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Based on a well-preserved male specimen from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, we describe a new genus and its type species of earwig, Prodacnodes dupliforceps gen. et sp. nov. Prodacnodes has a unique combination of traits: large compound eyes, scape shorter than compound eye length, pronotum as broad as head, prosternum subtrapezoidal, wings present and fully developed, metatarsomere II not slanted apically, pygidium with short medioapical process, male external parameres with prominent subapical tooth mesally, and simple forceps. Our research contributes additional morphological features and information, enriching our comprehension of the lineages and diversity of Late Mesozoic earwigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twig mimicry is common and diversified within Phasmatodea (stick and leaf insects). However, the fossil record of Phasmatodea is scant, especially evidence for the early evolution of twig mimicry. Herein, Yang et al. describe several stick insects from the Middle Jurassic (∼165 Ma) and mid-Cretaceous (∼99 Ma), and reconstruct the transitions in thoracic morphology relating to their overall twig form. Based on the phylogenetic relationships within Phasmatodea, the new findings suggest a possible evolutionary scenario for the phenomenon of twig mimicry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maybe extant Archaeidae are only distributed in southern hemisphere, but all of their fossils are from the northern hemisphere. Here, we report a new well-preserved fossil specimen from Kachin amber, which was identified to be a new species, Eomysmauchenius cretaceominimus , through a series of morphological characteristics comparison, including a strongly raised cephalic part, a sclerotized ring around the spinnerets and a pedipalpal-cheliceral stridulatory organ absence, cheliceral peg teeth in an irregular position, the distal lateral margin of chelicera with a small triangular projection, length and height almost equal opisthosoma. The discovery of this new species once again increases fossil record diversity of the family Archaeidae in the Cretaceous, and unique palp structure enrich our knowledge of juvenal male pedipalps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Apis mellifera jemenitica is the indigenous race of honey bees in the Arabian Peninsula and is tolerant to local drought conditions. Experiments were undertaken to determine the differences in associative learning and memory of honey bee workers living in the arid zone of Saudi Arabia, utilizing the proboscis extension response (PER). These experiments were conducted on the indigenous race (A. m. jemenitica) along with two introduced European races (A. m. carnica and A. m. ligustica). The data revealed that A. m. jemenitica is amenable to PER conditioning and may be used in conditioning experiments within the olfactory behavioral paradigm. The results also demonstrated that the three races learn and retain information with different capacities relative to each other during the experimental time periods. Native Arabian bees (A. m. jemenitica) exhibited significantly lower PER percentage during second and third conditioning trials when compared to exotic races. Apis mellifera jemenitica also exhibited reduced memory retention at 2 h and 24 h when compared to A. m. carnica and A. m. ligustica. Therefore, the native Arabian bees were relatively slow learners with reduced memory retention compared to the other two races that showed similar learning and memory retention. Three or five conditioning trials and monthly weather conditions (October and December) had no significant effects on learning and memory in A. m. jemenitica. These results emphasized a novel line of research to explore the mechanism and differences in associative learning as well as other forms of learning throughout the year among bee races in the harsh arid conditions of Saudi Arabia. This is the first study in Saudi Arabia to demonstrate inter-race differences regarding olfactory associative learning between native Arabian bees and two introduced European honey bee races. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A seventh species of fossil zorapteran (Zoraptera) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber is described and figured from an apterous female (dealate). Zorotypus (s. str.) dilaticeps sp. nov. is exceptionally large in body size (ca. 3.9 mm), and can be readily distinguished from all other extinct and Recent members of the order by its distinctive head morphology and by unique spination of the metafemur and metatibia. Our new find sheds further light on the diversity and morphological disparity of fossil zorapterans during the Late Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diversity of new wedge-shaped beetles (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae) are described and figured from Burmese amber, representing three new genera and five new species in two subfamilies – Ripidiinae and Pelecotominae. Amberocula gen. nov., is the third genus of Ripidiini documented from the Upper Cretaceous (lowermost Cenomanian) amber of northern Myanmar. Three species are included in the genus: Amberocula muelleri sp. nov. (type species), A. costata sp. nov., and A. fallax sp. nov. Amberocula is represented by six single male inclusions and one quadruple male syninclusion (for A. muelleri ). The genus is distinguishable by the combination of number and shape of antennomeres and tarsomeres, reduced mouthparts, and shape of the head, compound eyes, and thorax relative to all extant and fossil members of the tribe Ripidiini. In addition, three single male inclusions and one syninclusion of six males indistinguishable from Paleoripiphorus deploegi Perrichot, Nel, and Néraudeau (Ripidiini) are reported. Described syninclusions of both genera support the previous assumption of aggregative-like behavior of male Ripidiini may be a groundplan feature of the tribe and responsible for the presence of such syninclusions. Two monotypic genera, Plesiotoma alissae gen. et sp. nov. and Burmitoma nalae gen. et sp. nov., are representative of the subfamily Pelecotominae and are also described and figured. The inclusions represent the second and third definitive records for the subfamily in Cretaceous amber, and also the discovery of fossil pelecotomine females. They differ from the contemporaneous Flabellotoma Batelka, Prokop and Engel in the presence of more complete tibial spur formulas and the absence of a ventral abdominal microsclerite. The presence of three species of Amberocula , additional material of P. deploegi , and two new genera of Pelecotominae demonstrates a surprising abundance of ripiphorids in Cretaceous amber, and we provide comments on the past diversity of this parasitoid family during the period, as well as observations on the nature of their preservation and paleoethology. The known diversity of Mesozoic Tenebrionoidea is cataloged and a key to the Cretaceous diversity of Ripiphoridae is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The mason bee Osmia ( Helicosmia ) latreillei Spinola is one of the dominant species of bees throughout Egypt, and can be found commonly in the Suez Canal Region. The species visits numerous plant species of the family Asteraceae and is considered the most important pollinator of certain crops such as sunflower. This species and some other solitary cavity nesting bees are threatened by fragmentation of their nesting habitats. Several attempts were made to establish and propagate O. latreillei , and success was achieved for re-nesting it in various artificial materials such as wood and polystyrene with rolled paper straws. These artificial nests were established at the conservation area of the Bee Research Centre, Suez Canal University, in order to study the nesting behavior and biology of O. latreillei under artificial conditions and to document their natural enemies. Biologically, there was no significance difference between the life cycle of O. latreillei under natural and artificial nesting conditions. This solitary bee was univoltine, individuals active only during Spring, and attacked by diverse enemies, with Stelis ( Stelis ) murina Pérez and chrysidid wasps considered the two most major pests of this wild bee species. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Osmia latreillei was nested successfully in artificial nests of wood and polystyrene with rolled paper straws. • Emerging of males and females started in February and mating was observed in mid-February till end of February. • The life cycle has fifth instars of larvae and defecating in the fifth-instar larva. • At the end of defecation and consuming the cell provisions, the fifth instar larva started spinning the cocoon. • Natural enemies were recorded attacking the bees such as Stelis murina and chrysidid wasps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Kachin amber harbors a remarkably diverse and abundant spider fauna, species of Mygalomorphae have been conspicuously scant. Here we report the extant family Macrothelidae (Opisthothelae: Mygalomorphae) from these deposits, representing the first fossil occurrence for the family. It is represented by a new genus and species, established as Promacrothele polyacantha Tang, Engel, & Yang gen. et sp. nov., and based on a well-preserved adult female. The specimen nicely preserves the key diagnostic features for the family and is distinguished from the two extant macrothelid genera, Macrothele Ausserer and Vacrothele Tang et al. The new fossil discovery not only provides a first fossil occurrence of Macrothelidae, but refines existing calibration points for phylogenetic work on mygalomorph diversification as well as advances our understanding of the Cretaceous diversity of spiders in southern Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial ecosystems of the long-isolated former Gondwanan landmass of New Zealand are hotspots of modern global biodiversity, based on the level of endemism and distinctiveness of the biota. However, little is known of the evolutionary history of the rarely preserved but diverse, distinctive, fragile, mainly soft-bodied organisms such as arthropods and fungi that comprise 95% of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. Our discovery of fossils preserved in Oligocene/Miocene amber of araucarian origin reveals a diverse invertebrate and fungal biota and complex ecological networks. These fossils comprise 10 orders and approximately 20 families of terrestrial arthropods and include representatives of Pseudoscorpiones, Acari, Araneae, Collembola, Hemiptera, Psocoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera, together with nematodes, mold fungi and araucarian wood. Ecologically the fossils encompass predators such as spiders with web remains, soil and bark mites, detritivores, parasites, fungivores and decomposers, fungi that grew on solidified resin flows, as well as predatory fungi. This study reports the first major amber deposit with an abundance of biological inclusions from the Southern Hemisphere and the only Cenozoic one of verified araucarian origin. These fossils expand the global record and evolutionary history of many arthropod and fungal groups, providing insights into mid-Cenozoic araucarian forest ecosystems and resolving controversial issues around the antecedents of the modern New Zealand terrestrial biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A third species of Cretaceous crown wasps (Euhymenoptera: Stephanoidea) is described and figured from a male preserved in Upper Cretaceous amber from the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar. Phoriostephanus exilis Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., is generally plesiomorphic relative to the subfamilies Electrostephaninae and Stephaninae, and shares many features with the relict Schlettereriinae. However, in many respects the fossil is aberrant and therefore classified in its own tribe, Phoriostephanini Engel and Huang, trib. nov., most notably for the more complete wing venation, a generally smooth integument, and the absence of the usually distinctive coronal tubercles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A third genus and species of fossil pygidicranid earwigs from Burmese amber is described and figured as Stonychopygia leptocerca Engel, Huang, Thomas, and Cai, gen. et sp. nov. (type species of Stonychopygia Engel and Huang, gen. nov.; Stonychopygiinae Engel and Huang, subfam. nov.). Stonychopygia have features similar to the subfamily Echinosomatinae such as the combination of shorter, subequal second and third flagellomeres and femora that are neither compressed or keeled. However, the new fossil species differs from echinosomatines in many details, particularly the slender form, head longer than wide, slender scape, slender and elongate forceps, and absence of stout, short bristles over the integument. The new fossil is compared with its contemporaneous and modern relatives, and comments are provided regarding the classification of Pygidicranoidea, with the genus Haplodiplatys Hincks removed from Diplatyidae to Haplodiplatyidae Engel, fam. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A planidium is newly recorded from Upper Cretaceous (Santonian) amber of the Taimyr Peninsula, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Siberia. This peculiar fossil is tentatively attributed to the order Strepsiptera, representing the first record of this lineage from these deposits. Planidia of a similar conicocephalate form are known from the slightly younger amber of western Canada (Campanian) as well as in the earlier (Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar, and comparisons are made with those fossils, as well as with living Strepsiptera and the beetle family Ripiphoridae (Tenebrionoidea). Given recent debate concerning the strepsipteran attribution of these planidia, we provide some discussion about the available and expected character evidence, and tend to believe assignment to Ripiphoridae is untenable. While placement with Strepsiptera remains difficult to state conclusively, the current limited evidence still tends to prefer the strepsipteran hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Pygidicranidae (Dermaptera: Protodermaptera), Stonychopygia laticoncava sp. nov., is described based on specimens of a female and a male from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar. The new species belongs to the genus Stonychopygia Engel and Huang in Engel et al., 2017 as evidenced by the following characters: femora not compressed, without keel or carina; spinous pygidium; elongate and simple forceps; female gonapophyses extending beyond the subgenital plate. The new male specimen is the second recorded male earwig in Kachin amber with exposed male genitalia. The diagnosis of Stonychopygia is emended to include characters of the exposed male genitalia and female gonapophyses. The new species provides additional information on the distinctiveness of Stonychopygiinae and its potential affinities with the Echinosomatinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New fossil material of ripiphorid beetles (Tenebrionoidea: Ripiphoridae) is described and figured in lowermost Cenomanian amber from the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar. Flabellotoma heidiae gen. et sp. nov. is the Mesozoic representative of the putatively primitive subfamily Pelecotominae, represented by an almost completely preserved male. The new genus is compared with all extant members of the subfamily and is most notably distinguishable by an autapomorphic combination of a reduced tibial spur formula and unique ventral abdominal sclerite, and presumably in antennal structure as well. In addition, a syninclusion of eight males of Ripidiinae is discussed. The males are similar to Paleoripiphorus deploegi Perrichot, Nel, et Néraudeau in roughly coeval amber from western France. The syninclusion is interpreted as a result of aggregative behaviour during the flight activity of males, thereby representing the earliest documented evidence of such ethology. Brief remarks are made regarding the similarities among Cretaceous amber beetle faunas, and Mesozoic taxa previously attributed to Ripiphoridae are newly reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of Mesozoic alderfly is described as Haplosialodes liui gen. et sp. nov., and from an adult male preserved in Cretaceous Burmese amber. The new genus is closely related to the genera Haplosialis Navás (Recent fauna of Madagascar), Indosialis Lestage (Recent fauna of Southeast Asia), and Eosialis Nel et al. (Eocene of France), suggesting a possible Early Cretaceous age for the clade that comprises these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermaptera (earwigs) are a small order of Polyneoptera, generally with a narrow and flattened body, a pair of trademark forceps and leathery forewings, a nocturnal preference, and an omnivorous diet. Fossil earwigs are rare, but records from amber have been increasing in the last decade or so. A new genus and its type species, Tricholabidura elongata Peng and Engel, gen. et sp. nov., is erected based on a female striped earwig specimen preserved in a mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber piece. Tricholabidura has a combination of traits: body large and elongated (especially legs and antennae), relatively elongated second tarsomere, fleshy inflated arolium, longer tegmina, abundant fine setae over the tegmina and abdomen, apical sternum with medioapical margin produced as broadly rounded lobe, exposed pygidium and valvulae, that make it distinctive relative to Zigrasolabis and together are placed into the subfamily Zigrasolabidinae Engel, subfam. nov. Our research provides additional morphological features and information, whilst deepening our understanding of the lineages and diversity of late Mesozoic earwigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subfamily of fossil auger beetles (Bostrichidae) is described and figured from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar as Alitrepaninae subfam. nov., and currently including only the type genus and species: Alitrepanum aladelicatum gen. et sp. nov. The subfamily is distinguished from bostrichid lineages by a unique combination of characters relating to number of antennomeres, relative lengths of protarsomeres, and form of the pronotum and elytra. Charcoal-like fragments preserved with one of the specimens along with the fact that some modern bostrichids are associated with fire-prone habitats accords with the potential activity of devastating fires promoting the extensive production of resin flows, ultimately leading to significant amber deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fossil stag beetle (Lucanidae), Litholamprima qizhihaoi sp. nov., is described and figured from two well-preserved specimens from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in western Liaoning, China (125 Ma). Aditionally, new material of female specimens of the genus Litholamprima Nikolajev & Ren, 2015 provide further evidence for the taxonomic position of other fossil stag beetles that share a similar habitus with species of Litholamprima. The new discovery enriches our knowledge of the biodiversity and early evolutionary history of stag beetles during the Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burmaneura minuta gen. et sp. nov., the first araripeneurine antlion in amber, is characterized, described and compared with the modern and Mesozoic Myrmeleontidae. The precise position of the fossil within this group is debatable. Interestingly, despite a rather rich fossil record, all Mesozoic Myrmeleontidae belong to subfamilies that are not recorded in the Cenozoic, although this might merely reflect the artificiality of the classification as the extinct groups may be paraphyletic with respect to their younger counterparts (e.g., Araripeneurinae may very well be nothing more than a stem group of no classificatory value). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first definitive Burmese amber fossil of the family Gasteruptiidae s.str . (Evanioidea) is described and figured from a male entombed in amber from the Hukawng Valley, Myanmar. The Cenomanian-aged fossil is plesiomorphic in many respects when compared to the modern subfamilies Hyptiogastrinae and Gasteruptiinae. The genus Hypselogastrion Engel, gen. nov. (type species: Hypselogastrion simplex Engel and Wang, sp. nov.), is segregated into the extinct subfamily Hypselogastriinae Engel, subfam. nov., owing the more enriched wing venation, aulcid-like mesoscutal sculpturing, non-clavate metatibia, and absence of U-shaped notauli. The affinities of H . simplex among other living and fossil Aulaciformes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fossil stick-insect (Phasmatodea) is described and figured from a male preserved in Cretaceous amber from Myanmar. Echinosomiscus primoticus Engel and Wang, gen. et sp. nov., is a robust, somewhat-compressed stick-insect bearing abundant acanthae over the head and body, and remarkably lacks an area apicalis on the tibiae. The species is described and assigned to a new, extinct subfamily of Phasmatidae s.l., as Echinosomiscinae Engel, subfam. nov. Brief remarks are made regarding the dating of phasmatodean lineages, with E. primoticus providing the first reliable evidence for Euphasmatodea and even Neophasmatodea in the Cenomanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exclusively Cretaceous braconid wasp subfamily Protorhyssalinae is reported from the Upper Cretaceous deposits of northern Myanmar. Archaeorhyssalus subsolanus Engel, gen. et sp. nov., is represented by a well-preserved female in Burmese amber and is similar to other protorhyssalines, but differs in numerous details of forewing venation and flagellomere number. This species is the first definitive Oriental occurrence for protorhyssalines, expanding their palaeogeographic distribution from the Lower Cretaceous of Spain, and the Upper Cretaceous of France and New Jersey, USA. A key to the known genera of protorhyssalines is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse new material of mantises found in the Cretaceous amber-bearing deposits from Lebanon (Barremian), Spain (Albian), and Myanmar (Albian–Cenomanian) are described and figured. The Lebanese and Spanish forms are nymphs; while the one from Myanmar is an adult specimen. The Lebanese nymph corresponds to a new specimen of Burmantis lebanensis Grimaldi, 2003 while the adult Burmese (Myanmar) specimen belongs to the new species Burmantis zherikhini . The Spanish specimen represents a new genus and species and is established as Aragonimantis aenigma , but is considered family incertae sedis . The Spanish specimen is the first record of Mesozoic mantises from western-European amber deposits. A revised phylogenetic hypothesis for Cretaceous mantises is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A remarkable new wasp of the superfamily Evanioidea (Apocrita: Evaniomorpha) is described and figured from a female preserved in mid-Cretaceous amber from the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar. Othniodellitha mantichora Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., is characterized by its unique combination of primitive and derived features in mesosomal and metasomal construction and wing venation, along with its peculiarly blocky head with a prominent facial horn, clypeal projection, and massive, squared mandibles, among other traits. The genus is placed in the new family, Othniodellithidae Engel and Huang, fam. nov., and is among the lower Evanioidea and distinguished from the Praeaulacidae and other Mesozoic evanioid families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A peculiar new lineage of sawflies (‘Symphyta’) is described and figured from a female beautifully preserved in Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber from northern Myanmar. Syspastoxyela rhaphidia Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., shares many plesiomorphic features with the primitive Xyelidae, †Xyelotomidae, and †Xyelydidae such as enlarged and thickened first flagellomere succeeded by a series of thinner and shorter flagellomeres, absence of a transverse mesoscutal sulcus, multiple preapical spurs, and two protibial spurs among other traits. However, the new lineage has an apomorphically contracted forewing venation, lacks a subcostal vein, has a single marginal cell, and lacks crossvein 1r-rs, and thus it is segregated into a new family, Syspastoxyelidae Engel and Huang, fam. nov. The phylogenetic affinities of the new family are discussed and a position near Pamphilioidea or Pamphilioidea + Unicalcarida is advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A second Mesozoic twisted-wing parasite (Strepsiptera) is described and figured based on an exceptionally well-preserved male in mid-Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber from northern Myanmar. Phthanoxenos nervosus Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., is distinguished from other strepsipteran lineages, particularly the contemporaneous Cretostylops engeli Grimaldi and Kathirithamby, also in Burmese amber, and Protoxenos janzeni Pohl et al. in mid-Eocene Baltic amber, and assigned to a new family, Phthanoxenidae Engel and Huang, fam. nov. Phthanoxenos exhibit features indicative of a more primitive phylogenetic position than Cretostylopidae but still more derived than Protoxenidae. Brief remarks are made on the geological history of the Strepsiptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new genera and species of Cretaceous webspinners (Embiodea) are described and figured, both preserved in amber from northern Myanmar. Atmetoclothoda orthotenes Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., is the first fossil representative of the putatively primitive family Clothodidae, and is segregated into its own subfamily, Atmetoclothodinae Engel and Huang, subfam. nov., owing to its primitive retention of a distinct mentum, a quadrate submentum with straight borders, a postocciptal suture that meets the hypostomal sulcus at the posterior tentorial pit, and subgenae that do not meet medially (thus a ventral bridge or gula is lacking), completely symmetrical terminalia, and unsegmented cerci that apically bear a small inner lamellar projection. Litoclostes delicatus Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., is the first definitive fossil of Oligotomidae (not including a subfossil species in Pleistocene copal and which is likely synonymous with an extant taxon), and differs from modern genera in a combination of head, tarsal, and terminalic morphology. The new fossil species double the known Cretaceous fossils and add a further two families to the Mesozoic record for the order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fourth genus of Mesozoic water measurers (Gerromorpha: Hydrometridae) is discovered and described from the remains of an individual preserved in mid-Cretaceous (Albian-Cenomanian) amber from northern Myanmar. Burmametra macrocarinata gen. et sp. nov. is compared with other Recent and extinct hydrometrid genera and shares apomorphies with the subfamily Hydrometrinae. Based on the distribution of characters states and a preliminary cladistic analysis, the genus is putatively basal among this subfamily. Together with those previous records in Burmese amber and the Crato Limestones of Brazil, Burmametra confirms the early diversification of the Hydrometridae by the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports unique leaflets of a semi-aquatic fern (Marsileaceae) preserved in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, and further describes the new species Marsileaceaephyllum ciliatum sp. nov. The new species has leaflets fan-shaped without a midvein, venation dichotomous and partially anastomosing, and possesses unique dense hairs from the dorsal base radiating to the upper 2/3. This occurrence represents the first record of semi-aquatic ferns of the Marsileaceae found in Myanmar amber. This record further demonstrates the species richness of ferns in the Cretaceous, and also reveals the ecological adaptability of Marsileaceae in the aquatic environments of the mid-Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three new genera and species of scolebythid wasps (Aculeata: Chrysidoidea) are described and figured from Cretaceous amber. Ectenobythus iberiensis gen. et sp. nov. is described from a female and putative male in Early Cretaceous (Albian) amber from the Peñacerrada I outcrop, Spain, while Necrobythus pulcher gen. et sp. nov. and Sphakelobythus limnopous gen. et sp. nov. are described from one putative male and two females in Late Cretaceous (Campanian) amber from Grassy Lake, Alberta, Canada. The new taxa are described and compared to related Cretaceous genera of Scolebythidae and coded for cladistic analysis with the full diversity of living and extinct species in the family. The resulting phylogeny supports the division of the family into two subfamilies (recognized informally by earlier authors), Scolebythinae Evans and Pristapenesiinae subfam. nov. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrobaissoptera liui sp. nov., a new species of the snakefly family Bassopteridae, is described and figured from an individual preserved in mid-Cretaceous amber from Tanai, northern Myanmar. Electrobaissoptera liui sp. nov. preserves nearly all of the known characters used to circumscribe the family and genus, and is unique among bassopterids for possessing a complete ma-mp crossvein in the hind wing, thereby dividing cell m1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A brief overview of those bee genera and subgenera occurring in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is provided. In total 22 genera are currently documented in the literature for the country, although a further 17 genera undoubtedly occur here based on extralimital records. The lists provided here will serve as a baseline for biodiversity studies on the bee fauna of the country that are presently underway. The anthidiine genus Icteranthidium Michener (Megachilidae) and the dasypodaine genus Promelitta Warncke (Melittidae) are newly recorded for the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An overview of the hymenopteran (sawflies, wasps, ants, and bees) taxa known from Canadian Late Cretaceous (Campanian) amber is presented. These taxa are discussed in the context of hymenopteran phylogeny and the fossil assemblages within other well-known Cretaceous ambers. This provides some insight into the taxa present in the region subsequent to the Mesozoic diversification of the order, and just prior to the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event. Fossil records of Hymenoptera within Canadian amber are revised, and future work and expectations for hymenopterans within the deposit are also outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A limited assemblage of insect compression fossils is described from a lithographic limestone of marine origin, within Cenomanian–Turonian strata of southeastern Morocco. Specimens recovered to date include a putative isopteran (termite) and two polyphagan beetles. Found in the same horizon as these insects are leaves that display traces of insect damage, in the form of leaf margin-feeding behavior. The new insect fossils are an uncommon subcomponent of a commercially-mined assemblage of fossil fish, marine arthropods, and plants, but the relatively fine preservation of fossil insects collected to date suggests that the Late Cretaceous strata of Morocco have the potential to yield a significant addition to the fossil record of insects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A diverse fauna of wasps of the extinct parasitoid family Stigmaphronidae (Ceraphronoidea) are recorded in Early Cretaceous (Lower Albian) amber from Spain. Seven new species in five genera are described and figured based on 51 specimens, representing more material than in all the world’s other amber deposits combined. New species include: Elasmophron mari sp. nov., Libanophron sugaar sp. nov., Hippocoon basajauni sp. nov., Burmaphron jentilak sp. nov., B. sorginak sp. nov., B. iratxoak sp. nov., and Tagsmiphron olentzero sp. nov. The significance of the fauna is discussed and compared with that of other Cretaceous amber deposits, in particular the tremendous richness of the Spanish fauna is contrasted with the complete absence of stigmaphronids in the slightly younger and nearby French amber. Whether this stark difference represents particularly favorable conditions for these parasitoids, or their hosts, in the Cretaceous Spanish archipelago, or whether it is owing to taphonomic factors is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three new species within the stigmaphronid genus Tagsmiphron, and one new species within the megaspilid genus Conostigmus are described from Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) amber originating at the Grassy Lake locality in Alberta, Canada. New taxa include Tagsmiphron spiculum sp. nov., Tagsmiphron leucki sp. nov., Tagsmiphron exitorum sp. nov., and Conostigmus cavannus sp. nov. The new Conostigmus species is a rare discovery. It is the third megaspilid species to be found in Cretaceous amber, with the two specimens described herein effectively doubling the number of known Mesozoic exemplars for the family. We provide the first comprehensive report of known Ceraphronoidea within Canadian amber, and contrast this against other Cretaceous amber assemblages, discussing the potential palaeobiogeographic and palaeoenvironmental implications of the Canadian amber assemblage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new genus and species of earwig is described and figured from Early Cretaceous (Latest Albian–Earliest Cenomanian) amber of southwestern France. The holotype was studied using traditional light microscopy as well as through propagation phase contrast X-ray synchrotron microtomography, rendering high resolution three-dimensional models for critical examination. Gallinympha walleri Perrichot & Engel, new genus and species, is represented by two late instar nymphs missing only portions of the abdomen, as well as most of the head for the paratype. The genus is a member of the Pygidicranidae, one of the most basal of living earwigs, and is distinguished from other taxa in the family. A thorough account of the specimen’s morphology is provided along with a detailed comparison with similar structures across a diversity of primitive earwig lineages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The diversity of serphitid wasps (Proctotrupomorpha: Serphitoidea) in Early Cretaceous (Albian) amber from Spain is described. Four new species have been found representing the genera Serphites Brues 1937, Aposerphites Kozlov and Rasnitsyn 1979, and Microserphites Kozlov and Rasnitsyn 1979. From the Peñacerrada I (Moraza) outcrop two species are described as Aposerphites angustus Ortega-Blanco, Delclòs, Peñalver and Engel, new species and Serphites lamiak, new species. A single species was found at the San Just (Teruel) outcrop and is described as S. silban, new species. Another single specimen was found in El Soplao (Cantabria) outcrop, described as Microserphites soplaensis, new species. This last specimen is especially interesting in sharing typical serphitid and mymarommatoid characters, giving additional support to the apparent close relationship of both groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A micropterous female embolemid is recorded in middle Eocene Baltic amber. Embolemus excitus Perrichot and Engel, sp. nov., is easily distinguished from other extinct and living species by the pronotum with only a weak mediolongitudinal furrow and with a lateral carina along the edge anterior to tegula, the mesopleuron with a pronounced medial dorsoventral carina, and the propodeum with dorsoposterior corners tuberculate. The new species also uniquely combines greatly reduced compound eyes, a scape distinctly elongate, the pronotum twice as long as mesoscutum, and the forewings extending at most to the anterior border of the second metasomal tergum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although caddisfly (Trichoptera) cases and adults are fairly abundant in the fossil record, fossils of the immature stages, particularly insights into the pupal stage, are exceedingly rare. Herein we report the discovery of a fossil caddisfly pupa, putatively of the family Vitimotauliidae, from Early Cretaceous deposits in northeastern China. This is the first fossil trichopteran pupa to have been described from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]