A taxonomic study on the genus Harpapion Voss, 1966 from China (Coleoptera,Apionidae)

Harpapion safranum sp. n. and Harpapion borisi sp. n. are described and figured. Harpapion vietnamense (Korotyaev, 1987) is recorded as new for China. The genitalia andterminalia of H. considerandum, H. coelebs andH. vietnamense are redescribed and redrawn. The diagnostic characters of Harpapion are defined. A key to the known species of the genus Harpapion from China is provided. Affinities with the genus Flavopodapion Korotyaev, 1987 are discussed.     

Description of Oculogryphus shuensis sp. n. (Coleoptera,Lampyridae), the first species of the genus in the Sino-Japanese realm,with a modified key to the subfamily Ototretinae

A new species of the lampyrid genus Oculogryphus Jeng, Engel, and Yang, O. shuensis sp. n. from China (Sichuan Province) is described and figured. The genus previously was known only from Vietnam, and the new species is the first representative of the genus in the Sino-Japanese zoogeographic realm. Some morphological variations of Oculogryphus and the allied genus Stenocladius are discussed and a modification to the most recent key to ototretine genera is proposed to accommodate Oculogryphus.     

Then there were five: a reexamination of the ant genus Paratrechina (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

The ant genus Paratrechina is reexamined based on the discovery of two new species from Madagascar (P. ankarana sp. n. and P. antsingy sp. n.). Paratrechina kohli, a species known from central Africa, is transferred to Paratrechina from Prenolepis based on a new morphological interpretation of the genus and an updated morphological diagnosis of the genus is provided. This means that other than the widespread P. longicornis, whose origins remain uncertain, all Paratrechina are restricted either to the Afrotropical or Malagasy regions. It would also appear that of the five Paratrechina species now known, three are from dry forest habitats. With this reexamination of the genus, the possible origins of P. longicornis are discussed. A key to the genera of the Prenolepis genus-group is provided, as is a key to the workers of Paratrechina. In addition, we also designate a lectotype for Paratrechina kohli.     

A new genus of the tribe Issini (Hemiptera,Fulgoromorpha, Issidae) from China

Macrodarumoides petalinus, a new genus and species of Issidae (Hemiptera) are described based on specimens from Yunnan and Guangxi, China.     

Heterorhabditidoides rugaoensis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae), a Novel Highly Pathogenic Entomopathogenic Nematode Member of Rhabditidae

A novel entomopathogenic nematode species, Heterorhabditidoides rugaoensis n. sp. RG081015, collected from Rugao, China, is described. The new species is morphologically very similar to H. chongmingensis but can be distinguished from it on the basis of some morphological characteristics, combined with molecular data and a cross-hybridization test. Males of the new species can be recognized on the basis of body length averaging 1396.2 μm; lateral field with one ridge; metastome isoglottoid with one hemispherical swellings comprised of two to three well-developed warts; asymmetric spicules; peloderan bursa. In IJs, EP = 134.5 μm; ES = 149.3 μm; tail length = 82.5 μm; and a = 20.5. Hermaphroditic females have four to five lateral ridges. The 18S rDNA and ITS sequences of the two nematodes share 99% and 98% identity, respectively. Phylogenetic trees of 18S rDNA and ITS indicate that the new species is most closely related to H. chongmingensis; thus, the two nematodes belong to the same genus. Failure of cross-hybridization between them indicates that nematode strain RG081015 is a novel species and is described herein as H. rugaoensis n. sp. The LC₅₀ of the novel species against Galleria mellonella were 24.35 IJs / ml within 48 hours of infection. Morphological characteristics, genetic similarity analyses, and phylogenetic relationships provide strong evidence that some species of Oscheius/Insectivora-group should be reassigned to the genus Heterorhabditidoides.     

Revision of the genus Ficiana Ghauri and its relationship to other genera in Empoascini (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae)

The empoascine genus Ficiana Ghauri is reviewed based on specimens from China. One new Ficiana species, Ficiana aurantia sp. n. is described from Guangxi in south China. An identification key to all species in this genus is provided. The morphological characters of Ficiana and related genera in this tribe are discussed.     

Taxonomic revision of the East Asian genus Scleropteroides Colonnelli, 1979 (Coleoptera,Curculionidae, Ceutorhynchinae)

The genus Scleropteroides Colonnelli, 1979 (Ceutorhynchinae: Scleropterini) was revised on the basis of detailed morphological observations. The genus was redefined to include three species from East Asia: S. hypocrita (Hustache, 1916) is redescribed and recorded from northeastern China and northern Korea for the first time; S. horridulus (Voss, 1958) is redescribed with new records from southern Korea; S. insularis Voss, 1971 was moved from synonymy with S. hypocrita to that with S. horridulus (syn. n.), and S. longiprocessus Huang & Yoshitake, sp. n. is described as new, sympatric with S. hypocrita in Japan. All the species are associated with woody Rubus species (Rosaceae). A key to species, habitus photographs, illustrations of important characters, and distribution maps are provided for each species.     

Review of Chinese species of the leafhopper genus Scaphoidella Vilbaste, 1968 (Hemiptera,Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae), with description of a new species

The Chinese leafhopper species of the genus Scaphoidella Vilbaste are reviewed, and one new species Scaphoidella dietrichi sp. n. is described and illustrated. Two species are recorded from China for the first time: Scaphoidella clavatella Dai & Dietrich, 2011 and Scaphoidella zhangi (Viraktamath & Mohan, 2004). A key based on the male genitalia is given to distinguish Chinese species of this genus and a map provided their geographic distribution. The type specimens of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).     

Contributions to the knowledge of the Chinese Primeuchroeus Linsenmaier, 1968 (Hymenoptera,Chrysididae), with a key to species

The genus Primeuchroeus Linsenmaier, 1968 from China is revised and an illustrated identification key is produced for the first time. Three species are recorded from China, with one species, Primeuchroeus yongdaerianus Kim, new to China.     

Revision of three camaenid and one bradybaenid species (Gastropoda,Stylommatophora) from China based on morphological and molecular data,with description of a new bradybaenid subspecies from Inner Mongolia,China

We have revised the taxonomy of three camaenid and one bradybaenid species from China and described one new subspecies of the genus Bradybaena (Family Bradybaenidae) from Inner Mongolia, China. The genitalia of three Satsuma (Family Camaenidae) species S. mellea stenozona (Moellendorff, 1884), S. meridionalis (Moellendorff, 1884), comb. n. and S. uncopila (Heude, 1882), comb. n. assigned to the genus Bradybaena previously,lack a dart sac and mucous glands. Moreover, the molecular phylogeny has revealed close relationships between the three species and the genus Satsuma. Two species, S. stenozona (Moellendorff, 1884) from Fuzhou and Ganesella citrina Zilch, 1940 from Wuyi Mountain, are considered as synonymous and should be a subspecies of S. mellea mellea (Pfeiffer, 1866) because of the morphological and molecular similarities. Meanwhile, the other two are placed in the genus Satsuma: S. meridionalis (Moellendorff, 1884), comb. n. and S. uncopila (Heude, 1882), comb. n. G. virgo Pilsbry, 1927 differs from species of the genera Ganesella and Satsuma not only in its shell, but also in anatomical characters, such as having a dart sac and mucous gland, and lacking a flagellum. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses highly support the sister relationship with other Bradybaena species. Thus, placement of G. virgo Pilsbry, 1927 in the genus Bradybaena issuggested.     

Two newly recognized species of Hemidactylus (Squamata,Gekkonidae) from the Arabian Peninsula?and Sinai,Egypt

A recent molecular phylogeny of the Arid clade of the genus Hemidactylus revealed that the recently described H. saba and two unnamed Hemidactylus species from Sinai, Saudi Arabia and Yemen form a well-supported monophyletic group within the Arabian radiation of the genus. The name ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ is suggested for this clade. According to the results of morphological comparisons and the molecular analyses using two mitochondrial (12S and cytb) and four nuclear (cmos, mc1r, rag1, rag2) genes, the name Hemidactylus granosus Heyden, 1827 is resurrected from the synonymy of H. turcicus for the Sinai and Saudi Arabian species. The third species of this group from Yemen is described formally as a new species H. ulii sp. n. The phylogenetic relationships of the members of ‘Hemidactylus saba species group’ are evaluated and the distribution and ecology of individual species are discussed.     

A new species of Scelidopetalon Delkeskamp (Coleoptera,Erotylidae) from China with a?key?to?world species of the genus

A new species Scelidopetalon biwenxuani sp. n. is described from China, representing the first occurrence of the genus in Hainan province. A key to the world species of this genus is provided.     

The genus Trachionus Haliday, 1833 (Hymenoptera,Braconidae, Alysiinae) new for China,with description of four new species

The genus Trachionus Haliday, 1833 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Alysiinae, Dacnusini) is reported for the first time from China. The genus is represented by four new species from Shaanxi province (NW China), which are described and illustrated. An identification key to the species in China is presented, a key to the genera of the Trachionus group and notes on the relationships with other Palaearctic species are added.     

Notes on Michael Schülke’s pselaphine collections from China. – Tyrini. II. Genus Megatyrus Hlavá? & Nomura (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)

Two new species of the tyrine genus Megatyrus Hlaváč & Nomura, Megatyrus schuelkei Yin & Li, sp. n. (based on two males) and Megatyrus tengchongensis Yin & Li, sp. n. (based on one female), from Yunnan, Southwest China are described, illustrated and distinguished from allied species. The body size, form of maxillary palpi, male and female genital structures, and distributional patterns are used to separate the new species.     

A new species of the genus Karnyothrips (Thysanoptera,?Phlaeothripidae) from China

Karnyothrips cyathomorphus sp. n. (Phlaeothripidae: Phlaeothripinae) is described as a new apterous species in the genus Karnyothrips Watson 1923, and it represents the fourth species of the genus to be recorded from China. A key to the Chinese species is given.     

A new genus of metalmark moths (Lepidoptera,Choreutidae) with Afrotropical and Australasian?distribution

Niveas Rota, new genus, and its two new species, N. agassizi Rota, new species, and N. kone Rota, new species, are described and illustrated. Niveas is assigned to the subfamily Choreutinae based on morphological and molecular data. Niveas agassizi is currently known only from Kenya and only from female specimens. Niveas kone has been found on the Solomon Islands and in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In PNG, larvae of this species have been reared from several species of Ficus (Moraceae). The two species are superficially quite dissimilar from each other. However, they share features in wing pattern and venation, as well as female genitalia, and the molecular data strongly support the monophyly of Niveas.     

First record of the genus Gratia Thomas (Ephemeroptera,Baetidae) from China with the description of a new species

A new species of Baetidae, Gratia baibungensis sp. n., is described and illustrated based on nymphal stage collected from the southeastern Tibet (Xizang) and the genus is reported for the first time from China. This new species can be readily differentiated from its congeners by the absence of a protuberance on the posterior margin of the abdominal tergum X, glabrate simple submarginal setae on the labrum, and the posterior margin of sterna VI–IX having much longer spatulate setae.     

Status of the enigmatic Oriental genus Rhithrogeniella Ulmer, 1939 (Ephemeroptera,Heptageniidae)

Based on historic collections and new material from Sumatra and Java, the species Rhithrogeniella ornata Ulmer, 1939, type species of the genus Rhithrogeniella, is reinvestigated. The nymph is described for the first time and is closely related to the continental Southeast Asian species Rhithrogeniella tonkinensis Soldán and Braasch, 1986. Rhithrogeniella belongs to the subfamily Ecdyonurinae, and is related to the genera Nixe Flowers, 1980 and/or Paracinygmula Bajkova, 1975 based on characters of the nymphal stage. Species described from Taiwan in the genus Nixe are transferred to the genus Rhithrogeniella: Rh. littoralis (Kang and Yang, 1994) comb. n., Rh. mitifica (Kang and Yang, 1994) comb. n. and Rh. obscura (Kang and Yang, 1994) comb. n.     

A new species of Diartiger Sharp (Staphylinidae,Pselaphinae, Clavigeritae) from the Fengyangshan – Baishanzu Nature Reserve,East China

A new clavigerine pselaphine, Diartiger zhejiangensis Yin & Li, sp. n., from the Fengyangshan – Baishanzu Nature Reserve, southern Zhejiang, is described, illustrated, and compared with congeners. The species is hosted by ants in the genus Lasius. The key to Diartiger species from China is modified to accommodate the new species.     

Review of the Parasa undulata (Cai, 1983) species group with the first conifer-feeding larva for Limacodidae and descriptions of two new species from China and Taiwan (Lepidoptera,Limacodidae)

Although the caterpillars are well-known for the stings and magnificent coloration, the systematics of Limacodidae is historically neglected and chaotic due to the difficulty in matching the larval with adult stages as well as the very conservative and convergent adult morphology. One of the biggest taxonomic problems surrounds a collective group from Southeastern Asia, termed the “green limacodid moths”, which harbours at least 90 species placed in the genus Parasa Walker, 1859 and 14 “subunits”. The P. undulata group was previously composed of 3 species from China and Taiwan, and characterized only by wing pattern. This species group is extensively studied herein with two new species described, i.e. P. viridiflamma sp. n. (Taiwan) and P. minwangi sp. n. (S. China), and discovery of female genitalia of three species, presenting new phylogenetic insights in this potentially paraphyletic genus. In addition, one limacodid larva was found to be feeding exclusively on Picea (Pinaceae) in Taiwan. Its identity, Parasa pygmy Solovyev, 2010 in P. undulata group, is confirmed through matching its COI sequence to the adult. This discovery is also biologically significant because the previous known host breadth of Parasa was of polyphagy on various angiosperm plant families. This case, therefore, represents the first record of conifer-feeding behavior in this family as well as the first of specialized herbivory in the genus. Meanwhile, the background match between Picea leaves and larval coloration is shared with other Picea-feeding insects. This phenomenon is worth of further investigation in the aspect of convergent evolution of crypsis associated with a particular plant.