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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e141083

Authors: Davide Giuliano, Barbara Rizzioli

Abstract: Orthopterans are known as suitable ecological indicators in grassland habitats, with their community composition providing useful information about the environmental consequences of management actions, ecological processes, or climate change. However, community studies often require the collection of both species richness and abundance data, which are difficult to obtain for these insects without a proper sampling strategy in certain environmental and population density conditions. In general, box quadrats with high sides (≥ 1 m2) represent a valuable method to assess orthopteran assemblages in open habitats, although their big size might be inappropriate for challenging environments, such as high-elevation alpine grasslands. For this reason, in this paper the effectiveness of a smaller (0.16 m2) and handy (circular-shaped) version of the box quadrat sampling device (hereafter called “mini-round box”) is tested in the field. Then, through a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis, the positive and negative features of this sampling method are highlighted, focusing in particular on the alpine and subalpine grassland context. Overall, the mini-round box strategy showed a good potential as a handy, easy, cheap, and standardized sampling method, but serious shortcomings in species detection have been observed (i.e. 47% of species undetected in average). A number of valuable strengths and interesting opportunities are counteracted by serious weaknesses and significant threats, which need to be carefully evaluated when planning a sampling design involving orthopterans as indicators. Some solutions to improve the mini-round box accuracy are suggested, perhaps encouraging the performance of biodiversity monitoring and ecological studies on orthopterans in even challenging grassland ecosystems.

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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).

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e136784

Authors: Elias Freyhof, Emil Janke

Abstract: Heated greenhouses are a hotspot for introduced species from warmer climates. We studied 24 greenhouses for their invertebrate fauna with a special focus on ants. Identifications were initialised by iNaturalist and its community, followed by literature, COI barcoding and consulting experts in some cases. We report 32 introduced species including eight new records at the regional, national or continental scale, four of which are ants. Technomyrmex difficilis and Solenopsis texana are recorded for the first time in Germany. Plagiolepis alluaudi and Technomyrmex vitiensis are new for Berlin and Brandenburg. Alepia cf. viatrix (Diptera, Psychodidae) is first recorded for continental Eurasia. Cryptotermes cavifrons (Blattodea, Kalotermitidae) and Geonemertes pelaensis (Hoplonemertea, Prosorhochmidae) are recorded the first time for Europe. An unidentified species of the genus Anisorhynchodemus (Tricladida, Geoplanidae) is recorded the first time for Germany. Here, we present records for 37 species (five of the ant species are native), all associated with pictures in iNaturalist. For 33 individuals of 20 species, we also provide COI sequence data supporting their identification. Furthermore, the comparison of greenhouse metadata with species composition showed that the introduced ant species are dependent on a high minimum temperature in the greenhouse.

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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.

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