DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.76.e173923

Authors: Ole-Kristian Odin Schall, Daniel Lima, Sam W. Heads, Allysson P. Pinheiro, Martin Husemann

Abstract: The first genus and species of Eumastacoidea from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation of northeastern Brazil is described. Cratomastax mariellaae gen. et sp. nov. is reported from a relatively well-preserved specimen, with the wings, head, and metathoracic leg aspects in good condition. It is assigned to the Eumastacoidea based on its forewing venation feature, with M and CuA + CuPaα fused. Due to the presence of two branches of M + CuA, it may be allied to Chorotypidae, but the forewing venation of other families of Eumastacoidea is not sufficiently known to confidently exclude it from these taxa. Additionally, a second species of Aestuacrida is described from the Crato Formation. Aestuacrida mikronaulion sp. nov. is significantly larger than A. stereofemoris Schall, Lima, Heads, Pinheiro, Kotthoff & Husemann, 2025, and its wing venation is more fully preserved. The new species suggests that Aestuacrida belongs to the subfamily Pseudoacridinae, increasing the diversity of this recently established taxon. Lastly, a new specimen of Locustrix gallegoi Martins-Neto, 2003, is reported. Individuals of this genus appear to be rather rare, and the apomorphies of Locustrix Martins-Neto, 2003, were not well understood. The new specimen helps resolve this issue. Locustrix can now be assigned to the subfamily Locustopsinae. The genus is characterized by having two branches of M and CuA + CuPaα and a short ScP of only about 50% of the total forewing length.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.76.e155589

Authors: Holger H. Dathe, Shuichi Ikudome, Volker Haeseler, Jagdish Saini

Abstract: This study provides an overview of the species of Hylaeus (Paraprosopis), in the Palaearctic region and adjacent areas. A total of 37 species are identified, each of which is presented with a morphological diagnosis and comparative description, and illustrations of the faces of both sexes and the main features of the male terminalia. In addition, information on the distribution is given. Identification keys for specific geographic areas are provided for the species. A more detailed study in the Canary Islands revealed three new species, Hylaeus (Paraprosopis) gomerensis Haeseler, sp. nov., H. (Paraprosopis) hierro Haeseler, sp. nov., and H. (Paraprosopis) palmensis Haeseler, sp. nov. Two known species are excluded from the subgenus Paraprosopis: Hylaeus omanicus Dathe, 1995 – now placed in subgenus Prosopis, comb. nov.; Hylaeus krombeini Snelling, 1980 from Sri Lanka is provisionally placed as subgenus incertus.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e170564

Authors: Niko Kasalo, Martin Husemann, Mathias Vielsäcker, Thomas van de Kamp, Madan Subedi, Josip Skejo

Abstract: The genus Lophotettix Hancock, 1909 belongs to a small subfamily of Tetrigidae, Lophotettiginae Hancock, 1909. To date, it included six species that are rarely observed and lack reliable distribution data. In this paper, we describe a new species, L. verhaaghi sp. nov., from Peru and provide a digital 3D model of its holotype. The new species resembles L. alticristatus but has rounded lateral lobes and fewer projections on the anterior margin of the pronotal crest. The distribution patterns of Lophotettiginae across multiple zones of endemism in the Amazonian region are discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e169092

Authors: Thomas J. Wood

Abstract: Pachymelus Smith, 1879, is a small bee genus comprising 21 species restricted to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. Despite the small size of the genus, several uncertainties persist within the subgenus Pachymelus (Pachymelopsis) Cockerell, 1905, which contains five species and is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. Based on a revision of museum material and inspection of contemporary collections, a number of changes are implemented. Pachymelus bettoni (Cockerell, 1910), described in the male sex, was incorrectly considered to be a distinct species; it is actually the male of Pachymelus (Pachymelopsis) conspicuus Smith, 1879, syn. nov., and is returned to synonymy with it. Pachymelus (Pachymelopsis) armatipes (Friese, 1911), stat. rev. is returned to species status, having been incorrectly considered conspecific with P. conspicuus. Pachymelus (Pachymelopsis) haladai sp. nov. is described from Ethiopia. A lectotype is designated for Habropoda capensis Cameron, 1905 (= Pachymelus festivus (Dours, 1869)) from material that was previously considered lost; the species is newly reported from East Africa (Kenya), and the status of Afromelecta lieftincki Eardley, 1991 is discussed. The type locality of Pachymelus (Pachymelopsis) abessinicus (Friese, 1912) is clarified, moving from Uganda to Kenya, which is shown to host five of the now six members of this subgenus. These revisions further illustrate the need for greater survey effort and taxonomic revision of bees in dry parts of Eastern Africa.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e159632

Authors: André Silva Fernandes, Joab Cardoso Guedes, Tiago Kutter Krolow

Abstract: Entomological collections face significant challenges in storing and preserving dissected structures of insects (especially the most delicate and tiny ones). For pinned specimens, few alternatives are available to keep dissected parts along with their source specimens, with pinnable microvials commonly used. However, world suppliers for these special microvials are scarce and their cost may reasonably impact the budget of less wealthy institutions. To provide a low-cost alternative, we designed a reliable entomological dissection microvial, based on materials easily found in most local office and laboratory equipment suppliers. Our microvials are based on two main items, Polypropylene (PP) microcentrifuge tubes and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) hot-melt glue. Their manufacturing process is very simple and is described and illustrated in detail. The proposed microvials tend to have good ability for archiving, since the materials used for their main parts (PP and EVA) show good chemical adhesion and PP microcentrifuge tubes can safely contain most common preserving solutions for an indefinite time. Their endurance was tested under normal use conditions in our collection for the past five years and materials showed no degradation. Moreover, all components are classified as non-toxic and are safe for manipulation, storage and disposal by any educational or research facility. Finally, they fit into the category of sustainable solutions once they are long-lasting, reusable and can be manufactured from used microvials that would be discharged.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e154529

Authors: Ole-Kristian Odin Schall, Chengquan Cao, Martin Husemann

Abstract: Two new genera and species of Ripipterygidae Ander, 1939 are described from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of Northern Myanmar. Ozymandipteryx campana gen. et sp. nov. is remarkable for its absent or very reduced metatarsus. In modern species of Tridactyloidea, a reduced metatarsus can only be found in the Tridactylidae Brullé, 1835 genera Ellipes Scudder, 1902 and Xya Latreille, 1809, but not in Ripipterygidae. Magnidactylus robustus Xu et al., 2020, type species of the genus, is found to share the character of a fully reduced metatarsus (apical spurs were previously misinterpreted as metatarsus), but M. robustus differs from O. campana in several important characters and hence remains a separate genus. However, a new genus Yakkhapipteryx is erected to include the other two former Magnidactylus species M. mirus Gu et al., 2022 (Yakkhapipteryx mirus comb. nov.) and M. gracilis Gu et al., 2022 (Yakkhapipteryx gracilis comb. nov.), which both have a metatarsus in normal condition. Another newly described taxon is Ciconipteryx bidactylus gen. et sp. nov. This species is the first fossil Ripipterygidae with only two dactyls on its protibia, a feature it shares with the modern species Mirhipipteryx pulicaria (Saussure, 1896). Ciconipteryx bidactylus stands out due to its long mid- and hindlegs in relation to its body size. This character may have enabled it to perform very efficient jumps. The new species add to the diversity of Ripipterygidae from Kachin amber, expanding our knowledge of this little studied family and raising new possibilities for interpreting their evolutionary history.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e155202

Authors: Vinicius S. Ferreira

Abstract: Ceratogeusis thamiresae Ferreira, gen. et sp. nov., the first Telegeusinae with flabellate antennae, is described from Panama. The new genus and species is diagnosed and illustrated, and an updated key for the genera of Telegeusinae is given. The Telegeusinae genus Platydrilus López-Pérez & Zaragoza-Caballero, 2021, was discovered to be a junior homonym of Platydrilus Michaelsen, 1891 (Annelida, Oligochaeta, Eudrilidae), and therefore a pre-occupied name.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e143153

Authors: André Silva Roza

Abstract: Here I describe a new genus, Geiserocerus gen. nov., based on a single species, Geiserocerus flavifrons sp. nov., from Parque Nacional Amboró, Santa Cruz, Bolívia. This new genus can be easily separated from most Mastinocerinae genera by the presence of a ventral comb in the pro- and mesotarsomere I and by the medial teeth of the mandibles. I provide a modified key to Mastinocerinae genera with 12-segmented antennae and the pro- and mesotarsomere I with ventral combs, as well as illustrations of the diagnostic features for this new genus. Finally, I discuss the genus similarities with other phengodid genera in order to hypothesize the genus relationships in the family.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e145605

Authors: Mitsuaki Sutou, Frank Menzel

Abstract: Taxonomy of the genera Mouffetina Frey and Trichosia Winnertz of black fungus gnats in Japan is studied. Seven new species, M. duopalpus sp. nov., T. stylofornix sp. nov., T. fumoranea sp. nov., T. basiconstricta sp. nov., T. paraborealis sp. nov., T. comprimera sp. nov., and T. montaclaria sp. nov. are described, and six species T. scotica, T. conglobata, T. acrotricha, T. hypertricha, T. lengersdorfi and T. edwardsi are newly recorded from Japan. This study records the species of Mouffetina from Japan for the first time, and increases the number of known Japanese Trichosia from only one species to thirteen species. Intraspecific morphological variability of the widely distributed species is discussed. The larva of T. conglobata is described in detail, and its morphology compared with larvae of other genera of black fungus gnats. Updated world checklist is attached to overview the diversity of the members of these genera.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e144389

Authors: Rob Felix, Jaap Bouwman, Baudewijn Odé, Robert Ketelaar, Duc Minh Pham, James Bailey

Abstract: This paper presents all available information on the Orthoptera of the Socotra Archipelago, an area well-known for its endemic flora and fauna. General information is provided about the climate and geology of the Socotra Archipelago. The various habitats where grasshoppers have been found are described and illustrated, followed by a concise history of Orthoptera research on Socotra. Besides an identification key to the species, additional information about the material examined, taxonomy, diagnostic notes, distribution and occurrence, including maps, habitat, biology and bioacoustics, is provided for each species. In total, 65 Orthoptera species are reported here from Socotra, Abd el Kuri, Samha and Darsa, including Oecanthus castaneus Felix & Bouwman, sp. nov. and two unknown species assigned to Ectatoderus. Of these 65 species, 30 (46%) are endemic to the Socotra Archipelago. Re-descriptive notes on Acrotylus innotatus Uvarov, 1933 and Glomeremus capitatus Uvarov, 1957 are provided, including the description of the female of the latter species and the male of Oxytruxalis ensis (Burr, 1899). Acrotylus innotatus Uvarov, 1933, Dictyophorus griseus (Reiche & Fairmaire, 1850), Eumodicogryllus chivensis (Tarbinsky, 1930), Ochrilidia geniculata (Bolívar, 1913), Sphingonotus rubescens (Walker, 1870) and S. balteatus (Serville, 1838) are recorded for the first time from the Archipelago. Bioacoustics are presented for: Ochrilidia socotrae Massa, 2009, Stenohippus socotranus (Popov, 1957), Sphingonotus ganglbaueri Krauss, 1907, S. insularis (Popov, 1957), Acheta rufopictus Uvarov, 1957, Eumodicogryllus chivensis (Tarbinsky, 1930), Ectatoderus guichardi Gorochov, 1993 as well as two other species assigned to Ectatoderus, Oecanthus castaneus Felix & Bouwman, sp. nov., Ruspolia aff. R. basiguttata (Bolívar, 1906) and Pachysmopoda abbreviata (Taschenberg, 1883). Red List Assessments for 29 endemic species have been prepared including Oxytruxalis ensis (Burr, 1899) (Critically Endangered, CR), Cataloipus brunneri (Kirby, 1910) (Endangered, EN) and Glomeremus capitatus Uvarov, 1957, Phaneroptila insularis Uvarov, 1957, Phaulotypus granti Burr, 1899, Socotracris kleukersi Felix & Desutter-Grandcolas, 2012, Socotrella monstrosa Popov, 1957 and Xenephias socotranus Kevan, 1973 (all Vulnerable, VU).

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e129094

Authors: Valentina Díaz-Grisales, Jesús Romero-Nápoles, Héctor González-Hernández, Jennifer C. Girón Duque, Néstor Bautista-Martínez, Álvaro Castañeda-Vildózola, Salvatore Anzaldo, André Luiz Lourenção

Abstract: Heilipus Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Molytinae, Molytini, Hylobiina) is a largely understudied tropical lineage of weevils with 90 described species distributed from the southern United States to northern Argentina. Several of its species cause damage to avocado (Persea americana Mill.; Lauraceae Juss.) crops in the Americas. Apart from the species of economic importance, there is a paucity of information regarding the host plants of species of Heilipus. This study presents a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the habits and host plants of this group of weevils, based on a literature review and the examination of label data associated with entomological material in museums and scientific collections. The larval stages of 24 Heilipus species are borers of either seeds or trunks of 38 plant species belonging to 13 genera: 33 species (12 genera) from the family Lauraceae and five species (one genus) from the family Annonaceae Juss. Four new host plant records and the first identification of habits and host plants for H. albovenosus (Champion), H. empiricus (Pascoe), H. fassli (Voss) and H. mirus (Pascoe) are provided. The biology and host plants of the seed and trunk borers are discussed, as well as the oligophagous feeding behaviour exhibited by these two feeding guilds. Seed-boring Heilipus species constitute one of the primary groups of pre-dispersal seed predators of the family Lauraceae in the Americas. Furthermore, the high diversity of Heilipus and its host plants in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest suggests that this area may be a possible centre of origin for these weevils.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e131012

Authors: Antonio Santos-Silva, Juan Pablo Botero, Oscar Pérez-Flores

Abstract: Elytrimitatrix (Grossifemora) pubescens Santos-Silva & Hovore, 2008 (Disteniidae) is redescribed based on three males, morphological and chromatic variation in the species is reported. The unknown female of Neocompsa flavoquadripunctata Botero & Santos-Silva, 2022 is shortly described and a new Mexican state record is provided. The absence of the paratype of Nealcidion bruchi (Melzer, 1934) in the MZSP collection (see acronym below) is reported, and the date of description of the species is commented. Alphinellus Bates, 1881 is transferred from Acanthocinini to Desmiphorini. Alphinellus minimus Bates, 1881 is recorded for the first time from the Mexican state of Campeche and from Guatemala. Three new species are described: Psyrassa peninsularis sp. nov. (Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini) from Mexico (Quintana Roo); Pseudastylopsis skillmani sp. nov. (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Acanthocinini), from Guatemala; and Eranina amaura sp. nov. (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Hemilophini), from Guatemala.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e127094

Authors: André Reimann, Björn Rulik

Abstract: The investigation of 331 specimens of the acalypterate dipteran family Lonchaeidae within the GBOL-project resulted in a list of 29 species from which one is new to science, Priscoearomyia bausenbergensis sp. nov., and four species represent new records for Germany. For all voucher specimens detailed metadata are provided including validated DNA barcodes. These barcodes build a sound reference basis for future molecular identification of lonchaeid flies and will also allow the inclusion of female specimens in biodiversity studies, when morphological characters for separating these females are not available.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e121614

Authors: Sotiris Alexiou, Kostas Bakolitsas, Claudio Di Russo, Mauro Rampini

Abstract: We describe four new species of the genus Dolichopoda from various areas of Greece, namely D. athosensis sp. nov., D. dirussoi sp. nov., D. karoutsosi sp. nov. and D. kotsabasi sp. nov. New locality records for Greece for the genera Dolichopoda and Troglophylus are given, in addition to the presence of Troglophilus brevicauda as a new country record. We discuss the relationship with the already known species of the area.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e126799

Authors: Vinícius da Costa-Silva, Werner P. Strümpher, Maxwell V. L. Barclay, Fernando Z. Vaz-de-Mello

Abstract: An illustrated catalogue of South American species of the genus Omorgus Erichson is presented. Based on this study we propose the following taxonomic changes: Omorgus (Omorgus) capillaceus Scholtz, 1990, syn. nov. and Omorgus (O.) lucidus Pittino, 2010, syn. nov. are proposed as junior subjective synonyms of Omorgus (O.) fuliginosus (Robinson, 1941) and Omorgus (O.) ciliatus (Blanchard, 1847), respectively. Lastly, we designated a male neotype for the ubiquitous New World species Trox suberosus Fabricius, 1775 to replace the missing type.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e107520

Authors: Wan F. A. Jusoh, Lesley Ballantyne

Abstract: Type specimens of flashing fireflies (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Luciolinae) in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden (RMNH) collection were documented. Specimens explicitly marked or indicated as types belonging to the lucioline fireflies were investigated with each specimen and its accompanying labels photographed, and its morphological characters analysed and compared with the original species description. The genitalia dissections of selected types enabled redescription and clarification of the taxonomic status of seven name-bearing type specimens. This study provides the first redescriptions of holotypes, designation of lectotypes for five species, and confirmation that two of these belong in the genus Luciola s. str. A lectotype and paralectotype were designated for two specimens of Luciola cerea Gorham, 1882 which is confirmed to belong to the genus Curtos Motschulsky, 1845. Atyphella testaceolineata Pic, 1939 was redescribed and figured based on the holotype (an incomplete specimen). We assigned Luciola laticollis Gorham, 1883 and Luciola nicollieri Bugnion, 1922 to Luciola sensu stricto and Luciola picea Gorham, 1882 to species inquirenda. The identity of Pteroptyx decolor Olivier, 1911 is finally confirmed as a close Indonesian relative of Pteroptyx valida Olivier,1909 and a lectotype is designated. In addition, we take the first opportunity to present pictures of the original holotype of Pygoluciola stylifer Wittmer, 1939. We also discuss the challenges taxonomists face in identifying specimens and how detailed dissections allow us to present descriptions of certain male features not previously addressed.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.73.e107780

Authors: Hans-Joachim Jacobs

Abstract: Astata namibiensis sp. nov., A. rufoatra sp. nov. and A. tropicana sp. nov. from Namibia are described. An overview and a key to Astata species inhabiting Africa, south of the Sahara, is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.73.e110233

Authors: Wolfram Mey, Wilfried Wichard

Abstract: Two new species of fossil Tarachoptera are described from Burmese amber and named as Tarachocelis emmarossae sp. nov. and Kinitocelis patrickmuelleri sp. nov. The new species are documented by photos and line drawings. An update of the hitherto described taxa of Tarachoptera is provided including information about the depository of type material. The phylogenetic position of Tarachoptera in the amphiesmenopteran clade is discussed. A hypothetical cladogram based on cladistic principles was constructed to demonstrate the phylogenetic relationship combining Tarachoptera, Trichoptera, and Lepidoptera. It might serve as guidance in the interpretation of fossil taxa and future discoveries.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.73.e102655

Authors: Holger H. Dathe

Abstract: Within the genus Hylaeus subgenus Deranchylaeus, from sub-Saharan Africa, a distinctive new subgroup of species is established. The females of this subgroup share a striking character: the orange-coloured lower face, previously known only in H. xanthostoma. The inter-specific differences are cryptic in both sexes. Seven species are newly described: Hylaeus (Deranchylaeus) aurantiacus sp. nov. ♀♂, H. (D.) burundis sp. nov. ♂, H. (D.) lyriformis sp. nov. ♂, H. (D.) sambiensis sp. nov. ♂, H. (D.) portokalius sp. nov. ♂♀, H. (D.) diastictus sp. nov. ♂ and H. (D.) jemeniticus sp. nov. ♀. This subgroup also includes H. (D.) promontorii (Meade-Waldo, 1923) and H. (D.) venustus Dathe, 2014, whose females are described for the first time. From Cameroon, the male of a second species of the subgenus Pumilaeus is described as new: H. (Pumilaeus) soukontouai sp. nov. New records of species of the genus Hylaeus F. in sub-Saharan Africa are added and a revised identification key to the subgenus Deranchylaeus is presented, to include the new species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.73.e102845

Authors: Andrew Liston

Abstract: New taxonomic, biological and faunistic data are presented for some species of sawflies occurring in southern Europe and North Africa. Pamphilius mediterraneus sp. nov. is described from Italy (Sicily). It belongs to the alternans sub-group of the alternans species group. Pristiphora omalos sp. nov. is described from Greece (Crete). It belongs to the depressa species group. New junior synonyms are Calameuta tazzekae Lacourt, 1991 of Calameuta gaullei (Konow, 1896), and Emphytus leucostomus Costa, 1890 of Allantus cingulatus (Scopoli, 1763). Periclista rufiventris Zombori, 1979 is moved from the subgenus Periclista to the subgenus Neocharactus. Ametastegia (Protemphytus) persica Khayrandish, Talebi & Blank, 2015 is recorded for the first time in Europe, from Italy (Sicily), and a key to West Palaearctic Protemphytus species provided. Allantus enslini (Forsius, 1918) is more widespread in southern Europe than previously recorded. An identification key distinguishes it from its closer West Palaearctic relatives. New hostplant records are for Halidamia affinis (Fallén, 1807) (Rubia peregrina), Janus compressus (Fabricius, 1793) (Sorbus torminalis), and Macrophya albicincta (Schrank, 1776) (Centranthus ruber). New distribution records are given for a few other species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.73.e102511

Authors: Aslak Kappel Hansen, Josh Jenkins Shaw

Abstract: High altitude ecosystems are often home to endemic species that have evolved in isolation from their low elevation counterparts. In many cases, especially in insects, such mountain endemics are often apterous (due to their reduced ability to fly and disperse). In most cases, so far, these mountain endemics are genetically differentiated from lowland sister species or populations. During an excursion in Central Spain, we encountered two such strikingly different morphotypes of the rove beetle Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae). The morphotype from high elevation was smaller and paler than those at low elevation, which were slightly larger, darker and regularly coloured. The high altitude morphotype was earlier considered a separate species (Lobrathium hispanicum Dodero, 1916) from its widespread lower-land counterpart (Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802)) before their relatively recent synonymy. Using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode region, we tested whether these distinct morphotypes are distinct species. We found that their synonymy is supported, based on multiple species delimitation methods. We suggest that this phenomenon may be more widespread amongst insects and other organismal groups. We note that the presence of high altitude morphotypes which are phylogenetically nested within, or genetically identical to, widespread lowland species (regular morphotype) is rarely reported in the literature on beetles (and other insects). These findings thus highlight the need for caution when describing mountain endemics and further highlight DNA barcoding as a helpful tool for their study.

HTML

XML

PDF