, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Haemagogus janthinomys, Kerteszia bellatrix, Kerteszia cruzii, Psorophora ferox, Psorophora forceps, Sabethes conditus, and Wyeomyia confusa. COI sequences from specimens collected at other localities were included in the analysis for comparison. Results of barcode RESL analysis showed that specimens of Ps. ferox and Hg. janthinomys split into three clusters for each species. Similarly, sequences of Ke. bellatrix and Ke. cruzii were recovered in two groups for each species. Distinct from other species included in analyses, Ps. ferox and Ps. forceps shared 100% similarity in the D2 fragment sequenced. Overall, the analysis of COI barcode sequences revealed the following key findings: (1) the presence of subclades within Hg. janthinomys, with its division into three groups suggests that this species may represent a species complex; (2) Ke. bellatrix from the Atlantic tropical rainforest shares 95.59% sequence similarity with a specimen from the type locality, indicating that specimens from Southeastern Brazil may belong to an unidentified species within the Ke. bellatrix complex; (3) Ke. cruzii also represents a species complex; and (4) D2 sequences successfully identified most species studied, apart from Ps. forceps and Ps. ferox.

Meloidogyne spp. is one of the most common crop diseases globally. Due to the similarity in morphological features between various Meloidogyne spp., molecular techniques were used to identify their species. In this study, conducted in October 2022 and January 2023, genetic identification was undertaken on 61 samples collected from nine distinct regions of Iraq. PCR was used to amplify the part of the Meloidogyne spp. genome between the COI and 16S mtDNA genes. Afterward, M. incognita, M. hapla, M. javanica, M. enterolobii, and M. arenaria were genotyped using Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR-PCR), with decreasing prevalence rates, respectively. The data revealed that the 50 isolates of M. incognita were in the Shuan Kara region, which means they exhibited the highest percentage. Interestingly, M. arenaria was the least common species in all areas and was isolated from Ghanaia. Additionally, M. enterolobii's representation of other species led to the discovery of a new one in Iraq. The coexistence of more than two species within a single region has never been documented. The goal of this study is to use molecular detection to find out how different Meloidogyne species infect cucumber plants and how important it is to be able to spot infected regions.

Abstract Background Western Ghats is a biodiversity treasure trove with reports of indigenous leishmaniasis cases. Hence, systematic sand fly surveillance was carried out among the tribal population. The present study reports a novel sand fly species, Phlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) ajithii n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae), discovered in the Western Ghats of India. Methods A comprehensive sand fly survey was conducted across the Kollam, Thrissur, Idukki, Kasaragod and Malappuram districts of Kerala, India. The survey spanned both indoor and outdoor habitats using standard collection methods over a 3-year, 3-month period. DNA barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, and the sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results Phlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) ajithii, a new sand fly species, is recorded and described in this communication. The morphological relationship of the new species to other members of the subgenus Anaphlebotomus is discussed. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis confirmed that specimens of Ph. ajithii belong to the same taxonomic group, while a genetic distance of 11.7% from congeners established it as a distinct species. Conclusions The Western Ghats, known for its rich biodiversity, has lacked systematic entomological surveys focusing on sand flies. This study aims to fill this gap and reports and describes a new species of sand fly. Graphical abstract

Simple Summary: High levels of biodiversity characterize the aquatic ecosystems of Albania including coastal lagoons. They are among the most biologically rich and productive environments worldwide. These ecosystems are dynamic, transitioning between land and sea, and they serve as crucial interfaces for various ecological functions and biodiversity requiring specific monitoring programs. The current study represents a pivotal contribution to understanding the biodiversity patterns in the coastal lagoons of Albania. Species data were collected from scientific literature, grey literature, and scientific project reports. These sources about the biodiversity of Albanian lagoons rely upon traditional methods based on morphological species identification. In recent years, new innovative DNA-based methods have been developed to assess aquatic biodiversity. The efficiency of these methods is related to the availability of species "DNA barcodes" in specific international databases. In this study, we focused on the analysis of the extent of records for DNA barcodes in reference libraries, for the aquatic species of Albanian coastal lagoons. Our results reveal an overall gap of 20%, which indicates the concrete possibility of using molecular methods to investigate the marine biodiversity in Albanian lagoons. Aquatic biodiversity includes a variety of unique species, their habitats, and their interactions with each other. Albania has a large hydrographic network including rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal marine areas, contributing to a high level of aquatic biodiversity. Currently, evaluating aquatic biodiversity relies on morphological species identification methods, but DNA-based taxonomic identification could improve the monitoring and assessment of aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to evaluate the coverage of COI DNA barcodes in the reference libraries for the known aquatic animal species present in the coastal lagoons of Albania. In this study, the six most studied coastal lagoons of Albania were selected. Species data were gathered from the scientific literature and publicly available sites and studies. The collected species lists were taxonomically standardised using global public taxonomic databases like WORMS. The standardised lists were used to analyse the barcode gap of COI based on two public DNA barcode libraries: Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and NCBI GenBank. The results show that the COI DNA barcode gap in the coastal lagoons of Albania ranges from 7% (Lagoon of Patok) to 33% (Karavasta Lagoon). Fishes and Amphibia represent the groups with the lowest barcode gap (8% each), while Annelida shows the highest (47%). In conclusion, the COI gene marker for DNA-based biodiversity assessments is reliable for the coastal lagoons of Albania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cheguevaria (Kazantsev 2007) is currently comprised of three species which are endemic to the Greater Antilles: Cheguevaria angustaKazantsev, 2007 (Hispaniola), Cheguevaria tainoKazantsev, 2007 and Cheguevaria montanaKazantsev, 2008 (both from Puerto Rico). Cheguevaria is the sole member of Cheguevariinae, and a previous morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses suggested a close relationship with the subfamily Amydetinae. Recent collecting trips to Puerto Rico and the survey of other scientific collections allowed us to identify and locate more specimens of the genus, including several color morphs of specimens tentatively identified as C. montana. We used this material to revise the genus, and to describe Cheguevaria cubensisnew species, the first record of the genus from Cuba. We also produced DNA barcodes based on partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), which were used to investigate the species limits within color morph species of C. montana. Our results showed a high level of genetic stability in those color morphs, indicating that all specimens belong to the same species. We present a discussion to explain possible scenarios leading to such variation in color patterns. We also generated amplicons for two specimens of Amydetinae, represented by two Amydetes Illiger, 1807 species, and we tested their relationship with Cheguevaria in a phylogenetic context based on a four gene dataset. Our analyzes indicated a disjoint relationship between Cheguevaria and Amydetes, corroborating previously published morphology-based phylogenies, and we maintained the status of Cheguevaria as an independent lineage within Lampyridae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Western Ghats is a biodiversity treasure trove with reports of indigenous leishmaniasis cases. Hence, systematic sand fly surveillance was carried out among the tribal population. The present study reports a novel sand fly species, Phlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) ajithii n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae), discovered in the Western Ghats of India. Methods: A comprehensive sand fly survey was conducted across the Kollam, Thrissur, Idukki, Kasaragod and Malappuram districts of Kerala, India. The survey spanned both indoor and outdoor habitats using standard collection methods over a 3-year, 3-month period. DNA barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, and the sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Phlebotomus (Anaphlebotomus) ajithii, a new sand fly species, is recorded and described in this communication. The morphological relationship of the new species to other members of the subgenus Anaphlebotomus is discussed. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis confirmed that specimens of Ph. ajithii belong to the same taxonomic group, while a genetic distance of 11.7% from congeners established it as a distinct species. Conclusions: The Western Ghats, known for its rich biodiversity, has lacked systematic entomological surveys focusing on sand flies. This study aims to fill this gap and reports and describes a new species of sand fly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.

Species diversity can be underestimated due to a lack of regional studies and limitations in research methods. China is widely recognized as one of the primary hotspots for the biodiversity of freshwater mussels as it harbours a wealth of endemic species. Pseudocuneopsis was recently established to belong to the Unioninae subfamily within Unionidae and is endemic to China. Recent research has expanded the diversity and range of distribution of this genus. However, sufficient data is required to precisely determine the phylogenetic relationships within Pseudocuneopsis. This study conducted an integrative taxonomy using morphological, COI barcode, and complete maternal mitogenome data to clarify the taxonomy of Pseudocuneopsis. Both morphological and COI barcode data supported the validity of all Pseudocuneopsis species. Furthermore, a new species, Pseudocuneopsis yemaoi sp. n. was described from a tributary of the Man River in Hubei, China. Mitochondrial phylogenomic analyses showed that P. yemaoi was closely related to P. sichuanensis and resolved phylogenetic relationship as (P. capitata + (P. yangshuoensis + (P. sichuanensis + P. yemaoi))). Our results highlight the significance of utilizing integrative classification methods. Moreover, we propose enhancing the research and preservation measures of minor streams in China, as these streams may house distinctive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. Methods: A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. Conclusions: The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives DNA Barcoding has proven to be a reliable method for rapid insect identification. The success of this method is based on the amplification of a specific region, the ‘Folmer’ barcode region at the 5´ start of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (cox1), with universal primers. Previous studies showed failures of standard “universal” primers to amplify this region in psyllids. The aim of the study was the design of a new alternative more reliable primer combination for taxa of the superfamily Psylloidea and its comparison with the performance of the standard “universal” Folmer-primers. Results A newly designed degenerate forward primer LCOP-F was developed following comparison of the sequence alignment of the priming site of “universal” primer LCO1490 and the standard insect forward primer LepF1. When combined with the “universal” reverse primer, HCO2198, this new primer pairing was able to generate barcode sequence for all 36 species in 20 genera across the five families of psyllids tested in this study, and these primers were found to be more universally reliable across psyllid taxa than other primer pairs tested.

We describe one new species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., and Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. We treat Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 as a new synonym of Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., and treat Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 as a subspecies, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. We illustrate adult specimens of all described taxa of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) and A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, and representatives of A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). We also provide illustrations of male and female genitalia for select taxa, distribution maps, and a revised, annotated synonymic list for all four species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: DNA Barcoding has proven to be a reliable method for rapid insect identification. The success of this method is based on the amplification of a specific region, the 'Folmer' barcode region at the 5´ start of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (cox1), with universal primers. Previous studies showed failures of standard "universal" primers to amplify this region in psyllids. The aim of the study was the design of a new alternative more reliable primer combination for taxa of the superfamily Psylloidea and its comparison with the performance of the standard "universal" Folmer-primers. Results: A newly designed degenerate forward primer LCOP-F was developed following comparison of the sequence alignment of the priming site of "universal" primer LCO1490 and the standard insect forward primer LepF1. When combined with the "universal" reverse primer, HCO2198, this new primer pairing was able to generate barcode sequence for all 36 species in 20 genera across the five families of psyllids tested in this study, and these primers were found to be more universally reliable across psyllid taxa than other primer pairs tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2021, based on a series of photographs posted in the citizen science platform iNaturalist, the Chief Plant Health Officer Unit of Victoria was alerted to a sighting of a suspect exotic chrysomelid from the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Specimens were collected and forwarded to the Crop Health Services diagnostic laboratory (Agriculture Victoria) for identification. These were identified as Megabruchidius tonkineus (Pic, 1904) (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) based on literature, reference specimens and via COI barcoding. This report presents the first record of M. tonkineus, which also represents the first record for the exotic genus Megabruchidius Borowiec, 1984 for Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European species of the potter wasp genus Eumenes Latreille, 1802 (Vespidae, Eumeninae) are illustrated and a new illustrated key to the 13 recognised species is presented. Eumenes mediterraneus aemilianus Guiglia, 1951 is synonymised with E. papillarius (Christ, 1791) (syn. nov.), E. obscurus André, 1884 and E. andrei Dalla Torre, 1894 with E. pedunculatus (Panzer, 1799) (syn. nov.) and E. crimensis Blüthgen, 1938 with E. sareptanus André, 1884 (syn. nov.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The discovery and elucidation of species, especially those that are structurally similar, often require special tools and approaches. The basic principle of a unique barcode, as used in retail stores and more recently as DNA sequences in taxonomy, is also inherent in the giant banded chromosomes of flies (Diptera). We used the sequence of chromosome bands—the barcode—in the discovery of a new species of black fly from California, USA. The chromosomal barcode indicates this species is unique among all others in the Simulium (Boreosimulium) annulus group to which it belongs. To provide an integrated taxonomic approach, we analyzed and described the larvae, pupae, males, and females of this new species and assigned the formal name Simulium ustulatum n. sp. We also provided a traditional DNA barcode using the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. The new species has the most rearranged chromosomes of all North American members of its species group and differs most conspicuously by having a large chromocenter from which all six chromosome arms radiate. The species is structurally unique in the larva and male. The COI barcode enables identification of the female and pupa, which are structurally similar to other species in the group. The new species is the only western North American member of the Simulium annulus group that inhabits low-elevation, disturbed landscapes. One of the most popular tools for species discovery and resolution is the DNA barcode, typically based on the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. However, other non-genic barcodes are available for Diptera. The banding sequence of polytene chromosomes in some dipteran cells, particularly of the larval silk glands, can provide a unique species barcode. We used the sequence of bands to reveal a new species of black fly in the Simulium (Boreosimulium) annulus species group from California, USA. To further characterize the species and provide more integrated taxonomy, we morphologically described all life stages above the egg, formally named the species Simulium ustulatum n. sp., and provided a conventional COI barcode. The COI barcode confirmed the chromosomal and morphological evidence that the species is a new member of the S. annulus group, and enabled identification of the larva and female, which are structurally similar to those of other species. The chromosomal barcode shows that this species has the most rearranged complement, compared with the eight other North American members of its species group, with up to 12 times the number of fixed rearrangements. Up to six chromosomal rearrangements, including autosomal polymorphisms and sex-linked phenomena, are shared with other members of the group. The most unique and conspicuous chromosomal feature of this new species is a large, pale-staining chromocenter from which the six chromosomal arms radiate. The distribution of this univoltine species in lowland rivers of California's Central Valley could make it vulnerable, given climate change and increasing land development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hoverflies are a diverse family of insects (6000+ species) providing multiple ecosystem services and direct benefits to society, for example, in pollination and pest control. The extent to which hoverflies can benefit society depends on how well their basics are known, i.e., taxonomy (classification), biology and ecology. Small and inconspicuous hoverflies such as those of the genera Chrysogaster, Melanogaster, Lejogaster, Orthonevra and Riponnensia (tribe Brachyopini) do not usually catch the attention of the general public neither of scientists, and their classification is often poorly known at least in areas of their range. So, the aim of the present work is to gain knowledge in the classification of hoverflies by studying the species of the five genera above-mentioned in the Iberian Peninsula, which has one of the highest biodiversity levels in Europe. We discovered and described two new species from Spain, promoted a subspecies to species and proposed other nomenclatural acts to stabilise these hoverflies' classification in Europe. Our results are reinforced with DNA analysis to locate the studied species in a wider systematic framework within the Brachyopini. Five genera of Brachyopini, Chrysogaster Meigen, 1800, Melanogaster Rondani, 1857, Lejogaster Rondani, 1857, Orthonevra Macquart, 1829 and Riponnensia Maibach et al. 1994a are here revised from the Iberian region. Two new species, Melanogaster baetica Ricarte and Nedeljković, sp. n. and Orthonevra arcana Ricarte and Nedeljković sp. n., are described from Spain, and a third species, Chrysogaster coerulea Strobl in Czerny and Strobl, 1909 stat. n., is reinstated as valid and redescribed. A lectotype is designated for Orthonevra plumbago (Loew, 1840). The holotype of Orthonevra incisa (Loew, 1843) and the lectotype of O. plumbago are described in detail and illustrated. Melanogaster baetica sp. n. is similar to Melanogaster parumplicata (Loew, 1840) in male genitalia morphology, while O. arcana sp. n. is similar to O. incisa in the entirely-pollinose sternum I and the conspicuous incision on the posterior margin of tergum V in female. The first Iberian record of Chrysogaster rondanii Maibach and Goeldlin de Tiefenau, 1995 is provided, whilst Melanogaster aerosa is removed from the Iberian checklist of Syrphidae. Identification keys are presented to the five Brachyopini genera and 18 species now reported from the Iberian Peninsula (Chrysogaster, 6 spp.; Lejogaster, 2 spp.; Melanogaster, 3 spp.; Orthonevra, 5 spp.; Riponnensia, 2 spp.). COI (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) barcodes of the two new species plus C. coerulea, Chrysogaster solstitialis (Fallén, 1817), Orthonevra nobilis (Fallén, 1817) and Orthonevra frontalis (Loew, 1843) were successfully obtained from Spanish specimens. A COI-based tree was produced to locate these taxa in a wider systematic framework within the tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we respond to the criticisms leveled against a proposal that suggested an efficient solution to the taxonomic impediment. We clarify some of our objectives and demonstrate that many of the criticisms apply more to traditional approaches to taxonomy rather than to our minimalist approach.

Parasitoid wasps are known to be among the most abundant and species-rich on Earth and thus considered an ecologically important group of arthropods. Braconid wasps play a key role in regulating the populations of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera. However, the biology and taxonomy of numerous parasitoid species remain poorly known. In Mexico, only 17 species of the subfamily Cheloninae have been described. A new species of Pseudophanerotoma Zettel, 1990 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae), P. huichol sp. nov., is described from Nayarit, Mexico. The tortricid moth Cryptaspasma perseana Gilligan & Brown, 2011 is reported as the host of this parasitoid wasp. Detailed taxonomic and barcoding information are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabarcoding of DNA extracted from community samples of whole organisms (whole organism community DNA, wocDNA) is increasingly being applied to terrestrial, marine and freshwater metazoan communities to provide rapid, accurate and high resolution data for novel molecular ecology research. The growth of this field has been accompanied by considerable development that builds on microbial metabarcoding methods to develop appropriate and efficient sampling and laboratory protocols for whole organism metazoan communities. However, considerably less attention has focused on ensuring bioinformatic methods are adapted and applied comprehensively in wocDNA metabarcoding. In this study we examined over 600 papers and identified 111 studies that performed COI metabarcoding of wocDNA. We then systematically reviewed the bioinformatic methods employed by these papers to identify the state‐of‐the‐art. Our results show that the increasing use of wocDNA COI metabarcoding for metazoan diversity is characterised by a clear absence of bioinformatic harmonisation, and the temporal trends show little change in this situation. The reviewed literature showed (i) high heterogeneity across pipelines, tasks and tools used, (ii) limited or no adaptation of bioinformatic procedures to the nature of the COI fragment, and (iii) a worrying underreporting of tasks, software and parameters. Based upon these findings we propose a set of recommendations that we think the metabarcoding community should consider to ensure that bioinformatic methods are appropriate, comprehensive and comparable. We believe that adhering to these recommendations will improve the long‐term integrative potential of wocDNA COI metabarcoding for biodiversity science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploited fish species may have or are experiencing declines in population sizes coupled with changes in their environmental conditions owing to global change. Declining populations might lead to a decrease in genetic diversity, which in turn may produce losses of adaptive potential to face current and future environmental changes. Thus, this study aims to answer a simple, even naive question, given the complexity of the subject: Could we use a simple method to obtain information on the loss of genetic diversity in exploited fish species? We investigated the use of the levels of genetic diversity in the widely used genetic marker Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Estimates of genetic diversity in COI were obtained for populations of seven fish species with different commercial importance from the East China Sea. These estimates were contrasted against large datasets of genetic diversity in COI for fish species (East-Asian N=118, and worldwide N=1425), and six control species with known biology and history. We found that estimates of genetic diversity in COI match the expectations from theoretical predictions and known declines by fishing pressures. Thus, the answer to our question is affirmative and we conclude that estimates of genetic diversity in COI provide an effective first diagnostic of the conservation status of exploited fish species.

Plecia longiforceps Duda (Diptera: Bibionidae) is reported for the first time from Korea. P. longiforceps has been previously known from the East Asian subtropics, south of the 33rd parallel, including southeastern China, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. An integrative taxonomic approach based on morphological examination of male genitalia and molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences confirms the species identification. The recent outbreak of P. longiforceps in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea, documented herein represents the northernmost record of this species and suggests its possible range expansion into the temperate zone. Similar to the range expansion and outbreak history of Plecia nearctica Hardy (Diptera: Bibionidae) in North America around the Gulf of Mexico in the 1960–1970s, P. longiforceps may become a new invasive pest in temperate East Asia. Here, we evaluate range expansion and invasion potential of P. longiforceps through Ensemble species distribution modeling and show that a great portion of Northeast Asia and Japan will likely become habitable for P. longiforceps in the next 50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a major agricultural insect pest in the Western Hemisphere, currently also poses a significant threat to many cereal crops in Africa. FAW consists of two morphocryptic strains, the corn- and the rice strains, which were thought to display typical genetic, physiological and behavioural features. However, this is not absolutely true, rendering direct identification and distribution of the strains impossible in field. Thus, to investigate 1) the composition and diversity of FAW strains, 2) their distribution at various spatial scales, and 3) the host plants they use, in invaded countries we used the COI barcode fragment, a marker capable of accurately distinguishing the two strains. A total of 125 specimens mainly sampled on maize in Niger and Senegal and to a lesser extent in Guinea, Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde were analyzed. Sixteen haplotypes were identified among which two occurred very frequently. Phylogenetic analysis delineated two lineages, the rice and corn strains, but no typical geographical and host-plant patterns were found. The FAW-strain haplotypes derived from West African specimens were genetically comparable with those sampled elsewhere in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Considering all sites and plants sampled, the corn strain slightly predominated but on maize, the two strains were statistically comparable. Their distribution is largely sympatric at region, field and even maize plant scales. These findings are compared to populations recorded elsewhere and are discussed in the framework of biological invasions, and the management and ecology of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of the genus Hylcalosia Fischer, 1967 (Braconidae: Alysiinae) from South Korea are revised. One species, Hylcalosia bicolor sp. nov., is new to science. They are described and illustrated herein and an identification key to the Korean species is added. In addition, the DNA barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) has been analysed for the new species and H. sutchanica is used for genetic comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of the genus Phaenocarpa Foerster, 1863 (Braconidae: Alysiinae) from South Korea are revised, and the genus is recorded for the first time from South Korea. Three species, Phaenocarpa artotemporalis sp. nov., P. brachyura sp. nov. and P. lobata sp. nov., are new to Science, and two species, P. masha Belokobylskij, 1998 and P. fidelis Fischer, 1970, are newly recognized in South Korea. They are described and illustrated herein with a provision of the identification key to the Korean species. In addition, the DNA barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) has been analyzed for the six species including P. ruficeps for genetic comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphagous broad nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) constitute a large and taxonomically challenging subfamily that contains economically significant agricultural pests worldwide. South Africa is a hot-spot for biodiversity and several species of indigenous and endemic genera of Entiminae have shifted on to cultivated plants, with some being phytosanitary pests. The sporadic pest status of many species (where the species has an occasional economic impact on the agricultural industry, but is not encountered often enough that is is readily recognisable by researchers and agricultural extension workers) and the presence of pest complexes and cryptic species represent an identification challenge to non-specialists. Furthermore, no comprehensive identification tools exist to identify immature stages that may be found in crops/soil. In this paper, a curated barcoding database with 70 COI sequences from 41 species (39 Entiminae, 2 Cyclominae) is initiated, to assist with the complexity of identification of species in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new genera are described: Michener (Proteropinae), Bioalfa (Rogadinae), and Hermosomastax (Rogadinae). Keys are given for the New World genera of the following braconid subfamilies: Agathidinae, Braconinae, Cheloninae, Homolobinae, Hormiinae, Ichneutinae, Macrocentrinae, Orgilinae, Proteropinae, Rhysipolinae, and Rogadinae. In these subfamilies 416 species are described or redescribed. Most of the species have been reared and all but 13 are new to science. A consensus sequence of the COI barcodes possessed by each species is employed to diagnose the species, and this approach is justified in the introduction. Most descriptions consist of a lateral or dorsal image of the holotype, a diagnostic COI consensus barcode, the Barcode Index Number (BIN) code with a link to the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD), and the holotype specimen information required by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The following species are treated and those lacking authorship are newly described here with authorship attributable to Sharkey except for the new species of Macrocentrinae which are by Sharkey & van Achterberg: AGATHIDINAE: Aerophilus paulmarshi, Mesocoelus davidsmithi, Neothlipsis bobkulai, Plesiocoelus vanachterbergi, Pneumagathis erythrogastra (Cameron, 1905), Therophilus bobwhartoni, T. donaldquickei, T. gracewoodae, T. maetoi, T. montywoodi, T. penteadodiasae, Zacremnops brianbrowni, Z. coatlicue Sharkey, 1990, Zacremnops cressoni (Cameron, 1887), Z. ekchuah Sharkey, 1990, Z. josefernandezi, Zelomorpha sarahmeierottoae. BRACONINAE: Bracon alejandromarini, B. alejandromasisi, B. alexamasisae, B. andresmarini, B. andrewwalshi, B. anniapicadoae, B. anniemoriceae, B. barryhammeli, B. bernardoespinozai, B. carlossanabriai, B. chanchini, B. christophervallei, B. erasmocoronadoi, B. eugeniephillipsae, B. federicomatarritai, B. frankjoycei, B. gerardovegai, B. germanvegai, B. isidrochaconi, B. jimlewisi, B. josejaramilloi, B. juanjoseoviedoi, B. juliodiazi, B. luzmariaromeroae, B. manuelzumbadoi, B. marialuisariasae, B. mariamartachavarriae, B. mariorivasi, B. melissaespinozae, B. nelsonzamorai, B. nicklaphami, B. ninamasisae, B. oliverwalshi, B. paulamarinae, B. rafamoralesi, B. robertofernandezi, B. rogerblancoi, B. ronaldzunigai, B. sigifredomarini, B. tihisiaboshartae, B. wilberthbrizuelai, Digonogastra montylloydi, D. montywoodi, D. motohasegawai, D. natwheelwrighti, D. nickgrishini. CHELONINAE: Adelius adrianguadamuzi, A. gauldi Shimbori & Shaw, 2019, A. janzeni Shimbori & Shaw, 2019, Ascogaster gloriasihezarae, A. grettelvegae, A. guillermopereirai, A. gustavoecheverrii, A. katyvandusenae, A. luisdiegogomezi, Chelonus alejandrozaldivari, C. gustavogutierrezi, C. gustavoinduni, C. harryramirezi, C. hartmanguidoi, C. hazelcambroneroae, C. iangauldi, C. isidrochaconi, C. janecheverriae, C. jeffmilleri, C. jennyphillipsae, C. jeremydewaardi, C. jessiehillae, C. jesusugaldei, C. jimlewisi, C. jimmilleri, C. jimwhitfieldi, C. johanvalerioi, C. johnburnsi, C. johnnoyesi, C. jorgebaltodanoi, C. jorgehernandezi, C. josealfredohernandezi, C. josefernandeztrianai, C. josehernandezcortesi, C. josemanuelperezi, C. josephinerodriguezae, C. juanmatai, C. junkoshimurae, C. kateperezae, C. luciariosae, C. luzmariaromeroae, C. manuelpereirai, C. manuelzumbadoi, C. marianopereirai, C. maribellealvarezae, C. markmetzi, C. markshawi, C. martajimenezae, C. mayrabonillae, C. meganmiltonae, C. melaniamunozae, C. michaelstroudi, C. michellevanderbankae, C. mingfangi, C. minorcarmonai, C. monikaspringerae, C. moniquegilbertae, C. motohasegawai, C. nataliaivanovae, C. nelsonzamorai, C. normwoodleyi, C. osvaldoespinozai, C. pamelacastilloae, C. paulgoldsteini, C. paulhansoni, C. paulheberti, C. petronariosae, C. ramyamanjunathae, C. randallgarciai, C. rebeccakittelae, C. robertoespinozai, C. robertofernandezi, C. rocioecheverriae, C. rodrigogamezi, C. ronaldzunigai, C. rosibelelizondoae, C. rostermoragai, C. ruthfrancoae, C. scottmilleri, C. scottshawi, C. sergioriosi, C. sigifredomarini, C. stevearonsoni, C. stevestroudi, C. sujeevanratnasinghami, C. sureshnaiki, C. torbjornekremi, C. yeimycedenoae, Leptodrepana alexisae, L. erasmocoronadoi, L. felipechavarriai, L. freddyquesadai, L. gilbertfuentesi, L. manuelriosi, Phanerotoma almasolisae, P. alvaroherrerai, P. anacordobae, P. anamariamongeae, P. andydeansi, P. angelagonzalezae, P. angelsolisi, P. barryhammeli, P. bernardoespinozai, P. calixtomoragai, P. carolinacanoae, P. christerhanssoni, P. christhompsoni, P. davesmithi, P. davidduthiei, P. dirksteinkei, P. donquickei, P. duniagarciae, P. duvalierbricenoi, P. eddysanchezi, P. eldarayae, P. eliethcantillanoae, P. jenopappi, Pseudophanerotoma alanflemingi, Ps. albanjimenezi, Ps. alejandromarini, Ps. alexsmithi, Ps. allisonbrownae, Ps. bobrobbinsi. HOMOLOBINAE: Exasticolus jennyphillipsae, E. randallgarciai, E. robertofernandezi, E. sigifredomarini, E. tomlewinsoni. HORMIINAE: Hormius anamariamongeae, H. angelsolisi, H. anniapicadoae, H. arthurchapmani, H. barryhammeli, H. carmenretanae, H. carloswalkeri, H. cesarsuarezi, H. danbrooksi, H. eddysanchezi, H. erikframstadi, H. georgedavisi, H. grettelvegae, H. gustavoinduni, H. hartmanguidoi, H. hectoraritai, H. hesiquiobenitezi, H. irenecanasae, H. isidrochaconi, H. jaygallegosi, H. jimbeachi, H. jimlewisi, H. joelcracrafti, H. johanvalerioi, H. johnburleyi, H. joncoddingtoni, H. jorgecarvajali, H. juanmatai, H. manuelzumbadoi, H. mercedesfosterae, H. modonnellyae, H. nelsonzamorai, H. pamelacastilloae, H. raycypessi, H. ritacolwellae, H. robcolwelli, H. rogerblancosegurai, H. ronaldzunigai, H. russchapmani, H. virginiaferrisae, H. warrenbrighami, H. willsflowersi. ICHNEUTINAE: Oligoneurus kriskrishtalkai, O. jorgejimenezi, Paroligoneurus elainehoaglandae, P. julianhumphriesi, P. mikeiviei. MACROCENTRINAE: Austrozele jorgecampabadali, A. jorgesoberoni, Dolichozele gravitarsis (Muesebeck, 1938), D. josefernandeztrianai, D. josephinerodriguezae, Hymenochaonia kalevikulli, H. kateperezae, H. katherinebaillieae, H. katherineellisonae, H. katyvandusenae, H. kazumifukunagae, H. keithlangdoni, H. keithwillmotti, H. kenjinishidai, H. kimberleysheldonae, H. krisnorvigae, H. lilianamadrigalae, H. lizlangleyae, Macrocentrus fredsingeri, M. geoffbarnardi, M. gregburtoni, M. gretchendailyae, M. grettelvegae, M. gustavogutierrezi, M. hannahjamesae, M. harisridhari, M. hillaryrosnerae, M. hiroshikidonoi, M. iangauldi, M. jennyphillipsae, M. jesseausubeli, M. jessemaysharkae, M. jimwhitfieldi, M. johnbrowni, M. johnburnsi, M. jonathanfranzeni, M. jonathanrosenbergi, M. jorgebaltodanoi, M. lucianocapelli. ORGILINAE: Orgilus amyrossmanae, O. carrolyoonae, O. christhompsoni, O. christinemcmahonae, O. dianalipscombae, O. ebbenielsoni, O. elizabethpennisiae, O. evertlindquisti, O. genestoermeri, O. jamesriegeri, O. jeanmillerae, O. jeffmilleri, O. jerrypowelli, O. jimtiedjei, O. johnlundbergi, O. johnpipolyi, O. jorgellorentei, O. larryspearsi, O. marlinricei, O. mellissaespinozae, O. mikesmithi, O. normplatnicki, O. peterrauchi, O. richardprimacki, O. sandraberriosae, O. sarahmirandae, O. scottmilleri, O. scottmorii, Stantonia billalleni, S. brookejarvisae, S. donwilsoni, S. erikabjorstromae, S. garywolfi, S. henrikekmani, S. luismirandai, S. miriamzunzae, S. quentinwheeleri, S. robinkazmierae, S. ruthtifferae. PROTEROPINAE: Hebichneutes tricolor Sharkey & Wharton, 1994, Proterops iangauldi, P. vickifunkae, Michener charlesi. RHYSIPOLINAE: Pseudorhysipolis luisfonsecai, P. mailyngonzalezae Rhysipolis julioquirosi. ROGADINAE: Aleiodes adrianaradulovae, A. adrianforsythi, A. agnespeelleae, A. alaneaglei, A. alanflemingi, A. alanhalevii, A. alejandromasisi, A. alessandracallejae, A. alexsmithi, A. alfonsopescadori, A. alisundermieri, A. almasolisae, A. alvarougaldei, A. alvaroumanai, A. angelsolisi, A. annhowdenae, A. bobandersoni, A. carolinagodoyae, A. charlieobrieni, A. davefurthi, A. donwhiteheadi, A. doylemckeyi, A. frankhovorei, A. henryhowdeni, A. inga Shimbori & Shaw, 2020, A. johnchemsaki, A. johnkingsolveri, A. gonodontovorus Shimbori & Shaw, 2020, A. manuelzumbadoi, A. mayrabonillae, A. michelledsouzae, A. mikeiviei, A. normwoodleyi, A. pammitchellae, A. pauljohnsoni, A. rosewarnerae, A. steveashei, A. terryerwini, A. willsflowersi, Bioalfa pedroleoni, B. alvarougaldei, B. rodrigogamezi, Choreborogas andydeansi, C. eladiocastroi, C. felipechavarriai, C. frankjoycei, Clinocentrus andywarreni, Cl. angelsolisi, Cystomastax alexhausmanni, Cy. angelagonzalezae, Cy. ayaigarashiae, Hermosomastax clavifemorus Quicke sp. nov., Heterogamus donstonei, Pseudoyelicones bernsweeneyi, Stiropius bencrairi, S. berndkerni, S. edgargutierrezi, S. edwilsoni, S. ehakernae, Triraphis billfreelandi, T. billmclarneyi, T. billripplei, T. bobandersoni, T. bobrobbinsi, T. bradzlotnicki, T. brianbrowni, T. brianlaueri, T. briannestjacquesae, T. camilocamargoi, T. carlosherrerai, T. carolinepalmerae, T. charlesmorrisi, T. chigiybinellae, T. christerhanssoni, T. christhompsoni, T. conniebarlowae, T. craigsimonsi, T. defectus Valerio, 2015, T. danielhubi, T. davidduthiei, T. davidwahli, T. federicomatarritai, T. ferrisjabri, T. mariobozai, T. martindohrni, T. matssegnestami, T. mehrdadhajibabaei, T. ollieflinti, T. tildalauerae, Yelicones dirksteinkei, Y. markmetzi, Y. monserrathvargasae, Y. tricolor Quicke, 1996. Y. woldai Quicke, 1996. The following new combinations are proposed: Neothlipsis smithi (Ashmead), new combination for Microdus smithi Ashmead, 1894; Neothlipsis pygmaeus (Enderlein), new combination for Microdus pygmaeus Enderlein, 1920; Neothlipsis unicinctus (Ashmead), new combination for Microdus unicinctus Ashmead, 1894; Therophilus anomalus (Bortoni and Penteado-Dias) new combination for Plesiocoelus anomalus Bortoni and Penteado-Dias, 2015; Aerophilus areolatus (Bortoni and Penteado-Dias) new combination for Plesiocoelus areolatus Bortoni and Penteado-Dias, 2015; Pneumagathis erythrogastra (Cameron) new combination for Agathis erythrogastra Cameron, 1905. Dolichozele citreitarsis (Enderlein), new combination for Paniscozele citreitarsis Enderlein, 1920. Dolichozele fuscivertex (Enderlein) new combination for Paniscozele fuscivertex Enderlein, 1920. Finally, Bassus brooksi Sharkey, 1998 is synonymized with Agathis erythrogastra Cameron, 1905; Paniscozele griseipes Enderlein, 1920 is synonymized with Dolichozele koebelei Viereck, 1911; Paniscozele carinifrons Enderlein, 1920 is synonymized with Dolichozele fuscivertex (Enderlein, 1920); and Paniscozele nigricauda Enderlein, 1920 is synonymized with Dolichozele quaestor (Fabricius, 1804). (originally described as Ophion quaestor Fabricius, 1804). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The pseudoscorpion genus Geogarypus is widely distributed around the world, but with only six species recorded from Australia. Two new species are described from northern Australia: G. facetus from Northern Territory and G. plusculus from Western Australia, and COI barcodes are provided for both species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pseudoscorpion genus Synsphyronus is endemic to the Australasian region with 30 species from Australia, two from New Zealand, and one from New Caledonia. Seven new species are described from Australia mostly based on specimens collected on various BushBlitz expeditions: S. codyi sp. nov., S. patricki sp. nov., S. pharangites sp. nov., S. samueli sp. nov. and S. xynus sp. nov. from Western Australia, and S. marinae sp. nov. and S. sertus sp. nov. from the Northern Territory. Like other species of Synsphyronus, all species have reduced trichobothrial numbers on at least one chelal finger, with S. codyi, S. patricki, S. samueli and S. sertus having eight trichobothria on the fixed finger and three on the movable finger (denoted as 8/3), S. marinae has 8/2, S. xynus has 8/1 and S. pharangites has 7/1. Five of the new species (S. codyi, S. marinae, S. pharangites, S. sertus and S. xynus) have fused metatarsi and tarsi, which brings the total number of species with this neotenic feature to 12 of the 40 named species. Certain meristic data for S. gurdoni Harvey, Abrams and Burger, 2015 are corrected. Six of the new species have only been found at a single location, despite concentrated searching for additional specimens in adjacent habitats, and may have very small distributions indicative of short-range endemism. The seventh species, S. xynus, is widely distributed in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. COI barcode data are provided for S. marinae, S. sertus and S. xynus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crenidens macracanthus was originally described in 1874 based on a single specimen collected from Chennai (Madras), south-east coast of India. In 1875, the species was synonymized with C. indicus without citing any valid reason. Since then, no taxonomic studies have been attempted for the genus Crenidens, except in 2013 the species was resurrected from synonymy and redescribed as a valid species based on the holotype and non-type specimen. In view of the fact that C. macracanthus is a poorly known species, it is redescribed based on examination of 30 additional specimens of 105.8–162.2 mm SL, collected from Puri, Odisha, north-east coast of India (Bay of Bengal) from 2017–2019, using morphological and molecular examinations. Our study provides a detailed morphological description, first colour photographs and phylogenetic analysis using COI barcodes of the species. The study has expanded the range in several morpho-meristic characters in comparison with the type and non-type specimens described earlier. The species in fresh condition can be easily distinguished from its two congeners (C. crenidens and C. indicus) by the yellowish tip of the lower caudal-fin lobe. Our study has also extended the distribution range of C. indicus (previously known only from the north-eastern Arabian Sea) to the eastern Indian Ocean, based on examination of a preserved specimen collected from Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the clawed lobster genus Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872, collected recently by the South Java Deep-Sea Biodiversity Expedition (SJADES 2018) off the southern coast of Java in Indonesia, is described. The new species is closely related to Nephropsis carpenteri Wood-Mason, 1885, but differs in the shapes of the carinae and groove on the carapace, as well as in the spination and relative length of the pereopods. The large sequence divergence in the barcoding gene COI also supports the recognition of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian endemic lycaenid Pseudalmenus H.H. Druce, 1902 occupies a unique phylogenetic position within the Theclinae–Polyommatinae assemblage. Although the genus exhibits complex geographic variation, it has long been considered to be monotypic. However, evidence from adult phenotype (colour pattern), immature stages (final instar larva) and ecology (ant specificity) (total of 10 unique character states) as well as limited genetic data (mitochondrial COI) suggest that there are two species, namely, P. chlorinda (Blanchard, 1848) from Tasmania and the mainland of south-eastern Australia and P. barringtonensis Waterhouse, 1928 stat. rev., which is allopatric and narrowly restricted to montane areas in northern New South Wales. Examination of the 'holotype' male of P. barringtonensis in the Australian Museum showed that it is a fake, although the data label is genuine; the specimen is actually P. chlorinda chloris Waterhouse & Lyell, 1914 that has been modified with red paint to resemble P. barringtonensis. The true holotype is currently missing, but a specimen in the Australian Museum (registration No. K199026) that is part of the Colin W. Wyatt Theft Collection with a fictitious label is almost certainly the true holotype of P. barringtonensis. We discuss the history of this most unusual and bizarre circumstance and conclude that Wyatt stole the holotype sometime in 1946 before he returned to England (~72 years ago) and fabricated the fake holotype as a replacement specimen. Such a fraudulent and unprecedented act surely ranks as Australia's greatest taxonomic fraud. The Australian endemic butterfly Pseudalmenus chlorinda is evolutionary distinct and exhibits complex geographical variation. Our aim was to resolve the taxonomy of the species using morphological, molecular and ecological data. We conclude that there are two species, and that the 'holotype' male of P. barringtonensis is a fake fabricated by Colin Wyatt as a replacement specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the thorid genus Lebbeus White, 1847, L. java new species, is described on the basis of two ovigerous female specimens from south of Java, Indonesia, collected at depths of 637-689 m. It is morphologically most similar to L. formosus Chang, Komai & Chan, 2010, known from off Taiwan, amongst about 70 congeners, but subtle morphological differences and genetic divergence estimated from the barcoding segments of the mitochondrial COI gene warrant the recognition of the new species. The new species is the third representative of Lebbeus from Indonesian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese tallowtree, Triadica sebifera (L.) Small (Euphorbiaceae), is one of the worst invasive weeds of the southeastern USA impacting coastal wetlands, forests, and natural areas. A proposed biological control candidate, the defoliating moth Gadirtha fusca Pogue (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) shows high specificity for the target weed Chinese tallowtree. A total of 13 field sites were sampled in the native range of this herbivore species. To determine if all individuals were the same taxon, molecular DNA analyses were conducted of these collections. These included collections from 2012, 2015 and 2016, from three regions and two adult color morphs. Molecular COI analysis was performed on thirty colonized individuals from these collections. The results of this analysis arranged all taxa into a single clade with average genetic divergence values of 0.3%. Comparison of these G. fusca sequences and those from other Gadirtha spp. all had divergence values that were equal to or exceeded 5%. These results indicate that all the G. fusca collections were a single species and they were distinct from other known members of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Mycetophilidae (Diptera), Leptomorphus sevciki sp. nov., is described from primary lowland rainforest in Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei. The type specimens were reared from pupae hanging from an unidentifi ed wood encrusting fungus growing on a fallen tree. DNA sequences, including fragments of the nuclear 28S region and the mitochondrial 12S, 16S, CytB and COI (barcode region) genes, were extracted from two specimens, including the holotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval forms of the bot-fly Gasterophilus are obligate parasites commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of equids, causing intestinal myiasis. Five species are reported so far in Italy, mostly observed during necroscopy, located in different portion of gastrointestinal tract of equids: G. intestinalis , G. nasalis , G. inermis , G. pecorum and G. haemorrhoidalis . An unusual finding of larval Gasterophilus intestinalis deeply inserted into the diaphragmatic muscle is here reported. Due to the uncommon localization, to the absence of clinical signs related to myiasis and subsequent uncertainty of species identity, identification was performed using an integrative taxonomical approach combining morphology with molecular tools for confirmatory reasons. This finding adds information on migration patterns of erratic larval forms in G. intestinalis , a feature of interest as gasterophiliasis is among the less studied intestinal myiasis of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are an insect group that feeds on plant sap; many are major pests of ornamental plants and crops worldwide. The difficulty of morphological identification of mealybugs points to a need for a rapid and effective identification method, like DNA barcoding, to assist morphological taxonomy. Here, we employed diverse methods (best close match [BCM], Neighbor-Joining [NJ] tree, Barcoding with LOGic formulas [BLOG], Poisson Tree Process [PTP] Species Delimitation Method) to test the efficiency of two molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I [COI] and large ribosomal subunit gene [28S]) that could be used for species identification of 54 mealybug species that commonly occur in China. Two hundred six COI barcodes (47 species) and 242 28S sequences (53 species) were recovered from 246 individuals. In both the COI and 28S data sets, species except for Planococcus citri and P. minor were unambiguously identified by all the methods. The PTP analysis based on COI sequences generated more putative species in Antonina tesquorum, Atrococcus paludinus, and Formicococcus sp. than morphological identification. Among these three cases, the sequences of At. paludinus showed 3.55% variation at the 28S locus, possibly reflecting cryptic diversity in this taxon. Our study corroborates the utility of the COI and 28S genes in the rapid identification of mealybugs, and the barcode library we provide will create an effective identification system for mealybug pest management in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]