Identification Key Research Articles

CERASTIUM MAHMUTKILINCII (CARYOPHYLLACEAE), A NEW SPECIES FROM TÜRKIYE

Cerastium (Caryophyllaceae) is a taxonomically difficult genus of over than 100 species. The flora of Türkiye include 30 species of Cerastium, of which 9 are endemics. A further species (Cerastium mahmutkilincii sp. nov.), belonging to sect. Cerastium subsect. Grandiflora, was proposed here based on a morphological investigation of herbarium specimens. The new species is only known from the Erbaa-Tokat region (North Anatolia) and it is similar to C. szowitsii and C. araraticum, but differs from both by the hairy filaments and sparsely glandular (eglandular hairy in both C. szowitsii and C. araraticum) and multicellular hairy stem indumentum (usually simple hairy in C. szowitsii and C. araraticum). It also differs from C. araraticum by a hairy claw at the base (glabrous in C. araraticum). Data about the ecology and phenology, as well as a identification key of the Turkish members of subsect. Grandiflora are also given; lacking sufficient data, the IUCN conservation status was assessed as DD (Data Deficient). As a result, with the new species in this article, the number of Cerastium species in Türkiye has increased to 31 and the number of endemic taxa to 10.

A survey of keys for the identification of newly described insect genera: recommendations for authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers.

Large numbers of new taxa are described annually and while there is a great need to make them identifiable, there seems little consistency in how this might be facilitated. 427 papers published in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed, which described 587 new insect genera. Only 136 of these papers included keys, and these allowed the identification of 233 of the new genera (31.9% of papers and 39.7% of the new genera). The proportion of papers that included a key varied significantly among insect orders but not among the handful of journals wherein the bulk of the new genera were described. Overall, for 17 key-related variables assessed in a binary fashion (optimal vs suboptimal), the average key had almost six criteria that were scored as being suboptimal. For example, less than one-fifth facilitated retracing and less than 12% had illustrated keys where the images were conveniently located close to the relevant key couplets. Progress towards confirming a putative identification was possible in all papers, through the inclusion of a diagnosis, habitus images, or both. Based upon this analysis, and expanding on previous suggestions for key construction, 23 recommendations are made on how to make an identification key maximally useful for users and I indicate the relative ease with which each could be adhered to. Identification keys should accompany all new taxon descriptions, guidelines for effective key construction should be added to journals' instructions to authors, editors and reviewers should check keys carefully, and publishers should be attentive to the needs of users through, for example, permitting duplication of images to make keys easier to use. Recommendations are likely relevant to all levels in the taxonomic hierarchy for all organisms, despite the data being derived from generic-level keys for insects.

Anatomía del pecíolo de 16 especies de Polypodiaceae presentes en México

Background and aims: Several works have shown that the petiole possesses useful anatomical characteristics for differentiating groups. Therefore, we carried out a descriptive and comparative anatomical study of the basal, middle, and apical regions of the petiole of 16 species belonging to 8 genera of Polypodioideae growing in Mexico, to identify anatomical characters that can contribute to their delimitation and identification M&M: Samples were collected from the basal, middle, and apical regions of the petiole and processed according to the paraffin embedding technique to obtain permanent preparations. The generated information was evaluated through a clustering analysis and a principal component analysis. Results: All petioles showed an unistratified epidermis, a cortex differentiated into external and internal, and vascular bundles with Polypodium-type distribution. Differences were registered in the petiole diameter, indument type, circumendodermal band, and number of vascular bundles. Four types of external cortex are recognized and the presence of nectaries in Campyloneurum amphostenon and C. costatum is reported for the first time, as well as the glandular hairs inserted at the base of the scales in Microgramma percussa. Identification keys were elaborated. Conclusions: The anatomical characteristics of the petiole allow us to differentiate taxonomically the genera and most of the species analyzed, the most important traits being the petiole diameter, the characteristics of the circumendodermal band, and the presence of aerophores and/or wings

A checklist of moths in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, in the western Himalayan foothills, India

In the first ever enumeration of moth diversity of Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, India, located mostly in the Shivalik range, 82 species/morphospecies were reported, at least 22 of which are new records for Himachal Pradesh, and five are new records for Western Himalayas. In addition to a list of moths for the district supplemented with photographs, identification keys for similar species, larval host plants for species, and a near exhaustive dataset of distribution of the species/genera within and outside India are also provided.

Pollen atlas from bat guano deposits in southeastern Amazonia

The botanical literature lacks pollen resources such as atlases and identification keys for bat guano deposits. To address this gap, our dataset describes modern pollen and spore assemblages from five caves in the Carajás region, southeastern Amazonia. A comprehensive atlas featuring illustrations and detailed descriptions of pollen and spores was created using both original and published data. It aims to simplify the identification of different pollen and spores taxa within bat guano deposits, featuring light micrographs and descriptions of 105 pollen taxa, including 81 arboreal and shrub taxa, 11 lianas taxa, 7 herbaceous taxa, 3 palm taxa, and 3 ferns. Among the total pollen assemblage, entomophilous plant taxa represented 42.8%, followed by wind-pollinated taxa at 9.5% and bat-pollinated taxa at 7.6%. Our data indicate that bat guano can provide valuable information on plant taxa that are underrepresented in more traditional pollen sampling sites such as peat bogs and lake sediments.

Hedypnois rhagadioloides (Asteraceae; Cichorieae): An alien plant found at Busan New Port

The alien plant Hedypnois rhagadioloides (L.) F. W. Schmidt was found at Busan New Port. The genus Hedypnois Mill, to which this species belongs, is a new record in the flora of the Republic of Korea; it is related to the genera Hypochaeris L. and Picris L. Hedypnois but can be distinctly distinguished from these two genera by its pappus, which consists of scale-like bristles. Additionally, during fruiting, plants of this genus exhibit an inflated and ridged peduncle, and its inner phyllaries become hardened, curved, and envelop the outer cypselae. The cypselae have shallow longitudinal ridges and scales on their surface. This study provides photographs of H. rhagadioloides along with descriptions of the genus and species, as well as identification keys based on morphological research.

Molecular Markers for Analyses of Genetic Diversity within the Anastrepha fraterculus Complex with Emphasis on Argentine Populations.

The South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedmann) has a vast range extending from northern Mexico, through Central America, to South America where it is an extremely polyphagous pest of wild and cultivated fruits. It is a complex of cryptic species currently composed of eight recognised morphotypes: "Mexican", "Venezuelan", "Andean", "Peruvian", "Ecuadorian", and the three Brazilian morphotypes "Brazilian-1", "Brazilian-2", and "Brazilian-3". Molecular markers that can identify the member species of the complex are crucial for the implementation of effective pest control measures, such as the sterile insect technique. The object of this study was to evaluate the use of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence for discriminating several members of the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex (Mexican, Peruvian, and Brazilian-1) and a related species, Anastrepha schultzi Blanchard. The analysis highlighted significant genetic differentiation between the evaluated morphotypes, allowed their discrimination within the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex, and provided new insights into their genetic relationships. The ITS2 marker provides a basis for the development of taxonomic keys for the discrimination of the cryptic taxa within the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex. ITS2 also represents an important marker for the poorly studied species A. schultzi.

Machine Learning Approach to Support Taxonomic Discrimination of Mayflies Species Based on Morphologic Data.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offer objective solutions in the elaboration of taxonomic keys, such as the processing of large numbers of samples, aiding in the species identification, and optimizing the time required for this process. We utilized ML to study the morphological data of eight species of Americabaetis Kluge 1992, a diverse genus in South American freshwater environments. Decision trees were employed, examining specimens from the Museu de Entomologia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFVB/Brazil) and literature data. Eleven morphological traits of taxonomic importance from the literature, including frontal keel, shape of the mouthparts, and abdominal color pattern, were analyzed. The decision tree obtained with the Gini algorithm effectively differentiates eight species (40% of the known species), using only eight morphological characters. Our analysis revealed distinct groups within Americabaetis alphus Lugo-Ortiz and McCafferty 1996a, based on variations in abdominal tracheae pigmentation. This study introduces a novel approach, integrating AI techniques, biological collections, and literature data for aid in the Americabaetis species identification. It provides a valuable tool for taxonomic research on contemporary and extinct mayflies.

Bionomics and distribution of malaria vectors in Kisumu city, Western Kenya: Implications for urban malaria transmission.

Increasing urbanization in tropical Africa may create new niches for malaria vectors, potentially leading to higher disease transmission rates. Vector control efforts remain largely targeted at ecologically rural bio-complexities with multiple hosts. Understanding mosquito species composition, ecology, host diversity and biting behavior in urban areas is crucial for planning effective control. This study assessed mosquito species diversity, abundance, behavioral patterns, and Plasmodium sporozoite infection rates of Anopheles vectors along an urban-rural transect in Kisumu city, western Kenya. Indoor and outdoor host-seeking and resting adult mosquitoes were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps (CDC-LT) and mechanical aspirators (Prokopack) along an urban-rural transect. Females Anopheles mosquitoes collected were identified using morphological taxonomic keys to species level. Specimens belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex and Anopheles funestus group were further processed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify members of each complex/group. Subsequently, sporozoite infection rates of the anopheline mosquitoes were determined using a multiplexed real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. A total of 3,394 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified. These comprised of An. gambiae s.l. (68%), An. funestus group (19.8%), An. coustani (7.8%), An. pharoensis (2.6%), An. maculipalipis (1.6%), and An. leesoni(0.2%). All six species were found in urban zone, but only three were found in peri-urban and rural sites. Overall, urban collections accounted for the majority of these collections (55.5%) of mosquitoes collected, followed by those from peri-urban (30%) and rural sites (14.5%). Species distribution across the three ecotypes showed Anopheles arabiensis was the dominant species in urban (84.3%) and peri-urban (89%) sites, while An. gambiae s.s. was predominantly found in the rural zone (60.2%) alongside An. arabiensis (39.7%). Anopheles funestus was the predominant species in peri-urban (98.4%) and rural (85.7%) areas, with An. leesoni accounted for 1.6% and 14.3%, respectively. In urban areas, all samples from the An. funestus group were identified as An. funestus s.s.. Majority (55.5%) of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected indoors, while secondary vectors were primarily caught outdoors. Overall, sporozoite rates were higher outdoors 3.5% compared to indoors 1.45% in rural areas. Specifically, sporozoite infectivity rates for An. funestus, An. gambiae s.s and An. arabiensis collected indoors in the rural zone was 2.5%, 1.4% and 1% respectively. Outdoors in rural areas, An. gambiae had a sporozoite rate of 5.3%, while An. arabiensis had a rate of 2.1%. In peri-urban areas An. gambiae had a sporozoite rate of 2.3%. No sporozoites were detected in samples from urban sites. The study highlights a shift of diversity of Anopheles species towards urban areas with increased outdoor activity, and significant outdoor malaria transmission in rural and peri-urban areas, emphasizing the need for tools targeting outdoor-biting mosquitoes. The presence of An. funestus in urban settings is of interest and highlights the critical importance of sustained entomological surveillance to inform integrated vector control and prevent future transmission risks.

New species of the neotropical genus Neolirata Torréns & Heraty (Hymenoptera, Eucharitidae) in Brazil, with morphological diagnosis, molecular characterization, images, maps, and updating of the identification key

Three new species of Neolirata Torréns & Heraty from Brazil are described, Neolirata kallainan. sp., Neolirata longiflabellatan. sp. and, Neolirata striatan. sp. We provide a morphological and molecular (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) characterization. We also provide a discussion focused on the placement and the relationship between Neolirata and the related genera in the Kapala clade using molecular data. Also, an update of the identification key for the species of Neolirata, images, and distribution maps for the species are provided.

Four new species and two new records of deep-sea Amphipoda (Crustacea: Peracarida) from Potiguar Basin, north-eastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Deep-sea amphipods constitute an important part of the ocean benthos, although their species richness is far from fully known. During a survey of the project ‘Avaliação da Biota Bentônica e Planctônica na porção offshore das Bacias Potiguar e Ceará’ (BPOT), four new species and two new records of amphipods were reported from north-eastern Brazil. The material was collected by bottom trawl nets at depths from 150 to 2057 m in the Potiguar Basin. The species Adeliella debroyeri sp. n., Alexandrella cedrici sp. n., Epimeria colemani sp. n. and Tectovalopsis potiguara sp. n. are established based on morphological comparisons with their congeners, properly illustrated and discussed. We present the first record of the family Adeliellidae Lowry and Myers, 2017 and genus Adeliella Nicholls, 1938 for the South Atlantic Ocean and the first report of the family Stilipedidae from Brazil. The species Cyphocaris johnsoni Shoemaker, 1934 is herein first recorded from Brazil, providing a geographic and depth range extension, and Parandania boecki (Stebbing, 1888) is reported for the first time in the Rio Grande do Norte state. Additionally, identification keys are provided for global species of Adeliella, Tectovalopsis J.L. Barnard and Ingram, 1990, and Alexandrella Chevreux, 1911, and one for Atlantic species of Epimeria Costa in Hope, 1851. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7DFBCE52-0E35-4933-AE61-9D8A42BE9B50

Description of Peliococcus schmuttereri Caballero and Kaydan sp. n. from specimens of an invalid species, Spinococcus kozari Schmutterer, 2002 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

ABSTRACT The description of a mealybug species found in Germany, Spinococcus kozari Schmutterer, 2002 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), is considered invalid because no type material or depository were specified in the original literature. Here a valid description of the same species is provided under the name Peliococcus schmuttereri Caballero and Kaydan sp. n. following the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The species is redescribed, with a taxonomic illustration and microphotographs, an updated taxonomic key is provided, and type material and a depository are designated. With this record, the number of species of Peliococcus Borchsenius, 1948 is increased to 37 worldwide and the number of Peliococcus species present in Germany is increased to two, the second species being Peliococcus calluneti (Lindinger, 1912). http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:875561CB-E514-4084-8F7A-AF36A3C24D53

Insights from multigene analysis: first report of a Southeast Asian Mosquito, Aedes (Mucidus) laniger (Diptera: Culicidae) on Jeju Island from Korea

BackgroundCertain mosquitoes are known as dominant vectors worldwide, and transmit infectious diseases. The expansion of mosquito habitats due to climate change and increased human activities poses a significant health threat by facilitating the spread of various non-native infectious diseases. This study focused on the detection of the Southeast Asian mosquito species, Aedes (Mucidus) laniger (Wiedemann, 1820) on Jeju Island, the southernmost region of the Republic of Korea (ROK), highlighting the potential risks associated with the spread of vector-borne diseases, particularly emphasizing the elevated likelihood of invasion by Southeast Asian mosquitoes.MethodsField surveys were conducted in August 2023 on Jeju Island. Adult mosquitoes were collected using BG-sentinel traps and identified to the species level using taxonomic keys. Morphological and molecular analyses were employed to confirm species designations. Molecular data, including mitochondrial and nuclear genes, were used for phylogenetic analysis, which was performed to compare and identify among recorded subgenera in ROK. Species distribution modeling for Ae. laniger was performed to predict potential habitats using R package ‘BIOMOD2’.ResultsThe two specimens of Ae. laniger were collected for the first time on Jeju Island. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of this species within the subgenus Mucidus and validated the first record of this species in the ROK. We employed a simple multigene phylogenetic analysis to confirm a new mosquito record at the genus and subgenus levels, finally validating the consistency between morphological identification and molecular phylogenetic outcomes. Furthermore, we have updated the taxonomic keys for the genus Aedes in the ROK, and revised mosquito lists for Jeju Island, incorporating the inclusion of Ae. laniger. On the basis of species distribution modeling, the area of suitable habitat for Ae. laniger is expected to expand due to climate change, but this change did not appear to be meaningful in East Asia.ConclusionsThis case offers the first report of the Southeast Asian mosquito, Ae. laniger, in the ROK. The detection of this species on Jeju Island suggests the potential establishment of a breeding population their habitat and raises concerns about further expansion into the Korean Peninsula. Considering the annual occurrence of mosquito-borne disease cases in the Southeast Asia, it is essential to conduct monitoring not only in Jeju Island, where Ae. laniger has been identified, but also across the entire Korean Peninsula.Graphical

Integrative taxonomy and biogeography of the genus Oxytrechus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechini) in the tropical alpine ecosystem of Ecuadorian Andes, with the description of six new species

Summary This study presents a taxonomic revision of the species of the ground beetle genus Oxytrechus Jeannel, 1927 that inhabit the superpáramo of the Andes of Ecuador, which constitutes the uppermost zone of the tropical alpine ecosystem, above 4200 m. Sixteen species, displayed in three clades, were recorded in this environment, six of which are described as new: Oxytrechus antisanae n. sp. (Mt Antisana), O. giachinoi n. sp. (Mt Illiniza), O. hamatus n. sp. (Mt Atacazo and Pichincha), O. prunai n. sp. (Mt Guamaní), O. reflexus n. sp. (Mt Illiniza and Mt Corazón), and O. robbiolai n. sp. (Mt Pichincha). New distributional data are presented for O. chioriae Quéinnec & Ollivier, 2019, O. lallemandi Jeannel, 1927, O. moreti Mateu, 1988 and O. zoiai Casale & Sciaky, 1985. The first molecular phylogeny of the group, based on fragments of four mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, is given. Dichotomous identification keys are provided to the species groups and the included species. Based on systematic sampling, Oxytrechus exhibits the highest degree of microendemism among páramo ground beetles. No species has been found in more than two sky islands, and half of the species recorded in the superpáramo are single-mountain endemics. As regards their conservation status, eight species (two thirds) can be classified as vulnerable or endangered, due to a mix of low abundance, narrow distribution range, microendemism, limited ecological tolerance, habitat destruction and effects of climate change.

Impact of storm drains on the maintenance of dengue endemicity in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil: a geospatial and epidemiologic approach.

Dengue is a public health challenge worldwide. Brazil registered about 70% of cases in Latin America in 2023; in 2024, the country is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the number of infected individuals. By May 2024, more than 4 million people were infected. Our goal was to: (1) determine the epidemiology of dengue cases and their spatiotemporal distribution and (2) carry out a survey of the storm drains and through a geospatial analysis to determine their possible correlation with cases of dengue in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. Cases and information on the habitat of mosquito in the storm drain underground drainage system from 2020 to 2021 were obtained from public agencies. Larvae, pupae, and Ae. aegypti were identified according to species and described in taxonomic keys. Kernel density maps were constructed. From 1996 to 2023, the prevalence of cases peaked in 2016 and 2019, and in 2023 reached alarming levels, and the city was considered hyperendemic. In 2021, 2,609 cases were registered with 2 clusters of high density. Of 5,492 storm drains analyzed, 18.0% were found to have water, 9.0% had larvae or pupae of Aedes aegypti and 91.0% were classified as dirty or damaged. A direct correlation between the kernel layer of cases in 2021 with the kernel layer of storm drains containing water (r = 0.651) and larvae and pupae (r = 0.576) was found, suggesting that storm drains are risk factors and have an impact on the maintenance of dengue endemicity. The high number of damaged units found demonstrated the lack of storm drain management, compromising the urban drainage system and possibly contributing to dengue outbreaks. Policymakers may use these findings to improve existing dengue control strategies focusing on the control of storm drains and increase local and global perspectives on reducing dengue outbreaks.

New Mochlozetidae (Acari, Oribatida) from the Merida State, Western Venezuela

Two new species of Mochlozetidae (Oribatida)—Dynatozetes asetosus n. sp. and Uracrobates (Uracrobates) paramasneri n. sp.—are described, based on materials collected from sweep sample in cloud forest in Venezuela. Dynatozetes asetosus n. sp. differs from all representatives of the genus in the presence of the prolamella and the morphology of the bothridial seta; Uracrobates (Uracrobates) paramasneri n. sp. differs from all representatives of the genus by the morphology of the notogastral porose area Aa. The genus Uracrobates is recorded in the Venezuelan fauna for the first time. Identification keys, distribution and habitat to the known species of Dynatozetes and Uracrobates are provided. The generic diagnosis of Dynatozetes is partially revised.

Taxonomy of European Damaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) XII. Trimetabelba Miko gen. nov. with redescription of T. propexa (Kulczynski, 1902) comb. nov. description of two new species and proposal of Prometabelba Miko gen. nov.

ABSTRACT Trimetabelba Miko gen. nov. a new genus of damaeid mites within Metabelba sensu lato is proposed after redescription of the species T. propexa (Kulczynski, 1902) comb. nov. based on topotypical material from High Tatra Mountains (Carpathians). Two further new species are described: T. proxima Miko sp. nov. from multiple localities in Slovakia, Czechia and Switzerland, and T. prolixa Kolesnikov et Murvanidze sp. nov. from Georgia. Generic concepts of Metabelba sensu lato are discussed, and another new genus – Prometabelba Miko gen. nov. – is proposed with P. centurion (Miko et al., 2014) as its type species. An identification key is provided for all known genera and subgenera of the generic complex Metabelba sensu lato, as well as all species of Trimetabelba. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EB176C50-C71A-49BA-AE8D-208323CCA4C5

The Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on Industrial Forest in Sungai Merah Village, Sarolangun, Jambi with Its Identification Key

Ants have a very important role in an ecosystem. The insects act as decomposers, pollinators, soil aerators, pest controllers, and predators. Their role is very varied so that they can be easily found in various ecosystems, one of which is the rubber and oil palm ecosystem. The ant’s diversity in this forest eventually will affect the productivity of the land. The aim of this study is to determine the diversity and role of ants in the rubber and oil palm plantations in Sungai Merah Village. Both of the plantations dominate the industrial forest in Jambi. The method used in this study was purposive random sampling. Observation plots were installed in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations; each ecosystem had 4 plots consisting of 9 units of pitfall traps, and 9 units of bait traps. The results of this study show that 15 species of ants are found in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations. Furthermore, the collected ants consisted of 39.972 individual ants belonging to 12 genera and 5 subfamilies. Ants establish in the ecosystem of rubber and oil palm plantations in Sungai Merah Village have an important role either as predators (Crematogaster spp., Odontomachus rixosus, Odontoponera tranversa, Pheidole huberi, Tetraponera rufonigra, Tapinoma melanocephalum, Camponotus spp. and Colobopsis moeschi), or foragers such as ants from the genera Anoplolepis, Camponotus, Monomorium and Polyrhachis. As predators, Oecophylla smaragdina, Camponotus spp. and Crematogaster spp. also play a role as biological control agents in the ecosystem.

Three New Truffle Species (Tuber, Tuberaceae, Pezizales, and Ascomycota) from Yunnan, China, and Multigen Phylogenetic Arrangement within the Melanosporum Group.

Based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 and comprehensive morphological analyses, we describe three new species from the Melanosporum group of genus Tuber and synonymize T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum. Phylogenetically, the three newly described species, T. yunnanense, T. melanoumbilicatum and T. microexcavatum, differ significantly in genetic distance from any previously known species. Morphologically, T. yunnanense is distinctly different from its closest phylogenetically related species, T. longispinosum, due to its long shuttle-shape spores (average the ratio of spore length to spore width for all spores (Qm) = 1.74). Tuber melanoumbilicatum differs from the other species in having a cavity and long shuttle-shaped spores (Qm = 1.65). Although T. microexcavatum sampled ascomata have relatively low maturity, they can be distinguished from its closely related species T. pseudobrumale by the ascomata size, surface warts, and spore number per asci; additionally, phylogenetic analysis supports it as a new species. In addition, molecular analysis from 22 newly collected specimens and Genebank data indicate that T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum are clustered into a single well-supported clade (Bootstrap (BS) = 100, posterior probabilities (PP) = 1.0); and morphological characteristics do not differ. Therefore, based on the above evidence and publication dates, we conclude that T. melanoexcavatum is a synonym of T. pseudobrumale. By taking into account current knowledge and combining the molecular, multigene phylogenetic clade arrangement and morphological data, we propose that the Melanosporum group should be divided into four subgroups. Diagnostic morphological features and an identification key of all known species in the Melanosporum group are also included. Finally, we also provide some additions to the knowledge of the characterization of T. pseudobrumale, T. variabilisporum, and T. pseudohimalayense included in subgroup 1 of the Melanosporum group.

Morphological description and genetic analysis of a new black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the subgenus Asiosimulium from central Thailand

BackgroundBlack flies are among the most medically and veterinary important insects, as adult females of certain species are the sole vector of Onchocerca volvulus. Here, a new black fly species belonging to the subgenus Asiosimulium Takaoka & Choochote, 2005, is described and formally named as Simulium (Asiosimulium) kittipati sp. nov.MethodsPupae and larvae of black flies were collected from available substrates in the stream from central Thailand. Pupae were individually separated in plastic tubes and maintained until adult flies emerged. The emerged adult flies associated with their pupal exuviae and cocoon as well as mature larvae preserved in 85% ethanol were used to describe the new species based on an integrated approach of morphological examination and molecular analysis of the COI gene.ResultsThe new species is characterized in the female by the medium-long sensory vesicle with a medium-sized opening apically, scutum with three faint longitudinal vittae, and the ellipsoidal spermatheca; in the male by the number of upper-eye (large) facets in 20 vertical columns and 21 horizontal rows, hind basitarsus slender, nearly parallel-sided, and median sclerite much wider and upturned apically; in the pupa by the head and thoracic integument densely covered with tiny tubercles, and the pupal gill of arborescent type with 28–30 filaments; and in the larva by the postgenal cleft deep, nearly reaching the posterior margin of the hypostoma, and dark pigmented sheath of the subesophageal ganglion. The DNA barcode successfully differentiated the new species from its congeners with an interspecific genetic divergence of 1.74–18.72%, confirming the morphological identification that the species is a new member of the subgenus Asiosimulium. Phylogenetic analyses also indicated that the new species is genetically closely related to Simulium phurueaense Tangkawanit, Wongpakam & Pramual, 2018, further supporting its morphological classification.ConclusionsThis is the ninth species assigned to the subgenus Asiosimulium within the genus Simulium Latreille, 1802. Taxonomic notes and identification keys are given to distinguish this new species from the eight known species members in its same subgenus. Additionally, a distribution map of all species members in this subgenus occurring in Thailand and other countries is provided.Graphical abstract