ABSTRACT Species of the genus Brachysiderus Waterhouse, 1881 (Dynastinae), are revised, redescribed, and illustrated based on males and females, when available. A new species, Brachysiderus andinus sp. nov. , previously treated in the collections and in the literature as Brachysiderus quadrimaculatus Waterhouse, 1881, is described from the Peruvian Andes. Brachysiderus tridentiger (Prell, 1934) stat. rev. and Brachysiderus breyeri (Martínez, 1963) stat. rev. are reinstated at the species level. Identification keys for males and females are provided, along with a new distribution map including new records from Bolivia and Brazil.
ABSTRACT Hybridisation is a natural evolutionary process, but in recent decades, it has increased between previously geographically separated species due to international transport, land modification and climate change. Nyctemera annulata (Boisduval, 1832), the New Zealand magpie moth, one of only four arctiine tiger moth species endemic to New Zealand, is potentially threatened by hybridisation with its colonising Australian sister taxon, Nyctemera amicus (White, 1841). Previous studies identified putative hybrids based on intermediate morphological traits, but molecular evidence for hybridisation between these taxa has been lacking. In this study, we investigated hybridisation between N. annulata and N. amicus using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear genes RpS5 and Histone H3. We identified two COI haplotypes of N. annulata , differing from N. amicus by 13 nucleotides (2.5% divergence). Nineteen putative hybrids were sequenced, 14 with the N. annulata COI haplotype and five with the N. amicus haplotype, providing molecular evidence consistent with hybridisation. Putative hybrids displayed combinations of colour traits from both parental taxa, which were biased towards N. amicus . Two individuals with the colour traits and morphology of N. amicus had the N. annulata mitochondrial haplotype, demonstrating that hybridisation can occur cryptically and that morphology alone is insufficient for reliable identification. Two putative hybrids from Norfolk Island provide the first evidence of possible hybridisation between these taxa outside New Zealand. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that N. annulata and N. amicus are closely related sister taxa while remaining genetically distinct from other sampled Nyctemera Hübner, 1820 species. These findings demonstrate incomplete reproductive isolation between these taxa and highlight potential conservation risks to endemic N. annulata populations. Continued monitoring and genomic studies are recommended to determine the extent and evolutionary consequences of hybridisation.
ABSTRACT The South American genus Aclopus Erichson, 1835, is herein treated in a taxonomic synopsis. Aclopus wuenschei Ohaus, 1912 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Aclopus vittatus Erichson, 1835, and three new species of Aclopus are described: Aclopus extrema sp. nov. , Aclopus frieirocostai sp. nov. and Aclopus godinhorum sp. nov. Notes on the natural history of A. frieirocostai are also given. Furthermore, Allsoppaclopus gen. nov. is described to include Allsoppaclopus intermedius (Blanchard, 1850) comb. nov. and Allsoppaclopus dzupi sp. nov. Diagnoses, illustrations, distribution maps and identification keys for Aclopus and Allsoppaclopus species, as well as for the genera of Aclopinae, are also provided.
ABSTRACT A maximum parsimony analysis based on morphological characters (23 taxa; 98 characters; 1951 scorings) was conducted to test the monophyly of Discocyrtulus Roewer, 1927, and to assess its phylogenetic relationships within Gonyleptidae. The results recover the species currently assigned to Discocyrtulus as phylogenetically distant from Pachylinae sensu stricto and nested instead within Discocyrtus sensu stricto +, forming a clade together with Discocyrtus moraesianus Mello‐Leitão, 1923. Accordingly, Discocyrtulus is removed from Pachylinae Sørensen, 1884, and left without subfamilial assignment. As a result, Discocyrtulus now comprises Discocyrtulus crenulatus (Roewer, 1913) comb. nov. , Discocyrtulus marginalis Roewer, 1929, and Discocyrtulus moraesianus (Mello‐Leitão, 1923) comb. nov. Based on the examination of type material, the following species‐level synonymies are proposed: Heteropucrolia nigrosulcata Mello‐Leitão, 1932 syn. nov. , and Discocyrtulus bresslaui Roewer, 1927 syn. nov. (type species of Discocyrtulus ) of Discocyrtus crenulatus Roewer, 1913; Discocyrtus melanacanthus Mello‐Leitão, 1932 syn. nov. of Discocyrtulus marginalis Roewer, 1929; and Discocyrtus coxalis Roewer, 1929 syn. nov. of Discocyrtus moraesianus Mello‐Leitão, 1923. The genus Heteropucrolia Mello‐Leitão, 1932 is removed from the synonymy of Discocyrtus and transferred to Discocyrtulus . We also designate herein lectotypes of D. bresslaui and D. marginalis . Issues concerning the type localities of Discocyrtulus marginalis and Heteropucrolia nigrosulcata are also addressed, challenging previous records of Discocyrtulus from north‐eastern Brazil and clarifying historical misinterpretations of species distributions.
The soldierless termites of Apicotermitinae exhibit highly varied digestive tract morphology, with the first proctodeal segment being one of the most commonly used features in genus diagnosis. In this study, we describe Spiralitermes jurupari Almeida-Azevedo & Azevedo gen. et sp. nov., from the Amazon Rainforest. This genus can be distinguished by its extremely long, spiral-shaped first proctodeal segment, tubular, a unlobed enteric valve seat, and enteric valve spines directed toward P1. We detail these characteristics through analyses of the external and internal morphology of the workers. The discovery of this new genus expands our knowledge of the morphology and diversity of soldierless termites in the Amazon Rainforest.
Understanding orchard arthropod populations is a critical element of making strategic decisions regarding pest management. Therefore, it is paramount for farmers and crop consultants to use appropriate survey methods that provide a representative sample of orchard insect ecology. Currently, macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) industry arthropod sampling strategies are limited by the number of established methods available for use. Drop-sheet sampling has recently been introduced to the industry but requires optimisation for industry implementation. This study investigated how sheet size (1, 4, 9, 16 and 25 m2) affected arthropod diversity representation, sample time efficiency and required sampling effort. The method was then verified through a snapshot regional survey of the Gympie macadamia production region, conducted prior to flowering to establish baseline arthropod assemblages before seasonal increases in insect activity. It was found that as sheet size increased, so did the relative sample representation as well as the time taken to sample. Sheet sizes of 25 m2 were the most effective sheet size overall for use in drop-sheet sampling and yielded the greatest species richness, community representation and sample completeness. Additionally, we found that minimum sample effort of five replicates was required for 25 m2 sheet sizes. The regional field survey further improved on sample effort optimisation, where seven replicates were determined to be capable of providing representative samples from orchard blocks across independent sites. Using drop-sheeting in the pre-flowering survey of the Gympie macadamia production region recovered a wide range of arthropod orders, assemblages and rare species. Whereas validation on a wider spatial and temporal range is required, drop-sheeting is proving to be a useful tool for research and surveys on macadamia orchard insect ecology.
A new species of jewel beetle, Temognatha sundholmi Lang, sp. nov., is described from the Great Victoria Desert in South Australia. A broader investigation, using mtDNA COI 'barcode' sequences from 178 specimens representing 54 buprestid species, places the new species with Temognatha flavocincta (Gory & Laporte, 1838) in the informal Temognatha grandis species-group. The new species is morphologically distinct from T. flavocincta and has fixed diagnostic characters that are confined to a geographically and ecologically defined region but are not distinguishable based on DNA 'barcodes'. The mtDNA analysis supports the T. grandis species-group as monophyletic and affirms some species relationships within the group proposed on morphological grounds. The monophyly of the tribe Stigmoderini Lacordaire, 1857 and its genera Stigmodera Eschscholtz, 1829 and Castiarina Gory & Laporte, 1838 were also supported, but not Temognatha Solier, 1833 in respect to Calodema Gory & Laporte, 1838, Calotemognatha Peterson, 1991 and Metaxymorpha Parry, 1848. Within the tribe Melobasini B & iacute;l & yacute;, 2000, there is strong support for the reinstatement of two species from synonymy under Melobasis simplex (Germar, 1848): Melobasis sordida (made previously) and Melobasis semisuturalisreinst. stat., reinstated here but reassigned to the Melobasis purpurascens species-group. We also report on seven new larval host plant records by matching 13 larval specimens with known adults using DNA 'barcodes' and discuss their significance with an appraisal of relevant existing records. We show that mtDNA COI 'barcode' sequences can differentiate most buprestid species and are useful for larval identifications and investigating relationships within tribes. Further study with genomic DNA and greater taxon sampling is required to better define species-groups and to validate genera within Buprestidae.
The Oiketicinae genus Hyalinaria Bethune-Baker, 1910, is revised. The use of both morphological information and genetic sequence data indicates that Hyalinaria and Pseudoclania Bethune-Baker, 1915 sp. nov., are synonymous, with the latter genus here treated as a junior subjective synonym of the former. As such, all species previously placed with Pseudoclania were re-examined and are transferred accordingly to Hyalinaria. Further to this, the problematic Acanthopsyche Heylaerts, 1881 clade of taxa recorded from New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago were critically re-evaluated; due to the phylogenetic position of A. simulata Sobczyk, 2020, and morphological congruence, all species of this clade are transferred to Hyalinaria. Five new species of Hyalinaria are described, two from northern Australia, namely, Hyalinaria tenebra sp. nov., and Hyalinaria acuta sp. nov., and a further three new species from Papua New Guinea: Hyalinaria orbiculata sp. nov., Hyalinaria fulva sp. nov. and Hyalinaria pulchella sp. nov. Examination of additional specimens of Hyalinaria extends the known distribution of eight species.
Over 870 species of scale insects, also called coccoids (infraorder Coccomorpha), have been recorded from Australia. Here, we systematically review literature, databases and collections to provide a revised assessment of non‐native species to Australia, for which we confirm those species that are introduced and extant in Australia (including deliberate introductions and new detections), species previously reported as introduced that we consider extirpated from Australia or the result of dubious records and some previously considered introduced that are possibly native to Australia. Of the 15 new and recent species records for Australia, 14 are considered established in the environment, while one is known only from a controlled nursery environment and not considered established. Despite available resources, it is impossible to unequivocally determine the status of some taxa in terms of whether they are indigenous to Australia or have been introduced by humans. We report new records that may be either introductions or possibly native species, and we discuss taxonomic uncertainty affecting records of species, such as for the mealybug Vryburgia trionymoides . Nevertheless, this checklist will be of utility to biosecurity practitioners and taxonomists in providing the most authoritative list of introduced coccoids to Australia that now represent approximately 17% of all coccoid species known to be present. This list will, however, require ongoing maintenance to remain current.
In this contribution to the study of pygmy grasshoppers, a new genus is described, which inhabits the high Andean forests and p & aacute;ramos surrounding the Bogot & aacute; Savannah, Colombia. Bogotattetix Cadena-Casta & ntilde;eda, Garc & iacute;a-Garc & iacute;a & Tavares, gen. nov. includes a new species, Bogotattetix chingazaensis Cadena-Casta & ntilde;eda, Garc & iacute;a-Garc & iacute;a & Tavares, sp. nov. and Bogotattetix colombiae (G & uuml;nther) comb. nov., which was originally included in the genus Metrodora Bol & iacute;var, 1887. The taxonomic placement of the taxa studied here is discussed, a key for species identification is provided, and a lectotype and paralectotype are designated for B. colombiae comb. nov.
The neotropical butterfly tribe Ithomiini (Danainae) comprises about 400 species distributed from Mexico to Northern Argentina, 58 of which occur in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Among these are two species assigned to the genus Hyalyris Boisduval, 1870: Hyalyris fiammetta (Hewitson, 1852) and Hyalyris leptalina (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1865). The present study represents an intensive effort to compile all available data for both species of Hyalyris from the Atlantic Forest. Based on a molecular phylogeny of the subtribe Napeogenina, with a total of 2592 base pairs and three genes, COI (1498 bp), GAPDH (691 bp) and wingless (403 bp), the two above species of Hyalyris are not closely related. Hyalyris fiammetta was recovered as sister to Hypothyris euclea (Godart, 1819) and is here reclassified as Hypothyris fiammetta (Hewitson, 1852) comb. reinst. Hyalyris leptalina is revised and two subspecies are recognized: Hyalyris leptalina leptalina (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1865) and Hyalyris leptalina krenak Freitas, Brown & Lamas ssp. nov. Both species have restricted geographic distributions, within which most of their original habitats have been modified or destroyed.
The Chalcididae comprises parasitoid wasps that attack various invertebrate groups. Within the family, some Brachymeria species specialises in infecting pupae of Lepidoptera. Here, we quantitatively describe the relationship between Brachymeria pandora and the Southern Monarch butterfly, Danaus erippus, in urban areas of Cuiab & aacute;, Mato Grosso, Brazil. A total of 109 pupae of D. erippus were collected on the exotic plant Calotropis procera. The collected pupae were found in different stages (live, dead, emerged or parasitised). Live pupae were kept in the laboratory under controlled conditions, dead pupae were dissected, and the remaining pupae were preserved. Parasitism prevalence was 62.7%, and mean intensity was 12.1 parasitoids per infected pupa. The sex ratio was 1:2.17 (male to female), although unisexual broods of males and females were recorded. We observed remarkable differences in the number of pupae found throughout the year, parasitised or not. The record of B. pandora parasitising D. erippus pupae is currently limited to individuals associated with the exotic plant C. procera, as no data are available for populations using native host plants. The high prevalence of B. pandora on D. erippus indicates a strong capacity for population control, reinforcing the need for monitoring parasitic interactions in order to conserve the population of butterflies in urban environments.
Four new species of Ibaloniinae harvestmen are described from the Solomon Islands, Melanesia. Based on the original diagnosis of Euibalonius Roewer, 1915, and description of E. maculatus (Roewer, 1915), this material appeared related to that genus. However, examination of syntype photographs of the type species E. maculatus confirmed the validity of Euibalonius, here revalidated from the synonymy of Ibalonius Karsch, 1880, while simultaneously revealing that the Solomon Islands specimens differ substantially from E. maculatus and cannot be accommodated in that genus. The new genus Kakamora gen. nov. is therefore described for the Solomon Islands material. A revised diagnosis of Euibalonius is provided, and a key to the known species of the genus Kakamora is presented. All newly described species bear a cheliceral comb, a structure only recently documented in Podoctidae, and which we also record here for two additional Ibaloniinae species, suggesting broader occurrence within the subfamily. In one of the new species, males were found carrying eggs firmly attached to their femora and tibiae, a behaviour here interpreted as paternal care. This represents a further case of egg carrying by male podoctids, offering a counterpoint to previous doubts about the meaning of this behaviour in the family.
Currently, 32 species of Stenochironomus Kieffer, 1919 are known from Brazil, 27 of which occur in the Amazon region. In this study, six new species of Stenochironomus from the Brazilian Amazon are described and illustrated. Three of these species are associated with their respective immature stages, one is associated with the pupal stage, and two are based solely on the adult male. Additionally, new records of S. figueiredoensis Dantas, Hamada & Mendes, 2016, S. liviae Dantas, Hamada & Mendes , 2016, and S. roquei Dantas, Hamada & Mendes, 2010 are provided. These results increase the known diversity of the genus in the Brazilian Amazon and provide new information on life stage associations.
Agricultural intensification is a major driver of global arthropod declines. Habitat management strategies, such as cultivated refuge strips (CRS), can counteract these effects by enhancing biodiversity, promoting conservation biological control and improving agroecosystem resilience. This study assessed the influence of a CRS on arthropod diversity and community composition in an adjacent maize field. Sampling was conducted over 6 weeks during the maize reproductive stage using pitfall and pan traps along three transects. One station was located in the CRS, with others positioned 5, 10, 15 and 20 m into the maize field. In total, 20 460 arthropods were collected, representing 284 morphospecies across 88 families and 18 orders. Data were analysed using ANOVA, NMDS ordinations and PERMANOVA to test for differences in community composition across distances. Results showed significant variation (p < 0.05) in the abundance of all functional groups and in the species richness of predators (p = 0.001), decomposers, herbivores (p = 0.0001) and parasitoids (p = 0.0005). Shannon-Wiener diversity of decomposers (p = 0.00001) and parasitoids (p = 0.0049) also differed across distances. Community composition varied with distance (p = 0.001), indicating a unique species assemblage in the CRS. Overall, CRSs supported higher arthropod biodiversity, likely due to additional resources and refuge, underscoring their value in biodiversity conservation within intensive agricultural landscapes.
A morphology-based MP analysis is undertaken to test the monophyly of the lined flat bark beetle genus Metaxyphloeus Thomas, 1984, as well as to hypothesize its intra- and intergeneric evolutionary relationships. Based on the results of the present work, Metaxyphloeus, as currently composed, is hypothesized as a monophyletic assemblage of rostrate laemophloeids, whose definition is adjusted hereby to include two previously unknown, earliest diverging lineages. A taxonomic treatment is provided for all known species of the genus, which are diagnosed and illustrated in fine detail, including the mouthparts and genital structures. In addition, three further species are proposed as new: M. brevirostris sp. nov., M. dorsocapillatus sp. nov., and M. homalirhinoides sp. nov. Biological information constitutes rare direct evidence for mycophagy among members of Metaxyphloeus, which may also serve as vectors for the dispersion of fungal conidia and spores (endozoochory). Finally, a key to the species of Metaxyphloeus is provided, and their distributions are synthetized in maps.
This paper reports on 10 species, 10 genera and 1 family of mites that are recorded in the iNaturalist database but otherwise not recorded from Australia. They include five species of plant parasites in the family Eriophyidae that may be economically important pests. These records are not supported by formal records in refereed publications but should be included in future studies of the mite fauna of Australia.
A new genus for Edessinae close to Hypoxys is described. Similihypoxys gen. nov. Cunha & Fernandes is proposed for five new species, and one transferred from the genus Hypoxys: Similihypoxys infulatus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. (type species), S. connatus sp. nov., S. guianensis sp. nov., S. ineffigiatus sp. nov., S. quasinfulatus sp. nov. and S. sulcatus sp. nov. Here, we describe a male of S. infulatus. The species of the genus are distributed in French Guiana, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. An identification key and illustrations of the species of the new genus are provided here.
The Eucalyptus variegated beetle (Paropsisterna cloelia) was established in New Zealand in 2016 and has caused substantial damage to selected host species. Previous field observations suggested that Pst. cloelia larvae may feed for a longer period during the year than the closely related Eucalyptus tortoise beetle (Paropsis charybdis), New Zealand's current most damaging eucalypt defoliator. Phenology and voltinism of these two invasive paropsine leaf beetles were quantified over two eucalypt growing seasons at two sites planted with Eucalyptus bosistoana in Marlborough, New Zealand. Results show that the availability of new foliage determined the voltinism and phenology of P. charybdis and Pst. cloelia and that the phenology of both species coincided at both field sites. As the availability of new leaves in spring and mid-summer prompts oviposition, both species had two generations at the site where trees produced new leaves in spring and mid-summer and one generation at the site where trees only produced new leaves in spring. Additionally, field observations indicate that both species have the potential for a third generation if the growing season is extended and trees produce new foliage three times. These conditions may be met in the Northland and coastal Bay of Plenty regions. Consequently, we conclude that Pst. cloelia does not produce more generations than P. charybdis and that larval activity coincided during the sampling seasons. Pst. cloelia is expected to spread throughout New Zealand over time and may become as damaging as P. charybdis on its preferred eucalypt hosts. We suggest future research to quantify phenology and voltinism of both species in warm/wet regions of New Zealand, to establish development models to inform pest management and to define host preferences for risk assessment.
Austrocelis gen. nov. is described based on the following characters: maxillary palpus short and spatulate; setae of the head elongate; face protrudent, with the dorsal portion flattened and oblique, and ventral portion shorter and recessed towards the mouth opening; wing banded, with setae present on dorsal surface of vein R1; surstylus differentiated but not articulated; and cercus usually bearing modified setae on ventral surface. The genus is found in the Neotropical Region, so far recorded only from South America, and shares the presence of setulae on vein R1 with Marbenia Malloch, 1931 and Noscutops Malloch, 1926, a probable synapomorphy uniting this group of Neotropical periscelidid genera. The species Austrocelis applanata sp. nov. (type species), Austrocelis brachycerca sp. nov., Austrocelis dolichocerca sp. nov., Austrocelis macrocerca sp. nov., Austrocelis obesa sp. nov., Austrocelis quadrata sp. nov., Austrocelis rotunda sp. nov. and Austrocelis spinulosa sp. nov. are described and illustrated herein.
