First host record for the rogadine genus Pholichora van Achterberg (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with description of a new species and notes on convergent wing venation features

The wasp genus Pholichora is recorded as parasitic on geometrid moth larvae on the basis of a new species, P. subscleroma Quicke and Shaw from South Africa (Natal), reared from Ascotis reciprocaria (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Ennominae). The discovery of this new species necessitates a reassessment of the characters separating Pholichora from Hemigyroneuron. An association between wing venation features (ovoid cells and scleromes) and nocturnality is discussed.     

Six new species of Microstigmus wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae), with notes on their biology

Six new species of Microstigmus are described and illustrated. Nests and other aspects of their biology, when known, are also described. Microstigmus puncticeps sp. n. (northern Brazil and Peru) and M. xanthosceles sp. n. (Central America and western Colombia) belong to two distinct groups not closely related to previously described species. Microstigmus cooperi sp. n. and M. crucifex sp. n. (both from northern Brazil and Colombia) represent basal lineages within the large group including M. brasiliensis, M. theridii, M. lobifex, etc. Microstigmus flavus sp. n. (southeastern Brazil) is closely related to M. lobifex. Microstigmus simplex sp. n. (northern Brazil) is a basal lineage within the group containing M. guianensis and M. arlei. Reuse of nests of M. nigrophthalmus by M. flavus sp. n. and of M. crucifex sp. n. by a species of the M. theridii complex is reported for the first time for Microstigmus.     

First host records for the rogadine genus Conspinaria (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and notes on Rogadinae as parasitoids of Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera)

The parasitic wasp genus Conspinaria is recorded as parasitizing two species of chalcosiine zygaenid moths, Chalcosia thaivana owadai Wang and Erasmia pulchella hobsoni Butler in Taiwan. Parasitism of Zygaenidae and of Limacodidae by rogadine braconids is discussed in the light of possible phylogenetic relationships.     

Two new species of Hymenoepimecis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) with notes on their spider hosts and behaviour manipulation

The wasp genera included in the Polysphincta genus-group develop exclusively as koinobiont ectoparasitoids of spiders, an unusual pattern within Hymenoptera. All known species of Hymenoepimecis attack orb-web spiders and Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga was previously described inducing a sudden modification of its host's web-building behaviour. Information on parasitoid–host interactions and even on host identities for most members of the genus-group, however, remain scarce. In this study we describe two new species of Hymenoepimecis and present information on their hosts, spiders of the genera Leucauge (Tetragnathidae) and Manogea (Araneidae). Cocoon webs of both host species are distinct from their normal webs. The modified cocoon web of Leucauge roseosignata constructed under the influence of Hymenoepimecis japi sp. nov. is very similar to the cocoon web described for Leucauge argyra. It is composed of three axes, including several radial threads each, and a hub used by the larva to attach the cocoon's suspension line. Spiral viscous threads, present in normal webs and in webs of parasitized spiders carrying larvae in the initial instars, are absent in cocoon webs. In the cocoon web of Manogea porracea the horizontal sheet is poorly structured and the cocoon is attached far from the spider's normal resting position, in an area composed of a densely tangled structure.     

Meteorus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitoids of Pyralidae: description and biology of two new species and first record of Meteorus desmiae Zitani, 1998 from Ecuador

Two new Ecuadorian wasp species attacking pyralid larvae are described: Meteorus albisericus and Meteorus pyralivorus, as well as a new Ecuadorian distribution record for Meteorus desmiae Zitani, another pyralid parasitoid, previously known from Costa Rica and Colombia. The hosts of M. albisericus were found feeding on Clibadium glabrescens S. F. Blake (Asteraceae), Diplazium costale var. robustum (Sodiro) Stolze (Dryopteridaceae), Brunellia tomentosa Bonpl. (Brunelliaceae) and Cavendishia sp. Lindl. (Ericaceae). Chusquea scandens Kunth (Poaceae) is the associated plant for M. pyralivorus hosts. Meteorus. albisericus is the first Neotropical Meteorus species with dorsopes whose biology is known. We hypothesize that the parasitism of pyraloid caterpillars has originated at least twice in Neotropical Meteorus.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B603F36B-4645-490D-AD4D-469088EEF36F     

The genus Bassus Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae) in China,with description of three new species

Five species of Bassus Fabricius, are recognized to occur in China, of which three are new: Bassus guangxiensis sp. nov., Bassus levisulcus sp. nov. and Bassus robustus sp. nov. The new species are described and fully illustrated. Bassus albozonatus van Achterberg & Long, is recorded from China for the first time. A key to the Chinese species of the genus Bassus is provided.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:17297254-9E84-4D0F-AE8C-1F7264393137     

Taxonomic review of Coccobius species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) from China,with notes on their use in biological control of scale insect pests (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), and description of a new species

The Chinese species of the genus Coccobius Ratzeburg (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) are reviewed. Sixteen species, C. abdominis Huang, C. annulicornis Ratzeburg, C. azumai Tachikawa, C. chaoi Huang, C. curtifuniculatus Huang, C. flaviceps (Girault & Dodd), C. flavicornis Compere & Annecke, C. fulvus (Compere & Annecke), C. furviflagellatus Huang, C. furvus Huang, C. languidus Huang, C. longialatus Huang, C. longifuniculatus Huang, C. maculatus Huang, C. wuyiensis Huang, and one new species, Coccobius albiscutellum Wang and Huang sp.nov., are treated. A key is provided for the recognition of the females of all Chinese species of Coccobius, and notes are given on their use in biological control of scale insect pests. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F510059B-F176-46BA-B7B5-8252B06BE91F     

Pentatrichosiphum (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae), a generic account with the description of a new species from Hainan,China

The aphid genus Pentatrichosiphum Basu, 1969 Basu, A. N. 1969. Four new genera and nine new species of aphids (Homoptera) from West Bengal, India.. Oriental Insects, 3: 169–186. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] is reviewed. Pentatrichosiphum longirostrum n. sp. from Lauraceae in Hainan, China is described. Pentatrichosiphum luteum Basu, 1969 Basu, A. N. 1969. Four new genera and nine new species of aphids (Homoptera) from West Bengal, India.. Oriental Insects, 3: 169–186. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] is recorded for the first time from China, the first record of this genus. Some hitherto unknown morphs of P. luteum are described. The genus is redefined and keys to the four known species worldwide are also provided. The taxonomic status of Pentatrichosiphum is discussed based on morphological characters. Type specimens are deposited in the Zoological Museum, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (ZMCAS).     

The nesting habits and flower relationships of the bee Melitoma ameghinoi (Holmberg) (Hymenoptera,Apidae), with notes on its taxonomy and distribution

ABSTRACT

The nesting behaviour of Melitoma ameghinoi was studied in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Contrary to other Melitoma species, which are known to nest on banks or other vertical or sloping surfaces, the nests were found on horizontal ground, in extremely hard clay soil. The nests were shallow, with three to four vertical cells. The short turrets pointed upwards for a short stretch and then were strongly curved, with the entrance directed towards the soil surface. The floral relationships of this species were studied by pollen analysis of faeces from cells, a pollen mass, scopal loads of specimens, and direct observation of floral visits. Pollen counts and field observations indicate that M. ameghinoi collects pollen exclusively from Ipomoea species. A compilation of pollen sources for species of Melitoma is presented. All known species, including M. ameghinoi, fall in the category of narrowly oligolectic. A discussion of the taxonomic relationships of the species is presented, and a lectotype is designated.     

First host records for the rogadine genera Rogasodes Chen and He and Canalirogas van Achterberg and Chen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with description of a new species and survey of mummy types within Rogadinae s. str.

The parasitic wasp genus Rogasodes is recorded for the first time outside mainland China, based on a new species, R. scytaloptericola Quicke and Shaw sp. nov., from Java. Rearing data and host remains associated with the type specimen show that it is a parasitoid of the palm‐feeding drepanid moth, Scytalopteryx elongata (Snellen). Canalirogas sp. aff. balgooyi van Achterberg and Chen is recorded from an unidentified lymantriid on clove trees in Indonesia (Sumatra) and illustrated. Both of these are the first host records for the genera. Rogas spilonotus Cameron is transferred to Canalirogas. A survey of mummy sclerotization and adult emergence holes in the subfamily Rogadinae sensu stricto is presented. The data suggest an early shift to a posterior emergence position, with a strictly dorsal position being largely characteristic of the common genus Aleiodes. Only Aleiodes and a few apparently closely related taxa, including Hemigyroneuron, typically form heavily sclerotized mummies.     

Aylax hypecoi Trotter (Hymenoptera,Cynipidae) in Europe: Redescription,with taxonomic and biological notes

Aylax hypecoi (Trotter) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Aylacini), a poorly known cynipid wasp inducing galls on Hypecoum species (Papaveraceae), was described from North Africa and also doubtfully recorded from Greece about a century ago. The species has now been found in Bulgaria and thus its presence in Europe is confirmed for the first time. The species is redescribed and illustrated with SEM pictures of the adult female; galls are also described and illustrated. Data on distribution and biology are given, and its taxonomic and phylogenetic position are discussed. Aylax spirorhynchusii Diakontshuk, , another aylacine species, recorded from Transcaucasus and Middle Asia as a gall‐inducer on Spirorhynchus sabulosus Kar. and Kir. (Brassicaceae) is a synonym of Aylax hypecoi and the host plant record stated is a possible misidentification.     

A new species of Notostrix (Acari: Eriophyidae), with notes on the host plants and distribution of species of this genus

Thirteen Notostrix Keifer species are presently known, all from leaves of palm trees (Arecaceae) to which they seemingly cause no major damage. A new species of this genus, Notostrix macrothrix sp. nov., is morphologically described based on adult females and males collected from coconut, Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae), on La Reunión Island. A discussion about the presently known distribution of mites of this genus is also presented. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:14C65CB2-AF56-4D85-AD49-56FA11119EF5     

First record of Climacia californica (Neuroptera: Sisyridae) and its host sponge, Ephydatia mulleri (Porifera: spongillidae), from Idaho with water quality relationships

The spongillafly, Climacia californica Chandler, and its sponge host, Ephydatia mulleri (Lieberkuhn), are reported from the state of Idaho for the first time. Climacia californica has not previously been reported from E. mulleri . Collections were made in the Burley – Twin Falls area, and detailed water quality data are provided for the first time for spongillafly larvae. The water quality data also expand the known tolerance limits of E. mulleri for water temperature, conductivity, pH, hardness, silica, and residue.         

The morphology and biology of the entomophilic Thripinema fuscum (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae), and the histopathological effects of parasitism on the host Frankliniella fusca (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

We used light and electron microscopy to detail the in vivo life cycle of the nematode Thripinema fuscum and to determine the effects of parasitism on tissues of the thrips host Frankliniella fusca. The parasitic T. fuscum female produced eggs within 4–5 days after ingress and the host haemocoele became packed with eggs and developing juvenile nematodes. Mature juveniles migrated to the hindgut and fully developed juveniles first emerged from the posterior end of the male or female F. fusca 9 days after parasitization. Parasitization induced a displacement of the host alimentary tract, an atrophy of the ovaries and fat body, and an alteration of energy and waste reserves in host tissues. Our observations reveal a specialized relationship showing that this parasite is well adapted to exploit the host digestive, reproductive and excretory systems.     

Taxonomic notes on the Asian frogs of the tribe Paini (Ranidae,Dicroglossinae): 1. Morphology and synonymy of Chaparana aenea (Smith, 1922), with proposal of a new statistical method for testing homogeneity of small samples

The species from northern Vietnam described as Rana fansipani Bourret, is shown to be a synonym of the species from northern Thailand described as Rana aenea Smith, . The male secondary sex characters of this species are described in detail for the first time. Combined with a few other characters, they allow this species to be distinguished from the closely related Rana unculuanus Liu, Hu and Yang, 1960 from southern China. Both species should be placed in a subgenus Chaparana (Chaparana), a member of the tribe Paini of the subfamily Dicroglossinae of the Ranidae. In this study, we propose a new statistical method for testing homogeneity of small samples: this consists of considering the values obtained for each specimen and for each regression factor score as morphometric characteristics of this specimen within the frame of this analysis; these values, or some of them, can be used to compare subgroups of specimens by non‐parametric tests such as the Mann–Whitney U test.     

A new neobisiid pseudoscorpion species from Crete (Greece), with notes on its morphology,distribution, evolution,and phylogeny

This study, based on an analysis of some palaeo‐Mediterranean pseudoscorpions (Ernstmayria venizelosi n. sp. and E. apostolostrichasi ?ur?i? and Dimitrijevi? from the family Neobisiidae) represents an outstanding improvement of our knowledge of the diversity of relict and distributionally limited false scorpions from the ancient (or proto‐) Aegean area. Both E. venizelosi n. sp. and E. apostolostrichasi originated in the proto‐Balkan region; their ancestors are to be sought among extinct forms. Since Ernstmayria species presently inhabit the ‘peripheral’ location of the ancient Aegeis, it is evident that their remote ancestor gave rise to a number of recent genera which presently constitute two generic groups inhabiting the Mediterranean region: Neobisium Chamberlin, Occitanobisium Heurtault, Roncobisium Vachon, Protoneobisium ?ur?i?, and Pennobisium ?ur?i?, on the one hand, and Acanthocreagris Mahnert, Balkanoroncus ?ur?i?, Insulocreagris ?ur?i?, and Roncocreagris Mahnert, on the other.     

A new species of bethylid wasp (Hymenoptera) from New Zealand,with comments on its life history and host

A new species of parasitoid wasp Chilepyris platythelys (Chrysidoidea: Bethylidae), from New Zealand, is described and illustrated. Its life history is described and its host, an anobiid (Coleoptera) larva, Hadrobregmus (Megabregmus) magnus is mentioned as the first host record for the genus Chilepyris.     

A description of the song of Chorthippus cazurroi (Orthoptera: Acrididae) with notes on its taxonomic position and distribution

The highly characteristic calling and courtship songs of Chorthippus cazurroi are described for the first time and are used, together with a number of morphological characters, as a basis for discussing the differences between this species and C. pullus, C. pulloides, C. nevadensis and Omocestus llorenteae, with which it has been or might be confused. Despite the superficial resemblance between cazurroi and these species, clear and reliable characters are described for distinguishing it from all of them. The distribution of cazurroi is also discussed and it is suggested that its inclusion in the Libro Rojo de los Ortópteros Ibéricos as extinct or in danger is, as the authors of that work suspected, unduly pessimistic. A lectotype is designed from the type material of C. cazurroi.     

First record of the genus Brachyzapus Gauld and Dubois (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from Vietnam,with descriptions of six new species

Based on a recent collection of ichneumonids from Lao Cai Province, at an elevation above 1500 m above sea level, the genus Brachyzapus Gauld and Dubois, 2006 Gauld, ID and Dubois, J. 2006. Phylogeny of the Polysphincta group of genera (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae; Pimplinae: a taxonomic revision of spider ectoparasitoids. Syst Entomol., 31: 529–564. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] is reported from Vietnam for the first time and six new species are described: B. carinatus sp. nov., B. convexus sp. nov., B. duboisi sp. nov., B. fansipanensis sp. nov., B. hoanglienensis sp. nov. and B. politus sp. nov. Notes on distinguishing characters are provided and the new species are included in a tentative key to 12 species of Brachyzapus. Three species are formally transferred from Zabrachypus to Brachyzapus: B. atripedalis (Sheng, 2001), B. nitidus (Hao and Sheng, 2002 Hao, D and Sheng, ML. 2002. A new species of genus Zabrachypus Cushman (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). J Northeast Forestry Univ., 30: 95–96.  [Google Scholar]) and B. nonareaeidos (Wang, 1997) are new combinations.