Pre-pollination barriers between two sympatric Arisaema species in northern Shikoku Island, Japan.

PREMISE: The genus Arisaema (Araceae) has rapidly diversified in Japan, and multiple species often coexist in the field. Although Japanese Arisaema species hybridize from artificial crossing, hybrid individuals are rare in mixed populations; suggesting the presence of effective pre-pollination barriers. We examined the following reproductive barriers between A. sikokianum and A. tosaense: habitat, phenology, and pollinator isolations. METHODS: Habitat isolation was examined by interspecific comparisons of microhabitat conditions at a mixed site and of altitude at the sampling site of herbarium specimens. Phenological isolation was evaluated by comparing seasonal transition in apparent spathe condition and frequency of insect visitation. Pollinator isolation was examined by comparing floral visitor assemblages between the two Arisaema species. To avoid overestimation of pollinator isolation due to seasonal changes in insect assemblages, we also compared visitor assemblages between natural and late-flowering A. sikokianum, where the latter was experimentally introduced and blooming with a natural A. tosaense population. RESULTS: Microhabitat conditions and sampling elevations of herbarium specimens overlapped between the two Arisaema species. At the population level, A. sikokianum and A. tosaense flowered for 39 and 52 days, respectively, with 13 days overlap. Insect visitation in A. sikokianum decreased before the seasonal overlap. Floral visitor assemblages differed between the two Arisaema species, while the difference between natural and late-flowering A. sikokianum was less distinct. CONCLUSIONS: Phenological and pollinator isolation contribute to reproductive isolation between the two Arisaema species and should enable the two species to coexist in this area.

Abundance and Night Hourly Dispersal of the Vesicating Beetles of the Genus Paederus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) Attracted to Fluorescent, Incandescent, and Black Light Sources in the Brazilian Savanna.

Paederus beetles are cosmopolitan medically important insects that cause dermatitis linearis to humans. In Brazil, despite the medical importance of these beetles, no studies focusing directly on the abundance and ecological features of harmful species exist. Therefore, this study aims at determining the abundance and the nocturnal hourly dispersal of Paederus species attracted to fluorescent, incandescent, and black light sources in the Brazilian savanna. Paederus species were captured from May to September for three consecutive years, between 2011 and 2013. The specimens were caught hourly, from 1800 to 0600 hours. Paederus beetles were attracted to incandescent, fluorescent, and black light lamps as light sources. A total of 959 individuals of five species were collected. The collected species were Paederus protensus Sharp (59.85%), Paederus columbinus Laporte de Castelnau (29.20%), Paederus mutans Sharp (7.09%), Paederus brasiliensis Erichson (3.34%), and Paederus ferus Erichson (0.52%). The black light was the most attractive source, and the darkest collecting point was the most representative for the number of individuals. The lowest catches were captured at full moon, and the highest catches were between 2200 and 0100 hours. Future investigations are needed to better understand the role of night temperature and soil humidity affecting the seasonal growth of Paederus beetle populations of northeastern Brazil.

Paederus dermatitis in Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey: a report of 57 cases.

BACKGROUND: Paederus dermatitis (PD), which is an irritant contact dermatitis, is common throughout the world and caused by rove beetles. OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical features of PD and the level of knowledge of patients from the city of Batman and surrounding areas who presented with the condition. METHODS: We describe 57 patients who presented to our dermatology clinic in the city of Batman between May 2011 and October 2011. Sociodemographic data were collected for all the patients, and their level of knowledge about the disease was assessed with a detailed questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients, of whom 36 (63%) were men and 21 (37%) were women, were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 24.2 years. The peak time of presentation was August. The neck and the chest were the most common sites of involvement. Clinically, the most common presentation consisted of papulo-pustules on an erythematous base. The most frequent complaints were burning and stinging sensations (66.7%). Only three patients (5%) thought that contact with insects could lead to the disease. CONCLUSIONS: PD is an important public health problem when it is seen epidemically. The public's awareness about the cause of the disease is very low. Knowledge about the clinical features of PD and the emergence of epidemics will prevent misdiagnosis by physicians. Increasing the level of knowledge of people about the cause of the disease and about the behavioural patterns of the insect are important in terms of disease prevention.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Aleochara (Aleochara) curtula (Goeze, 1777) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Aleochara (Aleochara) curtula (Goeze, 1777) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) is reported. This mitogenome (GenBank accession no. OL675411) is 16,600 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). Most PCGs use typical mitochondrial stop codon (TAR) except for cox3, which uses a single T residue. The A, G, T, and C nucleotide base composition of the mitogenome is 40.61%, 7.66%, 40.34%, and 11.39%, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses recovered the monophyly of Aleocharinae.

The genome sequence of Philonthus cognatus (Stephens, 1832) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), a rove beetle.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Philonthus cognatus (a rove beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Staphylinidae). The genome sequence is 1,030.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 20.7 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 29,629 protein coding genes.

The genome sequence of a rove beetle, Othius punctulatus (Goeze, 1777).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Othius punctulatus (a rove beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Staphylinidae). The genome sequence is 870.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 20.71 kilobases in length.

Temperature-dependent Functional Response of the Arboreal Rove Beetle, Oligota flavicornis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), a Voracious Predator of Tetranychus urticae (Acarina: Tetranychidae).

The functional responses of Oligota flavicornis (Boisduval & Lacordaire) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) preying on the eggs of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acarina: Tetranychidae) were examined at seven constant temperature settings (12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 30, and 32°C) to elucidate the predator-prey interactions between them. Logistic regression showed that O. flavicornis exhibited type II functional responses to T. urticae eggs at different temperatures. The reciprocal of handling time declined exponentially with warming, and the search rate presented a single hump-shaped relationship with temperature. For the search rate, the lower temperature thresholds were 9.1°C (linear) and 8.7°C (Briere). The optimal temperature and upper temperature threshold were 29.1 and 37.8°C for Logan and 29.7 and 35.8°C for Briere, respectively. The predation threshold window of O. flavicornis reached 27.1°C with a range of 8.7-35.8°C. The predator could consume 244.7-388.4 T. urticae eggs in a day in the optimal temperature range (18-32°C). The voracious predatory behavior of O. flavicornis against T. urticae eggs over a broad temperature range indicates that the predator shows promise as a potential biological control agent and that temperature-dependent predation could be a basis for formulating strategies to control tetranychid mites.

Molecular Characterization of Paederus Spp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Paederinae) the Agent of Human Linear Dermatitis in the Caspian Sea Coast, North of Iran.

Background: A combined morphological and molecular survey was performed to determine the agent of human linear dermatitis Paederus Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Paederinae) species composition in Mazandaran Province in the Caspian Sea coast in northern Iran, where most of linear dermatitis cases of the country occurred. Methods: Altogether, 397 Paederus specimens were collected from May to August 2021 and classified using morphological characters and ITS2-rDNA sequence analysis. Results: Morphological investigation revealed that all the specimens were Paederus fuscipes. ITS2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) direct-sequences and the profiles of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) derived from digestion of PCR products by HinfI, HpaII, and SalI enzymes were identical confirming the morphological results, implying that all specimens belonged to a single taxon. Conclusion: Paederus fuscipes (Fabricius, 1775) is considered the dominant taxon and responsible for linear dermatitis in Mazandaran Province. To our knowledge, we have provided the first molecular typing of Paederus beetles at the species level, suggesting that ITS2-rDNA characterization is an alternative tool for species discrimination of Paederus spp.

Clinico-dermatologic patterns of Paederus dermatitis in a teaching hospital, South India.

Background: Paederus dermatitis (PD) is common skin condition occurring in South India caused due to contact with Rove beetle. It is often misdiagnosed due to wide difference in its presentation. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, sociodemographic, and environmental condition of patient's presenting with PD. Methodology: A descriptive study was done among all patients diagnosed of PD at the Dermatology department of a teaching hospital in Trichy, South India, between January and December 2020. A detailed clinical history, examination of the lesion, and systemic examination was done. Patients were followed-up after 1 week to re-assess the lesion. A total of 117 cases were included in the final analysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 24.54 ± 11.8 years. Female were 51% with 84.6% residing in rural area. Majority of the cases presented between January and May. Presence of thick vegetation (85.5%) and sleeping with windows open (60.7%) were found to be the common risk factors. Most patients reported noticing the lesion in the morning with sudden onset associated with redness and tenderness with a bizarre pattern of lesion. Face, neck, and upper extremity were the most affected sites with burning sensation and itching, experienced by 82.1% and 76.1%, respectively. Ocular involvement with peri-orbital odema was seen among 17% of cases. Post-inflammatory pigmentation was present in 92.1% patients. Conclusion: PD present has a varying degree of skin lesions with absence of the typical linear pattern. Knowledge of its presentation is important to avoid misdiagnosis.

Review of Chinese species of the genus Thoracostrongylus Bernhauer, 1915 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae).

Species of the genus Thoracostrongylus Bernhauer, 1915 occurring in China are reviewed. Four new species and one new subspecies are described: T.baishanzuensis sp. nov. (Zhejiang), T.bicolor sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Yunnan), T.brachypterus sp. nov. (Sichuan), T.chrysites sp. nov. (Fujian), and T.formosanusflavipes ssp. nov. (Zhejiang, Fujian, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Anhui, Jiangxi). A new synonymy is proposed: T.baoxingensis Yang, Zhou & Schillhammer, 2011 syn. nov. is in fact T.acerosus Yang, Zhou & Schillhammer, 2011. New provincial records for T.acerosus Yang, Zhou & Schillhammer, 2011 are reported. A key to Chinese species of the genus is provided.

A Taxonomic Study on the Genus Naddia from China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) with Descriptions of Two New Species.

Two new species of Naddia from China are described: N. chenchangchini sp. nov. (Guangxi) and N. hujiayaoi sp. nov. (Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong). Naddia atripes Bernhauer, 1939 is new to Vietnam and the following Chinese provinces: Jiangxi, Guangxi, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Fujian and Guangdong. Naddia chinensis Bernhauer, 1929 is new to Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guizhou, Henan, Hunan, Shaanxi, Fujian, Chongqing, Guangxi and Hubei. Naddia miniata Fauvel, 1895 is new to Laos. A key to Chinese species of the genus is provided.

Dermatitis linearis outbreak associated with Paederus balcanicus in Austria.

BACKGROUND: Dermatitis linearis is a toxic skin lesion caused by contact with certain beetles of the genus Paederus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). Dermatitis linearis outbreaks have been described mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, but so far not in Central Europe, and are considered an emerging public health concern potentially associated with climate change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following diagnosis of dermatitis linearis in a cluster of six adults and one child with reported exposure to beetles with morphological characteristics of Paederus species at a recreational public open-air bath at Lake Neusiedl (Illmitz, Burgenland, Austria), we performed on-site inspection and installed light and pitfall traps. Collected beetle specimens of the genus Paederus were classified using morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. RESULTS: A total of 32 Paederus beetles were collected using an aspirator (n = 2) and light traps (n = 30). No individuals of the genus Paederus were captured with the pitfall traps. Morphological analyses identified them as members of the Paederus balcanicus species, which was confirmed by genetic specification of four arbitrarily chosen individuals. Dermatitis linearis lesions were treated with topical steroids and healed but partly leaving scars and hyperpigmentation, over the course of a few weeks in all affected persons. CONCLUSION: We report for the first time (a) an outbreak of dermatitis linearis associated with exposure to autochthonous Paederus species in Austria, and (b) that contact to the species Paederus balcanicus may cause dermatitis linearis in humans. Adequate measures should be taken to prevent dermatitis linearis outbreaks in areas with resident Paederus occurrence.

Taxonomy of Homoeusa Kraatz, 1856 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from the East Palearctic: I. Homoeusarufescens (Sharp, 1874) and a new allied species.

There is insufficient information to identify most species of the myrmecophilous rove beetle genus Homoeusa. In this paper, after examining the type material, Homoeusarufescens (Sharp, 1874) is redescribed in detail and its new allied species Homoeusaovata sp. nov. is described. We also observed the behavior of these two species in the field; the behavior was similar to that reported for H.acuminata (Märkel, 1842). A checklist of Homoeusa from the Palearctic and Nearctic is also provided.

Notes on the genus Rhyncocheilus in China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) with descriptions of three new species.

Three new species of Rhyncocheilus from China are described: R. huanghaoi sp. n. (Xizang), R. gonggashanus sp. n. (Sichuan) and R. yangxiaodongi sp. n. (Yunnan). The characters of R. griseosericans (Fairmaire, 1894) are clarified. Rhyncocheilus rugulipennis Cameron, 1932 is new to China, and R. henanensis Schillhammer, 2012 is new to Hubei. A key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided.

The first record of the subfamily Dasycerinae in Taiwan, with description of a new species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).

Dasycerus poseidon Hu Liang, sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on fresh specimens from central and southern Taiwan, which filled in the disjunct distribution between the Japanese archipelago and south-eastern Asia. The new species represents the first record of the subfamily Dasycerinae in Taiwan. The barcoding sequence of the holotype of D. poseidon Hu Liang, sp. nov.is provided, and revealed a surprisingly large genetic distance within the genus. Detailed illustrations of D. poseidon Hu Liang, sp. nov. by scanning electron micrograph and micro-computed tomography are also provided. Living individuals of D. poseidon Hu Liang, sp. nov. were observed eating the mycelium of Pleurotus ostreatus in lab conditions, which represents the first direct evidence of mycophagous habits of Dasycerinae.

First description of the male Quelaestrygon puetzi Smetana, 1999 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylinini) from China.

A male of the very rare and phylogenetically puzzling species, Quelaestrygon puetzi Smetana, 1999, is described for the first time based on a single specimen from Sichuan Province, China. High quality color images and line drawings of the male external and genitalic traits are provided.

A new species of Queskallion Smetana, 2015 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Quediina) from China.

A new species, Queskallion saetosum sp. nov., is described herein from Sichuan Province, China. It is diagnosed from a closely related species, Q. tangi Smetana, 2015. Color images and line drawings of the adult of the new species, as well as its genitalia are provided. In addition, a checklist of species, an updated key to species and a geographical distribution map of all known species in the genus Queskallion Smetana are included.

Revision of Eupines King of New Zealand (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Goniaceritae).

The species-rich genus Eupines King of New Zealand is revised to include 48 species, with 22 known species redescribed. Twenty-two new species are described: Eupines (Byraxis) brevis sp. n., E. (B.) caesta sp. n., E. (B.) carinata sp. n., E. (B.) coalita sp. n., E. (B.) complector sp. n., E. (B.) dugdalei sp. n., E. (B.) gigas sp. n., E. (B.) graceae sp. n., E. (B.) huizhenae sp. n., E. (B.) hoarei sp. n., E. (B.) insolita sp. n., E. (B.) mayae sp. n., E. (B.) minuta sp. n., E. (B.) obtusa sp. n., E. (B.) ovalis sp. n., E. (B.) pannicula sp. n., E. (B.) petila sp. n., E. (B.) protibialis sp. n., E. (B.) whirinaki sp. n., E. (B.) waikaremoana sp. n., Eupines (Eupines) undecim sp. n. and Eupines novem sp. n. The following 11 synonymies are proposed: E. (B.) dispar (Sharp) (= E. (B.) munroi Broun syn. n.), E. (B.) hectori Broun (= E. (B.) diversides Newton syn. n.), E. (B.) impar (Sharp) (= E. (B.) sanguineua Broun syn. n., E. (B.) foveatissima Broun syn. n.), E. (B.) monstrosa (Reitter) (= E. (B.) rudicornis Broun syn. n., E. (B.) costata Broun syn. n.), E. (B.) mundula (Schaufuss) (= E. (B.) forficulida Broun syn. n.), E. (B.) paganus (Broun) (= E. (B.) allocera Broun syn. n., E. (B.) sylvicola Broun syn. n., E. (B.) rhyssarthra Broun syn. n.) and Eupinolus altulus (Broun) (= E. (E.) nasuta Broun syn. n.). New combinations are proposed for four species previously described in Eupines: Eupinolus calcaratus (Broun) new comb., Eupinolus nasutus (Broun) new comb., Gastrobothrus ignotus (Broun) new comb. and Gastrobothrus platynotus (Broun) new comb. A key and distribution maps for all New Zealand members of Eupines are provided.

A new species and new record of the intertidal rove beetle genus Bryothinusa Casey (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Myllaenini) from Japan.

A new species of the intertidal rove beetle genus Bryothinusa, B. japonica sp. nov. is described, and B. koreana Ahn Jeon, 2004 is recorded from Japan for the first time. These species are illustrated and compared with similar species. A key to the Japanese Bryothinusa species and a checklist of the known Bryothinusa species are provided.

New distributional records of Staphylinina in Taiwan, including a new species of Miobdelus Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae: Staphylinini).

Miobdelus humilis sp. nov. is described as new. A lectotype is designated for Staphylinus (Xanthocypus) miwai Bernhauer, 1943 and Thoracostrongylus miyakei Bernhauer, 1943. Ocypus (Ocypus) miwai (Bernhauer, 1943) is transferred from Ocypus Leach, 1819 to Sphaerobulbus Smetana, 2003 and the species is re-described based on types and modern specimens. A female description of Apecholinus imitator Smetana Hu, 2019 is provided. Creophilus flavipennis Hope, 1831, Nelmanwaslus ornatus Smetana, 2006, Ontholestes oculatus (Sharp, 1874) and Platydracus juang Smetana, 2005 are reported for the first time from Taiwan. Ontholestes oculatus is re-described based on Taiwanese material, representing the first record of the genus Ontholestes Ganglbauer, 1895 in Taiwan. Platydracus juang is considered to be a termitophilous species, associated with Reticulitermes leptomandibularis (Hsia Fan, 1965), which would represent the first report of termitophily in the subtribe Staphylinina. Additional records of C. maxillosus maxillosus (Linnaeus, 1758), Agelosus auricomus Smetana Hu, 2019, Apecholinus fraternus Fairmaire, 1891, Miobdelus taiwanensis taiwanensis Smetana, 2001, Naddia taiwanensis Shibata, 1979 and Thoracostrongylus formosanus Shibata, 1982 are provided. Habitus photos of the above species and Dinothenarus choui Smetana, 1992 are also provided. A preliminary checklist of Staphylinina in Taiwan is proposed.