Three new genera of Banchinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Central and South America

Three new genera and four new species of Banchinae are described from Central and South America: Terrylee gen. n., is described from Peru and Honduras to accommodate Terrylee olearius sp. n. and Terrylee peruensis sp. n. (type species: Terrylee peruensis sp. n.); Valdiviglypta gen. n. and Pristiboea gen. n. are described from Chile (type species: Valdiviglypta nimbus sp. n. and Pristiboea leiomano sp. n.). Terrylee and Pristiboea are placed in the tribe Atrophini, Valdiviglypta tentatively in the tribe Glyptini. All the three new genera are morphologically very distinctive and two have such character suites that they may not immediately be recognizable as banchines. By describing these three Neotropical genera from Chile, Honduras and Peru we aim to draw further attention to the considerable morphological variation within the ichneumonid subfamily Banchinae.     

New species of Hygiella Mesnil (Diptera: Tachinidae), parasitoids of leaf insects (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae)

The Oriental genus Hygiella Mesnil is revised: three species are described as new, Hygiella angustifrons sp. nov., Hygiella luteipes sp. nov. and Hygiella proclinata sp. nov., and two known species are re-described, Hygiella nigripes Mesnil and Hygiella pygidialis Mesnil. A key to these five species is provided. The host of H. proclinata, Phyllium siccifolium (Linnaeus) (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae), is recorded for the first time as a host of the Tachinidae. The systematic position of Hygiella is discussed and the genus is placed in the tribe Acemyini (Exoristinae) based on the structure of the male terminalia.     

Further studies on the systematics of Australian Diplurinae (Chelicerata: Mygalomorphae: Dipluridae): Two new genera from south western Australia

Summary

The current status of Australian diplurine genera is presented. The following genera are recognized here: Aname Koch, Chenistonia Hogg, Ixamatus Simon, Kiama Main and Mascord, Stanwellia Rainbow and Pulleine, Teyl Main, Troglodiplura Main and Xamiatus Raven. Aparua Todd from New Zealand is newly synonymized with Stanwellia Rainbow and Puleine. Two new genera, Kwonkan and Merredinia and six new species are described: Kwonkan anatolion, eboracum, goongarriensis, moriartii and silvestre and Merredinia damsonoides. Dekana wonganensis Main is designated as the type species of Kwonkan. The tribe Anamini Simon is rediagnosed and Anamini Raven newly synonymized with it. Aname, Chenistonia and the two new genera are attributed to the Anamini.     

A review of the encyrtid wasp tribe Aenasiini,with descriptions of new Afrotropical taxa (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

The tetracnemine tribe Aenasiini is discussed and a key is provided for the separation of the nine genera that can be attributed to this tribe. Neodiscodes is synonymized with Aenasius and the following seven species, which were originally assigned to the former genus, are transferred to Aenasius as new combinations: abengouroui (Risbec), comperei (Kerrich), lepelleyi (Kerrich), martinii (Compere), indicus (Narayanan & Subba Rao), parvus (Kerrich) and subbaraoi (Kerrich). A key is given for the separation of the four Afrotropical species of Aenasius and the male of A. comperei is described for the first time. Incisencyrtus gen. n. is described for the following three new Afrotropical species: secus (the type-species), sirus and afer. Cladiscodes incisius sp. n. is described from South Africa and it represents the first species of this genus from Africa. New distribution records are given for three Alfrotropical species of Metaphaenodiscus.     

Six new feather mite species (Acari: Astigmata) from the carolina parakeet Conuropsis carolinensis (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae), an extinct parrot of North America

We describe six new feather mite species collected from museum skins of the carolina parakeet Conuropsis carolinensis Linnaeus, 1758, which lived in North America and became extinct at the beginning of the 20th century: Genoprotolichus simplex sp. n., Lopharalichus beckeri sp. n., Neorhytidelasma conuropsis sp. n. (Pterolichidae: Pterolichinae), Chiasmalges carolinensis sp. n. (Psoroptoididae: Pandalurinae), Fainalges gracilitarsus sp. n., and Protonyssus proctorae sp. n. (Xolalgidae: Ingrassiinae). Brief comments on the current systematic state and host associations of these feather mite genera are provided.     

Review of the leafhopper tribe Scaphytopiini (Homoptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with a key to genera

The leafhopper tribe Scaphytopiini is reviewed, and a key to genera given. The following taxonomic changes are made: Masiripius lugubris (Distant) comb. nov. (from Mahalana); Mahalana Distant, junior synonym of Platymetopius Burmeister syn. nov. (Athysanini); Hododoecus bunyensis Evans comb. nov. (from Stenometopius) (Stenometopiini). In addition, the monotypic genus Nesothamnus Linnavuori is transferred from Athysanini to Scaphytopiini and its characters discussed.     

New Neotropical Haplothripini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) with a key to Central and South American genera

The tribe Haplothripini includes a large diversity of Thysanoptera–Phlaeothripinae, comprising more than 550 species in about 35 genera. They are characterised by having a maxillary bridge in the head, prosternal basantra well developed and fore wings with a median constriction. Members of this group are present in all geographical regions, but are particularly poorly studied in Central and South America. In this study, we describe a new genus and species, Myrciathrips variabilis gen. et. sp. nov., and a new Haplothrips species; and propose two new combinations: Karnyothrips grassoi (De Santis), and Mirothrips vespicola (De Santis). A key to the nine Haplothripini genera now recognised from Central and South America is provided, together with an updated key to Haplothrips and Mirothrips species. A total of 45 species of Haplothripini are now recognised from Central and South America, and a list of these and their distributions is given. The genera Karnyothrips, Haplothrips and Leptothrips are the most commonly encountered, and some exotic species such as Androthrips ramachandrai and Dolichothrips indicus are now widespread in the Americas.     

Some new African Ulopini (Homoptera,Cicadellidae, Ulopinae)

Summary

Two new genera and two new species of Ulopini are described from Africa; the distribution, and some aspects of the evolution, of genera in this tribe are discussed. It is suggested that Ulopa damaspina Dlabola belongs to the genus Moonia Distant and a new synonmy is suggested. In an Appendix the genera and species of the Ulopini are listed according to their geographical distribution.     

A survey of the genus Geometra Linnaeus (Lepidoptera,Geometridae, Geometrinae)

The type genus of the family Geometridae, Geometra Linnaeus, is reviewed. In addition to the 16 species known worldwide, two new species are described: Geometra neovalida sp. nov. from China, and Geometra burmensis sp. nov. from Burma (Myanmar). All the known species are redescribed. Genitalia of all species are described and illustrated, most for the first time. Generic characters based on all species are summarized. The monophyly of the genus and its relationship with allied genera are reviewed and discussed in detail. Most species fall into two species groups, named the papilionaria and smaragdus groups, on the basis of the morphology of the male genitalia. Biological information is provided where available. Illustrations of moths and genitalia are presented.     

Disjunct distribution of Szeptyckiella gen. nov. from New Caledonia and South China undermines the monophyly of Willowsiini (Collembola: Entomobryidae)

Morphology of scales is an important taxonomical character at all levels of Entomobryidae taxonomy. A new scaled genus of Collembola, Szeptyckiella gen. nov., and three new species are described: Szeptyckiella boulouparica sp. nov. and Szeptyckiella sinelloides sp. nov. from New Caledonia, and Szeptyckiella lii sp. nov. from South China. The genus, assigned to Willowsiini, is characterized by pointed scales on the body, eyes and pigment absent, antennal apical bulb absent, dens lacking spines and scales, and bidentate mucro with a short basal spine. It is closest to Hawinella from Hawaii but the latter possesses a falcate mucro. However, its morphological characteristics and its disjunct distribution raise a number of problems. Its widely disjunct distribution is difficult to explain in terms of palaeobiogeographical or more recent dispersal events. The new genus is similar to Sinella without consideration of scales, although both genera are placed in different tribes following the current supra-generic classification of Entomobryidae. We discuss other cases of paired genera differing only by the presence or absence of scales, and placed in either Willowsiini or Entomobryini. On this basis, we assume that scale presence could independently occur in the former tribe, questioning the monophyly of the tribe Willowsiini.     

Apelaunothripini from the Philippines (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Summary

The relationships of the phlaeothripine tribe Apelaunothripini is discussed. Four genera and thirteen species are recorded from the Philippines, including the following two new genera and nine new species: Apelaunothrips cephalicus sp. nov., A. fasciatus sp. nov., A. flavicornis sp. nov., A. marginalis sp. nov., A. philippinensis sp. nov., A. rostratus sp. nov., A. simpliceps sp. nov., Lizalothrips luzonensis gen. and sp. nov., Paradexiothrips bispinosus gen. and sp. nov. Keys are provided to the four genera included in the Apelaunothripini, and to the ten Apelaunothrips species from the Philippines.     

Deep-sea Tanaidacea (Crustacea) of the North-east Atlantic: the tribe Agathotanaini

The tanaidacean tribe Agathotanaini, which was formerly the family Agathotanaidae, is well-represented in the Rockall Trough and Bay of Biscay areas of the North-east Atlantic. Five species have been recorded from depths of 1160–4829 m. Agathotanais ingolfi is the most numerous and one of the most widely distributed tanaidacean species in the region, and is often predominant in epibenthic sled samples from 1500–2500 m. Less numerous and frequent are three new species of Paragathotanais: P. nanus, P. robustus and P. gracilis. The first two are bathyal in distribution, and the last is abyssal. A new monospecific genus is established for Metagathotanais insulcatus, which has been recorded from the deepest part of the study region (4600–4800 m). Males of this tribe are characterized by their rigid pleopods bearing short terminal setae, and are otherwise very similar to the females. A key is provided for the identification of agathotanaids from the North-east Atlantic, including Agathotanais hanseni, and the genera Allodaposia and Paranarthrura, which should also be classified in the Agathotanaini.     

Revision of the millipede genus Xystodesmus,with reference to the status of the tribe Xystodesmini (Diplopoda: Xystodesmidae)

On the basis of morphometrics and geographic distribution, we revise Xystodesmus martensii Peters and its related forms in Japan, which had been recognized as ten species belonging to five genera. In delimitation of species, first we sought the biggest pheno-geographic units based on the dendrogram from a cluster analysis and geographic distribution; a pheno-geographic unit is defined as an aggregation of populations being phenetically closely similar and geographically closely distributed to each other. Then, we decided whether each unit was warranted as a species. As a result, we propose that these forms constitute a single genus Xystodesmus comprising six species including one new species. The newly defined Xystodesmus is characterized by high variation in gonopod morphology and conservative coloration, body form and size. The status of some populations is still uncertain because of lack of material. The tribe Xystodesmini, to which Xystodesmus belongs, and the tribe Harpaphini are so similar that we could not warrant their separation. We propose the following new synonymies: the tribe Harpaphini with the tribe Xystodesmini; Phrurodesmus Takakuwa and Nikkonus Chamberlin and Wang with Xystodesmus; Xystodesmus scabra Verhoeff, Rhysodesmus tuberculatus Takakuwa, Rh. ikaoensis Takakuwa, and Rh. kitazawai Miyosi, with X. martensii; Phrurodesmus kinshaensis Murakami with X. gracilipes (Takakuwa). Riukiaria shirozui Takakuwa, Rh. serrulatus Miyosi, and P. gracilipes Takakuwa, are transferred to Xystodesmus. We describe X. tokaiensis as a new species.     

Revision of the genera of Cladoxenini (=Cladoxeninae Arrow) and Thallisellini trib. nov. of the family Languriidae (Coleoptera: Clavicornia)

Summary

The tribe Cladoxenini and its genera are redefined. A new tribe and its two genera are more fully described; keys to the tribes of Languriinae and genera of Cladoxenini and Thallisellini are given.     

Muhaka icipe,an enigmatic new genus and species of Kleidotomini (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae) from an East African coastal forest

A remarkable new eucoiline genus and species, Muhaka icipe, is described herein. The genus is clearly a Kleidotomini, but is distinguished from other genera in the tribe by a unique head and scutellar morphology. The genus belongs to the ‘wedge-head’-syndrome group of species that, to date, is unique to Afrotropical eucoilines. The new genus and species is reminiscent of Stentorceps Quinlan and Nanocthulhu Buffington, but is readily distinguished from these genera. Muhaka was collected from a threatened kaya (sacred forest) of coastal Kenya. The biological importance of this and other kaya forests, as well as their protection, is discussed.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6918ED2C-69A4-48FC-A1E4-2B5DFF58E876     

Phylogenetic relationships among genera of the tribe Cnephasiini (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Tortricinae) based on morphological characters of adults

A phylogenetic analysis was conducted on the moth tribe Cnephasiini based on 83 morphological characters of adults (63 binary and 20 multistate). The analysis included 26 species representing 20 genera, plus two outgroup representatives of the tribe Tortricini. The cladistic analysis resulted in the 10 most parsimonious trees. The tribe Cnephasiini was recovered as monophyletic; the genus Cnephasia was not recovered as monophyletic; the New World Decodes clustered with the primarily Old World Cnephasia; Oxypteron is best treated as monotypic (with the single species palmoni), and Amphicoecia adamana, Oporopsamma dunaria and O. wertheimsteini should be assigned to a different genus; Propriomorpha and Xerocnephasia were the most basal groups; Exapate duratella and Epicnephasia mongolica were recognised as sister-groups; and Kawabeia was closest to Tortricodes.     

The Cassidininae Hansen, 1905 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae) of Australia

The Cassidininae of Australia are revised. The status of the subfamily is assessed and it is concluded that, as presently constituted, the Cassidininae is an artificial taxon. It is maintained here as a taxon of convenience (sensu lato) until the other sphaeromatid subfamilies can be reassessed, but a new diagnosis (sensu stricto) is given. The genus Cassidina is redescribed. Three new genera are established: Agostodina gen. nov. (type species: A. munta sp. nov.), Apemosphaera gen. nov. (type species: A. naranagi sp. nov.) and Discidina gen. nov. (type species: D. banawarra sp. nov.). New diagnoses are provided for the genera Cassidina Milne Edwards, Chitonopsis Whitelegge, Cassidinidea Hansen, Paracassidina Baker, Syncassidina Baker and Platysphaera Holdich and Harrison. The genus Dies is placed in synonymy with Cassidinidea and an annotated list is given of all species of the genus. The following new species (excluding the new type species) are described: Chitonopsis booyoolie, Agostodina munta, Paracassidina anasilla, P. bakeri, P. bamarook, P. bilbie, P. cervina, P. dama, P. fuscina, P. incompta, P. kutyo, P. munna, P. petala, P. prolata, P. wurrook and Cassidinidea korpie. Keys to the Australian genera and species are given.     

The Old World genera of braconine wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

An illustrated key is provided to the Old World genera of Braconinae. In addition, notes are provided on each genus and on a number of characters employed in the key. One new tribe and five new genera based on two existing and three new species are described. The new taxa are as follows: Angustibracon gen. nov. from India (type-species: Bracon leptogaster Cameron, 1899), Bathyaulacini tribus nov. (type-genus: Bathyaulax Szépligeti, 1906), Cassidibracon gen. nov. from West Africa (type-species: Cassidibracon castus sp. nov.), Serraulax gen. nov. from the Afrotropical Region (type-species: Iphiaulax lukombensis Cameron, 1912), Virgulibracon gen. nov. from Australia (type-species: Virgulibracon vulsus sp. nov.) and Vomeribracon gen. nov. from New Guinea (type-species: Vomeribracon amplipenniger sp. nov.). The Pseudodicrogeniini Achterberg, 1976 is synonymized with the Euurobraconini Ashmead, 1900. Ten new generic synonymies are reported: Atanycolimorpha Viereck, 1913 (= Cyanopterus Haliday, 1835), Caenoprymnus Cameron, 1909 (= Soter Saussure, (1890) 1892), Coelodontus Roman, 1912 (= Trigastrotheca Cameron, 1906), Cynodobracon Cameron, 1912 (= Nedinoschiza Cameron, 1911), Iphioilta Ramakrishna Ayyar, 1928 (= Chaoilta Cameron, 1899), Kenema van Achterberg, 1983 (= Trigastrotheca Cameron, 1906), Odontopygia Enderlein, (1918) 1920 (= Trigastrotheca Cameron, 1906), Paraspinaria Cameron, 1905 (= Mesobracon Szépligeti, 1902), Pseudoglyptomorpha Tobias, 1957 (= Pseudovipio Szépligeti, 1896) and Glyptomorpha (Remorpha) Shestakov, 1932 (Pseudovipio Szépligeti, 1896).