Male Terminalia Research Articles

Synopsis of the stingless bees of the <i>favosa</i> group of the genus <i>Melipona</i> (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in Colombia

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are of great biological, economic, and culturally important group. In Colombia, species such as those of the favosa group of the genus Melipona with three species reported for the country especially stand out. However, these species have been traditionally differentiated based on the coloration of the integument, which is a highly variable character in individuals of the same species. On the other hand, the characters of the associated sterna, which are of taxonomic importance in the group, have never been reviewed. In this research, we studied the species of the favosa species group known for Colombia. We reviewed 377 individuals of the favosa group from different biogeographic regions where individuals have been reported, and we also reviewed the characters associated to coloration of the integument and the male terminalia of the specimens examined. Our results indicated that the characters of coloration traditionally used to separate the species were not consistent; we observed high variation even in individuals from the same nest. We also found that the sterna of males from different biogeographic regions did not differ from each other; however, they did differ from the sterna of M. orbignyi from Argentina and thus, bear characters of taxonomic importance for the group. These results indicate that the favosa group in Colombia is represented by a single species, Melipona favosa.

NEW DATA ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE GENUS TRICHOMYIA FROM ITALY (DIPTERA PSYCHODIDAE TRICHOMYIINAE)

Two new records of moth flies from Italy are presented: Trichomyia urbica Haliday in Curtis, 1839 and T. parvula Szabó, 1960. Photos of the habitus and male terminalia of latter species, and some unpublished photos of T. kviftei Morelli, 2018 are added for comparison. The new records provide a provisional account of the morphological and distributional knowledge of this neglected taxon in the Italian peninsula. Key Words: Diptera, Psychodidae, Trichomyiinae, Trichomyia, new records, Italy.

Presence of the genus Tepperia Lea (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Oriental Region, with new combination for a Philippine species and description of a new insular species associated with the looking-glass mangrove, Heritiera littoralis Dryand. ex Aiton (Malvaceae).

The genus Tepperia Lea, 1903 (Cryptorhynchinae: Cryptorhynchini) is recorded from the Oriental Region for the first time. A supplementary description of Tepperia sterculiae Lea, 1903 is given for the male terminalia and stridulatory organ. A new combination, Tepperia palawanica (Heller, 1913), comb. nov., is proposed and a male lectotype is designated for Cyamobolus palawanicus Heller, 1913, which was previously known from Cebu and Palawan Islands. Additionally, a new species, Tepperia vagabunda Tsuji & Yoshitake sp. nov., is described from Japan (the Ryukyus: Ishigakijima and Iriomotejima Islands) and Taiwan. These two species are associated with the looking-glass mangrove, Heritiera littoralis Dryand. ex Aiton (Malvaceae). Larvae of T. vagabunda feed inside the seeds where they also pupate.

Jumping plant lice (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) of Bulgaria - an annotated checklist.

Knowledge of the fauna of jumping plant lice or psyllids in Bulgaria is rather scattered. So far, 113 species of psyllids have been recorded from Bulgaria in 51 publications. The aim of this study is to provide an up-to-date checklist of the Psylloidea species from Bulgaria, based on extensive fieldwork by the authors and examination of specimens mainly from the Zoological Collection of Sofia University (BFUS) and the Moravian Museum in Brno (MMBC). In addition, a thorough review of all relevant literature was undertaken to consolidate the existing records. Twenty-five species of jumping plant lice are recorded here from Bulgaria for the first time. Of these, two species represent new records for Europe: Dyspersakantshavelii (Gegechkori, 1977) and Heterotriozakochiae (Gegechkori, 1975); and three additional species represent new records for the Balkan Peninsula: Arytainillaspartiicola (Šulc, 1912), Craspedoleptaaraneosa Loginova, 1962 and Eryngiofagababugani (Loginova, 1964). A new synonymy is proposed: Colposceniaosmanica Vondráček, 1953 = Colposceniakiritshenkoi Loginova, 1960, syn. nov. A lectotype is designated for C.osmanica to stabilise the nomenclature. Original drawings or photographs of diagnostic characters on male and female terminalia are provided for C.osmanica, D.kantshavelii, Heterotriozaeurotiae (Loginova, 1960) and H.kochiae. Distributional maps summarising all known records from Bulgaria are provided for each species. Where available, photographs of live or mounted specimens and information on host plants are also provided, including new host plant records for 10 species. The previously published records of Aphalarasauteri Burckhardt, 1983, Bactericeraacutipennis (Zetterstedt, 1828), B.reuteri (Šulc, 1913), Dyspersaapicalis (Foerster, 1848), D.viridula (Zetterstedt, 1828), Eryngiofagamesomela (Flor, 1861) and Triozadispar Löw, 1878 from Bulgaria are considered doubtful and these species are deleted from the list of the Bulgarian fauna, which now comprises 130 species from 33 genera and six families of jumping plant lice. This diversity is compared with the known data on Psylloidea in other countries of the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey and the Bulgarian psyllid fauna is discussed from the perspective of biogeography.

Four new species of Phytobia Lioy (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from the Brazilian Amazon, with an updated key to the Neotropical species.

Four new species of Phytobia Lioy (Diptera: Agromyzidae) are described based on specimens collected in four localities from the Brazilian Amazon: P. espositae sp. nov., P. munduruku sp. nov., P. piscivora sp. nov., and P. pium sp. nov. Figures of male terminalia and photographs of type specimens are presented. In addition, P. setitibialis Sasakawa and P. pluviasilvae Boucher are newly recorded from Brazil and P. megapodema Sousa & Couri is newly recorded for the Brazilian state of Acre. In addition, an updated key to the Neotropical Phytobia species is presented.

Description of Aposthonia limushana sp. nov. (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) from Hainan Province, China

Aposthonia limushana sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on male morphological characters from Hainan Province, China. This species is distinguished by a unique configuration of male terminalia, including an unmodified apically pointed left hemitergal process (10LP) and a finger-shaped right hemitergal process (10RP) with a rounded outer margin and truncate inner margin at its apex. This discovery elevates the number of documented Aposthonia species in China to three. A key to adult males of Chinese Aposthonia species is provided.

A review of the genera Atracodes Melichar and Pseudoflatoides Metcalf (Hemiptera: Flatidae: Flatoidinae) from the Caribbean region.

The genera Atracodes Melichar, and Pseudoflatoides Metcalf, are small Antillean genera in the flatid subfamily Flatoidinae. We found Pseudoflatoides to be a junior subjective synonym of Atracodes resulting in the transfer of four species (and seven subspecies). We revise the status of two subspecies of Atracodes fasciculosus comb. nov. to species level (as Atracodes fasciatus comb. nov. & stat. nov. and Atracodes vittatus comb. nov. & stat. nov.) based on characteristics of the male terminalia. Atracodes corrugatus Melichar (from Madagascar) is transferred to Lichenopsis Schmidt as Lichenopsis corrugata (Melichar), comb. nov. The resulting composition of Atracodes is 10 species, and four subspecies. We also compile available information on the two genera, provide a key to the American genera of Flatoidinae, along with a key to species of Atracodes, and suggest future work on the subfamily.

New subgenera of Ellipteroides Becker (Tipuloidea: Limoniidae) and their phylogenetic implications

A new subgenus of Ellipteroides—Jantares subgen. nov.—is reported from Eocene Baltic amber with one new species Ellipteroides (Jantares) hansi sp. nov. This new subgenus is easily distinguishable from the other subgenera by a male terminalia with interbases very long, a simplified gonostylus, wing venation by the combination of a closed discal cell and m-cu placed at Mb. After numerous comparisons of the morphological characteristics of subgenera of the genus Ellipteroides, we defined this species in a new subgenus. The newly described species herein is the second evidence on the occurrence of Ellipteroides in the fossil record. The new discovery adds to the knowledge of the crane flies’ history evolution, especially its Eocene stage and new view on phylogeny within the genus Ellipteroides. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out and we propose a new classification within the genus Ellipteroides. This system adds a new subgenera E. (Afroellipteroides) subgen. nov., E. (Iberiopteroides) subgen. nov., E. (Photogonomyia) subgen. nov., and new combinations intendent to correct morphological inconsistencies in the current taxonomy of the group. The results of the analysis are important for understanding phylogenetic relationships within the genus, but also for determining the model of various stages of evolution of Limoniidae using the fossil records of the family.

Morphological examination of Anthrenus oceanicus Fauvel (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae)

A morphological examination of Anthrenus oceanicus Fauvel is presented. This species is considered a member of the Palaearctic Anthrenus pimpinellae species complex. Descriptions and images of habitus features, male terminalia, and sclerites within the bursa copulatrix are presented. The distribution of A. oceanicus is provided. Anthrenus oceanicus differs in many respects from all other members of the A. pimpinellae species complex. The conclusion is that A. oceanicus belongs to a different taxonomic lineage than the rest of the A. pimpinellae complex species.

Redescription of Cis olivieri Mellié, 1849 (Coleoptera: Ciidae), with a new synonym and the first records from Brazil

Cis olivieri Mellié, 1849 is redescribed based on specimens from the type series and additional material from the Northeast and Southeast Regions of Brazil. Cis lemoulti Pic, 1923 is proposed as a junior synonym of Cis olivieri, and lectotypes are designated for both names. This study represents the first report of Cis olivieri in Brazil. Images of male and female terminalia, along with a distribution map, are provided.

The puzzling genus Xenomyia Malloch (Diptera, Muscidae): taxonomic notes, key to species and redescription of Xenomyia hirtibasis (Bigot).

Xenomyia Malloch (Diptera, Muscidae) is a very interesting genus that includes predacious species with unusual combinations of characters. It is exclusively found in the Afrotropical region and currently comprises 16 species. The recent collection of the species Xenomyia hirtibasis (Bigot) in South Africa, has prompted this study, in which the species is redescribed, including, for the first time, the morphology of male and female terminalia, until now known only for Xenomyia natalensis Zielke (cercal plate and surstyli) and Xenomyia osculata Pont & Werner (male and female). Additionally, a key for the identification of all 16 species is provided, along with diagnoses for each species. Besides the original illustrations, we have gathered all available illustrations of the species from the literature, to facilitate the identification of them. Finally, we provide a map with the known geographical distribution of the species.

Revision of the Afrotropical endemic Eumerus triangularis group (Diptera: Syrphidae: Merodontini) - Species with glistering antennae.

The Eumerus triangularis group (Diptera: Syrphidae: Merodontini), which is endemic to the Afrotropical Region, has been thoroughly reviewed. This study identifies nine species within the group, with four of them redescribed: E. rubidus Hull, 1964, E. tessellatus Hull, 1964, E. triangularis Hervé-Bazin, 1913, and E. villeneuvei Hervé-Bazin, 1913 and with the description of four new species - E. argentipedicellus Radenković, Vujić & Grković sp. nov., E. brunnipennis Radenković, Vujić & Grković sp. nov., E. clavicercus Radenković, Vujić & Grković sp. nov., and E. setifemoratus Radenković, Vujić & Grković sp. nov. Furthermore, the previously unknown male of E. rubidus and the female of E. tessellatus are described. This study includes illustrated identification keys for males and females, along with detailed drawings of male terminalia for all nine species. DNA sequences of two regions of the mitochondrial DNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene and cytochrome b, and a region of the nuclear ribosomal 28rRNA gene are used to confirm morphological identification. Both molecular and morphological analyses indicate the presence of two distinct clades within the E. triangularis species group.

Contribution to the systematics of the subgenus Tipula (Schummelia) (Diptera: Tipulidae), with the description of a new species from South Korea

The article contains the expanded and clarified diagnoses of the subgenus Schummelia Edwards, 1931 of the genus Tipula Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Tipulidae) and the type species of Schummelia, T. (Sch.) variicornis Schummel, 1833, which includes two subspecies. The diagnostic characters distinguishing Schummelia from the closely related subgenus Platytipula Matsumura, 1916 are discussed. The external and internal structures of the male terminalia of T. (Sch.) variicornis variicornis and T. (P.) insulicola fuscicauda Alexander, 1924 are illustrated and discussed. A new species of Schummelia from South Korea, T. (Sch.) baei sp. nov., is described and illustrated. Two species, Tipula (Sch.) crastina Alexander, 1941 and T. (Sch.) quiris Alexander, 1940, are transferred from Schummelia to Platytipula. The identification keys to males and females of Schummelia species of the Palaearctic Region are provided.

Review of the endemic New Zealand genus Halteriphorus Parent (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) with description of a new species

The type species of the previously monotypic genus Halteriphorus Parent, 1933 (Diptera, Dolichopodidae, Neurigoninae), H. mirabilis Parent, is redescribed. A second species, also from New Zealand, H. thorpei sp. nov., is described. Photos of habitus, illustrations of male and female terminalia, a distribution map of the species and an amended diagnosis for the genus are provided.

Shedding Light on the Shadows: Hidden Diversity in the Italian Embioptera.

In order to better understand the differences at the species level in webspinners (Embioptera), the authors applied a different approach rather than the usual slide mounting, which has been traditionally used in the study of these insects. The dissection of the male terminalia, besides avoiding the limits of definitive preparations, which prevent a complete comparison of the type material, allowed a complete understanding and comparison of these three-dimensional structures. This new method, which does not necessarily exclude the previous approach, allowed the authors to identify and describe three new species in Italy: from Tuscany (Embia specolensis sp. nov.), Ventotene Island (Embia pandateriensis sp. nov.), and Calabria (Embia brutia sp. nov.). Moreover, this charts a new path in the study of these interesting insects, which have so far been largely neglected. In addition to several new records resulting from the revision of some collections, this contribution provides an updated checklist and a provisional key for the Italian Embioptera.

Cleotychini planthoppers from Perth region in Western Australia: The new genus Femotyche gen. nov., and more… (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae)

The new genus Femotyche gen. nov. is described to accommodate two new species from Western Australia: Femotyche kerryae sp. nov. from Perth area and Femotyche hortorum sp. nov. from York. Illustrations of male and female type specimens and a distribution map are provided. The male terminalia as well as the female terminalia, habitat, host plant and live specimens of the new species are illustrated when available. The tribe Cleotychini now contains two genera, the genus Cleotyche Emeljanov, 1997 with two subgenera and five species and the genus Femotyche gen. nov. with two species. Data are provided on an additional, undescribed genus from the same geographic area, recorded from two species known only from photographs.

Records of Lonchaeidae (Diptera, Cyclorrhapha) from Togo and other African countries, with descriptions of new species.

Seventeen species of Lonchaeidae are recorded from the west African state of Togo amongst which are eight species new to science namely; Silba akloa sp. nov., Silba bambesa sp. nov., Silba kakamega sp. nov., Silba media sp. nov., Silba otandjobo sp. nov., Silba togoensis sp. nov., Silba tsifama sp. nov. and Silba zogbegani sp. nov. In addition, one new species, Fulgenta rwanda sp. nov., is added from material collected in Rwanda. Additional records are provided for the occurrence of the new species in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Uganda. The male terminalia of all species recorded are illustrated. An annotated checklist of the Lonchaeidae and a key to the Lonchaea and Silba species presently known from Togo are provided.

A new species of Agenamyia Albuquerque (Diptera: Muscidae) from Colombia.

Agenamyia Albuquerque, 1953 is exclusive of the Neotropical region and is a poorly studied group. Here we described one new species from Colombia, namely Agenamyia diversa sp. nov. (type-locality: Garzón, Las Mercedes, Parque Natural Regional Cerro Páramo Miraflores), and present an updated identification key to segregate all the species, including color images and illustrations of male terminalia. The distribution of all species from Colombia is mapped.

Molecular phylogeny and species diversity of the genus Dichaetophora Duda and related taxa (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Molecular phylogeny and species diversity of the genus Dichaetophora Duda and related taxa (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Small crickets of New Zealand (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Trigonidiidae and Mogoplistidae), with the description of two new genera and species

Crickets (Order Orthoptera, Infraorder Gryllidea) are under-represented in New Zealand, with a total of eight species identified and formally described thus far. These include three endemic species in the family Trigonidiidae: the trig Trigonidium (Metioche) maoricum (Walker, 1869) and the ground crickets Bobilla nigrova (Swan, 1972) and B. bigelowi (Swan, 1972). Scaly crickets (family Mogoplistidae) are naturally absent in New Zealand, but one species, Ornebius aperta Otte & Alexander, 1983, has established after introduction from Australia in the 1970s. In this work, I re-examine the small crickets (families Trigonidiidae and Mogoplistidae) from New Zealand based on 368 specimens collected throughout the country, their morphology, and their song. In the subfamily Nemobiinae, I provide new diagnostic characters to discriminate between the two native species in the genus Bobilla Otte & Alexander, 1983. Additionally, I identify two species in the genus Pteronemobius Jacobson, 1904; these are P. truncatus (Saussure, 1877) and P. cf. arima Otte & Alexander, 1983, both of which are believed to be recent arrivals from Australia. The latter had been thus far undetected in New Zealand. Finally, I describe two new species of mute Nemobiinae belonging to new monotypic genera, Austronemobius chelatus gen. et sp. nov. and Mutonemobius marmoratus gen. et sp. nov. In the subfamily Trigonidiinae, the species Trigonidium (Metioche) maoricum is moved back to the subgenus Trigonidium (Trigonidium) Rambur, 1838 based on morphology. Amended descriptions are provided for this genus and species. The Australian species Trigonidomorpha sjostedti Chopard, 1925 is synonymised with Trigonidium australianum (Chopard, 1925), and the genus Trigonidomorpha Chopard, 1925 is synonymised with Trigonidium Rambur, 1838. In the family Mogoplistidae, I show that Ornebius aperta has established in the Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki and Coromandel regions. Based on song and morphology of the male terminalia, populations in Northland may belong to a separate species, referred to in this work as Ornebius aff. aperta Otte & Alexander, 1983.