Taxonomic Review of the Tribe Ulomini (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) in Korea

The tribe Ulomini of Korean Tenebrionidae is reviewed taxonomically. Korean Ulomini recorded to three genera and six species, Cneocnemis laminipes Gebien, Uloma marseuli Nakane, U. latimanus Kolbe, U. excisa Nakane, U. bonzica Marseul, Eutochia lateralis (Boheman). We have found that U. exciza was misidentified U. bonzica, and E. lateralis was not distributed in Korea as the result of this study. We confirm that two genera and four species are distributed in Korea. A key to diagnosis of the genera and species, and figures of these species are presented.     

Rapid molecular authentication of three medicinal plant species, Cynanchum wilfordii, Cynanchum auriculatum, and Polygonum multiflorum (Fallopia multiflorum), by the development of RAPD-derived SCAR markers and multiplex-PCR

Definitive identification of original plant species is important for standardizing herbal medicine. The herbal medicines Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix (Baekshuoh in Korean and Beishuwu in Chinese) and Polygoni Multiflori Radix (Hashuoh in Korean and Heshuwu in Chinese) are often misidentified in the Korean herbal market due to morphological similarities and similar names. Therefore, we developed a reliable molecular marker for the identification of Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix. We used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of three plant species, Polygoni multiflorum, Cynanchum wilfordii, and Cynanchum auriculatum, to obtain several species-specific RAPD amplicons. From nucleotide sequences of these RAPD amplicons, we developed six sequence characterized amplification region (SCAR) markers for distinguishing Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Cynanchi Wilfordii Radix. Furthermore, we established SCAR markers for the simultaneous discrimination of the three species within a single reaction by using multiplex-PCR. These SCAR markers can be used for efficient and rapid authentication of these closely related species, and will be useful for preventing the distribution of adulterants.     

Three new species of Arrhopalites (Collembola, Symphypleona, Arrhopalitidae) from Korea

Three new species of Arrhopalites in the Symphypleona from Korea are described and illustrated. This work also records new occurrence of Arrhopalites habei Yosii, 1956, with brief remarks. A key to the identification of the Korean species of Arrhopalites is provided.     

Upwelling and eddies affect connectivity among local populations of the goldeye rockfish,Sebastes thompsoni (Pisces,Scorpaenoidei)

The goldeye rockfish, Sebastes thompsoni, commercial rockfish catch in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, may influence its population structure. To clarify the population genetic structure of Korean S. thompsoni and its degree of hybridization with the most close species, Sebastes joyneri, we analyzed a mitochondrial (mt) DNA control region and eleven polymorphic microsatellite (ms) loci. S. joyneri individuals were clearly distinguished from S. thompsoni by the mtDNA control region and ms loci results, with single interspecific hybridization between two species suggesting no impact on genetic structure of S. thompsoni. Analysis of mtDNA revealed no population structure within S. thompsoni, suggesting the survival of a single population in southern refugia during the glacial period. The ms loci results, in contrast, showed two genetically distinct clusters within S. thompsoni: One was predominant throughout Korean coasts (from the Yellow Sea, via the Korea Strait to the East Sea); the other was predominant at Dokdo Island in the East Sea; and both occurred in similar ratios at Wangdolcho Reef in the East Sea. A possible factor that restricts gene flow between Korean coastal and offshore populations in the East Sea may be related to the complex oceanic current patterns such as eddies and upwelling, which represent impermeable barriers to population connectivity for this species. Our findings highlight that these two populations might be representative of two separate stock within Korean waters and maintain their geographically related genetic structure.     

Taxonomic review of the Cleridae (Coleoptera) in Korea (Part 1): Clerinae Latreille, 1802

A taxonomic review of six genera of Korean Clerinae is presented. Eleven species, including Stigmatium pilosellum (Gorham, 1878), a new Korean record, are reported in this paper. A key to the Korean species and genera, diagnoses, whole‐body photographs of adults, and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided.     

A taxonomic review of Korean Hydroglyphus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae) with a description of new species

A taxonomic study of Hydroglyphus Motschulsky in Korea is presented. Four species are recognized including a new species, Hydroglyphus coreanus sp. nov. Hydroglyphus flammulatus (Sharp) is reported for the first time in the Korean peninsula and H. geminus (Fabricius) is a new addition to the South Korean fauna. Habitus and SEM photographs, distribution maps, and key to the Korean species are provided.     

Revision of the family Sphecidae (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in South Korea

Korean species of the family Sphecidae are reviewed, and seventeen species in nine genera belonging to three subfamilies are confirmed. Among them, Ammophila campestris and Sceliphron caementarium are new to South Korea. Korean occurrence of Sceliphron madraspatanum is confirmed with an actual Korean specimen. This paper provides the first determination keys to higher taxa and species occurring in South Korea. Taxonomic information of each species including original publication of valid name and justifiable references for Korean occurrence is provided. Digital images and line drawings for selective characteristics are also available.