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Genus Gamasiphis Berlese is the most diverse genus of Ologamasidae, with 75 described species, three of which were recorded from Iran. The main objective of this paper is the description of Gamasiphis caspiusn. sp. based on specimens collected from northern Iran and review of the genus Gamasiphis in Iran. Gamasiphis novipulchellus Ma and Yin and G. denticus Hafez and Nasr are new records for Iran's mite fauna. A complementary description for G. denticus and identification key to the Palearctic species of genus Gamasiphis are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the first records of Deraeocoris ruber (Linnaeus, 1758) and Deraeocoris rutilus (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) from Uzbekistan. These species were discovered in the mountainous regions of Uzbekistan, in the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ranges. These records expand the known distributions of both species significantly towards Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of edible jellyfish, namely 'ball-type' and 'white-type', were reported to be commercially harvested respectively from the southeast and northwest coasts of Sri Lanka, but their taxonomic identity was unknown. Therefore, medusae collected in the 'Waya-jel-Survey', together with specimens from museums, were examined, comparing their morphomeristic data with information from the literature. As per results, the 'ball-type' and 'white-type' jellyfish species were recognized respectively as Crambionella orsini (Vanhöffen 1888) and Lobonemoides gracilis Light 1914 for the first time from Sri Lanka, with a detailed account of morphological features. Among the four valid species of the genus Crambionella, C. orsini is distinguished by the presence of 16 velar lappets per octant, without tubercles. The two congeners of L. gracilis, namely L. robustus Stiasny 1920 and L. sewelli Rao 1931, were synonymized to L. gracilis, making Lobonemoides monospecific, thus L. gracilis is recognized by the presence of papillae on the exumbrella; 1–6 elongated velar lappets between two successive rhopalia; and the window-like openings and long, spindle-shaped appendages on the oral arms. Likewise, the present study re-describes C. orsini and L. gracilis providing a basic component for efficient management of jellyfish fishery resources in Sri Lanka as well as in other Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of marine fishes are observed from Réunion for the first time, and the occurrence of two species is confirmed, observed during a faunal inventory under the OBJECTIF 1000 program. Marine fishes were observed and collected off Réunion Island (France) with bottom longlines and traps in the upper bathyal zone at 1000 m depth during a faunal inventory under the OBJECTIF 1000 program. Four species represent first records for the island: Etmopterus granulosus (Günther, 1880) (Etmopteridae), Nemichthys scolopaceus Richardson, 1848 (Nemichthyidae), Coelorinchus trunovi Iwamoto & Anderson, 1994 (Macrouridae), and Lepidion natalensis Gilchrist, 1922 (Moridae). Two species represent confirmed records for the island: Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788) (Hexanchidae), Centroscymnus owstonii Garman, 1906 (Somniosidae). New depth records are provided for C. trunovi and L. natalensis (1000 m depth). More thorough sampling efforts would probably result in additional species never before observed in Réunion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During naturalistic research performed in August of 2022 and 2023 in several Aegean islands, three new herpetological records occurred: Hemorrhois nummifer on Telendos Island, Laudakia stellio on Pserimos Island and Dolichophis caspius on Kitriani Islet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides information about the distributional range extensions of two fish species, Onigocia grandisquama and Soleichthys siammakuti, in the South China Sea. It discusses the first recorded instances of Onigocia grandisquama in Malaysia and Soleichthys siammakuti in Malaysia and the Philippines. The document describes the characteristics of Soleichthys siammakuti, including its unique color pattern and variations in count and measurement values among the specimens. It also acknowledges the need for further research and identification based on voucher specimens. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: In Serbia, there is a growing concern over the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, which damages plants and creates aggregates in urban areas during the winter season. The bug population has increased, causing significant economic damage to crops. A study conducted in 2022 has discovered nine egg parasitoid species, including two foreign species, Trissolcus japonicus and Tr. mitsukurii, which were found in only one city in Serbia. This is the first time these species have been recorded in Serbia. Serbia has recently begun facing a serious problem with the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), which was first recorded in October 2015. This species belongs to the Pentomidae family and is notorious for causing extensive damage to plants. During the winter, it tends to gather in urban areas, such as houses and different man-made facilities, which has raised concerns among producers and citizens. The population of this species has rapidly increased, causing significant economic damage to cultivated plants. However, despite the alarming situation no natural enemies have yet been identified in Serbia. Therefore, research in 2022 was focused on collecting stink bug eggs to investigate the presence of egg parasitoids. The study identified two foreign Hymenoptera species for the European region, Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and Tr. mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Scelionidae), recorded for the first time in Serbia. Additionally, the list of egg parasitoid species belonging to the Hymenoptera order includes seven local species: Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy), from the Eupelmidae family; Ooencyrtus sp., from the Encyrtidae family; and Telenomus turesis (Walker), Tr. basalis (Wollaston), Tr. belenus (Walker), Tr. colemani (Crawford), and Tr. semistriatus (Nees von Esenbeck), from the Scelionidae family. In total, nine egg parasitoid species were, for the first time, reported as parasitizing H. halys and related species in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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First record from Argentina of three species of the genus Atrichopogon Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are provided: Atrichopogon (Atrichopogon) adamsoni Macfie, Atrichopogon (A.) costalis Macfie and Atrichopogon (A.) flavicaudae Macfie. In addition, Atrichopogon rufus n. n. Marino & Rossi is proposed as a substitute name for Atrichopogon rufiventris Marino & Rossi, 2022, junior homonym of Atrichopogon rufiventris Kieffer, 1917 from Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first study results on the Chironomidae fauna of central Namibia (Khomas, Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions) are presented, based on morphology and DNA-barcoding. The preliminary investigation led to the discovery of a new species Paraphaenocladius namibiae sp. nov. (Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae) and 17 new country records for Namibia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycomya supernivea Nakamura and Saigusa, 2020 is a recently described large-sized cold-adapted fungus gnat species known from the island of Hokkaido and the northern part of Honshu in Japan. This study reports the species for the first time from Shikoku Island and the central part of Honshu, indicating that the species is more widely distributed throughout the Japanese islands. Additionally, the systematic position of M. supernivae within the genus Mycomya is discussed, and it is placed under the subgenus Mycomya s. str. within the species group M. matrona.

Serbia has recently begun facing a serious problem with the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål), which was first recorded in October 2015. This species belongs to the Pentomidae family and is notorious for causing extensive damage to plants. During the winter, it tends to gather in urban areas, such as houses and different man-made facilities, which has raised concerns among producers and citizens. The population of this species has rapidly increased, causing significant economic damage to cultivated plants. However, despite the alarming situation no natural enemies have yet been identified in Serbia. Therefore, research in 2022 was focused on collecting stink bug eggs to investigate the presence of egg parasitoids. The study identified two foreign Hymenoptera species for the European region, Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) and Tr. mitsukurii (Ashmead) (Scelionidae), recorded for the first time in Serbia. Additionally, the list of egg parasitoid species belonging to the Hymenoptera order includes seven local species: Anastatus bifasciatus (Geoffroy), from the Eupelmidae family; Ooencyrtus sp., from the Encyrtidae family; and Telenomus turesis (Walker), Tr. basalis (Wollaston), Tr. belenus (Walker), Tr. colemani (Crawford), and Tr. semistriatus (Nees von Esenbeck), from the Scelionidae family. In total, nine egg parasitoid species were, for the first time, reported as parasitizing H. halys and related species in Serbia.

Two specimens of large blackish chimaeras of the genus Hydrolagus were caught, one off Reunion Island and the other off Mayotte in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The specimens, an adult male of 710 mm BDL and a female of 870 m BDL, are described, compared to similar species (i.e., having a large size, over 110 cm TL, dark blackish colour, and rather long conical snout), and tentatively identified to the small-eyed rabbitfish Hydrolagus affinis, pending a taxonomic revision of the large blackish chimaeras is completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions are considered a major driver of biodiversity loss, particularly on islands. Invasive alien ants can often have severe consequences on native biodiversity. Here, we review published and new information on alien ant species found on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, a biodiversity hotspot. Our checklist of alien ants of Cyprus includes a total of 17 species, of which nine are reported from Cyprus for the first time (*): Camponotus cf. vitiosus Smith, Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, 1890, Cardiocondyla obscurior Wheeler, W.M., 1929*, Hypoponera punctatissima (Roger, 1859)*, Monomorium bicolor Emery, 1877, Nylanderia jaegerskioeldi (Mayr, 1904), Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille, 1802), Pheidole fadli Sharaf, 2007*, Pheidole indica Mayr, 1879, Solenopsis sp. (thief ant)*, Tetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander, 1846)*, Tetramorium caldarium (Roger, 1857)*, Tetramorium immigrans Santschi, 1927*, Tetramorium lanuginosum Mayr, 1870*, Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon, 1851), Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel, 1902)*, and Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger, 1863). We did not include three previously reported alien species for which we could not find supporting specimens [Monomorium pharaonis (Linnaeus, 1758), Nylanderia vividula (Nylander, 1846), Solenopsis geminata (Fabricius, 1804)], one based on a previous misidentification [Cardiocondyla nuda (Mayr, 1866)], and two species now considered native to Cyprus [Hypoponera eduardi (Forel, 1894), Monomorium subopacum (F. Smith, 1858)]. Literature records, specimens from field surveys and museum collections, the geographic origin of species, occupied habitats in Cyprus, and notes on invasiveness (spread and impact) are presented for each species. An identification key to distinguish alien from native ant species in Cyprus is provided, including widespread alien ants not yet known from Cyprus in order to support early detection, monitoring, and management efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hull fouling is considered to be the most significant vector of introduction of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic) because these islands provide a vital passage route for many ships. The transfer of species between boat hulls and artificial substrates in marinas is known to be high. Bryozoans are among the most common groups of marine invertebrates growing on this type of substrate. In recent years, significant advances have been made in our knowledge about the biodiversity of bryozoans in the Madeira Archipelago. Nonetheless, the currently recognized numbers remain far from reflecting the actual bryozoan species richness. In this context, we examine bryozoan samples stemming from NIS monitoring surveys on artificial substrates along the southern coast of the Madeira Archipelago, in four recreational marinas and in two offshore aquaculture farms. This has yielded new information about ten bryozoan species. Two of them, Crisia noronhai sp. nov. and Amathia maderensis sp. nov., are described for the first time, although at least the first one was previously recorded from Madeira but misidentified. Bugula ingens, Cradoscrupocellaria insularis, Scruparia ambigua, and Celleporaria brunnea are recorded for the first time in Madeira. Moreover, the material of C. brunnea was compared with the type, and a biometric analysis was performed with material from the Atlantic and Mediterranean. All samples identified as C. brunnea in both regions are the same species, and the variations described in the literature apparently reflect high intracolonial variability. Finally, we provide new information for the descriptions of 4 additional bryozoans, namely, Crisia sp. aff. elongata, Cradoscrupocellaria bertholletii, Scrupocaberea maderensis, and Tricellaria inopinata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urophora mauritanica Macquart, 1851 reared from Carthamus sp., and U. merzi Mohamadzade Namin, 2011 reared from Centaurea behen L. are recorded from Armenia for the first time. The first species was known from the Mediterranean region, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Iran. The second one was known only from Iran. Detailed illustrations of morphological characteristics of adults, along with the figures of host plants are presented in this paper.

In recent years, invasive alien plants (IAPs) have caused serious ecological disasters and economic losses in China. This study combined three IAP species richness-related indices (species richness of IAPs, first records of IAPs, and the relative species richness of IAPs), as well as indices reflecting distribution and dispersal patterns (average similarity coefficient of IAPs) and invasiveness (average risk score of IAPs), to conduct an integrated regional-invasion risk assessment based on the principal component analysis (PCA) method. Partial least-squares (PLS) regression was conducted to explore the explanatory power of 12 environmental and anthropogenic factors on different invasion indices. The results indicated that coastal provinces and Yunnan had high IAP introduction risk, as well as high synthetic-risk scores. The dispersal of IAPs in mid-latitude provinces should be particularly prevented. For species richness of IAPs, more environmental factors with variable importance for the project (VIP) values higher than 1 were retained in the optimal model, reflecting the importance of environmental filtering on IAPs. Visitors were the most important predictor for first records of IAPs. Compared to species richness (R2 = 79.5%), first records were difficult to predict (R2 = 60.4%) and were influenced by anthropogenic factors. There was spatial distribution congruence of various families of IAPs. Generally, the correlations of the residuals of species richness were still significant, with 0.421 (p < 0.05) as the lowest Pearson correlation coefficient, which indicated that external factors could not fully explain the spatial distribution congruence. These findings could enrich the relevant research on IAP invasion mechanisms and provide suggestions for regional IAP detection and response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa) is an Australasian fig tree commonly planted in urban and semi-urban sites throughout the warmer parts of the world. Assisted by its host-specific mutualist pollinator Eupristina verticillata (Agaonidae), F. microcarpa often manages to colonise urban areas outside its native range and can invade natural habitats. In Cyprus, the species is widely planted in city centres, town squares and parks, where seedlings have been observed. Increasing numbers of fig wasp species of Asian origin are being recorded from the Mediterranean and it appears that the pace of colonisation of F. microcarpa is increasing. Fig surveys in Cyprus during the last seven years have uncovered a total of 11 fig wasp species associated with F. microcarpa. The composition of the fig wasp fauna is described here. It includes two species previously unknown from the Western Palearctic: Sycophila petiolata Chen (Eurytomidae) and an undescribed species of uncertain generic affinity (Pteromalidae, Epichrysomallinae) that we refer to as "Eufroggattisca sp. indesc.". The distribution, ecology and relationships of the Cypriot fig wasps associated with the Chinese banyan are discussed, together with their potential impacts on the spread of their host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first records of Tempyra biguttula Stål, 1874 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae: Udeocorini) in Cyprus, Greece and Malta are reported. Information on the known distribution of T. biguttula in Europe is summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mites of the genus Dendrolaelaps Halbert (Digamasellidae) from Guilan province in Northern Iran were investigated. A total of twelve species were determined. Dendrolaelaps lignicolusn. sp. is described and illustrated based on adult females collected from a rotten stump of Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) in Rasht County, Saravan Forest Park. Moreover, Dendrolaelaps brevipiloides Hirschmann & Wiśniewski 1982, D. latior, D. markewitschi, D. paradoxa, D. punctatulus, D. saprophilus and D. stammeriformis Hirschmann and Wiśniewski, 1982 are new species records for Iran. A checklist and a key for identification of the subgenera and species of Dendrolaelaps in Iran is also provided. Lsid for paper: Lsid for new species: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract During an inventory of Ichneumonidae wasps in the urban area of São Carlos, São Paulo, using Malaise traps, was found the first records in Brazil for Lissonota pseudeleboea Ugalde and Gauld, 2002 and Syzeuctus vedoris Ugalde and Gauld, 2002 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Banchinae) and was described and illustrated a new species of Zonopimpla Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae).

The article provides information on amphipods found on two islands of the Lesser Kuril Chain collected during the period from 4 to 19 August 2013 in the framework of the 49th South Kuril Marine Expedition. A detailed morphological description of prophliantin amphipod Guernea ezoensis Ishimaru, 1987 — the species which has not been presented from Russian waters until now — is provided. The South Kuril specimens differ slightly from the original and accumulative descriptions. The article briefly discusses the issues of intraspecific morphological variability.

Mycomya supernivea Nakamura and Saigusa, 2020 is a recently described large-sized cold-adapted fungus gnat species known from the island of Hokkaido and the northern part of Honshu in Japan. This study reports the species for the first time from Shikoku Island and the central part of Honshu, indicating that the species is more widely distributed throughout the Japanese islands. Additionally, the systematic position of M. supernivae within the genus Mycomya is discussed, and it is placed under the subgenus Mycomya s. str. within the species group M. matrona. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first author observed Homotoma ficus (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae on several street and garden fig trees in the city of Pécs in southern Hungary at the end of May 2022. In the first week of June 2022, imagoes were already flying. This is the first observation of this species in Hungary, together with the first report of the family Homotomidae. A diagnosis and illustrations of adults and larvae in Hungary with 21 figures are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of the spider family Sparassidae are reported from India. Olios kiranae Sethi & Tikader, 1988 is first recorded from Rajasthan and removed from the status of nomen dubium. The male is described for the first time; the female is redescribed. Gnathopalystes flavidusSimon, 1897comb. nov. is transferred from the genus Palystes L. Koch, 1875 and reported from Irinjalakuda, Kerala, with a redescription of the male. Thelcticopis moolampilliensisSunil Jose & Sebastian, 2007 is also recorded from Irinjalakuda, Kerala. The male is described for the first time, the female is redescribed and an unpaired lanceolate appendage between the lateral lobes is documented for the first time for the family. Photos are provided for all three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve species of philodromid crab or running crab spiders (Philodromidae) have been recorded in Armenia. Nine species are new to the spider fauna of this country: Philodromus cespitum (Walckenaer, 1802); Philodromus emarginatus (Schrank, 1803),Philodromus rufus Walckenaer, 1826;Rhysodromus histrio (Latreille, 1819),Thanatus atratus Simon, 1875;Thanatus formicinus (Clerck, 1757);Thanatus imbecillus L. Koch, 1878;Thanatus vulgaris Simon, 1870 and Thanatus pictus L. Koch, 1881.

Two specimens of large blackish chimaeras of the genus Hydrolagus were caught, one off Reunion Island and the other off Mayotte in the southwestern Indian Ocean. The specimens, an adult male of 710 mm BDL and a female of 870 m BDL, are described, compared to similar species (i.e., having a large size, over 110 cm TL, dark blackish colour, and rather long conical snout), and tentatively identified to the small-eyed rabbitfish Hydrolagus affinis, pending a taxonomic revision of the large blackish chimaeras is completed.

Pleasing fungus beetles Dacne bipustulata (Thunberg, 1781), D. pontica (Bedel, 1868), and D. semirufula (Reitter, 1897) from the family Erotylidae are firstly recorded in Kazakhstan. The data on the Erotylidae fauna of this genus fromthree protected areas of Almaty oblast are given. D. semirufula is recorded only in Almaty city and its neighborhoods. It is possible that it is adventive, the introduction took place relatively recently, and the beetle did not have time to settle outside the site of invasion. A key to known species of the genus Dacne from Kazakhstan is given. Information about some species of mushrooms, on which Erotylidae were collected, presented for the first time. Pholiota vernalis (Saccardo) A.H. Smit & Hesler, 1968, Psathyrella candolleana (Fries) Maire, 1913 and Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Wulfen) P. Karsten, 1882 were recorded from Kazakhstan for D. bipustulata, Pholiota vernalis (Saccardo) A.H. Smit & Hesler, 1968 and P. candolleana for D. pontica and Fomitopsis betulina (Bulliard) B.K. Cui, M.L. Han & Y.C. Dai, 2016 and Ganoderma applanatum (Persoon) Patouillard, 1889 for D. semirufula.

The paper presents new remarkable records of selected rare and uncommon Odonata species found in the Kaliningrad Oblast based primarily on our surveys conducted since 2007. Two species, Erythromma viridulum (Charpentier, 1840) and Anax ephippiger (Burmeister, 1839) are new to the region. The total number of Odonata species currently known for the territory of the Kaliningrad Oblast amounted to 66. Among them, 61 species have been recorded on the Courish (Curonian) Spit of the Baltic Sea.

In recent years, invasive alien plants (IAPs) have caused serious ecological disasters and economic losses in China. This study combined three IAP species richness-related indices (species richness of IAPs, first records of IAPs, and the relative species richness of IAPs), as well as indices reflecting distribution and dispersal patterns (average similarity coefficient of IAPs) and invasiveness (average risk score of IAPs), to conduct an integrated regional-invasion risk assessment based on the principal component analysis (PCA) method. Partial least-squares (PLS) regression was conducted to explore the explanatory power of 12 environmental and anthropogenic factors on different invasion indices. The results indicated that coastal provinces and Yunnan had high IAP introduction risk, as well as high synthetic-risk scores. The dispersal of IAPs in mid-latitude provinces should be particularly prevented. For species richness of IAPs, more environmental factors with variable importance for the project (VIP) values higher than 1 were retained in the optimal model, reflecting the importance of environmental filtering on IAPs. Visitors were the most important predictor for first records of IAPs. Compared to species richness (R2 = 79.5%), first records were difficult to predict (R2 = 60.4%) and were influenced by anthropogenic factors. There was spatial distribution congruence of various families of IAPs. Generally, the correlations of the residuals of species richness were still significant, with 0.421 (p < 0.05) as the lowest Pearson correlation coefficient, which indicated that external factors could not fully explain the spatial distribution congruence. These findings could enrich the relevant research on IAP invasion mechanisms and provide suggestions for regional IAP detection and response.

On 29 May 2022, two specimens of Baillon's wrasse, Symphodus bailloni (Valenciennes, 1839) were captured from the coast of Syria (eastern Mediterranean Sea). Sampled two specimens of S. bailloni were measured at 117 and120 mm in TL and weighed 25.7 and 23.2 g. These findings is the first records of this species in the Levant Basin, and the easternmost extension range of the species in the Mediterranean Sea. Symphodus bailloni is not a herculean or Lessepsian migrant but should be considered as a permanent resident of the Mediterranean basin despite the fact not largely distributed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five-month survey on Eucalyptus spp., one of the most commonly planted trees in Cyprus, was undertaken in Limassol and Akrotiri in urban, rural and protected habitats. Two alien gall-inducing Eucalyptus wasps: Leptocybe invasa Fisher and La Salle, 2004 and Ophelimus maskelli (Ashmead, 1900) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were recorded for the first time from Cyprus. In addition, three new alien parasitoids: Stethynium ophelimi (Huber, 2006) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), Closterocerus chamaeleon (Girault, 1922) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Megastigmus lawsoni Doğanlar and Hassan, 2010 (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae), were reared from O. maskelli and L. invasa galls. The distribution, introduction and management actions for Eucalyptus spp. and their alien Chalcidoidea associates are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the recent herpetological and related parasitological collections are very rarely available for Afghanistan. We examined two species of the family Agamidae, Laudakia nuristanica and Paralaudakia caucasia for the presence of the intestinal helminth fauna. Overall, we examined 13 specimens of these lizards and found three species of helminths (Abbreviata achari, Thelandros masaae, T. taylori) in a single specimen of L. nuristanica and four species (A. achari, T. baylisi, T. taylori, P. kasauli) in three specimens of P. caucasia. Here in, we present the first report on the helminth fauna from L. nuristanica, record a new helminth host for P. caucasia and three new country records for the helminth fauna of Afghanistan.

This paper presents a survey of data on two weevil species not recorded for the fauna of Serbia till now. Despite their large size, Liparus (Liparus) glabrirostris Küster, 1849 and Hylobius (Callirus) abietis (Linnaeus, 1758) have not been recorded for Serbia in the newest Palaearctic weevil catalogue (Alonso-Zarazaga et al., 2017) or in the Fauna Europaea (Alonso-Zarazaga et al., 2013, https://fauna-eu.org/). In this paper L. glabrirostris, found in a single locality on Mt Goč, is registered as the third representative of the genus Liparus Olivier, 1807 in Serbia. Hylobius abietis is a serious, widely distributed conifer pest, but was not faunistically registered for Serbia till now. Some ecological data and distribution maps with Serbian locations are given for both species.

In October 2018, a specimen of Omonadus bifasciatus (Rossi, 1792) was found in Strépy-Bracquegnies (Hainaut). In June 2021, tens of specimens of Notoxus trifasciatus Rossi, 1792 were discovered in Courcelles (Hainaut). Both species are thermophile and indigenous in the Centre and the South of Europe, in North Africa and in Asia Minor. O. bifasciatus is also present in the South of England. Until now, both species were unknown in the Benelux countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of plant introductions in China is inextricably associated with globalization and trade. There have been two periods in which China has opened to the world, punctuated by periods of isolation. Here, we analyse data on first records for 538 non-native plants in China for the period 1840–2011, asking how annual rates have changed and comparing the relative contribution from intentional and non-intentional introductions. The highest period of introductions occurred between 1904 and 1935, where the mean annual first record rate was 8.77 species. The period post 2002 had the second highest rate, but this was still little over half that of the earlier period at 4.43 species per year. Intentional and non-intentional introductions shared similar temporal trajectories but intentional introductions contributed more than two-thirds of first records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania 102 species of Depressariidae, Peleopodidae, Ethmiidae and Fuchsiini were recorded in the last checklist and its supplement (Rákosy et al. 2003; Rákosy and Goia 2007). The present study deals with a total of 117 species ever recorded from Romania including voucher material studied in this overview: 101 Depressariidae, 2 Peleopodidae, 13 Ethmiidae and 1 Fuchsiini. As a result of the analysis of the studied material the Romanian fauna is currently considered to consist of 114 species, 90 of them are confirmed and 24 requiring confirmation. 13 species are recorded for the first time from Romania: Agonopterix bipunctosa (Curtis, 1850), A. coenosella (Zerny, 1940), A. ferocella (Chrétien, 1910), A. irrorata (Staudinger, 1870), A. lessini Buchner, 2017, A. ligusticella (Chrétien, 1908), A. multiplicella (Erschoff, 1877), A. quadripunctata (Wocke, 1857), Depressaria badiella (Hübner, 1796), D. daucella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), D. sordidatella Tengström, 1848, Exaeretia ledereri (Zeller, 1854) and Anchinia laureolella Herrich-Schäffer, 1854. 2 species are found with unclear taxonomic status: Agonopterix banatica Georgesco, 1965 and Agonopterix dumitrescui Georgesco, 1965. 3 species are formally excluded from the Romanian fauna: Agonopterix agyrella (Rebel, 1917), A. comitella (Lederer, 1855) and Depressaria halophilella (Chrétien, 1908). Additionally, 28 species are first records for different regions of the country and further 15 corrections are made to their distribution within Romania. The examined voucher material is concisely presented by each species, collecting data are presented in detail only in the case of the first records, and a few rarely recorded species, by which the adults, male and occasionally female genitalia are figured.

We report Batocera lineolata Chevrolat, 1852, based on four records, from Manipur and Nagaland states in Northeast India. These records are the first time this species has been found in India. We also provide a brief redescription of B. lineolata.

Two species of lappet moths (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) from the genus Phyllodesma Hübner, [1820] are recorded from Belarus for the first time – Ph. japonicum (Leech, [1889]) and Ph. tremulifolium (Hübner, [1810]). The first species was found in the north of the country (Vitebsk Region). All localities belong to the Eurasian taiga (coniferous forests) geobotanical zone. Presumably, its southern range border goes through Belarus. The second species is currently found only in the southeast of the country (Gomel Region). This locality belongs to the European broadleaf forest zone. Brief information on general distribution of these species is presented. Thus, currently18 species of lappet moths are recorded from Belarus.

In the years 2020–2021, 26 of the new species of the Syrphidae family were found in the Sovinecko Nature Park. Out of these, 5 species are registered in the Czech Red List (Anasimyia contracta, Chalcosyrphus femoratus, Mesembrius peregrinus, Sphaerophoria shirchan and Xylota tarda) and 3 species (Melangyna pavlovskyi, Melanostoma mellarium and Xanthogramma stackelbergi) are not listed in the Checklist of Diptera of the Czech Republic from the year 2009. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomical, geographical and nomenclatorial aspects of Merizomena Chaudoir, 1873 are discussed. The genus Merizomena is divided in to 2 subgenera Merizomena s.str. and Dichromenta subg. n. One new species is described: M. kabaki sp. n. (Tajikistan). M. schoenmanni (Kirschenhofer, 1994) is restored as a valid species. Five new synonyms are established: M. silvatica Mikhailov, 1977 syn. n. = M. tricolor (Gebler, 1845); M. klapperichi (JedliËka, 1956) syn. n. = M. grandinella (Semenov, 1889); M. afgana (JedliËka, 1956) syn. n. = M. grandinella; M. buettikeri (Mateu, 1986) syn. n. = M. castanea (Klug, 1832); M. yemenita (Mateu, 1986) syn. n. = M. castanea. A lectotype is designated for M. castanea (Klug, 1832). Distribution maps are added. An identification key is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Iraqi spider fauna includes several dozens of species described and reported mostly by local researchers but still there are considerable sampling gaps. For the first time in Iraq, Agelena orientalis C. L. Koch 1837 (Agelenidae), Oxyopes globifer Simon, 1876 (Oxyopidae), and Thanatus formicinus (Clerck, 1757) (Philodromidae) are recorded. In addition, newly collected material of Bassaniodes tristrami (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) (Thomisidae) and Eusparassus mesopotamicus Moradmand & Jäger, 2012 (Sparassidae) are also presented. The characteristic features, habitus and copulatory organs of all species are presented here along with their geographic distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A first checklist of the spiders (Araneae) of the Ionian islands of Cephalonia and Ithaka (Greece) is provided. Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772), Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763), Frontinellina frutetorum (C.L. Koch, 1835), Leptorchestes berolinensis (C.L. Koch, 1846), and Menemerus semilimbatus (Hahn, 1827) are recorded for the first time for Cephalonia island, and Philaeus chrysops (Poda, 1761) for Ithaka island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The importance of continuously conducting botanical inventories has been questioned in recent decades, generating a lack of investment and interest in this area. However, several applied studies are only possible after obtaining the primary data from such surveys. Despite having the greatest richness of plants known in Brazil, several areas with knowledge gaps remain in Minas Gerais (MG) state. This is the case for the Serra da Mantiqueira, an important area for biodiversity conservation in the country. In this scenario, the phytophysiognomy of Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest (SSF) deserves attention, as it is broadly distributed and has great relevance in the state, although subsampled. Therefore, this study aimed to present records of species for the flora of MG and discuss the need for floristic surveys in Brazil. These species were recorded in three of 10 studied remnants along expeditions performed between the years of 2012 and 2019 as part of a wide study performed in SSF remnants in the Serra da Mantiqueira which have a deficit of floristic data. Three species are recorded for the first time in MG, one species was rediscovered after more than two centuries from the last collection (which represents its nomenclatural type), in addition to nine other species which must be considered rare in the state. This study contributed to filling gaps in knowledge on Brazilian flora and also demonstrated the relevance of continuing new collections, mainly in specific subsampled areas in the interior of the country such as in SSF remnants.

Aim: The number of alien species has been increasing for centuries world‐wide, but temporal changes in the dynamics of their inter‐regional spread remain unclear. Here, we analyse changes in the rate and extent of inter‐regional spread of alien species over time and how these dynamics vary among major taxonomic groups. Location: Global. Time period: 1500–2010. Major taxa studied: Vascular plants, mammals, birds, fishes, arthropods and other invertebrates. Methods: Our analysis is based on the Alien Species First Record Database, which comprises >60,000 entries describing the year when an alien species was first recorded in a region (mostly countries and large islands) where it later established as an alien species. Based on the number and distribution of first records, we calculated metrics of spread between regions, which we termed "inter‐regional spread", and conducted statistical analyses to assess variations over time and across taxonomic groups. Results: Almost all (>90%) species introduced before 1700 are found in more than one region today. Inter‐regional spread often took centuries and is ongoing for many species. The intensity of inter‐regional spread increased over time, with particularly steep increases after 1800. Rates of spread peaked for plants in the late 19th century, for birds and invertebrates in the late 20th century, and remained largely constant for mammals and fishes. Inter‐regional spread for individual species showed hump‐shaped temporal patterns, with the highest rates of spread at intermediate alien range sizes. Approximately 50% of widespread species showed signs of declines in spread rates. Main conclusions: Our results show that, although rates of spread have declined for many widespread species, for entire taxonomic groups they have tended to increase continuously over time. The large numbers of alien species that are currently observed in only a single region are anticipated to be found in many other regions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of Polistes (Gyrostoma) wattii Cameron, 1900 is summarized and new occurrence records are given through collected or photographed material. The known distributional range of the species is here expanded westward and the first records from Israel, Uzbekistan, Samangan (Afghanistan) and Assam (India) are provided. A map of the countries for which P. wattii is reliably recorded is quoted. Another one about the known Indian states of occurrence of the species is provided, emphasizing different faunistic knowledge between the north-western and north-eastern parts of this country. Further research is certainly needed to better define the distribution of P. wattii in Central Asia and in India.