Revision of the Bicyclus sciathis species group (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) with descriptions of four new species and corrected distributional records

In this paper we present a thorough revision of the sciathis species group of the butterfly genus Bicyclus (Kirby). Type materials are discussed and in several cases lectotypes are assigned to specimens from original type series. Four new, and morphologically distinct, species are described (B. elishiae Brattström sp.n. , B. heathi Brattström sp.n. , B. sigiussidorum Brattström sp.n. and B. subtilisurae Brattström sp.n. ), along with a comprehensive molecular phylogeny that includes exemplar taxa of all currently recognized species. We also investigate the types of all previously synonymized taxa and in the process invalidate the name B. ewondo Libert. This was done after finding the previously missing holotype of B. makomensis (Strand), which clearly belongs to the same species and thereby gives the older name priority. The phylogeny showed that some distinctly different species were surprisingly closely related, suggesting a high rate of morphological evolution in parts of the sciathis group. The distributional records for the group are updated after investigating over 1700 specimens kept in a range of museum collections. Many species previously thought to be broadly sympatric were found to have much more restricted ranges, with the previous overestimations probably based on misidentified specimens. The higher level of allopatry now established will make identification of many morphologically similar species easier. The fact that species often have smaller ranges than previously known, meaning that the level of endemism for African butterflies is likely to be higher than current estimates, has important implications for conservation management. An identification key for males of all 13 currently recognized species in the species group is included. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:837A9D4C‐779A‐4497‐8176‐7151D409DFA5 .     

Phylogenetics and evolutionary morphology of the Neotropical true bug genus Epipolops (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Geocoridae)

Species of Epipolops Herrich‐Schaeffer (Hemiptera: Geocoridae), comprising the largest genus of Pamphantinae, are among the most bizarre true bugs because of their striking morphology. To elucidate evolutionary morphology in Epipolops, a phylogenetic analysis was performed using 17 species and 36 adult morphological characters. Two cladograms were obtained under equal and implied weight analyses, showing slight differences between them. Two new species, E. stridulatus sp.n . and E. univallensis sp.n ., are described, and E. meridionalis Pirán is resurrected from synonymy with E. frondosus Herrich‐Schaeffer. A key to the known species of Epipolops is provided. The systematic relevance of the unique characters of the genus is discussed and the sequence of character state transformations for both the anterior and posterior lateral processes of the pronotum are optimized on the cladogram obtained under implied weights. Species of Epipolops are found in the Neotropical region and the Mexican Transition Zone, with some clades and species restricted to certain South American subregions. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CB72D5DA‐D86B‐4B91‐93A2‐88894F7120C9 .     

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode Oscheius safricana n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) from South Africa

In a recent entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) survey in the North West province of South Africa, Oscheius safricana was isolated from soil samples using the Galleria mellonella bait method. Morphological studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), D2\D3 expansion segments of the large subunit rDNA gene (LSU) and concise small subunit rDNA gene (SSU), revealed that it was a new species, described herein as Oscheius safricana n. sp. Oscheius safricana n. sp. was characterised by unique ribosomal DNA sequences, amphidelphic reproduction, six separate lips each two bristle-like sensillae, narrow pharynx, valvated basal bulb, lateral field with four lines, leptoderan and closed bursa and fused spicules. This EPN belongs to the group Insectivorus and is morphologically closest to O. necromenus, O. chongmingensis and O. carolinensis. Oscheius safricana n. sp. is symbiotically associated with Serratia marcescens strain MCB.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:642E1B7E-B88F-4CE0-9D06-4FA9ECA48847     

Contribution to the Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) of Iran,with descriptions of three new species

In this faunistic survey, we give distributional records for 48 species and subspecies of Ichneumoninae found in Iran, mainly from Golestan and Azerbaijan-e-Grabi provinces. 13 of these taxa are new for the Iranian fauna. Three Iranian species are new to science and described and illustrated, namely Coelichneumon iranicus Riedel sp. n., Coelichneumon melanocastaneus Riedel sp. n., and Coelichneumon nigrifrons Riedel sp. n.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BE8AC3A5-D40E-4D78-BB05-C0DEDFC5C47B     

The subgenus Ashima (Diptera,Drosophildae, Phortica) from China,with DNA barcoding and descriptions of three new species

In the present study, three new species found in Yunnan, Southwest China were described as members of the subgenus Phortica (Ashima): P. (A.) haba An & Chen, sp. nov., P. (A.) montipagana An & Chen, sp. nov. and P. (A.) qingsongi An & Chen, sp. nov. Barcode sequences (partial sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene) were collected from 61 specimens of 16 known and the above-mentioned three new Ashima species. The intra- and interspecific pairwise K-2P (Kimura two-parameter) COI distances were analysed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the barcode sequences. Species delimitation in this subgenus was supported by integrating barcodes with morphological information, in particular for the three new species, considered to be cryptic species. In addition, the diversification of lineages in the subgenus Ashima was proposed to occur in southern China and adjacent areas, suggesting specific adaptation of Ashima species to the high plateau environments.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:69A81D0E-5993-426D-9B59-A2AC5E52BD84     

A new miniature species of geophilomorph centipede from the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Ballophilidae)

A new miniature species of geophilomorph centipede, Ityphilus grismadoi sp. nov. (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Ballophilidae) is fully described and illustrated on the basis of specimens collected in Yasuní Scientific Station and Jatun Sacha Biological Station, both located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The new species is characterized by having the internal edge of the forcipular tarsungulum completely smooth, this trait being shared by six other Neotropical members of the genus Ityphilus Cook, 1899; and another species (I. cifuentesi Cupul Magaña, 2014) from the transition area between the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Ityphilus grismadoi sp. nov. is distinguished from these seven species by the low number of leg-bearing segments (37, 39), and the very small body size (7–9 mm in length) and for a confident identification it is compared in detail with those having a roughly similar range of leg-bearing segments. This is the first record of the genus Ityphilus from Ecuador and the second report of a ballophilid centipede from the country (the other represented by Zygethmus pantenus Chamberlin, 1957). A key to the Neotropical members of Ityphilus with forcipular tarsungulum smooth (including I. cifuentesi) is also given.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:32F77890-9DC5-47AC-A794-29C4437C3B93http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3EB64970-F159-4C6E-B9FF-AF9D09128553     

On the genus Sunius Curtis, 1829 of Turkey III. Four new species from western Anatolia,Turkey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)

Four new micropterous species of the genus Sunius Curtis, 1829 are described and illustrated from western Anatolia: Sunius akdaghensis sp. n. from Kütahya province, Sunius ciceki sp. n. from Bal?kesir province, Sunius ozgeni sp. n. and Sunius cagatayi sp. n. from Denizli province. Additional records are presented for three species. The genus Sunius is now represented in Turkey by 36 species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F3808D28-65E9-4619-A350-781C971701EC     

Remarkable Rhinophoridae in a growing generic genealogy (Diptera: Calyptratae,Oestroidea)

Four new genera (Apomorphyto gen.n. from Costa Rica, Bixinia gen.n. from Australia, Rhinodonia gen.n. from New Caledonia, Rhinopeza gen.n. from Papua New Guinea) and nine new species (Apomorphyto inbio sp.n. , Bixinia collessi sp.n. , B. solitaria sp.n. , B. spei sp.n. , B. variabilis sp.n. , B. winkleri sp.n. , Rhinodonia antiqua sp.n. , R. flavicera sp.n. , Rhinopeza gracilis sp.n.) of Rhinophoridae (Diptera: Calyptratae, Oestroidea) are described. All new species were included in a morphology‐based phylogenetic analysis to provide arguments for the justification and monophyly (when nonmonotypic) of the new genera and for including these in the Rhinophoridae. The New Caledonian Rhinodonia is a candidate sister taxon to all other rhinophorids, and the Australasian ‘axiniine’ species emerge inside a clade of all Neotropical taxa thus suggesting migration from South America across Antarctica into Australia. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:51C1F448‐DDD0‐4F14‐8173‐B8C687F7E841 .     

New species and records of Neotropical Cardiocladius Kieffer, 1912 (Diptera: Chironomidae,Orthocladiinae)

Cardiocladius moreloensis sp. n. is described and figured based on adult males collected in Morelos State in Mexico. Males of C. brasiliensis Oliveira, 1949 and C. travassosi Oliveira, 1951 are redescribed and figured based on new material from São Paulo State in Brazil. The generic diagnosis is expanded, and a key to the males of the Neotropical Cardiocladius species is presented.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:EE8B2267-3362-4A1F-BED6-0A1E35D7D480     

A new species of the genus Chrysolina Motschulsky, 1860 from Turkey (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae)

A new leaf beetle species, Chrysolina (Lopatinica) kabalaki sp. n., from Northeast Turkey is described and compared with closely related species. Habitus and male genitalia of the species are photographed. A key is provided for the species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:89CEE108-138D-4D38-837D-A8C3682BB773     

The Diplommatinidae of Timor-Leste,with description of five new species (Gastropoda,Architaeniglossa, Cyclophoroidea)

ABSTRACT

This is the first systematic treatment of the Diplommatinidae of Timor-Leste, the country that encompasses the eastern part of the island of Timor. Three diplommatinid species in two genera were recorded from the western part of the island in previous systematic literature. Based on 28 samples collected between 2010 and 2012 throughout Timor-Leste, we describe five additional species (Diplommatina atauroensis n. sp., Palaina ainaro n. sp., Palaina orelimo n. sp., Palaina tuba n. sp., and Palaina brandontrani n. sp.), raising the number of diplommatinid species on the island to eight. Two species previously described from West Timor (Diplommatina fluminis B. Rensch, 1931 and Palaina mutis Greke, 2017) were also recorded in Timor-Leste; both appear to be more widespread, the former also occurring on the neighbouring island of Sumba and possibly also on Flores, Bali and Java. However, all newly described species are known only from their type localities, all of which are on exposed limestone. They are deemed to be narrow range endemics that probably do not occur outside Timor-Leste.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:03796E39-003B-4CF1-87A0-DCB23D6AA396     

Taxonomy and molecular systematics of three oligotrich (s.l.) ciliates including descriptions of two new species,Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov. and Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. (Protozoa,Ciliophora)

In this study we investigated the morphology of three oligotrich (s.l.) ciliates, Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov., Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum Tsai et al., 2015 and Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov. is characterized by its elongate obconical to obovoidal body shape and widely spaced dikinetids in the girdle and ventral kineties. Another new species, Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. is diagnosed by its small size and semi-globular body shape without mineral envelopes. Some additional morphological data of the recently described species Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum Tsai et al., 2015, such as the endoral membrane, are supplied based on our population. We also analysed the molecular phylogeny of each species based on small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence data. The monophyly of Cyrtostrombidium is supported by our phylogenetic analyses, but the monophyly of Strombidinopsis and of the family Strombidinopsidae are both rejected by AU tests. In addition, Strombidium species have a tail branch separately from one another in phylogenetic trees, whereas strombidiids with a pigment spot group together, suggesting the latter character is a synapomorphy for this group of strombidiids.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:35FE2AFD-A582-4885-BD01-48901E4C76C4

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E9D4A497-DAD6-4AA0-A044-A5A1D2C1A057     

Integrative taxonomy and conservation of seasonal killifishes,Xenurolebias (Teleostei: Rivulidae), and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

This study is focused on a poorly known genus of small killifishes, Xenurolebias, comprising species uniquely living in temporary pools of the Atlantic Forest in the coastal plains of eastern Brazil (a region undergoing intense deforestation). Xenurolebias comprises two nominal, morphologically similar species, but some variability among populations suggests it represents a species complex. In order to delineate species limits, a taxonomic revision was conducted combining two different approaches: (i) a character-based approach using morphological variation (colour patterns, fin morphology, meristic and morphometric data) and (ii) a tree-based approach using mt-DNA (tRNA-Met, tRNA-Gln and ND2). The results strongly supported four species: X. myersi (Carvalho) from the Itaúnas river basin and adjacent smaller drainages; X. izecksohni (Cruz) from the Barra Seca river basin; X. cricarensis Costa, sp. nov., from the São Mateus river basin; and X. pataxo Costa, sp. nov., from the Mucuri, Itanhem and Jucuruçu river basins. Recognition of four distinct species in Xenurolebias should change views about the conservation of the species, one of which (X. pataxo) is seriously endangered and should be considered a priority for conservation.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8485DD00-3F30-4C9F-9682-62C4718D53D9     

Three new species of Crenitis Bedel, 1881 from South Africa,with a revised key to African species (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

Three new species of Crenitis Bedel, 1881 are described from South Africa; C. castellus sp.n. and C. rupestris sp. n. from the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, and C. quagga sp.n. from the Western Cape Province. All three new species were found in madicolous habitats, which appear to be characteristic for a number of species of the genus. A revised key to African species of Crenitis is included.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:18BE876C-46CB-4AD5-9BB0-EA6F8D711F09     

Hydraenidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) of Mindoro,Philippines. I: Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 of the Baroc River basin,Roxas, Oriental Mindoro with description of three new species

The species of the genus Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 of the Baroc River basin in the Philippine Island of Mindoro are studied taxonomically. Five species of Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) are recorded of which three new species, namely H. hinundungan sp. n., H. quirao sp. n., and H. sanvicentensis sp. n., are described. Their genital characters are illustrated by line drawings. Photographs of their habitus and type localities, and a map of the collection sites are provided. Their habitat requirements are briefly discussed and their potential usefulness as bioindicators is deduced. The paper is based on a student thesis and intended as a first step towards the review of the entire hydraenid beetle fauna of Mindoro.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:BDB0EABE-5A9A-46D0-83A2-81A3DA895BFD     

Cladispa Baly: revision,biology and reassignment of the genus to the tribe Spilophorini (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

The genus, Cladispa Baly 1858, is transferred from the tribe Imatidiini (= Cephaloleiini Chapuis, 1875) to Spilophorini Chapuis, 1875 based on the review of type material, newly collected specimens and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The type species, C. quadrimaculata Baly, 1858, is redescribed, and two new species, C. amboroensis sp.n. from Bolivia (Santa Cruz Department) and C. ecuadorica sp.n. from Ecuador (Pastaza Province), are described and figured. The morphology of C. amboroensis sp.n. immature stages is broadly consistent with other Spilophorini. Field observations document that both C. quadrimaculata and C. amboroensis sp.n. are trophic specialists on Orchideaceae. Keys to Cladispa species and Spilophorini genera are provided. Trophic associations of other Cassidinae and Orchideaceae are discussed. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:42A1ECF3‐2030‐4938‐8F3D‐FE7EC36F303A     

A new genus of mantidflies discovered in the Oriental region,with a higher‐level phylogeny of Mantispidae (Neuroptera) using DNA sequences and morphology

A remarkable new genus and two new species of Mantispidae (Neuroptera) are described from the Oriental region. Allomantispa Liu, Wu, Winterton & Ohl gen.n. , currently including A. tibetana Liu, Wu & Winterton sp.n. and A. mirimaculata Liu & Ohl sp.n. The new genus is placed in the subfamily Drepanicinae based on a series of morphological characteristics and on the results of total evidence phylogenetic analyses. Bayesian and Parsimony analyses were undertaken using three gene loci (CAD, 16S rDNA and COI) combined with 74 morphological characters from living and fossil exemplars of Mantispidae (17 genera), Rhachiberothidae (two genera) and Berothidae (five genera), with outgroup taxa from Dilaridae and Osmylidae. The resultant phylogeny presented here recovered a monophyletic Mantispidae with ?Mesomantispinae sister to the rest of the family. Relationships among Mantispidae, Rhachiberothidae and Berothidae support Rhachiberothidae as a separate family sister to Mantispidae. Within Mantispidae, Drepanicinae are a monophyletic clade sister to Calomantispinae and Mantispinae. In a combined analysis, Allomantispa gen.n. was recovered in a clade comprising Ditaxis McLachlan from Australia, and two fossil genera from the Palaearctic, ?Promantispa Panfilov (Kazakhstan; late Jurassic) and ?Liassochrysa Ansorge & Schlüter (Germany; Jurassic), suggesting a highly disjunct and relictual distribution for the family. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:464B06E8‐47E6‐482E‐8136‐83FE3B2E9D6B .     

Taxonomy and phylogeny of Lineus torquatus and allies (Nemertea,Lineidae) with descriptions of a new genus and a new cryptic species

The heteronemertean genus Lineus Sowerby, 1806 has been badly in need of revision because of its apparent non-monophyly. In this paper, we focus on Lineus torquatus Coe, 1901, one of the heteronemertean species that occur commonly in waters around the North Pacific, as well as a few other allied species distributed in the western North Pacific, including Lineus alborostratus Takakura, 1898 and Cerebratulus montgomeryi Coe, 1901. Based on phylogenetic analyses using 16S, COI, 28S, 18S, and H3 gene and ITS sequences, we detected a well-supported clade comprised of heteronemerteans with a frontal white band on the head, to which we add Kulikovia gen. nov. This genus is nested within a more comprehensive, highly supported clade, here named the Siphonenteron-clade, which contains Tenuilineus bicolour (Verrill, 1892), Lineus flavescens Coe, 1905, Siphonenteron bilineatum (Renier, 1804), S. cf. bilineatum, Lineus cf. caputornatus, and Lineus sp. from Guam. Our analyses confirmed the presence of a cryptic species of what was formerly known as the cherry-red and reddish forms of Lineus torquatus, herein described as Kulikovia manchenkoi sp. nov. based on some external characters, internal morphology, and the four genetic markers (COI, 16S, H3, and ITS). In contrast to the species pair K. torquata–K. manchenkoi, the reddish form of K. alborostrata does not differ genetically from the typical form of this species. The significance of the external and internal characters for distinguishing cryptic species is discussed.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9BECBC60-9C82-48EC-AD36-FC564D82A5BChttp://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:D02B2339-4F65-4517-9B13-DD4AAB0C55C5http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:8D239B62-E655-4721-90F0-A4944DD8A3C7