Description of the larva of Cybisterlewisianus Sharp, 1873 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Cybistrinae)

We describe for the first time, the larvae of Cybister (Cybister) lewisianus Sharp, 1873, an endangered species of diving beetle in Japan, emphasizing the chaetotaxy of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, last abdominal segment, and urogomphi. Cybisterlewisianus larvae are characterized by a longer third article of antenna 3 than the sum of the first and second articles; rounded apex of parietal setae 1-3; labium seta 8 absent; elongated trochanter seta 4, not multi-branched; rounded apex of abdominal setae 1, 12, and 13 (instar I); narrow lateral projections of the frontoclypeus; pronotum without two dark-brown longitudinal stripes dorsally (instar III); and the base of the thick row of small setae on the inner edge of the mandible angulate and projecting medially (all instars).

On the immature stages of some Merodontini hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Europe and Africa

The genera Eumerus and Merodon (Syrphidae: Merodontini) form together the most speciose grouping of hoverflies in the Palaearctic Region. However, little is known about the morphology and biology of their larvae. The few larvae of Eumerus and Merodon that have been uncovered are phytophagous in underground organs of plants (some Eumerus and all Merodon) or saprophagous in a variety of plants' parts (the reminder of Eumerus). In this study, the second larval stage (L2) of Eumerus lyneborgi Ricarte & Hauser, 2020 and both the larva (L2) and puparium of Merodon constans (Rossi, 1794) are described for the first time. Larvae of E. lyneborgi were found in a decaying stem of Cyphostemma juttae (Dinter & Gilg) Desc., 1960 (Vitaceae) in Namibia (Africa), while larvae of M. constans were collected in bulbs of Leucojum vernum Linnaeus, 1753, (Amaryllidaceae) in France (Europe). Morphology of the immature forms was studied by observation and imaging with stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The head skeleton of E. lyneborgi larvae was found to be of the filter feeding type, i.e., in accordance with a saprophagous trophic regime, while that of M. constans was typically phytophagous. Variability in certain characters of the M. constans early stages is described and discussed in relation to the adult form and molecular information published in literature. An updated identification key to all known third larval stages/puparia of Merodon is provided.

Description of three new species of Callyntrura (Japonphysa) (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from China with the aid of DNA barcoding

Callyntrura(s.l.) Börner, 1906 is the largest genus of the subfamily Salininae and contains 11 subgenera and 98 species from all over the world (mainly Asia), with eight species recorded from China. In the present paper, three new species of Callyntrura(s.l.) are described from China: C. (Japonphysa) xinjianensissp. nov.; C. (J.) tongguensissp. nov. and C. (J.) raoisp. nov. Their differences in colour pattern, chaetotaxy and other characters are slight, however distances of COI mtDNA support their validation as three new distinct species. A key to the Chinese Callyntrura(s.l.) is provided.

Revisiting Szeptyckitheca Betsch & Weiner (Collembola, Symphypleona, Sminthuridae): new species, updated diagnoses, and a key

Szeptyckitheca Betsch & Weiner is a genus of Sphyrothecinae (Sminthuridae) similar to Sphyrotheca Börner, with 13 nominal species. Most descriptions of Szeptyckitheca taxa lack valuable data in face of the current taxonomy of Symphypleona. In this study the previously described species of the genus were surveyed, aiming to provide updated diagnoses for them. Three species were also transferred to Szeptyckitheca: Sphyrothecakarlarum Palacios-Vargas, Vázquez & Cuéllar, 2003, S.peteri Palacios-Vargas, Vázquez & Cuéllar, 2003, and S.koreana Betsch & Weiner, 2009, based on trochanteral and/or dental chaetotaxy. Two new Brazilian species of the genus are described and illustrated, S.andrzeji Medeiros, Bellini & Weiner, sp. nov., with a remarkable reduced ventral dental chaetotaxy not seen in other Neotropical species, and S.cyanea Oliveira, Medeiros & Bellini, sp. nov. with a distinctive large set of head vertex spines (18). Finally, an updated key to all the valid species of the genus is presented.

Invasive flower thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) occurrence, host expansion and genetic diversification in a tropical poly-crop ecosystem

BACKGROUND

Invasive black flower thrips Thrips parvispinus (Karny) has recently emerged as a significant threat to Indian chilli production. Identifying T. parvispinus became difficult due to the complex presence of thrips species in Indian chilli and allied ecosystems. Pest management success depends on assessing invasive pests genetic populations and their distribution in newly habituated areas.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The current study investigated the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of T. parvispinus across major chilli-growing zones representing different agro-climatic conditions in Tamil Nadu. The species-specific chaetotaxy characteristics of T. parvispinus and molecular analysis of the mtCOI gene were used to confirm that the species T. parvispinus has expanded rapidly in three regions (North Western, Western and Cauvery delta), sparsely in one (Southern) and absent from two (hilly and high rainfall). Fifteen allied crops in chilli/capsicum growing tracts served as host plants for T. parvispinus. A shrub species, namely Littleleaf boxwood, Buxus microphylla Siebold & Zucc., is described as a host plant for the first time. On capsicum and chilli, T. parvispinus and Scirtothrips dorsalis coexisted. Thrips palmi, T. tabaci, Frankliniella schultzei, and Microcephalothrips abdominalis co-occurring alongside T. parvispinus on allied crops.

CONCLUSION

Molecular characterization and haplotype identification help define the genetic composition of T. parvispinus and serve as a foundation for efficient monitoring and creation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. As a result, the genetic data presented in this work strongly argues that T. parvispinus as a population is resolving itself towards a fixed state through natural selection that spans its native range globally along with low genetic diversity [Hd: 0.771].

Two new species of Sminthurididae (Hexapoda, Collembola, Symphypleona) from Brazil with notes on Denisiella Folsom & Mills and Sphaeridia Linnaniemi

Two new species of Sminthurididae, Sphaeridiapiauiensis Medeiros & Bellini, sp. nov. and Denisiellapiracurucaensis Silva, Medeiros & Bellini, sp. nov. from Piaui state, Brazil, are herein described and illustrated. Sphaeridiapiauiensissp. nov. resembles species of the irmleri group, like S.irmleri Bretfeld & Gauer, S.fibulifera Bretfeld & Gauer, and S.peruensis Bretfeld & Schulz, by its complex male ventral tube without asymmetrical structures or medial process. However, it differs from them by the combination of the male tibiotarsus III with a leaf-shaped IIpe chaeta and a regular IIIpi chaeta, ventral tube with 1+1 chaetae, and the absence cuticular hooks on the furca. Denisiellapiracurucaensissp. nov. resembles its congeners without the nasal organ, especially D.colombiana Ospina & Palacios-Vargas, by the presence of spiniform chaetae at least on the second antennal segment of the females, four serrated spines on tibiotarsus III, and the ventral dens chaetotaxy, but D.piracurucaensissp. nov. differs from the latter especially by the presence of 8+8 eyes and the shape of the male proximal tibiotarsal organ. To describe both species all Neotropical Sphaeridia and all described Denisiella species were surveyed, presenting notes on both genera, comparative tables, and keys for these taxa.

On Caledromusrobinsmithi, a new genus and species of Psychrodromini Martens, 2001 (Crustacea, Ostracoda, Herpetocypridinae) from New Caledonia (Pacific Ocean)

The New Caledonian Archipelago is a hot spot for biodiversity and endemism. Whereas popular groups such as birds and plants are well-studied, invertebrate groups such as ostracods remain ill-known. Here, Caledromusrobinsmithigen. et sp. nov. is described from a single locality on 'Grande Terre', the main island of the archipelago. The new genus belongs to the Psychrodromini, one of the four tribes in the subfamily Herpetocypridinae (family Cyprididae). Caledromusgen. nov. can be distinguished from all other herpetocypridinids by a combination of the following factors: the absence of marginal septa in both valves, the mildly developed marginal valve structures, the small Rome organ on the A1, the total reduction of the five natatory setae on the A2, the rectangular second palp segment of the Mx1, the broad and asymmetrical palp on the female T1, the absence of additional postlabyrinthal coils in the Hp and the seta Sp of the CR which is a fixed spine. Because of the close similarity to the genus Psychrodromus, the new genus is thought to have Palaearctic affinities, contrary to other ostracod species in New Caledonia, which are either circumtropical or with Australian zoogeographical connections.

Taxonomic study of Palumbina Rondani (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Thiotrichinae) in Japan: biology, immature stages, and a new species

The genus Palumbina Rondani, 1876 belongs to the family Gelechiidae, which was until recently believed to comprise 26 species worldwide and mainly occurring in the Oriental region. Previously, only P.pylartis (Meyrick, 1908) had been recorded from this genus in Japan. In this study, five other species were identified. Four species were recorded for the first time in Japan, and another was newly described: P.acerosa Lee & Li, 2018; P.grandiunca Lee & Li, 2018; P.macrodelta (Meyrick, 1918), P.operaria (Meyrick, 1918) and P.muraseae Kyaw & Yagi, sp. nov. The host plant and larval feeding habits of P.pylartis, P.acerosa, P.grandiunca, and P.muraseae Kyaw & Yagi, sp. nov. were revealed. The immature stages of P.grandiunca, P.pylartis, and P.muraseae Kyaw & Yagi, sp. nov., including larval and pupal morphology, were first documented for the genus in which the larval chaetotaxy of P.pylartis and P.grandiunca is well observed. In their larval chaetotaxy, the details of their interspecific variation in the relative position and length of some setae are described. The pupal morphology of the species examined in this study is almost identical to the genus Thiotricha except for different traits on the abdominal segments A7 and A10. The traits of larval chaetotaxy and pupal morphology are also discussed for the subfamily. Photographs of the adult, male and female genitalia, and information on their biology and immature stages are provided.

Combined stereomicroscope and SEM disentangle the fine morphology of the undescribed larva and puparium of the hoverfly Milesia crabroniformis (Fabricius, 1775) (Diptera: Syrphidae)

With over 80 species, Milesia Latreille, 1804 is a hoverfly genus (Diptera: Syrphidae) found in all continents except for Australia and the Antarctica. However, little is known about its life cycle and biology. The three Milesia species for which early stages are known have saproxylic larvae, suggesting that the larvae of all other Milesia species are also saproxylic. The early stages of the three Milesia species occurring in Europe are undescribed. Milesia crabroniformis (Fabricius, 1775), a mimic of the hornet Vespa crabro Linnaeus, 1758, is the largest hoverfly in Europe and is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN European Red List of Hoverflies. We here report the first early stages of Milesia ever found in Europe, describing them and their breeding sites. Larvae of M. crabroniformis were collected in water-filled tree holes of live chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Málaga, Southern Spain in 2020-2021. Various studies based on stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques have proven useful in diagnosing hoverfly early stages by observation of their fine morphology. Thus, these techniques were also used here to characterize the second (L2) and third (L3) stage larvae of M. crabroniformis, as well as the puparium. A Leica M205C binocular stereomicroscope and a Jeol JSM-ITH500HR SEM were used. The head skeleton and chaetotaxy of the L3 larva were described and illustrated. Adjustments to the diagnosis of the larvae of Milesia are proposed based on the number of hooks from the primary row of the main group of hooks. The new early stages are compared with those of other Milesia hoverflies, as well as with those of the sister group Spilomyia Meigen, 1803. The knowledge of the larval biology and breeding sites of saproxylic insects is useful for implementing forest management measures and species' conservation programs.

Neotropical Cyphoderus (Collembola: Paronellidae), with Comments About Myrmecophily and the Description of New Species

In this contribution, supplementary descriptions of Cyphoderus innominatus Mills, 1938 and C. limboxiphius nitricola Rapoport & Izarra, 1962 are provided; and three new species are described: C. adversus sp. nov., C. amazonicus sp. nov., and C. parafolsomi sp. nov.; chaetotaxy for all of them is included. The new species have a labial triangular field with a1-5, m, e, l1 smooth chaetae, and l2 as reduced spine, but C. adversus sp. nov. is characterized by a trochateral organ with at least 9 spine-like chaetae; tenent hair capitate; colophore chaeta D mic, lateral flap chaetae with uneven length; dens with De1-De6/Di1-Di6 feathered chaetae; mucro only with a, while C. amazonicus sp. nov. is differentiated by a trochateral organ with at least 16 spine-like chaetae; tenent hair acuminate; colophore chaeta D mac, lateral flap chaetae small and subequal; dens with De1-De6/Di1-Di5 feathered chaetae; mucro with aA. Cyphoderus parafolsomi sp. nov. has trochateral organ with more than 14 spine-like chaetae; unguis with 1 unpaired internal tooth; tenent hair capitate; dens with De1-De6/Di1-Di5 feathered chaetae; mucro with aA. A key for identification of the Neotropical species is provided. Also, the paper describes the information about the association of Cyphoderus with different ant species, and a new taxonomic status for C. nitricola (Rapoport & Izarra, 1962) comb. nov.

Two new species of the genus Symphylella (Symphyla, Scolopendrellidae) from China and the significance of the frons chaetotaxy

Symphylellamacrochaeta sp. nov. and Symphylellalongispina sp. nov. from China are described and illustrated. Symphylellamacrochaeta sp. nov. is characterized by 10 extremely long macrosetae arranged as 4/4/2 on the frons, tergites with broad triangular processes, and 4+4 setae on the first tergite. Symphylellalongispina sp. nov. is characterized by a thick and prominent labrum, distinctly long proximal spines on the mandible, eight macrosetae arranged as 4/2/2 on frons, 3+3 setae on first tergite, and narrow triangular processes on the tergites. Detailed comparisons of the new species with similar species are presented. In addition, the frons chaetotaxy of Symphylella is illustrated and discussed for the first time and proposed as a significant diagnostic character for the taxonomic study of the genus.

Two new species and two new records of Homidia (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from China

Homidia, one of the largest genera of the family Entomobryidae, is widely distributed in China. To date, 46 species of this genus are present in China and account for approximately 60 % of all known species of the genus. In the present paper, two new species of Homidia are described from China: H.acutus sp. nov. and H.changensis sp. nov. The former is discriminated by the brown to blue-violet pigment present on whole dorsal body and by pointed tenent hairs. The latter is characterised by having only scattered traces of brown pigment on tergites, and by the special macrochaetal formula of coxae. Additionally, two known species of the genus, H.linhaiensis Shi, Pan & Qi, 2009 and H.socia Denis, 1929, are reported from Jiangxi Province for the first time, and some of their taxonomic characters are described. A key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided.

A new species of Pseudosinella Schäffer, 1897 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Hungary and Romania, with redescription of the related species Pseudosinellahuetheri Stomp, 1971

A new species of the genus Pseudosinella Schäffer, 1897 from Hungary and Romania is described and illustrated. Pseudosinellahartnerae sp. nov. belongs to the group with 5+5 eyes, and can be identified by its unique labial chaetotaxy (M1m2rel1L2) within this group. Pseudosinellahuetheri Stomp, 1971, the closest related species sharing the same dorsal macrochaetae formula (R0R1R2001/00/0101+2), is also redescribed here based on the holotype. Comparative analysis between the two species and among other related species is provided.

First record of larval microhabitats of sandflies in Mexico with the description of the fourth instar larva of Brumptomyia hamata

Despite the medical importance of sandflies as vectors (Diptera: Phlebotominae) of Leishmania spp., immature stages of phlebotomine sandflies have never been found in the wild in Mexico. In the present investigation, we sought to identify specific microhabitats associated with the presence of sandfly immature stages. Field work was conducted in 11 localities of the Yucatan Peninsula and we collected soil samples from each site during two periods (November 2007 to April 2008, November 2008). Soil samples were transported to our base camp and were processed using the Berlese's funnels. We processed a total 242 soil samples with an average weight of 362 ± (SD) 317 gr. From these samples, we were able to recover 51 phlebotomine larvae in five different microhabitats and largest number was obtained from mammal burrows (88%) and from tree-buttresses of Brosimium alicastrum (Berg) (6%). We identified larval microhabitat for Brumptomyia hamata (Fairchild & Hertig) and those specimens provided the material to describe for the first time the fourth instar larva. We also include information of a larval microhabitat of Lutzomyia cruciata (Coquillett). In addition, we recorded a total of 4872 arthropods from 15 taxa in all those soil samples in which sandfly larvae were found, being Collembola (76%) and Acari (10%) the most abundant.

Two new species of the genus Symphylella (Symphyla, Scolopendrellidae) from East China

Symphylella minuta sp. nov. and Symphylella communa sp. nov. from China are described and illustrated. Symphylella minuta sp. nov. is characterized by the delicate and minute body, a well-developed and thin central rod with a vestige of a transverse suture in the middle, eight setae on the first tergite, pointed processes on the tergites, and short cerci with sparse setae. Symphylella communa sp. nov. is characterized by the chaetotaxy of the first tergite with 4+4 setae, processes of the tergites somewhat longer or the same length with broad, most of lateromaginal setae long, anterolateral setae of tergites 2-4, 6, 7, 9, and 10 distinctly longer than other lateromarginal setae, approximately as long as the process of the same tergite, and cerci with numerous subequal and slightly curved setae. In addition, the chaetotaxic variation on the tergites, the distribution, the habitat, and the feeding habit of the genus Symphylella are discussed.

Continued Exploration of Tanzanian Rainforests Reveals a New Echiniscid Species (Heterotardigrada)

The Afrotropical tardigrade fauna is insufficiently studied, and consequently its diversity in this region is severely underestimated. Ongoing sampling in the Udzungwa Mountains, Morogoro Region of Tanzania has revealed a new representative of the genus Echiniscus C.A.S. Schultze, 1840 (Echiniscidae). Echiniscus tantulus sp. nov. belongs to the spinulosus group, but it stands out from other members of this speciose Echiniscus clade by having a heteromorphic sculpture of the dorsal plates and an uncommonly stable body appendage configuration A-C-C d -D d -E. The new species is characteristic by being equipped with long dorsal spines and very short lateral spicules, which so far have been found only in one other species of the group, Echiniscus spinulosus (Doyère, 1840). An updated checklist of Tanzanian Echiniscidae is provided, incorporating recent advances in their classification.

Two new species of Collembola (Arthropoda: Hexapoda) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Two new species of Collembola are described, full body chaetotaxy is given. Ptenothrix dalii sp. nov. and Seira pietata sp. nov. were originally found in metalogenic areas covered with transitional vegetation of savanna and forest in Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Ptenothrix dalii sp. nov. is part of the "gracilis-group" of species, with large, blunt macrochaetae on head and body. Seira pietata sp. nov. is part of the "andensis-group" of species, lacking macrochaeta on abdominal segment I.

Nienna chukotka sp. nov. (Protura, Acerentomidae, Nipponentominae) from the Arctic region, with a key to species of the genus

A new species of Nienna was collected in the most northern part of the Palearctic, inside the Arctic Circle. In possessing seta Pc on tergite VII and sternites VI-VII and a very long foretarsal sensillum a, Nienna chukotka sp. nov. is more similar to Alaskaentomon species than to the other Nienna species distributed in southern Siberia and northern China. The new species differs from nearly all other members of Nipponentominae in possessing five anterior setae on tergite VII and in the presence of posterolateral pores on tergite I, as in members of Hesperentomon (Hesperentomidae). An identification key to Nienna species is provided.

A new species of Acerentulus Berlese, 1908 (Protura, Acerentomata, Acerentomidae) from Bulgaria with a revised key to the confinis group

A new species, Acerentulus bulgaricus sp. nov., belonging to the confinis group, is described from Bulgaria. This species is characterized by long foretarsal sensilla a and b, the posterior position of foretarsal seta δ4, the presence of seta P1a on abdominal tergites II-VII and seta P3a on abdominal tergite VII, possession of eight anterior setae on abdominal tergite VII and composed spsm pores on sternite VI. The new species differs from all members of the confinis group in possessing P1a setae on tergites II-VII. Otherwise it is similar in body chaetotaxy and porotaxy to three species of the cunhai group, A. proximus, A. correzeanus and A. tuxeni. The identification key to 22 Acerentulus species belonging to confinis group is revised.

Two new species of the genus Symphylella (Symphyla, Scolopendrellidae) from Tibet, China

The Symphyla of Tibet are studied for the first time. Symphylellamacropora sp. n. and Symphylellazhongi sp. n. from southeastern Tibet are described and illustrated. Symphylellamacropora sp. n. is characterized by large, elongated oval openings of the Tömösváry organ with its inner margins covered by minute irregular teeth, rudimentary spined sensory organs present on the dorsal side of most antennal segments, and cerci with numerous long and slightly curved setae. Symphylellazhongi sp. n. is characterized by a globular Tömösváry organ with a small and roundish opening, mushroom-shaped sensory organs present on apical antennal segments, and by having tergal processes longer than their basal width with ovoid swollen ends. The newly described species are compared to the morphologically closest congeners: S.javanensis, S.asiatica, S.multisetosa, and S.simplex. A key for 43 species of the genus is also provided.

A New Species of Szeptyckitheca (Collembola, Symphypleona, Sphyrothecinae) from Brazil

A new species of the genus Szeptyckitheca is described from the Biological Reserve of Serra do Japi, São Paulo State, Brazil. All species of the genus present trochanteral spine on the first and third legs, cephalic chaeta A1 often absent. The presence of spine in all trochanters, chaetal row F in head, and abdominal and antennal segments with long bristles with capitate apex are relevant features that distinguishes the new species from all known species of the genus. A key to the identification of the species of Szeptyckitheca is presented.

A new cave-dwelling species of Deuteraphorura from northern Italy (Collembola, Onychiuridae)

A new cave-dwelling species, Deuteraphorurapierolucciisp. n., is described from northern Italy. The size of adult specimens, number, and distribution of dorsal and ventral pseudocelli, and number of compound vesicles of the post antennal organ were used to distinguish it among other congeneric species.

A new species of Uralaphorura Martynova, 1978 from northeast China, with a key to world species of the genus (Collembola, Onychiuridae)

A new species, Uralaphoruraliangshuiensissp. n., has been reported from Xiao Hinggan Mountains (northeast China). The new species is unique in having the pso formulae as 32/133/33332 dorsally and 0/000/0001(0) ventrally, and the ventral psx formula as 3/000/221000. A key to all known species of the genus is given.

Natural History and Comparative Morphology of Immatures of Gamelia anableps (C. Felder & R. Felder) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae, Hemileucinae)

Egg, larva, and pupa of Gamelia anableps (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1874) are described for the first time and the chaetotaxy of the first instar provided. Eggs and selected structures of larvae and pupae were also investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy. Eggs are laid in clusters, are ellipsoidal and laterally flat. Larvae passed through eight instars in about 78 days. Pupation occurs inside a poorly organized cocoon of yellowish silk. The dark brown pupa is cylindrical in shape with appendages firmly fused together and to the body wall. The chaeotaxy is compared with other Saturniidae species belongining to Hemileucinae, Ceratocampinae, and Saturniinae and the natural history of G. anableps compared with other Saturniidae.

Terminal-instar larval systematics and biology of west European species of Ormyridae associated with insect galls (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)

A systematic study of the genus Ormyrus (Chalcidoidea, Ormyridae) was conducted based on the morphology and biology of the terminal-instar larvae of ten west European species that are parasitoids of gall wasps and gallflies of the families Cynipidae, Eurytomidae and Tephritidae. The first detailed descriptions are provided of the terminal-instar larvae of these ten species using SEM images to illustrate diagnostic characters with systematic values. A key is provided for the identification of ormyrid larvae associated with galls in Europe, which is based particularly on characters of the head, mouthparts and mandibles. Although only limited informative variation in body shape was found, the setation of the head provided several characters of potential taxonomic value. The larval biology of the ten ormyrid species inhabiting different galls is also summarised. Although Ormyrus larvae are usually solitary idiobiont ectoparasitoids of the host larva of various gall-inhabiting insects, evidence of secondary phytophagy was observed in some species.

Diversity and Distribution of the Genus Friesea (Collembola: Neanuridae) in Romania with Description of Three New Species

Cristina Fiera and Wanda Maria Weiner (2016) The Romanian Neanuridae is still not well known. In this study we review the Friesea species present in Romania and describe three new species, namely Friesea posada sp. nov., F. mirceai sp. nov. and F. stampa sp. nov. Friesea posada sp. nov. is unique among six other species sharing some morphological characters (6 + 6 eyes, the presence of furca and three anal spines), but the new species has one clavate tenent hair on the tibiotarsi and a reduced mucro which is sometimes absent. The other two species, F. mirceai sp. nov. and F. stampa sp. nov., belong to the group of species characterized by the presence of 5 + 5 eyes, 3 + 3 chaetae on dens and 3 anal spines on Abd. VI. In F. stampa sp. nov. the chaetotaxy of abdominal tergum IV differs, and in F. mirceai sp. nov. the mucro is present and chaeta A1 on tibiotarsus is capitated and longer than the inner edge of claw. Four species are recorded for the first time in Romania: F. emucronata Stach, 1922, F. cf. tolosana Cassagnau, 1958, F. atypica Cassagnau, 1958 and F. aeolica Dallai, 1973. A total of thirteen species of Friesea is reported from Romania and the distribution maps are given for all.

Description of a new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari: Laelapidae) from Iran

A new species of Gaeolaelaps (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae), Gaeolaelaps izajiensis sp. n. is described based on the morphological characters of adult females which were collected from soil sample in the Izeh and Ghaletol regions of the Khuzestan province, Iran. It can be distinguished from the other members of the genus by some morphological characteristics of dorsal shield, form and reticulation of epigynal shield, the exopodal plates, and the peritremes.

Anopheles (Anopheles) petragnani Del Vecchio 1939-a new mosquito species for Germany

The so far known species of the Anopheles Claviger Complex, Anopheles claviger s.s. and Anopheles petragnani, can only be distinguished by partial overlapping characteristics of immature stages and by nucleotide sequence variation of the genomic ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. The known distribution of An. petragnani is so far restricted to the western Mediterranean region, whereas An. claviger s.s. occurs across most of Europe, up to the Middle East and North Africa. In our study, we investigated the larval mosquito fauna in rock pools of the Murg valley (Black Forest, Germany) once a month from April to December 2015.Among other species, larvae belonging to the Anopheles Claviger Complex were found. The fourth instar larvae were morphologically identified by chaetotaxy of the head and abdomen. The results were confirmed by a multiplex PCR and additional sequencing of the amplificates.Of the 1289 collected larvae from the rock pools, seven belonged to the Anopheles Claviger Complex. Five individuals were determined morphologically as An. petragnani and two as An. claviger s.s. The associated mosquito fauna comprised of Aedes japonicus japonicus (548 individuals), Culex pipiens s.l. and Culex torrentium (493 individuals) and Culex hortensis (241 individuals).This is the first record of An. petragnani north of the Alps. Further studies will reveal whether this is an isolated population of An. petragnani and if the investigated rock pool breeding sites represent typical habitats of this species in temperate regions in Central Europe.

Taxonomic review and phylogenetic analysis of fifteen North American Entomobrya (Collembola, Entomobryidae), including four new species

The chaetotaxy of 15 species of eastern North American Entomobrya is redescribed in order to determine potential characters for the diagnosis of cryptic lineages and evaluate the diagnostic and phylogenetic utility of chaetotaxy. As a result, four new species (Entomobrya citrensis Katz & Soto-Adames, sp. n., Entomobrya jubata Katz & Soto-Adames, sp. n., Entomobrya neotenica Katz & Soto-Adames, sp. n. and Entomobrya unifasciata Katz & Soto-Adames, sp. n.) are described, and new diagnoses are provided for Entomobrya assuta Folsom, Entomobrya atrocincta Schött, Entomobrya decemfasciata (Packard), Entomobrya ligata Folsom, Entomobrya multifasciata (Tullberg), and Entomobrya quadrilineata (Bueker). Furthermore, previously undocumented levels of intraspecific variation in macrosetal pattern are reported, tempering the exclusive use of chaetotaxy for species delimitation. Phylogenetic relationships, estimated using both morphological and molecular data, indicate that Entomobrya is likely paraphyletic. The phylogenies also suggest that unreliable character homology, likely fostered by Entomobrya's profusion of macrosetae, may limit the phylogenetic utility of chaetotaxy in groups characterized by an abundance of dorsal macrosetae.

Morphology of the European species of the aphid genus Eulachnus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) - A SEM comparative and integrative study

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used for the first time to elucidate the external morphology of the European species of the genus Eulachnus (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae), a representative genus of the conifer-feeding aphids tribe Eulachnini. We examined and compared the external morphology of apterous and alate viviparous females from the parthenogenetic generation as well as oviparous females and alate males belonging to the sexual generation. FE-SEM images based on HMDS and cryo-SEM preparation techniques revealed better image quality than the CPD technique in regard to surface tension and morphological signs of cell deteriorations (i.e., existence of depressions, drying artifacts and membrane blebs). Three morphologically different species groups "agilis", "brevipilosus" and "cembrae" were proposed due to the differences in head, antennae, legs and dorsal chaetotaxy as well as dorsal sclerotization. The most characteristic features and differences of representatives of these groups are presented and discussed.

Larval morphology of Panorpodes kuandianensis (Insecta, Mecoptera, Panorpodidae) and its evolutionary implications

Larval characters play a significant role in evolutionary and systematic studies of holometabolous insects. However, Panorpodidae, a derived family of Mecoptera, are largely unknown in their immature stages to date. Here, the first instar larva of the short-faced scorpionfly Panorpodes kuandianensis Zhong, Zhang & Hua, 2011 is described and illustrated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The larva of Panorpodes is remarkable for the absence of compound eyes on the head and the presence of seven small unpaired proleg-like processes along the midventral line on abdominal segments II-VIII. The homology of these unpaired appendage-like processes, their ecological adaptation, and the evolutionary implications of some larval characters of Panorpodidae are discussed.

New species of springtails in the Proisotoma genus complex from Vermont and New York, USA with descriptive notes on Ballistura alpa Christiansen & Bellinger 1980 (Hexapoda, Collembola, Isotomidae)

Three new species of Isotomidae springtails are described from the Lake Champlain Basin (Vermont and New York, USA), Lake Willoughby and Greater Averril Pond in Vermont. Subisotoma joyceisp. n. and Scutisotoma champisp. n. were collected in sandy beaches whereas Ballistura rossisp. n. was found only in a constructed wetland built and managed by the University of Vermont. Scutisotoma champisp. n. was found in Lakes Champlain and Willoughby, and Greater Averril Pond and is probably present in most lakes and large ponds in the area. Subisotoma joyceisp. n. was found only along the southern and eastern coast of South Hero, and the mainland coast facing eastern South Hero. Ballistura alpa is redescribed and transferred to the genus Pachyotoma based on the absence of tibiotarsal seta B4/B5, the presence of secondary cuticular granules, 4 prelabral setae, a full complement of guard setae on labial papilla E and in having a bifurcate outer maxillary lobe with 4 sublobal setae.