The puparium of Hedriodiscus chloraspis (Wiedemann, 1830) is described and illustrated, based on 11 immatures collected in the São Sebastião Administrative Region, Federal District, Brazil. Images of the puparium and of the reared adult are provided. This is the first formal record of the species in the biome Cerrado.
The primarily Palaearctic genus Melanthrips is reviewed for Iran, and an illustrated identification key to the eight species currently known from the country is provided. Variation in several structural characters relevant to species recognition is discussed, including some characters comparatively examined within the genus. Melanthrips titschacki Pelikán is recorded from Iran for the first time, and the males of both M. titschacki and M. knechteli Priesner are described for the first time. The male of M. titschacki is distinguished from that of the closely related M. tristis Priesner by the moderately enlarged, curved and sclerotised abdominal tergite VII.
The taxonomy of the barnacle genus Amphibalanus has long been obscured by morphological plasticity and overlapping diagnostic traits, particularly within the amphitrite complex. Using landmark-based geometric morphometrics of the opercular plates (tergum and scutum), we examined 12 species to assess their taxonomic distinctiveness. Principal component analyses highlighted consistent shape variation in the articular and adductor ridge regions, and canonical variate analyses showed that the tergum provides reliable separation when sample sizes are adequate. In particular, A. amphitrite, A. eburneus, A. improvisus and A. reticulatus (the four species with the largest sample sizes) formed distinct morphometric clusters with high cross-validated accuracy (>80%). The main shape differences among these species occurred on the tergum, especially in the spur and basal margin. In comparison, species with low replication showed greater overlap due to limited statistical power; therefore, their results were considered exploratory. Our findings indicate that geometric morphometrics strengthens the diagnostic value of opercular plates in Amphibalanus, offering a complementary tool for species delimitation.
Silpha carinata (Herbst, 1783), and Silpha perforata (Gebler, 1832) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) belong to the tribe Silphini, which holds forensic significance due to its species’ rapid colonization of cadavers and relatively long developmental duration. In this study, we reported the complete mitochondrial genomes of S. carinata and S. perforata, representing the first fully sequenced mitochondrial genomes for the genus Silpha. These genomes were acquired via next-generation sequencing and then thoroughly characterized. We examined their sequence structure, base composition, codon usage bias, and the secondary structures of tRNA genes. Phylogenetic trees were generated using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. The results revealed that the mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) of the two species are 16,322 bp (S. carinata) and 15,469 bp (S. perforata) in length, respectively, containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Their gene arrangement is highly conserved compared to other Coleoptera species. The mtDNA exhibit a significant AT bias, with A+T contents of 74.6% (S. carinata) and 74.4% (S. perforata). Among the 22 tRNA gene secondary structures, the tRNA-Phe and tRNA-His genes of both S. carinata and S. perforata lack the TψC arm. In contrast, all other tRNA genes can fold into the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure. Phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the genus Silpha, with S. carinata and S. perforata showing close evolutionary relationships. This research enhances our understanding of mitochondrial genomics and the evolutionary relationships within Silphinae.
The present report provides the results obtained after the study of a small collection of benthic hydroids belonging to the superfamily Plumularioidea McCrady, 1859, collected during three oceanographic surveys carried out in deep waters off Galicia (NW Spain) in 2003, 2004 and 2009. Samples were obtained from 26 stations located between 143 and 2798 m depth using a naturalist dredge, an Agassiz trawl, an epi-benthic sledge and a rock dredge. A total of 20 species, belonging to 12 genera in five families, were identified. Families Aglaopheniidae Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1890 and Plumulariidae McCrady, 1859, with seven species each, showed the highest specific richness. The former also showed the highest abundance, largely due to the dominance of the species Cladocarpus sigma var. folini Billard, 1906. A new species of Streptocaulus Allman, 1883, S. ramili Rey, Costas-Pérez & Gil sp. nov., is described, and is distinctive through the morphology of its phylactocarps. Additionally, Aglaophenia lophocarpa Allman, 1877, Nemertesia irregularis (Quelch, 1885), N. perrieri (Billard, 1901) and N. ventriculiformis (Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1890) are reported for the first time from Galicia (NW Spain), while Plumularia filicula Allman, 1877 represents the first record of the species from Spain. The analysis of geographical distribution patterns revealed a clear dominance of the amphi-Atlantic species.
A new species of the black-dotted moths, Ethmia lineatella sp. nov. from the lybiella species group is described, which characterized by a forewing pattern consisting solely of longitudinal stripes, that is unique among Palaearctic species of the family. It is currently the only species in the regional fauna belonged to the autumn seasonal aspect.
We describe a new species of wolf snake, genus Dinodon, from Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam, based on morphological characters and molecular evidence from mitochondrial COI, Cytb, and 16S. Dinodon nuiongensis sp. nov. is diagnosed by the following combination of morphological features: a medium-sized species, reaching up to 630 mm in total length; 8 or 9 supralabials, with the third to fifth contacting the eye; 10 infralabials; a single loreal contacting the eye; 11 maxillary teeth; dorsal scale rows 17-17-15, with 7–11 keeled rows at neck and 9–11 at midbody; 210 or 211 ventrals; cloacal plate single; 74–82 paired subcaudals; hemipenis unforked, extending to the 8th or 9th subcaudal, with distal spinulate calyces, enlarged curved spines at middle part, and single sulcus spermaticus; and 19–23 and 11–14 cross-bands on the body and tail, respectively. The new species differs from its congeners by uncorrected p-distances of at least 8.9% for COI, 8.7% for Cytb, and 1.0% for 16S.
Two new species belonging to the cosmopolitan subfamily Frieseinae are described from northeastern Iran. Friesea paraafurcata sp. nov. is characterized by a relatively small body size (up to 0.8 mm in length), absence of pigmentation in the eyes and body, a reduced number of ocelli (5–7 + 5–7), and complete reduction of the furca and retinaculum. The enigmatic genus Gisinea is recorded from Iran for the first time, and G. persica sp. nov. represents the fourth species of the genus described to date. Gisinea persica sp. nov. can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: absence of pigmentation in the eyes and body, reduced number of ocelli (6 + 6), labium with 5 + 5 chaetae, and furca with 4 + 4 chaetae.
Saetheria Jackson (Chironomidae: Chironominae), belonging to the monophyletic ‘Harnischia complex’ of the tribe Chironomini, is recorded formally for the first time in Australia. Saetheria angusta (Freeman 1961) comb. nov., and a new species Saetheria australotylus Cranston sp. nov. are described and illustrated in larval, pupal and adult male and female life stages. A coded taxon referred to previously as Paracladopelma ‘K1’ with associated larvae, pupa and a pharate female, conforms to our understanding of Saetheria, and despite lacking the male, is described as Saetheria kakadu Cranston sp. nov. An unreared, Australian larva clearly belonging to Saetheria is described and illustrated but is not named formally. All specimens of Rheocricotopus Brundin 1956 (Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) found in Australia, as larvae, pupae and associated rearings, have identical morphology to Rheocricotopus lobalis (Johannsen, 1932). Adult male types, described from Indonesia, in the Botanic Gardens in Buitenzorg [= Bogor Botanical Gardens, Java], in Spaniotoma (Trichocladius), are held in the Natural History Museum, London. Although stated to have been reared, no associated immature material has been found. The type material of this species and two congeners described in the same publication, allow recognition of Rheocricotopus lobalis as conspecific with a common Australian taxon, which we redescribe here as an adult and for the first time describe the pupal and larval stages from the substantial continent-wide range. Barcode molecular data show R. lobalis differs from putative widespread relatives including Rheocricotopus chalybeatus (Edwards). However, genetic data from across such wide geographic ranges are too sparse to allow simplistic species discrimination.
We describe a new species of lizard of the genus Xenosaurus from the Sierra Madre del Sur province of Guerrero, in southern Mexico. The new species can be differentiated from its congeners by a series of morphological characters, including scutellation and color pattern. We additionally provide natural history data on its thermal ecology and reproduction. This is the second known population of the genus recorded in Guerrero after four decades since the collection and description of X. penai, its presumed closer congener, and adds another endemic species to the diverse array of reptiles known from these highlands.
The molecular genetic structure of selected species of black flies of the Palearctic Simulium (Wilhelmia) equinum group has been studied. Using results of DNA sequences analysis (COI and ITS2 gene regions), a new approach has been proposed for identifying representatives of different species and phylogenetic branches (by COI) within this group. The approach represents a kind of ‘molecular key’ based on allele-specific PCR. A new phylogenetic COI branch within S. pseudequinum has been identified in a collection from southern Kazakhstan. Variations in the protein-coding nuclear genes BZF and 5intG, as well as a number of other findings indicate the species unity of S. equinum, despite the substantial divergence of its constituent phylogenetic branches based on COI. We have found evidence of the existence of at least two cryptic species within S. paraequinum. For S. pseudequinum, there is not enough evidence to support the species status of its five mtDNA lineages. The potential effectiveness of allele-specific PCR of nuclear protein-coding genes for verifying the status of this kind of branches within the Simulium equinum group is discussed.
This paper presents a taxonomic review of the genus Dialithoptera Hampson, 1900 in China. Three species are recognized, including one new species (D. obscuriora sp. nov.) and one new record (D. margaritea László, Ronkay & Witt, 2007). The genus is redescribed based on external morphology and genitalia structures. Photographs of adults and genitalia, as well as a key to all known species, are provided.
This study evaluates water mites of the genus Kongsbergia collected from 10 provinces across Eastern Anatolia and the Eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye. Four species are described as new to science: Kongsbergia (s. str.) anatolica sp. nov., K. (s. str.) oezkani sp. nov., K. (Anatolkongsbergia) fatmae sp. nov., and K. (Anatolkongsbergia) kopensis sp. nov. A new subgenus, Anatolkongsbergia subgen. nov., is established to accommodate the latter two species. This subgenus is distinguished from the nominotypical subgenus by the position of the excretory pore on the ventral shield in males. Additionally, Kongsbergia (s. str.) pectinigera Motaş & Tanasachi, 1946 is reported as a new record for the Turkish fauna, and the female of K. (s. str.) persica Pešić, 2005 is described for the first time. Finally, 17 new COI barcodes were generated for five species; these sequences represent the first records for these taxa in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD).
Hadrotarsinae comprises a morphologically distinctive lineage of ant-eating comb-footed spiders whose diversity and generic limits remain poorly understood, particularly in the Neotropical region. Based on the examination of museum specimens using light and scanning electron microscopy, we describe four new species of Dipoena from Brazil: Dipoena vulsella sp. nov. from Bahia, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo; Dipoena albaspinosa sp. nov. from Espírito Santo; Dipoena farciminis sp. nov. from Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais; and Dipoena cicer sp. nov. from Bahia. We also describe one new species from Ecuador, Dipoena unobi sp. nov., from Napo Province. In addition, we provide new distribution records from Brazil and Ecuador for Dipoena atlantica Chickering, 1943, D. bryantae Chickering, 1943, D. cordiformis Keyserling, 1886, D. duodecimpunctata Chickering, 1943, D. ericae Rodrigues, 2013, D. granulata (Keyserling, 1886), D. hortoni Chickering, 1943, D. ira Levi, 1963, D. isthmia Chickering, 1943, D. kuyuwini Levi, 1963, D. plaumanni Levi, 1963, D. pumicata (Keyserling, 1886), D. santacatarinae Levi, 1963, D. santaritadopassaquatrensis Rodrigues, 2013, and Dipoenata balboae (Chickering, 1943). A comparative discussion of hadrotarsine morphology supports the conservative placement of all five new species in Dipoena and highlights the need for a comprehensive revision of generic limits within Hadrotarsinae.
A new species of Scincidae, Eutropis nanhaiensis sp. nov., is described based on two specimens from Hainan Province, China. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by significant genetic divergence (>7.8% in the mitochondrial ND2 gene) and morphological characters, including a large body size (SVL 98.9–102.6 mm, n = 2), internasals in contact with each other, a single pair of nuchals; dorsal scales with two keels; midbody scale rows 28; paravertebral scale rows 45; ventral scales 25–26; lamellae under the fourth toe 25; tail length more than twice the snout-vent length; presence of a dark postocular stripe; brown dorsum, dark flanks speckled with white; and a green-yellow venter. Furthermore, Eutropis longicaudata should be treated as a species complex, and future studies are needed to reassess the taxonomic status of the specimens corresponding to each lineage.
Saetheromyia Niitsuma, 2007 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from China is reviewed based on DNA barcodes and morphology. Specimens were collected from five provinces: Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Yunnan and Zhejiang. The adult male, adult female and larva of Saetheromyia tedoriprima (Sasa, 1994) are redescribed and illustrated, with additional morphological measurements complementing previous descriptions. Diagnostic characters of Saetheromyiini are compared with those of Tanypodini and Procladiini.
During recent survey work in central Costa Rica, a new species of planthopper in the genus Haplaxius was discovered in Tapanti National Park. The new species is here described as Haplaxius tapantiensis sp. nov. Supplemental molecular data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, histone 3 (H3) gene, 18S rRNA gene and 28S rRNA gene are provided. Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses place the new species in a clade with H. dougwalshi Bahder & Bartlett and H. pocococo Bahder & Bartlett. Finally, the complete and annotated mitochondrial genome of H. tapantiensis sp. nov. is provided and compared to that of H. crudus. Durante monitoreos recientes realizados en la zona central de Costa Rica, se descubrió una nueva especie de chicharrita perteneciente al género Haplaxius en el Parque Nacional Tapantí. Esta especie se describe en el presente estudio como Haplaxius tapantiensis sp. nov. Se aportan datos moleculares complementarios correspondientes a los genes de la subunidad I del citocromo c oxidasa (COI), la histona 3 (H3), el ARNr 18S y el ARNr 28S. Los análisis filogenéticos basados en la máxima verosimilitud sitúan a la nueva especie dentro de un clado que incluye a H. dougwalshi Bahder & Bartlett y H. pocococo Bahder & Bartlett. Finalmente, se presenta el genoma mitocondrial completo y anotado de H. tapantiensis sp. nov., el cual se compara con el de H. crudus.
Dichotomous keys are provided for the identification of the fourth-instar larvae of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which include 51 species belonging to seven genera. Newly recorded species, new morphological characters and some notes are included to aid the identification of the species.
Studies on animal genitalia have long shaped our understanding of patterns and processes of morphological evolution. Coevolution between male and female genitalic structures is predicted to be ubiquitous, regardless of the evolutionary mechanism involved. However, studies that simultaneously evaluate male and female genitalic variation in a comparative phylogenetic framework have remained relatively scarce. We here investigate correlated male and female genital evolution in Nannocoris Reuter (Hemiptera: Schizopteridae), a minute litter bug genus that may be unique among arthropods in the degree and variation of its exaggerated genitalic traits: we here report that the length of the male intromittent organ differs dramatically between species, ranging from 1/8th to 20 times their respective body length, and that this variation is mirrored in the female spermathecal duct. Using a phylogenetic hypothesis for species of Nannocoris, measurements of male and female genitalic features, and phylogenetically independent contrasts, we find that the length of the male intromittent organ and female spermathecal duct are correlated. The mode of evolution that has led to these striking phenotypes is unknown, but we stress that this system has potential for future research in the evolution of male and female genitalic features in general.
This study investigates the fauna of Geometridae (Lepidoptera, Geometroidea) in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Field collections were conducted between 2021 and 2025. Moths were collected using light traps at numerous localities across Iraqi Kurdistan, including the provinces of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Halabja. We report faunistic and taxonomic data for 134 geometrid species belonging to five subfamilies: Desmobathrinae (two species), Geometrinae (five species), Sterrhinae (35 species), Larentiinae (40 species), and Ennominae (52 species). Of these, 64 species are reported as new records for the Lepidoptera fauna of Iraq. The status of both Nebula pistacieti (Wiltshire, 1952) and Larentia pallidata (Staudinger, 1898) has been elevated from subspecies of Nebula apiciata (Wiltshire, 1952) and Larentia clavaria (Staudinger, 1898) to species rank based on both morphological and molecular evidence.
