A Rare Cleptoparasitic Bee Tetralonioidella himalayana (Bingham, 1897) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from India: Review and New Data

Tetralonioidella Strand 1914 is a very rare apid genus globally, of which only two species, Tetralonioidella himalayana (Bingham, 1897) and Tetralonioidella tricolor (Lieftinck, 1972), are known from India. They are known to be cleptoparasitic on species of Habropoda Smith, 1854 and Elaphropoda Lieftinck, 1966. During hymenopteran survey in Arunachal Pradesh, we encountered Tetralonioidella himalayana (Bingham, 1897) and observed their behavioral regime, which is very poorly known. The identifying characteristics of both male and female, their foraging behavior, floral preference, distribution pattern, and possible host association have been studied. Exclusive floral association and host specialization are potential contributing factors to the rarity of T. himalayana. Such factors may limit the distribution range of the species. A priori sampling resolution with genetic and demographic exploration is required to evaluate the present status of such bee species.

Three new species of Atalophlebiinae (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) of India, with a new record of the genus Megaglena Peters and Edmunds, 1970

Three new species of Leptophlebiidae viz., Choroterpes (Choroterpes) andamanensis Vasanth, Subramanian Selvakumar n. sp., Edmundsula meghamalaiensis Vasanth, Subramanian Selvakumar n. sp. and Megaglena agasthiya Vasanth, Subramanian Selvakumar n. sp. are described based on our recent exploration of mayflies from the streams of Andaman Island, Tamil Nadu and Kerala part of the southern Western Ghats. The genus Megaglena Peters Edmunds, 1970 has extended the distribution in southern peninsular India as represented by the occurrence of M. agasthiya n. sp. Larval key is provided to the known and new species of subgenus Choroterpes of India along with the distribution map of new species.

A review of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group, with the description of D. wildermuthi sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae)

A modified and expanded definition of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is given. This includes the species: D. annandalei Fraser, 1924, D. brownelli Tinkham, 1938, D. carmichaeli (Laidlaw, 1915), D. emtrai Dow, Kompier Phan, 2018, D. hongkongensis Wilson, 1997, D. jurzitzai Hmlinen, 1999, D. sumatrana Sasamoto Karube, 2007, D. tenella Lieftinck, 1935, D. vietnamica Asahina, 1997 and D. wildermuthi sp. nov.). The species of the group are reviewed and in most cases illustrated, diagnostic notes are given wherever possible. Drepanosticta polychromatica Fraser, 1931 is considered to be a junior synonym of D. carmichaeli and variation in D. carmichaeli is discussed. Drepanosticta wildermuthi sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (holotype male from Bao Loc district, Lam Dong Province) is described. The female of D. jurzitzai Hmlinen, 1999 is described for the first time. A key to the males of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is provided.

A new species and new record of the genus Platybaetis Mller-Liebenau, 1980 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Eastern Himalaya, India

A new species of Platybaetis viz., P. selvai sp. nov. is described herein based on larval collections from Tangon stream in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Eastern region of Indian Himalaya. It can be differentiated by the following combination of characters: (i) posterior margin of abdominal segments IX with rounded 'U shaped spines; (ii) anterolateral margin of gills IVII with minute setae; (iii) claw with 78 denticles; (iv) paracercus composed of 1011 segments; (v) hindwing pads reduced, small. Brief ecological notes are appended.

Contribution to the study of Epeorus Eaton, 1881 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from India

Seven species of the genus Epeorus Eaton, 1881 are described so far from India of which redescription is attempted herein for 3 species viz. E. (C.) psi Eaton 1883, E. (E.) gilliesi Braasch 1981, E. (E.) petersi Sivaruban, Venkataraman Sivaramakrishnan 2013 based on the fresh collections. Four species viz., E. (E.) aculeatus Braasch 1990, E. (E.) bifurcatus Braasch Soldán 1979, E. (E.) unicornutus Braasch 2006 and E. (E.) unispinosus Braasch 1980 are new records to this country. Totally, 11 species of the genus Epeorus from India are dealt with herein of which six belongs to the subgenus Epeorus viz. E. (E.) aculeatus Braasch 1990, E. (E.) bifurcatus Braasch Soldán 1979, E. (E.) gilliesi Braasch, 1981 and E. (E.) petersi Sivaruban, Venkataraman Sivaramakrishnan 2013, E. (E.) unispinosus Braasch 1980, E. (E.) unicornutus Braasch 2006 and four to the subgenus Caucasiron viz., E. (C.) kapurkripalanorum Braasch 1983, E. (C.) papillatus Braasch, 2006a, E. (C.) psi Eaton 1883 which larva is described in details for the first time and E. (C.) suspicatus Braasch, 2006b . The subgeneric status of E. lahaulensis Kapur Kripalani 1963 cannot be fixed due to non-availability of larval description. A dichotomous key to the larvae of available species in India is presented. Distribution of subgenera and species within India is discussed.

Overview of Indian Hyrtanellini (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae), with new species and records from related regions

The Hyrtanellini (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae: Ephemerellinae) from India and related regions are reviewed, including three new species viz., Serratella palatovi Martynov, Selvakumar Jacobus, sp. nov., Torleya simbalbarensis Selvakumar, Subramanian, Martynov Jacobus, sp. nov., and Torleya dibruensis Selvakumar, Martynov Jacobus, sp. nov.; and first country records of Teloganopsis jinghongensis (Xu, You Hsu, 1984) and Hyrtanella grandipennis (Zhou, Su Gui, 2000). Description of Serratella palatovi sp. nov. is based on material from Thailand, India and Nepal; Torleya simbalbarensis sp. nov. and Torleya dibruensis sp. nov. are described based on material from India. For now, the tribe Hyrtanellini in India comprises eight species from the genera Serratella Edmunds, 1959, Torleya Lestage, 1917, Teloganopsis Ulmer, 1939 and Hyrtanella Allen Edmunds, 1976. Additional records of Teloganopsis jinghongensis from Thailand, Torleya nepalica (Allen Edmunds, 1963) and Torleya coheri (Allen Edmunds, 1963) from Nepal also are provided here. All Indomalayan Hyrtanellini species are discussed to some extent.

New record of Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman amp; Orr, 2017 (Zygoptera: Synlestidae) from India, with first description of female and larva

Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman Orr, 2017 is recorded for the first time from India, extending the known geographic range of the species. This report is based on the collection of 5 individuals (4 males, 1 female) from Jang waterfall, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh and 2 males from Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong district, West Bengal. The female of M. gyalsey is described for the first time with notes on the variation in the male. A probable larva of the species is also described and illustrated.

Orthetrum erythronigrum sp. nov. (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the Great Nicobar Island, India

The male and female of Orthetrum erythronigrum sp. nov. are described from Great Nicobar Island and are believed to be endemic to the Nicobar Islands archipelago (holotype ♂, India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Great Nicobar Island, Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, N 6.99067, E 93.871363; 01-xii-2018; deposited in ZSI, SRC, Chennai, India). The male of this new species is easily distinguished from other known Orthetrum species by its black abdomen with contrasting crimson belly. Female is distinguished by its large size, the black non-metallic head, black thorax and the red abdomen with a distinct black pattern. Based on field observations and photographs, notes on the life colouration of the mature male and information on the distribution and habitat of this Great Nicobar endemic are provided.

Three new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats, India, with taxonomic notes on P. mortoni Fraser, 1922 and rediscovery of P. rufostigma Kimmins, 1958

Three new species of Protosticta Selys, 1885 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot in India: P. cyanofemora sp. nov. (wet evergreen forests in Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam, Kerala and Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu), P. myristicaensis sp. nov. (Myristica swamp at Kathalekan, Shivamogga, Karnataka) and P. sholai sp. nov. (montane sholas of Upper Manalar, Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Theni, Tamil Nadu) are described and illustrated. We compare these three new species with other Protosticta spp. from the Western Ghats based on new material and provide comprehensive differential diagnoses with determination key for males of all species occurring in the Western Ghats. The taxonomic validity of P. mortoni Fraser, 1922 is established with fresh specimens from Hassan, Karnataka, and rediscovery of P. rufostigma Kimmins, 1958 is reported from Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu.

Checklist of the dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

A checklist of the dragonflies and damselflies occurring in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka is presented. In total 588 (including 559 full species) taxa are known to occur in the region of which 251 taxa (species subspecies) are single country endemics. Recent taxonomic changes relevant to the area are summarized. Sixteen taxa are synonymized and a checklist of all synonyms established since 1950 is provided. Information is given on available larval descriptions including a list of genera present in the region for which no larvae have yet been described. Numerous species occurring in the area are still poorly known and a list of genera for which a revision is urgently needed is provided.                The following new synonyms are established: Calicnemia sudhaae Mitra, 1994 = Calicnemia imitans Lieftinck, 1948 syn. nov.; Ceriagrion fallax cerinomelas Lieftinck, 1927 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Ceriagrion fallax pendleburyi Laidlaw, 1931 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Coenagrion kashmirus Chowdhary Das, 1975 = Ischnura forcipata Morton, 1907 syn. nov.; Enallagma insula Fraser, 1920 = Aciagrion occidentale Laidlaw, 1919 syn. nov.; Himalagrion pithoragarhicum Sahni, 1964 = Ceriagrion fallax Ris, 1914 syn. nov.; Ischnura bhimtalensis Sahni, 1965 = Ischnura rubilio Selys, 1876 syn. nov.; Onychargia indica Sahni, 1964 = Paracercion calamorum (Ris, 1916) syn. nov.; Anaciaeschna kashmirense Singh Baijal, 1954 = Anaciaeschna martini (Selys, 1897) syn. nov.; Cyclogomphus vesiculosus Selys, 1854 = Cyclogomphus ypsilon Selys, 1954 syn. nov.; Chlorogomphus brittoi Navás, 1934 = Chlorogomphus xanthoptera (Fraser, 1919) syn. nov.; Hylaeothemis indica Fraser, 1946 = Hylaeothemis apicalis Fraser, 1924 syn. nov.; Sympetrum durum Bartenef, 1916 = Sympetrum striolatum commixtum Selys, 1884 syn. nov.; Sympetrum himalayanum Navás, 1934 = Sympetrum hypomelas (Selys, 1884) syn. nov.; Sympetrum haematoneura Fraser, 1924 = Sympetrum speciosum Oguma, 1915 syn. nov.; Sympetrum speciosum taiwanum Asahina, 1951 = Sympetrum speciosum Oguma, 1915 syn. nov.                In addition, Periaeschna lebasi Navás, 1930 is regarded a nomen nudum. The following new combinations are proposed: Onychogomphus acinaces Laidlaw, 1922 is transferred to the genus Melligomphus Chao, 1990 resulting in Melligomphus acinaces (Laidlaw, 1922) comb. nov. Onychogomphus saundersii Selys, 1854 is transferred to the genus Nychogomphus Carle, 1986 resulting in Nychogomphus saundersii (Selys, 1854) comb. nov..

A new species of Orthetrum Newman, 1833 (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the Andaman Islands, India

Orthetrum andamanicum sp. nov. (holotype ♂: India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, South Andaman island, Chidiyatapu, N 11.51, E 92.71; 08-xii-1998; deposited in RMNH, Leiden; RMNH.INS.1152911), is described as new to science. Based on additional photographic records, notes on mature males' life colouration, distribution and habitat of this Andaman endemic are provided.

A new species of Cyclogomphus Selys, 1854 (Insecta: Odonata: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, India with comments on the status of Cyclogomphus vesiculosus Selys, 1873

A new species of Cyclogomphus Selys, 1854 is described from the Western Ghats of India based on male and female specimens collected from Goa and Kerala states. The new species differs from all the known species of Cyclogomphus in the shape of the anal appendages as well as the thoracic and abdominal markings. We also provide here an updated key to the Cyclogomphus species and comment on the status of Cyclogomphus vesiculosus Selys, 1873.

Review of the Cincticostella insolta (Allen, 1971) complex (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae), with description of three new species from northern India and Nepal

The Cincticostella insolta complex (Ephemeroptera: Ephemerellidae) is reviewed based on new and historic material, as well as new field observations. Three new species are described viz., C. richardi Martynov Palatov, sp. nov. and C. ranga Selvakumar Subramanian, sp. nov. from India, and C. sivaramakrishnani Martynov Palatov, sp. nov. from Nepal. A correction of the original description and some additional distinguishing features are given for C. braaschi Jacobus McCafferty, 2008. Cincticostella insolta (Allen, 1971), C. braaschi and C. bifurcata Xie, Jia, Chen, Jacobus Zhou, 2009 are recorded from the Indian subregion for the first time. Summaries of known distribution data and habitat preferences, as well as larval diagnoses, are presented for all seven species of the complex.

<b>Addition to the Documentation of Lepidoptera Fauna of Himalaya - A Book review of “Butterflies of Uttarakhand”</b>

Butterflies of Uttarakhand - A Field Guide-- Sanjay Sondhi & Krushnamegh Kunte Date of publication: 2018Published: M/s Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (Dehradun), Titli Trust (Dehradun), National Centre for Biological Sciences (Bengaluru) & Indian Foundation for Butterflies (Bengaluru). Pages: x+310pp

A new species of <i>Prosopistoma</i> Latreille, 1833 and redescription of <i>P. indicum</i> Peters, 1967 (Ephemeroptera: Prosopistomatidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Prosopistoma someshwarensis n. sp. is described based on larvae collected from the streams of central Western Ghats, and P. indicum Peters, 1967 is redescribed based on fresh material from additional localities of the southern and central Western Ghats of peninsular India. A brief discussion on their ecology and biogeography, and a key to the Indian species of Prosopistoma, are also provided. The Indian species may be distinguished from one another based on the segmentation of the antennae, carapace colourations, the setation of the tibiae and mandibular canines, and the morphology of gills 2.

A new genus and species of Atalophlebiinae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Palni hills of the southern Western Ghats, India

A new genus and new species of Atalophlebiinae, Klugephlebia kodai Selvakumar, Subramanian & Sivaramakrishnan, are described based on male and female imagos and larvae from Palni hills of the southern Western Ghats of India. The imago of Klugephlebia gen. n. can be differentiated from all other genera of Atalophlebiinae by having the combination of vein MP forked slightly less than half of the distance from base to margin, MP2 attached at base to vein MP1 by a crossvein, a distinctive shape of the hindwing, dissimilar claws on each leg, and distinctive genitalia structures. The larva can be distinguished from other Atalophlebiinae larvae by having the combination of gills present on abdominal segments 1-7, dorsal and ventral portions of lamellae of gills 1 slender and lanceolate with branched tracheae, dorsal and ventral portions of lamellae of gills 2-7 wider & lanceolate and long & suddenly tapering at apex, fore and mid femora with regular rows of long thin setae on outer margins, denticles on claws progressively larger apically, a distinctive labrum, the maxillary palp short with long setae on third segment, and the third segment of the labial palp with distinct setation. The larvae cling to the underside of boulders in the middle of streams where the boulders lie amidst sand and silt. Updated keys to the genera of south Indian Leptophlebiidae are provided.

Adsorptive removal of dye using biochar derived from residual algae after in-situ transesterification: Alternate use of waste of biodiesel industry

The primary aim of this present study was to utilize the residual biomass (DB) of Spirulina platensis algae, left after in-situ transesterification, for biochar preparation. This is a solid waste residue of biodiesel industry. The biochar (BC) prepared was examined for its capacity to adsorb congo red dye from the aqueous solution. The results were compared with other adsorbents used in the study such as commercial activated carbon (AC), original algae biomass (AB) and DB. The results of proximate analysis of BC showed the decrease in the percentage of volatile matter and an increase in fixed carbon content compared to DB. The physico-chemical properties of BC were studied using elemental analysis, SEM, FTIR and XRD techniques. The AC and BC adsorbents showed better performance in removing 85.4% and 82.6% of dye respectively from solution compared to AB (76.6%) and DB (78.1%). The effect of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage and pH of solution on the adsorption phenomena was studied by conducting the batch adsorption experiments. The highest specific uptake for biochar was observed at acidic pH of 2 with 0.2 g/100 ml of adsorbent dosage and 90 mg/l of initial concentration. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to three isotherms, namely Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin. Freundlich model proved to show the best suited results with value of correlation coefficient of 99.12%. Thus, the application of DB for production of biochar as potential adsorbent supports sustainability of algae biodiesel.

Two new species of Pleciobates (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha: Gerridae) from India, with a key to the species of Pleciobates

Two new species of water striders in the genus Pleciobates are described from India and compared with allied species. Pleciobates bengalensis Jehamalar, Basu & Zettel sp. nov. is described from the Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal and Pleciobates expositus Jehamalar, Chandra & Zettel sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Gerridae) is described from the Dhubri District, Assam. A key to the species of Pleciobates and a distribution map of the species of Pleciobates from India are provided. For the first time the genitalia of Pleciobates females are described in detail.

Two new species of Amemboa Esaki (Heteroptera: Gerridae) from West Bengal, India

Amemboa mahananda sp. nov. and Amemboa bifurcata sp. nov. are described from Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Darjeeling district and from Kalikhola, in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, and compared with all allied species. A species checklist of the genus Amemboa Esaki, 1925  and Amemboides Polhemus & Andersen, 1984 from India and their distribution in India and elsewhere is provided. Amemboa kumari (Distant, 1910) is reported for the first time from West Bengal and Amemboa dentata Polhemus & Andersen, 1984 is newly recorded from Himachal Pradesh.

Idionyx (Odonata: Corduliidae) of the Western Ghats with a description of a new species

The status and distribution of Idionyx Hagen, 1867 (Odonata: Corduliidae), of the Western Ghats, India, is updated and a new species Idionyx gomantakensis is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens from Kulem (= Collem), Goa, India. This new species can be differentiated from other species of Idionyx by long and slender cerci and epiproct, absence of teeth in the basal half of the cerci, and a tuft of golden hairs at the end of the lateral lobes of the epiproct. A revised key to the species of the genus is provided, and its diversity and ecology in the Western Ghats is discussed.

Caste and sex specific olfactory glomerular organization and brain architecture in two sympatric ant species Camponotus sericeus and Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1798)

We use monoclonal antibodies against synaptic proteins and anterograde tracing with neurobiotin to describe the architecture of the antennal lobes in different castes of two ant species -Camponotus sericeus and Camponotus compressus. The reproductives and worker classes are readily categorized based on size and external morphology. The overall organization of brain neuropile is comparable between castes with differences only in the visual ganglia. Males have a larger fraction of neuropile occupied by the medulla and lobula than females. In the diurnal species, C. sericeus these regions are more highly represented, than in the nocturnal species C. compressus. The most striking differences are in the antennal lobe where males possess a macroglomerulus, which is about ten times larger in volume than the other glomeruli; such a specialization is absent in females. Minor workers possess a significantly larger number of glomeruli than the majors despite the smaller overall volume of the lobe. These caste-specific differences occur mainly within glomerular clusters that receive input from sensory neurons that project in tracts - T4 and T5 - within the antennal nerve. The comparative anatomy of different castes of ants provides an entry point into a future systematic analysis of how divergent brain architectures can arise within a single species.