Copulatory courtship and morphology of genitalic coupling in seven Phyllophaga species (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae)

Males in six of seven species of Phyllophaga perform apparent courtship behaviour during copulation. As predicted by the hypothesis that such copulatory courtship is under sexual selection by female choice, behavioural details differ between species. The modified male abdominal sternites, which rub against the female's pygidium during copulation and whose morphology also differs between species, and the flattened, setose tarsi of males of one species probably function as contact courtship devices during copulatory courtship. Observations of events inside copulating beetles were made through the semi-transparent abdominal sternites of females and male genitalia in three species. They revealed cryptic genitalic thrusting behaviour of male genitalia within the female which occurred even when there was little or no external movement of the male genitalia. Dissections of pairs frozen in copula demonstrated that males transfer large quantities of material to females during copulation that is not physically related to sperm transfer. The type of material varied between species. In at least two species most of the transfer apparently occurred after sperm transfer. The possibility that some male genitalic structures function as holdfasts and/or stimulatory devices was suggested by their positions relative to female structures, and/or their movements within the female. Portions of male genitalia with strong bristles tended to lie against setose or more heavily sclerotized portions of the female reproductive duct. Some portions of female genitalia which vary between species seem ill-designed to exclude the genitalia of cross-specific males. The female reproductive tract is partially everted during copulation in one species.     

The flower bug genus Orius Wolff, 1811 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae: Oriini) of Thailand

The flower bug genus Orius Wolff, 1811 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae: Oriini) in Thailand is reviewed. Eleven valid species are recognised; seven of them are described as new to science: Orius (O.) sakaerat, O. (O.) taksini, O. (O.) tomokunii, O. (O.) filiferus, O. (O.) machaerus, O. (O.) inthanonus and O. (Trichorius) crassus. Orius (Heterorius) dravidiensis Muraleedharan, 1977, which has been known from India, is recorded from Thailand for the first time, and is correctly placed in the subgenus Dimorphella Reuter, 1884. The subgenus Paraorius Yasunaga and Miyamoto, 1993 is proposed as a synonym of Dimorphella. Diagnoses, digital habitus images, scanning electron micrographs and illustrations of diagnostic features including both male and female genitalia are provided. Keys to the Thai species are offered to facilitate identification. Biology of Thai species is also discussed.     

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 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.     

Variation in three centipede species of the genus Otostigmus and its bearing on species discrimination (Chilopoda; Scolopendromorpha; Scolopendridae)

Individual variation in populations of three species of the scolopendromorph centipede genus Otostigmus subgenus Otostigmus (O. spinicaudus (Newport, 1844), O. politus Karsch, 1881 and O. astenus (Kohlrausch, 1881)) is described and the reliability of their characters and those of other members of the subgenus is discussed.     

Phylogenetic analysis of the subgenus Lampetis (Spinthoptera) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) of North and Central America,and the West Indies

Phylogenetic relationships between species of Lampetis (Spinthoptera) of North and Central America and the West Indies were analysed by cladistic methods, based on 65 characters from the external morphology and male genitalia. Eleven species of different generic groups of the subtribe Dicercina were considered as outgroups, including also species of Lampetis (Lampetis) and one South American species of L. (Spinthoptera). The monophyly of Lampetis (Spinthoptera) is supported by two synapomorphies, but this subgenus appears to be more closely related to species of Psiloptera rather than to Old World species of Lampetis (Lampetis), suggesting that Lampetis (Spinthoptera) may be segregated from Lampetis as a different genus. The species of Lampetis (Spinthoptera) from North and Central America and the West Indies do not represent a monophyletic taxon, because L. (S.) tucumana (South American outgroup) is nested within them. Comparison of these results with a previous panbiogeographic analysis indicate that several generalized tracks possess species from different clades, thus suggesting an ancient radiation of this taxon in Mesoamerica and the Mexican Transition Zone.     

Three new species of the subgenus Ashima (Diptera: Drosophildae: Phortica) from south-western China,with DNA barcoding information

Three new species of the subgenus Phortica (Ashima), P. (A.) libo sp. nov., P. (A.) yalianae sp. nov. and P. (A.) yiqini sp. nov., are described from south-western China. DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrom c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene with BOLD Process ID and GenBank accession numbers are provided for 29 specimens of 13 species. A key to the Chinese species of the subgenus Ashima is provided based on morphological characters.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F6FF55B2-B1D8-4B79-B559-68654CAF286C     

Revision of the Neotropical genus Yagra Oiticica (Lepidoptera: Castniidae)

The Castniidae, or butterfly moths, are characteristically colourful diurnal moths, distributed throughout the tropics except in Africa. The Neotropical representatives forage almost exclusively on monocotyledonous plants and many species are crop pests with more than 60% of the Neotropical castniids found or endemic in Brazil. Research studies that focus on taxonomy, systematics, and morphology of this group are scarce. In this study, Yagra Oiticica, a small genus restricted to south-eastern South America, is revised and the diagnostic morphological characters of male and female genitalia are illustrated. This research is part of long-term study on the Castniidae for future phylogenetic analysis.     

Re‐description of the lycosiformis species group of Anyphops Benoit and description of two new species (Araneae,Selenopidae)

Anyphops Benoit is a heterogeneous genus with 62 known species restricted to the Afrotropical region. It is split into four species groups using the number of ventral spine pairs on tibiae I–II. The lycosiformis species group (?=?B‐B1 species group of Lawrence) is characterized by four ventral pairs of spines and includes Anyphops lycosiformis (Lawrence), A. natalensis (Lawrence) and A. parvulus (Pocock). In this paper, I revise this species group and include here A. mumai Corronca, A. lawrencei (Roewer) and two new species: Anyphops ngome n. sp. and A. lucia n. sp. from South Africa. Drawings of the female and male genitalia and some somatic characters are given, in some cases for the first time. A key for the lycosiformis species group and a map showing the distribution of each species are provided.     

The polymorphism of a lygaeid bug Oxycarenus (Oxycarenus) multiformis Samy

Summary

The new species Oxycarenus (Oxycarenus) multiformis Samy has been found to be a polymorphic species. Four colour forms have been found: red, banded, spotted and black. Breeding experiments under laboratory conditions have indicated that dominance is nearly complete in the order given and that the second generation is segregated in the 3:1 ratios.

These colour forms have been given the taxonomic status of a single species on the basis of: (a) identical measurements of external characters, (b) similar morphological characters in the male genitalia, (c) equal fertility of each form, (d) free interbreeding, (e) random mating, (f) occupation of the same geographical regions, and (g) host plant relationship.     

A review of Coelotinae epigynal teeth morphology,with descriptions of two species from China (Araneae: Amaurobiidae)

Five Exorista species from Malaysia and Indonesia are treated and diagnostic characters of the male postabdomen are illustrated. Three of them are described as new: Exorista globosa sp. nov., E. flaviventris sp. nov. and E. sabahensis sp. nov. Phylogenetic analysis is performed with previously published morphological data along with the five species treated here. Based on the generated tree, the five species treated here are assigned to Spixomyia Crosskey. Exorista ladelli (Baranov) is transferred to Spixomyia from the subgenus Podotachina Brauer and Bergenstamm. Evolutionary patterns of host use in the genus Exorista Meigen are discussed. Host information is optimized on the resultant tree under the most parsimonious reconstruction. The original host of the tribe Exoristini (except Ctenophorinia Mesnil and Phorinia Robineau-Desvoidy) was order Lepidoptera, and transitions to other orders (Hymenoptera, Mantodea and Orthoptera) occurred in subgenera Adenia Robineau-Desvoidy and Spixomyia, respectively.     

Revision of the carpenter bee subgenus Xylocopa (Dasyxylocopa) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The subgenus Xylocopa (Dasyxylocopa) Hurd and Moure is revised, with recognition of three valid species, one of them newly described from the highlands of eastern Brazil. In addition to X. fortuita sp. nov. and the type species X. bimaculata Friese, the subgenus includes X. piligera Maidl n. stat., having X. leucopus Friese as its junior synonym, both names here removed from synonymy under X. bimaculata and for which lectotypes are presently designated. Notes are provided on the nesting habits of X. piligera.

http:/zoobank.org/lsid:zoobank.org:pub:339CE18B-37F2-47F5-881D-A8C9C22E42F5     

Water mites of the genus Hygrobates Koch, 1837 (Acari: Parasitengona: Hygrobatidae) from Hokkaido,northern Japan

Nine species of Hygrobates (Acari: Parasitengona: Hygrobatidae) from Hokkaido, Japan are described or redescribed from newly collected material and historical specimens. Treated herein are eight species in the subgenus Hygrobates, including one new species, H. bibi sp. nov., as well as H. calliger Piersig, ; H. foreli (Lebert, ); H. japonicus Uchida, ; H. longipalpis (Hermann, ); H. longiporus Thor, ; H. nigromaculatus Lebert, ; and H. sokolowi Thor, . Also treated is H. ezoensis Uchida, in the subgenus Rivobates. A lectotype and paralectotype are designated for H. japonicus Uchida, . Hygrobates (s. str.) heteropalpis Imamura, is synonymized with H. calliger Piersig, . The name H. ezoensis Uchida, is resurrected from synonymy with H. diversiporus Sokolow, . Six species previously known from Hokkaido were collected in the study: H. foreli, H. japonicus, H. longipalpis, H. longiporus, H. diversiporus, and H. ezoensis. New records for both Hokkaido and Japan include H. nigromaculatus and H. sokolowi. A species previously recorded from Hokkaido, H. taniguchii Imamura, , was not found in this study. Three new characters are proposed as useful for the taxonomy of the genus Hygrobates: the ratio of the distance between the P‐4 ventral setae to P‐4 length, the ratio of the length of the longest terminal seta on IV‐L‐5 to the length of IV‐L‐5, and the nature of the outer border of the genital plates.     

A revision and phylogenetic re-evaluation of the family Schizopodidae (Coleoptera,Buprestoidea)

The Schizopodidae (formerly subfamily Schizopodinae, family Buprestidae) is elevated to family status, based on a review of its morphology including wing venation, male and female genitalia, larvae, and also a cladistic analysis of in-group and out-group comparisions. Two tribes are recognized: Schizopodini LeConte with one genus, Schizopus LeConte and Dystaxiini Théry with two genera: Dystaxia LeConte and Glyptoscelimorpha Horn. The genus Schizopus contains two species: S. laetus LeConte and S. sallei Horn with one new subspecies, S. sallei nigricans Nelson. The genus Dystaxia includes two species: D. murrayi LeConte, and D. elegans Fall. The genus Glyptoscelimorpha is separated into two subgenera: G. (s. str.) with two species, G. marmorata Horn, and G. viridis Chamberlin; and G. (Dystaxiella) Knull, new status, with one species, G. (D.) juniperae (Knull), new combination, with a new subspecies, G. (D.) juniperae viridiceps Nelson. All taxa are described and information on variation, type localities, distribution, biology, and comparisons are given for each species. Keys to taxa for tribes to subspecies are provided. Illustrations for all species, including habitus, male and female genitalia and other parts, as well as cladograms of relationships are presented. Lectotypes are designated for the following: Yermoella helferi Obenberger, Dystaxia elegans Fall and Glyptoscelimorpha marmorata Horn. Tables of taxa, characters and character states used in the cladistic analysis are included.     

A revision of the Asian and European species in the subgenus Amiota Loew (Diptera,Drosophilidae) and the establishment of species-groups based on phylogenetic analysis

A total of 53 Amiota (s. str.) species (75% of the world total) from Asia and Europe, including 10 new species, kamui, kimurai and planata from Japan, and aristata, cuii, macai, magniflava, nuerhachii, spinata and watabei from China, are reviewed with designation of two new synonymies and phylogenetic analysis. Based upon the result of cladistic analysis with 31 adult male morphological characters, the following conclusions are deduced: (1) The subgenus Amiota is monophyletic, so far as the Asian and European forms are concerned. (2) Seven monophyletic groups are recognized within this subgenus. Two of them correspond to known species-groups, the apodemata and sinuata groups, and the remaining five are established as new species-groups, the nagatai, basdeni, taurusata, alboguttata and rufescens groups. A key to all the studied species from Asia and Europe is provided.     

Review of Loxopus Townes (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with descriptions of six new species

The taxonomic limits of Loxopus Townes are reviewed. The genus is characterized by the lateral margin of the clypeus projecting as subtriangular lobe; lateral lobes of fourth tarsomeres distinctly longer than mesal lobes; fore wing vein 3r-m absent; hind wing vein 2-1A absent or vestigial; and first metasomal tergite with a basolateral tooth. It occurs from Mexico to southern Brazil. Nine species are recognized, of which six are described as new: L. dodecius Santos et Aguiar, L. duckei Santos et Aguiar, L. exius Santos et Aguiar, L. ichilus Santos et Aguiar, L. tenuis Santos et Aguiar, and L. venezuelanus Santos et Aguiar. The type species, L. australis Townes, and L. multicolor Kasparyan et Ruíz-Cancino are redescribed, and a diagnosis is provided for L. unicolor Kasparyan et Ruíz-Cancino, not examined. All studied species are illustrated and distribution records are mapped. An identification key for the species of Loxopus is presented.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5B73E8B4-1288-4FD9-AABD-845B5085FFE3