New palaearctic species of the subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Telenomus</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera,Scelionidae, Telenominae), having the mesoscutum with parapsidal furrows

Five new species of the genus Telenomus, subgenus Telenomus [Telenomus (T.) decoratus Kononova, sp. n., T. (T.) erectus Kononova, sp. n., T. (T.) notus Kononova, sp. n., T. (T.) clarus Kononova, sp. n., and T. (T.) gratus Kononova, sp. n.], collected from the Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Russia (Kunashir Island), are described for the first time. T. (T.) decoratus differs from the species with the mesoscutum bearing parapsidal furrows in the oblong tergite II with alveolate sculpture. T. (T.) erectus is closely related to T. (T.) lachesis Kozlov et Kononova and can be distinguished by the longer thorax and abdominal tergite I with longitudinal rugae. T. (T.) notus differs from the similar T. (T.) erectus in the sculpture and shape of the abdomen and coloration of the legs. T. (T.) clarus differs from T. (T.) lineolatus Kozlov in the sculpture of the frontal depression: granulate in T. (T.) clarus and smooth and lustrous in T. (T.) lineolatus. T. (T.) gratus is similar to T. (T.) atropos; its specific features are the head much wider than long and the smooth and lustrous tergite I.     

New species of Telenominae (Hymenoptera,Scelionidae) from the palaearctic fauna

Four new species of Telenominae of the genera Telenomus and Platytelenomus, collected in the territory of the Ukraine, Hungary, and Japan, were described: Telenomus (T.) bicolorus Kononova, T. (T.) ardens Kononova, (T.) michaylovi Kononova, and Platytelenomus mirabilis Kononova. Brief morphological characteristics of the genera Telenomus and Platytelenomus are given, and some notes concerning biology and geographical distribution of the species are presented. Telenomus (T.) bicolorus differs from all the known species of the genus Telenomus in the two-colored body: head and thorax yellow with brownish tint ventrally, mesothorax and abdomen black. The main distinguishing feature of T. (T.) ardens is its smooth shining body, T. (T.) michaylovi is similar to T. (T.) rudis Kozlov. These species can be distinguished by the structure of their antenna. The second to fourth segments of the antennal clava are transverse in T. (T.) michaylovi and are as long as wide in T. (T.) rudis. In addition, the abdominal stem and abdominal tergite II are smooth and shining, while the abdominal stem in T. (T.) rudis is striate along the entire length, and tergite II is finely striate along half of its length. Platytelenomus mirabilis is closely related to P. danubialis Szelényi, but differs in the strongly flattened body, sculpture of the abdominal stem and tergite II, and coloration of the legs. The thorax of P. mirabilis is 4–5 times as wide as high, the abdominal stem is striate along the entire length, tergite II is striate at the base, and the legs, including coxae, are yellow. The thorax of P. danubialis is 4 times as wide as high, the abdominal stem and tergite II are smooth and shining, and the legs are brown.     

A review of the genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calotelea,Calliscelio</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oxyscelio</Emphasis> (Scelioninae,Scelionidae, Proctotrupoidea) from the Palaearctic fauna

Nine new species of scelionids collected in Japan, Israel, and the Ukraine, Calotelea shimurai Kononova et Fursov, C. japonica Kononova, C. stellae Kononova, Calliscelio recens Kononova, C. floridum Kononova, C. parilis Kononova, C. ordo Kononova, Oxyscelio florum Kononova, and O. perpensum Kononova, are described. A brief morphological characteristics of the mentioned genera and some data on the geographical distribution of these species are given. Calotelea shimurai differs from C. striola Kononova in the sculpture of the metasoma (tergites I–III striate, whereas in C. striola striation present only on tergites I and II), fore-wing venation (stigmal vein of C. shimurai 0.43 times as long as postmarginal vein and 1.75 times as long as marginal one; in C. striola, stigmal vein 0.52 times as long as postmarginal vein and 1.3 times as long as marginal one), and the length of the metasoma (in C. shimurai and C. striola, metasoma 4.0 and 2.3 times as long as wide, respectively). Calotelea shimurai parasitizes in eggs of the dragonflies Aeshna nigroflava Martin, Planaeschna milnei Selys, and Boyeria macachlani (Aeshnidae, Odonata). C. japonica is closely related to C. originalis Kozlov and Kononova, but differs from it in the sculpture of the metasoma (metasomal tergites with longitudinal wrinkles against the bright smooth background; in C. originalis, tergites I and II with longitudinal wrinkles against the alveolate background), in the coloration of fore wing (infuscate in C. japonica and dark, with dark transverse stripes in C. originalis). C. stellae differs from C. artus Kozlov and Kononova in the more flattened mesoscutum (C. artus with protruding mesoscutum) and the sculpture of the metasomal tergites (in C. stellae, only petiolus and tergite II striate, while in C. artus, such striation present on tergites I–IV). C. stellae was reared from eggs of unidentified Orthoptera. C. recens is closely related to C. parilis Kononova. It can be distinguished by the fore-wing venation (C. recens has stigmal vein, which is twice as long as marginal vein and 0.66 times as long as postmarginal one; stigmal vein of C. parilis is 3 times as long as marginal vein and 0.83 times as long as postmarginal one), by the sculpture of the metasoma, and coloration of the coxae (yellow in C. recens and black in C. parilis). C. floridum is similar to C. mediterranea Kieffer, but can be identified by the length of the postmarginal vein, which is 3 times as long as the stigmal vein, whereas C. mediterranea has the postmarginal vein, which is only twice as long as the stigmal one. C. floridum also differs in the sculpture of the metasoma (C. floridum has all the metasomal tergites with longitudinal lines, while C. mediterranea has only metasomal petiolus with the same sculpture and tergites II–IV with alveolate sculpture, tergites V and VI are slightly stippled) and in the coloration of the legs, which are yellow (as coxae), while C. mediterranea has brownish black legs. C. parilis resembles C. recens, but differs from it in the fore-wing venation, sculpture of the metasoma, and coloration of the coxae. C. ordo differs from the closely related C. ruficollis Kozlov et Kononova in the head sculpture, which is finely alveolate in C. ordo and finely granulate in C. ruficollis. Oxyscelio florum is closely related to O. perpensum, but differs from it in the coloration of the body and size of the antennal segments, stigmal and postmarginal veins, and metasomal tergites. O. perpensum is closely related to O. florum. The main distinguishing morphological characters are similar to those in O. florum. O. perpensum was reared from eggs of unidentified Orthoptera.     

Descriptions of the larvae of the beetle family Trogidae (Coleoptera,Scarabaeoidea) from the Russian Far East

Previously unknown larvae of Trox ussuriensis Balthasar, T. koreanus Kim, T. zoufali Balthasar, and Glyptotrox ineptus (Balthasar) of the family Trogidae are described and illustrated. The larva of T. ussuriensis differs from that of T. sabulosus (Linnaeus) in the shape of setae on the abdominal tergite I and in the chaetotaxy of the head capsule. The larva of T. koreanus differs from those of T. zoufali and T. scaber (Linnaeus) in the chaetotaxy of the head capsule, clypeus, and labrum. The larva of T. zoufali is very similar to those of T. koreanus and T. scaber but differs in the chaetotaxy of the head capsule. The larva of Glyptotrox ineptus is similar to that of G. mandli (Balthasar) but differs in the chaetotaxy of the head capsule and in the presence of furrows on the frons. An original key to the known larvae of the family Trogidae of the fauna of the Russian Far East is given.     

New species of chalcidoid wasps of the family Eurytomidae (Hymenoptera,Chalcidoidea) from arid Palaearctic regions

Five new species of chalcidoid wasps of the family Eurytomidae are described: four from Israel and one from Kazakhstan. Tetramesa pavliceki Zerova, sp. n. (cylindrica species group) is closely related to T. scheppugi Schlecht., but differs in the more elongate flagellar segments, longer genae, and smooth metasomal tergites. Eurytoma nevoi Zerova, sp. n. is similar to E. sabulosa Erd. and E. bicolorata Zer. (phragmiticola species group), differs from these species in the longer marginal vein, punctate propodeum, and longer flagellar segments. E. oreni Zerova, sp. n. belongs to the fumipennis species group. It is closely related to E. monticola Zer., but differs in the more convex scape, longer postmarginal vein, and yellow legs. E. simutniki Zerova, sp. n. belongs to the robusta species-group. It resembles E. heriadi Zer., but differs in the longer flagellar segments of the female and in the shorter postmarginal vein. Nikanoria mamayevi Zerova, sp. n. is similar to N. stigma Zer., but differs in the more elongate metasoma, longer flagellar segments of both sexes, and larger yellow spots on the pronotum.     

Chromosomal and molecular studies of cryptic species of the subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Terricola</Emphasis> (Rodentia,Arvicolinae, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus</Emphasis>) in the Caucasian region: Analysis of new records

Using chromosomal and molecular (cytb) markers, the specific identity of 78 individuals of cryptic species of voles of the subgenus Terricola was ascertained. The animal samples were obtained at 13 localities of the Caucasian region, from Krasnodar krai to North Ossetia in the Greater Caucasus and in the Stavropol Upland (forest island in the steppe) in Ciscaucasia, which had not been covered earlier in genetic studies. In the total sample, two chromosomal forms (cryptic species), namely, Microtus (Terricola) majori (2n = 54, NF = 60) and M. (T.) daghestanicus (2n = 54, NF = 58), were identified. The specific identity of most animals tested was confirmed by karyological means, and for individuals from two localities on the south slopes of the Greater Caucasus (Adlerskii district of Krasnodar krai), it was confirmed exclusively by means of molecular (cytb) markers. The last two records were used for evaluation of the differential role of sibling-species of the subgenus Terricola in circulation of the pathogen in mountain loci of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the Western Caucasus. For the first time, using the example of M. (T.) majori from the Ciscaucasia, which was compared with those of the mountain part of the species’ natural habitat, the role of isolation factors in morphogenesis of the subgenus Terricola was studied. As a whole, the results obtained specify the character of the geographical distribution and biotope attachment of cryptic species of the subgenus Terricola in the Caucasian region.     

Oribatid mites of the superfamily Trizetoidea Ewing, 1917 (Acari,Oribatida) from Peru

Two new species of the oribatid mite superfamily Trizetoidea (Acari, Oribatida) are described from Peru. Rhynchoribates (Rhynchoribatodes) rioyuyapichisensis Ermilov, sp. n. differs from the other species of the subgenus by the long flagelliform notogastral setae. Rhynchoppia puertoincaensis Ermilov, sp. n. is morphologically similar to R. capillata (Balogh, 1963), but differs by the shape and in a greater number of rostral teeth, in the number and a smaller length of notogastral setae, and in the number of genital setae. The genus Rhynchoppia (Balogh 1968) is recorded from the Neotropical Region for the first time, while Rhynchoribates (Rhynchoribatodes) brasiliensis Woas 1986 is new to the fauna of Peru.     

New scarab-beetle species (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae,Orphninae) from Central Asia and Southern Africa

Three new scarab-beetle species are described. Aphodius moronensis sp. n. (northern Mongolia) and A. kozlovi sp. n (eastern Tibet) with modified spurs on fore tibiae in males are placed in the falcispinis group of the subgenus Agolius but are similar to the grafi group of the subgenus Chilothorax in the shape of parameres and elytral pattern. The new species differ from A. falcispinis in the shape of the spur; A. moronensis sp. n. also differs in the shape of the body and parameres. Orphnus transvaalensis sp. n. is the second apterous Orphnus species found in Southern Africa. It differs from the closely related O. harrisoni in the shape of parameres, position of the hornlike clypeal process, and in a smaller body size.     

First Record of the Subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Empis</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Planempis</Emphasis>) (Diptera,Empididae) from Middle Asia,with Description of a New Species

A new species of the subgenus Planempis Frey, 1953 (Diptera: Empididae), Empis (Planempis) gussakovskiisp. n., is described from Tajikistan, being the first record of the subgenus from Middle Asia. The relationships of the new species within the subgenus Planempis are shortly discussed. An updated check-list of Planempis species is provided.     

New species of the aphid tribe Macrosiphini (Homoptera,Aphididae, Aphidinae) from Kazakhstan

Two new species of the genera Uroleucon Mordvilko, 1914 and Pleotrichophorus Börner, 1930 are described from Kazakhstan. Uroleucon dzhungaricum sp. n. feeding on Senecio nemorensis L. (Asteraceae) in the Dzhungar Ala Tau is closely related to U. minor (Börner, 1940). Both these species differ from the closely related U. solidaginis (Fabricius, 1794) in a smaller length ratio between the processus terminalis and the 3rd antennal segment (0.8–1.0 versus 1.0–1.5). The new species differs from U. minor (Born.) in a greater number of the secondary rhinaria on the 3rd antennal segment of the apterous viviparous females (21–37 versus 15–21), in a fewer number of hairs on the cauda (10–16 and 15–23), and in the host plant. Pleotrichophorus ugamicus Kadyrbekov, sp. n. feeding on Artemisia santolinifolia Turcz. is described from the Sairam-Ugam Natural Park (Southern Kazakhstan). The new species is similar to P. glandulosus (Kaltenbach, 1846) and P. achilleae Holman, 1965. Pleotrichophorus ugamicus sp. n. differs from these species in the length ratio of the processus terminalis to the base of the 6th antennal segment (4.1–5.0 versus 5.0–9.0 and 5.1–6.2), in that of the ultimate rostral segment to the 2nd segment of the hind tarsus (0.68–0.76 versus 0.80–0.97 and 0.80–0.90), and in the host plant. This species differs from P. glandulosus in the ratio of the length of dorsal hairs on tergites I–V to the basal diameter of the 3rd antennal segment (1.0–1.2 and 1.4–1.7). In addition, the new species differs from P. achilleae in the length ratio of the 3rd antennal segment to the 6th segment (0.56–0.66 versus 0.70–0.87) and to the processus terminalis (0.67-0.82 versus 1.39–1.80), as well as in the shape of the dorsal hairs. A key to the Palaearctic species of the genus Pleotrichophorus is presented.     

Search for Canonical <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis> Element in Genomes of Drosophilinae Subfamily Species

Using the FISH method and PCR analysis, the presence of canonical P element was studied in the genomes of a number of laboratory lines isolated from nature in different years from the Zaprionus genus (Z. indianus) and Drosophila genus, Sophophora subgenus (D. ananassae, D. eugracilis, D. simulans, D. immigrans), Drosophila subgenus (D. virilis, D. mercatorum, D. hydei, D. funebris, D. pseudoobscura), Lordiphosa subgenus (L. magnipectinata), and Dorsilopha subgenus (D. busckii) in a search for new cases of horizontal transfer. According to our data, the L. magnipectinata genome contains sequences homologous to terminal regions of canonical P element, as well as the sequence with a weak homology from the central part of canonical P element. The P-element hybridization sites adjacent to the chromocenter were found in the D. pseudoobscura genome; this can indicate an ancient origin of the sequences homologous to the P element. The P element is absent in old D. simulans lines, except for the line isolated from nature in 2014 (in which the P element was found); this confirms data of other researchers about recent cases of horizontal P-element transfer in this species. No new cases of horizontal transfer were detected in the analyzed lines.     

A new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysolina</Emphasis> Motsch. (Coleoptera,Chrysomelidae) from the mountains of Tuva and Buryatia

A new leaf-beetle species with two subspecies is described: Chrysolina (Pleurosticha) romani romani sp. et subsp. n. from southeastern Tuva and Ch. romani burjatica subsp. n. from the East Sayan in Buryatia. The habitus of the species is similar to both the representatives of the subgenus Arctolina Kont. and to Chrysolina gebleri L. Medv. from the subgenus Pleurosticha Motsch. The difference between these two closely related genera is discussed and causes to place the new species in the subgenus Pleurosticha, where it can be readily distinguished by the short and wide lentiform aedeagus.     

A novel set of EST-InDel markers in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> L’Hérit.: polymorphisms,cross-species amplification,physical positions and genetic mapping

Insertion/deletion (InDel) markers are valuable for genetic applications in plant species, and the public databases of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) have facilitated the development of genic InDel markers. In this study, we developed a novel set of 144 InDel markers in an important tree genus Eucalyptus L’Hérit. using the ESTs of GenBank. Amplicon sequencing against two parents of a mapping population (Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake × E. tereticornis Smith) revealed that the InDel size ranged from 2 to 44 bases, and the dinucleotide type was the most abundant (37.3 %). The cross-species/subgenus amplification rate ranged from 62.5 % in E. tessellaris F. Muell. (subgenus Blakella) to 99.3 % in E. grandis Hill ex Maiden (subgenus Symphyomyrtus) with an average of 85.4 %. There were 121 EST-InDels (84.0 %) polymorphic among 12 individuals of E. grandis, and the mean number of alleles per polymorphic locus (N _a), observed heterozygosity (H _o), expected heterozygosity (H _e) and polymorphic information content (PIC) were 4.0, 0.278, 0.538 and 0.465, respectively. Physical positions of 143 EST-InDels were predicted on the E. grandis genome sequence. A total of 81 EST-InDels were incorporated into prior dense genetic maps of E. urophylla and E. tereticonis, and extensive synteny and colinearity were observed between E. grandis genome sequence and the mapped EST-InDel markers. These EST-InDels will provide a valuable resource of functional markers for genetic diversity evaluation, genome comparison, QTL mapping and marker-assisted breeding in Eucalyptus.     

Three new species of the Weevil Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Otiorhynchus</Emphasis> Germ. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Entiminae) from the Caucasus

Three new species of the genus Otiorhynchus Germar, 1822 are described from the Caucasus: O. titarenkoi sp. n. in the subgenus Motilacanus Reitter, 1912 and O. dittae sp. n. and O. zierisi sp. n. in the subgenus Eprahenus Reitter, 1912. The incivilis species-group is transferred from the subgenus Choilisanus Reitter, 1912 to the subgenus Eprahenus (new subgeneric placement).     

A new species of the weevil genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Otiorhynchus</Emphasis> germ., subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dibredus</Emphasis> Rtt. (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Entiminae), from Southeastern Turkey

Otiorhynchus schuberti sp. n. (subgenus Dibredus Reitter, 1912) is described from Kahramanmara? Province in Southeastern Turkey. It is closely related to O. nudiformis Reitter, 1914 and, less closely, to O. rufimanus Hochhuth, 1847, but differs from both in a small bidentate tooth on the fore femur.     

Two New Species of the Weevil Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mecysmoderes</Emphasis> Schoenherr, 1837 (Coleoptera,Curculionidae: Ceutorhynchinae) from Vietnam

Two new species of the weevil genus Mecysmoderes Schoenherr, 1837 are described from Vietnam. Mecysmoderes (Enzoellus) vladimirisp. n. differs from the type species of Enzoellus and its allies from Thailand and Laos in the larger size, deeper meshes on the pronotum, broader legs and a velvety black sutural spot on the elytra. Mecysmoderes (Xenysmoderes) sergiisp. n. in the shape, coloration, and vestiture of the body is similar to M. consularis Pascoe, but clearly differs in the larger size, strongly and unevenly convex pronotal disc, swollen in the middle part elytra, and a dark scutellar spot.     

A review of the subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carpelimus</Emphasis> s. str. (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae) from tropical Africa

A review of the subgenus Carpelimus (s. str.) from tropical Africa is given. The subgenus includes 10 species. A new species C. uhligi sp. n. is described, neotype of Trogophloeus insularis, Kraatz 1858 is designated. T. aequithorax Bernhauer, 1932 is placed in synonymy with C. dieganus (Fauvel, 1904); T. oculatus Wollaston, 1865 and T. meridioafricanus Scheerpeltz, 1974, with C. insularis (Kraatz, 1858), T. rudebecki Scheerpeltz, 1974 with C. memnonius (Erichson, 1840); T. yemenicus Coiffait, 1981 with C. niloticus (Erichson, 1840); T. nigerrimus Coiffait, 1935 and T. mimus Cameron, 1945, with C. rufitarsis (Fauvel, 1907); and T. bredoi Bernhauer, 1943, with C. transmarinus (Fauvel, 1907). Lectotypes of T. aequithorax, T. calidus, T. nigerrimus, and T. bredoi are designated. Twenty species are transferred from the genus Carpelimus, and the following new combinations are formed: Thinodromus brincki Scheerpeltz, 1972; Th. montiumdraconis Scheerpeltz, 1974; Th. rhodesianus Scheerpeltz, 1974; and Th. sudanensis Scheerpeltz, 1974 comb. nn.). The initial generic placement of Carpelimus luzidus Cameron, 1944 is restored.     

A new species of the leaf-beetle genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptocephalus</Emphasis> Geoffroy (Coleoptera,Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae) from Southeastern Kazakhstan

A new species of the genus Cryptocephalus is described from the Malaysary Mountains (Southeastern Kazakhstan). The new species belongs to the subgenus Asionus and is closest to the group of species with a deep impression on the male anal (V) sternite (C. halophilus, C. impressipygus and C. mniczechi). Cryptocephalus malaysaryensis sp. n. clearly differs in the structure of the aedeagus and abdominal sternite V of the male.     

A review of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thinodromus lunatus</Emphasis> species-group (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

The Thinodromus lunatus species group is revised. The following new species are described: Thinodromus (s. str.) cattiensis sp. n. from Vietnam, Thinodromus (s. str.) forsteri sp. n. from southern Thailand, Thinodromus (s. str.) himalayensis sp. n. from Nepal and northern India, Thinodromus (s. str.) inconspicuus sp. n. from southern China, Thailand, and Vietnam, and Thinodromus (s. str.) spotus sp. n. from southern China. The following new synonymy is established: Thinodromus (s. str.) deceptor (Sharp, 1889) = Thinodromus (s. str.) gravelyi (Bernhauer, 1926), syn. n.; = Thinodromus (s. str.) reitterianus (Bernhauer, 1938), syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Trogophloeus lunatus Motschulsky, 1857, Trogophloeus pustulatus Bernhauer, 1904, Trogophloeus socius Bernhauer, 1904, Trogophloeus sumatrensis Bernhauer, 1915, Trogophloeus lewisi Cameron, 1919, Trogophloeus gravelyi Bernhauer, 1926, Trogophloeus reitterianus Bernhauer, 1938, and Trogophloeus unipustulatus Cameron, 1941. A key is presented to all the species of the Thinodromus lunatus group.     

Morphological variation in pollen grains of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna</Emphasis> (Leguminosae): new biogeographic and evolutionary patterns

Mucuna comprises 105 species with an overall pantropical distribution and is divided into three subgenera: M. subg. Mucuna, M. subg. Stizolobium and M. subg. Macrocarpa. Although phylogenetic studies have supported the occurrence of three main clades, evolutionary relationships among them are not fully resolved. The objective of this study was to examine pollen grain morphology from representatives of all three subgenera and map these onto the phylogenetic trees generated by analysis of other characters. Pollen grain surface, form, size, and aperture number were compared. A Bayesian inference tree using matK sequences was constructed. The results indicate that the representatives of M. subg. Macrocarpa have the smallest pollen grains in the genus (a synapomorphic character here identified for this subgenus) and that species of subgenus Mucuna (those with umbelliform inflorescences) have the largest pollen grains. Additional morphological diversity of the pollen grain surface was noted: reticulate and/or micro-reticulate (in all three subgenera), perforate, gemmate or verrucose (only in M. subg. Mucuna). For all studied taxa, the pollen grains are triaperturate, except for two species of M. subg. Mucuna, which have tetraperturate pollen. The phylogenetic tree obtained using the matK marker resolved M. subg. Stizolobium as the earliest diverging lineage in Mucuna. Based on this phylogeny, a reticulate ornamentation pattern of the pollen surface may represent the ancestral state for the genus, while the larger pollen size and the foraminate, gemmate, and verrucose ornamentations are derived characteristics within the genus. These putative derived ornamentations have been observed only in neotropical species.