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New province records and interesting observations of Lepidoptera in 2023 are mentioned. Some older data are also listed. The whole list is arranged in alphabetical order. Systematics and nomenclature follow the Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Belgium (De Prins & Steeman 2024). Several new species for the Belgian fauna are mentioned: Musotima nitidalis (Walker, 1866), Opogona omoscopa (Meyrick, 1893), Parapoynx polydectalis (Walker, 1859), and Ypsolopha asperella (Linnaeus, 1761). Three species were removed from the Belgian list: Aporophyla lutulenta (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Eupithecia distinctaria Herrich-Schäffer, 1848, and Lamoria anella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the first occurrences of two brachyuran crab species of the family Xanthidae MacLeay, 1838, viz., Actaea semblatae Guinot, 1976 and Gaillardiellus orientalis (Odhner, 1925), from the mid-Sanriku Coast, along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. While these records do not represent the northern limit of distribution of these species, they do show a range extension into the coldest waters of Honshu, the main island of Japan, probably due to global warming and changes in flow patterns of the local sea currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Ovulidae J. Fleming, 1822 from the Nyalindung Formation, late Middle Miocene of West Java, Indonesia, is reported. The species is provisionally placed in the genus Dissona Cate, 1973, which, if confirmed, will be the first occurrence of this genus in the fossil record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, India has witnessed unintentional entry of five species of invasive species of mealybugs, perhaps due to globalization and global trade, leading to negative economic and ecological consequences. Through this paper, the first occurrence of the destructive mealybug Hypogeococcus pungens Granara de Willink is reported in India infesting two nursery plant species of Alternanthera and a wild Portulaca sp. As early detection, identification, and rapid reporting are essential for the successful management of destructive species, the field and diagnostic characters of slide mounted H. pungens were described in details with help of field and microphotographic images. The identity of the mealybug was also confirmed through molecular studies by sequencing mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COX I) and 28 S ribosomal gene regions. Information on host range, natural enemies, and distribution of the mealybug is provided. Management options in the event of an outbreak are discussed briefly. This new arrival warrants special attention in India as it is a potentially damaging plant pest in landscapes, and vertical gardening practiced in offices, commercial complexes, and luxury apartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panulirus penicillatus is a lobster species primarily found in insular regions but also recorded in coastal continental zones of various countries along the American Pacific. This study reports P. penicillatus for the first time in the coastal area of Manabí Province, mainland Ecuador. Previously, its presence was known only in the Galápagos Islands, where it is a commercial species. The record is based on two adult individuals of P. penicillatus, both collected in October 2023 from fishing activities, one through nighttime apnea diving and the other via artisanal fishing using a gillnet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpheus leptocheles Banner and Banner, 1975 (Decapoda, Alpheidae) is a compressed chela snapping shrimp which was reported from Papua New Guinea earlier. The compressed nature of major chela, the shape of the orbitorostral front and the flattened dactyli of the third pereopod put this species in the Brevirostris group of the genus Alpheus (Banner). Most of the characteristic features are very close to the type specimen of A. leptocheles collected in New Guinea. This shrimp usually inhabits low depth river mouth region of marine bottoms; however, recently we have record for the first time in muddy bottom at an unusual depth of about 250-300 m in Southeast coast of India. This record may extends the distribution pattern of A. leptocheles in Bay of Bengal. Moreover, it may perhaps represent an additional alpheid species for the Indian marine faunal list.

This study was conducted in Van province, which is located in the eastern region of Türkiye. The study area is located in the Irano-Anatolian hotspot region, divided to the east and west by the Anatolian diagonal. Here, we demonstrate the diversity, distribution, and seasonality of horseflies. Malaise and water traps were used to collect adult horseflies. A total of 1026 specimens were collected and 52 species identified. Chrysops divaricatus Loew, 1858; Haematopota csikii Szilady, 1922; Haematopota pallidula (Krober, 1922) and Haematopota turkestanica (Krober, 1922) were recorded for the first time from Türkiye. The distribution and seasonality of the species were presented.

A single specimen of Bathygobius cotticeps (41.0 mm SL) was collected from the rocky pools of intertidal zone of Jeju-do Island, Korea. This species is characterized by having VI–I, 9 dorsal fin rays, I, 8 anal fin rays, scales on cheek and opercle, 23 predorsal scales, 38 longitudinal scales, 24 pectoral fins, 7 free rays on upper pectoral fin, each divided to 5–7 branches, cephalic sensory canal pores H and K fused, and the middle of pelvic frenum curved inwards smoothly. We propose a new Korean name, “Bi-neul-mu-nui-mang-duk” for the B. cotticeps based on the presence of scales on the cheek.

Carybdea xaymacana Conant, 1897 is a box jellyfish belonging to the family Carybdeidae and is currently recorded from the Mexican Caribbean (State of Quintana Roo), Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Panama, and Venezuela. Here, we report for the first time the presence of this species in Colombia, based on collections made in three departments of the Colombian Caribbean. Documenting the extension in the distribution range of this species is of great importance due to its ecological role in regional ecosys-tems.

The genus Laccotrephes Stål, 1865 has been known in Vietnam with four species, Laccotrephes grossus (Fabricius, 1787), Laccotrephes longicaudatus Nieser, Zettel & Chen, 2009, Laccotrephes pfeiferiae (Ferrari, 1888) and Laccotrephes simulatus Montandon, 1913. The species Laccotrephes robustus Stal, 1871 is a species endemic to the Philippines, first recorded in Vietnam from specimens collected in Cao Bang, Bac Kan and Nghe An provinces. The occurrence of L. robustus in Vietnam was confirmed by morphological and molecular data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which demonstrated the first record of armored catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis, a native belonging to the Loricariidae family, from the North Himalayan region on River Tawi in India. The study describes the morphometric and meristic characteristics of Pterygoplichthys pardalis, including snout, dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and anal spines, caudal peduncle, pectoral and pelvic base, and dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal and caudal fin rays.

The present study was conducted to investigate earthworm diversity in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India. Earthworm sampling was made from 1,409-2,224 m from the foothills of the Kumaun Himalaya to higher altitudes monthly from April 2019 to April 2021, covering the major monsoon season in India. Earthworms were collected from twelve different sites using the hand sorting method and preserved in 10% formalin. We recorded 14 earthworm species representing four families: Megascolecidae (Amynthas corticis, Amynthas morrisi, Amynthas alexandri, Metaphire anomala, Metaphire houlleti, Metaphire birmanica, & Perionyx excavatus); Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa trapezoides, Aporrectodea rosea rosea, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum, & Dendrodrilus rubidus); Moniligastridae (Drawida japonica); and Octochaetidae (Eutyphoeus nainianus). Drawida japonica from the family Moniligastridae is being reported for the first time from the Kumaun Himalaya. Moniligastrids are an important, yet often ignored, earthworm group commonly found in cultivated soils of higher altitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Challenges in identifying species of the Gobiidae family and their high tolerance to salinity, which makes it difficult to determine their distribution boundaries, have prevented the achievement of a common checklist for these species in the Turkish waters of the Black Sea. In this study, we present a checklist of marine gobies, including the first record of the yellow-headed goby, Gobius xanthocephalus Heymer & Zander, 1992, in this region. Materials and Methods: On July 29, 2019, one individual of G. xanthocephalus was observed and photographed at a depth of 12 m by SCUBA diving on the coast of Giresun Island (40°55'41.75"N - 38°26'14.15"E), the southeastern Black Sea Basin. The other individual was photographed on November 4, 2023, at a depth of 3 m in Kapuz Beach (41°28'15.64"N - 31°48'2.56"E), the southwestern Black Sea Basin. Results: A list of species belonging to the Gobiidae family in the Turkish waters of the Black Sea was presented by reviewing the relevant literature, and the distribution of the yellow-headed goby was updated. Two new photo records of G. xanthocephalus from the Black Sea coasts of Türkiye are provided on Giresun Island and Zonguldak, between the depths of 3-12 m. Conclusion: Although the number of gobiid species reported in the relevant literature ranges between 16 and 35, the presence of 16 species was confirmed after excluding freshwater and brackish water species with the addition of the yellow-headed goby to this revised list. To accurately determine the distribution of these species with high salinity tolerance, comprehensive studies of freshwater, transitional, and marine waters in the southern Black Sea are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zigzag elm sawfly Aproceros leucopoda Takeuchi, 1939 (Hymenoptera, Argidae) is a defoliator of elm trees of Asian origin recently introduced into Europe. In this publication, A. leucopoda is recorded in Greece from Xanthi, constituting the first record of this alien species to the country. The presented locality is the southernmost point of its hitherto known distribution in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Van province, which is located in the eastern region of Türkiye. The study area is located in the Irano-Anatolian hotspot region, divided to the east and west by the Anatolian diagonal. Here, we demonstrate the diversity, distribution, and seasonality of horseflies. Malaise and water traps were used to collect adult horseflies. A total of 1026 specimens were collected and 52 species identified. Chrysops divaricatus Loew, 1858; Haematopota csikii Szilady, 1922; Haematopota pallidula (Krober, 1922) and Haematopota turkestanica (Krober, 1922) were recorded for the first time from Türkiye. The distribution and seasonality of the species were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amarasekara, K.; Perera, C.; Yatawara, M., and Jayasiri, H.B., 2024. Lesser-known species (Ipomoea imperati) from the Convolvulaceae family: First record from the Manalkaadu sand dunes of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(4), 803–808. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastal sand dunes are dynamic and fragile ecosystems found along some sandy shorelines. They are typically supported by a wide variety of specialized floral and faunal life. Coastal sand dunes are especially common in temperate coastal areas but are less abundant in tropical or subtropical coasts. A comprehensive study of flora in the Manalkaadu sand dune ecosystem was completed from August 2022 to May 2023, using 50-m × 5-m belt transects. The study area was divided into nine distinct locations for systematic sampling. Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb., a dicotyledonous flowering plant commonly known as fiddle-leaf morning-glory of the Convolvulaceae family, was recorded for the first time in the Manalkaadu sand dunes of the Northern Province in Sri Lanka during the study. Ipomoea imperati has smooth trailing stems that are covered with alternately arranged lanceolate, fleshy dark green leaves with a notched apex. Ipomoea imperati bloomed from September 2022 to March 2023 in the study area, and the funnel-shaped flowers were fused with white petals and yellow centers. In the area where it was discovered, the species withstood high substrate temperatures (about 29°C to 35°C), sand scouring, and moderate burial by accreted sand. Out of nine sampling locations, I. imperati was found in five locations. The plant density (two to six), plant percentage frequency (40% to 60%), Shannon Wiener diversity index (0.54 to 1.43), species evenness (0.50 to 0.90), and richness (2 to 5) were also analyzed. Thus, the density of I. imperati in five sampling locations was considered to be moderate, whereas the diversity was very low. It is designated as endangered in the National Red List 2020—Conservation Status of the Flora of Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amata (Syntomis) caspia Staudinger, 1877 is reported for the first time from Tajikistan. Additional information on the distribution of other species in Tajikistan is also provided.

Three species of spiders (Araneae), Altella aussereri Thaler, 1990, Mimetus laevigatus (Keyserling, 1863), and Trichoncyboides simoni (Lessert, 1904), are reported from Slovakia for the first time. These new records originate from southern Slovakia. The record of A. aussereri provides new data on the distribution and natural history of this range-restricted species of very high conservation value. The records of M. laevigatus and T. simoni in Slovakia extend their known distribution in Central Europe. Characteristic features, pictures of the habitus, copulatory organs, and habitats are presented.

Diospyros barteri was recorded for the first time from Dodja, a sacred forest in the Commune of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. We provide a detailed description, illustration, habitat, ecology, flowering period, and population size of this species. These occurrences fill a gap in the distribution of the species in the Dahomey-Gap territory. Our new records show the importance of botanical surveys in sacred forests which are hotspots of biodiversity in the country. However, sacred forests are unfortunately poorly maintained and managed and are difficult to access because they serve as central sites for ceremonies of local divinities in vodun celebrations.

Mirostrellus joffrei Thomas, 1915 is the sole species within the genus Mirostrellus and its occurrence is notably rare in China. Despite the recent discovery of four previously unreported specimens from western Yunnan, China (Zaoteng River, 25.31°N, 98.80°E, altitude 1451 m) at the National Museum of Prague in the Czech Republic, comprehensive descriptions or detailed accounts of this species within China have yet to be published.During a field expedition within the Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yuanyang, Yunnan, China, a bat was captured using a mist net. The specimen was of moderate size, with its ventral surface presenting a golden-brown hue and its dorsal surface ranging from dark brown to obsidian. The forearm measured 37.31 mm, while the fifth digit was conspicuously diminished in comparison to the others. The snout was robust, featuring prominent buccal glands. It was characterised by a well-developed upper frame and a barely visible low sagittal crest. The upper canines possessed well-developed posterior cusps. The dentition comprised two upper and two lower premolars, with the first upper premolar being notably small and the lower molars being distinctly myotodont. These attributes correspond with the known traits of Mirostrellus joffrei. Phylogenetically, the sequence of this specimen clustered with that of M. joffrei, forming an independent clade. Through an examination of its morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b), cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and recombination activating gene 2 (RAG2) sequences, we identified the specimen as M. joffrei, thus confirming the presence of Joffre’s pipistrelle in China.

Introduction: The knowledge of British and Irish bryophytes has been summarised at intervals since 1690 in national floras and checklists. The number of species and varieties recognised in these works can be used to track the discovery of British and Irish bryophytes. Methods: The main floras and checklists were identified, and the taxa recognised in twenty of them counted and their identity assessed in relation to the current (2021) checklist. Key results: The number of known bryophytes increased rapidly after the publication of Ray's Synopsis (1690). Dillenius's (1741) Historia muscorum brought together all previous reports. His polynomials were the main source for Linnaeus's binomial names in Species plantarum (1753). Linnaeus cut the number of British and Irish species from 179 to 119, omitting those that seemed to him obscure. It was clumsily done, and William Hudson (1762), in Flora Anglica, increased the number to 139, with 51 varieties, of which 37 are now treated as species. His contemporary Richard Pulteney made an early attempt to trace first records in a manuscript compiled ca. 1789. We agree with 134 of Pulteney's first records, but disagree with 88. All the historic lists contain redundancies – species that were then thought distinct but are now lumped together, the maximum being Smith's (1804) Flora Britannica, with 62. From 1855 to 1930 numerous varieties were recognised. These peaked at 309 moss varieties in Duncan's (1926) checklist and 117 liverworts in Wilson's (1930) checklist. In 2021 they have shrunk to 33 moss varieties and 9 liverworts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We examine the discovery of British and Irish bryophytes, based on a database of their first records. For 1140 taxa in the current (2021) checklist we have compiled information on the place and date of the first record, the finder and the author and place of its publication. The full database is posted on the Zenodo repository. Here we analyse changes over time in the attributes (e.g. size) of newly discovered species, their location and the main finders. Methods: We checked first records reported in bryological publications, extracting the relevant details for our database. Most are supported by herbarium specimens. To check on these we have relied mainly on the expertise of others, examining only a few specimens ourselves. Key results: Unlike flowering plants, very few bryophytes were known until ca. 1690 and the first to be discovered tended to be widespread, large species with frequent sporophytes, growing in lowland England. After Dillenius's Historia muscorum (1741) there was a major trough in activity, extending to the 1780s. Thereafter there was a surge in records from the Highlands of Scotland (from 1790) and western Ireland (from 1809). The flood of new moss records in the early nineteenth century culminated in the 1850s, with William Wilson making an outstanding contribution. New liverwort records increased later in the century and peaked between 1900 and 1909. There followed a further trough for both groups from 1920 to 1949. Since then the rate of discovery has remained steady at about 2.8 species per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of a finding a Lutra lutra in the wild was recorded by a camera trap. Then we report a new record of the existence of Lutra sumatrana in the central part of the island of Sumatra and a new record in Indonesia of the existence of three sympatric otter species in one habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In March 2019, several swellings caused by mistletoe (Viscum album L.) were collected in the south of the Province of Luxembourg to demonstrate a possible presence of Synanthedon loranthi (Králícek, 1966). Some galls were collected both on apple (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.). As a coincidental find, a caterpillar of Celypha woodiana (Barrett, 1882) (Tortricidae) was also found. This species has not been observed in Belgium for many decades and the correct identification of the only previous find is doubtful. Moreover, the specimen in question can no longer be traced, making the bred moth from the Luxembourg province the first verifiable observation from Belgium. The biology of the species is discussed here as well as its currently known distribution in Europe. Another Tortricidae, Archips podana (Scopoli, 1763), was also found on mistletoe; this species is also discussed as well as a parasitic wasp that parasitises the caterpillar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) ranges throughout the African continent, south of the Sahara. After it was observed in Jabal Elba National Park, southeast of Egypt, an adult male spotted hyena was chased and intentionally killed by local shepherds. As far as we know, this paper is the first record of this species from Egypt. The animal was first observed in Wadi Eis, close to the Sudanese border, on March 16th, 2024. It was observed afterwards in Al-Dayeb region, where it killed the lambs of local residents. The tracks of the hyena were also recorded in the Kami Dabbab area on March 23rd, 2024. The animal was finally killed in Wadi Yahameib on March 24th, 2024. The present paper describes the movement route inside the protectorate and the localities and habitats visited by the animal. It also reviews the conservation status of this species as well as its adaptation strategy to changes in environmental temperature and habitat conditions. We recommend that efforts be made by wildlife conservation authorities to raise awareness about the importance of this species and other carnivorous species among the local community to stop killing such animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus, a sciaenid fish native to the North Atlantic American coast, holds importance in recreational and commercial fisheries. Moreover, its potential as an invasive species should be noted, given its expansion and establishment in Atlantic European waters. This study reports its southernmost occurrence in Europe, in the Gulf of Cadiz. Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed its identity, revealing genetic similarities to US sequences. A comprehensive review of historical non-native distribution records underscored the species' expansion throughout European waters, suggesting human-mediated introduction. The escalating frequency of such arrivals emphasises the critical need for effective monitoring and management efforts in order to control non-native species in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater bryozoans are unique invertebrates that have complicated life cycles and are sedentary, filter-feeding, colonial organisms. In scientific studies, freshwater bryozoans have gained very little attention. With just 88 species, this group of "moss animals" is spread out among ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. They widely belong to the freshwater-only phylactolaemate class, while a few species can also be classified as members of the gymnolaemate class, which predominates in marine environments. In this study, we recorded two bryozoan species of Plumatella emarginata and P.geimermassardi for the first time in Valankulam Lake, Coimbatore City, Tamil Nadu, and they were identified and described based on their morphological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents new records of six species of moths and butterflies from Kunashir Island. We report on the first records of Nymphalis (Kaniska) canace (Linnaeus, 1763), Araschnia levana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nymphalidae), Archiearis parthenias (Linnaeus, 1761) (Geometridae), Bastilla maturata (Walker, 1858) (Erebidae), Xylena (Lithomoia) solidaginis (Hübner, 1803), and Orthosia aoyamensis (Matsumura, 1926) (Noctuidae) from Kunashir Island.

The Sanderling (Calidris alba) is the most widely distributed shorebird that winters on both coasts of America, with records of vagrant individuals in the interior of the continent. On 14 September 2022, we observed and photographed two juvenile Sanderlings at a small pool adjacent to the Río Mezquites in the Cuatro Ciénegas protected area, Coahuila, Mexico. This sighting represents the first record of this species in this RAMSAR site, and increases the known inland distribution in northeastern Mexico, as well as the first documented for the state of Coahuila.

Nerillids are small marine annelids, once placed at the artificial group ‘Archiannelida’, which contained all families of the exclusively interstitial polychaetes. Nerillidae is the most species rich family among them, with 71 species grouped into 15 genera, and represents an important component of the interstitial fauna, occupying a wide bathymetric range. Despite its problematic placement among the ‘Archiannelida’ families, the group per se is considered monophyletic. Currently, only two species of Paranerilla are valid, both being reported from the northern hemisphere. It is presented herein as the first description of a species of Paranerilla from tropical waters, named as Paranerilla schiavettii sp. nov., which is also considered as a unique record by the presence of a modified acicular spine in noto- and neuropodia from chaetiger 3–7, not mentioned in its congeners descriptions. Hence, we also propose an emendation on the genus diagnosis to embrace the presence of acicular spines within Paranerilla. So, the presented information complements the current knowledge about the group’s taxonomy and expands its distribution to South Atlantic waters.

In Europe, Xyleborinus attenuatus Blandford is considered an invasive bark beetle native to East Asia. We used the results of many local surveys and data from private and museum collections to get information on the distribution and abundance of X. attenuatus Blandford in the Czech Republic. The ambrosia beetle X. attenuatus Blandford is probably widespread throughout the territory of the Czech Republic, from the lowlands to the mountains, and has one generation per year in Central Europe. The flight activity lasts from mid-March to May, F1 adults emerge in August and September and overwinter in wood or in the ground under an infested tree. X. attenuatus Blandford predominantly occupies soft deciduous trees and so far there economic damage have not been reported yet. However, X. attenuatus Blandford is a vector of ambrosia fungi Ambrosiella spp. and Raffaelea spp., and therefore this ambrosia beetle should be monitored.

During the long-term effort of the bird migration study, a single adult male Baillon's Crake Zapornia pusilla Pallas, 1776 was captured and ringed on August 8, 2018, at Ludaš Lake, near Hajdukovo village (Subotica municipality, Northern Serbia). This record represents the first confirmed occurrence of this water-dwelling species for Serbia.

The authors present one oribatid mite species new for the Romanian fauna, found in Piatra Craiului Mountains. Jugatala cribelliger = Mycobates (Calyptozetes) cribelliger (BERLESE, 1904) is described using scanning electronic microscope images, with notes on its morphology, taxonomic status and distribution.

We report for the first time three gobioid fishes: Amblygobius semicinctus (Bennett, 1833), Istigobius diadema (Steindachner, 1876), and Yongeichthys nebulosus (Forskål, 1775) from the Gujarat coast of India. We present short descriptions with species diagnostic characters, habitat and present distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tagetes imbricata, a species recently described from Argentina and Bolivia, is reported here for the first time from Peru based on herbaria collections and field observations available at biodiversity online repositories. This new record significantly expands the distribution area of this species to the north, covering a total of more than 2000 kilometers along the Andes Mountains. An illustration for T. imbricata is here provided for the first time, detailing morphological aspects. Two vernacular names, "kita-chick-chipa" and "chichijsa", are reported for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae; Newstead, 1911) are widespread in Europe, being particularly common in the Mediterranean region but rare north of the Alps. Thus, Switzerland is an opportune place to investigate the sand fly fauna on both sides of the Alpine crest, in southern sub‐Mediterranean climate and northern oceanic temperate climate. We reinvestigated the Swiss sand fly fauna with the aim to assess changes in composition, altitudinal distribution, abundance and seasonality. Thirty‐eight sites were investigated with light traps and/or interception sticky traps in 4 years. Ninety and 380 specimens were caught by light traps and sticky traps, respectively, at 15 collecting sites. Four species were identified. Phlebotomus mascittii (Grassi, 1908), Phlebotomus perniciosus (Newstead, 1911) and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843) were confirmed in Ticino, and P. mascittii for the first time in neighbouring Grisons. Also, Phlebotomus neglectus (Tonnoir, 1921) is for the first time reported, though at a very low density compared to P. perniciosus at the same site. Its presence in Ticino supports the northward spread observed in Italy. Sand flies were detected north of the Alps at one site only, endorsing a historical report. Overall, the low density of P. perniciosus and very low density of P. neglectus suggest that canine leishmaniosis may not be an important disease risk in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Important records of new species for the Belgian fauna are given. The new species for the Belgian fauna are: 1. Alucita desmodactyla Zeller, 1847 (Alucitidae), 1 specimen at Bomal (LX) on 16.vii.2022, détermination by gen. det. and confirmed by Imre Fazekas. 2. Hypatopa segnella (Zeller, 1873) (Blastobasidae), 1 specimen at Nismes (NA) on 09.vii.2022. 3. Coleophora curictae Baldizzone, 2016 (Coleophoridae), 4 specimens at Lamorteau (LX) on 29.vi.2019, détermination by DNAresearch. 4. Coleophora partitella Zeller, 1849 (Coleophoridae), 1 specimen at Torgny (LX) on 27.vi.2021 confirmation by gen. det. 5. Chrysocrambus linetella (Fabricius, 1781) (Crambidae), 1 specimen at Torgny (LX) on 27.vi.2021, confirmation by gen. det. 6. Dolicharthria punctalis (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Crambidae), 1 specimen at Torgny (LX) on 27.vi.2021, 1 specimen at Athus (LX) on 24.vii.2021 and 1 specimen at Torgny (LX) on 25.vi.2022. 7. Agonopterix astrantiae (Heinemann, 1870) (Depressariidae), 1 specimen at Lamorteau (LX) on 01.viii.2020, confirmation by gen. det. and 1 specimen at Virton (LX) on 06.viii.2020, détermination by gen. det. and confirmation by DNA-research. 8. Elachista pomerana Frey, 1870 (Elachistidae), 1 specimen at Kinrooi (LI) on 13.vi.2020, détermination by gen. det. and confirmation by DNA-research. 9. Elachista berndtiella Traugott-Olsen, 1985 (Elachistidae), 2 specimens at Furfooz (NA) on 04.ix.2022, détermination by gen. det. and confirmed by Lauri Kaila. 10. Elachista elsaella Traugott-Olsen, 1988 (Elachistidae), 1 specimen at Nismes (NA) on 21.v.1982, détermination by gen. det. and confirmed by Lauri Kaila. 11. Elachista occidentalis Frey, 1882 (Elachistidae), 1 specimen at Lamorteau (LX) on 06.vii.2019 and 1 specimen at Torgny (LX) on 27.vi.2021, détermination by gen. det. and confirmation by DNA-research. 12. Stigmella svenssoni (Johansson, 1971) (Nepticulidae), 1 specimen at De Panne (WV) on 21.viii.2021, détermination by gen. det. and confirmation by DNA-research. 13. Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) (Notodontidae), 1 specimen at Arlon (LX) on 31.vii.2021. 14. Reisseronia tarnierella (Bruand, 1850) (Psychidae), 2 specimens at Stockay (LG) on 24.iv.2021, confirmation by gen. det. 15. Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke, 1832) (Pyralidae), 1 specimen at Koksijde (WV) on 22.viii.2021. 16. Tenaga rhenania (Petersen, 1962) (Tineidae), 7 specimens at Aywaille (LG) on 21.vi.2020, confirmation by genitalia morphological characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Synona melanopepla (Mulsant, 1850) is a ladybird beetle belonging to the subfamily Coccinellinae of the family Coccinellidae. This species has been confirmed for the first time from Nepal through this study. A single specimen of this species was collected from Ranibari Community Forest, Kathmandu, Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Erzincan University Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Erzincan Binali Yildirim Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The natural distribution of the Japanese sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus Selenka, 1867), a sea cucumber species, is characterized by the Northwest Pacific. Long-term monitoring studies from 2020 to 2024 document a significant deviation from the known natural distribution of A. japonicus and its ability to extensively colonize the Gulf of Izmit, the easternmost part of the Sea of Marmara. This record is also the first documentation of the species from the Mediterranean Sea. Population data extracted from 67 samples allowed the determination of size and weight distribution, length-weight relationship, and condition factor. The study delves into the implications for fisheries management by evaluating the species' dispersion beyond its natural range and its adaptation, shedding light on potential threats from illegal hookah diving fisheries. While its presence offers potential economic benefits through fishing income, its emergence as an invasive species can pose critical ecological risks to the receiving ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the occurrence of Urogymnus granulatus (Macleay, 1883) (386 mm DW), also known as the Mangrove whipray, in the state of Gujarat, India. This represents a new distributional range for this species. These occurrences indicate a concealed diversity of stingrays in this region. To elucidate taxonomic information, morphological species descriptions and a molecular barcode of U. granulatus (Macleay, 1883) were generated in this study. This report contributes to a better comprehension of the local diversity and distribution of batoids in Gujarat, which is essential for the development of fishery management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]