Two new species of Phytalmiinae belonging to the tribe Acanthonevrini are described from India, namely Ptilona confracta David & Hancock, sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh and Tritaeniopteron obscurum David, Salini & Nikhil, sp. nov. from Karnataka. Tritaeniopteron de Meijere is recorded for the first time from India based on the new species T. obscurum; male and female syntypes of T. punctatipleurum (Senior-White) are dissected and illustrated. A female of Erectovena desperata (Hering), both sexes of Felderimyia gombakensis Hancock & Drew and Phorelliosoma hilaratum Hering, recorded for the first time from India are dissected and illustrated. An illustrated key to 23 species of Acanthonevrini belonging to 12 genera from India is included. DNA barcode sequences of Felderimyia fuscipennis Hendel, Ptilona confracta, P. confinis (Walker), Rioxoptilona dunlopi (van der Wulp) and Themara yunnana Zia were obtained and reported.

Two new species of Phytalmiinae belonging to the tribe Acanthonevrini are described from India, namely Ptilona confracta David & Hancock, sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh and Tritaeniopteron obscurum David, Salini & Nikhil, sp. nov. from Karnataka. Tritaeniopteron de Meijere is recorded for the first time from India based on the new species T. obscurum; male and female syntypes of T. punctatipleurum (Senior-White) are dissected and illustrated. A female of Erectovena desperata (Hering), both sexes of Felderimyia gombakensis Hancock & Drew and Phorelliosoma hilaratum Hering, recorded for the first time from India are dissected and illustrated. An illustrated key to 23 species of Acanthonevrini belonging to 12 genera from India is included. DNA barcode sequences of Felderimyia fuscipennis Hendel, Ptilona confracta, P. confinis (Walker), Rioxoptilona dunlopi (van der Wulp) and Themara yunnana Zia were obtained and reported.

Two new species of Phytalmiinae belonging to the tribe Acanthonevrini are described from India, namely Ptilona confracta David & Hancock, sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh and Tritaeniopteron obscurum David, Salini & Nikhil, sp. nov. from Karnataka. Tritaeniopteron de Meijere is recorded for the first time from India based on the new species T. obscurum; male and female syntypes of T. punctatipleurum (Senior-White) are dissected and illustrated. A female of Erectovena desperata (Hering), both sexes of Felderimyia gombakensis Hancock & Drew and Phorelliosoma hilaratum Hering, recorded for the first time from India are dissected and illustrated. An illustrated key to 23 species of Acanthonevrini belonging to 12 genera from India is included. DNA barcode sequences of Felderimyia fuscipennis Hendel, Ptilona confracta, P. confinis (Walker), Rioxoptilona dunlopi (van der Wulp) and Themara yunnana Zia were obtained and reported.

Two new species of Phytalmiinae belonging to the tribe Acanthonevrini are described from India, namely Ptilona confracta David & Hancock, sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh and Tritaeniopteron obscurum David, Salini & Nikhil, sp. nov. from Karnataka. Tritaeniopteron de Meijere is recorded for the first time from India based on the new species T. obscurum; male and female syntypes of T. punctatipleurum (Senior-White) are dissected and illustrated. A female of Erectovena desperata (Hering), both sexes of Felderimyia gombakensis Hancock & Drew and Phorelliosoma hilaratum Hering, recorded for the first time from India are dissected and illustrated. An illustrated key to 23 species of Acanthonevrini belonging to 12 genera from India is included. DNA barcode sequences of Felderimyia fuscipennis Hendel, Ptilona confracta, P. confinis (Walker), Rioxoptilona dunlopi (van der Wulp) and Themara yunnana Zia were obtained and reported.

The incidence of Coptosoma variegatum (Herrich-Schäeffer, 1838) on mango tree is reported for the first time from south Indian states, Kerala and Karnataka. The bugs colonised and fed on tender shoots of mango trees. Even though the extent of damage was low, the insect in association with other pests may affect the vigour of young trees. The species is redescribed and illustrated based on male and female genitalia.

Asopinae, the only subfamily of Pentatomidae, known for their predaceous feeding habits, comprises 303 species belonging to 64 genera across the world. Out of these, only 30 species belonging to 17 genera are known from India. Asopinae are distributed throughout the world, though most abundant in the new world. Quite a few species received considerable attention throughout the world with regard to their potential to suppress agricultural pests, which accounts for only 10% of the total known species. They attack mainly slow-moving, soft-bodied insects, primarily larval forms of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Asopinae are characterized by their crassate labium consisting of barbed stylets. The first segment of labium is markedly thickened and free, and is not embedded in bucculae except the base. This facilitates the feeding of active prey. Many members have dilated foretibiae, sometimes with short spines on tibiae or femora, probably adaptation for predation. Amyotea malabarica (Fabr.) and Andrallus spinidens (Fabr.) are the two commonly occurring asopine bugs, associated with Rice and Maize ecosystems, and the latter was found feeding on the fall armyworm. Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) is yet another most common predator preying upon mainly larvae of Lepidoptera. E. concinna (Walker) is a potential predator of various lepidopteran pests in tea plantations. Some members of Asopinae have a preference for Coleopteran pests. For example, Zicrona caerulea (Linn.) is a shining metallic blue bug, which feeds on both adults and grubs of Altica spp. Perillus bioculatus (Fabricius), also called two-spotted stink bug, commonly feed on eggs or young grubs of Coleopteran pests, especially Chrysomelidae. Predatory pentatomids have the potential for use in augmentative biological control in various agroecosystems, such as field crops and greenhouse crops, especially within the context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A major challenge in this regard would be the production and availability of prey population. But efforts can be made to mitigate this problem by the use of frozen prey and thereby a continuous supply of prey can be ensured for the multiplication and field release of predatory bugs.

Tolumnia immaculata Distant, 1900 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae) is redescribed based on the study of primary types and additional specimens from India and Sri Lanka. This species is found to not be congeneric with the rest of Tolumnia St & aring;l, 1868, including the type species. This verifies the original opinion of Breddin (1909), which was subsequently rejected by Distant (1918) but without argumentation. As a result, the monotypic genus Mormoschema Breddin, 1909, stat. restit., is removed from synonymy with Tolumnia, and the combination Mormoschema immaculatum (Distant, 1900) is restituted. The male and female genitalia of Mormoschema immaculatum are described in detail. The tribal placement of Mormoschema is discussed; the genus is excluded from Cappaeini and transferred to Eysarcorini. Buddleja asiatica and Scrophularia sp. (Scrophulariaceae) are recorded as feeding plants for M. immaculatum.

Tolumnia immaculata Distant, 1900 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae) is redescribed based on the study of primary types and additional specimens from India and Sri Lanka. This species is found to not be congeneric with the rest of Tolumnia Stål, 1868, including the type species. This verifies the original opinion of Breddin (1909), which was subsequently rejected by Distant (1918) but without argumentation. As a result, the monotypic genus Mormoschema Breddin, 1909, stat. restit., is removed from synonymy with Tolumnia, and the combination Mormoschema immaculatum (Distant, 1900) is restituted. The male and female genitalia of Mormoschema immaculatum are described in detail. The tribal placement of Mormoschema is discussed; the genus is excluded from Cappaeini and transferred to Eysarcorini. Buddleja asiatica and Scrophularia sp. (Scrophulariaceae) are recorded as feeding plants for M. immaculatum.

The genus Meridindia Ghauri, 1982 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Halyini) is redescribed along with the description of Meridindia magnolia sp. nov. from India (Karnataka and Tamil Nadu). Meridindia kaniza Ghauri, 1982 and Meridindia salmana Ghauri, 1982 are redescribed based on type material. Meridindia farhata Ghauri, 1982 is considered junior subjective synonym of M. kaniza. Besides, a key to species of Meridindia is provided and DNA barcode sequences of M. salmana and M. magnolia sp. nov. are obtained and reported.

Plant Health Clinic-second anniversarySurely the eye-catching achievement of the last quarter is Chandryaan-3.The Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover on south pole of the moon, is indeed a proud moment for scientists of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and for the rest of us too, including life scientists!This is an excellent demonstration of integration of sciences and institutions and backed by very supportive government and an enthusiastic Nation.Insect Environment is proud of all our space team.In our context it was a Drosophilidae fly that was first sent to space by USA on a V-2 rocket on 20 February, 1947.Records are there for ants carried to International Space Stations.In future Entomologist here can certainly plan experiments with insects in collaboration with ISRO.Maui-one of the Hawaiian Islands was hit by wildfires mainly the beautiful town of Lahaina causing immeasurable damage.I have had the privilege of visiting Maui, three times, and its people are mostly friendly Polynesians with best of modernity, whale-watching, crystal clean beaches and sea, all go to make Maui a great destination (but costly!!).Add to Maui, wildfires in the American continent, crazy floods in China, blasting temperatures in Europe and hottest August this year, makes climate changes seem like a dreadful monster.Then the Moroccan earthquake and Libyan flood make it more of climate shock than change!The context again, how does insects survive or perish in these ordeals needs intensive studies.Again, needless to emphasise that insect expeditions and collections need acceleration in disaster sensitive areas, before we lose out on species!Our plant health clinic, Shree Nidhi Agrochemicals completed two years of service to farmers.Shreenidhi Agro Chemicals Startup under the aegis of Rashvee International Phytosanitary Research and Services, a super state-of-the-art clinic, came into being on 5th September 2021.The highlights are: It is set in the heart of horticulture farms (in Vijayapura, close to Bangalore Airport) catering to > 20,000 farmers in Bangalore Urban/Rural, Devanahalli, Dodaballapura, Chikaballapura, Shidalghatta, Bagepalli, Gudibande, Gauribidanur, Chintamani, Kolar, Hoskote all in Karnataka), Chittoor, Madanapalli (Andhra Pradesh), Krishnagiri, Vellore, (Tamil Nadu) etc.Farmers get the benefit of expert (all postgraduate agriculture-no quacks) discussion, diagnosis and dispensation of all the required inputs under a single window; seed to plant health to marketing services.

Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability, which provides essential life support and is the basis of adaptation and evolution. India with its rich biodiversity is one of the top ten megadiverse countries in the world. The sustainability of biodiversity is the need of the hour and a matter of concern to ecologists and biologists. The year 2020 was declared the 'International Year of Plant Health' (IYPH) by the United Nations to create awareness regarding plant health and the impact of healthy plants and forests on food security, poverty, economic development, and sustainability. The focus for IYPH was to raise global awareness of protecting plant health and protecting the environment. It is documented that annually, up to 40% of global food crops are lost to plant pests and diseases leading to annual agricultural trade losses of over $220 billion, which drastically affects poor rural communities. Insects being the largest group of animals and closely associated with man's welfare in different forms like pests, natural enemies, producers of economic products, and pollinators are one of the most crucial components of biodiversity. Climate change cannot be blamed for all our pest and disease-related problems as human activities are largely responsible for altering ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and creating conditions where pests can thrive. When intensive agricultural practices, viz. increased chemical insecticide and fertilizer applications, tillage and irrigation, and heavy mechanization, are followed to cater to the needs of the rapidly increasing human population, the result is a rapid decline in the biodiversity of beneficial insects including natural enemies and pollinators. Studies have clearly indicated that food can be produced in a sustainable manner by conserving biodiversity, the diversity of natural enemies can strengthen biological control of insect pests and the diversity of pollinators can enhance crop yields. Thus, one of the major focuses should be to conserve the beneficial insects, and at this juncture, there is a clear realization that taxonomists, conservationists, and biocontrol workers have a major role to play during IYPH 2020 and beyond.

Two new species of Platensina Enderlein, P. rabbanii David & Hancock, sp. nov., and P. flavistigma David & Hancock, sp. nov., are described from Meghalaya and southern India, respectively. Platensina rabbanii can be differentiated from P. alboapicalis Hering by the presence of a single hyaline indentation in cell r1 and the apical hyaline band in cell r2+3 restricted to the apex; P. flavistigma differs from P. quadrula Hardy by the presence of a yellow/fulvous pterostigma and shape of the epandrium. DNA barcode sequences of P. acrostacta (Wiedemann), P. flavistigma and P. platyptera Hendel were obtained and reported. Postabdominal descriptions and illustrations of P. acrostacta, P. platyptera and P. zodiacalis (Bezzi) are also provided along with keys to all 23 species and the 7 known from India.

The Oriental species belonging to genus Brachycerocoris Costa, 1863 (Hemiptera: Pentatomoidea: Pentatomidae: Podopinae s.l.) are revised with description of two new species, B. petrii sp. nov. and B. davidii sp. nov. from India and Philippines respectively. Brachycerocoris camelus Costa, 1863 is diagnosed and illustrated for female genitalia and B. dromedarius (Vollenhoven, 1863) is diagnosed and illustrated for both male and female genitalia. Additionally, host record, bionomics of B. petrii sp. nov. and a key to the Oriental species are provided.