DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.76.e172970

Authors: Juan Pablo Botero, Antonio Santos-Silva, Larry G. Bezark

Abstract: Eleutho Thomson, 1864, is synonymized with Eburia Lacordaire, 1830. A lectotype is designated for Cerambyx quadrimaculatus Linnaeus, 1767, and its true identity is discussed and established. The type species of Dissacanthus (currently considered a synonym of Eburia) and the synonymy between Cerambyx quadrimaculatus Fabricius, 1775, and Cerambyx quadrimaculatus Linnaeus, 1767, are discussed. Coeleburia Thomson, 1861, and Drymo Thomson, 1864, are revalidated. Almost all species currently allocated to Eburia are transferred to Coeleburia. Solangella Martins, 1997, is synonymized with Coeleburia, and Pantomallus meridanus Bates, 1872, returns to the original combination; the impossibility of locating the holotype of P. meridanus is discussed. The following specific synonymies are proposed: Eburia binodosa Gahan, 1895, is considered a junior synonym of E. thoracica (White, 1853); Eburia bauri Linell, 1899, is synonymized with Pantomallus proletarius (Erichson, 1847); Eburia porulosa var. porifera Bates, 1892, is synonymized with Eburia porulosa Bates, 1892; Eburia sexnotata Boheman, 1859, is transferred to Beraba Martins, 1997, and Beraba moema Martins, 1997, is considered its junior synonym. Cerambyx ramphygeus Linnaeus, 1767, is revalidated, and the origin of the description is revealed for the first time. The problematic allocation of Eburia pedestris White, 1853, is discussed, and notes on Eburia tetrastalacta White, 1853, are provided. Coeleburia rufobrunnea Perroud, 1855, is redescribed based on a male; the status of its type material is corrected, and one of the syntypes is illustrated for the first time. The correct illustration of Coeleburia pilosa (Erichson, 1834) in the original description is reinforced. The identity of Eburia sexnotata sensu Martins (1997) is corrected.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e164168

Authors: Marcel Hugo Decker, Peter H. W. Biedermann

Abstract: Der Eichenkernkäfer, Platypus cylindrus (Fabricius, 1792), ist eng an die Gattung Eiche (Quercus spp.) gebunden, deren Arten ökologisch, kulturell und wirtschaftlich von großer Bedeutung sind. Er ist ein tief in das Xylem eindringender Ambrosiakäfer, der sich primär von seinen mutualistischen Nahrungspilzen ernährt. Nach Jahrzehnten, in denen der Eichenkernkäfer in Deutschland kaum beachtet wurde, wird sein Vorkommen seit einigen Jahren wieder vermehrt beobachtet, vor allem an frisch gefällten oder lagernden Eichenstämmen während seiner Flugzeit von Mitte Juni bis September. Dies kann zu einer erheblichen technischen Entwertung des betroffenen Eichenholzes führen. Durch den Klimawandel, insbesondere infolge der zunehmenden Schwächung von Eichenbeständen durch Hitze- und Trockenstress sowie andere Schadinsekten gewinnt er wieder an forstwirtschaftlicher Bedeutung. Deshalb fasst dieses Review den aktuellen Kenntnisstand zur Taxonomie, Biologie, Lebensweise, Symbiose und forstlichen Bedeutung von P. cylindrus zusammen, beleuchtet historische Gradationen und analysiert, wie Klimawandel und weitere Schadinsekten dessen Rolle als potenzieller Schadorganismus verstärken. Basierend auf einer umfassenden Literaturrecherche und der Analyse historischer Quellen wurde der Kenntnisstand systematisch aufbereitet. Ergänzend wurden eigene hochauflösende Bildaufnahmen zur detaillierten morphologischen Darstellung von P. cylindrus erstellt sowie die Geschichte und Lebensweise der Ambrosiakäfer aufgearbeitet. Neben der Biologie und Symbiose wurden historische Gradationen dokumentiert, die bereits im 20. Jahrhundert zu massiven technischen Entwertungen von Eichenstämmen führten. Solche Schäden stellen bis heute eine große Herausforderung für Forstwirtschaft und Sägewerksindustrie dar, da befallenes Holz seine Nutzbarkeit verliert. Der Klimawandel verändert Flugzeiten und schwächt Wirtsbäume, wodurch P. cylindrus verstärkt Chancen zur Besiedlung vorgeschädigter oder absterbender Eichen erhält. Platypus cylindrus kann mehrere Laubbaumarten besiedeln, auch wenn er eine klare Präferenz für die Gattung Quercus hat. P. cylindrus stellt aufgrund seiner engen Pilzsymbiosen und seines sich möglicherweise erweiternden Wirtsspektrums ein wertvolles Modellsystem für Insekt-Pilz-Wechselwirkungen dar, gleichzeitig aber auch ein potenzielles Risiko für die Forstwirtschaft. Eine integrierte Betrachtung seiner Biologie, seiner Rolle als Indikator für klimabedingte Stressphasen in Wäldern sowie seiner wirtschaftlichen Bedeutung ist erforderlich, um fundierte Strategien zum Schutz und Erhalt von Eichenwäldern zu entwickeln.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e160042

Authors: Matheus Bento, Leandro Zeballos, José Albertino Rafael

Abstract: The generic placement of four South American species currently assigned to the lined flat bark beetle genus Laemophloeus Dejean (sensu lato) (Cucujoidea, Laemophloeidae) is re-assessed based on the examination of type material. As a result, the following species are hereby transferred to the genus Charaphloeus Casey: Charaphloeus aeneus (Grouvelle, 1876), comb. nov.; C. deletus (Grouvelle, 1896), comb. nov.; C. gounellei (Grouvelle, 1896), comb. nov.; and C. pilatei (Grouvelle, 1876), comb. nov. Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes are provided and lectotypes are designated for all four species. Distributional data are also synthesised. Based on the type and additional material, C. pilatei is re-described and illustrated in detail including diagnostic characters of the mouthparts and genitalic structures and its known distribution is expanded.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.75.e158430

Authors: Christoforos Pavlou, Giannis Bolanakis, Ljubitsa Kardaki, Apostolos Trichas

Abstract: Carabidae (Coleoptera, Adephaga) are one of the most diverse and widely studied beetle families. Crete along with its satellite islets is a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot that hosts a unique faunistic assemblage. In this work, we present the first part of our findings regarding the ground beetles of Crete after almost 40 years of continuous research. We report 24 species new to the Cretan biodiversity, while also comment on the distributions of rare or problematic species. Spatial and ecological data are provided for all the 29 species discussed. Most of the species recorded for the first time in Crete are linked to wetlands and, more specifically, coastal saline habitats. Therefore, issues concerning their conservation have risen, due to the pressure of the economic development of the Cretan coastline. The genera Anaulacus W.S. Macleay, 1825 and Paranchus Lindroth, 1974, as well as the species Anaulacus ruficornis (Chaudoir, 1850) and Paranchus albipes (Fabricius, 1796), are noted in this study as new taxa for the Greek fauna. Genus Anaulacus is also new for the fauna of the Balkan Peninsula. Sirdenus grayii (Wollaston, 1862) is cited with its first specified record from Greece.

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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.e148695

Authors: Vinícius da Costa-Silva

Abstract: A new case of hemidystrophy in Trogidae is here described and illustrated. The teratological specimen was identified as a male of Omorgus (Omorgus) alternans (MacLeay, 1827), being the first record of a teratological specimen of a trogid from Australia. While teratological cases provide limited taxonomic insights, they offer significant understanding of the environmental influences on insect development. The study emphasizes the importance of documenting such anomalies, contributing to the broader knowledge of developmental biology in insects, particularly within the under-researched Australian Trogidae

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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.

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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.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e136994

Authors: Nikolai Yunakov, Boris Korotyaev, Gabriel Alziar

Abstract: This work addresses a collection of miscellaneous notes intended to resolve several issues in synonymy and taxonomy of the Entiminae tribes Byrsopagini, Cyphicerini, Mesostyloidini, Phyllobiini and Polydrusini. New synonyms are herein proposed: Peronaspis Suvorov, 1915 = Viridistylus Colonnelli & Paladini, 2019, syn. nov.; Peronaspis claviger (Faust, 1894) = Viridistylus robustus Colonnelli & Paladini, 2019, syn. nov.; Titinia tenuis (Germar, 1848) = Myllocerus bacchus Voss, 1949, syn. nov.; Brachymerinthus Faust, 1886 = Parakasakhstania Magnano, 2009, syn. nov.; Brachyxystus subsignatus subsignatus Faust, 1897 = Polydrusus setifrons kashmirensis Voss, 1959, syn. nov.; Polydrusus rufulus Hochhuth, 1847 = Polydrusus reitteri Kirsch, 1878, reestablished synonymy, = Polydrusus freyi Zumpt, 1933, syn. nov.; Polydrusus viridimaculatus Pic, 1919, stat. nov. = Polydrusus scapularis Pesarini, 1975, syn. nov. New taxonomic status is proposed for Polydrusus viridimaculatus Pic, 1919, stat. nov., which is promoted to species from the subspecies of Polydrusus picus (Fabricius, 1792). New combinations. Brachymerinthus densesquamosus (Magnano, 2009), comb. nov. from Parakasakhstania; Phyllobius (Phyllobius) constellatus (Voss, 1959), comb. nov. and Brachyxystus subsignatus praevius (Voss, 1959), comb. nov. from Polydrusus Germar, 1817. New tribal placements: Sepiomus Aurivillius, 1891 and Cylindromus Aurivillius, 1891 are transferred from Byrsopagini back to Cyphicerini (subtribe Cyphicerina); Brachymerinthus Faust, 1886, is transferred from Phyllobiini to Mesostyloidini, and Brachyxystus Faust, 1897, from Phyllobiini to Polydrusini. The lectotype of Polydrusus picus var. viridimaculatus Pic, 1919 is designated. The type locality of Myllocerus bacchus is Bacchus Marsh, a town near Melbourne in Victoria State, Australia, not Lake Victoria in Africa. Polydrusus rufulus Hochhuth, 1847 is recorded in Iran for the first time.

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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.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.

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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.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e125308

Authors: Jan Batelka, Michael Weingardt, Bernhard L. Bock, Rolf G. Beutel

Abstract: Five specimens of primary larvae of Ripiphoridae (Insecta: Coleoptera) are reported from one piece of Cretaceous Kachin amber. They represent two morphotypes: one conicocephalate and one belonging to the tribe Ripidiini (represented by four specimens). The conicocephalate morphotype is compared with similar larvae known from Kachin, Taimyr and Manitoba Cretaceous amber, and the larvae of Ripidiini are compared with their Cretaceous, Eocene and extant relatives. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to establish a working hypothesis about possible relationships of both lineages. The results, which conform with a recent molecular phylogeny, indicate that the larvae described here belong to Ripidiini or are closely related, respectively. To allow taxonomic and systematic work with conicocephalate larvae from Kachin amber, a collective group name †“Ripilarva” nov. is proposed here to accommodate these immature stages. Both species of †“Ripilarva” nov. from Kachin amber are described: †“R.” parabolica sp. nov. and †“R.” kachinensis sp. nov. Syninclusion of †“Ripilarva” kachinensis sp. nov. and four larvae of a species of Ripidiini indicate that females of both ripiphorids chose the same time and microhabitat for oviposition in the Kachin Cretaceous forest. The results are further verified by the use of UV-photography, as the different larval morphotypes occurred in the same resin flow. The presence of larvae of Ripidiini in clusters contrary to the solitary occurrence of †“Ripilarva” nov. in Cretaceous amber of Russia, Canada, USA, and Myanmar is interpreted as a possible result of different oviposition strategies, with different numbers of eggs deposited at one spot. Graphical abstract

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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.

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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.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e114543

Authors: Ulrich Irmler

Abstract: Amongst the material of the Kansas Natural History Museum, ten new species of the genus Lithocharodes Sharp, 1876 and eight new species of the genus Somoleptus Sharp, 1885 were found for the Neotropical Region. These are: Lithocharodes andersoni sp. nov., L. dubia sp. nov., L. esmeraldae sp. nov., L. falini sp. nov., L. hansoni sp. nov., L. hibbsi sp. nov., L. lituratus sp. nov., L. montanus sp. nov., L. parallelus sp. nov. and L. zamorae sp. nov. and from the genus Somoleptus, the species S. alajuelae sp. nov., S. curtioculatus sp. nov., S. densiceps sp. nov., S. guianensis sp. nov., S. luteicornis sp. nov., S. paramocola sp. nov., S. puntarenae sp. nov. and S. umicola sp. nov. New records were found for Lithocharodes bicolor (Sharp, 1885), L. curtipennis Irmler, 2021, L. puncticeps Sharp, 1885, L. somoleptoides Irmler, 2021, Somoleptus ashei Irmler, 2022, S. humicola Irmler, 2022, S. longicollis (LeConte, 1863), S. obscurus Sharp, 1885 and S. ovatus Irmler, 2022.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.74.e112399

Authors: Carles Hernando, Heriberto López

Abstract: The genus Entomoculia Croissandeau, 1891, is the only representative of the subfamily Leptotyphlinae present in the Canary Islands and is composed by only two species: E. (Stenotyphlus) canariensis Outerelo, 1982, from La Gomera and E. (Stenotyphlus) lauricola Outerelo & Hernández, 1989, from Tenerife, both found in deep soil (= endogean) habitats. In this paper, we describe Entomoculia (Stenotyphlus) vulcanica sp. nov., the third Canarian species of the genus, which is reported for the first time from Gran Canaria and has been found in the mesovoid shallow substratum “MSS”. This new species has some of the characteristics that are specific to Canarian species of the genus Entomoculia, such as the lack of a denticle or spiniform process on the male metatrochanters. However, it is a remarkable species as it is the only known species of the genus with a tridentate labrum, as the labrum is monodentate in the species so far known from Canary Islands and bidentate in non-Canary species. We provide a key to Canarian species and illustrations of the habitus and the primary and secondary sexual characters of the male. We also describe the sampling techniques used and provide detailed information on habitat characteristics and associated arthropod fauna.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.73.e101117

Authors: Yaheita Yokoi

Abstract: Species of Ceresium and Examnes, Callidiopini, from the Philippines were reviewed. Six new species, Ceresium elongatipenne sp. nov., Ceresium holzschuhi sp. nov., Ceresium jimcopei sp. nov., Ceresium nigricolle sp. nov., Ceresium quinquemaculatum sp. nov., Ceresium crassum sp. nov. and one new subspecies, Ceresium huedepohli mindanao subsp. nov., are described. Of Examnes, one new subspecies, Examnes lumawigi subrugosus subsp. nov., is described. Male genitalia of eight Ceresium species and three Examnes species, in particular their endophalli and 8th sternites, are described and illustrated in detail. Female genitalia of three Ceresium species are described. The genitalia and the consequences for taxonomy are discussed.

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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.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87231

Authors: Oliver Nolte

Abstract:

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e97274

Authors: Markus Blaschke, Angela Siemonsmeier

Abstract: With ongoing climate change, alterations in forest species communities are expected. Simultaneous investigations in different temperature ranges, as they are found in mountain ranges with their different altitudinal belts, offer the possibility to take a look at this future. In 2019, the species diversity of beetles was investigated in an altitudinal gradient in the Bavarian Forest and in the neighbouring Neuburger Forest using 144 flight interception traps distributed in eight strict forest reserves and in reference areas in surrounding managed forests. In total, 16,090 individuals were identified to the species level, resulting in 716 beetle species. Rare and exceptional findings are presented and discussed. The altitudinal difference of over 1,000 m led to a distinct variation of the species composition in the different altitudinal zones. For several species of the montane region the ongoing climate change will possibly influence their survival in this region. The differences between the species communities in strict forest reserves and managed stands, with the silvicultural methods practised in this region, were quite small.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e97273

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: Five species of Geostiba Thomson, 1858 from the Kakheti region, Northeast Georgia, are described and illustrated: Geostiba (Tropogastrosipalia) angularis spec. nov. (region to the north of Lechuri); G. (Sibiota) tbatanana spec. nov. (Tbatana Range) and G. (S.) gomborica spec. nov. (Gombori Range) of the G. bituberculata group; G. (Sibiota) bulbosa spec. nov. (Gombori Range) and G. (S.) effeminata spec. nov. (region to the south of Abano pass) of the G. carinicollis group. The distribution of Geostiba (Sipalotricha) cingulata (Eppelsheim, 1878) is revised and illustrated; a previous record from Azerbaijan is regarded as probably incorrect (result of mislabeled material). The distributions of the species of the subgenus Sibiota Casey, 1906 recorded from Georgia east of South Ossetia are mapped. Additional records of nine species are reported. The Geostiba fauna of the Caucasus region sensu lato is now represented by a total of 55 named species, 34 of which belong to the subgenus Sibiota. Twenty-six species have been recorded from Georgia.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e97272

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: Tectusa abanona spec. nov. (Georgia: Kakheti: Abano pass), the first confirmed record of the oxypodine genus Tectusa Bernhauer, 1899 from the Greater Caucasus, is described and illustrated. The distributions of the two Caucasian representatives of the genus are mapped.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e97264

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: Recent field trips to Crete, Samos, and Rhodos, as well as a revision of other material from various collections yielded numerous additional records, species, and taxonomic changes for the Staphylinidae faunas of Crete and the Aegean Islands. Fifteen species are described and illustrated for the first time, two of the Pselaphinae, two of the Oxytelinae, two of the Aleocharinae, one of the Leptotyphlinae, and eight of the Scydmaeninae: Paramaurops creticus Brachat spec. nov. (Crete: Psiloritis range); Afropselaphus chanianus Brachat spec. nov. (Crete); Euphanias ambulans Assing spec. nov. (Samos); Bledius (Hesperophilus) bedelianus Schülke spec. nov. (Samos, Rhodos, Karpathos, South Turkey, Lebanon, Israel); Hydrosmecta cultellata Assing spec. nov. (Samos); Atheta (Philhygra) tecta Assing spec. nov. (Samothraki, Samos, Kos, Turkey); Cretotyphlus kerkisicus Assing spec. nov. (Samos); Cephennium amplexans Assing spec. nov. (Samos); C. monstrans Assing spec. nov. (Samos); C. icariae Assing spec. nov. (Ikaría); C. rhodicum Assing spec. nov. (Rhodos); Stenichnus (Stenichnus) samius Meybohm spec. nov. (Samos); S. (S.) amphimykalicus Meybohm spec. nov. (Samos, Southwest Turkey); Scydmoraphes amphimykalicus Meybohm spec. nov. (Samos, South-west Turkey); Euconnus (Tetramelus) rhodicus Meybohm spec. nov. (Rhodos). Three new synonymies are proposed: Throbalium cycladicum (Koch, 1937) = T. biblicum (Koch, 1937), syn. nov., = T. adanense Koch, 1939, syn. nov., = Throbalium kosianum Bordoni, 2020, syn. nov. Two new combinations are proposed: Tychus kerkisicus (Brachat, 2017), comb. nov. (ex Paratychus Besuchet, 1960) and Liogluta aloconotoides (Benick, 1940), comb. nov. (ex Aloconota Thomson, 1858). Several previous misidentifications are rectified. Numerous species are reported from Crete and the Aegean Islands for the first time, some even from Greece and from Europe. New checklists of the Staphylinidae of Samos and Rhodos are provided. Including the additions and changes, the faunas of Crete, Samos, and Rhodos are now represented by 403 identified named species (114 of them endemic), 199 named species (15 endemic), and 160 named species (10 endemic), respectively.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e97253

Authors: Christoph Germann, Carlo Braunert, André Schütte

Abstract: We provide first records for 108 weevils species sensu lato (Curculionoidea) to the fauna of Montenegro. During a field trip 203 weevil species were recorded and are listed here. The records of Archarius anatoliensis Voss, 1962 are the first ones from the Balkans and document a further spreading of this species towards Northwest. Echinodera bryneri spec. nov. is described and compared with the sympatrically occurring, morphologically similar species E. romanboroveci Stüben, 1998. The lectotypes of Sciaphobus paliuri Apfelbeck, 1908, and S. polydrosinus Apfelbeck, 1922 conserved in the Georg Frey collection are designated, and illustrated comments on their differentiation are provided. For Leiosoma komovicum Pedroni, 2018 habitat, images of both sexes, a description of the female genitalia, and the presumable host plants are presented.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87211

Authors: Ulrich Irmler

Abstract: At present, 45 Somoleptus species are known from the Neotropical region. Among these, 28 species are newly described here, whereas 18 were described in the past. The new species are: S. admirabilis spec. nov., S. andersoni spec. nov., S. ashei spec. nov., S. beniensis spec. nov., S. brevipennis spec. nov., S. breviusculus spec. nov., S. brooksi spec. nov., S. brunneus spec. nov., S. curtipennis spec. nov., S. curtulus spec. nov., S. elongatulus spec. nov., S. gigas spec. nov., S. grandiconus spec. nov., S. humicola spec. nov., S. longiceps spec. nov., S. loretensis spec. nov., S. maximus spec. nov., S. melanarius spec. nov., S. mexicanus spec. nov., S. montanus spec. nov., S. oculatus spec. nov., S. ovatus spec. nov., S. pecki spec. nov., S. peruanus spec. nov., S. recurvatus spec. nov., S. struyvei spec. nov., S. triangulus spec. nov., S. tschirnhausi spec. nov. Four species are transferred from the genus Lithocharodes. These are S. cavicola (Blackwelder, 1943) comb. nov., S. strigulata (Blackwelder 1943) comb. nov., S. longicollis (LeConte, 1863) comb. nov., and S. subtilis (Erichson, 1839) comb. nov. Somoleptus dichiformis Bernhauer, 1910 could not be assigned to either Lithocharodes or Somoleptus. Thus, this species must be treated as species incertae sedis. Two species groups could be differentiated due to the structure of the parameres and the aedeagal cones; one mainly occurs in South America, the second in Central America. 

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87233

Authors: Volker Brachat, Volker Assing

Abstract: Three microphthalmous and presumably locally endemic species of Tychobythinus Ganglbauer, 1896, a pselaphine genus previously unknown from Georgia, are described and illustrated: T. meskheticus spec. nov. (Southwest Georgia: Meskheti Range), T. eximius spec. nov. (Northwest Georgia: Egrisi Range), and T. egrisicus spec. nov. (Northwest Georgia: Egrisi Range). Tychobythinus eximius is particularly remarkable in that it is subject to a unique sexual dimorphism of the antennae and the pronotum. Including the new species, Tychobythinus is now represented in the Palaearctic region by 95 named species and two subspecies. 

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87234

Authors: Volker Brachat, Volker Assing

Abstract: Two species of Bergrothia Reitter, 1884, a small Caucasian genus of Amauropini, are described and illustrated: B. svanetica spec. nov. (Georgia: Svaneti region) and B. simplex spec. nov. (Northeast Turkey: Ordu, Giresun). Including the new species, the genus now includes a total of nine species distributed in Georgia (six species), Northeast Turkey (three species), and Azerbaijan (one species). Based on abundant material collected during seven field trips conducted to Georgia between 2016 and 2021, the partly allo- and partly sympatric distributions of the Bergrothia species in Georgia are clarified and mapped. All of them are confined to the west of the country.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87237

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: A new species of the Holarctic omaliine genus Acrolocha Thomson, 1858 from Gilan province, Northwest Iran, is described, illustrated, and distinguished from other West Palaearctic congeners. The genus now includes a total of 16 species, seven of which are distributed in the West Palaearctic region.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87239

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: Seven species of Orsunius Assing, 2011 are described and illustrated, six of them from Borneo and one from Vietnam: Orsunius weigeli spec. nov. (North Vietnam), O. floreni spec. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah), O. flavoniger spec. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah), O. incitatus spec. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah), O. curvicollis spec. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah), O. tricolor spec. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah), and O. arboris spec. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah). The genus now includes 31 named extant species distributed in the southern East Palaearctic, the Oriental, and the northern Australian regions. 

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87240

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: Two field trips to Northwest Georgia conducted in 2021 yielded 29 specimens of the Caucasian genus Pseudotyphlopasilia Pace, 1983, most of them collected by soil-washing. The material belongs to five species, two of them described and three of them unnamed. Two of the unnamed species are described and illustrated: P. confusa spec. nov. (Racha: environs of Lailashi) and P. egrisica spec. nov. (Zemo Svaneti: Egrisi Range). One species remains unnamed for want of males. Additional records are provided for two previously described species, including Pseudotyphlopasilia coeca (Eppelsheim, 1878) (type species of the genus) of which only few and mostly old specimens were previously available. New illustrations are provided for P. coeca and P. acris Assing, 2021. The genus currently contains a total of twelve named species, all of them anophthalmous and micropterous, with eleven of them distributed in Georgia and one in the Russian West Caucasus. The distributions of five species are mapped.

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DOI: 10.3897/contrib.entomol.72.e87241

Authors: Volker Assing

Abstract: Two micropterous species of Paederus Fabricius, 1775 from East Nepal are described and illustrated: Paederus (incertae sedis) digitalis spec. nov. and P. (incertae sedis) acifer spec. nov. They are distinguished from other micropterous and geographically close congeners. Including the new species, the Paederus fauna of Nepal currently includes 37 species, 24 of them exclusive. Additional records of two widespread species are reported from the Chinese province Yunnan and from Vietnam. 

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