Introduction. The corn delphacid, Peregrinus maidis (Ashmead) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an insect of economic importance in corn production, as it causes direct damage to the plant and acts as a vector of several corn viruses. Objective. To determine the distribution of corn delphacid in the corn production zones of the Azuero peninsula, Panama. Materials and methods. During the months of November and December 2024, fourteen locations with corn fields Los Santos province, located on the Azuero peninsula, Panama, were surveyed. The fields were in the phenological stage of maturation. At each location, twenty corn plants were randomly inspected, and the leaf located at the node where the ear develops was examined for suspected P. maidis specimens, which were captured using a brush, 70 % alcohol, and 11 mL vials. The sampled specimens were identified with taxonomic keys, and the number of nymphs and adults (males and females) was quantified. Results. The corn delphacid was present in the 14 localities. A total of 473 specimens were captured, of which 441 were adults (235 females and 206 males) and 32 immatures. Conclusions. P. maidis is widely distributed in the corn production area of the Azuero peninsula, so it is important to monitor its population behavior.

Abstract Leptochilus is an Old World fern genus with uncertain species diversity. The Leptochilus macrophyllus complex exemplifies this uncertainty, as previous taxonomic treatments recognized it as a broadly circumscribed species with considerable morphological variation. Recent phylogenetic studies revealed multiple distinct lineages within L. macrophyllus, further suggesting the presence of potential cryptic species. In this study, we investigate the systematics of the L. macrophyllus complex using phylogenetic analyses based on five chloroplast markers, complemented by detailed morphological comparisons of sori arrangement, venation patterns, and laminae texture. We also reconstructed the historical biogeography of the complex, examining dispersal patterns that shaped its current distribution. Our findings support the classification of the L. macrophyllus complex into six distinct species, including three newly described species (Leptochilus nooteboomii C.T.Chen, C.W.Chen & Y.S.Chao sp. nov., Leptochilus papuasiaticus C.T.Chen, C.W.Chen & Y.S.Chao sp. nov., and Leptochilus punctiformis C.T.Chen, C.W.Chen & Y.S.Chao sp. nov.), two reinstated basionyms (Leptochilus polysorus (Brause) C.T.Chen, C.W.Chen & Y.S.Chao comb. nov. and Leptochilus regularis (Mett.) C.T.Chen, C.W.Chen & Y.S.Chao comb. nov.), and the recircumscribed L. macrophyllus. We provide detailed morphological descriptions and taxonomic notes for each species, along with a distribution map and an identification key. For names not treated in this study due to insufficient material, we offer insights based on existing data. This work advances the taxonomy of Leptochilus in Malesia and Papuasia by clarifying species boundaries within the L. macrophyllus complex and illuminating its evolutionary and biogeographical history.

To report a case of avian dermatitis associated with Microlichus sp. (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in a free-ranging Pitangus sulphuratus (Great Kiskadee) from southern Brazil, emphasizing the clinical presentation and parasitological diagnosis. A juvenile P. sulphuratus was rescued and admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center presenting feather loss and cutaneous lesions. Crust samples were collected from affected areas and examined microscopically after clarification in lactophenol. Mites were identified morphologically using classical and contemporary taxonomic keys. Topical ivermectin (0.4mg/kg) was administered once daily for 10 consecutive days, and clinical evolution was monitored during rehabilitation. Numerous mites morphologically consistent with Microlichus sp. were observed, supporting the diagnosis of epidermoptid infestation. Progressive resolution of dermatological lesions and complete feather regrowth were observed following treatment; however, no post-treatment parasitological reassessment was performed. To our knowledge, this represents the first clinical report of Microlichus sp. associated with dermatitis in P. sulphuratus in Brazil. This case highlights the relevance of integrating clinical and parasitological investigations in wildlife rehabilitation settings and contributes to expanding current knowledge on the host range and potential health impacts of epidermoptid mites in free-ranging Neotropical birds.

Lost large pieces of fishing gear (FG) have well-documented impacts on marine ecosystems, yet the environmental risks of their degradation products remain poorly understood. Assessing these risks requires quantifying the microplastics, nanoplastics, and associated chemicals generated by different FG types. However, regional-scale data on FG used, lost, and beached are scarce. Using the Southeastern Bay of Biscay as a case study, we applied models to estimate the quantities of used and lost plastic FG. Additionally, eight beaches were sampled in four seasons during 2023. Fishing-related items were identified by FG origin using a novel identification key specifically developed for this purpose. Once fishing related items were identified by FG origins, their polymers were determined by ATR-FTIR. In total, we estimated that 211 tons of plastic FG were used and 6 tons were lost in 2023. Gillnets (2.7 tons), and longlines (2.5 tons), were the most frequently lost FG. Altogether, 7.6% of items collected in the beaches were identified as coming from the fishing sector. Of these, 89.8% of the items were mending pieces, 2.6% were lines, and 2.5% were longlines. In total, we estimated that 3 tons of FG were beached in the coastline during the studied period. Regarding polymer composition, polyethylene and polypropylene accounted for 95.1% of the FG and polyamide for 3.3%. This study presents a useful methodology and provides new data for the identification and quantification of used, lost, and beached plastic FG, contributing to future assessments of the environmental risk associated with their degradation products.

Mealybugs are economically significant, sap-sucking insects causing substantial damage to crops. Although some studies exist, few have combined classical morphological and molecular approaches with an assessment of their economic significance. This study aimed to identify mealybug species based on morphology, analyze their host preference, and confirm the identification using DNA markers. Mealybug samples were collected from randomly selected fields from Kilinochchi, Jaffna, and Monaragala districts in Sri Lanka. Morphological identification was done using taxonomic keys. PCR amplification was performed for the D3 region of the 28S rDNA. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Maximum-Likelihood method with the Kimura 2-parameter model and the Gamma distribution. Ten mealybug species, representing seven genera, were identified from different districts and host plants, including Phenacoccus solenopsis, Ferrisia virgata, Coccidohystrix insolita, Planococcus minor, Phenacoccus solani, Planococcus lilacinus, Phenacoccus manihoti, Paracoccus marginatus, Pseudococcus viburni, and Rastrococcus mangiferae. Notably, P. solenopsis, F. virgata, P. minor, P. lilacinus, and P. marginatus were found to infest multiple host plant species, indicating their broader host preference. P. solani and P. manihoti are reported for the first time from Sri Lanka. Molecular data validated the morphological identification, and phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct clades representing separate genera exhibiting monophyletic and paraphyletic relationships among them. Field observations indicated a frequent association between mealybugs and ants, where Oecophylla smaragdina and Technomyrmex albipes were observed on P. lilacinus-infested guava trees. Furthermore, natural enemies of mealybugs, such as mealybug destroyers, were observed in 20% (n=6) of the fields. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into mealybug species diversity, host preference, and insect associations, which are critical for developing effective integrated pest management strategies tailored for specific regions and host plants.

We erect six new species of the genus Calicnemia Strand, 1926, namely, Ca. ardena sp. nov., Ca. arunachala sp. nov., Ca. flavovittata sp. nov., Ca. mimumkoa sp. nov., Ca. naga sp. nov. and Ca. rubromacula sp. nov.; and one new species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890, Co. magna sp. nov., from northeastern India. The new Calicnemia spp. are distinguished based on the structure of the genital ligula, colouration patterns of the thorax and abdomen, and the shape of caudal appendages. Based on the morphology of the genital ligula, we propose a third species group within Calicnemia, in addition to the two previously recognised species groups. This new species group accommodates Ca. ardena sp. nov. and Ca. rubromacula sp. nov., which possess short, bifurcated genital filaments that do not align with the diagnostic characteristics of the existing species groups. Additionally, Ca. erythromelas (Selys, 1891) previously reported from India is shown to be misidentified, and the Indian material is identified as Ca. naga sp. nov. Updated identification keys for all known Calicnemia males are provided, along with detailed illustrations of diagnostic features. Coeliccia magna sp. nov., erected from Arunachal Pradesh, is distinguished from congeners by its larger body size, complete blue antehumeral stripes, and distinct male and female morphological features. We further provide lateral thoracic illustrations of Coeliccia spp.

In this study, we describe five taxa of Melanoplinae from southwestern Mexico: Stegotettix cristata gen. nov. sp. nov., and three species of the genus Oaxaca Fontana, Buzzetti & Mariño-Pérez, 2011, O. pyromaculata sp. nov., O. tecuani sp. nov. and O. turquesa sp. nov. The taxonomic descriptions were based on morphological analyses of a minimum of 64 specimens collected over the last five years from at least eight localities per species. Taxonomic keys in tabular form are provided, along with information on the probable host plants, habitat, phenology, and occurrence records from iNaturalist. We discuss morphological similarities between the described taxa, as well as the morphological singularity of grasshoppers of genus Stegotettix cristata gen. nov. sp. nov. among other melanoplines. This work increases the known diversity of Melanoplinae in southwestern Mexico and highlights the region as an important center of endemism for the subfamily.

The taxonomy of the subgenus Staphylus (Capilla) is reviewed, including redescriptions of known species, identification keys, and detailed distribution maps. The female genitalia of Staphylus (Capilla) azteca (Scudder, 1872), S. (C.) caribbea (Williams & Bell, 1940), S. (C.) corumba (Williams & Bell, 1940), S. (C.) eryx Evans, 1953, S. (C.) tucumanus (Plötz, 1884) and S. (C.) tyro (Mabille, 1878) are described and illustrated for the first time. Four new species are described: Staphylus (Capilla) nicoleae Lemes sp. nov . from Colombia and Venezuela, S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov . from Peru, S. (C.) neideae Lemes sp. nov . and S. (C.) neivae sp. nov . from Brazil. Pholisora imperspicua Hayward, 1940 is a syn. nov . of Staphylus ( C.) lizeri lizeri (Hayward, 1938) and Hesperia melangon epicaste Mabille, 1903 is a syn. nov . of Staphylus ( C.) melangon melangon (Mabille, 1883). Neotypes are designated for Staphylus epicaste Mabille, 1903, Nisoniades tucumanus Plötz, 1884 and Staphylus fascia Hayward, 1933. Lectotypes are designated for Pholisora azteca Scudder, 1872, Bolla machuca Schaus, 1913, Helias tyro Mabille, 1878, Staphylus anginus Schaus, 1902, Hesperia melangon 1883, Hesperia musculus Burmeister, 1875 and Helias aurocapilla Staudinger, 1876.

Chickpea wilt/root rot is the main biotic stress that reduces yields of chickpea in the major chickpea growing areas of Ethiopia. This study was carried out to isolate, characterize, and identify fungal pathogens that cause chickpea wilt/root rot and enrich the microbial culture collection of Ethiopian Biodiversity Gene Bank and make them accessible for further research. Root samples were collected from infected chickpea host plants grown in three districts of North Shoa. The root samples were sterilized with two steps surface sterilization and inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar. The fungal pathogens were isolated from the inoculated Potato Dextrose Agar after seven to ten days of incubation at 26+2 OC. The fungal pathogens were characterized using cultural characteristics and microscopic morphology techniques. Data comprising the symptoms of the infected host chickpea plants at the farm land, the cultural characteristics of the fungi on Potato Dextrose Agar, microscopic morphologies and standard fungal identification key were used to identify the fungal species. The identified fungal pathogens include Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola, and Rhizoctonia solani. The rate of isolation of the pathogens is 20% for the three pathogens each; Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia bataticola and 10% to Rhizoctonia solani. Most of the pathogens are isolated from samples collected from Moretina Jiru district which indicates the existence of higher distribution of the disease in this district than the other two districts included in the study.

<i>Piper nigrum</i> is an important crop. However, this crop is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can cause a drop in production if no control methods are applied. The general objective of our study is to contribute to a better understanding of diseases and the various associated pests and diseases in the study sites (Njombe and Penja). To achieve this objective, the main diseases of pepper in the field were identified and described. In each site, four quadrats of twenty pepper plants out of twenty were planted; the different diseases were identified and described according to their characteristic symptoms. Their incidence and severity were assessed along the diagonal of each quadrat. The pathogens responsible for these diseases were characterized macroscopically and microscopically using several identification keys. The results showed that in both study areas, several symptoms were observed, including necrosis, scorching, diffuse spots, sparse spots, blistering on the leaves and leaf yellowing corresponding to diseases such as: Anthracnose, Cercosporiosis, Mildew, Rust, Galle and slow decline. In both sites, the incidence varied from 65 to 100% and the severity from 25 to 75%. In the Petri dishes, the colour of the mycelium varied between black, white, pink and brown and had a milky, cottony appearance. Microscopically, the shape of the spores varied from round, oblong, fusiform, reniform and falciform. Some hyphae were septate and others were non-septate. Species of fungi such as <i>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</i>, <i>C. necator</i>, <i>Cercospora </i>sp., <i>F. solani</i>, <i>F. oxysporum</i>, <i>Rhizoctonia </i>sp<i>.</i> and <i>Cephaleurus virescens</i> were identified as being responsible for these diseases. Knowledge of these pathogens could contribute to the development of more environmentally-friendly control methods.

Wetlands are critical ecosystems providing ecological, economic, and social benefits to local communities. However, they are increasingly threatened by different kinds of human activities. This study assessed the effects of wetland use change on terrestrial arthropods in Kanyeganyege and Gishanda wetlands in Eastern Rwanda. Data were collected across line transects using hand searching, sweep-nets and pitfall traps. Collected specimens were identified to order and family levels using identification keys in the literature. A total of 3 665 individuals of arthropods belonging to 20 orders and 76 families were collected. Results showed that Kanyeganyege wetland dominated by rice farming harbored 2 259 individuals classified into 20 orders and 63 families, while Gishanda influenced by banana and maize cultivation, had 1 406 individuals distributed into 16 orders and 66 families. Formicidae were the most dominant family in both Gishanda and Kanyeganyege, making up over a third of all samples. Diversity indicated slightly higher taxa diversity in Gishanda (H’= 4.19) than in Kanyeganyege (H’=4.14), while rarefaction curves highlighted the need for further sampling, especially in Gishanda compared to Kanyeganyege. This research provides baseline data for wetland managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for sustainable wetland management to conserve arthropod biodiversity.

A detailed diagnosis of Protogamasellopsis Evans and Purvis is presented. Supplementary descriptions of P. corticalis Evans and Purvis and P. denticus (Nasr) are provided based on original observations and newly examined material. Comparative morphological evidence indicates that P. denticus, P. posnaniensis Wiśniewski and Hirschmann, and Rhodacarella cavernicola Moraza are conspecific, with P. denticus having nomenclatural priority. Protogamasellopsis rhizoglyphusi Amin and Khanjani is treated here as a putative synonym of P. denticus. The study also resolves several inconsistencies in previous descriptions and identification keys.

Introduction: Aquatic dipterans are key components of mountain lotic ecosystems due to their diversity, ecological sensitivity, and bioindicator value. The Combeima River Basin (Tolima, Colombia) is a high-Andean basin essential for water supply, but it is affected by anthropogenic pressures. Objective: To expand knowledge on the diversity and abundance of aquatic dipterans along the Combeima River Basin (Ibagué, Tolima) during contrasting hydrological periods. Methods: Three samplings were conducted over an annual hydrological cycle (September 2022, June and September 2023), covering both the dry and rainy seasons. Five samples were taken at each station using three different sampling methods: Surber net (on sediment, rock, and leaf-litter substrates), screen net, and sieves. All samples were pooled into a unique sample for data treatment. Larvae were separated, preserved, and identified using available taxonomic keys; for Chironomidae, clearing and mounting techniques were applied, considering different diagnostic characters for identification. Diversity was estimated using Hill numbers and rarefaction curves. NMDS and ANOSIM analyses were applied to explore community patterns. Results: A total of 1 586 larvae belonging to 11 families and 28 genera were collected. Chironomidae were the most abundant (74.56 %), followed by Simuliidae (15.76 %) and Blepharoceridae (6.24 %). In contrast, Dolichopodidae, Dixidae, and Stratiomyidae were scarce, with only four, two, and one individual recorded per family, respectively. Differences in richness and dominance were observed among stations and periods, related to altitude and anthropogenic disturbances. NMDS showed grouping by station, with greater heterogeneity in impacted sites. Conclusions: Aquatic dipteran communities reflected the combined influence of natural environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance. A progressive replacement of sensitive by tolerant genera was observed, indicating a clear ecological tolerance gradient and reinforcing their value as bioindicators of environmental quality. These findings provide a robust ecological baseline for future monitoring and conservation programs in high-Andean microbasins.

This study presents a checklist of 13 species of thorny bamboos native to Asia and documents them to contribute to a broader understanding of their morphology. To support this list and facilitate species recognition, a morphological database was compiled from a wide range of published sources and paired with an interactive identification key. This key incorporates diagnostic illustrations, descriptive characters, and precise definitions, thereby enabling more accurate identification. In addition to morphological traits, the database includes general notes, taxonomic synonymy, and bibliographic references for each species. Initial testing was conducted with specimens housed at the MNHN Herbarium in Paris, representing a first step toward validation. The current version provides a useful reference for both field and herbarium studies, and the framework has been designed for continuous updating as new data become available. Detailed results of the identification key are available at https://thornybamboo_asia.identificationkey.org.

Abstract Cold-water corals are hotspots of biodiversity in the deep sea, and amphipod crustaceans are dominant members of these associations. Amphipoda are ecologically diverse and play a crucial role in the marine realm. Within the family Epimeriidae Boeck, 1871, the genus Epimeria Costa in Hope, 1851 is globally distributed and notably species-rich. Although some Epimeria species have been assumed to associate with deep-sea corals, these relationships remain poorly documented as of now. In this study, we describe two new Epimeria species associated with cold-water corals: Epimeria craigi sp. nov. from Iceland and Epimeria freiwaldi sp. nov. from New Zealand via integrative taxonomy. Both species new to science were filmed and collected using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), providing live observations of the amphipods and their coral hosts. We provide live photographs, DNA barcodes based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI), and updated taxonomic keys to the Atlantic and Pacific species of Epimeria . With these two newly described species, the total number of known Epimeria species increases to 93 worldwide. Additionally, we present photographic evidence for E . aff. sophie and two uncollected Epimeria species from New Zealand.

Ultrastructural data on stomatocysts of the genus Paraphysomonas (Chrysophyceae, Paraphysomonadales), including description of one new morphotype and identification of a new producer of Stomatocyst 52.

The Neotropical genus of myrmecophilous beetles, Ecitonides Wasmann, 1894 (Staphylinidae: Paederinae: Lathrobiini), currently includes nine valid species distributed in French Guiana, Suriname, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, and Argentina. Members of this genus are notable for the tuberculate ornamentation on the head, thorax, and abdomen. Although little is known about the biology of these beetles, there are records of association with different species of army ants (Labidus Jurine, 1807 and Nomamyrmex Borgmeier, 1936). In this study, a detailed comparative morphological study of all available species for study was conducted, descriptions of two new species, Ecitonides colossus sp. nov. and Ecitonides splendidus sp. nov., are provided, and lectotypes for Ecitonides brevicornis Wasmann, 1900 and Ecitonides spectabilis Borgmeier, 1932 are designated. Diagnoses, illustrations, and photographs are given; an identification key is provided for all 11 species as well as new geographic distribution data. The aim of this study is to provide morphological data that will serve as a tool for a future investigation of the phylogenetic position of the genus and facilitate species recognition through diagnostic morphological characters and an identification key.

Background: Zooplankton constitute an essential component of freshwater ecosystems, functioning as key intermediaries in aquatic food webs and serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change. Aims: The present study investigates the diversity, composition, and seasonal variation of zooplankton communities in Avudaiyar Pond, located in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, South India, over one year from January 2024 to December 2024. Method: Zooplankton samples were collected monthly from selected sites using a standard plankton net with a mesh size of 60 μm, and organisms were identified to the species level using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 55 zooplankton species belonging to four major taxonomic groups—Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda—were recorded during the study period. Among these groups, Rotifera emerged as the dominant group, contributing the highest species richness, followed by Cladocera and Copepoda, while Ostracoda showed comparatively lower diversity. Results: Distinct seasonal variations were observed in zooplankton abundance and species richness, with higher diversity during the summer and post-monsoon seasons and a marked decline during the monsoon period. The reduced diversity during the monsoon season is attributed to increased water inflow, turbidity, and hydrological disturbance. Diversity index analysis revealed moderately high Shannon diversity and evenness values, indicating a stable and well-balanced zooplankton community and suggesting favourable ecological conditions in Avudaiyar Pond. Conclusion: The findings highlight the effectiveness of zooplankton as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health and provide valuable baseline ecological data for long-term monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable management of freshwater resources in the Tiruchendur region.

This review examines the taxonomy, distribution, natural history and scorpionism of the Centruroides species (Scorpiones: Buthidae) of Panama. A taxonomic key is provided to easily identify the five confirmed species from Panama, but also including Centruroides edwardsii (Gervais, 1843) and Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804). The recently reported first record of C. edwardsii in Panama seems to be based on misidentified specimens that belong to Centruroides granosus (Thorell, 1876), a Panamanian endemic species, or Centruroides margaritatus (Gervais, 1841), an introduced synanthropic species. Centruroides gracilis may potentially be present in this country. Only C. granosus and Centruroides panamensis Quintero and Esposito, 2014 are Panamanian endemics, whereas C. granosus and C. bicolor (Pocock, 1898) are the most widely distributed species in this Central American country. Envenomations by these species are frequent in Panama, but generally cause mild symptoms. Maps showing the distribution of the Panamanian Centruroides species are presented.

The genus Picoa is here revisited after obtaining new molecular and morphological data. Morphological features of type material and other historical collections of P. juniperi and P. lefebvrei were studied and compared with recent collections obtained from several European, African, and Asian countries. Genetic studies employing ITS rDNA, as well as 28S rDNA and the RPB2 gene, were conducted on modern samples. As a result, 19 taxa are identified, 17 of which are new to science. Detailed descriptions of all species are provided, including macro- and micro-photographs, and an identification key. The phylogenetic structure of the genus is discussed, and the main clades are described in the following new sections: Picoa sect. Communes, sect. Juniperi, sect. Lefebvreorum, sect. Microsporae, and sect. Puenteorum. Finally, the boundaries of the genus Picoa are evaluated by comparison with the sister genera Geopora, Sepultaria, and Terracavicola.