Tarsal Formula Research Articles

New genus, species, and faunistic records of the tribe Ripidiini (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae) from the mainland of China

Anatoripidius cylindricus gen. & sp. nov., a new genus and species of Ripidiinae Gerstaecker, 1855 from Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. The new genus is distinguished from other ripidiine genera by the combined characters that include postocular ommatidia missing, mouthparts strongly reduced, 11-segmented antennae, and others dealing with hind wings, and tarsal formula. A key to the extant genera of Ripidiini from the Palaearctic and Oriental regions is presented. Furthermore, Ripidius longicollis (Schilder, 1923) is newly recorded for the mainland of China, as well as redescribed and illustrated.

A second species of Mesosmicrips Kirejtshuk, 2017 (Coleoptera: Smicripidae) from Kachin amber

Mesosmicrips sunae Lyubarsky et Perkovsky sp.nov. is herein described from ca. 99 Ma mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar (Kachin State). It is the second species of Mesosmicrips described from Kachin amber. The new species differs from the type species of the genus and the hitherto only known congener by the very slightly elongate pronotum which is 1.1 times as long as wide, the absence of the short grooves on posterior fourth of pronotum, the obtuse posterolateral angles of pronotum, the protibiae parallel-sided in distal quarter, the length of the protibia being 5 times greater than width, and the longer elytra leaving only two apical visible tergites exposed. The tarsal formula (5-5-5) is characteristic for both Eocene and Cretaceous family members.

A new genus of Syntomiini rove beetles from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae)

A new genus and species of rove beetles, Vidya scabra gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a well-preserved amber specimen of the mid-Cretaceous period from northern Myanmar. The new genus is placed in the extant tribe Syntomiini Böving & Craighead of the subfamily Oxytelinae, based on the following combination of features: procoxal fissure open with exposed protrochantin, tibiae without spines, tarsal formula 5-5-5, weakly developed abdominal sternite II, immovably fused to sternite III, and a single pair of wide paratergites on each abdominal segment. Our discovery represents the first record of Syntomiini as amber bioinclusion and documents the palaeodiversity of Oxytelinae during the mid-Cretaceous.

Caradiophyodidae, a New Family of Micro-Wasps (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea) Based on the Description of Caradiophyodus saradae gen. et sp. nov. in Mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber.

The female micro-wasp in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber is described as a new genus and species in the extinct family Caradiophyodidae fam. nov. (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea). Features of the specimen are its small body size (1.3 mm), no elbows, elongated, 15-segmented antennae, a deep cleft in the top of its head, a tarsal formula of 5-5-5, a reduced venation with a small pterostigma but no uncus in the forewing, no anal lobe in the hind wing, and a possible coiled ovipositor in the metasoma. Large unidentified expanded structures, considered to be possible seeds, plant secretions, or host eggs, are attached to each antenna.

Euryachen seuzei, a new genus and species of Placusini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Brazil

The tribe Placusini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) consists five genera with worldwide distribution. Despite great morphological diversity, the species are easily recognized by their 4-4-5 tarsal formula and the two-articulated labial palpi, along with a broad and rounded ligula. Several synapomorphies proposed by earlier authors, both for larvae and adults, have led to the conclusion that the tribe now is considered monophyletic within Aleocharinae. Herein, a new genus and species of Placusini from Brazil is described and illustrated. Euryachen seuzei gen. et sp. nov. presents all the proposed synapomorphies for the tribe, in addition to unique characters. An updated key for the genera in Placusini is also provided.

Palaeotanyrhina exophthalma gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotanyrhinidae fam. nov.) (Reduvioidea: Hemiptera) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

Palaeotanyrhina exophthalma gen. et sp. nov. is described in a new family, Palaeotanyrhinidae fam. nov., (Reduvoidea: Hemiptera) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Diagnostic characters of Palaeotanyrhina exophthalma gen. et sp. nov. include large stalked eyes, an extended head, a 4-segmented labium that reaches the tip of the abdomen and an extremely short, vertical first segment, ocelli on a synthlipsic tubercle between the eyes, forewing membrane lacking veins, a 3-3-3 tarsal formula and fossula spongiosa on the fore tarsi.

The Earliest Corotocini (Insecta: Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Dominican Amber, with Remarks on Post-Imaginal Growth Influence on Termitophile Taxonomy.

Simple SummaryThe tribe Corotocini is one of the most diverse and morphologically specialized groups of rove beetles associated with termites. All species of Corotocini present some degree of membranous enlargement of the abdomen, called physogastry. The development of physogastry occurs after the beetle emerges from the pupa as an ordinary beetle and is accompanied by further modifications related to its sclerotized parts, which makes the early stages (stenogastrics) strikingly different from the fully developed forms (physogastrics). The present study reports the very first fossil record for Corotocini, with a new genus and species, Pareburniola dominicana gen. et. sp. nov., from Miocene Dominican Republic amber. The fossil is represented by a stenogastric individual, which poses challenges in the taxa description since the last stage of development remains unknown. We utilize the current knowledge of post-imaginal growth in Corotocini to understand what is likely and not likely to change in the morphology during this phenomenon.Pareburniola dominicana Zilberman, Yin & Cai gen. et. sp. nov. is the very first fossil record of the tribe Corotocini, reported from Miocene Dominican Republic amber. The new species, which is based on a stenogastric individual, is described and illustrated and is included in the subtribe Corotocina due to the combination of a tarsal formula 4-4-4, an elongated gula, a developed labial palp, a reduced fourth palpomere, separated metacoxae and a glandular structure on the posterior region of the head. Since the taxon belongs to the physogastric tribe Corotocini, which presents post-imaginal growth, this phenomenon is herein discussed, and its current knowledge is used to understand the possible outcomes during morphological changes in the fossil species.

The description of a new species of Anarthrotarsus Šilhavý from Greece and a discussion about the genus (Arachnida: Opiliones: Trogulidae)

Anarthrotarsus trichasi sp. nov., a second species of the genus Anarthrotarsus Šilhavý, 1967 is described based on fresh material from the northeastern part of the island of Crete, Greece. The male holotype of the type species of the genus Anarthrotarsus was discovered on the island of Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece, but no other conspecific specimens were found there ever since. This also holds true for the population from Crete, from where a female paratype was collected. Genital morphology of male specimens from both populations markedly differs, and that of the holotype from Corfu is even unique among Trogulidae. Though the tarsal formula (1-1-1-1 in the four walking legs) is identical in both populations, penis morphology, the main generic character of Anarthrotarsus, clearly separates them. A close relationship of A. trichasi sp. nov. with species of the genus Calathocratus Simon, 1879 is supposed but awaits molecular genetic affirmation.

Taxonomy of Whiteflies' Natural Enemies in Tamil Nadu Cotton Ecosystem

Native predators and parasitoids were identified against the invasive whiteflies in the cotton ecosystem. Over the past several decades, its control has been increasingly based on the use of its natural enemies. The natural enemies identified include Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Chrysoperla carnea, Diadiplosis sp, Orius insidiosus, two coleopteran beetles, Cybocephalus nipponicus, Delphastus catalinae and two species of Aphelinidae parasitoids, Encarsia guadeloupae and Encarsia dispersa. E. dispersa can be distinguished from E. guadeloupae by a combination of characters, including body colour, colour of the meso-scutellar suture, antennal segments, tarsal formula, etc. The identification of the predators and parasitoids was determined through taxonomical based on key characters. During the survey, several predators and parasitoids were recorded and maximum parasitism was recorded by Encarsia guadeloupae and Encarsia dispersa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Prototrichalus is transferred to the Tenebrionoidea: A comment on Molino-Olmedo et al., 2020, ‘The description of Prototrichalus gen. nov. And three new species from Burmese amber supports a mid-Cretaceous origin of the Metriorrhynchini (Coleoptera, Lycidae)’

Newly available specimens of Prototrichalus Molino-Olmedo et al., 2020 yield further diagnostic characters for the phylogenetic classification of this recently described genus. We show that Prototrichalus has tarsal formula 5-5-4, short trochanters, kidney-shaped eyes; the antennae are inserted in front of eyes and palpomeres substantially differ from all net-winged beetles. These characters identify tenebrionoid families as potential relatives of Prototrichalus. For example, extant and Eocene Ischalia Pascoe, 1860 (Anthicidae: Ischaliinae) resemble Prototrichalus in the structure of elytral costae and costal interspaces. As a result, we transfer Prototrichalus from Elateroidea: Lycidae to Tenebrionoidea incertae sedis. The earlier claim that Prototrichalus pushes the origin of Metriorrhynchini beyond earlier estimates is incorrect. The radiation of major net-winged beetle lineages was estimated ~123 million years ago and the deepest splits within Metriorrhynchini to 77–98 million years ago and these estimations were not considered in the discussion on Prototrichalus. We assume that the superficial similarity in the general appearance of Prototrichalus and net-winged beetles can be a result of mimicry in already very diverse Cretaceous beetles, but only further discoveries of additional species can provide robust evidence for the convergent evolution.

Carinicateres merkli gen. et sp. nov. from Thailand, with notes on identification of two lophocateride beetles used in recent molecular phylogenies (Cleroidea, Lophocateridae)

Carinicateres merkli gen. et sp. nov. of Lophocateridae from eastern Thailand is described. The monotypic genus is distinct in its unique synapomorphies, namely the tarsal formula 4-4-4, elytron with 2 complete and 3 incomplete carinae, antenna 10-segmented with 2-segmented club. The emarginate frontoclypeal suture, mandible with mola, prementum divided into two parts, cranium dorsally with large impressions, each with seta in centre, crenulate lateral margins of pronotum, and distinct dorsal vestiture are shared with lophocateride genera Indopeltis Crowson and Trichocateres Kolibáč. Two specimens affiliated to Lophocateres Olliff and recently used in three molecular phylogenetic analyses are unambiguously identified as members of the clade Ancyrona + Neaspis and associated with Neaspis Pascoe.

A New Genus of Cylindrical Bark Beetle (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber

A bizarre cylindrical bark beetle from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber is described as Stegastochlidus saraemcheana, a new genus and species in the subfamily Colydiinae of the family Zopheridae. The male beetle is characterized by elongate protuberances covering its entire dorsal surface, a tarsal formula of 4-4-4 and ten-segmented antennae with the terminal segment expanded into a small club. The fossil is considered to have been a possible predator that lived among moss, lichens and fungi either attached to trees trunks or on the forest floor. A close association with fungi is indicated by strands of conidia attached to the cuticle of the beetle.

Fossil evidence for sexual dimorphism in Monotomidae beetles from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

The male of Cretakarenni birmanicus Peris & Delclòs, 2015 is reported from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. The male has distinct modifications on its head and a different tarsal formula from the female. These sexual dimorphisms are consistent with extant monotomid beetles, and suggests that sexual dimorphism in Monotomidae had already appeared in the Cretaceous period.

TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE CHECKERED BEETLE GENUS ABABA CASEY (COLEOPTERA: CLERIDAE: ISOCLERINAE)

The checkered beetle genus Ababa is revised for the first time. Morphological evidence suggests that Thaneroclerinae and Isoclerinae comprise a monophyletic group. Based on the positional relationships between the pronotal projection and the prothoracic intercoxal process the isoclerine genus Ababa Casey is taken out of synonymy with Isoclerus Lewis. Cleridopsis Champion is considered to be a junior synonym of Ababa Casey. On the basis of the tarsal formula, the genus Allothaneroclerus Corporaal, with a tarsal formula of 5-5-5, is removed from Isoclerinae, whose genera show a 5-4-4 tarsal formula, and placed into the subfamily Thaneroclerinae. Ababa specimens were collected in fungi niches and it is postulated that the elongated stomodaeum found in adults serve as a crop to process soft food such as the eggs, larvae, and pupae of fungivorous prey. Ababa comprises A. adona Opitz, new species, A. epiiska Opitz, new species, A. granaria Opitz, new species, A. latimana (Champion), and A. tantilla (LeConte). A lectotype was designated for Ababa latimana (Champion). It is hypothesized that the ancestral stock of Ababa and Parateneroclerus evolved in the mid-Tertiary forests of South America. Included in this work are: A brief discussion about Ababa natural history, a discussion of Ababa phylogeny based on a phylogenetic tree generated by WINCLADA in conjunction with NONA, a Bootstrap consensus tree, a key to Ababa species, 10 scanning electron micrographs, one distribution map, four photographs of the aedeagus, and six color habitus photographs.

A New Species of the Family Smicripidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) from Rovno Amber

Smicrips fudalai sp. nov. described herein from Late Eocene Rovno amber. It is the first palmetto beetle from Ukraine, whereas the extant Smicrips species are common in the tropics and subtropics of the New World. The new species differs from all extinct species in narrower head (the head with eyes not wider than the pronotum), slender legs, non-dilated tibia without spurs, and elytra that leave only the pygidium exposed. This is the third Eocene European palmetto beetle species, but no fossil smicripids remain to be unknown from Dominican and Mexican amber or other New World fossil localities yet (extant species from Mexico and Hispaniola are known). The Early Cenozoic Smicripidae of the New World were perhaps related not to the macrothermal communities, but to the upper microthermal to lower mesotermal communities. The tarsal formula 5–5–5 is characteristic of both Eocene and Cretaceous representatives of the family.

New family Apotomouridae fam. nov. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) from lower Cenomanian amber of Myanmar

The new family Apotomouridae fam. nov. (Coleoptera: Polyphaga: Tenebrionoidea) is described based on Multispinus multispinosus gen. et sp. nov. and Apotomoura fortiscrura gen. et. sp. nov. from Burmese amber (lower Cenomanian, ca. 99 Ma). The retractile wedge-shaped body and tarsal formula 5-5-4 placed Apotomouridae fam. nov. in Tenebrionoidea. The new family shares similarities with the Mordellidae, whereas the absence of pygidium and the combination of other microstructures assigned it more closely to the Jurassic beetle genus Wuhua. The morphological characters suggest the similar flower feeding style as to Mordellidae and Ripiphoridae, which represent the flower diet and pollinating strategy in the Tenebrionoidea.

Furcalabratum burmanicum gen. et sp. nov., a Short-winged Flower Beetle (Coleoptera: Kateretidae) in mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber

A new genus and species of Short-winged Flower Beetle, Furcalabratum burmanicum gen. et sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Kateretidae), is described from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber. The new genus is characterized by its small size (2.6 mm in length), prognathous head with extended forked mandibles, porrect forked labrum, 11- segmented antenna terminated with a loose 3-segmented glabrous club, beaded chain around the rim of the compound eye, punctures on the head and pronotum, elytra with striae and irregular transverse grooves, ridged femora, tarsal formula 5-5-5 with membranous appendages on the first three tarsomeres, claws with a prominent basal tooth and abbreviated elytra exposing the terminal 3 tergites.

A Second Species of Heteropleacook (Hemiptera: Pleidae)

Abstract. Heteroplea is a Neotropical genus of Pleidae that is easily separated from other members of the family by having a distinct raised callus on the dorsal posterior of the head and sharing a 3,3,3 tarsal formula with the Palearctic genus Plea. Heteroplea acanthoscelis, n. sp. is described and can be differentiated from all other species of Pleidae in having raptorial spines on its prothoracic tibia, with smaller, similar spines on the mesothoracic tibia. With this description, H. acanthoscelis n. sp. becomes the second member of this genus; both species are currently known only from Venezuela.

Foranotum perforatum gen. et sp. nov.-a new troglobitic darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Kuhitangiinae: Foranotini trib. nov.) from a cave in Southern Zagros, Iran.

The troglobitic darkling beetle Foranotum perforatum gen. et sp. nov. from a cave in Southern Zagros Mountains (Iran) is described. This new taxon belongs to the family Tenebrionidae based on the following combination of characters: tarsal formula 5-5-4, antennal insertions concealed from above, antennae 11-segmented, mesocoxal cavities laterally closed by meso- and metaventrite. It is close to Kuhitangia kryzhanovskii Medvedev, 1962 by sharing a similar structure of procoxa (open cavities), labrum (reduced tormal arms) and prothorax (perforating holes on lateral sides of disc). Based on a comprehensive character analysis the subfamily Kuhitangiinae (type genus Kuhitangia Medvedev, 1962) is reestablished. Kuhitangiinae belongs to the pimelioid branch of the family Tenebrionidae based on open mouthparts (mentum small, exposing most of maxillae), mesocoxae externally closed by meso- and metaventrite, metacoxae externally narrowly closed by metaventrite and first abdominal ventrite, tentyrioid structure of abdominal ventrites (absence of membranes between abdominal ventrites 3-5) and absence of defensive glands. The subfamily Kuhitangiinae is divided into following two tribes: Kuhitangiini with a single species Kuhitangia kryzhanovskii Medvedev, 1962 and Foranotini trib. n. with Foranotum perforatum sp. nov. The new tribe differs from Kuhitangiini by the presence of trochanters and epipleura, structure of pronotum, abdominal ventrites and sculpture of meso- and metaventrites.

Western Palaearctic Trachyscelis Latreille, 1809 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Trachyscelini)

A review of supralitoral species of the genus Trachyscelis in the Western Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions with new data on distribution and morphology of five Palaearctic species is given. The new smallest eyeless and wingless species T. shokhini sp. nov. is described from Agadir (Morocco) and the new species T. kochi sp. nov. with reduced tarsomeres and eyes is described from Socotra Island (Yemen). The latter species is similar to T. subcoecus Koch, 1960, from which it differs by different number of ommatidia, different tarsal formula, different shape of clypeus and different body size. Trachyscelis leoi Lo Cascio & Grita, 2011 and T. litoralis Soldati, 2009 are found on Socotra Island for the first time, T. tenuestriatus Fairmaire, 1886 is new record for Iran. Catalogue of the tribe Trachyscelini of the world with 20 species of 3 genera is given. The key to eight Western Palaearctic and Afrotropical species of Trachyscelis is given.