A new species of the genus Protacallodes Morimoto, 2011 (Molytinae), Protacallodes gracilirostris Tsuji & Yoshitake sp. nov., is described from Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, and the Nansei Islands), based on morphological characteristics including male and female terminalia. Renewed diagnoses for two Japanese species (Protacallodes masumotoi Morimoto, 2011 and Protacallodes ryukyuensis Morimoto, 2011) and a key to all species of the genus are also provided. Additionally, Protacallodes ryukyuensis is newly recorded from Kyushu (Fukuoka, Oita, and Kagoshima prefectures) and the Nansei Islands (Tokunoshima Island and Okinawajima Island), Japan.

Ceracis kurumim sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected in Paulista, Pernambuco, in the Northeast Region of Brazil. It is the smallest known species of the genus Ceracis Mellié, 1849 and among the smallest Ciidae worldwide. We provide a detailed description and illustrations of both male and female terminalia, and briefly discuss its minute size in comparison with other similarly small ciid species.

Cariocamyia Snyder, 1951 is a Neotropical genus of Cyrtoneurininae (Diptera: Muscidae) with two known species from Brazil and Colombia. Here, we redescribe both Cariocamyia species, including the first male description of Cariocamyia vibrissata (Stein, 1918), as well as images of the male and female habitus, images of the holotype habitus, and drawings of the male and female terminalia. Additionally, we present an updated distributional map and an identification key, and provide a brief discussion of the morphology of both species.

Heteronaias Needham & Gyger, 1937 is a monotypic genus represented solely by Heteronaias heterodoxa (Selys, 1878), a poorly documented corduliid. Based on reared specimens from Luzon, Philippines, we provide a detailed larval description, notes on adult morphology, and distributional data. Adult characters, particularly the vesica spermalis of male and female terminalia, are redescribed and illustrated. The larva is distinguished by a flattened body, 9–13 premental setae, 8–11 palpal setae, a poorly developed ligula, middorsal protuberances on abdominal segments 6–10, and a distinct episternal apophysis. Comparative analysis with Asian corduliid genera highlights diagnostic larval features valuable for taxonomy and phylogenetic studies. Larvae inhabit shaded forest streams and emerge on rock surfaces, showing rheophilic adaptations comparable to those of Zygonyx Selys in Hagen, 1867 (Libellulidae). Distributional records confirm that H. heterodoxa is endemic to the Philippines.

Abstract Hemilophini Thomson, 1868 is a tribe in the subfamily Lamiinae (Cerambycidae) comprising 582 extant species and 131 genera. Beetles in this tribe are remarkable for their coloration patterns, which resemble those of other beetle families such as Lampyridae and Lycidae, 2 groups recognizable for their chemical defenses—suggesting cases of Batesian mimicry. Within Hemilophini, the genera Itumbiara Martins & Galileo, 1992 and Pyrobolus Chevrolat, 1838 include species that exhibit firefly-like forms. These genera share several diagnostic features, resulting in poorly defined boundaries between them, and further obfuscating their generic limits is the lack of phylogenetic studies evaluating their monophyly. In order to redefine these genera, we performed the first phylogenetic analyses, employing morphological and molecular data. The molecular analyses included mitochondrial (Cox1) and nuclear (28S and CAD) markers. Molecular phylogenies were reconstructed with both Bayesian and maximum likelihood inference methods. The morphological phylogeny was reconstructed using a matrix of 51 characters based on external morphology and male terminalia, analyzed through parsimony. The phylogenetic hypotheses revealed Itumbiara and Pyrobolus as polyphyletic groups, and new combinations were proposed. Moreover, we report a novel field observation of an assemblage between Cerambycidae and Lampyridae, 14 new distributional records are provided, and 4 new species are described: Pyrobolus fernandoi sp. nov., Pyrobolus monnei sp. nov., Pyrobolus piliventris sp. nov., and Pyrobolus praestigiosus sp. nov.; and Adesmus acanga Galileo & Martins, 1999 is defined as a junior synonym of Pyrobolus rectilineus (Bates, 1881). Finally, the hypothesized Batesian mimicry and evolutionary convergence in these genera are discussed.

Two new genera and three new species of webspinners, Electroclothoda aroliata gen. et sp. nov., Cretembia longimandibula gen. et sp. nov. and Parasorellembia grandiocula sp. nov., are described from the Upper Cretaceous of Myanmar amber. Electroclothoda aroliata gen. et sp. nov. is classified in the Clothodidae by having symmetrical male terminalia and an undivided tenth abdominal tergum. Cretembia longimandibula gen. et sp. nov. and Parasorellembia grandiocula sp. nov. are attributed to the Scelembiidae based on their distinctive terminalia: asymmetrical male terminalia, slender left cercus and robust, hook-shaped right cercus. Furthermore, a more detailed interpretation of terminalia architecture in Scelembiidae is provided.

The genus Porophorus Schoenherr, 1845, with only one previously known species, P. odiosus Boheman, 1845, is redefined and compared with related genera. An additional thirty new species are described herein: P. abnormis Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. anysbergensis Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. appendiculatus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. bituberculatus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. brachysetosus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. brunneofasciatus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. brunneus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Northern Cape); P. calviniae Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Northern Cape); P. canceris Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. elegans Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. elongatus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. harani Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. hispidus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. inflaticeps Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. maximus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Northern and Western Cape); P. montaguensis Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. muellerae Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. normalis Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. picturatus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. probus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. prochesi Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. salsolae Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western and Eastern Cape); P. spinulosus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western and Eastern Cape); P. squamipennis Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. stalsi Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Northern Cape, Namibia: Karas); P. subodiosus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. tapetulus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. variegatus Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape); P. variicolor Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape) and P. waboombergensis Borovec and Wanat sp. nov. (South Africa: Western Cape). All of the species are keyed and illustrated; male and female terminalia are described in detail, female genitalia for the first time; ecological information is presented where available. A lectotype is designated for Porophorus odiosus Boheman, 1845.

This study provides an overview of the species of Hylaeus (Paraprosopis), in the Palaearctic region and adjacent areas. A total of 37 species are identified, each of which is presented with a morphological diagnosis and comparative description, and illustrations of the faces of both sexes and the main features of the male terminalia. In addition, information on the distribution is given. Identification keys for specific geographic areas are provided for the species. A more detailed study in the Canary Islands revealed three new species, Hylaeus (Paraprosopis) gomerensis Haeseler, sp. nov. , H. (Paraprosopis) hierro Haeseler, sp. nov. , and H. (Paraprosopis) palmensis Haeseler, sp. nov . Two known species are excluded from the subgenus Paraprosopis: Hylaeus omanicus Dathe, 1995 – now placed in subgenus Prosopis, comb. nov. ; Hylaeus krombeini Snelling, 1980 from Sri Lanka is provisionally placed as subgenus incertus.

Drosophila ventral appendages are considered to be serially homologous structures derived from a ventral appendage 'ground state' and shaped by different Hox inputs. The male and female terminalia (analia and genitalia) are highly derived ventral structures defined by Abdominal-B and the sex-determination pathway. In the legs and antennae, a combination of the transcription factors (TFs) C15, LIM1 homeobox 1 (Lim1) and Aristaless (Al) is required for tarsal claw and arista development, respectively. However, the roles of these TFs in terminalia development remained unexplored. We investigated the expression and function of C15, Lim1 and Al during male and female terminalia development. We found that C15 plays distinct roles in males and females, repressing male clasper bristles while promoting bristles on the female epiproct. Contrasting with antennae and legs, C15, Lim1 and Al are not all simultaneously co-expressed in any terminal structure in either sex, indicating interactions among these factors differ across these appendages. Nevertheless, we inferred interactions between C15 and other factors reflecting similarities between leg and male clasper development. Finally, we identified a male-specific C15 enhancer active in male claspers but not in the female epiproct, legs or antennae. This C15 enhancer modularity may underpin tissue- and sex-specific regulatory logic.

The genus Aulacizes is recorded from Brazil and Argentina and has nine known species. Among them, Aulacizes conspersa has a complex taxonomy and unclear boundaries, with seven synonyms identified to date, due to considerable variation in colour pattern. This study seeks to delimitate distinct evolutionary lineages within A. conspersa. Molecular methods of species delimitation are employed together with a morphological study. We applied single-locus delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, GMYC, bPTP, mPTP, PTP) to mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS2) DNA sequences. The analyses included specimens previously identified as A. conspersa and of the similar Aulacizes insistans, as well as two outgroups. COI analyses recovered a group including only specimens previously identified as A. conspersa and delimited from 3–5 putative species within it, whereas ITS2 delimited from 2–15 putative species and was not able to distinguish A. conspersa from A. insistans. The discordant results of COI and ITS2 are likely caused by low variability in ITS2 sequences. Based on COI results and type specimen studies, we reinstate and redescribe Aulacizes repanda and Aulacizes persistans and synonymize Aulacizes conspurcata with A. persistans and Aulacizes divergens with A. conspersa. Although molecular methods delimited at least three species within A. conspersa s. stricto, no consistent morphological differences were found, a situation that supports its treatment as a cryptic species complex. This study highlights the limited interspecific variation in the terminalia of both sexes within Aulacizes. Homogeneity of male terminalia hinders species delimitation, explaining the long-standing challenges in resolving Aulacizes taxonomy based on morphology. Formal taxonomic treatments are provided for A. conspersa, A. repanda, and A. persistans.

Fresh approach to the position of the genus Lispe Latreille in the family Muscidae (Diptera) based on the structure of pregenital and genital sclerites and the musculature of the male terminalia.

Three new species of Sarcophagidae are described based on adult male specimens collected in the SISBIOTA-Diptera project survey. The new species belong to the genera Dexosarcophaga Townsend, D. papia sp. nov., Lepidodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, L. aenigmatica sp. nov., and Rettenmeyerina Dodge, R. guidae sp. nov. The genus Rettenmeyerina is no longer monotypic, as a new species is herein described. Adult male morphology for all new species is documented with original photographs and illustrations, including details of male terminalia. The relevance of long-term survey projects is reinforced by the description of three species previously unknown to science.

Description of male terminalia of some forensically important flesh fly species (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from Northwest India

Dasypogon kerimovae Szczepański & Dobosz sp. nov. (Diptera: Asilidae) is diagnosed and described from Azerbaijan. The species is readily distinguished by the male terminalia and unique combination of characters of females, which exhibit dark coloration resembling that of males, including smoky black wings, black legs and predominantly black setae. Photographic documentation of the habitus and the male and female genital structures is included. Observations concerning habitat preferences, flight activity, and biological interactions are discussed, with particular emphasis on ecological plasticity, mimicry, and trophic relationships.

Latridiidae is a small family within Coleoptera, with over 800 species and 31 genera worldwide. The family is mainly fungivorous, and can be found in leaf litter, on living vegetation, dead dry branches, rotten wood and tree bark. Some species can be found in the indoor environment and are associated with stored products. The genus Stephostethus in Taiwan was previously known to contain three species, S. chinensis (Reitter), S. taiwanus Ho, Rücker & Chan and S. yuanfengensis Ho, Rücker & Chan. Stephostethus chinensis (Reitter) is from the Palaearctic, and other species are endemic to Taiwan. In this study, we revise the genus based on comparative anatomy and molecular species delimitation methods. As a result, we describe four new species: S. tricarinatus sp. nov., S. cornutus sp. nov., S. truncatus sp. nov. and S. longidens sp. nov. All the new species can be found in the mid-altitude area in Central Taiwan, and S. longidens sp. nov. can also be found in Southern Taiwan. The descriptions, habitus and male terminalia of the four new species are provided. The COX1 and 28S sequences of S. chinensis (Reitter), S. taiwanus Ho, Rücker & Chan, S. yuanfengensis Ho, Rücker & Chan, S. cornutus sp. nov. and S. truncatus sp. nov. are provided and analysed. We conduct maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses, and all species are recovered as a monophyletic group. The relationships of all species of Stephostethus in Taiwan with adjacent areas based on morphological characters are also discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:970F59EE-42D0-4D86-8523-336F7DD3B3BE.

Orosarcophaga Townsend, 1927 is a genus of flesh flies with 11 recognized species, for which knowledge of biology and distribution remains poorly known. The lack of a key to the identification of its species hinders their recognition and further taxonomic studies. Moreover, the holotypes of three species were lost in the Museu Nacional (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) fire in 2018, and comparisons with this material became impossible. In this context, a key to the 11 known species is presented, with new illustrations of structures of the male terminalia used to diagnose species. Also, recently surveyed specimens from Brazil were identified as Orosarcophaga grisea (Lopes, 1982), a species previously known only from Peru. Together with the redescription of the male terminalia of O. grisea, the geographical range of this species has been expanded. A distribution map is presented for all species.

Calothyrza Thomson, 1868 and Calothyrza margaritifera (Westwood, 1848) are recorded from Laos for the first time.Hind wings of both sexes and male terminalia are described for the first time.

Cleptometopus mniszechii mniszechii (Lacordaire, 1872) is recorded from China (Yunnan) for the first time. Hind wings of both genders and male terminalia of C. mniszechii mniszechii are described for the first time. Cleptometopus mniszechii rufovittatus Breuning, 1966 is resurrected from junior synonym of C. mniszechii mniszechii.

Two new Docosia Winnertz speciesD. babale sp. nov. and D. dali sp. nov.are described from Georgia (Transcaucasia) based on both morphological and molecular characters. Both new species, described from singletons, belong to a species group characterised by details in the male terminalia: bifid gonostylus, prominent medial process bearing ramified setae at the posteroventral margin of the gonocoxites, and delimited lateral extensions of the posteroventral margin of the gonocoxite. An updated phylogenetic hypothesis of the genus Docosia based on four DNA markers (28S, ITS2, COI, COII) is proposed.

Here, we describe two new species of Ceracis Mellié from Brazil: Ceracis exitelonotum sp. nov., from the Pantanal biome, based on specimens from Mato Grosso (Center-West Region of Brazil); and Ceracis tetradium sp. nov. from an urban area within the Atlantic Forest biome, based on specimens from Minas Gerais (Southeast Region of Brazil). Additionally, we describe and illustrate the male and female abdominal terminalia of Ceracis nigropunctatus Lawrence, which is morphologically similar to Cer. exitelonotum sp. nov., and provide the first report of its occurrence in Brazil.