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The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Shivalik Hills of Chandigarh, India, encompasses several freshwater ecosystems, including ponds, streams, and marshes. The objective of this study is to fill the current information void regarding the populations of aquatic beetles in the sanctuary. During the period from June to September 2023, a comprehensive study was conducted in the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, resulting in the identification and documentation of 164 specimens of aquatic Coleoptera. These specimens belonged to six species, five genera, and two families in which the Dytiscidae family was found to be the most prevalent. The study findings offer significant insights into the population magnitude and geographical dispersion of aquatic beetles within the investigated settings and show the need for comprehensive surveys to understand the intricate interplay of factors governing beetle distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA-based studies have revealed that the terrestrial water scavenger beetle genus Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae: Megasternini) is polyphyletic, grouping similarly looking but unrelated species that were not assigned to other genera due to the absence of unusual morphological characters. In this study, we analyse the morphology, DNA data and species diversity of one of the Asian clades of ' Cercyon ' to test whether a natural, phylogeny-based generic classification can be established. We add DNA data (five nuclear and three mitochondrial fragments) for additional species and specimens of the clade to test its monophyly and reveal phylogenetic relationships among species. We perform a detailed morphological study of all species, including SEM micrographs, to reveal synapomorphies of the DNA-based clades. We demonstrate that the lineage, described here as Asiacyon Mai, Jia, Ryndevich & Fikáček, gen. nov., is strongly supported by DNA data, has limited distribution (eastern Asia), and its species share similar biology (inhabiting fresh or decaying plant tissues), though it can be only diagnosed by a combination of plesiomorphic characters. A detailed treatment is provided for the Chinese species, including species diagnoses, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, (re)descriptions and a key to species. A total of 14 Chinese species are recognised, of which 11 are described as new: Asiacyon pax sp. nov. (Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hunan), A. pseudincretus sp. nov. (Anhui, Jiangxi, Taiwan, Zhejiang), A. vicincretus sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi), A. zhengyucheni sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. huilanae sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. cornipenis sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. belousovi sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. liangchengi sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. paraequalis sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. pengzhongi sp. nov. (Hunan) and A. xiuzhenae sp. nov. (Hainan, Yunnan). Three Chinese species previously classified in Cercyon are transferred to Asiacyon : A. incretus (d'Orchymont, 1941), comb. nov., A. primoricus (Ryndevich & Prokin, 2017), comb. nov. (newly recorded from China) and A. indicus (d'Orchymont, 1926), comb. nov. (newly recorded from China and Laos). Additionally, seven Asian species previously classified in Cercyon are transferred to Asiacyon based on their external morphology, but not studied in detail: A. aequalis (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov., A. conjiciens (Walker, 1858), comb. nov., A. dilutus (Régimbart, 1903), comb. nov., A. placidus (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov., A. pseudodilutus (Satô, 1979), comb. nov., A. retius (Ryndevich & Prokin, 2017), comb. nov., and A. rubicundus (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov. In total, the genus now comprises 21 named species and several undescribed species from India, Myanmar and Indonesia. ZooBank: Morphology is not always a good indicator of biological diversity, aswe illustrate in Asian species classified under Cercyon , a genus of terrestrial water scavenger beetles. We describe Asiacyon gen. nov., which is strongly supported by DNA data, has limited distribution and unique habitat preferences, yet it highly resembles other unrelated ʻ Cercyon ʼ. The species diversity of this lineage was under-estimated: we describe 11 new species from China. We argue that ' Cercyon ' should be divided into DNA-based natural genera despite their morphological similarity. (Image credit: Martin Fikáček.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Science & Engineering / Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Fen Ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Afyon Kocatepe University, Faculty of Science & Literature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of R.A.R.E - Association Roussillonnaise d'Entomologie is the property of Association Roussillonnaise d Entomologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Three new species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 from China (Oocyclus extensus sp. nov., from Xizang, O. latiorificialis sp. nov. and O. ximaensis sp. nov. from Yunnan) are described and illustrated in detail. Additional faunistic data, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, and a key to Chinese species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological data has a great importance for species distribution of whole aquatic systems. The aims of this study are determined to estimate the effects of various parameters (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, salinity) on habitat preferences of Hydrophilidae and Helophoridae (Coleoptera) which were collected from Beyşehir Lake and surrounding areas in Konya province, Turkey. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine which environmental factors are effective in the habitat preferences. According to the two first axes of the PCA analysis explained 59.5% of variation among sites in relation to their environmental features and pH, water temperature, electrical conductivity and salinity are the main water parameters associated with aquatic beetle distribution. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that the important physicochemical attributes of the species distribution were pH, electrical conductivity, and water temperature and CCA analyzes showed that the physicochemical parameters of water are directly related to the distribution of insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following several surveys of aquatic Coleoptera during 2013-2018 in northern Western Ghats, India, we hereby provide an illustrated checklist with modified keys to the species of families Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Noteridae, and Hydrophilidae. To date, we have collected 69 species of true water beetles, adding new occurrence records for two species to the fauna of the state. Keys are modified from the works of various authors. Distribution records are provided with district specific records for Maharashtra. Keys, species lists, and distribution records are based on our survey results. Species were identified following the works of various authors, and affirmed by dissecting male genitalia. Provided with keys are habitus images, images of male genitalia for 59 species, and digital drawings & scanning electron micrographs of taxonomically important structures wherever necessary. These surveys were conducted to revive the work on aquatic beetles that have been neglected for about 40 years, and to prepare a revised checklist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carrion beetles (Silphidae) are the focus of ongoing behavioral ecology, forensic, ecological, conservation, evolutionary, systematic, and other research, and were recently reclassified as a subfamily of Staphylinidae. Twenty-three analyses in 21 publications spanning the years 1927–2023 that are relevant to the question of the evolutionary origin and taxonomic classification of Silphidae are reviewed. Most of these analyses (20) found Silphidae nested inside Staphylinidae (an average of 4.38 branches deep), two found Silphidae in an ambiguous position, and one found Silphidae outside Staphylinidae, as sister to Hydrophilidae. There is strong evidence supporting the hypothesis that large carrion beetles evolved from within Staphylinidae and good justification for their classification as the subfamily Silphinae of the megadiverse, and apparently now monophyletic, Staphylinidae. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the interrelationships and monophyly of many staphylinid subfamilies. Nonetheless, the subfamily Tachyporinae was found to be the sister of Silphinae in more analyses (7) than any other subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic beetles are potential indicators of freshwater ecosystem and play an important role in food web and nutrient cycling. Parameters like pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, are important water quality parameters. The present study is focused on the diversity of aquatic beetles and assessing water quality parameters of the sacred Indrayani River from various sites namely Valvan, Kamshet, Warangwadi, Begadewadi, Moshigaon, Alandi, Dhanore, and Tulapur. A total of 94 examples of aquatic beetles belonging to 31 species under 19 genera and four families from Indrayani River were recorded along with water quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Army ants provide nourishment to a large variety of animals. This includes birds that feed on animals flushed out by army ant raids, symbiotic arthropods that consume the ants' prey or their brood, and other arthropods that scavenge on army ant refuse deposits. The latter have not received much attention, and the few published studies lack detailed species identifications. Here we provide a first systematic inventory of the beetle fauna associated with refuse deposits of Eciton army ants, with a focus on Eciton burchellii. We collected 8364 adult beetles, 511 larvae, and 24 eggs from 34 deposits at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We used a combination of DNA barcoding and morphology to identify a subset of 436 specimens to species level. The samples included several new species, and we here formally describe two water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae). Refuse deposits harbored a diverse beetle fauna. The identified subset consisted of 91 beetle species from 12 families, with rove beetles being the most abundant and diverse visitors. Of the 85 species found with E. burchellii, 50 species were collected from only one or two refuse deposits. Conversely, seven species were found in 10 or more refuse deposits, indicating a certain level of habitat specialization. We matched adults and immatures for 22 beetle species via DNA barcodes, demonstrating that army ant middens also serve as a beetle nursery. The present survey highlights the significant ecological function of army ants as promoters of biodiversity and their status as keystone species in tropical rainforests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary and secondary chaetotaxy of the larval head capsule and head appendages of five New World species of Enochrus Thomson are described for the first time. These species belong to three subgenera: Enochrus (Hugoscottia) tremolerasi (Knisch), E. (Lumetus) hamiltoni (Horn), E. (Methydrus) barituensis Fernández, E. (Methydrus) ochraceus (Melsheimer) and E. (Methydrus) pygmaeus (Fabricius). Morphometric characters derived from the head capsule and mouthparts are also included, together with detailed illustrations of all characters. A comparative study of the chaetotaxy of four subgenera of Enochrus yields an important number of characters useful to diagnose the larvae of these subgenera, and could be used in future phylogenetic analyses. Several characters showing variation within a subgenus are discussed; additionally, possible diagnostic characters for Enochrus and the subfamily Enochrinae are discussed. The chaetotaxy of two subgenera, Enochrus Thomson and Hydatotrephis MacLeay, still remains unknown, and should be a priority to complete the larval knowledge of the genus Enochrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Sloveniae: Revija za Terensko Biologijo / Journal of Field Biology is the property of Natura Sloveniae and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The water scavenger beetle genus Novochares Girón & Short, 2021 is revised using a combination of adult morphological and DNA sequence data. Thirty-eight new species are described: Novochares aperito sp. nov. (Bolivia), N. baca sp. nov. (Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname), N. bidens sp. nov. (Brazil), N. bisinuatus sp. nov. (Brazil), N. clavieri sp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Peru), N. danta sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. dentatus sp. nov. (Ecuador, Venezuela), N. dicranospathus sp. nov. (Peru), N. duo sp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela), N. fernandezae sp. nov. (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela), N. florifer sp. nov. (Brazil), N. furcatus sp. nov. (Brazil), N. garciai sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. garfo sp. nov. (Brazil), N. geminus sp. nov. (Brazil), N. kawsay sp. nov. (Ecuador, Peru), N. latus sp. nov. (Brazil), N. minor sp. nov. (Peru, Suriname, Venezuela), N. mojenos sp. nov. (Bolivia), N. mura sp. nov. (Brazil), N. orchis sp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname), N. pastinum sp. nov. (Ecuador), N. pertusus sp. nov. (Brazil), N. piaroa sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. pilatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. pumesp. nov. (Venezuela), N. punctatostriatussp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname), N. quadrispinus sp. nov. (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname), N. spangleri sp. nov. (Peru), N. tambopatense sp. nov. (Peru), N. tenedor sp. nov. (Guyana, Venezuela), N. triangularis sp. nov. (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay), N. tridentis sp. nov. (Brazil), N. trifurcatus sp. nov. (Peru), N. unguis sp. nov. (Bolivia, Peru), N. xingu sp. nov. (Brazil), and N. yanomami sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. yora sp. nov. (Peru). One new synonym is proposed: N. carmona (Short, 2005) syn. nov. was determined to be a junior subjective synonym of N. chaquensis (Fernández, 1982). Novochares inornatus (d’Orchymont, 1926) is considered incertae sedis. Updated distributions and new records are provided for most previously described species in the genus. Novochares sallaei (Sharp, 1882) is considered native to the USA (Florida) and not an introduced species as previously suggested. Novochares now contains 52 species and spans the entire Neotropical region from Mexico to Argentina, including the Caribbean islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larval morphology of Crephelochares Kuwert, 1890 and Peltochares Régimbart, 1907 is described in detail based on specimens of C. abnormalis (Sharp, 1890) and P. atropiceus (Régimbart, 1903) collected in Taiwan; the chaetotaxy of the head capsule and head appendages of both genera is described for the first time. Larvae were obtained by laboratory rearing and field collecting; field collected larvae were identified by morphological comparison with those reared in the laboratory. Larval morphology of C. abnormalis corresponds with that of C. nitescens (Fauvel, 1883) except for the serrate margin of the nasale in C. abnormalis. We confirm that Crephelochares does not construct the usual egg case, and report active behaviour of its larvae, possibly indicating they are not ambush predators. Larval morphology of P. atropiceus corresponds with that of P. foveicollis; on the other hand, we conclude that the larvae previously described as Peltochares from Madagascar belong to Tritonus Mulsant, 1844 of the tribe Laccobiini. The egg-carrying behaviour of Peltochares is confirmed. We briefly summarize the state of the knowledge of immature stages of the Acidocerinae, indicating that a special effort in discovering and describing immature stages from northern South America and Brazil is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helophorus Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera: Hydrophiloidea: Helophoridae) is an old and largely Holarctic genus of beetles, with most extant diversity concentrated in the Palaearctic. As with a number of primarily northern temperate lineages, the genus has colonised the Afrotropical Region, with species described from the Ethiopian Highlands and southern Africa. Here, the Afrotropical Helophorus fauna is revised, based on a study of all primary types and additional material, including extensive recent collections from South Africa. The known Afrotropical fauna is shown to be comprised of six species, only three of which were previously described: H. aethiopicus Régimbart, 1907, from southern highland areas of Ethiopia, H. aethiops J. Balfour-Browne, 1954 known from summer and year-round rainfall areas of South Africa and Namibia and H. cooperi Orchymont, 1948, stat. nov., described as a subspecies of H. aethiopicus and still only known from the type locality in Ethiopia. To these, three new species are added: H. brumopluvialis sp. nov., widespread in winter rainfall areas of the Western and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa, H. nyandaruaensis sp. nov. from mountains of the East African Rift in Kenya and H. simiensis sp. nov. from the Simien Mountains of northern Ethiopia. All species are (re)described in detail and illustrated with high-resolution photos. Known distributions are mapped and a key to species provided. It is suggested that the two South African species may have speciated allochronically, due to seasonal shifts in life cycle associated with the development of the winter rainfall regime in the Cape during the Plio-Pleistocene. Helophorus are hypothesised to have colonised the Afrotropics on at least two occasions from separate Palaearctic ancestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects of the family Hydrophilidae produce egg cocoons (a silk-like substance that surrounds the eggs). In several genera, the female attaches these egg cocoons to their abdomen and carries them until the larvae hatch. In this study, we examined whether the egg cocoon-carrying behavior of the water scavenger beetle, Helochares nipponicus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae), functions to protect the egg cocoon from physical, biological, and environmental stressors. The number of hatchlings from egg cocoons that were removed from female scavenger beetles and floated on the water surface did not differ from those of the that remained attached. However, few eggs hatched from egg cocoons submerged in water and from those placed in a dry environment. When first instar larvae of the conspecific species were put into small Petri dishes with egg cocoons still attached to the female, the number of hatchlings did not differ from those without larval cohabitation. In contrast, when the egg cocoons were removed from the females, the presence of conspecific larvae significantly reduced the number of hatchlings. First instar larvae fed on the eggs by inserting their heads into the egg cocoons. These results strongly suggest that the egg cocoon-carrying behavior of H. nipponicus functions to regulate air and water to the eggs and avoid cannibalism by conspecific larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of World Water Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Four years of sampling effort during 2006-2009 using four collection methods at two sites in a national park (George Washington Memorial Parkway) in northern Virginia captured 292 aquatic beetle specimens in seven families. These specimens represent 54 species in 33 genera. Thirty-six species are first records for the Potomac Gorge, an area surveyed for beetles for over 120 years. Periods of adult activity, based on dates of capture, are given for each species. The efficacy of each collection method is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until now, only one specimen of the water scavenger beetle Helophorus asperatus had been identified in the White Carpathians in the eastern part of the Czech Republic. Since the previously known specimen was a female, it was essential to verify the presence of this species in the area by locating a male as the male genital organ provides distinct identifying features. Male specimens were collected from a periodic pool situated in the Hutě Nature Reserve in the central part of the mountain range. The primary identification features are presented through illustrative photographs, and the discovery site is described in detail. Additionally, the bionomics of this species are discussed. The findings show that H. asperatus prefers vernal periodic pools with oligotrophic water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of a water beetle new for Belgium: Augylus pruinosus (Coleoptera, Heteroceridae) and two new records of a species that was not recorded from Belgium since 1965: Helophorus longitarsis (Coleoptera, Helophoridae) are discussed. These beetles were encountered during the preparation of a catalogue of the Belgian aquatic beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First records of two species of beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera), namely Pocadius adustus Reitter, 1888 (Nitidulidae) and Byrrhus pustulatus (Forster, 1770) (Byrrhidae) are given for Georgia. In addition, an update on the occurrences of Necrobia violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cleridae), Coelostoma orbiculare (Fabricius, 1775) (Hydrophilidae) and Lycoperdina succincta (Linnaeus, 1767) (Endomychidae) are also presented based on the specimens collected in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, determined by morphological and mtDNA barcoding methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to large, high-quality databases is one of the major needs in biodiversity studies. Faunistical data are essential but are often scarce and have to be compiled from various sources. On the basis of more than 30,000 occurrences obtained from specimens held in museum and private collections, as well as from literature data, we present the first updated checklist of the Swiss species of Hydrophiloidea (Georissidae, Helophoridae, Hydrochidae, Hydrophilidae, and Spercheidae) since 1900. In total, 105 species are retained as part of the Swiss fauna, while 16 species, which were recorded from Switzerland in the past, are excluded from this list, either due to insufficient documentation or because their records were based on misidentified material. Cercyon alpinus, Cercyon castaneipennis, Cercyon tatricus, Helophorus montenegrinus, Megasternum immaculatum, Pachysternum capense, and Paracymus scutellaris are recorded for the first time in Switzerland. This work is a further step towards the comprehension of the whole Swiss beetle fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Ürünleri Dergisi is the property of Ege Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences (EgeJFAS) / Su Urunleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Insects have a very large impact among living organisms, both in terms of numbers and efficiency. They are the first actor in pollination, ecological balance and the food chain pyramid. Since gut microbiota plays an important role in the reproduction and spread of living organisms in the food chain, gut microbiota is useful for detection of bacteria to be used as biological control agents. Here, we analysed microbiota (bacteria) of the gut in aquatic Coleoptera (Helephoridae and Hidrophilidae family) by using microbiological and molecular methods. Various conventional methods were used for the complete and accurate identification of bacterial isolates. Gut microbiota bacteria from 17 species of aquatic insects were microbiologically isolated. Using culture-dependent methods, 34 species and 31 different genera were isolated from gut of 17 aquatic insect species (Coleoptera: Helephoridae and Hydrophilidae). Further studies are needed to determine the number and proportion of these bacteria species within total bacterial content for evaluation of biological control and biotechnological uses. As a result of the isolation of bacteria with biotechnological importance, these bacteria will be used repeatedly in biotechnology and biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune response represents a suite of evolved traits that can involve energetic and evolutionary trade‐offs with other energy‐demanding and fitness‐related processes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that aquatic beetles living in inland hypersaline habitats have lower immune capacity than freshwater congeners.Phenoloxidase activity, encapsulation response and antimicrobial peptide activity were compared in freshwater/hypersaline species pairs with differing osmoregulatory capacity and cuticular waterproofing properties in the genera Nebrioporus (Dytiscidae) and Enochrus (Hydrophilidae), independent evolutionary lineages that have colonised saline media separately.Hypersaline species (N. ceresyi and E. jesusarribasi) showed significantly lower phenoloxidase activity and antimicrobial peptide responses than their freshwater relatives (N. clarkii and E. salomonis). Encapsulation responses in freshwater species also appeared to be higher than in hypersaline relatives.Our results reinforce the complex nature of immune responses and suggest that adaptation to saline environments may have involved a trade‐off between osmoregulation and investment in immune defences, but also are consistent with relaxed selection pressures on basal immune responses resulting from lower microbial infection load in saline habitats. In addition, the more resistant cuticle of species occupying such habitats may protect against the entry of parasites, reducing selection pressure on immunity.Because the evolution of salinity tolerance is associated with reduced immune capacity, saline specialists may be particularly vulnerable to the dilution of saline waters and consequent changes in pathogen communities and load following colonisation by more generalist microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water scavenger beetle Ephydrolithus Girón and Short, 2019 contains five species, all occurring in the southeastern region of Brazil. In this paper, 5 new species are described from the Brazilian Shield, bringing the number of species in the genus to 10: Ephydrolithus bentoi sp. nov., Ephydrolithus cipo sp. nov., Ephydrolithus mucugensis sp. nov., Ephydrolithus serro sp. nov., and Ephydrolithus vivas sp. nov. New geographical records in the Brazilian Shield are provided for Ephydrolithus hamadae Girón and Short, 2019, Ephydrolithus spiculatus Girón and Short, 2019, and Ephydrolithus teli Girón and Short, 2019. Corroborating the previously described habitat for the genus, all new species are associated with hygropetric zones such as wet rocks, waterfalls, and seepages. An updated key to identify adults of Ephydrolithus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on the aquatic coleopteran diversity in rice revealed 24 species under 18 genera and 5 families in the irrigated rice ecosystem of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute (PAJANCOA & RI), Karaikal, Union Territory of Puducherry. The study was conducted during kharif 2019 and rabi 2019- 2020. Berosus indicus was the dominant species in both the seasons. Dytiscidae (47.89%) and Hydrophilidae (49.23%) were the abundant families. Species diversity was maximum in kharif 2019, while species richness was maximum during rabi 2019-2020. Dytiscidae exhibited a significant negative correlation with water temperature, while Gyrinidae, Hydrophilidae and Noteridae showed significant negative correlation with pH, electrical conductivity, air and water temperature, and positive significant one with relative humidity. Multiple linear regression indicated that all the physico-chemical characteristics together were responsible for significant variation on the occurrence of Dytiscidae (92%), Gyrinidae (51%), Hydrophilidae (60%) and Noteridae (59%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a continuation of the inventory of the fauna of aquatic and water-associated beetles (Coleoptera) in the Republic of Dagestan (the North Caucasus, Russia). Ten species from three water (Haliplidae, Helophoridae, Hydrophilidae) and one riparian (Heteroceridae) beetle families are recorded from Dagestan for the first time. Helophorus mervensis Semenov, 1900 is recorded for Russia for the first time. Helophorus kerimi Ganglbauer, 1901 is recorded for the first time from the European part of Russia and North Caucasus. Helophorus hammondi Angus, 1970, H. syriacus Kuwert, 1885, and H. griseus (Herbst, 1793) are recorded for the first from the North Caucasus

A new species of the water scavenger beetle, Regimbartia majorobtusa Mai, Jia, and Jäch sp. n., is described from China (Yunnan) and Thailand (Phitsanulok). It is the eleventh known species of this genus. Regimbartia attenuata (Fabricius, 1801) is redescribed; it is reported for the first time from the Chinese provinces Shaanxi and Hubei. A key to the Chinese species of the genus Regimbartia Zaitzev, 1908 is provided, and the two remaining Asian species, R. minima Orchymont, 1941 and R. sumatrensis Orchymont, 1941, are diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New faunistic data are presented for six water beetle families from Mongolia. The family Dryopidae, with the genus Dryops Olivier, 1791, and the genus Platambus Thomson, 1859 of the family Dytiscidae are recorded for the first time from Mongolia. Agabus semipunctatus (Kirby, 1837), previously known only from the Nearctic Region, is reported for the first time from the Palearctic. Eight species of water beetles are recorded for the first time from Mongolia: Dytiscidae (6): Agabus mandsuricus (Guignot, 1956), A. semipunctatus, Platambus maculatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Hydroporus cf. breviusculus Poppius, 1905, H. goldschmidti Gschwendtner, 1923, H. striola (Gyllenhal, 1826); Hydrophilidae (1): Laccobius binotatus Orchymont, 1934; Dryopidae (1): Dryops similaris Bollow, 1936. The presence of Rhantus suturalis (Macleay, 1825) is confirmed for the fauna of Mongolia. First province records are listed for 41 species, and for four species of Hydraenidae, the list of literature-based province records provided by Prokin et al. (2020) is supplemented or respectively corrected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two species of Anacaena Thomson, 1859, A. angatbuhay sp. nov. and A. auxilium sp. nov., are described from Northern Luzon, Philippines. The new species can be distinguished through colour, body shape, surface puncturation and characteristic aedeagi. Descriptions are provided and complemented with habitus photographs and drawings of the aedeagi. Data on genus distribution in the Philippines are reviewed and an updated Philippine checklist is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of an aquatic beetle survey at Volcán Tacaná, Mexico, are presented with five altitudinal levels in a monthly sampling regime, aiming to estimate both diversity and altitudinal distribution patterns of the aquatic beetle fauna. The first list of aquatic beetle species from this mountain is presented, comprising 40 species in 32 genera and nine families, with four species recorded for the first time from Mexico and six recorded for the first time from Chiapas. The aquatic beetle fauna is characterized by Elmidae with 20 species, Dytiscidae with eleven species, Dryopidae with three, and Epimetopidae, Hydraenidae, Hydrophilidae, Gyrinidae, Lutrochidae, and Noteridae with one species each. The species composition through the sampled altitudinal gradient (670-1,776 m) was not homogeneous, with the elmid genera Macrelmis, Heterelmis, Microcylloepus, and Austrolimnius present at all levels, while Hexanchorus, Neoelmis, and Onychelmis were present at levels 1-3 (673-1,214 m); dytiscids were mostly present at levels 4 and 5 (1,619-1,776 m), and dryopids were present only at levels 1-3. A Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity supports a general partition between altitudinal levels 1-3 and levels 4 + 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical species of the water scavenger beetle genus Notionotus Spangler, 1972 are revised using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphology with DNA sequence data from two genes. Support exists for four putative species groups into which 18 species are placed, including twelve that are described here as new: N. bicolor sp. nov. (Suriname), N. bifidus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. brunbadius sp. nov. (Brazil), N. garciae sp. nov. (Brazil), N. giraldoi sp. nov. (Brazil), N. insignitus sp. nov. (Venezuela), N. juma sp. nov. (Brazil), N. parvus sp. nov. (Suriname), N. patamona sp. nov. (Guyana), N. peruensis sp. nov. (Peru), N. retusus sp. nov. (Guyana), and N. vatius sp. nov. (Brazil). Four new synonymies are created: N. shorti Queney syn. nov. is found to be conspecific with N. dilucidus Queney; N. edibethae García syn. nov., N. nucleus Perkins syn. nov., and N. perijanus García syn. nov. are found to be conspecific with N. tricarinatus Perkins. New records are provided for all previously described species except N. mexicanus Perkins. Within the Neotropical region, the range of the genus is greatly expanded and now known from as far south as Bolivia and the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. While a few species are found in hygropetric habitats, most are associated with the margins of forested streams. Genitalia and habitus images are provided for nearly all species, as well as a key to the four species groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coping with aridity is a physiological challenge for all organisms, including freshwater ones. Aridity shapes distributions of aquatic species at fine and large geographical scales. Specifically, for aquatic beetles, the desiccation resistance of the adults is a potential constraint for the colonisation of arid regions.We assessed the congruence between the fundamental and realised aridity niche in eight species of a Palearctic lineage of water beetles (subgenus Lumetus, genus Enochrus, family Hydrophilidae). We also estimated the relative explanatory capacity of aridity‐related versus other environmental variables in species distributions.Most of the species, even those most sensitive to desiccation stress in laboratory experiments, occur in areas with high aridity within the Palearctic region. Our results suggest a lack of association between the physiological (desiccation resistance) and environmental distance matrix (realised aridity niche), or between either of these and phylogenetic distances. Aridity‐related variables had generally a similar explanatory capacity in explaining the distribution of species than non‐related ones.Our results indicate that desiccation resistance has not been an important physiological constraint for the colonisation of arid environments by this clade and suggest that other non‐physiological factors are more important in shaping their distributions along aridity gradients. The studied beetle lineage might conserve a high basal desiccation resistance from relatively recent terrestrial ancestors, which could have provided a physiological advantage for the colonisation of arid areas. Further research could shed light on whether these unexpected results are common to other groups of aquatic insects living in arid areas or are particular to this group of beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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66 insect samples from three localities where vicinity of the Murgul copper mine were collected between June to September 2020 to investigate water beetle (Coleoptera) entomofauna of Murgul (Artvin). Totally twelve species, all of which belong to Dytiscidae and Hydrophilidae determined and reported here. Nine of them as Hydrophilidae (6 Laccobius, 1 Enochrus, 1 Hydrobius, 1 Coelostoma), and of which three as Dytiscidae (1 Agabus, 1 Deronectes, 1 Hydroglyphus) were determined. In addition, Hydroglyphus pusillus, Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) sculptus and Laccobius (Dimorpholaccobius) sulcatulus were recorded from Artvin for the first time. Laccobius, with six species, identified in the study area, is conspicuous compared to the other two genera. The study highlights that the mine affected habitats should be evaluated and monitored in terms of heavy metal concentration of biotic and abiotic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphiops mater Sharp, 1873, live on the water surface from the egg stage to the pupal stage. Pupae are usually attached to floating objects and normally hatch even when removed from the objects and allowed to float on the water. The pupal period lasts 2–3 days (mean 2.4 days). Interestingly, the pupae are not easily preyed upon by water striders, Gerris latiabdominis Miyamoto, 1958, and their inconspicuous shape and short pupal duration may allow them to escape predation. Most Hydrophilidae species pupate on land, but A. mater can complete its life stages in an aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Heterostigmatic mites are globally very diverse, and many are generally phoretic or parasitic on insects. However, the Australian fauna of phoretic heterostigmatic mites is almost unexplored. Here, we describe two new species of Allopygmephorus and Archidispus (Acari: Prostigmata: Heterostigmata) found phoretic on semiaquatic beetles. Our findings report both genera for the first time from Australia. Many heterostigmatic mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Heterostigmata) display a wide range of symbiotic interactions, from phoresy to parasitism, with a variety of insects. Australia is expected to harbour a rich diversity of heterostigmatic mites; however, its phoretic fauna and its host associations remain mainly unexplored. We conducted a short exploration of Australian insect-associated phoretic mites in summer 2020 and found two new phoretic heterostigmatic species on a semiaquatic hydrophilid beetle species, Coelostoma fabricii (Montrouzier, 1860) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Here, we describe these two new species, Allopygmephorus coelostomus sp. nov. (Neopygmephoridae) and Archidispus hydrophilus sp. nov. (Scutacaridae), which both belong to the superfamily Pygmephoroidea. Both species are distinct from their congeners, with a plesiomorphic character, bearing a median genital sclerite (mgs). Our study reports both genera for the first time from Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nandhour Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located in the biodiversity rich Terai Arc Landscape of India, provides a vivid array of habitats for wildlife in tropical to sub-tropical forest ecosystems. However, the protected landscape of Nandhour is least explored in terms of insect fauna including beetle diversity, which is pre-requisite for the successful long-term provisioning of ecosystem functions and services. Using standardized sampling methods, this study examined the structure and composition of beetle assemblages across different land-use types in the Nandhour Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand from March 2018 to February 2020. A total of 42 species were recorded in the study area, belonging to families Scarabaeidae (13 species), Coccinellidae (7 species), Carabidae (6 species), Chrysomelidae, Meloidae (5 species each), Elateridae (2 species), Cerambycidae, Lucanidae, Tenebrionidae and Hydrophilidae (1 species each). Riverine forest had the highest alpha diversity and species richness, followed by mixed forest, grassland, sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) forest, chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forest, scrubland, plantation forest and cultivation land. Overall spatial heterogeneity of the protected landscape resulted in a heterogeneous structure and composition of beetle assemblages, which must be managed in a more sustainable and scientific manner for the proper ecological functioning and stability of the region. Structure and composition was also found to be affected by seasons, assemblages peaked in richness and abundance during wet rainy season. The present study could serve as a baseline for future impact assessment of land-use changes on beetle assemblages, as well as for implementing effective plans and strategies of biodiversity conservation in the sanctuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of R.A.R.E - Association Roussillonnaise d'Entomologie is the property of Association Roussillonnaise d Entomologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dactylosternum abdominale (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) is recorded for the first time from Slovakia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new species of Coelostoma Brullé, 1835 are described from China: Coelostoma bannanicum Mai & Jia, sp. nov., C. dactylopunctum Mai & Jia, sp. nov., C. fortunum Mai & Jia, sp. nov., and C. pseudomartensi Mai & Jia, sp. nov. from Yunnan; C. mixtum Mai & Jia, sp. nov. from Fujian; and C. nankunshanense Mai & Jia, sp. nov. from Guangdong. Coelostoma surkhetensis Hebauer, 2002 is a new record from China (Xizang). Coelostoma huangi Jia, Aston & Fikáček, 2014 is reported from Yunnan, C. hajeki Jia, Aston & Fikáček, 2014 from Hunan, C. jaechi Jia, Lin, Chan, Skale & Fikáček, 2017 from Guangdong, C. turnai Hebauer, 2006 from Fujian, Guizhou and Chongqing, and C. wui Orchymont, 1940 from Shanxi and Zhejiang, all for the first time. Coelostoma transcaspicum Reitter, 1906 is excluded from Chinese fauna. Coelostoma sulcatum Pu, 1963 is confirmed as a valid species and its variations of aedeagus are illustrated. The specimens treated as C. wui Orchymont, 1940 by previous authors possibly contain two species. The diversity and habitats of Chinese Coelostoma are discussed. A modified key to the species of Chinese Coelostoma is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquatic larvae of the family Hydrochidae (Coleoptera) have been considered 'mystery larvae', because ecological knowledge about them is lacking. We discovered that Hydrochidae larvae (Hydrochus japonicus Sharp) are benthic via laboratory rearing. The larvae have a terminal spiracular atrium, but we did not observe them breathing at the water surface. The larvae fed on Naididae worms that were collected from the same habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Xenanoetus Mahunka, 1969, only described by the hypopial stage, is characterised by an enlarged gnathosoma, the presence of double claws in legs I, II and III in addition to remarkably broadened femur and genu of legs I and II, particularly visible in lateral view. Only five species from this genus have been described and they are all from the northern hemisphere. Hypopi are generally found as phoretic on Sphaeroceridae flies and Hydrophilidae beetles. Until present, hypopi of the species Xenanoetus grandiceps have only been reported in Mongolia, described by Mahunka in 1973. Xenanoetus grandiceps is characterised by the presence of a pair of arches pointing anteriorly in the posterior part of the gnathosoma. Here we report for the first time X. grandiceps in Spain, and for the second time X. vestigialis. Both species were found in association with carcass remains, as phoretic on lesser dung flies (Sphaeroceridae), which were collected in a mixed deciduous forest near the Atlantic coast. Additional new information on morphological characteristics of these Xenanoetus species, as well as habitat requirements and biology are presented in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoro‐tibial leg joint, head–prothorax joint (gular area) and occipital region of the head were examined using scanning electron microscopy in insects from the orders Blattodea and Coleoptera. Lubricating substances and corresponding pore openings were found in Argentinean Wood Roach Blaptica dubia and in the beetles from families Carabidae, Hydrophilidae, Silphidae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae. Lubricant on the contacting surfaces were found on femoral and tibial counterparts of leg joints of different beetle species and cockroaches, in the gular region of the head in beetles, and in the occipital region of the head of the cockroach. Typical pore opening was on an average 1 µm in diameter (ranging from 0.5 µm to 10.0 µm). The amount of pore openings in a joint varies from a few pores to hundreds. The lubricant is found to be strongly variable in its appearance usually in the form of a single elongated filiform flow, as well as long or short drops, often forming accumulations or spreading over the surface. The supposed function of the lubricant in studied joints is discussed and assumed as friction and wear minimization. The presence of a high amount of the lubricant in leg joints of insects with intense leg locomotion is presumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coleoptera is the most diverse insect order, including more than 400,000 species commonly known as beetles. At least 13,000 species of 37 families are considered aquatic, of which 16 families are recorded from Brazil. The present study aimed to survey the aquatic beetles occurring in a stretch of the Marambaia River, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 456 specimens were collected in the study area, representing the following 12 genera and six families: Copelatus, Cybister, Desmopachria, Hydaticus and Rhantus (Dytiscidae); Heterelmis (Elmidae); Gyretes (Gyrinidae); Derallus, Chasmogenus and Tropisternus (Hydrophilidae); Pheneps (Psephenidae); e Iapir (Torridincolidae). Among them, the genera Copelatus and Cybister, and the following species of Hydrophilidae, Chasmogenus fluminensis Clarkson & Ferreira-Jr; Derallus angustus Sharp; Tropisternus apicipalpis Chevrolat; and Tropisternus variolosus Hansen are herein recorded for the first time from the municipality of Mangaratiba-RJ. The records of Cybister and Tropisternus apicipalpis are also the first from the State of Rio de Janeiro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of internal genital tubes in 52 species of water scavenger beetles (Col., Hydrophilidae) are investigated based on personal observation of 22 species and collecting data of formerly published studies of 30 species. In males, morphological differences are observed in generic level and in the structures of the testes. In females, morphological variations are detected in several features in different taxonomic levels: 1. connection position of spermathecal duct to bursa copulatrix, 2. length of spermathecal duct, 3. size and shape of spermathecal gland, 4. size and shape of spermathecal bulb, 5. connection of spermatheca and spermathecal gland with spermathecal bulb, and 6. presence or absence of sclerotized spine inside the membranous wall of the bursa. The length of the spermathecal duct is highly variable across the species, while, the connections of the spermathecal duct and gland with the bulb remain constant in tribe or subfamily level. The importance of using the female genital tube characters in phylogenetic analysis is discussed along with investigating the CI and RI of the genital characters of Sternolophus species in a data set of its morphological characters.