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

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

A taxonomic review of the genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009 (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae) with descriptions of three new species and one new combination.

Three new species of the genus Fignya Solovyev & Witt, 2009, F.qiana sp. nov., F.trigonum sp. nov., and F.samkosa sp. nov., are described from China and Cambodia. Additionally, a new combination, F.brachygnatha (Wu & Fang, 2008), comb. nov., is proposed. The new species are illustrated with images of the adults and male genitalia, and compared with similar species. A key to all known species in the genus, along with their geographical distributions, is provided.

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

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

An illustrated key to European genera of Microgastrinae parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) with a recent historical and biological perspective and a guide to available species-level identification resources.

An illustrated key is provided for the identification of the 20 genera of Microgastrinae so far known to occur in Europe. A brief review of 20th century progress on the group is given. Morphological terms are explained and illustrated, with special reference to the different systems of wing venation employed by past workers on Microgastrinae in Europe, and recommendations are made for future work. For each genus, an outline of species richness, host usage, developmental biology, and particular morphological features is given, and some species that may be difficult to place are highlighted. Available keys for species identification within genera are referenced, with comments, and attention is drawn to species more recently recorded or described up to January 2024. The value of accurate rearing data for parasitoids is emphasised. The references discussed provide a comprehensive overview of the most useful literature for future morphological work on European Microgastrinae. Glyptapantelesmoldavicus (Tobias), comb. nov. is proposed.

A new species and some new distribution records of the genus Apatetica Westwood from China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Apateticinae).

Five species of Apatetica Westwood, 1848 from China are recorded and illustrated: Apateticaangusticollis sp. nov. from Sichuan, A.confusa Assing, 2018 from Yunnan, A.intermedia Cameron, 1930 from Sichuan, A.laevicollis Fauvel, 1904 from Guangdong and Guangxi, and A.sikkimi Fauvel, 1895 from Xizang. The last four are new to China. The new species is described, and a photograph of a living specimen is presented. Apateticaintermedia and A.sikkimi are redescribed and diagnosed. A key to Chinese species of the genus is provided.

The Grumpy dwarfgoby, a new species of Sueviota (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from the Red Sea.

A new gobiid species is described from ten specimens, 9.2 - 16.7 mm SL, collected from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. The new species is most similar to Sueviotapyrios from the Gulf of Aqaba in the northern Red Sea. It differs from S.pyrios by having no large red spots on the dorsal and caudal fin elements, no elongate spines in the first dorsal fin, a shorter pelvic fin that does not reach the anus, branched pectoral fin rays, and a projecting lower jaw. The new species is further distinguished from all its congeners by a complete lack of cephalic sensory canals and pores. Specimens were found in small caves and overhangs at depths between 10 and 53 meters.

Four new species of the genus Hendelia Czerny, 1903 (Diptera, Clusiidae) from China.

Four new species of the genus Hendelia Czerny, 1903 collected from China, are described as new to science: H.latustigenis sp. nov., H.macrocera sp. nov., H.deltoides sp. nov. and H.flavida sp. nov. An updated key to the species of Hendelia from China is presented.

The genus Platydracus Thomson in Hainan, South China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae).

A study on Platydracus species of Hainan Province, China is presented. Platydracushainanensis sp. nov., Platydracusaureolus sp. nov. and Platydracuszhouchenglini sp. nov. are described as new species. Platydracusmarmorellus Fauvel, 1895 and Platydracussubirideus Kraatz, 1859 are recorded from China for the first time. Habitus and diagnostic characters of all species are photographed, and a key to Platydracus species of Hainan is provided.

Taxonomic reintroduction of Taphrinaviridis (Taphrinales, Ascomycota) associated with Alnusalnobetula as one of five well defined European species colonizing alders.

Phylogenetic analysis of four DNA regions (ITS, LSU, mtSSU and tef1α) supported the existence of five European Taphrina species which colonise Alnus in Europe. In addition to previously well-defined species, T.viridis is, for the first time recognised, by molecular study as a species related to T.sadebeckii. Analysis of publicly available sequences of barcoding regions suggested that T.viridis is only associated with A.alnobetula and no other Taphrina species colonize this host tree. Symptomatic, morphological, and physiological characterisation of T.viridis are provided together with the key for identification of Alnus associated Taphrina species in Europe and North America.

The genus Coleus (Lamiaceae) in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi), with the description of 15 new species.

The genus Coleus is revised for DR. Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, based on herbarium taxonomy. Ninety-five taxa are reported (89 species, 1 subspecies, 5 varieties). Fifteen new species and one new variety are described (Coleusduvigneaudii, C.esculentusvar.kolweziensis, C.hildei, C.kaminaensis, C.kundelunguensis, C.linarioides, C.lisowskii, C.marunguensis, C.minusculus, C.mitwabaensis, C.mystax, C.pengbelensis, C.piscatorum, C.pseudoschizophyllus, C.ruziziensis and C.zigzag). Fourteen species are newly recorded in DR. Congo and two species are newly recorded in Burundi. Four new combinations are made (Coleusbetonicifoliusvar.kasomenensis, C.esculentusvar.densus, C.esculentusvar.primulinus and C.parvifolius). Ten names are lectotypified. One name is neotypified. Thirteen new synonyms are reported. Particular attention is paid to the Coleusbojeri complex. Three names are resurrected to accommodate the extensive variation patterns in Central Africa (C.chevalieri, C.collinus and C.heterotrichus); their distribution in Africa is outlined and the circumscription of C.bojeri is amended accordingly. Fifteen taxa are endemic to the study region. A determination key is provided.

Revision of the Oriental species of the hoverfly genus Paramixogaster Brunetti, 1923 (Diptera, Syrphidae, Microdontinae).

The species of the hoverfly genus Paramixogaster Brunetti, 1923 from the Oriental Region are revised. The resulting number of valid species is 15, of which the following four are described as new: P.halmaherensis Reemer, sp. nov., P.jubata Reemer, sp. nov., P.kodaiana Sankararaman & Reemer, sp. nov., and P.sulawesiana Reemer, sp. nov. Three new synonymies are established: Paramicrodondecipiens de Meijere, 1917, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Microdonvespiformis de Meijere, 1908; Paramixogasterwegneri Keiser, 1964, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Ceratophyaindica Doleschall, 1857; Microdonsubpetiolatus Thompson, 2020, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Microdoncontractus Brunetti, 1923. Paramixogasterhuoi Reemer, nom. nov. is introduced as a replacement name for P.trifasciatus Huo & Zhao, 2022, which is a primary homonym of P.trifasciatus Ssymank & Reemer, 2016. Neotypes are designated for Paramixogastericariiformis Pendlebury, 1927 and Myxogastervariegata Sack, 1922, and a lectotype is designated for Microdonvespiformis de Meijere, 1908. An identification key to the species and diagnoses for all species are provided.

Two new species of the genus Halichoanolaimus (Nematoda, Selachinematidae) from the intertidal zone of the Yellow Sea, China.

Two new marine nematode species belonging to the genus Halichoanolaimus from the intertidal zone of the Yellow Sea are described. Halichoanolaimussinensis sp. nov. is characterized by amphideal fovea with 2.5-3.0 turns, 20-27% of corresponding body diameters; spicules curved, middle portion broad, tapering distally, 1.4-1.5 cloacal body diameters long; gubernaculum slender consisting of two detached lateral pieces tapering distally; 10-13 papilliform precloacal supplements in two groups, the posterior three supplements smaller and closer to each other, the remaining supplements larger and widely spaced; tail conico-cylindrical with a half cylindrical portion. The second new species, Halichoanolaimuszhangi sp. nov. is distinct by having lateral differentiation present except in anterior half of pharynx which has even punctations, amphideal fovea with 3.0-3.3 turns, spicules curved, gradually narrowing from proximal to distal end with pointed tip, 7 papilliform precloacal supplements, gradually increasing the spacing distance forward, two rows of subventral conical setae situated at the precloacal region, tail elongated, filiform. An updated key to 30 valid species of Halichoanolaimus is provided.

Ooceraeahainingensis sp. nov.: A new Chinese Ooceraea (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Dorylinae) species with a dealate queen, closely allied to the queenless clonal raider ant O.biroi.

The clonal raider ant, Ooceraeabiroi, is a queenless species that reproduces asexually, and these traits make it an attractive model system for laboratory research. However, it is unclear where on the ant phylogeny these traits evolved, partly because few closely related species have been described and studied. Here, we describe a new raider ant species, Ooceraeahainingensis sp. nov., from Zhejiang, China. This species is closely related to O.biroi but can be distinguished by the following features: 1) workers of O.hainingensis sp. nov. have an obvious promesonotal suture and a metanotal groove, whereas these characters are ambiguous in O.biroi; and 2) the subpetiolar process of O.hainingensis is prominent and anteroventrally directed like a thumb with sublinear posteroventral margin, while in O.biroi, it is anteroventrally directed but slightly backward-bent. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm that O.hainingensis is genetically distinct from O.biroi. Importantly, unlike O.biroi, O.hainingensis has a queen caste with wings and well-developed eyes. This suggests that the loss of the queen caste and transition to asexual reproduction by workers is specific to O.biroi and occurred after that species diverged from closely related congeneric species.

Revision of Trigastrotheca Cameron (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Braconinae) with descriptions of 13 new species.

The Old World braconine wasp genus Trigastrotheca Cameron is revised. The genus is recorded from the island of Madagascar for the first time based on two new species, T.christianhenrichi Quicke & Butcher, sp. nov. and T.formosa Quicke & Friedman, sp. nov. Trigastrothecagriffini Quicke, sp. nov. is described from Australia; T.aethiopica Quicke & Friedman, sp. nov. is described from Ethiopia; T.braeti Quicke & Butcher, sp. nov. is described from Congo; T.simba van Noort, sp. nov. is described from Tanzania; T.freidbergi Quicke & Friedman, sp. nov., T.carinata Ranjith, sp. nov., T.flava Ranjith, sp. nov. and T.similidentata Ranjith, sp. nov. are described from India; T.khaoyaiensis Quicke & Butcher, sp. nov., T.naniensis Quicke & Butcher, sp. nov., and T.sublobata Quicke & Butcher, sp. nov. are described from Thailand. Trigastrothecatridentata is recorded from Thailand for the first time. A putative female of T.sureeratae is described for the first time. Acroceriliatricolor Quicke & Ingram, 1993 is transferred into Trigastrotheca, as T.acroceropsis nom. nov. A key is provided for the identification of species.

Notes on Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) with capitate inflorescences in Thailand.

Twenty-three species of Strobilanthes Blume with capitate inflorescences are enumerated in Thailand. Strobilanthesphengklaii Kladwong & Chantar., a new species from North-eastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. Strobilanthespaniculiformis J.R.I.Wood, S.phyllostachya Kurz and S.squalens S.Moore are new records in Thailand. Strobilantheskerrii Craib is reinstated, and S.evrardiivar.parviflora J.B.Imlay, S.bombycina J.B.Imlay, Hemigraphishispidula Craib and Sericocalyxthailandicus Bremek. are treated as new synonyms. 19 taxa are lectotypified. A key to species, taxonomic notes and photographs are provided as well as a preliminary conservation assessment and distribution maps.

Two new species of the genus Kingdonella Uvarov, 1933 (Orthoptera, Acridoidea) and the first reported male of Kingdonellaqinghaiensis Zheng, 1990.

Two new species of the genus Kingdonella and the first report of a male K.qinghaiensis Zheng, 1990 are presented. The new species K.gandensis sp. nov. has similar morphological features to K.wardi Uvarov, 1933, but it differs from the latter in having 1) the hind tibia black; 2) the epiproct, in males, with a median groove in the basal 1/2 and in the apical 1/4; 3) the denticles of the male epiproct black; 4) the outside of the hind femur reddish-brown on the basal 1/4 and black on the apical 3/4; and 5) the ventral face of the hind femur black on the outer side. The second new species, K.biruensis sp. nov., is morphologically close to K.pienbaensis Zheng, 1980 but differs from the latter in having 1) the length of the middle segment (12th segment) of antennae 1.2 times longer than its width; 2) the subgenital plate sharp-cornered in males; 3) the ovipositor smooth; 4) the upper half of hind femur outside surface with two black spots; and 5) the ventral face of the hind femur black on its outer side, red on the basal 2/3, and black on the apical 1/3 of its inner side. Finally, we provide a key to all known species of Kingdonella.

Notes on the Pselaphodes Westwood complex (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) of Hubei, China, with description of a new species and additional faunistic data.

The Pselaphodes Westwood complex of genera is represented in Hubei Province by four genera and eight species. Recent field work at Wanchaoshan Nature Reserve, Xingshan County revealed a small series of material belonging to this complex. In this paper, we describe Pselaphodeswanchaoshanus sp. nov. and provide new faunistic data for P.nomurai Yin, Li & Zhao. A key to the hitherto known members of Pselaphodes complex that occur in Hubei is provided to facilitate ready species identification.

Four new species of Marphysa (Annelida, Eunicida, Eunicidae) from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Four new species of Marphysa are described from Terengganu state on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, using morphological and molecular (cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene) data. These species belong to different groups of Marphysa: Marphysakertehensis sp. nov. belongs to Group A (Mossambica), Marphysamerchangensis sp. nov. and Marphysasetiuense sp. nov. belong to Group B (Sanguinea) and Marphysaibaiensis sp. nov. belongs to Group E (Gravelyi). Marphysakertehensis sp. nov. is characterised by having only limbate chaetae, absence of subacicular hooks, three types of pectinate chaetae including wide, thick isodont with short and slender inner teeth, and pectinate branchiae with up to nine branchial filaments. Marphysamerchangensis sp. nov. is characterised by the presence of eyes, unidentate subacicular hooks, four types of pectinate chaetae including wide, thick anodont pectinate chaetae with five long and thick inner teeth, and pectinate branchiae with up to six branchial filaments. Marphysasetiuense sp. nov. has mostly unidentate subacicular hooks (bidentate on several posterior chaetigers), four types of pectinate chaetae including wide, thick anodont pectinate chaetae with seven thick and long inner teeth, and pectinate branchiae with up to five branchial filaments. Marphysaibaiensis sp. nov. has bidentate subacicular hooks throughout, five types of pectinate chaetae, including a heterodont with 12 short and slender inner teeth, and pectinate branchiae with up to eight branchial filaments. The designation of these new species based on morphology is fully supported by molecular data. Habitat descriptions of each species are also included.

Five new species of the genus Stigmus Panzer (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) from China, with a key to all Chinese species.

Five new species of the genus Stigmus Panzer, 1804 are described and illustrated from Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces of China: S.carinannulatus Li & Ma, sp. nov., S.clypeglabratus Li & Ma, sp. nov., S.flagellipilaris Li & Ma, sp. nov., S.rugidensus Li & Ma, sp. nov., and S.sulciconspicus Li & Ma, sp. nov. In addition, S.solskyi Morawitz, 1864 is recorded in China for the first time. An illustrated key to known and new species of the genus Stigmus Panzer from China is provided.

Three new species of Oocyclus Sharp, 1882, with additional records from China (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Laccobiini).

Three new species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 from China (Oocyclusextensus sp. nov., from Xizang, O.latiorificialis sp. nov. and O.ximaensis sp. nov. from Yunnan) are described and illustrated in detail. Additional faunistic data, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, and a key to Chinese species are provided.