An unusual Cretaceous beetle with affinity to Anamorphidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea).

Coccinelloid beetles have a sparse fossil record in the Mesozoic. Here, we describe and illustrate an unusual coccinelloid beetle, Yassibum yoshitomii gen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Yassibum stands out within the Coccinelloidea due to its notched profemora and the presence of antennal grooves on the elytral epipleura. Based on our phylogenetic analyses, we suggest that Yassibum is most likely related to the family Anamorphidae. The alternative placements are critically evaluated based on our comparison of the morphology.

Foveapeltis gen. nov., an unusual cleroid genus with large hypomeral cavities from mid-Cretaceous amber (Coleoptera: Cleroidea).

Beetles have a remote evolutionary history dating back to the Carboniferous, with Mesozoic fossils playing a pivotal role in elucidating the early evolution of extant families. Despite their exceptional preservation in amber, deciphering the systematic positions of Mesozoic trogossitid-like beetles remains challenging. Here, we describe and illustrate a new trogossitid-like lineage from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, Foveapeltis rutai Li, Kolibác, Liu & Cai, gen. et sp. nov. Foveapeltis stands out within the Cleroidea due to the presence of a significant large cavity on each hypomeron. While the exact phylogenetic placement of Foveapeltis remains uncertain, we offer a discussion on its potential affinity based on our constrained phylogenetic analyses.

Cretaceous crown male ant reveals the rise of modern lineages.

Most described Mesozoic ants belong to stem groups that existed only during the Cretaceous period. Previously, the earliest known crown ants were dated to the Turonian (Late Cretaceous, ca. 94-90 million years ago (Ma)) deposits found in the USA, Kazakhstan, and Botswana. However, the recent discovery of an alate male ant in Kachin amber from the earliest Cenomanian (ca. 99 Ma), representing a new genus and species, Antiquiformica alata, revises the narrative on ant diversification. Antiquiformica can be distinctly differentiated from all known male stem ants by its geniculate antennae with elongated scape, extending far beyond the occipital margin of the head and half the length of the funiculus, as well as its partly reduced forewing venation. Furthermore, the combination of a one-segmented waist with a well-developed node, elongated scape extending beyond the occipital margin, and reduced forewing venation, particularly the completely reduced m-cu and rs-m crossveins and absence of rm and mcu closed cells, firmly places the fossil within the extant subfamily Formicinae. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the amber containing Antiquiformica alata originated from the Kachin mines in Myanmar. This discovery significantly revises our understanding of the early evolution of Formicinae. The presence of Antiquiformica in Cenomanian amber indicates that the subfamily Formicinae emerged at least by the start of the Late Cretaceous, with crown ants likely originating earlier during the earliest Cretaceous or possibly the Late Jurassic, although paleontological evidence is lacking to support the latter hypothesis.

New Genera and Species of Trigonidiidae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) from the Mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar with a Redescription of Birmaninemobius hirsutus.

The abundance of insects in Burmese amber illustrates a highly diverse insect community from the mid-Cretaceous period; yet, records of crickets (Grylloidea) are notably scarce. In this study, we describe two new genera with three new species, Palaeotrigonidium concavoculus gen. et sp. nov., Palaeotrigonidium defectivus sp. nov., and Tricalcaratus longilineus gen. et sp. nov., based on three specimens collected in north Myanmar. These new species can be placed within the Trigonidiidae (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) by their triangular head, compound eyes that protrude in dorsal view, and a body entirely covered with robust setae, particularly noticeable in the head and pronotum; however, subfamily assignments are not possible. Another known species, Birmaninemobius hirsutus, Xu et al., 2020, from Myanmar amber is redescribed based on a new specimen and a recheck of the holotype.

A new fossil species of the extant genus Vicelva from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

A new species of the extant staphylinid genus Vicelva Moore & Legner, V. rasilis sp. nov., is reported from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar. Vicelva rasilis is distinguishable from extant members of Vicelva by the smoother dorsal surface of head, pronotum and elytra, less prominent median projection of clypeus, unnotched mesal edge of mandibles, semiglabrous antennomere 6, and longer tarsomere 1. The pollen-containing coprolite attached to the beetle and the crystals within the beetle body provide valuable information about the biology and taphonomy of the fossil.

Diversity of medicinal plants and their therapeutic usages of Kachin people (Jinghpaw) in the central part of Kachin State, Myanmar.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional medical system plays a major role in healthcare in Kachin State, Myanmar, where long-term political instability persists and conventional healthcare facilities are inadequate. A knowledge of the traditional medicinal plants therefore benefits the Kachin people, yet documentation and records of the uses of these plants are rare. In this study, we attempt to answer the questions on what medicinal plants and how they are used by the Kachin people. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to document knowledge of the traditional medicinal plants and to identify those most frequently used by the Kachin people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two informants from eight villages in three townships were interviewed, and their knowledge of medicinal plants was recorded. The reported ailments were classified to the standard categories of the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2) system. Use reports (UR) were employed to evaluate the knowledge consensus of the informants. RESULTS: We recorded a total of 117 species used as medicinal plants, of which 22 are newly recorded medicinal plant species for Myanmar. The plants belonged to 103 genera in 52 families, and were used to treat a total of 72 ailments from 17 ICPC-2 disease categories. Fabaceae and Lamiaceae were the most highly represented families of medicinal plants, with eleven and eight species used, respectively. The most cited species based on URs were Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson (URs = 39), Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (URs = 28), Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. (URs = 26), Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. (URs = 24), and Chloranthus elatior Link. (URs = 22). Digestive system disorder was the most prevalent disease category, and was treated with 47 different medicinal plants (URs = 142). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part; decoction was the dominant method of preparation; and oral consumption was the most frequent method of administration. CONCLUSION: Our study documented a list of 117 medicinal plants and their uses in traditional medicine based on the local knowledge of the Kachin people. The study also identified the five most frequently cited species and found that the plants investigated are used to treat a total of 72 diseases. The 642 therapeutic reports we collected showcase a rich and diverse living knowledge of medicinal plant use by the Kachin people. Moreover, we present 22 new medicinal records, enriching the list of known medicinal plants in Myanmar. This exploratory study has enabled us to assemble the local knowledge of the Kachin people into solid dataset that will allow further scientific validation and will potentially contribute to better integration of medicinal plants into the healthcare provision for Kachin people in Myanmar.

Two New Species of Ripipterygidae (Orthoptera, Tridactyloidea) from Mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar with a Key to the Genera of Tridactyloidea in Amber.

The abundance of insects in Burmese amber illustrates a highly diverse orthoptera community of the mid-Cretaceous, but the records of ripipterygids are relatively rare. Here, we reviewed the genus of Magnidactylus (Xu, Fang and Jarzembowski, 2020) and transfered it from Tridactylidae to Ripipterygidae. Based on four ambers specimens collected from northern Myanmar, two new species, Magnidactylusmirus sp. nov. and Magnidactylusgracilis sp. nov., wereerected. M.mirus sp. nov. can be characterized by its basal segment and apical segment of paraproctal lobes, which are equally thick and clavate. M.gracilis sp. nov. can be characterized by its apical segment of paraproctal lobes, which are distinctly swollen. Additionally, in order to facilitate the classification of amber specimens of Tridactyloidea, a key to the genera ofambers in this superfamily is provided.

Revisiting the Raractocetus Fossils from Mesozoic and Cenozoic Amber Deposits (Coleoptera: Lymexylidae).

The fossils once assigned to Raractocetus Kurosawa from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic amber deposits differ from extant Raractocetus in the longer elytra, the more strongly projecting metacoxae, and the hind wing with vein 2A forked. Thus, these fossils should be removed from Raractocetus. Cretoquadratus engeli Chen from Kachin amber appears to be conspecific with R. fossilis Yamamoto. As a result, R. fossilis and R. extinctus Yamamoto from Kachin amber, R. balticus Yamamoto from Baltic amber, and R. sverlilo Nazarenko, Perkovsky & Yamamoto from Rovno amber are transferred to Cretoquadratus Chen, as C. fossilis (Yamamoto) comb. nov., C. extinctus (Yamamoto) comb. nov., C. balticus (Yamamoto) comb. nov., and C. sverlilo (Nazarenko, Perkovsky & Yamamoto) comb. nov., and C. engeli syn. nov. is suggested to be a junior synonym of C. fossilis.

The Morphological Diversity of Antlion Larvae and Their Closest Relatives over 100 Million Years.

Among lacewings (Neuroptera), representatives of the groups Ascalaphidae (owlflies) and Myrmeleontidae (antlions) are likely the most widely known ones. The exact taxonomic status of the two groups remains currently unclear, each may in fact be nested in the other group. Herein, we refer to the group including representatives of both with the neutral term "owllion". Owllion larvae are voracious ambush hunters. They are not only known in the extant fauna, but also from the fossil record. We report here new findings of a fossil owlfly larva from Eocene Baltic amber, as well as several owlfly-like larvae from Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar. Based on these fossils, combined with numerous fossil and extant specimens from the literature, collections, and databases, we compared the morphological diversity of the head and mouthpart shapes of the larvae of owllions in the extant fauna with that of owllion-like larvae from three time slices: about 100 million years ago (Cretaceous), about 40 million years ago (Eocene), and about 20 million years ago (Miocene). The comparison reveals that the samples from the Eocene and Miocene are too small for a reliable evaluation. Yet, the Cretaceous larvae allow for some conclusions: (1) the larval morphological diversity of owllion larvae increased over time, indicating a post-Cretaceous diversification; (2) certain morphologies disappeared after the Cretaceous, most likely representing ecological roles that are no longer present nowadays. In comparison, other closely related lineages, e.g., silky lacewings or split-footed lacewings, underwent more drastic losses after the Cretaceous and no subsequent diversifications.

A New Cretaceous Dustywing Genus (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) with Peculiar Wing Venation.

The species and morphological diversity of dustywings (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) from the Cretaceous, of which the knowledge is rapidly increasing by recent studies on the species from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, provide valuable evidence for understanding the phylogeny and early evolution of this highly specialized lacewing lineage. Here we describe a new genus and two new species of this genus in Coniopterygidae from the mid-Cretaceous (lowermost Cenomanian) of northern Myanmar, namely Paradoxoconis szirakii gen. et sp. nov. and Paradoxoconis longipalpa gen. et sp. nov. The new genus possesses a peculiar combination of wing characters, e.g., the terminal fusion or connection between ScP and RA, the terminal connection of RA to RP, the presence of forewing A3, and the presence of a distal gradate series of crossveins. Despite uncertain subfamilial placement, this new genus morphologically resembles the extant genus Coniocompsa Enderlein, 1905 of the subfamily Aleuropteryginae and the extant genus Flintoconis Sziráki, 2007 of the subfamily Brucheiserinae. Our finding highlights the palaeodiversity of dustywings from the Cretaceous.

New Cretaceous Lacewings in a Transitional Lineage of Myrmeleontoidea and Their Phylogenetic Implications.

The extinct neuropteran families Cratosmylidae and Babinskaiidae hitherto only known from the Cretaceous represent the transitional lineage between Nymphidae and advanced myrmeleontoids (e.g., Nemopteridae and Myrmeleontidae) in the superfamily Myrmeleontoidea. Here, we describe two new species, which respectively belong to Cratosmylidae and Babinskaiidae, namely, Araripenymphes burmanus sp. nov. and Paradoxoleon chenruii gen. et sp. nov., from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of Myanmar. Cratosmylidae, which was previously only recorded from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil (Crato Formation), is first reported from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of Myanmar, and the co-occurrence of Araripenymphes Menon, Martins-Neto and Martill, 2005 across South America and Asia further documents the Gondwanan origin of the northern Myanmar amber lacewing paleofauna. The first finding of a deeply bifurcated forewing MP with two free branches in Babinskaiidae (viz., Paradoxoleon chenruii gen. et sp. nov.) highlights the morphological diversity of this extinct family. The phylogenetic positions of Araripenymphes burmanus sp. nov. and Paradoxoleon chenruii gen. et sp. nov. were recovered on the basis of a morphology-based phylogenetic analysis, and the monophyly of Cratosmylidae + Babinskaiidae was corroborated. Given the paraphyly of Cratosmylidae, its familial status is discussed.

The family Polycentropodidae (Insecta, Trichoptera) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber.

Three described species, Neureclipsistriangula sp. nov., Neureclipsisacuta sp. nov., and Neureclipsisobtusa sp. nov., expand the Neureclipsis cluster to six species dominating the Polycentropodidae in Burmese amber. The new species Plectrocnemiaohlhoffi sp. nov. and Plectrocnemiabowangi sp. nov. of the Polycentropus cluster add to the comparatively low occurrence of Polycentropodidae in Burmese mid-Cretaceous amber.

A Bizarre Planthopper Nymph (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea) from Mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber.

The fossil record of adult planthoppers is comparatively rich, but nymphs are rare and not well studied. Here, we describe a bizarre armoured planthopper nymph, Spinonympha shcherbakovi gen. et sp. nov., in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. The new genus is characterized by its large size, body armed with spines and tubercles, extremely long rostrum reaching well beyond the apex of the abdomen; profemur and mesofemur subcylindrical, covered with setae; protibia and mesotibia subquadrangular, densely covered with setae; protarsus and mesotarsus with two segments, tarsomere II longer and wider than I; metatrochanter swollen, metafemur subcylindrical, covered with short setae; metatibia subquadrangular, densely covered with short setae, without lateral spine and pectens without setae; metatarsus with three segments, and metatarsomere III extremely small. The fossil nymph cannot be attributed to any known planthopper family, but can be excluded from many families due to its large size and leg structure. The armoured body was probably developed for defence, and the extremely long rostrum indicates that, in the past, feeding on trees with thick and rough bark was more widespread than today. These features indicate that the new specimen represents a new armoured morphotype of planthopper nymph from the fossil record.

The Pat Jasan drug eradication social movement in Northern Myanmar, part one: Origins & reactions.

This commentary provides an introduction to the origins and emergence of Pat Jasan, a social movement that emerged amongst the Kachin population of northern Myanmar in response to a perceived crisis of illicit drug production and consumption. Although frequently presented as a case of drug vigilantism, we seek move beyond this stereotype by providing a granular account of the historical, political, and cultural conditions that lay the ground for the movement's emergence. Pat Jasan arose in the context of intersecting crises linked to protracted armed violence, extractive development and the 'slow violence' associated with widespread drug use. It was a response to a perceived vacuum of policing and the limitations of internationally supported harmed reduction measures to recognize or address the magnitude of the problem. Taking seriously the socially embedded foundations of the Pat Jasan movement provides an entry point for exploring how notions of harm reduction are constructed and understood locally and how movements like Pat Jasan emerge in response to societal concerns surrounding drugs.

Determinants of opioid use among adult males in Myanmar: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Opioid abuse affects not only user's health but also productivity, security, and health-care costs. Better understanding about the risk factors of opioid use is in need in Myanmar as the country has heavy burdens of opioid abuse. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the determinants of opioid use among adult males in Kachin State, Myanmar. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted in Myitkyina city of Kachin State in August 2019. The ratio of case and control was 1:3, of which there were 109 opioid users and 327 controls who never used illicit drugs. Inclusion criteria for the participants were males of 18 years' old or above. Cases were recruited with the help of a nongovernmental organization, whereas controls were randomly selected from household registration of local government. Data were collected using face-to-face structured questionnaire interview. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the determinants. RESULTS: The factors associated with opioids use among males in Kachin state had peers who used opioids (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 21.67, 95% confident interval [CI]: 10.41-45.09), smoking cigarette or cheroot (AOR = 7.5, 95% CI: 4.03-13.94), aged 25 years or older (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.73-6.95), and were non-Kachin ethnic (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.36-4.64). CONCLUSION: The study indicated that peers had the strongest influence on opioid use, followed by smoking habits as well as age and ethnicity. Effective prevention programs are essential for vulnerable groups.

Two new species of Alseodaphnopsis (Lauraceae) from southwestern China and northern Myanmar: evidence from morphological and molecular analyses.

Alseodaphnopsis maguanensis and A. putaoensis, two new species of Alseodaphnopsis (Lauraceae) from southwestern China (Yunnan Province) and northern Myanmar (Kachin State), are here described and illustrated based on both morphological and molecular evidence. They are morphologically similar to Alseodaphnopsis rugosa and phylogenetically closely related to A. rugosa and A. hainanensis respectively. Their preliminary conservation status is also estimated according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Taxonomic studies on Amomum Roxburgh s.l. (Zingiberaceae) in Myanmar II: one new species and five new records for the flora of Myanmar.

In the course of a study of Amomum s.l. (Zingiberaceae) in Myanmar, Amomum schistocalyx Y.H. Tan & H.B. Ding, from Htamanti Wildlife Sanctuary, Sangaing Region of Northern Myanmar is described and illustrated as new to science here. Five taxa: A. yingjiangense S.Q. Tong & Y.M. Xia, A. carnosum V.P. Thomas & M. Sabu, A. tibeticum (T.L. Wu & S.J. Chen) X.E. Ye, L. Bai & N.H. Xia, Lanxangia scarlatina (H.T. Tsai & P.S. Chen) M.F. Newman & Skornick, and Meistera yunnanensis (S.Q. Tong) Skornick. & M.F. Newman, are newly recorded from Myanmar. The photographic illustrations, the distributions, and voucher specimens for each species are provided.

A new species and two new combinations of Monolophus (Zingiberaceae) from Indo-Burma.

Monolophus odontochilus Y.H.Tan & H.B.Ding, a new species from Northern Myanmar, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to M. linearis, but differs by having elliptic to oblong leaves (vs. linear-lanceolate to lanceolate), bilobed ligules (vs. entire), purely white corolla (vs. pinkish white), semi-orbicular crenate labellum (vs. trilobed). In addition, a diagnostic key to the new species of Monolophus and its closely related non-yellow flowered species is provided. New combinations are proposed here for Caulokaempferia phokhamii Picheans. & Douangde. and C. wongsuwaniae Picheans. & Douangde. from Laos.

Taxonomic studies on Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Myanmar I: three new species and supplementary description of Begonia rheophytica from Northern Myanmar.

Three new species of Begonia (B. chenii, B. putaoensis and B. crassitepala) belonging to Begonia section Platycentrum and a supplementary description of B. rheophytica with a detailed description of female flowers from Putao, Kachin State, Northern Myanmar, are described and illustrated. All the new species are endemic to Northern Myanmar and can be easily distinguished from other species among the section Platycentrum. A detailed description, photographs, habitat, distribution and a comparison with the most related allied species for all new species are provided.

A new species of Cylloceria Schiødte, 1838 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the Oriental Region.

A new species of the genus Cylloceria Schiødte, 1838 from Thailand and Myanmar, Cylloceria ebbae sp. nov. is described and illustrated. This is the second species of this genus described from the Oriental region.