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All important published records for 23 moth fly species known so far from Albania are reviewed (Phlebotominae 10 species, Psychodinae 13 species). Records of 5 Psychodidae (Phlebotominae 1, Psychodinae 4) species/subspecies are presented in this paper based on specimens collected by sweep-netting and UV light in Albania in 2022. Four species are recorded for the first time in Albania (namely: Jovamormia caliginosa (Eaton, 1893), Psychodocha cinerea Banks, 1894, Tinearia alternata (Say, 1824), Pericoma (Pericoma) motasi motasi Vaillant, 1978). The first checklist of Psychodidae of Albania is also listed. Key Words: Biodiversity, faunistics, moth flies, Phlebotominae, Psychodinae, Mormiini, Paramormiini, Psychodini, Pericomaini, Mediterranean Area, Europe, Palaearctic Region

Biting midges (Phlebotominae) are medically important vectors of human and veterinary disease-causing agents. This study presents the results of the field research of arthropods of A. van Harten in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the period of approximately 2005 – 2007 at a high number of localities (15 are mentioned here, with 9 species collected incl. five confirmed; 4 spp. are new for the fauna of the UAE: Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi (Scopoli, 1786), Sergentomyia (Parrotomyia) baghdadis (Adler & Theodor, 1929), S. (Sergentomyia) schwetzi Adler, Theodor & Parrot, 1929, S. (Grassomyia) squamipleuris Newstead, 1912).

Associations of insects that live in nests and burrows of small mammals are relatively poorly explored. This work therefore tries to expand the knowledge about Diptera communities (Psychodidae and Sphaeroceridae) of two small mammals, namely Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771) and Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758). In nests of Eurasian harvest mouse two psychodid species and one sphaerocerid species, while in hazel dormouse nest one psychodid species and three sphaerocerid species have been found, all representing new nest records.

Tiny pieces of plastic, or microplastics, are one of the emerging pollutants in a wide range of different ecosystems. However, they have, thus far, not been confirmed from phytotelmata – specific small water-filled cavities provided by terrestrial plants. The authors confirmed microplastics (141 μm – 2.4 mm long fibres of several colour and blue and orange fragments with diameters of 9–81 μm) in quantities from 101 to 409 per ml in Dipsacus telmata from two different periods. The phytotelmata, therefore, appear to be possible indicators of current and future microplastic pollution of the environment. However, further research is needed to obtain accurate information and verify the methodology for possible assessment of the local environmental burden of microplastics.

Клейкі пастки легко доступні і широко використовуються непрофесійними садівниками для моніторингу та знищення шкідників. В роботі представлені результати обліку чисельності комах з використанням білих клейових пасток. Білі липкі пастки були встановлені в яблуневому саду в приватному саду в селі Вишна Шебастова, Східна Словаччина. Фруктовий сад сформований з яблунь різного віку, висоти та сорту. Було визначено наявність та чисельність комах, відловлених з використанням білих клейких пасток, які експонувалися в саду протягом шести тижнів у 2021 році. Загалом понад 1200 особин комах було ідентифіковано принаймні до рівня ряду. У вибірці переважали особини з рядів Diptera (68%), Mecoptera та Hymenoptera, які всі разом становили понад 96% від кількості усіх відловлених екземплярів. З іншого боку, цільових шкідників, таких як пильщики, галиці або трипси було важко або навіть неможливо ідентифікувати та підрахувати через їх значні пошкодження, спричинені клейкою речовиною, а також погодними умовами під час збору. Виходячи з результатів, ми припускаємо, що використані білі липкі пастки завдають шкоди навколишньому середовищу, а не бажаного ефекту моніторингу та усунення шкідників. На підставі приналежності комах за їх екологічними функціями в саду можна зробити висновок, що в цей тип липких пасток потрапляють переважно комахи з нейтральною або позитивною екологічною функцією, тобто хижаки і запилювачі, у тому числі бджоли. Тому ми вважаємо, що білі липкі пастки є неефективними для моніторингу шкідників в яблуневих садах у період дозрівання плодів. Тому ефективність цих пасток для спостереження за комахами в яблуневих садах є більш ніж спірною.

The male of a new species Arisemus venustus sp. n. from Nicaragua, the Cerro Musun Natural Reserve, is described. A. atrasetus (Rapp, 1945) and Platyplastinx tango Quate et Brown, 2004 (Diptera: Psychodidae: Psychodinae) from Nicaragua are redescribed and illustrated on the basis of male morphological characters.

The cavities in trees (called dendrotelmata) in an urban environment stand at the periphery of researchers’ attention. This paper presents new data on the occurrence of three Diptera species considered as endangered, namely Systenus leucurus Loew, 1859, S. tener Loew, 1859 (both Dolichopodidae), and Lepiseodina rothschildi (Eaton, 1912) (Psychodidae) from just such a specific urban ecosystem in Prešov. The latter two species were also recorded for the first time in Slovakia. The distribution and conservation status of the reported species are reviewed and briefly discussed.

In this study conducted in Granada province in southern Spain, we analysed the flying activity and sex-ratio variability of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii (the spotted wing drosophila) in the context of environmental factors and compared it with co-occurring Drosophilidae in a village garden. The studied D. suzukii population showed overwintering capabilities and successful maintenance in village garden with non-crop plants. Its flight period showed two peaks: female-biased, in November, and male-biased, in May. The sex ratio varied throughout the year and was mostly female-biased. We observed the effect of temperature on Drosophilidae and rainfall and temperature on the D. suzukii. Catches of the studied species were minimal at the minimal temperatures below 0 °C, and absent or near absent when the maximal temperature exceeded 30 °C. Moreover, we did not observe D. suzukii in samples when the minimum temperature below 0 °C was combined with heavy rainfall. The spotted wing drosophila seems to be more sensitive to precipitation than native Drosophilidae, as its proportion in the samples decreased with increasing rainfall. This pest also shows more pronounced short peaks in which it makes an important proportion of the biocoenosis of in comparison with other Drosophilidae.

The study presents results of colour preference of insects (Insecta), mainly from the order Hymenoptera (families Apidae, Formicidae). The research was carried out in the vicinity of the Beniakovce village (near the Košice city) over the years 2010–2012. Trapping by coloured water traps was conducted at ten sites with 50 Moerick′s water traps coloured with five different colours (white, yellow, blue, purple, and red). On the study area there were 12 357 individuals captured, belonging to 17 higher taxa (class, order, suborder) or genus morpho group of families Apidae and Formicidae. The highest abundance was found in Diptera followed by Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Obtained results were in accordance with literature data, which showed that yellow colour was the most preferred by insects. Our results confirmed high degree of diversity of insect’s fauna in the study area. Our study suggested that a modified Moerick′s water traps may be a valuable tool in studies on insect diversity, distribution, seasonal abundance, and foraging behaviour as well.

Records of 46 Psychodidae (Sycoracinae 1, Trichomyiinae 1, Psychodinae 44) species/subspecies are presented in this paper based on specimens collected by sweep-netting in Azerbaijan and Georgia in 2019. Nine species are recorded for the first time since their original description; 12 species are new for Transcaucasia; 22 species are new for Azerbaijan; and 17 species are new for Georgia. Saraiella ressli montana Ježek, 1990 is proposed as a synonym of S. ressli Wagner, 1983, syn. nov. Knowledge of some aspects of the ecology and biogeography of selected (especially rare) species has been expanded and a clear pattern was found in species richness, rare species, and new records in relation to land use, habitat diversity, and preservation of the environment surrounding the sampling site.

Many small Diptera adopted at some level endophilic life style, including man-made buildings. Stables create a specific type of microhabitat, which provides shady and relatively humid conditions in combination with excess of organic matter. Unlike the parasites (mosquitos, biting midges, etc.), the commensal fauna of stables is poorly studied. Moth flies (Psychodidae) were collected in cow stable located in Šenkvice, SW Slovakia. Special traps (derived from Malaise traps) were installed along the stable internal wall and in three different heights. In total, we recorded 6325 moth flies belonging to 8 species. The flight period lasted from spring to autumn. Seasonal dynamics was strongly influenced by rainfall and mean week temperature, e.g. high temperature in mid-summer caused drop in moth flies captures. The moth flies clearly preferred the ground and moderately preferred the interior of stable.

Mosquitoes and in particular their impact on human life and health are often the subject of applied research. Nevertheless, at present, basic research in this area, especially in cities seems to be neglected. This paper aims to bridge, at least in part, the gap in the knowledge of mosquito fauna at the local level and summarizes results of mosquitoes research in the Prešov town based on male morphological characters. In total, the presence of eight species of mosquitoes was confirmed in the study area (literary data and new records) which represents 15 % of the Slovak mosquito biodiversity.

A lectotype (male) and paralectotypes (male, female) of Pneumia vittata (Tonnoir, 1919) comb. nov. (= Pericoma crispi Freeman, 1953 syn. nov.) from Belgium are designated. The species is redescribed and illustrated, and a differential diagnosis is given. The former designation of a holotype, paratypes and paratypoids by Jung is invalid because it was not published. In addition, a problem with Tonnoiriella obtusa (Tonnoir, 1919) comb. nov. (= Tonnoiriella anchoriformis Salamanna, 1975 syn. nov.) from Belgium is resolved. A female specimen is designated as a lectotype, but only the dissected wings from this specimen are in condition suitable for redescription. There is additional non-type material collected later by Tonnoir; this material, including 3 females and 1 male, was the basis for redescription, illustrations and differential diagnosis. The unpublished male lectotype designated by Jung is invalid. Two species are added to the last checklist of Psychodidae from Belgium, raising the total number to 94.

Records of nine Pediciidae and 80 Limoniidae species (10 Limnophilinae, 38 Chioneinae, and 32 Limoniinae) are presented. Seventeen species are recorded for the first time from Azerbaijan and 14 from Georgia, of which 12 species are new to the whole of Transcaucasia. Three species are recorded for the first time since their original descriptions. Four subspecies of the genus Molophilus Curtis, 1833 are elevated to species rank, namely M. (M.) hebetatus Savchenko, 1976, n. stat., M. (M.) decoloratus Savchenko, 1978, n. stat., M. (M.) brachyurus Savchenko, 1978, n. stat., and M. (M.) cephaliger Savchenko, 1978, n. stat. Two synonymies are proposed, Gonomyia (Gonomyia) conoviensis Barnes, 1924 = G. (G.) oxybeles Alexander, 1975, n. syn. and Lipsothrix nobilis Loew, 1873 = L. iranica Alexander, 1975, n. syn.

Dolichopodid specimens were collected during a field work in Prešov town in 2019. Systenus slovakiensis sp. nov. from anthropogenic habitats is described. Differential diagnoses are given and illustrated. A key to females of Systenus species of the Palearctic is provided. From all other Palaearctic species of this genus, the new species is distinguished by snow-white trochanters and black femora.

Rain pools (pluviotelmata or puddles) are common, small and non-permanent aquatic ecosystems. Data on the use of rain pools by amphibian taxa in the Carpathian Mountains, especially in Slovakia, are rare. In this study we describe the occurrence of Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758), which may use these small aquatic ecosystems as part of their complex life cycle or where they spend their larval period. The most important hydroperiodic factors affecting the vertebrate fauna were the volume and area of the rain pools, the presence (respectively the absence) of shade, water temperature, biotope structure and the presence of several chemical compounds (NO− 3, GH, KH, pH). This study confirms that micro-habitats, such as rain pools, may play an important role for suitable reproduction sites of B. variegata, as stated by several authors from the different countries and regions of its large distributional range. At the same time, data on the presence or absence of different taxa with important conservation status in the monitored habitat aid in the detection of species.

Platypalpus pilifer Grootaert et van der Weele, sp. n. is described from the Caucasus region in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia. The species belongs to the Platypalpus pallidiventris-cursitans group and is characterised by very long ventral bristles on the spindle-shaped dilated fore tibia in the male. Mid femur in both male and female has a ventral black stripe over the entirely length. An extended diagnosis of the related species Platypalpus infectus (Collin, 1926) is given with new illustrations of the male terminalia. It lacks long bristles on the fore tibia. The left epandrial lamella bears a lobe at the right side facing the left cercus and a long lobe at the left side. These distinct lobes are lacking in the new species. In addition numerous spinules are present on the right surstylus in P. infectus lacking in the new species.

Records of 16 species of the family Dolichopodidae from Azerbaijan and Georgia are given. Four species Campsicnemus armeniacus Negrobov, Manko, Hrivniak & Obona, 2017, Chrysotus pennatus Lichtwardt, 1902, Medetera kowarzi Negrobov, 1974, Rhaphium brevicorne Curtis, 1835 represent new records for Azerbaijan and increase species richness to 90 taxa. The completed checklist of long-legged flies of Georgia is presented. With five new country records, namely: Campsicnemus umbripennis Loew, 1856, Medetera murina Becker, 1917, Medetera truncorum Meigen, 1824, Sybistroma crinipes Stæger, 1842, Sympycnus pulicarius (Fallén, 1823), the checklist covers 71 taxa now.

Many phoretic relationships between insects are understudied because of taxonomic impediments. We here illustrate for avian lice riding on hippoboscid flies how new natural history data on phoretic relationships can be acquired quickly with NGS barcoding. Most avian lice are host-specific, but some can arrive on new hosts by riding hippoboscid flies that feed on bird blood. Our summary of the literature yielded 254 published records which we here show to belong to two large and 13 small interaction networks for birds, flies, and lice. In order to generate new records, we then developed a new protocol based on screening bird carcasses sourced by citizen scientists. The inspection of 131 carcasses from Singapore lead to the first record of a Guimaraesiella louse species riding on Ornithoica momiyamai flies collected from a pitta carcass. Phoresy may explain why this louse species is now known from three phylogenetically disparate hosts (Pitta moluccensis, Ficedula zanthopygia; Pardaliparus elegans). A second new case of phoresy enhances a large interaction network dominated by Ornithophila metallica, a cosmopolitan and polyphagous hippoboscid fly species. Overall, we argue that many other two- and three-way phoretic relationships between arthropods (e.g., mites, pseudoscorpiones, beetles, flies) can be resolved using cost-effective large-scale NGS barcoding, which can be used to pre-sort specimens for taxonomic revision and thus partially overcome some taxonomic impediments.

New and interesting records of 60 Diptera species in ten families, namely Anisopodidae, Blephariceridae, Campichoetidae, Dixidae, Drosophilidae, Limoniidae, Lonchopteridae, Pediciidae, Psychodidae and Scatopsidae, are presented in this paper based on the specimens collected in Azerbaijan and Georgia. A total of 26 species are recorded for the first time for Transcaucasia, 32 species for Azerbaijan, and 33 species for Georgia. In addition, the first or updated checklists of the above ten families are given for these countries.

A zoogeographical review summarized the current distribution of 28 morphologically determined horse fly species recently collected in three Western Africa countries. In Malaise trap collections, the family Tabanidae was represented by three subfamilies, Pangoniinae, Chrysopsinae and Tabaninae (tribes Philolichini, Chrysopsini, Tabanini and Haematopotini), and six genera: Philoliche Wiedemann, 1828 (1 species), Chrysops Meigen, 1803 (3 specis), Ancala Enderlein, 1922 (2 species), Euancala Enderlein, 1922 (1 species), Tabanus Linnaeus, 1758 (13 species) and Haematopota Meigen, 1803 (8 species). Information contained in the principal publication The Catalogue of the Diptera of the Afrotropical Region 1980 is complemented by newly published studies on horse flies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The unpublished zoogeographical views of louse flies from genus Hippobosca deposited in Collection of the Zoological institute of Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, Russia from Transcaucasia are summarized. A total 248 deposited samples and one recent sample belonging to species Hippobosca equina Linnaeus, 1758 and Hippobosca longipennis Fabricius, 1805 from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Southern Caucasus and north-western Iran are presented.

Two new species of the genus Molophilus Curtis, 1833 are described, Molophilus (Molophilus) rohacekisp. nov. (Italy: Calabria) and M. (M.) soldanisp. nov. (Azerbaijan), and their male terminalia are illustrated.

Psychodid specimens were sorted from samples collected during fieldwork in areas in and around the Caucasus Mountains in 2019. Thornburghiella montana sp. nov. (from Georgia) and Pericoma inopinata sp. nov. (from Azerbaijan and Georgia) are described. Differential diagnoses are given and diagnostic characters illustrated.

Known Plecoptera data published from Azerbaijan are critically reviewed. New records of 28 species are enumerated on the basis of specimens collected between 2017 and 2019, among them 16 are new for the fauna of Azerbaijan. Nemoura irani Aubert, 1964 is new for the whole Caucasian region, Leuctra sanainica Zhiltzova, 1960 and Plesioperla sakartvella (Zhiltzova, 1956) are new for the Greater Caucasus. The female and larva of an unknown Protonemura Kempny, 1898 species, collected in the Talysh Mts, are illustrated and described under temporary name Protonemura sp. AZE-1. A new species of Protonemura, collected both in the Azerbaijan and Georgian areas of the Greater Caucasus, will be formally described in a further paper. A male Protonemura specimen was found to be infected by mermithid worms, morphological lesions are illustrated and commented; this is the second documented case of mermithid infection in stoneflies. Subspecies level identity of Azerbaijani populations of Leuctra fusca (Linnaeus, 1758) proved to be problematic, morphological characters of the specimens are illustrated. Synonymy of Isoperla caucasica Balinsky, 1950 and I. pulchra Balinsky, 1950 under I. bithynica (Kempny, 1908) is disputed, the two names are combined under I. grammatica (Poda, 1761) sensu lato.