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23 pages, 7686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Dynamics of Yunnan Acrididae Grasshoppers Inferred from 17 New Mitochondrial Genomes

by Keyao Zhang, Jing Song, Junhui Lu, Lu Zhao, Weian Deng, Delong Guan and Benyong Mao

Insects 2025, 16(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020151 - 3 Feb 2025

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Yunnan Province, a global biodiversity hotspot, hosts a diverse array of Acrididae grasshoppers essential for ecosystem dynamics and agriculture. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of this group, we sequenced and analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from 17 Acrididae species endemic to [...] Read more.

Yunnan Province, a global biodiversity hotspot, hosts a diverse array of Acrididae grasshoppers essential for ecosystem dynamics and agriculture. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of this group, we sequenced and analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes from 17 Acrididae species endemic to Yunnan, with genome lengths ranging from 15,403 to 15,943 base pairs. These data were integrated with mitochondrial sequences from 46 additional species to construct comprehensive phylogenetic trees. The maximum-likelihood tree identified four major clades with robust support (bootstrap values > 90%), revealing significant lineage diversification during the Early Eocene (51.94 million years ago, Mya) and subsequent radiations in the Miocene (~20 Mya) and Pliocene (~5 Mya). These divergence times correlate with major geological events and climatic shifts in the region, such as the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the intensification of the Asian monsoon. Notably, several species within the Coptacrinae and Oxyinae subfamilies, particularly Pseudodotraulia cornuata and Spathosternum prasiniferum, were found to be polyphyletic, indicating the necessity for taxonomic revisions. Further cluster analyses of codon usage bias and genetic distance support these taxonomic revisions within Acrididae. This robust phylogenetic framework underpins conservation strategies aimed at preserving Yunnan’s rich grasshopper biodiversity and informs updates to their phylogeny. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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7 pages, 4715 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Cephalotoma patcharinae n. sp.—The First Record of Cephalotoma Species with a 2-Segmented Club of Antennae in the Oriental Region (Bostrichidae, Lyctinae: Trogoxylini)

by Jerzy Borowski, Adam Byk, Sławomir Mazur, Tomasz Mokrzycki, Artur Rutkiewicz, Henryk Tracz, Agnieszka Ostrowska and Tomasz Oszako

Insects 2025, 16(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010091 - 16 Jan 2025

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Abstract

The paper presents a description of a new species of the genus Cephalotoma Lesne, caught in northern Thailand. The new species, C. patcharinae Borowski n. sp., is the first species in the Oriental region with a two-segmented club of antennae. The effect of [...] Read more.

The paper presents a description of a new species of the genus Cephalotoma Lesne, caught in northern Thailand. The new species, C. patcharinae Borowski n. sp., is the first species in the Oriental region with a two-segmented club of antennae. The effect of the discussion presented in the paper is synonymising the tribe Cephalotomini Liu and Schönitzer, 2011 n. syn. with Trogoxylini Lesne, 1921. Moreover, the paper contains a key to classify all the species known from the Oriental region and belonging to the genus Cephalotoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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38 pages, 100935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy as a Method for Identifying Variation in Puparial Morphology and Establishing Characters for Taxonomic Determination

by Christian Elowsky and Leon Higley

Insects 2025, 16(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010088 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 521

Abstract

Calliphoridae, or blow flies, are of much ecological and practical importance given their roles in decompositional ecology, medical and veterinary myiasis, and forensic entomology. As ephemeral and rapidly developing species, adults are frequently not present for identification, but puparia (the remaining outer integument [...] Read more.

Calliphoridae, or blow flies, are of much ecological and practical importance given their roles in decompositional ecology, medical and veterinary myiasis, and forensic entomology. As ephemeral and rapidly developing species, adults are frequently not present for identification, but puparia (the remaining outer integument of the third instar larvae) are frequently found. These heavily sclerotized remains are stable in the environment but they are of a conservative character. Historically, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used for characterization, a technique which is not only time-consuming but also often expensive, effectively making large numbers of specimens impossible to quantify. As an alternative, confocal laser scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was tested for utility in providing superior data over SEM. Furthermore, due to the use of intrinsic autofluorescence for imagining, CSLM is significantly more rapid than SEM, requiring no preparation for imaging. Three channels of excitation and emission spectra provided not only image data from the pupal wall but also from the hydrocarbons found upon the puparia. The excitation wavelengths were 404.7, 488, and 640.5 nm, and the emissions were 425–475, 500–550, and 663–738 nm. For ten species of calliphorids, CSLM was used to image puparia. Not only did this provide characters for species identification but it also allowed for the examination of hundreds of specimens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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23 pages, 19936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Species of Empidinae (Diptera) from San Rossore National Park, Italy, with the First Report on Leg Polymorphism in the Genus Hilara Meigen and Their DNA Barcoding Evidence

by Miroslav Barták, Milan Kozánek, Antonio Belcari and Andrea Š. Tóthová

Insects 2025, 16(1), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010083 - 15 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Altogether three species of Empidinae are described from San Rossore National Park, Italy: Empis (Euempis) sanrossorensis Barták sp. nov., Hilara polymorpha Barták sp. nov., and Rhamphomyia (Megacyttarus) sanrossorensis Barták sp. nov. Polymorphism in the shape of foreleg in Hilara is [...] Read more.

Altogether three species of Empidinae are described from San Rossore National Park, Italy: Empis (Euempis) sanrossorensis Barták sp. nov., Hilara polymorpha Barták sp. nov., and Rhamphomyia (Megacyttarus) sanrossorensis Barták sp. nov. Polymorphism in the shape of foreleg in Hilara is reported for the first time. The COI sequences for barcoding purposes and upcoming studies are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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15 pages, 3389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Guium nebulum gen. et sp. nov., a New Cup Moth from Southern China Based on Morphological and Molecular Analysis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Limacodidae)

by Jun Wu, Ting-Ting Zhao, Hui Geng, Guang-Ze Jin and Hui-Lin Han

Insects 2025, 16(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010041 - 3 Jan 2025

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Abstract

A new genus and species of Limacodidae, Guium nebulum gen. et sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from Guangxi Autonomous Region and Jiangxi Province in China. The new genus shares certain morphological features, such as a well-developed labial palpus, with related [...] Read more.

A new genus and species of Limacodidae, Guium nebulum gen. et sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from Guangxi Autonomous Region and Jiangxi Province in China. The new genus shares certain morphological features, such as a well-developed labial palpus, with related genera like Tanvia Solovyev & Witt, 2009; Scopelodes Westwood, 1841; Hyphorma Walker, 1865; and Monema Walker, 1855. However, the new genus can be separated from them by the wing venation and the male genital characteristics. COI molecular marker analysis further supports the monophyly of this new genus, indicating a close relationship with Scopelodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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9 pages, 7514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Davimacrocera, a New Extant Genus of Keroplatidae, with Notes on the Fossil Genus Burmacrocera (Diptera)

by Jan Ševčík

Insects 2024, 15(12), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15121018 - 22 Dec 2024

Viewed by 916

Abstract

A new extant genus of Keroplatidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha), Davimacrocera gen. nov., is described in this paper, which includes two new species, Davimacrocera davidi sp. nov. (Brunei, type species of the genus) and D. taiwanensis sp. nov. (Taiwan, China). Its relationships to other extant [...] Read more.

A new extant genus of Keroplatidae (Diptera: Bibionomorpha), Davimacrocera gen. nov., is described in this paper, which includes two new species, Davimacrocera davidi sp. nov. (Brunei, type species of the genus) and D. taiwanensis sp. nov. (Taiwan, China). Its relationships to other extant genera and possible phylogenetic position are briefly discussed, including a comparison with the fossil genus Burmacrocera Cockerell, 1917 from the mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. The identity of Burmacrocera remains unclear, pending further studies of Keroplatidae in Burmese amber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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11 pages, 3865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Larval Instars of Dastarcus helophoroides (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) Using Head Capsule Width Frequency Distribution

by Tayyab Shaheen, Jiali Guo, Yun Wang, Jiaojiao Zhou, Guanghui Tang and Zhengqing Zhang

Insects 2024, 15(12), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15121013 - 20 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Long-horned beetles are among the major insect pests that can cause significant economic and ecological damage globally. The control of long-horned beetles is crucial to sustain the forest ecosystem. Dastarcus helophoroides, an economically important ectoparasitoid of long-horned beetles, is widely utilized in [...] Read more.

Long-horned beetles are among the major insect pests that can cause significant economic and ecological damage globally. The control of long-horned beetles is crucial to sustain the forest ecosystem. Dastarcus helophoroides, an economically important ectoparasitoid of long-horned beetles, is widely utilized in biological control strategies. However, the number of larval instars in D. helophoroides remains underexplored. Larval instar determination is crucial for constructing growth prediction models and ecological life tables for insect populations. In this study, we analyzed the frequency distribution of head capsule widths utilizing a visual approach, followed by a non-linear least squares (NLLS) estimation, and found that D. helophoroides undergo four larval instars before entering the pupal stage. The theoretical and observed data for each larval instar yielded identical mean Brooks–Dyar’s ratios (1.80). Re-correlation of the number of instars with their respective mean head capsule widths using linear regression (R²) verified that no larval instar was missed. The Crosby’s growth ratio (1% and 2%) indicates a very low likelihood of misclassifying an instar into an adjacent one. Given that the accurate determination of larval instars is crucial for developing effective control programs and predicting future population levels, our findings provide valuable insights for implementing biological control strategies against long-horned beetles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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15 pages, 6033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

DNA Barcodes and Morphology Reveal Two New Species of the Genus Prochas Walkley, 1959 (Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae), from China

by Yuanyuan Han, Kees van Achterberg and Xuexin Chen

Insects 2024, 15(12), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120968 - 4 Dec 2024

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Abstract

DNA barcoding is an effective modern tool in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity research. Many new species have been discovered and described with DNA barcodes as part of their diagnostic features. We combined morphological examination and molecular species delimitation of the mitochondrial cytochrome [...] Read more.

DNA barcoding is an effective modern tool in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity research. Many new species have been discovered and described with DNA barcodes as part of their diagnostic features. We combined morphological examination and molecular species delimitation of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene using the automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD) to investigate species boundaries. The genus Prochas Walkley (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) was first reported from China and is new for the Oriental and Eastern Palearctic regions. Using an integrative taxonomy method, two new species P. rugipunctata sp. nov. and P. striata sp. nov. are hereby described and illustrated. A key to the world species and a distribution map are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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12 pages, 7263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Species and Records of Lemophagus Townes, 1965 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae), from China

by Yuanyuan Han, Chengxue Wei, Chong Liu and Yan Dong

Insects 2024, 15(12), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120932 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 588

Abstract

Campopleginae, the third largest subfamily of Ichneumonidae, has been one of the most investigated ichneumonids from the perspective of biological control. Despite their importance as potential biological control agents, species of campoplegine are among the most poorly studied insect groups. In this study, [...] Read more.

Campopleginae, the third largest subfamily of Ichneumonidae, has been one of the most investigated ichneumonids from the perspective of biological control. Despite their importance as potential biological control agents, species of campoplegine are among the most poorly studied insect groups. In this study, one new species of the genus Lemophagus Townes, 1965, Lemophagus nanus sp. nov., is described and illustrated. In addition, L. curtus and L. pulcher are recorded from China for the first time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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7 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity Survey of a Pine Leafhopper Genus Pinopona Viraktamath & Sohi (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Koebeliini: Grypotina) in Yunnan Province, with Description of Two New Species

by Lin Lu and Yalin Zhang

Insects 2024, 15(12), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15120913 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 534

Abstract

The pine leafhopper genus Pinopona Viraktamath & Sohi was previously classified within the tribe Grypotini. In a recognized classification system, it has been categorized as the subtribe Grypotina of the tribe Koebeliini within Deltocephalinae, based on morphological characteristics such as a crown exhibiting [...] Read more.

The pine leafhopper genus Pinopona Viraktamath & Sohi was previously classified within the tribe Grypotini. In a recognized classification system, it has been categorized as the subtribe Grypotina of the tribe Koebeliini within Deltocephalinae, based on morphological characteristics such as a crown exhibiting few transverse fine striations along the anterior margin; short antennae measuring less than 1.5 times the head length but not extending to half or more of body length; ocelli positioned below the anterior margin of the crown and not visible from above, with a considerable distance from the eyes; and an anteclypeus that is narrow and tapered beyond the anterior margin of gena, alongside metatarsomere I presenting platellae on the plantar surface. Two new species, Pinopona gongshanensis and Pinopona daliensis spp. nov., are described herein from Yunnan Province and illustrated accordingly. This study also provides a checklist and key for all species within this genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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24 pages, 6495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seven New Species of Anastatus Motschulsky (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae) from China Identified Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

by Zongying Wang, Yihang Zhou, Yaxuan Zou, Qifei Liu and Lingfei Peng

Insects 2024, 15(11), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110893 - 15 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 878

Abstract

Anastatus is the second-largest genus in the family Eupelmidae, with 150 species found worldwide and fourteen known species in China. Most species in this genus are the primary parasitoids of insect eggs, particularly those of Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, and several species have been [...] Read more.

Anastatus is the second-largest genus in the family Eupelmidae, with 150 species found worldwide and fourteen known species in China. Most species in this genus are the primary parasitoids of insect eggs, particularly those of Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, and several species have been used for the biological control of various insect pests. In this paper, seven new species of Anastatus Motschulsky, 1859 (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) from China are described, of which A. caeruleus Wang and Peng n. sp. and A. garygibsoni Zhou and Peng n. sp. were reared from the eggs of Tessaratoma papillosa (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), while A. daiyunensis Wang and Peng n. sp., A. makrysourus Zhou and Peng n. sp., A. polikiarkoudus Wang and Peng n. sp., A. taibaiensis Wang and Peng n. sp., and A. zdenekbouceki Zhou and Peng n. sp. were collected by malaise traps or sweeping. The new species are all described and illustrated based on female specimens, and the key to all 21 Chinese Anastatus species, based on females, is provided. Partial COI sequences of A. caeruleus n. sp., A. garygibsoni n. sp., and A. taibaiensis n. sp. are provided, and a phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood analyses, while showing similar results at high taxonomic levels to our morphological feature classification results, provides additional information on the placement of Anastatus at the species level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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22 pages, 5785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

by Fabio Cianferoni and Filippo Ceccolini

Insects 2024, 15(11), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110868 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1971

Abstract

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, [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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