Herein we present the first record of a very rare species of parasitoid wasp, Mantibaria seefelderiana, in Croatia, with the basic elements of its unusual biology. The most precise categorization of its trophic interaction would be pseudoparasitoid, because the larva of this species feeds on a larger number of mantis embryos in the ootheca in a way that is more representative of predatory diet and behavior, without any regulation by its host’s behavior. Additionally, adult females of this pseudoparasitoid live as ectoparasites attached to the body of female mantises, where they feed on hemolymph. The combination of an unusual predatory and parasitic lifestyle is extremely atypical for the predominantly parasitoid character of most other members of the family Scelionidae.
Acasis appensata (Eversmann, 1842) (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) is reported in Serbia for the first time. The status on the Balkan Peninsula of the two Western Palaearctic species of Acasis Duponchel, 1845 is discussed. The localized distribution pattern of both A. appensata and A. viretata (Hubner, 1799) is probably genuine, though both species may be significantly under-recorded for want of adequate field workers in the region.
The present study reviewed bee fly (Diptera, Bombyliidae) fauna on the southwest shore of the Caspian Sea in the north of Iran. Taxonomic, faunistic and geographical distribution notes for 20 species belonging to 11 genera from six subfamilies found in Guilan province are provided. These are: Callostoma soror Loew, 1873, Conophorus pseudaduncus Paramonov, 1929, Exoprosopa amseli Oldroyd, 1961, Exoprospora dispar Loew, 1869, Exoprosopa efflatounbeyi Paramonov, 1928, Exoprosopa grandis (Wiedemann in Meigen, 1820), Exoprosopa kirgizorum Paramonov, 1928, Exoprosopa pectoralis Loew, 1862, Hemipenthes subvelutinus Zaitzev, 1966, Heteralonia megerlie (Meigen, 1820), Heteralonia suffuse Klug, 1832, Thyridanthrax elegans (Wiedemann in Meigen, 1820), Thyridanthrax griseolus (Klug, 1832), Thyridanthrax punctum (Loew, 1854), Veribubo misellus, Loew 1869, Lomatia belzebul (Fabricius, 1794), Parageron lutescens (Bezzi, 1925), Usia bicolor Macquart, 1855, Phthiria pulicaria (Mikan, 1796) and Phthiria vagans Loew, 1846.
The results of the faunal exploration of Geometer Moths (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in the area of Montenegro and Serbia are reported. Based on fieldwork conducted in the past 50 years, data for 71 species are presented. Wherever necessary, comments are provided concerning ovipositional and nutritional plants, as well as illustrations of adults and genital armature. In Montenegro, several species have been recorded for the first time.
An alien mantis species, Hierodula tenuidentata, has expanded its areal in Europe in the last few years. It was registered in several European countries, including some on the Balkan Peninsula. Herein are presented for the first time records of H. tenuidentata on the territory of Serbia, several from the capital city of Belgrade, and one from Novi Kneževac, a town in the northern part of country. The species was recognized for the first time in photos posted in a Facebook group of insect lovers and enthusiasts in 2019, but positive identification only took place in 2020 after group members collected specimens. Social networks can be a very important tool for the monitoring of invasive species in general, and invasive mantids in particular, especially due to their size and attractiveness.
