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Simple Summary: The Andean Altiplano, known for its extreme weather and high biodiversity, is an ideal place to study how insects adapt to their environment. This research focuses on the butterfly species Phulia nymphula, which is common in the high-altitudinal Andes Mountains, to identify how their wing shapes vary across six locations in the Northern Chilean Altiplano. By analyzing the wings of 77 butterflies, the study found significant differences in wing shape, likely due to local environmental conditions. These differences suggest that the butterflies have adapted to their specific habitats. The findings showed how the wing shape differentiate between localities across the Northern Altiplano and provide insights into how high-altitude species evolve and adapt through changes in their morphology, highlighting the role of ecological and evolutionary processes in shaping biodiversity in extreme environments. The Andean Altiplano, characterized by its extreme climatic conditions and high levels of biodiversity, provides a unique environment for studying ecological and evolutionary adaptations in insect morphology. Butterflies, due their large wing surface compared to body surface, and wide distribution among a geographical area given the flight capabilities provided by their wings, constitute a good biological model to study morphological adaptations following extreme weathers. This study focuses on Phulia nymphula, a butterfly species widely distributed in the Andes, to evaluate wing shape variation across six localities in the Northern Chilean Altiplano. The geometric morphometrics analysis of 77 specimens from six locations from the Chilean Altiplano (Caquena, Sorapata Lake, Chungará, Casiri Macho Lake, Surire Salt Flat, and Visviri) revealed significant differences in wing shape among populations. According to the presented results, variations are likely influenced by local environmental conditions and selective pressures, suggesting specific adaptations to the microhabitats of the Altiplano. The first three principal components represented 60.92% of the total wing shape variation. The detected morphological differences indicate adaptive divergence among populations, reflecting evolutionary responses to the extreme and fragmented conditions of the Altiplano. This study gives insights into the understanding of how high-altitude species can diversify and adapt through morphological variation, providing evidence of ecological and evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity in extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanoreceptor organs in hemimetabolous insects are physiologically important not only in the adult insects, but also for sensory functions in the juvenile postembryonic stages. They provide proprioceptive and exteroceptive information, e.g., in locomotion or orientation. In stick insects (Phasmatodea), the subgenual organ complex in the tibia of all legs is an elaborate mechanoreceptor system. This complex contains two chordotonal organs, the subgenual organ and the distal organ. These organs have mainly been studied in adult insects for the neuroanatomy and functional morphology. Here, the sensory organs were investigated in newly hatched Ramulus artemis (Westwood, 1859) to indicate the functional organisation at the beginning of postembryogenesis, when the detection of mechanical stimuli becomes relevant for behaviour. The organs were investigated by axonal tracing for the organ neuroanatomy, innervation, and number of sensilla in the distal organ. In addition, the sensory complex was analysed for the connection by a membrane between the organs. The organs are present after hatching, indicating in particular a possible vibration detection by the subgenual organ. In most cases, the connection between the sensory organs was also present. This indicates the development of sensory neurons and additional tissues during embryogenesis. The sensory neurons in the subgenual organ show a re-organisation, as the dorsal sensilla change from orientation in distal directions to proximal directions. This finding is discussed for implications in vibration detection. The overall results indicate some neuroanatomical modifications during postembryonic development, while the main structures of the subgenual organ complex already originate during embryonic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melon fruit flies, Zeugodacus cucurbitae infest fruits of cucurbit plants and make them unpalatable. Their ubiquitous presence across the globe is an indication that they are highly adaptive to varying environment. Its larval stage burrows inside the fruits eating soft contents and growing up to its third instar stage. There are ample evidences that food provided at developing stages may cause substantial variation in the external morphology of insects. Since, Z. cucurbitae larvae grow on different vegetable crops, it was aimed to see whether the host species cause variation in the weight and biochemical characteristics during its larval (pre-adult) stage. In the present work, we reared larvae on three different foods, i.e., pumpkin, long gourd and bitter gourd and observed the influence of these varying foods on their weight and the total contents of triglycerides, protein and glucose. The results of this study indicated that the larval weight significantly varied between two genetically different strains grown on varying foods. Within the strain, food provided at larval stage also caused its marked impact on the larval weight. The impact of food consumed at larval development was also analysed on their biochemical parameters. Larval triglyceride level varied significantly between the strains as well as due to varying food provided at their larval development. The rearing food caused variation on total glucose content of the third instar larvae. Larvae fed on bitter gourd possessed maximum content of glucose in both the strains. However, strain and food together did not leave significant effect on the glucose content. The total protein was found to significantly differ between the larvae of the two strains fed on varying food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Phyllothelys Wood-Mason, 1876 (Mantodea, Hymenopodidae) includes 22 species, with China being a major diversity hotspot, hosting 15 species in four groups. New information: A new species of this genus from Malipo, Yunnan, China, is described herein, namely Phyllothelys qingjinum sp. nov. A comprehensive taxonomic description, including geometric morphometric analysis, genetic distance and molecular phylogenetic analysis, were employed to illustrate its distinctiveness. This discovery fills a significant distribution gap for the P. werneri species group in southern Yunnan and emphasises the need for further exploration in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new species of the genus Rhopalopsole (Plecoptera, Leuctridae) from Yunnan Province, China, Rhopalopsole dulongjianga sp. nov., is described and illustrated. New information: This new species is compared to the similar species, Rhopalopsole bispina (Wu, 1949). Additionally, we provide a supplemental description and colour plates of R. bispina. A key to Rhopalopsole species from Yunnan Province, China, is also provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Houseflies (Musca domestica) (Diptera: Muscidae) are medically important insect species because they serve as vectors of pathogens. The study generally described the sexual dimorphism of M. domestica based on their wing size and wing shape. This study examined 25 males and 25 females of F1 offspring from wild-caught M. domestica parents. The wings were digitized and 17 landmarks were obtained, scaled, translated, and rotated in General Procrustes Analysis. The wing size (centroid size) of male M. domestica species was significantly larger compared to females (t = - 2.38, df = 48, p = 0.0200). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Relative Warp Analysis (RWA) revealed that 29.72% of shape variation from the original data was attributed to a narrow wing shape, and 14.60% toa broad wing shape. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) successfully distinguished female and male species based on wing shape, in which males have narrower wings compared to females, indicating the occurrence of sexual dimorphism in wings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity data platforms including databases, websites and data repositories underpin conservation efforts by collecting spatiotemporal data of discovered native and alien species and maps of their distributions. Chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are one of the most diverse insect groups estimated to include half a million species. Being mostly parasitoids of other arthropods, they have been successfully used as biological control agents against serious agricultural pests worldwide. In Cyprus, only 124 species of chalcid wasps have been recorded, with 53 species being alien to the island. Their true biodiversity is predicted to be much larger because the island is both under-sampled and under-researched. A number of biodiversity data platforms focusing on the biodiversity of Cyprus are currently online; however, an online platform dedicated on the chalcid wasps of Cyprus is lacking. In the framework of the Darwin Plus Fellowship (DPLUS202) "Species richness and biological invasions of Chalcid wasps in Akrotiri Peninsula", the "Chalcid wasps of Cyprus" website (https://sites.google.com/view/chalcidwaspscyprus) is presented. This online, dynamic database aims to: (1) raise public awareness regarding a rather neglected and yet ecologically important insect group, (2) provide data on the morphology, ecology and biodiversity of Chalcidoidea on Cyprus, as well as (3) promote conservation needs by setting a baseline for the future assessment of both native and alien chalcid wasp species. This online platform will be regularly revised in order to provide an up-to-date, user-friendly digital environment to the scientific community, policy-makers and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osmylus fulvicephalus (Scopoli, 1763), the type species of the Osmylidae, has garnered significant research interest in taxonomy, particularly regarding its larval stages. To date, most studies have focused on the third instar larvae, but ignore the first instar larvae with the rough and incomplete morphological descriptions. This lack of studies has led to an unclear understanding of the morphological differences between larval stages, making it challenging to identify larvae, distinguish different osmylid species or even reconstruct phylogeny. New information: In this study, the first instar larva of O. fulvicephalus was re-described in detail and illustrated, based on the naming system of sclerites. Based on this, it could be effectively distinguished from other species by the following characteristics: i) number of segments in the labial palpi; ii) the setae beard on the apex of antenna; iii) the number of transversal rows of the anal hooks. In addition, we compared the sclerites and other morphological characteristics with the third instar larvae of Osmylus fulvicephalus to better distinguish larvae at different developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The knowledge on the distribution of saproxylic hoverflies in the Piedmont region has always been incomplete, despite the large wooded areas present in the territory. We know of a few scattered specimens collected in the 19th century, often with a generic or incomplete locality on the label such as "surrounding Turin" or "Alps". The recent publication of the first European Red List on hoverflies highlights some threatened species including some saproxylics. To fill this knowledge gap we report here unpublished data and establish new ecological note on threatened or nationally scarce saproxylic species actually present in the region. New information: In this study, we present new findings concerning rare saproxylic hoverflies. These include the rediscovery of Hammerschmidtia ferruginea (Fallen), 1817, marking its first recorded occurrence in the Italian fauna since the middle of 19th century. Additionally, we report novel observations of the "Chimera fly" Doros destillatorius Mik, 1885, along with further observations on endangered or vulnerable species such as Callicera spp. and Brachypalpus chrysites Egger 1859. Moreover, we document the rediscovery of Criorhina pachymera Egger, 1858, within the Piedmont region, and the first record of Brachyopa grunewaldensis Kassebeer, 2000, within Italy. Comprehensive data detailing these observations are provided herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of insect morphology has recently benefited greatly from the emergence of new digital imaging and analysis technologies such as X-ray Micro-computed tomography (μ-CT), digital 3D reconstruction, and animation. Through interactive gaming and virtual reality, the external morphology of insects can be studied by a broad audience of both entomologists and non-specialists. EntomonVR is a serious game designed to investigate the external morphology of insects with adequate quality for the virtual reality platform. In this research, we discuss the advantages of virtual reality, introduce the EntomonVR new educational game, and conclude about future perspectives, validations, and cost-effectiveness. We tested this game on 25 participants with an entomological background for assessment and improved it based on their feedback. This study demonstrates the efficacy of virtual reality technology for an experimental learning environment in teaching the morphology of insects and the crucial need for advancing an efficient and interactive educational program.

The three-dimensional morphologies of insects, such as spines and horns, have recently garnered attention as an effective system for elucidating the processes underlying dramatic changes in external morphology. Adult leaf beetles of Dactylispa Weise 1897 exhibit sharp spines on their pronotum and elytra, while their pupae lack such features. In order to obtain foundational data for future investigations into the developmental mechanisms governing spine formation, this study assessed variations in spine numbers across ten body regions and in spine size across three body regions in adults of Dactylispa higoniae (Lewis in Ann Mag Nat Hist (Ser. 6) 17:329–343, 1896. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222939608680376) and D. issikii (Chûjô in Bull Umeno Entomol Lab 6:5–13, 1938). As a result, the degree of variation in spine numbers and size was variable among body regions even within single species. However, the number of spines on the pronotal front margin in D. higoniae and the elytral interval 4 in D. issikii was stable. The spine numbers of these two species did not exhibit significant differences between the right and left sides of the body and was not likely to be influenced by sex or elytral length. Furthermore, we observed pronotal and elytral spines that formed inside the pupal cuticle of late-stage pupae of these two species. Our observations suggested neither pronotal nor elytral spines exhibit a formation pattern resembling concentric folded structures, as seen in beetle horns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For insects that exhibit wing polyphenic development, abiotic and biotic signals dictate the adult wing morphology of the insect in an adaptive manner such that in stressful environments the formation of a flight-capable morph is favored and in low-stress environments, a flightless morph is favored. While there is a relatively large amount known about the environmental cues that dictate morph formation in wing polyphenic hemipterans like planthoppers and aphids, whether those cues dictate the same morphs in non-hemipteran (i.e. cricket) wing polyphenic species has not been explicitly investigated. To experimentally test the generality of environmental cue determination of wing polyphenism across taxa with diverse life histories, in this study, we tested the importance of food quantity, parasitic infection, and tactile cues on wing morph determination in the wing polyphenic sand field cricket, Gryllus firmus. Our results also show that certain stress cues, such as severe diet quantity limitation and parasitic infection, actually led to an increase in the production of flightless morph. Based on these findings, our results suggest that physiological and genetic constraints are important to an organism's ability to respond to environmental variation in an adaptive manner beyond simple life history trade-offs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific progress within the last few decades has revealed the functional morphology of an insect's sticky footpads—a compliant pad that secretes thin liquid films. However, the physico‐chemical mechanisms underlying their adhesion remain elusive. Here, we explore these underlying mechanisms by simultaneously measuring adhesive force and contact geometry of the adhesive footpads of live, tethered Indian stick insects, Carausius morosus, spanning more than two orders of magnitude in body mass. We find that the adhesive force we measure is similar to the previous measurements that use a centrifuge. Our measurements afford us the opportunity to directly probe the adhesive stress in vivo and use existing theory on capillary adhesion to predict the surface tension of the secreted liquid and compare it to previous assumptions. From our predictions, we find that the surface tension required to generate the adhesive stresses we observed ranges between 0.68 and 12 mN m−1${\rm m}^{-1}$. The low surface tension of the liquid would enhance the wetting of the stick insect's footpads and promote their ability to conform to various substrates. Our insights may inform the biomimetic design of capillary‐based, reversible adhesives and motivate future studies on the physico‐chemical properties of the secreted liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a destructive invasive pest that originated in South America and has spread within China since 2017. A rapid method for on‐site identification of P. absoluta is urgently needed for interception of this pest across China. RESULTS: We developed a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique to differentiate P. absoluta from Liriomyza sativae, Chromatomyia horticola, and Phthorimaea operculella using extracted genomic DNA, which was then refined to create an on‐site LAMP diagnostic method that can be performed under field conditions without the need for laboratory equipment. CONCLUSION: In the present research, we developed an on‐site diagnostic method for rapid differentiation of P. absoluta from other insects with similar morphology or damage characteristics in China. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of insect morphology has recently benefited greatly from the emergence of new digital imaging and analysis technologies such as X-ray Microcomputed tomography (μ-CT), digital 3D reconstruction, and animation. Through interactive gaming and virtual reality, the external morphology of insects can be studied by a broad audience of both entomologists and non-specialists. EntomonVR is a serious game designed to investigate the external morphology of insects with adequate quality for the virtual reality platform. In this research, we discuss the advantages of virtual reality, introduce the EntomonVR new educational game, and conclude about future perspectives, validations, and cost-effectiveness. We tested this game on 25 participants with an entomological background for assessment and improved it based on their feedback. This study demonstrates the efficacy of virtual reality technology for an experimental learning environment in teaching the morphology of insects and the crucial need for advancing an efficient and interactive educational program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research study, the morphological features including genitalic attributes and distribution of two commonly found clouded yellow butterflies i.e. Colias erate (Esper) including its polymorphic form glicia and Colias feildii Menetries have been studied and illustrated. The key is updated for both the species by including their genitalic attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ripersiella multiporifera is a root mealybug species within the family Rhizoecidae that has distinctive bitubular pores on the dorsal and ventral. This species was first discovered by Jansen (2008) in the Netherlands during an import interception of Sansevieria sp. from Indonesia and Hoya kerrii from Thailand. This species was also found during inspections in Sicily (Italy) on the roots of Sansevieria trifasciata. In Indonesia, there are no reports of the existence of R. multiporifera, emphasising the need for research on its presence. This work was conducted the morphological method based on modified determination key and the molecular method based on MtCOI gene. The identified species was R. multiporifera, and this finding represents the first evidence of R. multiporifera's presence in Bali (Indonesia) which can be used as a reference for future research, especially in population control approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A noteworthy feature of entomology is the opportunity for it to be practically integrated into our lives. It stretches out over a wide spectrum of useful applications across many scientific fields. Several challenges to fully understanding the complexity of entomology are presented, such as considering its vast research paradigm and raising awareness as to the importance of insects on a global scale. The current study offers an interdisciplinary outlook on insects regarding their potential role in human surgical interventions. This is achieved through the description of anatomical features and their biomechanical manifestations, observed in rare neuropteran and dipteran insect species from the European fauna, documented by the author. Empirically justified parallels between insect anatomy and advancement in surgery are exemplified through analysis of evident mechanical properties of legs in Mantispa aphavexelte (U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck, 1994) and Rainieria calceata (Fallén, 1820). In addition, suggestions on implementing specific examples of insect biomechanical design in robot-assisted surgery setups are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Insect diversity monitoring is crucial for biological pest control in agriculture and forestry. Modern monitoring of insect species relies heavily on fine-grained image classification models. Fine-grained image classification faces challenges such as small inter-class differences and large intra-class variances, which are even more pronounced in insect scenes where insect species often exhibit significant morphological differences across multiple life stages. To address these challenges, we introduce segmentation and clustering operations into the image classification task and design a novel network model training framework for fine-grained classification of insect images using multi-modality clustering and approximate mask methods, named PCAM-Frame. In the first stage of the framework, we adopt the Polymorphic Clustering Module, and segmentation and clustering operations are employed to distinguish various morphologies of insects at different life stages, allowing the model to differentiate between samples at different life stages during training. The second stage consists of a feature extraction network, called Basenet, which can be any mainstream network that performs well in fine-grained image classification tasks, aiming to provide pre-classification confidence for the next stage. In the third stage, we apply the Approximate Masking Module to mask the common attention regions of the most likely classes and continuously adjust the convergence direction of the model during training using a Deviation Loss function. We apply PCAM-Frame with multiple classification networks as the Basenet in the second stage and conduct extensive experiments on the Insecta dataset of iNaturalist 2017 and IP102 dataset, achieving improvements of 2.2% and 1.4%, respectively. Generalization experiments on other fine-grained image classification datasets such as CUB200-2011 and Stanford Dogs also demonstrate positive effects. These experiments validate the pertinence and effectiveness of our framework PCAM-Frame in fine-grained image classification tasks under complex conditions, particularly in insect scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces WingSegment, a MATLAB app‐designed tool employing a hybrid approach of computer vision and graph theory for precise insect wing image segmentation. WingSegment detects cells, junctions, Pterostigma, and venation patterns, measuring geometric features and generating Voronoi patterns. The tool utilizes region‐growing, thinning, and Dijkstra's algorithms for boundary detection, junction identification, and vein path extraction. It provides histograms and box plots of geometric features, facilitating comprehensive wing analysis. WingSegment's efficiency is validated through comparisons with established tools and manual measurements, demonstrating accurate results. The tool further enables exporting detected boundaries as FreeCAD macro files for 3D modeling and printing, supporting finite element analysis. Beyond advancing insect wing morphology understanding, WingSegment holds broader implications for diverse planar structures, including leaves and geocells. This tool not only enhances automated geometric analysis and 3D model generation in insect wing studies but also contributes to the broader advancement of analysis, 3D printing, and modeling technologies across various planar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among insect pests of field crops, sap-sucking insects are a major threat to all agricultural commodities. The sucking insect pests damage the crops by sucking the sap thereby weakening the plants, and transmitting several bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. The electrical penetration graph (EPG) has emerged as a highly valuable tool for analyzing the feeding behavior of sap-sucking insects on a broad range of host plants, examining pathogen transmission, evaluating the efficacy of feeding-restricting insecticides, plant responses to insect attack, and insect morphology and physiology. The EPG generates waveforms that facilitate the observation of probing behavior of the insects, enabling them to gain insights into the mechanisms and extent of underlying feeding. The integration of multiple complementary techniques, including histological analysis, video tracking, electron microscopy, elicitor proteins, and gene editing, has yielded significant advancements in the management of sap-sucking insects. These techniques have provided a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms and interactions involved in insect feeding behaviors, offering new opportunities for targeted interventions and improved pest control strategies. The EPG has been employed since the last five decades, yet needs to be investigated at higher levels with modernization. In spite of having a wide application, it still faces certain limitations, challenges, and research gaps that require addressing for enabling the scientists in novel findings. This review paper provides a historical prospect, the applications and technical intricacies of EPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Clavicornaltica Scherer 1974 consists of very small, soil-dwelling flea beetles in South, Southeast and East Asia. Due to their diminutive size and morphological similarities, very little is known about their ecology and taxonomical diversity. It is likely that further studies will reveal this genus to be much more speciose than the 30 species currently recognised. New information: A new species of Clavicornaltica from Brunei Darussalam is described, C. mataikanensis Otani et al., sp. nov. This is the second species of this genus recorded from Ulu Temburong National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lysiteles Simon, 1895 contains 64 nominal species distributed in East, South and South Asia. It possesses very high species diversity in China (with 46 and 32 endemics), Bhutan (with 9 and 1 endemic) and Nepal (with 8 and 4 endemics). In June 2023, a spider survey of Cibagou National Nature Reserve, Xizang, China was carried out. After examination and morphological comparison, two Lysiteles species were recognised as new to science. New information: Two new species of Lysiteles Simon, 1895 collected from Cibagou National Nature Reserve, Xizang, China are described: L. cibagou sp. nov. (♂♀) and L. tangi sp. nov. (♂♀). Diagnostic photos of habitus and copulatory organs and a distributional map are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Trioxys Haliday, 1833 consists of more than 80 species worldwide with three species being recorded in South Korea. In this study, we report the first observation of the two additional species, T. liui Chou & Chou, 1993 from Takecallis arundinariae (Essig, 1917) on Phyllostachys bambusoides Siebold & Zucc., 1843 and T. remaudierei Starý & Rakhshani, 2017 from T. taiwana (Takahashi, 1926) on Sasa borealis (Hack.) Makino & Shibata, 1901. New information: Trioxys liui and T. remaudierei are described and reported with phototographs of the diagnostic morphological characters and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data (barcode region) and Bayesian tree of the phylogenetic analysis amongst the closely-related taxa are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male of Adesmus murutinga Martins & Galileo, 2004 is described for the first time, an updated key to Colombian species of the genus is presented, and three species of longhorned beetles are reported for the first time for Colombia. The specific localities in Colombia of Miriclytus quadrifasciatus (Chevrolat, 1862) and Oedudes spectabilis (Drury, 1782) are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author presents a Florida Entomologist Society Pioneer Lecture honoring Dr. Charles W. O'Brien, a pioneer in weevil taxonomy and publisher, who died on August 10, 2019. He discusses the entomological contributions of Dr. O'Brien, his professional academic career, and his favorite weevil, Pachyrhynchus gemmans Chevrolat and Pachyrhynchus gemmatus.

Baryscapus evonymellae (Bouché, 1834) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) was rediscovered on Leucoma wiltshirei Collenette, 1938 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) attacked by different parasitoids. This species had already been reported under different names; therefore, its inaccurate identifications were corrected. It was reared as a larval and pupal hyperparasitoid of two important primary parasitoids of L. wiltshirei including Brachymeria tibialis Steffan, 1958 (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae), and Dolichogenidea persica Abdoli, Mohammadi, Sedaratian-Jahromi & Farahani, 2023 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae). The last parasitoid-hyperparasitoid association is new. Its morphological characters were illustrated and its biological data and main characteristics were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selymbria amazonensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Brazil. An illustrated taxonomic key for males and females is provided. We include distribution maps and comments on their morphology, geographical distribution, and life history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrerapyrgota Aczél, 1956 is a Neotropical Diptera genus within Pyrgotidae. Currently, the genus comprise four species: C. miliaria Aczél, 1956 (type species), C. personata (Lutz & Lima, 1918), C. aczeli Mello, Lamas & Rafael, 2010, and C. bernardii Mello, Lamas & Rafael, 2010. This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships among Carrerapyrgota species, aiming to establish their monophyly as a genus. To achieve this, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on 22 external morphological characters of adults, emploing the principle of parsimony. Analyses using both equal and implied character weighting support the monophyly of the genus, based on the following apomorphies: absence of the postscutellum, R2-3 with spurious apical vein, lower calypter with a longitudinal row of bristles, and the presence of a posterior longitudinal groove on the female fore femur. The species C. aczeli, C. bernardii, and C. miliaria form a monophyletic group, supported by the synapomorphic condition of a spot on the forehead. Within this group, C. bernardii and C. miliaria are sister species, sharing the synapomorphic condition of a less sclerotized M vein, after dm-cu compared to the anterior region, as well as the homoplastic condition of a spot on the median occipital sclerite. This phylogenetic analysis reaffirms the synonymy proposed by Bernardi (1990), which treats Anapyrgota Steyskal, 1967, as a junior synonym of Carrerapyrgota. The evolutionary relationship among the species of the genus is represented as (C. personata (C. aczeli (C. bernardii, C. miliaria))). Furthermore, this study includes an updated distributional map for the genus, featuring the first record of Pyrgotinae in the Andean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males of Leptogenys (Lobopelta) borneensis Wheeler, 1919 are described, including their genital morphology, which is important for diagnostics and morphological phylogeny of the genus Leptogenys Roger, 1861. The mtDNA COI barcoding sequence of 607 bp obtained and uploaded to GenBank and BOLD. The species was previously known from Borneo (Malaysia: Sarawak — type locality), Thailand and Vietnam and is recorded for the first time from Sumatra (Indonesia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scorpions and spiders belong to the class Arachnida in phylum Arthropoda. Scorpions are easily distinguished by median eyes on obvious the center of the carapace and have one pair, and lateral eyes have 2-8 in some species. Scorpions do not have good eyesight so the median eyes have always been simple and they are more sensitive than the lateral pairs. They have anterior median eyes (AME) with narrow field of view and pairs of lateral eyes (LE) with more sensitivity and response to light. Family Buthidae have 2-6 lateral eyes in Compsobuthus Mesobuthus, Hottentotta, while Vaejovidae, Chactidae and Chaerilidae have 2 pairs of lateral eyes. In addition, 3 pairs are found in Orthochirus and Androctonus. Spiders have six eyes in family Pholicidae, Sicariidae, Araneidae, Salticidae, while eight eyes in Theridiidae, Lycosidae and some with two eyes or four in the carapace of the prosoma. Spider have anterior median eyes, anterior lateral eyes, posterior median eyes, or posterior lateral eyes. Scorpions and Spider eyes are not compound but simple. There is one lens for each eye. Spiders have poor vision, not able to see light and darkness. Scorpion and spider taxonomy is based on the forms and number of eyes. So, the reasons to study these organisms are important in studies of medical, ecology, morphology and taxonomy. and it is a little known about their biology and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out successfully from October 2020 to December 2023 throughout 9 Governorates (Sharquia, Giza, Qalyubia, Monufia, Beheira, Alexandria, Fayoum, Beni Suef, and Kafr El-Shaikh). The Governorates of Kafr El-Shaikh and Beni Suef were among the Governorates in which samples of large specimens were collected, especially Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866), of which large numbers were collected in both Governorates, followed by Fayoum and then Alexandria. Giza, Qalyubia and Monufia, in ascending number. It is noted that the samples of this family are present in general throughout the year, but they increase in the months of July, August and September, and the numbers decrease significantly during the months of December, January, and February. The species Megaselia koffleri Schmitz, 1935 Name updated by Megaselia curtineura (Brues, 1909); Megaselia luttela Schmitz, 1929; Megaselia xanthozona (Strobl, 1892); Spiniphora bergenstammii (Mik, 1864). The study gave a newly recorded genus and species Conicera tibialis Schmitz,1925 (Diptera: Phoridae) in Egypt was collected from Wadi El-Natron, Beheira, and Giza Governorates. In this paper, the economic importance, survey, morphology, and taxonomy were studied. Also, keys for two subfamilies Phorinae and Metopininae, and genera are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The genus Macrosemia Kato, 1925 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae, Dundubiini, Dundubiina) currently includes 16 species (excluding subspecies and varieties), mainly occurring in the Oriental Region. More than half of them, 10 species, are known from China, including one new species, described in the present study. New information A new species of cicada, Macrosemia fengi Wang sp. nov., is described from Yunnan and Guizhou, southwest China. Colour plates are presented to illustrate its diagnostic characters. The distribution map of the new species is also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The genus Tanna Distant, 1905 (Hemiptera, Cicadidae, Cicadinae, Leptopsaltriini, Leptopsaltriina) currently includes 23 species (three tentatively placed), with its actual geographical distribution in China, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Most of them, 16 species, are known from China, including one new species here described. New information A new species of cicada, Tanna fengi Wang sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, southwest China. Colour plates are presented to illustrate all diagnostic characters. An updated list of Tanna species occurring in China is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study provides an integrative taxonomy-based review for the genus Spilomicrus Westwood in Germany using DNA barcoding and classic morphology. New information Spilomicrus simplex Tomsik, 1947 is placed in synonymy with S. antennatus Jurine, 1807; Spilomicrus thomsoni Kieffer, 1911 is removed from synonymy with S. hemipterus Marshall, 1868. A lectotype is designated for Spilomicrus nigripes Thomson, 1858. Newly recorded for Germany are the following species: S. thomsoni Kieffer, 1911, S. crassiclavis Marshall, 1868, S. lusitanicus Kieffer, 1910 and S. diversus Chemyreva, 2021. Three species, Spilomicrus brevimalaris sp. nov., S. flavecorpus sp. nov. and S. politus sp. nov. are described as new to science. The 23 DNA-barcodes with species identification present a substantial addition over the previous German checklist. This study aims to update the number of nationwide known Spilomicrus species from fifteen to twenty. Furthermore, a new key to identify all European Spilomicrus species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to report the newly recorded species of the family Crambidae, belonging to the order Lepidoptera. During the investigation on subfamily Pyraustinae in middle of Iraq, the following snout moth's species, i.e., Pleuroptya ruralis Scopoli, 1763 is reported for the first time from Iraq. External and genital characteristics of adult were examined and illustrated. This newly recorded species is enumerated with their available information including the collecting localities, illustrations of adults, and female genitalia. There is a paucity of Iraqi research that deals with this family in terms of diagnosing and describing the species of its subfamilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge regarding egg morphology can aid the selection of postharvest fumigants for insect control. Accordingly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine eggs of spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), a pest recently invasive to the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. As the overwintering life stage of SLF, eggs are deposited on a variety of refugia, including many forestry products that can be distributed geographically via travel, commerce, and/or trade. For fumigation to control SLF, and potentially translate into a viable strategy for limiting the spread of SLF by subject pathways, the fumigant must permeate the chorion to react with biomolecules and/or disrupt cellular processes. SLF chorion was characterized by a porous network of aeropyles localized around the operculum, in cranial and caudal relation to the developing nymph, as well as an interstice between the operculum edge and the opercular rim. The confirmation of chorionic ultrastructure that allows for ready gas exchange warrants further investigation of fumigation efficacy, even for those "non-reactive" fumigants, such as phosphine and hydrogen cyanide, which must overcome the suppression of cellular processes coincident with overwintering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out based on Heteroptera (Hemiptera) samples collected in various locations of Kahramankazan district of Ankara province between April and November 2022. Codophila maculicollis (Dallas, 1851), Apodyphus amygdali (Germar, 1817), Holcogaster fibulata (Germar, 1831) and Oncotylus (Oncotylus) punctipes Reuter, 1875 species, which were previously reported in Türkiye, were recorded for the first time from Ankara, and O. punctipes was also new record for the central Anatolia region in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on specimens of species that were collected by light trap in Diyarbakır Province, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, and which are rarely known in Anatolia. 7 species (Acrosternum breviceps (Jakovlev, 1889), Mecidea lindbergi Wagner, 1954, Lethaeus nitidus (Douglas & Scott, 1868), Megalonotus maximus (Puton, 1895), Peritrechus flavicornis Jakovlev, 1877, Ectomocoris caucasicus Linnavuori, 1972 and Reduvius ciliatus Jakovlev, 1879) specimens were examined and diagnostic photographs of their general morphology and male genitalia were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first winged insects evolved from a wingless ancestor, but details of the transition to a fully-winged morphology remain unclear. Studying extant pterygotes with partial wings, such as the stick insects (order Phasmatodea), may help us to understand such a transition. Here, we address how a series of flight-related morphological parameters may correlate with flight evolution by studying different phasmids representing a volancy continuum ranging from miniaturized to full-sized wings. Variation in phasmid wing shape, venation, wing mass and the mass of flight muscle can be described by specific scaling laws referenced to wing length and wing loading. Also, the mass distribution of the body-leg system is conserved in spite of a wide range of variation in body shape. With reduced wing size and increased wing loading, the longitudinal position of the wing-bearing thoracic segments is shifted closer to the insects' centre of body mass. These results demonstrate complex reconfiguration of the flight system during wing morphological transitions in phasmids, with various anatomical features potentially correlated with reduced flight performance attained with partial wings. Although these data represent phasmid-specific features of the flight apparatus and body plan, the associated scaling relationships can provide insight into the functionality of intermediate conditions between wingless and fully-winged insects more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 82 nests in the Thrace region, the only distribution area of the European redwood ant (Formica pratensis Retzius,1783) in Turkey, were identified and monitored for two years. A nest ID was created for each nest, showing nest features, strategic location, habitat characteristics and some morphometric differences of workers. The species ' living areas (area of occupancy, AOO) and extension of occurrence (EOO) calculations were also carried out. Statistical analyses were carried out to show the relationships between these features. The results demonstrated that the optimum distribution of the nests is between 300-600 m, and the nests are mainly located at a distance of 0-200 m close to the water source. Nests are mostly built facing south in open areas in fields or forests, and the B-shaped nest is the most frequently observed nest morphology. Moreover, colony individuals frequently visit oak and blackberry species, and the Thracian population tends to form monodomous nests at a rate of 95%. The relationship between the morphological characteristics of ants (NHLI, NBH, LBH and HW), nest altitude data, and the distance of nests to water sources and forest areas was tested with Spearman rank correlation analysis, and a weak reverse correlation was found between the averages of NBH data and nest altitudes (r: -0.300; p<0.05), at 95% confidence interval. Accordingly, the AOO of the species in the Thrace region was calculated as 50,176 m2 and the EOO was 3,682 km2. All nests are shown on political maps, and applicable maps have been created in which buffer zoning and conservation areas are suggested. In total, 36 conservation and awareness training types were also carried out in two years, reaching 1201 students, and 92% awareness was created. Our results indicate that the nests cannot remain stable for many years due to intense human pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background With 90 described species, the genus Oecobius Lucas, 1846 is the largest genus of the family Oecobiidae Blackwall, 1862, five of which are known from China. Since Oceobius przewalskyi was described by Hu & Li in 1987, no males of this species have ever been reported. New information The male of Oceobius przewalskyi is described for the first time, based on the specimens collected in Tibet Autonomous Region. Morphological description and illustrations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background One new species of the genus Dendrocerus Ratzeburg, 1852, D. lui Li and Wang sp. nov. is described. A key to Chinese species of males is provided. The 28S sequence was generated to supplement the association of both sexes of the new species. New information One new species of the genus Dendrocerus Ratzeburg, 1852, D. lui Li and Wang sp. nov. is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectacular radiation of insects has produced a stunning diversity of phenotypes. During the past 250 years, research on insect systematics has generated hundreds of terms for naming and comparing them. In its current form, this terminological diversity is presented in natural language and lacks formalization, which prohibits computer-assisted comparison using semantic web technologies. Here we propose a Model for Describing Cuticular Anatomical Structures (MoDCAS) which incorporates structural properties and positional relationships for standardized, consistent, and reproducible descriptions of arthropod phenotypes. We applied the MoDCAS framework in creating the ontology for the Anatomy of the Insect Skeleto-Muscular system (AISM). The AISM is the first general insect ontology that aims to cover all taxa by providing generalized, fully logical, and queryable, definitions for each term. It was built using the Ontology Development Kit (ODK), which maximizes interoperability with Uberon (Uberon multispecies anatomy ontology) and other basic ontologies, enhancing the integration of insect anatomy into the broader biological sciences. A template system for adding new terms, extending, and linking the AISM to additional anatomical, phenotypic, genetic, and chemical ontologies is also introduced. The AISM is proposed as the backbone for taxon-specific insect ontologies and has potential applications spanning systematic biology and biodiversity informatics, allowing users to: 1) use controlled vocabularies and create semiautomated computer-parsable insect morphological descriptions; 2) integrate insect morphology into broader fields of research, including ontology-informed phylogenetic methods, logical homology hypothesis testing, evo-devo studies, and genotype to phenotype mapping; and 3) automate the extraction of morphological data from the literature, enabling the generation of large-scale phenomic data, by facilitating the production and testing of informatic tools able to extract, link, annotate, and process morphological data. This descriptive model and its ontological applications will allow for clear and semantically interoperable integration of arthropod phenotypes in biodiversity studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic entomology is a growing field within the Caribbean, but lacks practical application. There remains room for further growth inclusive of primary baseline information, such as determining the identity of flies of forensic importance on the various Caribbean islands. Descriptions of morphology and biology of immature stages of some flies are also lacking, especially for the family Sarcophagidae. Described here is the morphology of the third larval stage of two species of Sarcophagidae of forensic importance, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) and Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) plinthopyga (Wiedemann, 1830). The two species were found to colonise and breed in decomposing pig meat. Specimens collected were reared and dissected using light microscopy. Key larval features are illustrated for use in identification, as an alternative or addition to adult morphology. Structures described include the anterior and posterior spiracle, anal segment, and cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Both species are considered to be of forensic importance and have been shown to colonise human corpses in a review of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antennae of two Oxysarcodexia species were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of the antennae is typical of cyclorrhaphan flies with the proximal scape, intermediate pedicel, and distal flagellum. The flagellum of Oxysarcodexia corolla has a pronounced waist due to the thickening of its proximal and distal ends. The postpedicel of O. peltata does not have a distinct waist and maintains a uniform thickness from proximal to distal ends. The postpedicel of both Oxysarcodexia species bears trichoid, basiconic, clavate, auriculate, and coeloconic sensilla. Bottle-like sensilla were observed on the female of O. peltata. We seek to add to the knowledge of morphology of antennae of Sarcophagidae species in the Caribbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scanning electron microscopy investigation of the antennae of three Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy (Peckia (Euboettcheria) nicasia (Lopes, 1941), Peckia (Sarcodexia) dominicana Lopes, 1982, and Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830)) species of potential forensic relevance, is presented for the first time. The collection of the three species was done using baited traps. The antennae of each species consist of three parts: the scape, the pedicel, and the postpedicel/funiculus, where the arista is located. The distribution and location of sensilla found on the antennae are described. Six types of sensilla were observed. The scape has only chaetic sensilla, the pedicel has chaetic sensilla and setiferous plaques, and the postpedicel bears trichoid, five subtypes of basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla and clavate sensilla. The study also identifies a post-pedicellar button on P. chrysostoma only. The study adds to ultrastructure studies on the antennae of Sarcophagidae, increasing the information available for comparison in phylogeny adaptations and synapomorphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During samplings were performed during 2019 in Birjand area located in South Khorasan province, three species are identified from families Entomobryidae and Bourletiellidae. Drepanura tuxeni Nosek, 1964, Drepanosira gisini Nosek, 1964 and Cassagnaudiella c.f. gamae (Bretfeld, 1994) are newly reported for the Iranian fauna of Collembola. The material examined, brief description and some illustration were given. Cassagnaudiella c.f. gamae represents the second species record of the family Bourletiellidae from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is on the morphology and molecular data of the genus Dineutus MacLeay, were collected from the Eastern Ghats mountains in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu states located in the eastern Ghats of India. The morphological identification was based on elytral spines, setation on paramere and structure of the median lobe. Molecular characterization was based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16s ribosomal RNA gene. Species identified as being D. indicus, D. spinosus, and D. unidentatus. Phylogenetic trees were constructed for both genes, and the COI fragment shows raw genetic distance between 10-12% among the three species of D. indicus, D. spinosus and D. unidentatus, whereas 16s gene shows a divergence of 4-5%. The present study contributes five novel mitochondrial COI and five ribosomal RNA sequences for D. spinosus and D. unidentatus for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]