Computable species descriptions and nanopublications: applying ontology-based technologies to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae).

Background: Taxonomy has long struggled with analysing vast amounts of phenotypic data due to computational and accessibility challenges. Ontology-based technologies provide a framework for modelling semantic phenotypes that are understandable by computers and compliant with FAIR principles. In this paper, we explore the use of Phenoscript, an emerging language designed for creating semantic phenotypes, to produce computable species descriptions. Our case study centers on the application of this approach to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae). New information: We illustrate the effectiveness of Phenoscript for creating semantic phenotypes. We also demonstrate the ability of the Phenospy python package to automatically translate Phenoscript descriptions into natural language (NL), which eliminates the need for writing traditional NL descriptions. We introduce a computational pipeline that streamlines the generation of semantic descriptions and their conversion to NL. To demonstrate the power of the semantic approach, we apply simple semantic queries to the generated phenotypic descriptions. This paper addresses the current challenges in crafting semantic species descriptions and outlines the path towards future improvements. Furthermore, we discuss the promising integration of semantic phenotypes and nanopublications, as emerging methods for sharing scientific information. Overall, our study highlights the pivotal role of ontology-based technologies in modernising taxonomy and aligning it with the evolving landscape of big data analysis and FAIR principles.

Formalizing Invertebrate Morphological Data: A Descriptive Model for Cuticle-Based Skeleto-Muscular Systems, an Ontology for Insect Anatomy, and their Potential Applications in Biodiversity Research and Informatics.

The spectacular radiation of insects has produced a stunning diversity of phenotypes. During the past 250 years, research on insect systematics has generated hundreds of terms for naming and comparing them. In its current form, this terminological diversity is presented in natural language and lacks formalization, which prohibits computer-assisted comparison using semantic web technologies. Here we propose a Model for Describing Cuticular Anatomical Structures (MoDCAS) which incorporates structural properties and positional relationships for standardized, consistent, and reproducible descriptions of arthropod phenotypes. We applied the MoDCAS framework in creating the ontology for the Anatomy of the Insect Skeleto-Muscular system (AISM). The AISM is the first general insect ontology that aims to cover all taxa by providing generalized, fully logical, and queryable, definitions for each term. It was built using the Ontology Development Kit (ODK), which maximizes interoperability with Uberon (Uberon multispecies anatomy ontology) and other basic ontologies, enhancing the integration of insect anatomy into the broader biological sciences. A template system for adding new terms, extending, and linking the AISM to additional anatomical, phenotypic, genetic, and chemical ontologies is also introduced. The AISM is proposed as the backbone for taxon-specific insect ontologies and has potential applications spanning systematic biology and biodiversity informatics, allowing users to: 1) use controlled vocabularies and create semiautomated computer-parsable insect morphological descriptions; 2) integrate insect morphology into broader fields of research, including ontology-informed phylogenetic methods, logical homology hypothesis testing, evo-devo studies, and genotype to phenotype mapping; and 3) automate the extraction of morphological data from the literature, enabling the generation of large-scale phenomic data, by facilitating the production and testing of informatic tools able to extract, link, annotate, and process morphological data. This descriptive model and its ontological applications will allow for clear and semantically interoperable integration of arthropod phenotypes in biodiversity studies.

Revision of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Novochares Girón & Short (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae).

The water scavenger beetle genus Novochares Girón & Short, 2021 is revised using a combination of adult morphological and DNA sequence data. Thirty-eight new species are described: Novocharesaperitosp. nov. (Bolivia), N.bacasp. nov. (Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Suriname), N.bidenssp. nov. (Brazil), N.bisinuatussp. nov. (Brazil), N.clavierisp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Peru), N.dantasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.dentatussp. nov. (Ecuador, Venezuela), N.dicranospathussp. nov. (Peru), N.duosp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela), N.fernandezaesp. nov. (Brazil, Peru, Venezuela), N.florifersp. nov. (Brazil), N.furcatussp. nov. (Brazil), N.garciaisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.garfosp. nov. (Brazil), N.geminussp. nov. (Brazil), N.kawsaysp. nov. (Ecuador, Peru), N.latussp. nov. (Brazil), N.minorsp. nov. (Peru, Suriname, Venezuela), N.mojenossp. nov. (Bolivia), N.murasp. nov. (Brazil), N.orchissp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname), N.pastinumsp. nov. (Ecuador), N.pertusussp. nov. (Brazil), N.piaroasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pilatussp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pumesp. nov. (Venezuela), N.punctatostriatussp. nov. (Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname), N.quadrispinussp. nov. (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname), N.spanglerisp. nov. (Peru), N.tambopatensesp. nov. (Peru), N.tenedorsp. nov. (Guyana, Venezuela), N.triangularissp. nov. (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay), N.tridentissp. nov. (Brazil), N.trifurcatussp. nov. (Peru), N.unguissp. nov. (Bolivia, Peru), N.xingusp. nov. (Brazil), and N.yanomamisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.yorasp. nov. (Peru). One new synonym is proposed: N.carmona (Short, 2005) syn. nov. was determined to be a junior subjective synonym of N.chaquensis (Fernández, 1982). Novocharesinornatus (d'Orchymont, 1926) is considered incertae sedis. Updated distributions and new records are provided for most previously described species in the genus. Novocharessallaei (Sharp, 1882) is considered native to the USA (Florida) and not an introduced species as previously suggested. Novochares now contains 52 species and spans the entire Neotropical region from Mexico to Argentina, including the Caribbean islands.

ResumenEl género de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros Novochares Girón & Short, 2021, se revisa usando una combinación de datos morfológicos de los adultos y secuencias de ADN. Se describen 38 especies nuevas: Novocharesaperitosp. nov. (Bolivia), N.bacasp. nov. (Brasil, Ecuador, Perú, Surinam), N.bidenssp. nov. (Brasil), N.bisinuatussp. nov. (Brasil), N.clavierisp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana Francesa, Perú), N.dantasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.dentatussp. nov. (Ecuador, Venezuela), N.dicranospathussp. nov. (Perú), N.duosp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Guyana Francesa, Surinam, Venezuela), N.fernandezaesp. nov. (Brasil, Perú, Venezuela), N.florifersp. nov. (Brasil), N.furcatussp. nov. (Brasil), N.garciaisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.garfosp. nov. (Brasil), N.geminussp. nov. (Brasil), N.kawsaysp. nov. (Ecuador, Perú), N.latussp. nov. (Brasil), N.minorsp. nov. (Perú, Surinam, Venezuela), N.mojenossp. nov. (Bolivia), N.murasp. nov. (Brasil), N.orchissp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana Francesa, Surinam), N.pastinumsp. nov. (Ecuador), N.pertusussp. nov. (Brasil), N.piaroasp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pilatussp. nov. (Venezuela), N.pumesp. nov. (Venezuela), N.punctatostriatussp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Guyana Francesa, Perú, Surinam), N.quadrispinussp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Surinam), N.spanglerisp. nov. (Perú), N.tambopatensesp. nov. (Perú), N.tenedorsp. nov. (Guyana, Venezuela), N.triangularissp. nov. (Bolivia, Brasil, Paraguay), N.tridentissp. nov. (Brasil), N.trifurcatussp. nov. (Perú), N.unguissp. nov. (Bolivia, Perú), N.xingusp. nov. (Brasil), and N.yanomamisp. nov. (Venezuela), N.yorasp. nov. (Perú). Se propone una nueva sinonimia: N.carmona (Short, 2005) syn. nov. se determinó como sinónimo subjetivo posterior de N.chaquensis (Fernández, 1982). Novocharesinornatus (d'Orchymont, 1926) se considera incertae sedis. Se proveen distribuciones actualizadas y nuevos registros para la mayoría de las especies descritas previamente en el género. Novocharessallaei (Sharp, 1882) es considerada nativa en los Estados Unidos de América (Florida) y no como una especie potencialmente introducida como se afirmaba previamente. Novochares ahora contiene 52 especies y se extiende a lo largo de toda la región neotropical, desde México hasta Argentina, incluyendo las islas del Caribe.

Female terminalia morphology and cladistic relations among Tok-Tok beetles (Tenebrionidae: Sepidiini).

Tok-tokkies are one of the most iconic lineages within Tenebrionidae. In addition to containing some of the largest darkling beetles, this tribe is recognized for its remarkable form of sexual communication known as substrate tapping. Nevertheless, the phylogenetic relationships within the group remain poorly understood. This study investigates the usefulness of female terminalia morphology for delimiting Sepidiini and reconstructing relationships among it. Data on the structure of the ovipositors, genital tubes and spicula ventrali have been generated for >200 species representing 28 Pimeliinae tribes. This dataset was used in a comparative analysis at the subfamilial level, which resulted in recognition of several unique features of tok-tokkie terminalia. Additionally, new features linking phenotypically challenging tribes also were recovered (Cryptochilini + Idisiini + Pimeliini). Secondly, 23 characters linked to the structure of female terminalia were defined for tok-tok beetles. Cladistic analysis demonstrates the nonmonophyletic nature of most of the recognized subtribes. The morphological dataset was analysed separately and in combination with available molecular data (CAD, Wg, cox1, cox2, 28S). All obtained topologies were largely congruent, supporting the following changes: Palpomodina Kaminski & Gearner subtr.n. is erected to accommodate the genera Namibomodes and Palpomodes; Argenticrinis and Bombocnodulus are transferred from Hypomelina to Molurina; 153 species and subspecies previously classified within Psammodes are distributed over three separate genera (Mariazofia Kaminski nom.n., Piesomera stat.r., Psammodes sens.n.). Psammodes sklodowskae Kaminski & Gearner sp.n. is described. Preliminary investigation of the ovipositor of Mariazofia basuto (Koch) comb.n. was carried out with the application of microcomputed tomography, illuminating the muscular system as a reliable reference point for recognizing homologous elements in highly modified ovipositors.

Impact of host demography and evolutionary history on endosymbiont molecular evolution: A test in carpenter ants (genus Camponotus) and their Blochmannia endosymbionts.

Obligate endosymbioses are tight associations between symbionts and the hosts they live inside. Hosts and their associated obligate endosymbionts generally exhibit codiversification, which has been documented in taxonomically diverse insect lineages. Host demography (e.g., effective population sizes) may impact the demography of endosymbionts, which may lead to an association between host demography and the patterns and processes of endosymbiont molecular evolution. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing data for carpenter ants (Genus Camponotus; subgenera Camponotus and Tanaemyrmex) and their Blochmannia endosymbionts as our study system to address whether Camponotus demography shapes Blochmannia molecular evolution. Using whole-genome phylogenomics, we confirmed previous work identifying codiversification between carpenter ants and their Blochmannia endosymbionts. We found that Blochmannia genes have evolved at a pace ~30× faster than that of their hosts' molecular evolution and that these rates are positively associated with host rates of molecular evolution. Using multiple tests for selection in Blochmannia genes, we found signatures of positive selection and shifts in selection strength across the phylogeny. Host demography was associated with Blochmannia shifts toward increased selection strengths, but not associated with Blochmannia selection relaxation, positive selection, genetic drift rates, or genome size evolution. Mixed support for relationships between host effective population sizes and Blochmannia molecular evolution suggests weak or uncoupled relationships between host demography and Blochmannia population genomic processes. Finally, we found that Blochmannia genome size evolution was associated with genome-wide estimates of genetic drift and number of genes with relaxed selection pressures.

The Acidocerinae (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae): taxonomy, classification, and catalog of species.

The cosmopolitan subfamily Acidocerinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) is one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging lineages of water scavenger beetles. Recent phylogenetic studies have substantially advanced our understanding of acidocerine relationships but also illuminated the twin challenges of poorly delineated generic concepts and a classification broadly incompatible with the phylogeny. Here, these two challenges are addressed by providing a comprehensive synthesis and taxonomic tools for the Acidocerinae, including (1) a brief history and the current state of acidocerine classification, (2) a review of acidocerine ecology and collection methods, (3) the current knowledge of larval and fossil acidocerines, (4) a morphological primer on characters of taxonomic and systematic importance within the lineage, (5) a key to the world genera of Acidocerinae, (6) diagnoses, habitus, and aedeagal images, distribution maps, and summary of knowledge for each of the 23 extant genera in the subfamily, and (7) a complete annotated taxonomic catalog including the published distributions, synonyms, and references for all described 541 acidocerine species recognized as of 1 April 2021. The following nomenclatural acts are proposed to bring the phylogeny and classification into alignment: Colossochares gen. nov. is established to accommodate two African species previously described as Helochares (s. str.); Novochares gen. nov. is newly established to accommodate 15 Neotropical species previously included in Helochares (s. str.); the remaining Helochares subgenera Helocharimorphus Kuwert syn. nov. and Hydrobaticus MacLeay syn. nov. are synonymized with Helochares Mulsant. Peltochares Régimbart sensu nov. is redefined to include eight Old World species previously included in Helochares (s. str.). A lectotype is designated for Peltochares conspicuus Régimbart, the type species of the genus. The taxonomic and morphological circumscription of Helochares sensu nov. is narrowed and redefined.

ResumenLa subfamilia Acidocerinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) es cosmopolita y representa uno de los linajes más diversos y taxonómicamente más desafiantes de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros. Estudios filogenéticos recientes han incrementado considerablemente nuestro entendimiento sobre las relaciones entre acidocerinos, así como iluminaron los conceptos genéricos pobremente definidos y una clasificación ampliamente incompatible con la filogenia. Aquí se abordan estos dos desafíos proporcionando una síntesis integral y herramientas taxonómicas para Acidocerinae, incluyendo (1) un resumen de la historia y estado actual de la clasificación de Acidocerinae, (2) una revisión de la ecología y los métodos de recolección para acidocerinos, (3) el conocimiento actual de acidocerinos larvales y fósiles, (4) un manual morfológico básico sobre caracteres de importancia taxonómica y sistemática dentro del linaje, (5) una clave para los géneros de Acidocerinae del mundo, (6) diagnosis, imágenes del hábito y del edeago, mapas de distribución y resumen del conocimiento actual para cada uno de los 23 géneros existentes en la subfamilia, y (7) un catálogo taxonómico anotado y completo que incluye las distribuciones publicadas, sinónimos y referencias para todas las 541 especies de Acidocerinae descritas y reconocidas al 1 de abril de 2021. Se proponen los siguientes actos taxonómicos para alinear la clasificación con la filogenia: Colossochares gen. nov. se establece para incluir dos especies africanas descritas previamente como Helochares (s. str.); Novochares gen. nov. se establece como nuevo para acomodar 15 especies neotropicales previamente incluidas en Helochares (s. str.); los subgéneros restantes de Helochares Mulsant, Helocharimorphus Kuwert syn. nov. e Hydrobaticus MacLeay syn. nov. se sinonimizan con Helochares. Peltochares Régimbart sensu nov. es redefinido para incluir ocho especies del viejo mundo previamente incluidas en Helochares (s. str.). Se designa un lectotipo para Peltochares conspicuus Régimbart, la especie tipo del género. La circunscripción taxonómica y morfológica de Helochares sensu nov. se reduce y redefine.

Review of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Tobochares Short & García, 2007 (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae): new lineages, new species, and new records.

The water scavenger beetle genus Tobochares Short & García, 2007 currently contains ten species, including one known but formally undescribed taxon. Although Tobochares was revised in 2017, ongoing fieldwork as well as an expanded concept of the genus has led to the recognition of numerous additional species. Here a combination of morphological and molecular data is presented to review this newly found Tobochares diversity. Fifteen new species are described from South America, bringing the total number of known species to 25: Tobochares akoerio sp. nov. (Suriname), T. arawak sp. nov. (Guyana), T. anthonyae sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. atures sp. nov., (Venezuela: Amazonas), T. benettii sp. nov. (Brazil: Amazonas), T. canaima sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. communis sp. nov. (Brazil: Amapá and Roraima, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela: Bolívar), T. fusus sp. nov. (Brazil: Amapá, French Guiana), T. goias sp. nov. (Brazil: Goiás), T. kappel sp. nov. (Suriname), T. kolokoe sp. nov. (Suriname), T. luteomargo sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. microps sp. nov. (Suriname), T. pemon sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), and T. romanoae sp. nov. (Brazil: Roraima). Both morphological and molecular analyses support four clades within the genus, which are here diagnosed and described as species groups. New distributional records are provided for T. kusad Kohlenberg & Short, 2017 and T. sipaliwini Short & Kadosoe, 2011, both of which are recorded from Brazil for the first time. Previously restricted to the Guiana Shield region of South America, the distributional range of the genus is now broadly expanded to include localities as far south as the central Brazilian state of Goiás. Consistent with the biology of the previously described species, almost all the new species described here are associated with seepage and wet rock habitats. Remarkably, one species, T. fusus sp. nov., was collected in both seepage habitats as well as in the rotting fruits of Clusia Linnaeus (Clusiaceae), making it one of the few known acidocerines with terrestrial habits outside of the genus Quadriops Hansen, 1999. High-resolution images of most species are included, as well as a key to species groups, species, and habitat photographs.

ResumenEl género de escarabajos acuáticos detritívoros Tobochares Short & García, 2007 actualmente contiene 10 especies, incluyendo un taxón conocido, pero no descrito. Aunque el género fue revisado en 2017, trabajo de campo en curso, así como un concepto ampliado del género han llevado al reconocimiento de numerosas especies adicionales. Aquí presentamos una combinación de datos morfológicos y moleculares para revisar esta diversidad de Tobochares recientemente encontrada. Quince especies nuevas son descritas de Suramérica, elevando el número total de especies conocidas a 25: Tobochares akoerio sp. nov. (Surinam), T. arawak sp. nov. (Guyana), T. anthonyae sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. atures sp. nov., (Venezuela: Amazonas), T. benettii sp. nov. (Brasil: Amazonas), T. canaima sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. communis sp. nov. (Brasil: Amapá y Roraima, Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela: Bolívar), T. fusus sp. nov. (Brasil: Amapá, Guyana Francesa), T. goias sp. nov. (Brasil: Goiás), T. kappel sp. nov. (Surinam), T. kolokoe sp. nov. (Surinam), T. luteomargo sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), T. microps sp. nov. (Surinam), T. pemon sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolívar), y T. romanoae sp. nov. (Brasil: Roraima). También encontramos soporte morfológico y molecular para cuatro clados dentro del género, los cuales son aquí diagnosticados y descritos como grupos de especies. Nuevos registros de distribución son provistos para T. kusad Kohlenberg & Short, 2017 y T. sipaliwini Short & Kadosoe, 2011, ambos registrados para Brasil por primera vez. Previamente restringido a la región del Escudo Guyanés de Suramérica, el rango de distribución del género es ahora ampliamente expandido para incluir localidades tan al sur como el estado de Goiás en el centro de Brasil. Consistentes con la biología de las especies previamente conocidas, casi todas las especies descritas aquí están asociadas con hábitats higropétricos o áreas de drenaje sobre rocas. Notablemente, una especie, T. fusus sp. nov., fue colectada tanto en hábitats higropétricos como en frutos en descomposición de Clusia Linneo (Clusiaceae), constituyéndose en uno de los pocos acidocerinos conocidos con hábitos terrestres fuera del género Quadriops Hansen, 1999. Se incluyen imágenes de alta resolución de la mayoría de las especies incluidas, una clave para los grupos de especies y las especies, así como fotografías de los hábitats.

Variability and distribution of the golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus (Say) (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Eustylini).

BACKGROUND: The golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus is a native and fairly widespread species across the southern U.S.A. extending through Central America south to Panama. There are two recognised morphotypes of the species: the typical green form, with pink to cupreous head and part of the legs and the uniformly white to pale brown form. There are other Central and South American species of Compsus and related genera of similar appearance that make it challenging to provide accurate identifications of introduced species at ports of entry. NEW INFORMATION: Here, we re-describe the species, provide images of the habitus, miscellaneous morphological structures and male and female genitalia. We discuss the morphological variation of Compsus auricephalus across its distributional range, by revising and updating its distributional range, based on data from entomological collections in the U.S.A. and Canada. The revised distribution of C. auricephalus extends as far south as Zacapa in Guatemala. Records south from there correspond to a different species, with affinities to C. auricephalus that we discuss and illustrate. We also discuss morphological affinities and differences with other similar species. Furthermore, we summarise information regarding the biology, host plants and natural enemies of C. auricephalus.

Three additional new genera of acidocerine water scavenger beetles from the Guiana and Brazilian Shield regions of South America (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae).

Recent study of the water scavenger beetle subfamily Acidocerinae in the Neotropical region has uncovered numerous undescribed species that are not able to be placed in existing genera. Here, we describe three new genera to accommodate 17 of these new species from South America: Aulonochares gen. nov. for Aulonochareslingulatus sp. nov. (French Guiana, Suriname), Aulonocharesnovoairensis sp. nov. (Brazil), and Aulonocharestubulus sp. nov. (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela); Ephydrolithus gen. nov. for Ephydrolithushamadae sp. nov. (Brazil), Ephydrolithusminor sp. nov. (Brazil), Ephydrolithusogmos sp. nov. (Brazil), Ephydrolithusspiculatus sp. nov. (Brazil), and Ephydrolithusteli sp. nov. (Brazil); and Primocerus gen. nov. for Primoceruscuspidis sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerusgigas sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerusneutrum sp. nov. (Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela), Primocerusocellatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primoceruspetilus sp. nov. (Brazil), Primoceruspijiguaense sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerusmaipure sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerussemipubescens sp. nov. (Guyana), and Primocerusstriatolatus sp. nov. (Suriname). The genus Ephydrolithus gen. nov. is currently known to be restricted to seepages in the mountainous regions of the Brazilian Shield. Aulonochares gen. nov. and Primocerus gen. nov. are both currently only known from the Guiana Shield, though widespread in that region where they are associated with streams and seeps. We present differential diagnoses, maps, habitat details, and illustrations of all new genera and species here described.

ResumenEl estudio reciente de escarabajos acuáticos de la subfamilia Acidocerinae en la región neotropical, ha revelado numerosas especies no descritas que no pueden ser atribuidas a los géneros existentes. Aquí describimos tres géneros nuevos para acomodar 17 de estas especies nuevas de Suramérica: Aulonochares gen. nov. para Aulonochareslingulatus sp. nov. (Guyana Francesa, Surinam), Aulonocharesnovoairensis sp. nov. (Brasil), y Aulonocharestubulus sp. nov. (Brasil, Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela); Ephydrolithus gen. nov. para Ephydrolithushamadae sp. nov. (Brasil), Ephydrolithusminor sp. nov. (Brasil), Ephydrolithusogmos sp. nov. (Brasil), Ephydrolithusspiculatus sp. nov. (Brasil), y Ephydrolithusteli sp. nov. (Brasil); y Primocerus gen. nov. para Primoceruscuspidis sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerusgigas sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerusneutrum sp. nov. (Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela), Primocerusocellatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primoceruspetilus sp. nov. (Brazil), Primoceruspijiguaense sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerusmaipure sp. nov. (Venezuela), Primocerussemipubescens sp. nov. (Guyana), y Primocerusstriatolatus sp. nov. (Surinam). El género Ephydrolithus gen. nov. se restringe hasta ahora a hábitats higropétricos en las regiones montañosas del Escudo Brasileño. Aulonochares gen. nov. y Primocerus gen. nov. son ambos hasta ahora conocidos del Escudo Guyanés, no obstante, ampliamente distribuidos en esa región en la que están asociados con corrientes y hábitats higropétricos. Presentamos diagnosis diferenciales, mapas, detalles sobre los hábitats e ilustraciones para todos los géneros y especies que aquí se describen.

A new species and immature stages of the skiff beetle genus Yara Reichardt and Hinton (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Hydroscaphidae) from Nicaragua.

Yara marmontsedu, a new species in the family Hydroscaphidae (Coleoptera: Myxophaga), is described and illustrated. Specimens of Y. marmontsedu were collected at the Pijibay Creek, tributary of the Mico River in Chontales, Nicaragua. The immature stages are described and illustrated for the first time for a species of Yara. This is a contribution to the knowledge of the water beetle fauna of Nicaragua.

On the West Indian weevil genus Lachnopus Schönherr, 1840 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae): descriptions of six new species, a proposal for species-groups, and an annotated checklist.

We here describe and illustrate six new species of the genus Lachnopus, the most taxonomically chaotic group of entimines in the Caribbean region. These species are Lachnopus cozumelus Girón O'Brien, sp. nov. from Cozumel Island, Mexico, Lachnopus karphos Girón O'Brien, sp. nov. from Mayaguana Island in the Bahamas, Lachnopus lucayanus Girón O'Brien, sp. nov. from Eleuthera in the Bahamas and Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Lachnopus petilusquamus Girón O'Brien, sp. nov. from Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Lachnopus rhabdotus Girón O'Brien, sp. nov. from Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Lachnopus vanessablockae Girón O'Brien, sp. nov. from the Cayman Islands. These constitute the first species of the genus described for each island group, and expand the geographical range of the genus, by including the Lucayan Archipelago, the Cayman Islands and Cozumel Island. Individuals of L. vanessablockae have been collected on the Cayman endemic banana orchid (Myrmecophila thomsoniana (Orchidaceae)), which represents the first reported occurrence of Lachnopus weevils as pollinators. In addition, we present an annotated checklist of the species of Lachnopus, including collecting localities, host plants, and biological notes obtained from the literature or collection data from labels of collections' specimens. Lachnopus coffeae Marshall, 1922 is recorded for the first time for Grand Bahama, which appears to be an introduction associated with citrus from Puerto Rico. We also list the fossil species attributed to the genus. Comments on some morphological characters and their variation across the genus are included. Species-groups within the genus are proposed, including diagnostic features to recognize them. Some taxonomic conflicts found in collections are pointed out. This paper compiles fundamental information, and assembles a framework for future revisionary work on Lachnopus.

Three new genera of acidocerine water scavenger beetles from tropical South America (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae).

Recent collecting efforts in the Neotropics have led to the discovery of numerous new species and lineages of aquatic beetles. Here, three new genera are described to accommodate fifteen new species of water scavenger beetles of the subfamily Acidocerinae from northern South America: Crucisternumgen. n. for C. escalerasp. n. (Venezuela), C. ouboterisp. n. (Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela), C. queneyisp. n. (French Guiana), C. sinuatussp. n. (Brazil), C. toboganensissp. n. (Venezuela), C. vanessaesp. n. (Suriname), and C. xingusp. n. (Brazil); Katasophistesgen. n. for K. charynaesp. n. (Peru), K. cuzcosp. n. (Peru), K. meridasp. n. (Venezuela) and K. superficialissp. n. (Ecuador); and Nanosaphesgen. n. for N. castaneussp. n. (Brazil), N. hesperussp. n. (Suriname), N. punctatussp. n. (Guyana), and N. tricolorsp. n. (Guyana, Suriname). It was also found that the monotypic Neotropical endemic genus Dieroxenus Spangler, 1979, syn. n. is congeneric with Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882 resulting in the single new combination Chasmogenus cremnobates (Spangler, 1979), comb. n.. Katasophistes meridasp. n. is known exclusively from seepage habitats, while the remaining taxa described herein are primarily associated with the margins of densely forested streams. Diagnoses, illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat summaries are provided for all new genera and species. A key to the genera of Acidocerinae of the New World is provided.

ResumenRecientes esfuerzos de colecta en el neotrópico han llevado al descubrimiento de numerosas especies y linajes nuevos de escarabajos acuáticos. Aquí se describen tres géneros nuevos, para acomodar quince especies nuevas de escarabajos acuáticos de la subfamilia Acidocerinae, del norte de Suramérica: Crucisternumgen. n. para C. escalerasp. n. (Venezuela), C. ouboterisp. n. (Guyana, Guyana Francesa, Surinam, Venezuela), C. queneyisp. n. (Guyana Francesa), C. sinuatussp. n. (Brasil), C. toboganensissp. n. (Venezuela), C. vanessaesp. n. (Surinam), y C. xingusp. n. (Brasil); Katasophistesgen. n. para K. charynaesp. n. (Perú), K. cuzcosp. n. (Perú), K. meridasp. n. (Venezuela) y K. superficialissp. n. (Ecuador); y Nanosaphesgen. n. para N. castaneussp. n. (Brazil), N. hesperussp. n. (Surinam), N. punctatussp. n. (Guyana), y N. tricolorsp. n. (Guyana, Surinam). También se encontró que el género Dieroxenus Spangler, 1979, syn. n., el cual es monotípico, neotropical y endémico, es congenérico con Chasmogenus Sharp, 1882, lo que resulta en la nueva combinación Chasmogenus cremnobates (Spangler, 1979), comb. n.. Katasophistes meridasp. n. se conoce exclusivamente de hábitats higropétricos, mientras que los taxa restantes que se describen aquí, están primordialmente asociados con los márgenes de corrientes densamente forestadas. Diagnosis, ilustraciones, mapas de distribución y un resumen de los hábitats, son provistos para todos los géneros y especies nuevas. Se provee además una clave para la identificación de géneros de Acidocerinae del nuevo mundo.

Review of the Helochares (Hydrobaticus) MacLeay of the New World (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae).

New World species assigned to the Helochares subgenus Hydrobaticus MacLeay are reviewed based on adult morphology and DNA sequence data. Nine species are recognized, including five here described as new: Helochares (Hydrobaticus) laevis n. sp. (Mexico), H. (Hydrobaticus) nexus n. sp. (Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela), H. (Hydrobaticus) politus n. sp. (Guatemala), H. (Hydrobaticus) trujillo n. sp. (Venezuela), and H. (Hydrobaticus) zamora n. sp. (Ecuador). New records are provided for the three previously described species: Helochares (Hydrobaticus) championi Sharp, 1882 (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua), H. (Hydrobaticus) maculicollis Mulsant, 1844 (United States), and H. (Hydrobaticus) normatus (LeConte, 1861) (United States to Costa Rica). A ninth species, known only from five poorly preserved female specimens from Peru, is left undescribed until additional material can be found. Most species are known to exhibit some parental care, with the egg case being attached to the abdomen of and carried by the female. Intraspecific genetic distances within several species are very high, in some cases more than 8% in the mitochondrial gene COI, suggesting there may be additional cryptic species remaining to be identified. All taxa are illustrated and a key to species is provided.

Revision of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Quadriops Hansen, 1999 (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae).

The genus Quadriops Hansen, 1999 is revised and redescribed. The genus is found to contain six species, including two that are here described as new: Quadriops clusiasp. n. (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname) and Q. acroreiussp. n. (Suriname, French Guiana). Two species are found to be junior subjective synonyms of Q. depressus Hansen, 1999: Q. amazonensis García, 2000, syn. n. and Q. politus Hansen, 1999, syn. n. The male of Q. similaris Hansen, 1999 is described for the first time. New records are provided for Q. dentatus Hansen, 1999, Q. reticulatus Hansen, 1999, and Q. similaris. All species are described and illustrated in detail. Most species are confirmed as having a terrestrial way of life, with several species being found in rotten fruits, sap flows, and dead wood. Furthermore, we discuss ecological trends of the species given their collecting information.

ResumenEl género Quadriops Hansen, 1999 es revisado y redescrito. El género contiene seis especies, incluyendo dos que se describen aquí como nuevas: Quadriops clusiasp. n. (Brasil, Guyana, Surinam) y Q. acroreiussp. n. (Surinam, Guyana Francesa). Dos especies se sinonimizan con Q. depressus Hansen, 1999: Q. amazonensis García, 2000, syn. n. y Q. politus Hansen, 1999, syn. n. El macho de Q. similaris Hansen, 1999 se describe por primera vez. Se proveen nuevos registros para Q. dentatus Hansen, 1999, Q. reticulatus Hansen, 1999, y Q. similaris. Todas las especies son descritas e ilustradas en detalle. La mayoría de las especies presentan un modo de vida terrestre, con varias especies encontradas en frutos podridos, flujos de savia y madera muerta. Además, se discuten tendencias ecológicas de las especies dada su información de colecta.

Revision of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Globulosis García, 2001 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae).

The Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Globulosis García, 2001 is revised. Originally described from a single male specimen from southeastern Venezuela, the genus has since been found in localities across the Guiana Shield region and beyond, including Colombia, Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil. The genus is redescribed. Morphological characters and genetic data from the mitochondrial gene COI from ten populations across its range provide support for two distinct species, corresponding loosely to geography. The type species, G. hemisphericus García, is redescribed and newly recorded from Guyana, Suriname, and Brazil (Amazonas, Para). One new species is described, Globulosis flavus sp. n. from southwestern Venezuela (Amazonas, Bolivar). The genus is associated with lotic habitats, and typically found along the margins of small to medium sized streams. High-resolution habitus and aedeagal images and distribution maps for all species are provided.

Scelianoma elydimorpha, a new genus and new species of entimine weevil from southwestern Puerto Rico (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae).

Scelianoma elydimorpha Franz & Girón, new genus and new species, an entimine weevil endemic to southwestern Puerto Rico, is described and illustrated in detail, and assigned to the tribe Eustylini (Curculionidae: Entiminae). Scelianoma is distinguished from related taxa by the following diagnostic features: shape narrowly elongate, length/width ratio 2.8-3.5; integument with densely arranged scales; pronotum without conspicuous sculpturing; male metatibia with row of 5-7 teeth, each tooth with a spine-like seta; female metatibia lacking teeth, yet with row of long, narrowly depressed setae; metatibial corbel linear; elytral humeri absent, elytra in lateral view with dorsal outline subplane, lacking cuticular projections, posterior declivity strongly angulate, slightly convex (male) to rectate (female); and wings absent. The elytra of S. elydimorpha are sexually dimorphic, attenuating in males along the posterior 5/6 yet mostly subparallel in females, and the females furthermore have two rows of erect setae along each mesal side of the declivity. Scelianoma elydimorpha is common on the southern limestone slopes of the well-preserved Guánica dry forest. The immature stages and host plants are unknown.

Scelianoma elydimorpha, a new genus and new species of entimine weevil from southwestern Puerto Rico (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae) / Scelianoma elydimorpha, género nuevo y especie nueva de picudo entimino del suroeste de Puerto Rico (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Entiminae)

Scelianoma elydimorpha Franz & Girón, new genus and new species, an entimine weevil endemic to southwestern Puerto Rico, is described and illustrated in detail, and assigned to the tribe Eustylini (Curculionidae: Entiminae). Scelianoma is distinguished from related taxa by the following diagnostic features: shape narrowly elongate, length/width ratio 2.8-3.5; integument with densely arranged scales; pronotum without conspicuous sculpturing; male metatibia with row of 5-7 teeth, each tooth with a spine-like seta; female metatibia lacking teeth, yet with row of long, narrowly depressed setae; metatibial corbel linear; elytral humeri absent, elytra in lateral view with dorsal outline subplane, lacking cuticular projections, posterior declivity strongly angulate, slightly convex (male) to rectate (female); and wings absent. The elytra of S. elydimorpha are sexually dimorphic, attenuating in males along the posterior 5/6 yet mostly subparallel in females, and the females furthermore have two rows of erect setae along each mesal side of the declivity. Scelianoma elydimorpha is common on the southern limestone slopes of the well-preserved Guánica dry forest. The immature stages and host plants are unknown.

Scelianoma elydimorpha Franz & Girón, género nuevo y especie nueva, un picudo entimino endémico al sureste de Puerto Rico, se describe e ilustra en detalle, y se asigna a la tribu Eustylini (Curculionidae: Entiminae). Scelianoma se distingue de taxones relacionados por los siguientes rasgos diagnósticos: forma estrechamente elongada, relación largo-ancho 2.8-3.5; integumento con escamas densamente arregladas; pronoto sin esculturas conspicuas; metatibia del macho con fila de 5-7 dientes, cada diente con una seta espinosa; metatibia de la hembra sin dientes, pero con fila de setas largas y estrechamente deprimidas; corbela de la metatibia linear; hombros elitrales ausentes, élitros en vista lateral con perfil dorsal subplano, sin proyecciones cuticulares, declive elitral fuertemente angulado, ligeramente convexo (macho) hasta recto (hembra); y alas ausentes. Los élitros de S.elydimorpha son sexualmente dimórficos, atenuándose en machos a lo largo de los 5/6 posteriores pero en su mayor parte subparalelos en hembras, y las hembras tienen además dos filas de setas erectas a lo largo de cada lado mésico del declive. Scelianoma elydimorpha es común en las pendientes de piedra caliza del sur del bosque seco y bien preservado de Guánica. Los estadios inmaduros y las plantas hospederas no son conocidos.