Palaearctic Research Articles

The potential range and future distribution of the endangered lizard Darevskia clarkorum in the Caucasus Biodiversity Hotspot under climate change scenarios

The Clarks’ Lizard, Darevskia clarkorum is endemic to the Caucasian biodiversity hotspot, remarkable in terms of biogeography and evolutionary history in the Palearctic Realm. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current distribution pattern of this species as well as its possible changes under various future climate scenarios. Fieldwork was conducted in Northeastern Anatolia and the Caucasus between 2019 and 2022, and 64 occurrence records and five bioclimatic variables were analysed using Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) software. The annual temperature range is the most important variable influencing the distribution of this lizard species. The results showed that potential habitats for the Clarks’ Lizard are wider than its present distribution. It is predicted that under current climate change scenarios, this species’ range will be much more restricted than it is now. With rising greenhouse gas levels and solar radiation rates, the range of this species is expected to shift from northern Anatolia to the Caucasus mountainous areas, and would likely shrink in future. The remaining habitats of this lizard species may be significantly impacted by climate change and human-induced habitat modification.

A supplementary description of Typhlodromina conspicua (Garman) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Türkiye, with comments on its taxonomic status

ABSTRACT Typhlodromina conspicua (Garman) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and the genus Typhlodromina are reported from Türkiye for the first time. Many morphological details, including measurements of dorsal setae, were missing in its original description. In addition, there are inconsistencies regarding the dorsal setal lengths and number of macrosetae on leg IV among the redescriptions of this species by different authors. Most importantly, we observed five setae (pd absent) on trochanter I of this species, compared to six in many groups of the subfamily Typhlodrominae, which have been mainly reported from the Palearctic region. Therefore, a supplementary description and new illustrations of this species are provided, based on female specimens collected from Populus deltoides and P. nigra (Salicaceae) trees in Samsun Province on the Black Sea coast. In addition, the important diagnostic characters of this species are reviewed to facilitate species delimitation. Based on our examinations of two of the six known species of the genus, it appears that Typhlodromina spp. could be elevated to the level of tribe or subfamily, based on their distinctive morphological characters. However, additional molecular analysis, in combination with the use of morphological characters, would help to confirm the taxonomic status of Typhlodromina.

Discovery of a new soft-bodied click-beetle genus from Namibia with a unique morphology leads to a modified diagnosis of Drilini (Coleoptera, Elateridae).

Drilini are soft-bodied predatory click beetles with incompletely metamorphosed females. Approximately 150 described species are distributed in the Afrotropical, Palaearctic and Oriental realms, with the highest diversity known from sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we describe Namibdrilusalbertalleni gen. et sp. nov. from Namibia which brings the total number of genera in Drilini to 16. The discovery of this unique taxon sheds new light on the diversity and evolution of the enigmatic paedomorphic beetle lineage and is interesting for several reasons. This new species is the only known representative of Drilini that has unidentate mandibles and lacks a hook on the dorsal part of the aedeagal median lobe, two of the few characters heretofore used for the unambiguous identification of members of this group. Furthermore, based on its morphology it belongs to a group of genera (Drilus clade) which heretofore contained only taxa from the Palaearctic Realm. We provide an updated diagnosis of the tribe Drilini, as well as an updated diagnosis and an identification key for the genera of the Drilus clade based on adult males. Further, we explain how to easily recognize adult Drilini from similar-looking soft-bodied elateroids like Elateridae: Omalisinae, Rhagophthalmidae, and Lampyridae: Ototretinae.

Genetic structure of black soldier flies in northern Iran.

The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is known for nutrient-recycling through the bioconversion of organic waste into protein-rich insect larvae that can be processed into an animal feed ingredient. However, information on species distribution and its genetic structure in Iran is scarce. We directed a survey on the Caspian Sea coast, with a reconstructing demographic relationships study using two parts of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COI) gene (barcode and 3' end regions) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) to identify BSF' genetic diversity in retrospect to the global diversity and the potential origin of the Iranian BSF population. Larvae and adults were recovered from highly decomposed poultry manure, in May 2020. Sequence analysis of both regions of COI gene (about 1500 bp) revealed a single haplotype, identical to that of haplotype C, a worldwide commercial strain originated from Nearctic, Palearctic, or African biogeographic regions. However, the ITS2 locus was confirmed to be invariable across samples from diverse biogeographic regions. The results proved the presence of BSF in north of Iran. However, it is not possible to determine with certainty when and where this species first established in Iran, and they have likely been released to nature due to the existence of companies importing and breeding such flies. Due to heavy international trading, the introduction and settlement of this fly in the southern coasts of the country is highly suggested.

Phylogenomics of endemic Australian Ulopinae (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Cicadellidae).

Ulopinae is a distinctive subfamily of leafhoppers that is widely distributed across the Afrotropical, Palearctic, Indomalayan and Australasian regions. The ulopine fauna of Australia is entirely endemic and includes two tribes of striking appearance, the Ulopini and Cephalelini. Knowledge of these groups is fragmentary and in many instances, no information is available beyond original descriptions. We assess the monophyly, phylogenetic placement and species-level diversity of the Ulopini genus Austrolopa . Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data from target nuclear loci (18S , 28S , H2A and H3 ) and mitochondrial genomes (15 genes) for 23 membracoid taxa yielded congruent topologies. Our results provide strong evidence for the monophyly of Ulopinae and a clade consisting of Ulopini + Cephalelini. However, a non-monophyletic Cephalelini arises from within a polyphyletic Ulopini. Austrolopa was strongly recovered as monophyletic in all analyses, a result also supported by morphological features. The genus currently includes six species, three of which are described based on morphological and molecular data: Austrolopa botanica , sp. nov. , Austrolopa rotunda , sp. nov. and Austrolopa sublima , sp. nov. A lectotype designation is provided for Austrolopa kingensis Evans, 1937, sp. reval. Our findings illustrate that the Australian Ulopinae is far more diverse than currently circumscribed and several species of Austrolopa are yet to be recognised. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1480285B-8F61-4659-A929-2B1EF3168868.

Four new species of Laelius Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from Korea with an updated key to species in the Eastern Palaearctic region.

The genus Laelius Ashmead, 1893 (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) is a cosmopolitan bethylid genus with 68 valid species distributed across most zoogeographic regions worldwide. This taxonomic study on Korean species of Laelius has led to the description of four new species, namely L.afores sp. nov., L.atratus sp. nov., L.sulcatus sp. nov., and L.tricuspis sp. nov. Additionally, illustrations of the diagnostic characteristics of each species are provided, along with an updated key for 11 Laelius species from the Eastern Palaearctic region.

Review of the Palaearctic species of Apsilocera Bouček, 1956 (Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae), with descriptions of the eight new species.

Palaearctic species of the genus Apsilocera Bouček, 1956 are reviewed. Twelve Palaearctic species are recognized based on females, of which eight new species are described: Apsilocerabradburyi Tselikh, Lee & Ku, sp. nov. (Republic of Korea), A.budai Tselikh, Lee & Ku, sp. nov. (Republic of Korea), A.eleganta Tselikh, Haas & Ku, sp. nov. (Republic of Korea, Sweden), A.grandistigma Tselikh, Lee & Ku, sp. nov. (Republic of Korea), A.jejuensis Tselikh, Lee & Ku, sp. nov. (Republic of Korea), A.marina Tselikh, Lee & Ku, sp. nov. (Republic of Korea), A.totoroi Tselikh, Haas & Ku, sp. nov. (Germany, Japan, Sweden), and A.triapitzini Tselikh, Haas & Ku, sp. nov. (Russia, Republic of Korea, Sweden). The female of A.verticillata Bouček, 1956 is described for the first time. Apsiloceradupla Mitroiu & Achterberg, 2013 and A.elongata Mitroiu & Achterberg, 2013 are recorded from the Palaearctic region for the first time. An identification key to females of all Palaearctic species of Apsilocera is given.

Palearctic flea beetle and pest of hops and Cannabis, Psylliodesattenuata (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae), new to North America.

The univoltine leaf beetle Psylliodesattenuata (Koch, 1803) is a pest of Cannabis and Humulus (Cannabaceae) and native to the Palaearctic Region, known from eastern Asia to western Europe. First North American records are presented for P.attenuata from Canada: Ontario and Québec. Adult beetle feeding damage to hops Humuluslupulus L. (Cannabacaea) plants is recorded from Québec. Diagnostic information is presented to distinguish P.attenuata from other North American Chrysomelidae and a preliminary assessment of its potential to spread in North America is presented. While our climate analysis is limited by a lack of data, it appears P.attenuata is physiologically capable of persisting throughout the range of Humulus in North America.The United States of America and Canada are now known to be home to 71 or more species of adventive Chrysomelidae.

First report of Phytophthora ramorum on Cotoneaster sp. in the USA.

Cotoneaster (Rosaceae) is a genus of woody plants native to the Palearctic region which includes popular ornamental plants; some are invasive in parts of the USA. In May 2022 symptomatic leaves were detected on Cotoneaster pannosus (Silverleaf Cotoneaster) in Marin County, California (37.89165, -122.56755 ), an area infested heavily by Phytophthora ramorum, causal agent of Sudden Oak Death. Symptoms consisted of dark brown necrotic spots mostly near the tips and sometimes on the margin of the leaves, covering less than half of the leaf surface; no die-back or symptoms on twigs were detected. Diseased leaves were surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol, washed twice with de-ionized water, and placed on PARPH(V8) media. Two Phytophthora ramorum like isolates (NORS058 and NORS059) were obtained from different leaf samples from the same tree and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was sequenced. Both sequences were deposited in GenBank (OR224345 and OR224346). NORS058 and NORS059 showed 99.88% and 99.75% sequence identity to P. ramorum strain Ex-type CPHST BL 55G (MG865581.1). Detached leaves of C. pannosus and C. lacteus (Milkflower Cotoneaster) were inoculated with mycelial plugs of P. ramorum NORS058, and incubated at 20°C. Both species developed necrotic leaf spots seven days post inoculation (dpi). Sporulation of the pathogen was observed on symptomatic leaves of C. lacteus. P. ramorum was reisolated from the symptomatic leaf tissue from both Cotoneaster species. Pathogenicity tests were also performed on whole plants of C. dammeri (Bearberry Cotoneaster) using the strain NORS058. Five plants each were inoculated using three different methods: 1) a zoospore solution (concentration 2.5 x10E5 spores/mL) were sprayed on the plant surface until run off. Ten leaves per plant were wounded with a needle, the remaining leaves were not wounded; 2) 200 µL of the zoospore solution in a PCR tube were attached to 5 leaves of each plant; and 3) 10 mL of the zoospore solution was drenched into the potting mix of the five plants. Control plants were treated as above but with water instead of the zoospore solution. Leaf spots developed 7 dpi on plants sprayed with zoospores on wounded leaves; and 10 dpi on plants treated with zoospores in the tube. P. ramorum was reisolated from symptomatic leaves treated with the first two methods mentioned above. Plants treated with a soil drench did not develop symptoms on the aerial parts or on roots that were sampled 50 dpi. Tests using AGDIA- immunostrips of the roots were negative. Control plants showed no aerial or root symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. ramorum occurring on Cotoneaster in the USA. Previously, inoculation of detached leaves of C. dammeri and C. horizontalis with P. ramorum in Serbia resulted in symptom expression (Bulajić et al. 2010). P. ramorum was reported from a Cotoneaster sp. in the UK in 2010, but no further information were presented (FERA 2015). The tree sampled in 2022 showed symptoms again in spring 2023 and official regulatory samples were taken by the CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) and confirmed by the USDA. During a survey in 2023, more symptomatic Cotoneaster plants were detected in Marin County, California, indicating Cotoneaster might play a role in the epidemiology of the disease.

On the checkered beetle species (Coleoptera: Cleridae) in the collections of “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History, Bucharest (Romania)

The paper deals with twenty-five species of checkered beetles of the Palaearctic Region preserved in the collections of “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History. All species have been revised. Within these species, Trichodes apiarius has been found to be the most common and widespread species in Romania.

On the immature stages of some Merodontini hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Europe and Africa

The genera Eumerus and Merodon (Syrphidae: Merodontini) form together the most speciose grouping of hoverflies in the Palaearctic Region. However, little is known about the morphology and biology of their larvae. The few larvae of Eumerus and Merodon that have been uncovered are phytophagous in underground organs of plants (some Eumerus and all Merodon) or saprophagous in a variety of plants' parts (the reminder of Eumerus). In this study, the second larval stage (L2) of Eumerus lyneborgi Ricarte & Hauser, 2020 and both the larva (L2) and puparium of Merodon constans (Rossi, 1794) are described for the first time. Larvae of E. lyneborgi were found in a decaying stem of Cyphostemma juttae (Dinter & Gilg) Desc., 1960 (Vitaceae) in Namibia (Africa), while larvae of M. constans were collected in bulbs of Leucojum vernum Linnaeus, 1753, (Amaryllidaceae) in France (Europe). Morphology of the immature forms was studied by observation and imaging with stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The head skeleton of E. lyneborgi larvae was found to be of the filter feeding type, i.e., in accordance with a saprophagous trophic regime, while that of M. constans was typically phytophagous. Variability in certain characters of the M. constans early stages is described and discussed in relation to the adult form and molecular information published in literature. An updated identification key to all known third larval stages/puparia of Merodon is provided.

The Description of Neoechinorhynchus miniovalis n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from the Mudskipper Boleophthalmus dussumieri Valenciennes (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) in Shatt Al-Basrah Canal Southern Iraq.

The aim of this article isto describe a new and unusual species of Neoechinoprhynchus Stiles & Hassall, 1905 from the Arabian Gulf coast off Iraq. Routine methods for examination of fish hosts and recovery of acanthocephalean parasites were followed. Parasites were cleaned, relaxed overnight in refrigerated water then fixed in cold 70% ethanol. Standard procedure for staining, dehydration, clearing in xylene and mounting in Canada balsam was followed. Neoechinorhynchus miniovalis n. sp. is described from five whole-mounted specimens collected from the mudskipper Boleophthalmus dussumieri Valenciennes (Oxudericidae) captured in Shatt Al-Basrah Canal, Iraq in 2008. It is distinguished from other species of Neoechinorhynchus Stiles and Hassall, 1905 by a combination of the following diagnostic characters: very small ellipsoid trunk with tapering posterior end and correspondingly small size organs; body wall with similar thickness dorso-ventrally; proboscis wider than long with long anterior hooks having prominent roots; hooks in second and third circles much smaller and rootless; receptacle 5-6 times as long as proboscis with a triangular cephalic ganglion at its base; no para-receptacle structure; lemnisci relatively long and equal, not reaching anterior testis; all male reproductive structures contiguous in posterior two-thirds of trunk; testes equatorial and much wider than long; anterior testis smaller than posterior testis; large syncytial cement gland with six giant nuclei; cement reservoir adjacent to anterior end of sperm vesicle adjacent to Saefftigen's pouch. No sexual dimorphism except that the trunk is more rounded in females than in males. The female reproductive system is about one-third as long as the trunk with the selective apparatus in two positions and uterine bell angulating ventrad. Female lemnisci are longer than in males. Comparisons with worldwide and North American-related species that have partially similar features are made. The finding of Neoechinorhynchus miniovalis n. sp. with unusual small body and wide ellipsoid shape acanthocephalan is considered the first acanthocephalan species belonging to Neoechinorhynchus reported from Palearctic region compared to similar seven species reported only from Neotropical (three species), Nearctic regions (two species), far east (one species) and oriental (one species).

A new Acrulia species from Danish amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Omaliini)

ABSTRACT Acrulia danica Shavrin sp. n. from late Eocene Danish amber is described and illustrated based on a female holotype. The new species, embedded within a small piece of amber, was scanned using X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), to enable the detailed study of its morphology including the taxonomically important structure of the accessory sclerite. Previously, only three extant species of the genus Acrulia Thomson, 1858 were known from the Palaearctic Region. The new species is compared with extant congeners and the importance of a detailed study of the fossil entomofauna of the Danish amber is discussed in view of the hypotheses about its different origin from other European ambers. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:67972F3A-DF6A-48D5-A4BD-96EF8AA87DCF

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New distinguishing genus, Oxybelochardus gen. nov., belonging to the tribe Oxybelini (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), with the type species Oxybelochardus iraqensis sp. nov. from Iraq, have been described and illustrated. The diagnostic characters and differences from the close genera that were distributed and listed in the Palearctic Region are presented.

First record of the plant bug genus Punctifulvius Schmitz from the Oriental Region, with descriptions of three new species (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Cylapinae).

Three new species of the fungal-inhabiting plant bug genus Punctifulvius Schmitz, 1978 (Cylapinae: Fulviini) are described, namely P. aleksanderi n. sp. from Selangor, Malaysia, P. parvus n. sp. from East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and P. sakaerat n. sp. from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The present discovery represents the first record of the genus from the Oriental Region. Punctifulvius members are now confirmed to be widespread from the cold temperate climatic zones in the eastern Palearctic regions, across the tropics of the Oriental Region, to the temperate rainforest of Australia. Punctifulvius kerzhneri Schmitz, 1978 is recorded from Taiwan for the first time. The systematic position of Teratofulvioides Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 is discussed, and its single species Teratofulvioides punctatus Carvalho & Lorenzato, 1978 is redescribed. Color adult habitus images of Punctifulvius aleksanderi, P. kerzhneri, P. parvus, P. sakaerat, and Teratofulvius punctatus, images of male (P. parvus and P. sakaerat) and female (P. aleksanderi) genitalic structures, as well as scanning electron micrographs of selected structures of P. aleksanderi, P. kerzhneri, P. parvus, P. sakaerat, and T. punctatus are provided. Key to the species of Punctifulvius is given.

A new bee fly species of the genus Phthiria (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Phthiriinae, Phthiriini) from the west of Iran.

Phthiria portokali sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the west of Iran based on specimens collected by white pan traps. The new species is unique in having a large tortoise-shell-shaped orange pattern on the dorsum of the mesonotum of the female specimens. This character has not been seen among the other species described from the Palaearctic Region.

First Molecular-Based Confirmation of Dermacentor marginatus and Associated Rickettsia raoultii and Anaplasma marginale in the Hindu Kush Mountain Range

Ticks of the genus Dermacentor Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) are poorly known systematically due to their habitation in harsh topographic environments and high mountains. Dermacentor ticks are diversely distributed in the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. There is no available information on the occurrence of Dermacentor marginatus in Pakistan; thus, the current investigation aimed the first morphological and molecular confirmation of this species and associated Anaplasma marginale and Rickettsia raoultii. Ticks were collected from goats (Capra hircus) and morphologically identified. Genomic DNA was extracted from 18/26 (69.23%) tick specimens, including 11 males and 7 females (1 unfed and 6 fed females). Extracted DNA was subjected to PCR for the amplification of genetic markers like 16S rDNA and cox1 for ticks, 16S rDNA for Anaplasma spp., and gltA and ompB for Rickettsia spp. A total of 26 D. marginatus ticks composed of 19 males (73.07%) and 7 females (26.9%) [1 (3.84%) unfed and 6 (23.07%) fed females] were collected from goats. According to amplicons via BLAST analysis, the 16S rDNA sequence showed 97.28–98.85% identity and the cox1 sequence showed 95.82–98.03% identity with D. marginatus. Additionally, the 16S rDNA sequence for Anaplasma sp. was detected in D. marginatus that showed 100% identity with Anaplasma marginale. Rickettsial gltA and ompB sequences for Rickettsia sp. showed 100% identity with Rickettsia raoultii. In phylogenetic analysis, ticks’ 16S rDNA and cox1 sequences clustered with the same species. In phylogenetic analysis, A. marginale based on 16 rDNA clustered with A. marginale, while gltA and ompB sequences clustered with R. raoultii. This is the first study on the genetic characterization of D. marginatus and associated A. marginale and R. raoultii in Pakistan. The northern areas of Pakistan, which need to be explored in terms of ticks and associated pathogens due to their zoonotic threats, have been neglected due to the inaccessible climatic conditions.

Comparative mitochondrial genome analysis of three leafhopper species of the genus Abrus Dai & Zhang (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China with phylogenetic implication

BackgroundThe phylogenetic position and classification of Athysanini are poorly defined, as it includes a large group of polyphyletic genera that have historically been assigned to it mainly because they still exhibit the most typical deltocephaline genitalic and external body characters but lack the distinctive characteristics that other tribes possess. The bamboo-feeding leafhopper genus Abrus belong to the tribe Athysanini of subfamily Deltocephalinae, which currently comprises 19 valid described species, and are limited to the Oriental and Palaearctic regions in China. Although the taxonomy of Abrus are well updated, the references on comparative mitogenomic analyses of Abrus species are only known for a single species. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Abrus daozhenensis Chen, Yang & Li, 2012 (16,391bp) and A. yunshanensis Chen, Yang & Li, 2012 (15,768bp) (Athysanini), and compared with published mitogenome sequence of A. expansivus Xing & Li, 2014 (15,904bp).ResultsThese Abrus species shared highly conserved mitogenomes with similar gene order to that of the putative ancestral insect with 37 typical genes and a non-coding A + T-rich region. The nucleotide composition of these genomes is highly biased toward A + T nucleotides (76.2%, 76.3%, and 74.7%), AT-skews (0.091 to 0.095, and 0.095), negative GC-skews (− 0.138, − 0.161, and − 0.138), and codon usage. All 22 tRNA genes had typical cloverleaf secondary structures, except for trnS1 (AGN) which lacks the dihydrouridine arm, and distinctively trnG in the mitogenome of A. expansivus lacks the TψC arm. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 PCGs, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes consistently recovered the monophyletic Opsiini, Penthimiini, Selenocephalini, Scaphoideini, and Athysanini (except Watanabella graminea, previously sequenced species as Chlorotettix nigromaculatus) based on limited available mitogenome sequence data of 37 species.ConclusionAt present, Abrus belongs to the tribe Athysanini based on both morphological and molecular datasets, which is strongly supported in present phylogenetic analyses in both BI and ML methods using the six concatenated datasets: amino acid sequences and nucleotides from different combinations of protein-coding genes (PCGs), ribosomal RNA (rRNAs), and transfer RNA (tRNAs). Phylogenetic trees reconstructed herein based on the BI and ML analyses consistently recovered monophylitic Athysanini, except Watanabella graminea (Athysanini) in Opsiini with high support values.

Three new species of Illiesonemoura Baumann, 1975 (Plecoptera, Nemouridae) from China.

The genus Illiesonemoura Baumann, 1975 (Plecoptera, Nemouridae) is a small-sized stonefly with slender and curved embranous cerci. Currently, 18 species of the genus are known worldwide, mainly distributed in the Palaearctic and Oriental Regions, with a total of two species known to China. Three new species of Illiesonemoura Baumann, 1975, I.bituberculata Wang & Du, sp. nov., I.motuoensis Du & Ji, sp. nov. and I.weii Du & Ji, sp. nov. are described and illustrated, based on male adults from China. Illiesonemourabituberculata is characterised by two pairs of tubercles arising posteromedially from tergum 10 and by two rows of spinules outlining the lateral edge of the ventral sclerite of the epiproct. Illiesonemouramotuoensis is characterised by the heart-shaped epiproct with a thin and slightly sclerotised protrusion between the sclerotised bands. Illiesonemouraweii is characterised by a pair of small knobs on tergum 10, outer lobes of paraprocts basally broad, then slender towards apices with a pointed tip and the epiproct with lateral spinules.

Two new species of the genus Aporinellus Banks, 1911 from China, with a key to species from Palearctic and Oriental regions (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

ABSTRACT The genus Aporinellus Banks (Pompilidae: Pompilinae: Pompilini) from China is reviewed, with the description of two new species from Yunnan, Henan and Zhejiang, namely Aporinellus magnidentatus Dong et Ma, sp. nov. and Aporinellus maculitibialis Dong et Ma, sp. nov. Two newly recorded species from Yunnan and Inner Mongolia are illustrated, namely, Aporinellus sexmaculatus (Spinola, 1805) and Aporinellus thaianus Tsuneki, 1988b. Additionally, a key to the species of Aporinellus from Palearctic and Oriental regions is provided.