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The robust exoskeleton of beetles, Coleoptera, is believed to have protective advantages, contributing to their evolutionary success. However, empirical evidence of the defensive capabilities of this exoskeleton remains surprisingly scarce. Here, we demonstrate the critical role of the robust beetle exoskeleton in protecting against avian predation. We found that flower chafers (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) have more robust bodies than other scarab species. Laboratory experiments with naïve Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica , revealed that some individuals of intact Cetoniinae survived attacks without serious injury, whereas all individuals of soft scarab species or elytra-removed Cetoniinae were consumed. The survival rate of intact Cetoniinae increased in complex environments because the combination of their stiffness and elliptical shape made it difficult for quail to handle the prey. Field experiments with wild white-cheeked starlings, Sturnus cineraceus , and Eurasian tree sparrows, Passer montanus , demonstrated that most individuals of Cetoniinae species were ignored, whereas soft species were readily preyed upon. Further, when we presented the starlings with the Cetoniinae species Protaetia orientalis that had artificially softened bodies and altered appearance, the starlings readily preyed upon them. This observation suggests that P. orientalis is not chemically defended. Moreover, wild birds can visually discriminate hard species because of prior experience with the unprofitable prey. These results collectively provide evidence that the robust exoskeleton of beetles protects them from predatory attack. • Flower chafers possessed more robust exoskeletons than other scarab beetles. • Flower chafers survived attacks by quail more frequently than softer species. • Flower chafers were ignored by two species of wild birds. • Beetle exoskeletons function as a physical barrier against avian predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the flower beetles (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae), the Goliathini comprise several genera of medium‐ and large‐sized beetles widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa. In this tribe, the genus Fornasinius Bertoloni, 1853, includes two species found in West Africa: F. higginsi (Westwood) and F. klingbeili Zöller, Fiebig,and Schulze. In this study, we present new data on the comparative ecology and biogeography of these two species, including sex ratio, population structure by size, monthly activity patterns and habitat features at two different spatial scales. These observations were conducted, mostly opportunistically, over a 20‐year period in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo. Both species exhibited similar overall population structure and morphometrics. They were characterised by a male‐skewed adult sex ratio (with possible bias), male‐larger sexual size dimorphism and consistent population structure by size; the two species are seemingly parapatric (with the potential contact zone being separated in eastern Ghana by the Volta River and Volta Lake). Both are primarily found in the vicinity of trees that contained middens of hyraxes, such as Dendrohyrax dorsalis (F. higginsi), Dendrohyrax interfluvialis (F. klingbeili) and Procavia capensis (F. klingbeili). F. higginsi has been primarily observed in forest habitat, while F. klingbeili was found in both forests and Guinea savannahs. Occurrence sites of F. higginsi were predominantly characterised by higher tree cover, less bare areas and built‐up zones. Although these beetles may be locally abundant within hyrax middens, they typically occur in only a relatively small number of sites within their preferred habitat. Monthly activity patterns differed between the two species. Although adults of both species were observed throughout the year, sightings of F. higginsi were more common during the wet season, whereas F. klingbeili sightings were more frequent in the dry season. The observed differences in monthly activity patterns between these ecologically and morphologically similar species may help to minimise interspecific competition in potential—yet unknown—sites of syntopy. Although some Fornasinius populations might be locally threatened by deforestation or overhunting of hyraxes, the careful management of hyrax populations should adequately ensure the conservation of these two beetle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is deemed as one of the world's toughest weeds posing major threats to the biodiversity and ecosystem. Lantana has been subject to numerous biocontrol attempts in India and other parts of the world. A survey of the phytophagous scarab species associated with Lantana camara was undertaken in Shettihalli village of Karnataka, India during 2024. The study yielded one Sericinae species, Maladera mutabilis (Fabricius, 1775), and five Cetoniinae species, viz., Clinteria klugi (Hope, 1831), Anthracophora crucifera (Olivier, 1789), Protaetia aurichalcea (Fabricius, 1775), Gametis versicolor (Fabricius, 1775) and Tephraea cinerea (Kraatz, 1898). Two species, G. versicolor and C. klugi were found to be abundant and predominant in Lantana ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of beetles from the family Scarabaeidae reflect light with near-circular polarization. In some cases, spectral narrow-band polarization phenomena result in a distinct color with a metallic shine. In other cases, broad-band features are seen, and these beetles have a silvery or goldish appearance. These features in the cuticles originate from helicoidal structures, so-called circular Bragg structures and also referred to as Bouligand structures. In this communication, Protaetia mirifica, exhibiting near-circular polarization properties in dual spectral regions, centered approximately at the wavelengths of 474 and 770 nm, is investigated in considerable detail using Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (MMSE). From interference oscillations in the MMSE spectra, the pitch profile of the helicoidal structures in the beetle cuticle is extracted and further used in electromagnetic modeling of the cuticle structure, including the determination of epicuticle and exocuticle thicknesses (280 nm and 8.1 µm, respectively) and anisotropic optical properties. These findings are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The analysis shows that the uppermost 4 µm of the cuticle has a nearly constant pitch of 310 nm, which abruptly jumps to 440 nm and then gradually increases up to 575 nm. Sum decompositions of MMSE spectra reveal that the beetle cuticle reflects like a circular polarizer or like a dielectric mirror, depending on the spectral region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representatives of the genus Campsiura Hope, 1831 are studied. In the nominotypical subgenus, Campsiura (Campsiura) fujiokai sp. nov. is described from Chin State in Myanmar. It is compared with its closest relative Campsiura (Campsiura) xanthorhina Hope, 1831. Both species are illustrated, distribution is discussed and their differential diagnosis is given. In the subgenus Eucampsiura Mikšič, 1987, Campsiura (Eucampsiura) javanica austrosundana ssp. nov. is described. Populations of Eucampsiura javanica Gory & Percheron, 1833 occurring in Java and Bali Islands (Indonesia) are compared with populations distributed east of Wallace line, in Lombok and Sumbawa Islands (Indonesia). Both subspecies are illustrated, compared and their distribution is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological characters of the rarely collected genus Microlomaptera Kraatz, 1885 are discussed. Microlomaptera georgei sp. nov. is described from the Arfak Mountains laying in the westernmost part of New Guinea Island. The new species is compared with other representatives of the genus occurring in the central and eastern parts of New Guinea and its offshore islands. Six currently known species, four from the mainland and two species from nearby Aru and Misool Islands (Indonesia) are compared with the new species, including genitalia of males (if the male is known). An updated checklist of all species, with type localities and distribution of species is provided. The generic placement of Microlomaptera clarki Allard, 1995 and Microlomaptera hudsoni Allard, 1995 and subtribal placement of Microlomaptera Kraatz, 1885 are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representatives of the genus Protaetiomorpha Miksic, 1968 are studied. Study of the type localities of historically described species and their distribution, including distribution of species newly described here, revealed, that the genus is endemic to Sulawesi Island (Indonesia). Generic relation to Glycyphana Burmeister, 1842 and Protaetia Burmeister, 1842 is briefly discussed. Two new species are described, illustrated and compared with currently known species; Protaetiomorpha puncak sp. nov. from Puncak Palopo Pass and Protaetiomorpha seko sp. nov. from Seko District, both occurring in the western-central part of the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of beetles from the family Scarabaeidae reflect light with near-circular polarization. In some cases, spectral narrow-band polarization phenomena result in a distinct color with a metallic shine. In other cases, broad-band features are seen, and these beetles have a silvery or goldish appearance. These features in the cuticles originate from helicoidal structures, so-called circular Bragg structures and also referred to as Bouligand structures. In this communication, Protaetia mirifica, exhibiting near-circular polarization properties in dual spectral regions, centered approximately at the wavelengths of 474 and 770 nm, is investigated in considerable detail using Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (MMSE). From interference oscillations in the MMSE spectra, the pitch profile of the helicoidal structures in the beetle cuticle is extracted and further used in electromagnetic modeling of the cuticle structure, including the determination of epicuticle and exocuticle thicknesses (280 nm and 8.1 μm, respectively) and anisotropic optical properties. These findings are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The analysis shows that the uppermost 4 μm of the cuticle has a nearly constant pitch of 310 nm, which abruptly jumps to 440 nm and then gradually increases up to 575 nm. Sum decompositions of MMSE spectra reveal that the beetle cuticle reflects like a circular polarizer or like a dielectric mirror, depending on the spectral region.

Representatives of subtribe Schizorhinina Burmeister, 1842 (Cetoniinae, Schizorhinini) collected by numerous, recent expeditions to Misool Island are studied. All together six genera, each with a single representative, have been collected during several trips; Anacamptorrhina Blanchard, 1842; Digenethle J. Thomson, 1877; Dilochrosis J. Thomson, 1878; Platedelosis Kraatz, 1880; Microlomaptera Kraatz, 1885 and Poecilopharis Kraatz, 1880. All six species are illustrated, including illustration of male aedeagus (if male available). Dilochrosis balteata J. Thomson, 1878; Digenethle antoinei Allard, 1995 represents a new island record for Indonesia, Poecilopharis sp. and Platedelosis sp. can‘t be currently identified at species level, two other species are new and are described in this article. Microlomaptera misoolica sp. nov. and Anacamptorrhina ignipes misoolica ssp. nov. are compared with their closest congeners occurring on the mainland of New Guinea Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinteria Burmeister, 1842 species occurring in the Molucca Islands (Indonesia) are studied. All together five species are illustrated and six species are compared. Clinteria babarica sp. nov. from Babar Island is described, illustrated and compared with its closest congeners. The female of Clinteria porloyi Jákl, 2020 is pictured for the first time and a short description with differential diagnosis is given. Characters differentiating species from the Lesser Sunda Islands and species from the Molucca Islands are briefly discussed. Clinteria moae Jákl, 2007 syn. nov., is here synonymised with Schurhoff’s species described as Clinteria imperialis subsp. moae Schurhoff, 1942 and this subspecies is raised to species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetoniine genus Hemiprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 and subgenus of Protaetia Burmeister, 1842 -Chalcoprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 are studied. Study of representatives of both taxa, especially aedeagi of their males revealed that representatives of Hemiprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 currently recognised as valid genus in Cetoniini and representatives of Chalcoprotaetia Mikšič, 1963, currently recognised as a subgenus of Protaetia Burmeister, 1842 stay much closer than it was supposed. Also their distribution seems to be very similar, both are endemical to northern part of Philippines, mainly to Luzon Island. Intermediate species habitually imitating representatives of Chalcoprotaetia Mikšič, 1963, but in structure of male aedeagus very similar with Hemiprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 was collected in Luzon Island. It is here compared with currently known Hemiprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 and Chalcoprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 species and described as Protaetia (Chalcoprotaetia) sierramadrensis sp. nov. Based on study of several major characters in Hemiprotaetia Mikšič, 1963 and following concept of most of current researchers of Cetoniini, it is here proposed to threat this genus as a subgenus of Protaetia Burmeister, 1842. Protaetia (Hemiprotaetia) madjaasica sp. nov., cohabiting with Protaetia (Hemiprotaetia) boudanti (Arnaud, 1992) in Panay Island is compared with its congeners and described as new to science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Chalcopharis Heller, 1901 is described from Arfak Mountains in western part of Indonesian teritorry of New Guinea Island (Papua Barat Province). It is compared with Chalcopharis hoyoisi Rigout, 1997 originally described from Paniai District (Papua Tengah Province) from single male specimen. Males of both species are compared and differential diagnosis is given. Chalcopharis hoyoisi is redescribed and its female is described for the first time. Distribution of representatives of Chalcopharis is shortly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representatives of nominotypical subgenus of Glycyphana Burmeister, 1842 are studied. Glycyphana (Glycyphana) meridionalis sp. nov. is described as new to science. It is compared with closely allied species G. (G.) fulvistemma Motschulsky, 1860 and G. (G.) hybrida Mikšič, 1970. Rarely collected G. (G.) rugipennis Ritsema, 1879 known only from females, is firstly pictured and its male is described. Differential diagnosis with G. (G.) macquart (Gory & Percheron, 1833) is given. Dichotomical key for all species of the nominotypical subgenus is provided and their updated list including distribution is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Third species of Lomaptera Gory & Percheron, 1833, Lomaptera japena sp. nov. occurring in Japen Island (Indonesia) is described. The species is habitually similar to Lomaptera doreica Mohnike, 1871 and green specimens of Lomaptera papua (Guérin-Méneville, 1829) both inhabiting continental part of New Guinea Island. All three species are compared, pictured and their diagnosis is given. Two species of Lomaptera currently known from Japen Island are also shortly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil has 22 genera and 75 species of Cetoniidae, with the Cerrado hosting the greatest diversity among Brazilian biomes. However, the diversity of groups among the different phytophysiognomies of the biome is not known. The objectives of this study are to assess Cetoniidae diversity and to verify the seasonality of these beetles in three Cerrado phytophysiognomies (gallery forest, cerrado sensu stricto, and campo sujo) located in three conservation units in Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil. We collected adults monthly (October/2016 to September/2018) using 180 traps baited with bananas fermented with sugarcane juice, totaling 1,574 specimens, 8 genera, and 17 species. Cetoniidae diversity was higher in the phytophysiognomies with lower tree density (campo sujo and cerrado sensu stricto) than in gallery forests (forest formation), confirming our hypothesis that more open areas favor the dispersal of these insects due to their diurnal long-flying behavior. The seasonality of Cetoniidae was directly related to the precipitation, with higher numbers of individuals and species in the rainy season. However, the distribution varies among the phytophysiognomies, with aggregated distribution in campo sujo and gallery forest and dispersed in cerrado sensu stricto. Our results suggest that the Cetoniidae take advantage of the open Cerrado physiognomies to locate resources faster and with less energy expenditure, presenting higher diversity in these environments, despite the more ephemeral and dispersed food resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly three decades ago two new species belonging to the genus Paratrichius Janson, 1881 were described from Hainan Island (SW China): Paratrichius papilionaceus Ma, 1990 and P. rufescens Ma, 1990. The present paper increases the number of Paratrichius species known from Hainan Island to four, with the description of a new species (P. pilosus Ricchiardi and Lu, n. sp.), and a new regional record for P. elegantulus (Moser, 1902), thus far known from N Indochina and continental SW China only. Additionally, Paratrichius papilionaceus Ma, 1990 is here proposed as junior synonym of Paratrichius marmoreus (Moser, 1902), described from northern Vietnam (n. syn.), and Paratrichius brevifolius Kobayashi and Fujioka, 2013, described from northern Vietnam, is here proposed as junior synonym of the above cited Paratrichius elegantulus (Moser, 1902) (n. syn.). Among the four Paratrichius species now listed from Hainan, two (P. pilous and P. rufescens) are very likely endemic to the island’s highlands, while other two inhabit the highlands of northern Vietnam, too.

Nearly three decades ago two new species belonging to the genus Paratrichius Janson, 1881 were described from Hainan Island (SW China): Paratrichius papilionaceus Ma, 1990 and P. rufescens Ma, 1990. The present paper increases the number of Paratrichius species known from Hainan Island to four, with the description of a new species (P. pilosus Ricchiardi and Lu, n. sp.), and a new regional record for P. elegantulus (Moser, 1902), thus far known from N Indochina and continental SW China only. Additionally, Paratrichius papilionaceus Ma, 1990 is here proposed as junior synonym of Paratrichius marmoreus (Moser, 1902), described from northern Vietnam (n. syn.), and Paratrichius brevifolius Kobayashi and Fujioka, 2013, described from northern Vietnam, is here proposed as junior synonym of the above cited Paratrichius elegantulus (Moser, 1902) (n. syn.). Among the four Paratrichius species now listed from Hainan, two (P. pilous and P. rufescens) are very likely endemic to the island's highlands, while other two inhabit the highlands of northern Vietnam, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representatives of subgenus Homoeopsopha Schurhoff, 1934 occurring in Indonesian part of Papua New Guinea are studied. Distribution of Ischiopsopha (Homoeopsopha) menieri bretoni Rigout, 1997 is updated. Ischiopsopha (Homoeopsopha) occidentalis sp. nov. is described from Arfak Mountains in westernmost part of New Guinea Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution of two subgenera of Protaetia Burmeister, 1842 is updated by description of two new species and several new records of already known species. Both newly described species belong to rarely collected subgenera of Protaetia Burmeister, 1842, Lawangia Schenkling, 1921 and Protaetiola Mikšič, 1963. In subgenus Lawangia Schenkling, 1921, Protaetia (Lawangia) jeanphilippei sp. nov. is described from Panay Island, in subgenus Protaetiola Mikšič, 1963, Protaetia (Protaetiola) brookiana sp. nov. is described from Palawan Island. Newly described species are compared with their closest congeners, both species are pictured and their diagnoses are given. Updated checklist of both subgenera is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lomaptera rubens Janson, 1905 species group is studied and in particular reorganised. Lomaptera pseudorufa Heller, 1899 placed by Schurhoff (1935) into Lomaptera semicastanea species group and Lomaptera rufa Kraatz, 1880 placed by the same author into Lomaptera cinnamomea J. Thomson, 1878 species group are considered here as members of Lomaptera rubens species group with following species: Lomaptera rubens Janson, 1905; Lomaptera simbangensis Schurhoff, 1935; Lomaptera joallandi Le Thuaut, 2005; Lomaptera rufa Kraatz, 1880 and Lomaptera pseudorufa Heller, 1899. A new species belonging to this species group is described as new to science, Lomaptera submontana sp. nov. from Arfak Mountains in western part of New Guinea Island (Indonesia). All species belonging to this species group are pictured, including aedeagi of males (if available). Distribution of species formerly described from Papua New Guinea and their occurrence in Indonesian part of New Guinea Island is discussed and new distributional data of some species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The native vegetation conversion into exotic pastures has been some of the most common land changes in the Brazilian Cerrado, causing biodiversity declines. However, our understanding of how biodiversity communities are responding to this activity is still limited for many biological groups. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Cerrado vegetation conversion into exotic pastures on flower chafer beetle assemblages. We sampled flower chafer beetles using aerial fruit baited-traps, every two weeks from October to December 2013, in five sites of Brazilian Cerrado (sensu stricto) and in five sites of exotic pastures (Urochloa spp.) in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total 311 individuals from three genera and seven species were sampled. The species richness and abundance of flower chafer beetles were higher in Cerrado remnants. Species composition was similar between Cerrado remnants and exotic pastures in position, but was different in dispersion. Our results demonstrate that Cerrado conversion into exotic pastures reduces the abundance and species richness of flower chafer beetles, causing the alteration in species composition in terms of dispersion. Although these beetles can be 'guests' in exotic pasture sites, using them as ecological corridors, exotic pastures establishment negatively impacts flower chafer beetle assemblages in the Brazilian Cerrado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Representatives of cremastocheiline genus Goliathopsis Janson, 1881 are studied and compared with three species new to science. Largest member of the genus Goliathopsis krali sp. nov. is described from Thailand and it is compared with its relatives occurring in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Goliathopsis meridionalis sp. nov. is described from South Vietnam, currently southernmost point of the distribution of Goliathopsis Janson, 1881. Goliathopsis karenicus sp. nov. is described from Shan State in Myanmar and Northwestern Thailand. All three new species are depicted and differential diagnosis with their congeners is provided. Dichotomical key for all known species belonging to the genus Goliathopsis Janson, 1881 is updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only two lomapterine species are recently recorded from Misool Island. De Jong (1970) lists in his catalogue one male of Lomaptera papua Guérin-Méneville, 1830 from Misool and Kraatz (1886) described Mycterophallus xanthopus var. viridicollis from two specimens collected in Misool. Over the last few years, six species of Lomaptera Gory & Percheron, 1833 and one species of Mycterophallus Van der Pool, 1886 were collected during repeated expeditions to Misool Island (Indonesia, Eastern Moluccas). Lomaptera misoolica sp. nov., Lomaptera pallidipes glabrata ssp. nov., Lomaptera humeralis moluccana ssp. nov. and Lomaptera allardi detanii ssp. nov. are compared with their congeners flying in New Guinea Island and described here as new to science. Lomaptera burgeoni Valck Lucassen, 1961 is synonymised with Lomaptera fasciata Moser, 1923 based on abundant material from several localities across Indonesian part of New Guinea and newly collected population flying in Misool Island. Mycterophallus xanthopus viridicollis Kraatz, 1886 is recognised here as a distinct subspecies occurring in Misool Island. Occurrence of Lomaptera papua Guérin-Méneville, 1830 in Misool Island is confirmed here, this species seems to be commonest Lomaptera Gory & Percheron, 1833 in island. All species of Lomaptera Gory & Percheron, 1833 and Mycterophallus Van der Pool, 1886 are illustrated, including genitalia of males and dichotomical key for Lomaptera Gory & Percheron, 1833 and Mycterophallus Van der Pool, 1886 species occurring in Misool Island is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the drivers underlying spatial and temporal changes of species distribution is a major and urgent challenge, given the scenario of increased climate and land use changes. The creation and maintenance of urban parks is an efficient conservation strategy in urbanized landscapes. In this study, we explore how spatiotemporal β-diversity components of turnover and nestedness of flower chafer beetles are influenced by climate conditions in urban park and natural reserve sites in Brazilian Cerrado, one of the largest, richest and possibly the most threatened tropical savannah on the Planet. We sampled flower chafer beetles using aerial fruit-baited traps, every 2 weeks from January to December 2014, in six 'natural reserve' sites (outside the urban matrix) and four 'urban park' sites (within the urban matrix) in Brazilian Cerrado. Our results highlighted four main findings: (i) spatially, 'natural reserve' and 'urban park' sites presented similar values of dissimilarity and substitution of flower chafer beetles but 'urban park' sites had higher nestedness values than 'natural reserve' sites; (ii) temporally, 'natural reserve' and 'urban park' sites presented similar values of dissimilarity, turnover, and nestedness; (iii) average β-diversity, turnover and nestedness values did not differ between dry and rainy seasons in both 'natural reserve' and 'urban park' sites; and (iv) none of the climatic variables influenced the temporal variation in β-diversity and its components of flower chafer beetles. Therefore, most of spatiotemporal changes in β-diversity patterns of flower chafer beetles are not related to urbanization effects or changes in climatic variables in Brazilian Cerrado. This group of insects seems to respond more to environmental and climatic filters with changes in richness, abundance, and species composition than changes in β-diversity patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Cetoniinae; Kolbe; genome; Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis; edible insect EN Cetoniinae Kolbe genome Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis edible insect N.PAG N.PAG 5 01/18/21 20210113 NES 210113 Introduction Insects hold the template for significant technological and biological inventions, since most of them are smaller in size and have different characteristics. By considering all these factors, the genetic make-up was initiated through a large insect genome project to fuel detailed characterizations (i.e., i5K insect genomes). The single-copy genes from the given genomes were subjected to Bayesian evolutionary analysis sampling trees (BEAST), phylogenetic tree reconstruction method, to assess evolutionary time and similarity position among the given genomes (Suchard et al., [23]). A total of 15,667 (66.52%) genes are known to have homologous sequences in GenBank, and 10,844 (i.e., 46.04%) genes also have their gene ontology descriptions (Table 1D and Figure 1C). [Extracted from the article]

Glycosia phoenix sp. nov. is described from the southern part of Vietnam. The newly described species is compared with its congeners in the Glycosia luctifera Schoch, 1896 species group distributed in China, Taiwan, northern parts of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, northeastern India and Bhutan. This remarkable finding extends the distribution of the G. luctifera species group from the transitional zone between Palearctic and Oriental regions far to the south. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroliocola Alexis & Delpont, 1998, subgenus of Protaetia Burmeister, 1842 is studied. Both currently known species are compared with newly described species from northern part of Sichuan (China) named Protaetia (Macroliocola) brunneocoerulea sp. nov. and new species from northern Vietnam and southern China named Protaetia (Macroliocola) vietnamosinica sp. nov. Second newly described Macroliocola Alexis & Delpont, 1998 is also compared with some representatives of subgenus Liocola C. G. Thomson, 1859. Dichotomical key to males and known females is provided. New distribution data for Protaetia (Macroliocola) montana Nonfried, 1892 are presented. Pictures of both taxa described and their congeners, including male aedeagi, are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributional areas of Ixorida (Mecinonota) luctuosa Snellen van Vollenhoven, 1858, Ixorida (Mecinonota) regia Fabricius, 1801 and Ixorida (Mecinonota) venerea J. Thomson, 1857 are studied. Based on new materials collected during the last two decades, the following subspecies are described: Ixorida (Mecinonota) luctuosa saparuana ssp. nov. from Saparua Island (Indonesia), Ixorida (Mecinonota) luctuosa kelangana ssp. nov. from Kelang Island (Indonesia), Ixorida (Mecinonota) venerea tapaya ssp. nov. from Obi Island (Indonesia), Ixorida (Mecinonota) venerea ibu ssp. nov. from Halmahera Island (Indonesia), Ixorida (Mecinonota) regia palawana ssp. nov. from Palawan Island (the Philippines) and Ixorida (Mecinonota) regia simeuleuana ssp. nov. from Simeuleue Island (Indonesia). Ixorida (Mecinonota) pseudoregia Antoine, 1986 is synonymised with Ixorida (Mecinonota) regia ornata Mikšič, 1972 and the later taxa is raised to the species level. The following new combinations for Ixorida (Mecinonota) ornata Mikšič are proposed: Ixorida (Mecinonota) ornata ornata Mikšič, 1972 from Java (Indonesia), Ixorida (Mecinonota) ornata borneensis Antoine, 1986 from Borneo and Kalimantan (Malaysia, Indonesia), Ixorida (Mecinonota) ornata dehli Antoine, 1988 from Siberut Island (Indonesia) and Ixorida (Mecinonota) ornata malayensis Antoine, 1986 from peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Ixorida (Mecinonota) ornata pseudodiehli ssp. nov. is described from Belitung Island (Indonesia). All newly described taxa are compared with their nominotypical subspecies or other recently known subspecies and their illustrations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lomaptera pulchella Janson, 1905 species group is studied. Species from Papua New Guinea are compared with species flying in western (Indonesian) part of the island, their distributional areas are discussed and three sp. nov. from the Indonesian part of New Guinea Island are described: Lomaptera aurea sp. nov. from Bugalaga and Lomaptera mapia sp. nov. from Mapia in Enarotali District and Lomaptera arfakiana sp. nov. from Arfak Mountains in north-western part of the island. The newly described species are compared with their historically known congeners and a dichotomical key to all representatives of the group is given. All species of pulchella species group including illustrations of male parameres are pictured. Additionally tiny and strange Lomaptera grandipenis sp. nov. from southern lowland of Indonesian Papua, which cannot be attributed to any of known groups, is described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First flower beetles from remote Misool Island in the eastern part of the Indonesian Moluccas were collected. In the genus Ischiopsopha Gestro, 1874, two different taxa have been discovered, both new to science. Both belong to the nominotypical subgenus. The first of them, Ischiopsopha (Ischiopsopha) misoolica sp. nov. is compared with its close and single congener Ischiopsopha (Ischiopsopha) lata Jákl, 2013. The second taxon belongs to Ischiopsopha (Ischiopsopha) nigriloba Ritsema, 1879 known from mainland of New Guinea Island. Population from Misool Island is significantly different and it is compared here with the nominotypical population and described as Ischiopsopha (Ischiopsopha) nigriloba insularis ssp. nov. Both species are illustrated and their differential diagnoses with closest congeners are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Bombodes westwoodi Thomson, 1857 distributed in SE Xizang and NE India is compared with similarly looking, but unknown species, flying in the Kachin State of Myanmar. The new Myanmarese species described here is named Bombodes alinae sp. nov. The differential diagnosis concerning the two congeners is provided and morphological characters of the mentioned species and other representatives of Bombodes Westwood, 1848 are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of type materials from several institutional and private collections and examination of male genitalia revealed that Clinteria (Clinteria) klugi rufipennis Janson, 1889, Clinteria (Clinteria) ducalis bourgoini Paulian, 1960 and Clinteria (Clinteria) cinctipennis hageni are morphologically significantly different from their nominotypical subspecies and therefore, the taxa are raised to the species level here. Species newly described for science are as follows: Clinteria (Clinteria) legrandi sp. nov. from South-Central Vietnam, Clinteria (Clinteria) porloyi sp. nov. from Molu Island in the northern part of Tanimbar Archipelago and Clinteria (Clinteria) hageni borneoana ssp. nov. from Sarawak state in Borneo Island. New distributional records are given for Clinteria (Clinteria) magna Krajčík & Jákl, 2007 and Clinteria (Clinteria) sakaii Antoine, 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taeniodera inexpectata sp. nov. is described from Indonesian Kalimantan. The new species is placed in the Taeniodera cervina species group. It resembles both species in the cervina group occurring in the Greater Sundas. The new species shares part of morphological characters of both known species, Taeniodera corticalis Wallace, 1867 and Taeniodera cervina Wallace, 1867. Illustration of all four species of the Taeniodera cervina species group, including illustration of male parameres is provided. Separate keys to species in the Taeniodera cervina group are given for males and females and the distribution of the whole group is shortly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When applied in funnel traps, the known three-component floral lure of Cetonia a. aurata and Potosia cuprea attracts large numbers of beetles. Further increasing the attractive power of these traps offers the opportunity to develop a more potent mass-trapping tool that directly reduces local scarab populations and, hence, fruit damage. The current study was initiated by the observation of adult beetles aggregating and feeding in large numbers on ripening fruit, accompanied by the presence of fermentation volatiles detectable by the human nose. Addition of apple pieces to the ternary C. aurata aurata / P. cuprea lure resulted in increased catches, but only in traps where the apple fermented as a result of beetle feeding. Volatile extracts collected from fermenting apple were subjected to GC-EAG, and bioactive peaks were identified as 1-hexanol, acetic acid, n-butyric acid, isovaleric acid, hexanoic acid and 3-methylphenol by GC-MS and GC peak enhancement. In preliminary field trials, a synthetic mixture of all identified compounds reduced activity of the ternary lure, indicating that some were inhibitory. As certain individual compounds or their particular combinations enhanced activity of the ternary lure only numerically, further experiments are discussed to optimize a synergistic blend of fruit fermentation and/or beetle-derived volatiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of the genus Pararhabdotis Kraatz, 1899 and Ruteraetia Krikken, 1980 is given. Ruteraetia Krikken, 1980 is raised from synonymy with Pararhabdotis Kraatz and recognised as a valid genus in the tribe Cetoniini. New species and new subgenus of Ruteraetia from continental Malaysia, similar with both mentioned genera is described and named Ruteraetia (Legrandia subgen. nov.) pahangensis sp. nov. Taxonomical key between all three higher taxa and its representatives is provided and new records for species belonging here are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetoniine species accommodated in tribe Taenioderini distributed in Sulawesi Island are studied and compared. Three new species and one subspecies flying across Sulawesi Island or its neighbouring islands are described. From Sulawesi Island, Ixorida (Aurelia) kaorui sp. nov. is described and compared with its congeners. From offshore islands of Muna and Buton, Ixorida (Oncosterna) pygmaea sp. nov. and Ixorida (Oncosterna) butona sp. nov. with its subspecies Ixorida (Oncosterna) butona munaensis ssp. nov. are described as new to science. Ixorida (Mecinonota) somarisii Schauer, 1939 stat. nov. is raised from the synonymy with Ixorida (Mecinonota) venerea J. Thomson, 1857 and it is here regarded as a good species from Selayar Island (S of Sulawesi). Rarely collected Taeniodera celebensis Krikken, 1982 currently known by single male only is photographed for the first time and a redescription of its male is given. Some new distributional records of Taenioderini are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of several specimens of Epitrichius recently caught in central and southern Vietnam allowed to put in synonymy one species and to describe a new one, which extends considerably southwards the distribution area of the genus.

A male cetoniine specimen from the old Schürhoff collection currently deposited in the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (Pretoria, South Africa), was recently submitted for identification and has been found to represent a yet undescribed species of the poorly-known genus Callophylla Moser, 1916. The species is named C. macrocephala sp. n., in recognition of its wider than average head, particularly at the level of the clypeus, and originates from the southern Tanzanian highlands, near the Tanzania-Zambia border town of Nakonde. This brings the total number of species now known for this genus to four, two from West Africa and two from East-Central Africa. All species were described on the basis of a male only, or this and a few extra specimens. The female is only known for the two West African species, C. costata Moser, 1916 and C. lamottei Antoine, 2007. A dichotomous key for the identification of the species of this genus is presented for the first time. It is suggested that the genus may be constituted of high altitude specialists, with a short period of activity and no ability to feed at the adult stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower chafers (Cetoniinae) were collected from several habitats in the Palestinian Territories (West Bank) during several field trips conducted by the team at the Palestine Museum of Natural History. Nine species in four genera (Aethiessa mesopotamica, Protaetia cuprea ignicollis, Protaetia funebris, Protaetia judith, Protaetia subpilosa, Oxythyrea cinctella, Oxythyrea noemi, Tropinota hirta suturalis, and Tropinota squalida pilosa) were recorded. This study records additional localities of flower chafers in the Palestinian Territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several synthetic floral lures have been described for the cetoniin scarabs Cetonia aurata aurata L. and Potosia cuprea Fabr. (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae), exploiting their olfaction-guided behavioural preference for a wide range of flower volatiles. A ternary mixture of 3-methyl eugenol, 1-phenylethanol and (E)-anethol has previously been described as a powerful synthetic floral attractant for both C. a. aurata and P. cuprea. The first objective of the present research was to test whether isoeugenol and eugenol, with a very similar molecular structure to 3-methyl eugenol, can substitute 3-methyl eugenol in the ternary blend. All baited traps caught significantly more of both species than unbaited control traps, however, traps containing 3-methyl eugenol caught significantly more than those with either isoeugenol or eugenol. This indicates a fine tuning in behavioural response to 3-methyl eugenol. The second objective was to devise simpler attractant combinations for C. a. aurata and P. cuprea, based on previous field studies with synthetic floral compounds. Both C. a. aurata and P. cuprea showed strong attraction to the combination of 2-phenylethanol and 4-methoxyphenethyl alcohol, while the combination of 2-phenylethanol and 1,2,4-trimethoxybenzene resulted in medium-size catches, however, mostly catching P. cuprea. This level of selectivity may lead to the development of more selective lures for P. cuprea, and provide a better understanding of the feeding-related olfactory ecology of the two important pest chafer species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paratrichius pejchai sp. nov. from the mountain region of Ha Giang province, northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from all currently known species of the genus Paratrichius Janson, 1881 in the pronotum extensively covered with pale yellowish chalky material, and in the unique shape of the male genitalia with 'winglike' protuberances on parameres. A list of Paratrichius Janson, 1881 species occurring in Vietnam is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an annotated catalogue for the tribe Incini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) including references to all taxonomic and nomenclatural acts, clarifying the spelling of names, providing type depositories and occurrence records for the species. The spelling of Golinca davisii (Waterhouse, 1877) is fi xed, and the incorrect subsequent spelling Pantodinus klugi Burmeister, 1847 is preserved. A comprehensive list of all valid names in Incini is provided. Furthermore, we describe the third species in the genus Archedinus Morón & Krikken, 1990, and fi rst one known from outside of Mexico, A. antoshkai Seidel & Arriaga-Varela sp. nov. from Cerro las Minas, the highest mountain in Honduras. We provide an updated determination key for the species of Archedinus. The new species is compared with Archedinus howdeni Morón & Vaz-de-Mello, 2007, the most similar species in terms of genital and habitus morphology. An updated key to identification of males of Archedinus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of several specimens of Epitrichius recently caught in central and southern Vietnam allowed to put in synonymy one species and to describe a new one, which extends considerably southwards the distribution area of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All species of cetoniine beetles occurring in the Indonesian Lesser Sunda Islands are studied and figured. In the tribe Cetoniini Glycosia detanii sp. nov. from Sumba Island, Glycosia tricolor lombokiana ssp. nov. and Glycyphana (Glycyphaniola) havai sp. nov. from Lombok Island, Protaetia (Pseudourbania) sibling sp. nov. from Flores Island and Protaetia (Pseudourbania) horaki sp. nov. from Savu Island are described and compared with closest congeners. In the tribe Gymnetini Clinteria alorica sp. nov. from Alor Island and Clinteria flora solorica ssp. nov. from Solor Island are described and compared with their relatives. In the tribe Schizorhinini Agestrata punctatostriata floresica ssp. nov. from Flores Island is described and compared with populations of Agestrata Eschscholtz, 1829 in neighbouring islands. Glycyphana (Glycyphaniola) sumbana Jákl, 2009 is transferred to the subgenus Heteroglycyphana Mikšič, 1968 and its female is described and illustrated for the first time. Glycyphana (Glycyphaniola) pseudofasciata Valck Lucassen, 1936 and Protaetia (Pseudourbania) floresiensis Mikšič, 1962 are recognised as valid species, not as a subspecies of Glycyphana (Glycyphaniola) varicorensis Burmeister, 1842 and Protaetia (Pseudourbania) lorkovici Mikšič, 1962. Clinteria fruhstorferi Schoch, 1896 is raised from synonymy with Clinteria sexpustulata Gory & Percheron, 1833 and together with Clinteria jansoni Schoch, 1898 considered as a subspecies of Clinteria flora Wallace, 1867. Glycosia bhaskarai Krajčík & Jákl, 2005 is newly synonymised with Glycosia plicata Lansberge, 1880 and Clinteria spilota marginata Schurhoff, 1942 is synonymised with Clinteria jansoni Schoch, 1898. Females of Protaetia (Bhaskaria) lombokiana Mikšič, 1975, Protaetia (Netociomima) maculipennis Moser, 1914 and Protaetia (Protaetiola) candezei Lansberge, 1880 are described and illustrated for the first time. New distributional records for some species are given and type localities of several species are corrected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cetoniidae is a diverse family containing approximately 4,000 species, most of which feed on flowers and fruits. In Brazil, 72 species and 24 genera are recorded. Little is known about this family in the Central region of Brazil, and no research has previously been conducted in the ecologically important Cerrado biome. In this study, we evaluated the diversity and temporal variation of the Cetoniidae in an area of the Cerrado in the Federal District (Brazil) and verified whether the abundance and species richness were influenced by climatic variables. The study was carried out in an area of Cerrado sensu stricto at Água Limpa Farm in Brasília/DF. Beetles were collected weekly from October 2013 to September 2014 using 40 traps baited with banana and pineapple fermented with sugarcane juice. A total of 398 specimens comprising 8 genera and 15 species were collected. We observed temporal variation in abundance and richness of the Cetoniidae in direct relation to the climatic characteristics of the Cerrado, with a greater number of individuals and species appearing in the rainy season. Climatic variables such as temperature and humidity appear to have a significant effect on the diversity of Cetoniidae. This is the first study conducted on this family in Central Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hybovalgus Kolbe, 1904 is represented by eight species on the Chinese mainland, many of which also inhabit northern Vietnam and Laos. Species of Hybovalgus are endemic to this area, and to the island of Taiwan. Until now, there is a lot of confusion in our knowledge of Hybovalgus on mainland China, due to erroneous descriptions of new species by European entomologists and incorrect identifications of specimens by local entomologists. Study of more material and many types has clarified this situation by better defining the species, synonymizing some of them, describing one new species, Hybovalgus calvus sp. nov. and recognizing the fact that females of two species were included in the new genus Excisivalgus Endrödi, 1952, which is here synonymized with Hybovalgus.