Genitalic Characters Research Articles

Molecular data confirm Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky, 1858) and M. quadriguttata (Motschulsky, 1860) being synonyms of M. signata (Oliver, 1808)

Abstract Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky, 1858) has been recently revised as the synonym of M. signata (Oliver, 1808) based on morphological characteristics. M. quadriguttata (Motschulsky, 1860) was synonymized with M. signata over 100 years ago. However, this synonymy has not be confirmed by molecular data. This widely distributed and abundant species shows a high variability in coloration patterns that caused numbers of synonyms. We selected color forms typical for the three nominal taxa for phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic, haplotype and genetic differentiation analysis of M. hieroglyphica, M. quadriguttata and M. signata were constructed to determine the relationships between them, and we also found mating behavior between them. They were intermixed together on phylogenetic trees, and M. hieroglyphica and M. quadriguttata had shared haplotype. There was no significant difference among them for genetic distance, and the synonymy of the three names based on external and genital characters can be confirmed by molecular data.

A new remarkable cimicoid genus and species (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Cimicomorpha) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, with implications for its aberrant male genitalia

A new genus and species of cimicoid true bug,Ecpaglocoris ditomeusYamada & Yamamoto,gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated from mid-Cretaceous (Cenomanian–Albian) amber in the Kachin State of northern Myanmar (Burma). This new fossil genus and species is reminiscent of members of Anthocoridae by the strongly flattened and elongated body, four-segmented labium, distinct costal fracture and presence of fossula spongiosa on fore tibiae, but should not be ascribed to this family. The new taxon cannot be placed in any extant cimicoid families, based upon hemelytral, male genital and other morphological structures. Based on the hemelytral membrane venation and presence of dorsal laterotergites on abdominal segments I to VIII, it can be assumed that this new genus belongs to the extinct family Vetanthocoridae.Ecpaglocoris ditomeusgen. et sp. nov.has aberrant male genitalia characterised by sickle-shaped left and right parameres and grooves running throughout the paramere. This characteristic indicates that traumatic insemination occurred in this genus. The peculiar combination of male genital characteristics seen inEcpaglocorisgen. nov.prevents its placement in any of the extant cimicoid families.

Um caso de ocorrência em massa de Sandalodesmus araujoi () em um município de São Paulo, Brasil e descrição da fêmea até então desconhecida (Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae)

Abstract Somatic characters are shared by many Chelodesmidae groups, and generic placement and species identifications traditionally have been based on gonopodal morphology. Female genitalic characters have been largely neglected and are rarely photographed or illustrated. This is rather unfortunate as the morphology of female genitalia presents important characters and may be decisive for developing a more robust family classification. We describe the heretofore unknown female of Sandalodesmus araujoi (Schubart, 1946), previously known only from the male holotype collected in São Paulo, Brazil in December 1943; discuss the utility of female genitalic characters for species delineation in Sandalodesmus; and report the first case of a mass occurrence in the Chelodesmidae. While an attempt at a formal diagnosis of Sandalodesmus females based on genitalic characters is premature, the vulvar morphology of the three taxa examined in this study suggests that female genitalia are species-specific. Some characters (i.e., asymmetric valves, presence of digitiform projections and reduction of setae on the internal basal portion of the valves) are constant between the species, suggesting utility for generic-level delineation. Mass occurrences of millipedes are typically unpredictable and likely related to variations in environmental conditions and/or anthropogenic modifications of natural habitats. Although the mass occurrence of S. araujoi reported herein was only observed once, the event coincides with the mating period of millipedes during the rainy season in Brazil. On the other hand, the region where the species was found has been the target of intense urban development, including replacement of natural habitats with residential areas, which may have influenced its population dynamics.

Hiding among the palms: the remarkable discovery of a new palm bug genus and species (Insecta: Heteroptera: Thaumastocoridae: Xylastodorinae) from remote Norfolk Island; systematics, natural history, palm specialism and biogeography

The discovery of a remarkable new palm bug species on Norfolk Island brings into question its systematic position within the family Thaumastocoridae, and the validity and biogeography of the three extant subfamilies. Latebracoris norfolcensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from remote Norfolk Island in the Southwest Pacific. The species was found on the native Norfolk Island palm Rhopalostylis baueri. The formal description of the species includes fine details of external non-genitalic and genitalic characters, supported with images from light and scanning electron microscopy. Details of the egg are described, including the shape and micropylar configuration. All nymphal stages are diagnosed morphologically and morphometrically, with the segregation of the five instars using the Brooks–Dyar Rule. The natural history of the Norfolk Island Palm Bug is documented, including the oviposition site of eggs, and microhabitat of nymphs and adults on palm infructescences, with hypotheses about development in relation to reproductive succession of the palm host. The systematic position of the Norfolk Island Palm Bug is assessed through a phylogenetic analysis of a selection of taxa of the superfamily Miroidea, using the parsimony criterion. The phylogenetic analyses were partitioned into Recent and fossil taxa, revealing monophyly of the Thaumastocoridae, and the subfamilies Thaumastocorinae and Xylastodorinae, with synapomorphy and significant resampling support. The Thaicorinae are verified as synonymous with the Xylastodorinae. The monotypic fossil subfamily Thaumastotinginae is removed from the Thaumastocoridae and treated as incertae familiae. Suprageneric relationships were corroborated in the two taxon partition analyses. An overview of host associations is given verifying palm specialism for the Xylastodorinae. The natural history, palm specialism, biogeography, morphology and systematics of the Xylastodorinae and allies are discussed in light of the discovery of Latebracoris norfolcensis. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:40A20DE4-6489-4B67-BF2E-0B7256BA1CD1

Taxonomic revision of the Peruvian genus Pilobaloderes Kulzer, 1958 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Pimeliinae, Praociini).

The monotypic genus Pilobaloderes Kulzer (Pimeliinae: Praociini), endemic to Peruvian Andes, is revised. Based on examination of recently collected specimens, we describe the female of the type species and a new species, Pilobaloderes aquilonarius sp. nov., emphasizing dimorphic and diagnostic characters of the protibiae. A redescription of the genus and its species, with remarks about sexual dimorphism are included. Habitus photographs, illustrations of protibiae, genital features, and a distribution map are also presented.

Redescription of a little-known species, Cryptocephalus surdus Rapilly, 1980 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae), with notes on new distribution localities and habitat preference in Türkiye

Cryptocephalus surdus Rapilly, 1980 is a little-known species which was described based on specimens collected from Iran. Due to the fact that the species was described very briefly in its original description, the taxonomic features of the species are redescribed in here. In addition, information about additional taxonomic characters, habitats and distribution in Türkiye of this little-known species are given for the first time in this study. Habitus and genital features of the species are photographed. Habitat preference and a map showing the previous and new distribution localities of the species are provided.

AN OUTBREAK OF Yponomeuta padella (LINNAEUS, 1758) ON Prunus cornuta (HIMALAYAN BIRD CHERRY) IN KULLU DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Invasive insect pests are one of the greatest and fastest-growing threats to natural resources like agricultural biodiversity, animal sector and social progresses are profusely hampered through insect infestation. Through this present study, it was first recorded that Yponomeuta padella attack Prunus cornuta (Himalayan Bird Cherry) leaves in high altitudinal transition zone forests of North Western Himalaya in India. The first damage was observed duringthe month of July, 2022 and randomly collected egg masses form the infested leaves of Prunus cornuta. This species identified through its morphological and genital characteristics. A complete biology of ermine moth, morphology and genital characteristics were studied to update the taxonomic details of the species. More than 90% infestation in leaves was recorded in some trees in the study area. As an alternative, an integrated pest management system needs to be developed for better insect's sustainable management.

On the elevation of the subgenus Kubaniellus Kalashian, 1997 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae: Aphanisticini) to generic rank and descriptions of two new species from China

Based on the differentiating external and genital characters of fundamental significance the subgenus Kubaniellus Kalashian 1997 is formally elevated to the generic rank; two new species of the genus Kubaniellus stat. nov. from China are described and illustrated: K. latipennis sp. nov. from Fujian province and K. olivaceus sp. nov. from Guangxi province.

Quokkaraneus, a new monotypic genus of Australian orb-weaving spider (Araneae, Araneidae)

A new monotypic Australian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described, Quokkaraneus gen. nov., with Q. necopinus (Keyserling, 1887) comb. nov. as type species. Morphologically the new genus has affinities with the Australasian clade informally termed 'backobourkiines', due to the presence of a single patellar macroseta and the median apophysis forming an arch over the radix in the male pedipalp. It distinctly differs from other genera of this clade by somatic characters, such as a unique white cephalic and/or thoracic area and abdomen. Some genitalic characters are also diagnostic amongst the backobourkiines, such as a C-shaped median apophysis with pointed tip, triangular terminal apophysis and prominent concave conductor in males, and a very broad female epigyne scape. Quokkaraneus necopinus comb. nov. occurs in southern Australia, from western Victoria to south-western Western Australia.

A new species of genus Neocerura Matsumura, 1929 (Notodontidae: Lepidoptera) from India

A new species Neocerura convergata under the genus Neocerura Matsumura, 1929 has been described and illustrated. This species is closely related to N. liturata Walker, 1855 (type species) and completely conforms to the characterization of the genus. The wing maculation, larger size, and genitalic features make it distinct. The taxonomic account of N. liturata Walker, 1855 has also been included. The revival of the genus Neocerura Matsumura, 1929 has also been justified.

A phylogenetic study of the relationships within Mirinae subfamily (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae) based on specimens from Northern Iran: Insight into analyses of genera complexes

A phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily Mirinae was conducted based on 89 external and genitalic morphological characters. Forty-six species belonging to 30 genera were coded and phylogenetic analysis reconstructedusing un-weighted (EW) and implied weighted (IW) characters in a parsimony analysis. This resulted in the monophyly of eight genera including Stenodema, Polymerus, Orthops, Lygus, Phytocoris, Adelphocoris, Grypocoris and Brachycoleus, the ACM (Adelphocoris, Creontiades, Megacoelum) complex, Closterotomus, Calocoris and Lygus complexes. The phylogenetic relationships and supporting morphological characters are discussed. The taxonomic status of Pseudomegacoelum irbilanum was evaluated. Scanning electron micrographs, drawings of genitalic structures, digital images of the habitus of selected species are presented to illustrate characteristic features. This study is the first attempt to analyze the phylogenetic relationship of plant bugs in Iran.

Phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy and systematics of the Sesamia cretica species group (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Apameini: Sesamiina), with the description of 21 new species from the Afrotropical region

Summary In this study, 31 species of noctuid stemborers belonging to the genus Sesamia Guenée, 1852 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae: Apameini: Sesamiina) are reviewed. All these species are assigned to the Sesamia cretica group sensu Tams & Bowden (1953). Based on genitalic characters, several subgroups are hereby defined. Nine species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia albivena Hampson, 1902 subgroup; it consists of S. albivena, S. mocoensis Tams & Bowden, 1953, n. stat., S. sudanensis Tams & Bowden, 1953, n. stat. S. taenioleuca (Wallengren, 1863), and five new species that are described (S. aethiopica Le Ru n. sp. from Ethiopia, S. kafulo Le Ru n. sp. from Botswana and Zambia, S. kavirondo Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya and Uganda, S. maloukou Le Ru n. sp. from Republic of Congo, and S. soyema Le Ru n. sp. from Ethiopia). Four species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia cretica subgroup; this encompasses S. cretica, S. rufescens Hampson, 1910, and two new species that are described (S. ihambane Le Ru n. sp. from Mozambique and Tanzania and S. kikuyuensis Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya); two new synonyms are introduced for Sesamia cretica: Nonagria uniformis Dudgeon, 1905 n. syn. and Sesamia griselda Warren, 1913, n. syn. Ten species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia fuscifrontia Hampson, 1914 subgroup; this includes S. fuscifrontia, S. geyri (Strand, 1915) and eight new species that are described (S. babati Le Ru n. sp. from Tanzania, S. babessi Le Ru n. sp. from Cameroon and Zambia, S. mabira Le Ru n. sp. from Uganda, S. nangaensis Le Ru n. sp. from Cameroon and Republic of Congo, S. rungwa Le Ru n. sp. from Tanzania, S. simillima Le Ru n. sp. from Benin, Cameroon, Kenya and Uganda, S. taveta Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya and S. ulaukae Le Ru n. sp. from Ethiopia). One species belongs to a species complex defined as the Sesamia salama Le Ru n. sp. subgroup; this consists of S. salama Le Ru n. sp. from Kenya and another undescribed Sesamia species from South Africa. One species belongs to a species complex defined as the Sesamia viettei Rungs, 1954 subgroup. Six species belong to a species complex defined as the Sesamia wiltshirei Rungs, 1963 subgroup; this groups S. wiltshirei and five new species that are described (S. djenoensis Le Ru n. sp. from Republic of Congo, S. inexpectata Le Ru n. sp. from South Africa and Zambia, S. lefini Le Ru n. sp. from Republic of Congo, S. echinochloa Le Ru n. sp. from Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia and S. rindini Le Ru n. sp. from Tanzania). A supplemental description of the previously described species is also provided. Novel host plant records are also provided for 11 species of the S. cretica group. To complement the morphological study, both phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses were carried out on a multimarker (four mitochondrial and two nuclear genes) molecular dataset encompassing 144 specimens representing 35 species (including 25 species from the S. cretica group). Molecular analyses provide a well-supported phylogenetic framework for the species of interest, which are all recovered monophyletic. Molecular species delimitation analyses also support the species status of almost all sampled species. Interestingly, the inferred tree indicates that the S. cretica group and the S. fuscifrontia subgroup are both paraphyletic; this indicates that, while highly informative, the chosen genitalic characters in Sesamia are not all synapomorphies.

Ctenostegus hansoni sp. nov., a new species of spider wasp endemic to Lord Howe Island (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

AbstractLord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a highly endemic biota and a history of recent species extinction. During the 2017 and 2018 Australian Geographic Society expeditions to Lord Howe Island, spider wasps in the genus Ctenostegus Haupt, 1930 were collected from various sites. A new species – C. hansoni sp. nov. – is described based on this material. The external morphology and male genitalic features are illustrated for all constituents of the C. immitis species‐group, for which an identification key is provided. New distribution data for the Hymenoptera of Lord Howe Island include an additional genus of Pompilidae (Fabriogenia sp.) and the first record for the family Mutillidae (Ephutomorpha sp.). Ctenostegus hansoni sp. nov. is one of the few spider wasps restricted to an oceanic island and constitutes an intriguing new record of long‐distance dispersal from mainland Australia followed by speciation.

From the Ethiopian Bale Mountains hotspotFilopalpinae subfam. nov., a new taxon of Laniatorean harvestmen based on external and genital morphology (Arachnida, Opiliones, Assamiidae).

Filopalpinae subfam. nov. is proposed as a new subfamily within family Assamiidae based on a new genus, Filopalpus gen. nov. and on five new species: F. joschmidti sp. nov., F. bale sp. nov., F. kakaensis sp. nov., F. altomontanus sp. nov. and F. niger sp. nov. All originate from the highlands of Ethiopia, namely the Bale Mountains and adjacent volcanoes in Oromia State. Species of the new subfamily are characterized by dense body cover with pointed tubercles causing a hedgehog appearance of the body (dorsal side, partly ventral side), extreme sexual dimorphism in pedipalps (in males thread-like long and thin surpassing body length by about four to six times, devoid of apophyses and thorns; in females short and stout about body length, with a distal grasping hand formed by apophyses and strong setae of tibia and tarsus, and tarsal claw). Male genital morphology is characterized by a hemolymph-pressure system of truncus penis and glans, a dorsal sub-distal tube-like glans with an inner prickly funnel, which is everted by hemolymph pressure during courtship. These male genital characters place the present species in Assamiidae, but external morphology points to a strongly different separate evolutionary unit within this family. The five species known to date were secured at altitudes between 2830 and 4100 m. At least two of the collecting areas are now devoid of forest due to human impact. To secure the present specimens at high-altitude localities was possible only by searching in remote microhabitats unavailable for cattle and man-made fire. A perspective on current subfamilies of Assamiidae and on pedipalpal morphology and evolution is presented.

Genitalic Studies of Four Species of Family (Sphingidae: Lepidoptera) from Sindh, Pakistan

Spinix moth commonly known as Hawk moth because of their wing pattern and fast flight which resembled with hawk. Family Sphingidae divided into two subfamilies, Sphinginae and Macroglossinae. Four known species of family Sphingidae first time reported from Sindh Pakistan on the basis of genital characters, earlier there was no any genital work has been done on these species in study localities. Main purpose of this study is to dissect their genitalia for showing relationship among them. Four species of hawk moth (Psilogramma increta, Acheronta styx, Hyles livornica, and Dephnis neri) belonging to two sub families Sphinginae and Macroglossinae were selected for genital dissection. Specimens of these four species of family Sphingidae collected and deposited in Laboratory of Entomology, Department of Zoology University of Sindh Jamshoro. Simple method of dissection applied for genital dissection, abdomen of moths removed from body and boiled in 10% KOH solution for 30 minutes for softening, then soften abdomen washed in distilled water. All scales of moths removed by using camel brush, male female genital organs separated by fine forceps and needles. Genitalia examined under Stereoscopic Binocular microscope with the attachment of digital camera, for their identification. As result there was difference and similarities found in genital structures of these four species. Two species of Subfamily Sphinginae, Psilogramma increta and Acherontia styx shows similarity in genital structures, while Hyles livornica and Dephnis. neri of subfamily Macroglossinae also share some genital characters. These similarities in genital structure show taxonomic relationship among these species because of same habit and habitat.

Mitochondrial genetics of Ophiderini, with a new species from the Eudocima phalonia species group (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Calpinae).

We evaluate species, species group, and generic concepts for Ophiderini and Phyllodini (Lepidoptera: Calpinae) with a cladistic analysis of COI 5 mitochondrial DNA sequences. Species recognized by current taxonomy formed monophyletic clades with three exceptions: Eudocima phalonia (L.), E. cocalus (Cramer) and E. hypermnestra (Cramer). Eudocima phalonia formed two allopatric clades, an African clade sister to E. lequeuxi Brou Zilli, and another clade sister to E. euryzona (Hampson). Each of these four clades comprises a separate taxon diagnosable by unique combinations of discrete genitalic characters, and the African clade previously lumped under E. phalonia is described herein as E. afrikana sp. n. Eudocima cocalus and E. hypermnestra phenotypes overlap in COI 5 haplotypes. Eleven Eudocima species groups delimited from morphology are independently supported as monophyletic with the molecular analysis. Unique combinations of COI 5 characters diagnosing species and species groups are provided. Eudocima is largely supported as monophyletic, except E. formosa is excluded from the Eudocima clade, and Graphigona regina, Tetrisia florigera, and Ferenta stolliana are embedded within it. Structural morphology of E. formosa also suggests it does not belong in Eudocima. Adult images are shown for most species of Ophiderini, including many DNA sequence vouchers, and their diagnoses and general distributions are provided.

Clarifying the identity of two resembling hoverfly species, Betasyrphus serarius and B. nipponensis (Diptera: Syrphidae: Syrphini), based on morphology and DNA barcoding

• Identity of resembling Betasyrphus serarius and B. nipponensis is investigated. • Additional diagnostic characters are proposed for B. serarius and B. nipponensis. • Betasyrphus nipponensis is recorded for the first time in Korea. • Nine available Betasyrphus species are recognized as a robust barcode cluster. • Australian, Pakistan and Malaysian barcodes as distinct species near serarius. The two Palaearctic members of the hoverfly genus Betasyrphus , B. serarius (Wiedemann, 1830) and B. nipponensis (Goot, 1964), closely resemble each other, except for their male genitalic characters. For this reason, these two species have been often mistaken for each other. In Korea, only B. serarius has been recognized as a sole species based on mixed specimens from these two species. In the present study, we attempted to define B. serarius and B. nipponensis more precisely and identify additional diagnostic characteristics to distinguish these species. We examined external morphological characters including the genitalic structures, the wing microtrichia distributions (WMDs), as well as the wing interference patterns (WIPs). In addition, we analyzed the DNA barcode sequences of individuals, covering as many morphological variants as possible, to distinguish the females of these two species. As a result, we found some additional diagnostic male genitalic and WMD characters. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, females of these two species remain undistinguishable. DNA barcoding analysis did not reveal any significant differences between B. serarius and B. nipponensis . Our analysis based on 20 Korean samples and 486 Syrphidae sequences retrieved from BOLD Systems (ver. 4) and GenBank showed that the nine available Betasyrphus species including the type species formed a robust barcode cluster. Betasyrphus serarius and B. nipponensis together with three unidentified species from Pakistan, Australia and Malaysia also formed a strong sub-cluster. In addition, we provide an identification key, diagnoses, and descriptions with color photographs.

The identities of two species in the Pterostichus macrogenys species group of subterranean carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) revealed by external morphometric analysis and comparative genital morphology

The Pterostichus macrogenys species group is an endemic subterranean Japanese carabid lineage that shows marked regional differentiation, but unresolved taxonomic issues remain, even at the species level. Based on morphological examinations of the genital structures of newly collected specimens and an external morphometric analysis of all the species concerned, P. falcispinus Sasakawa, 2005 syn. nov. is synonymized with P. asahinus Habu & Baba, 1960, and P. awashimaensissp. nov. is described from Awashima Island, a small island off the coast of Honshu. Based on external morphometrics, P. awashimaensis was determined to be most similar to P. yahikosanus Sasakawa, 2009, but its external and genital features differ distinctly from the latter species and it is thought to be more ancestral.

Dyscia intermedia sp. n. – a new Geometrid species from Europe (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae)

A new species, Dyscia intermedia sp. n., is described from the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia. Dyscia intermedia sp. n. differs from the other European members of the genus Dyscia Hübner, 1825 notably in the male genitalia, including the everted vesica. The new species is very similar in appearance to Dyscia raunaria (Freyer, 1851) and Dyscia royaria Tautel & Billi, 2006 and rather less so to Dyscia conspersaria ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), but the differences in the genitalia are sharply prominent and constant and after examination of genitalia these species can be easily split. The differences in the genital features between the new species and D. raunaria and D. conspersaria are more prominent than between D. raunaria and D. royaria. Dyscia intermedia sp. n. is potentially an endemic species, found in three closely situated localities in eastern Serbia.

Revision of the subgenus Mesopraocis Flores & Pizarro-Araya of the Neotropical genus Praocis Eschscholtz (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Pimeliinae).

The second part of a revision of the species of the genus Praocis Eschscholtz is presented. The subgenus Mesopraocis Flores & Pizarro-Araya, distributed in northern Chile from 25° South to 31° South, is revised. This article includes a redescription of the subgenus, redescriptions of its species, an identification key, and a discussion on morphological adaptations of the species to fossorial life. Habitus photographs, scanning electron micrographs of head, antennae, prosternum, abdomen, and protibiae, illustrations of genital features, and distribution maps are presented. Conical pegs sensilla on tibiae are described and illustrated using SEM for the first time for a South American tenebrionid species. A new Praocis species is described: Praocis (Mesopraocis) arenicola sp. nov. Praocis (Mesopraocis) flava Kulzer, 1958 is synonymised with P. (M.) pilula Laporte, 1840. Other species of the subgenus are: P. (M.) calderana Kulzer and P. (M.) nitens Kulzer. A statement on the variation in the number of antennomeres in P. (M.) pilula is appended.