Phylogenomics of Tetraopes longhorn beetles unravels their evolutionary history and biogeographic origins.

Tetraopes longhorn beetles are known for their resistance to milkweed plant toxins and their coevolutionary dynamics with milkweed plants (Asclepias). This association is considered a textbook example of coevolution, in which each species of Tetraopes is specialized to feed on one or a few species of Asclepias. A major challenge to investigating coevolutionary hypotheses and conducting molecular ecology studies lies in the limited understanding of the evolutionary history and biogeographical patterns of Tetraopes. By integrating genomic, morphological, paleontological, and geographical data, we present a robust phylogeny of Tetraopes and their relatives, using three inference methods with varying subsets of data, encompassing 2-12 thousand UCE loci. We elucidate the diversification patterns of Tetraopes species across major biogeographical regions and their colonization of the American continent. Our findings suggest that the genus originated in Central America approximately 21 million years ago during the Miocene and diversified from the Mid-Miocene to the Pleistocene. These events coincided with intense geological activity in Central America. Additionally, independent colonization events in North America occurred from the Late Miocene to the early Pleistocene, potentially contributing to the early diversification of the group. Our data suggest that a common ancestor of Tetraopini migrated into North America, likely facilitated by North Atlantic land bridges, while closely related tribes diverged in Asia and Europe during the Paleocene. Establishing a robust and densely sampled phylogeny of Tetraopes beetles provides a foundation for investigating micro- and macroevolutionary phenomena, including clinal variation, coevolution, and detoxification mechanisms in this ecologically important group.

Taxonomic account and phylogenetic relationships of the species of the Neotropical social wasp genus Chartergus Lepeletier, 1836 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini).

The Neotropical social wasp genus Chartergus is reviewed and comparative diagnoses, images of type material, and an updated identification key for species are presented. To investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the genus, we used a combined dataset of morphological characters, nest architecture traits, and molecular data. The results revealed the following relationships among the Chartergus species: (C. globiventris + (C. artifex + C. metanotalis)).

A Catalogue of the Pacific Eumeninae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

A catalogue of Eumeninae occurring in Oceania is presented, the first in more than a century.

Revision of the Afrotropical species of the genus Anterhynchium de Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae).

A taxonomic study on the Afrotropical species in the genus Anterhynchium de Saussure, 1863 is presented. Some subspecies are elevated to specific rank (Anterhynchium argenteopilosellum (Giordani Soika, 1937) stat. nov., A. bugandanum Giordani Soika, 1987 stat. nov., A. cariosum Giordani Soika, 1987 stat. nov., A. denticulatum (Mocsáry, 1903) stat. nov., A. sulphureomaculatum (von Schulthess, 1928) stat. nov.). New synonymies are proposed for Anterhynchium fallax (de Saussure, 1852) (=Rhynchium luctuosum Gerstäcker 1857 syn. nov.), Anterhynchium grandidieri (de Saussure, 1890) (= Epiodynerus grandidieri limbatulus Giordani Soika, 1991 syn. nov.), Anterhynchium grayi (de Saussure, 1855) (= Synagris inermis var. atrata Mocsáry, 1903 syn. nov.; = Rhynchium grayi var. sumptuosum Gribodo, 1895 syn. nov.), Anterhynchium mephisto (Gribodo, 1892) (= Anterhynchium beninum Gusenleitner, 2018 syn. nov.; = Odynerus rufoniger Bequaert, 1918 syn. nov.; = Synagris uncata Tullgren, 1904 syn. nov.); Anterhynchium synagroide (de Saussure, 1852) (=Rhynchium synagroides var. alpha von Schulthess, 1923 syn. nov.; Rhynchium synagroides var. beta von Schulthess, 1923 syn. nov.), Anterhynchium andreanum (de Saussure, 1890) (= Odynerus andreanus discolor Giordani Soika, 1941 syn. nov.); Anterhynchium synagroide gamma (von Schulthess, 1924) is considered as a doubtful synonym of A. argenteopilosellum syn. nov. The nominal subgenus is redefined and divided into the following species-groups: grayi species-group, mephisto species-group, osborni species-group and synagroide species-group. The Malagasy species are transferred from Epiodynerus Giordani Soika to the nominal subgenus but considered as incertae sedis in it. Odynerus natalensis de Saussure, 1855 and Anterhynchium uniforme Gusenleitner, 2012 are transferred to Antodynerus de Saussure, 1855 (Antodynerus natalensis comb. nov. and Antodynerus uniforme comb. nov.), Rhynchium histrionicum Gerstäcker, 1857 is transferred to Euodynerus Dalla Torre, 1904 (Euodynerus (Euodynerus) histrionicus comb. nov.), Rhynchium holomelas André, 1895 is transferred to Pseudagris de Saussure, 1863 (Pseudagris holomelas comb. nov.; = Rhynchium junodianum von Schulthess, 1899 syn. nov.; = Synagris aterrima Maidl, 1914 syn. nov.), Anterhynchium obscurum Gusenleitner, 2007 is transferred to Tricarinodynerus Giordani Soika, 1952 (Tricarinodynerus obscurus comb. nov.). Anterhynchium dahomeyicus Gusenleitner, 2018 is a junior synonym of Aethiopicodynerus punctiventris (Gusenleitner, 2002) syn. nov. Lectotypes for Odynerus andreanus de Saussure, 1890 and Rhynchium sulphureomaculatum von Schulthess, 1928 are designated. A key to the species is provided.

Divergence time analysis of the Neotropical wasp genus Protopolybia Ducke, 1905 (Vespidae, Polistinae, Epiponini) using a Multilocus Phylogenetic Approach.

The genus Protopolybia Ducke was analyzed using a multilocus phylogenetic approach, which confirmed its monophyly. In contrast with the arrangements derived solely from morphological data, however, this analysis divides the genus into only two major clades. The study also presents divergence times for the origin and diversification of Protopolybia, which are related to possible vicariant events occurring in the Amazon biome.

Taxonomic notes on the genus Charterginus Fox, 1898 (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini) with images of the type specimens and new occurrence records.

Charterginus Fox, 1898 is a neotropical genus of swarm-founding social wasps consisting of six species. Despite its ecological significance, there are limited studies on various aspects of these wasps. To address this, this study aims to provide a comprehensive comparative diagnosis for all Charterginus species, accompanied by high-quality images of the type material. Moreover, a distribution map incorporating both previous and newly recorded occurrences is presented, shedding light on the geographical range of these species. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance the knowledge and facilitate future research on Charterginus, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of swarm-founding social wasps.

The Giordani Soika collection of Eumeninae at the Natural History Museum of Venice Giancarlo Ligabue: catalogue of species and type specimens (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Vespidae).

An account of the Antonio Giordani Soika Eumeninae collection housed at the Natural History Museum of Venice Giancarlo Ligabue is presented, following its recent reorganization. A list of identified species, with the count of specimens, is provided, as well as details on type specimens. With over 21,000 identified specimens and 2,756 type specimens from all zoogeographical regions, the collection covers over 60% of the worlds Eumeninae species. Several incongruities emerged during the verification of type specimens. A brief history of the collection is presented, with comments on Giordani Soikas activity.

Cladistic analysis and reclassification of Synagris Latreille (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae).

A cladistic analysis of the genus Synagris is performed to assess the taxonomic status and limits of its subgenera, examining external morphology and male genitalia. The subgenera S. (Rhynchagris) and S. (Pseudagris) are raised to generic rank (Rhynchagris stat. nov. and Pseudagris stat. nov.), with the former as senior synonym of Pteromenes Giordani Soika syn. nov.; the subgenus S. (Hypagris) stat. res. is no longer a synonym of S. (Paragris); while S. (Synagris) is monophyletic and retains its status as subgenus. Replacement name due to homonymy is proposed for Synagris cornuta maculata Bequaert, 1918 (Synagris cornuta maculatoides nom. nov.).

First Comprehensive Analysis of Both Mitochondrial Characteristics and Mitogenome-Based Phylogenetics in the Subfamily Eumeninae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

The subfamily Eumeninae plays a significant role in the biological control of agricultural pests. However, the characteristics of eumenine mitogenomes that are important molecular markers for phylogenetics are not clearly revealed. Here, 52 eumenine mitogenomes are newly sequenced and annotated, and the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily are comprehensively analyzed based on 87 vespid mitogenomes. Through the comparative analysis of the 54 eumenine mitogenomes, the gene compositions of about one half of the 54 species match with ancestral insect mitogenome, and remaining others contain two trnM which are highly similar, with 51.86% (Eumenes tripunctatus) to 90.65% (Pseumenes nigripectus) sequence identities, which is unique among the reported mitogenomes of the family Vespidae. Moreover, the translocation trnL1 upstream of nad1 is a common rearrangement event in all eumenine mitogenomes. The results of phylogenetic analyses support the paraphyly of the subfamily Eumeninae and the tribe Odynerini, respectively, and the monophyly of the tribe Eumenini, and verify that the tribe Zethini is a valid subfamily Zethinae. In this study, the relationships between some genera such as Allorhynchium and Pararrhynchium or the taxonomic status of the subgenera such as Eremodynerus and Dirhynchium are found to be confusing and there should be further inquiry with more samples.

Catalogue of the Australian social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

A catalogue of the social wasps occurring in Australia is presented. New synonymies include Vespa cohabitatrix Curtiss, 1938 (= Polistes olivaceus (DeGeer, 1773)) and Vespula vulgaris vetus Eck, 1999 (= Vespula vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758)).

Marimbondos: systematics, biogeography, and evolution of social behaviour of neotropical swarm-founding wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Epiponini).

Neotropical swarm-founding wasps are divided into 19 genera in the tribe Epiponini (Vespidae, Polistinae). They display extensive variation in several colony-level traits that make them an attractive model system for reconstructing the evolution of social phenotypes, including caste dimorphism and nest architecture. Epiponini has been upheld as a solid monophyletic group in most phylogenetic analyses carried out so far, supported by molecular, morphological and behavioural data. Recent molecular studies, however, propose different relationships among the genera of swarm-founding wasps. This study is based on the most comprehensive epiponine sampling so far and was analyzed by combining morphological, nesting and molecular data. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis shows many of the traditional clades but still impacts the way certain behavioural characters, such as nest structure and castes, evolved, and thus requires some re-interpretations. Angiopolybia as sister to the remaining Epiponini implies that nest envelopes and a casteless system are plesiomorphic in the tribe. Molecular dating points to an early tribal diversification during the Eocene (c. 55-38 Ma), with the major differentiation of current genera concentrated in the Oligocene/Miocene boundary.

Catalogue of the Australian Eumeninae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

A catalogue of Eumeninae occurring in Australia is presented. The genus Lissodynerus Giordani Soika is synonymized with Pararrhynchium de Saussure. Species placed in the genus Pseudepipona de Saussure, by Giordani Soika and Borsato are transferred to Euodynerus Dalla Torre, and species placed in the genus Syneuodynerus Blüthgen, by Giordani Soika are transferred to Stenodyneriellus Giordani Soika. New combinations are Anterhynchium decoratum (de Saussure), A. tamarinum inviolatum (Giordani Soika), Australodynerus flavoniger (Giordani Soika), Deuterodiscoelius confusus (Giordani Soika), D. ephippium (de Saussure), D. insignis (de Saussure), D. spinosus (de Saussure), Euodynerus aborigenus (Borsato), E. alaris (de Saussure), E. angulatus alexandriae (Giordani Soika), E. angulatus angulatus (de Saussure), E. aspra (Giordani Soika), E. clypalaris (Giordani Soika), E. flavus (Giordani Soika), E. pallidus (Giordani Soika), E. succinctus purgatus(Giordani Soika), E. succinctus succinctus (de Saussure), Pararrhynchium desaussurei (Borsato), P. kurandensis (Giordani Soika), Pseudalastor aurantiacus (Borsato), P. pecularis (Borsato), Stenodyneriellus aurantiacus (Giordani Soika), S. aurantiopilosella (Giordani Soika), S. cylindrellus (Giordani Soika), S. longebispinosa (Giordani Soika) and S. occidentatus (Giordani Soika). Revised combinations are Australodynerus yanchepensis nigrithorax Giordani Soika and A. yanchepensis yanchepensis Giordani Soika, which are returned to that genus. Other new synonymies are Anterhynchium tamarinum septentrionale Giordani Soika = Anterhynchium tamarinum tamarinum (de Saussure), Ischnocoelia robusta analis Giordani Soika = I. robusta robusta (Meade-Waldo), Pseudabispa bicolor flavescentula (Giordani Soika) = P bicolor bicolor (de Saussure), Pseudalastor tridentatus septentrionalis Giordani Soika = P. tridentatus tridentatus Giordani Soika and Rhynchium australense Perkins = R. magnificum Smith.

Taxonomic revision of the P. chartergoides species-group of the genus Protopolybia Ducke, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Polistinae).

A taxonomic revision of the Protopolybia chartergoides species-group was undertaken. Protopolybia isthmensis (Richards) stat. nov. is elevated to the level of species. The male genitalia of P. chartergoides (Gribodo), P. fuscata (Fox), and P. pallidibalteatus (Cameron) are illustrated and described. New collection records and new identification keys are presented for the species groups of Protopolybia, and the species within the P. chartergoides species-group.

An annotated distributional checklist of Vespidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) of India.

This study presents a checklist of the vespid wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) of India. A total of 288 species belonging to 60 genera and 5 subfamilies of Vespidae are known to occur within the political boundaries of India. A complete list of species, comprising valid scientific names, synonyms, geographical distribution within and outside India, along with references, is provided. One new synonymy is proposed.

Taxonomic revision of the Protopolybia picteti-emortualis species-group (Richards, 1978), with descriptions of two new species (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Polistinae).

A taxonomic revision of the Protopolybia picteti-emortualis species-group now demonstrates that this group is possibly the largest in Protopolybia, comprising 15 species: P. eldinaris sp. nov.; P. djaneteae sp. nov.; P. cameranii (Zavattari 1906) = P. bella (Von Ihering 1903) syn. nov.; P. fulvotincta stat. rev.; P. biguttata, P. nitida, P. alvarengai, P. iheringi, P. perfulvula, P. steinbachi, P. wheeleri, P. rotundata, P. picteti, P. emortualis and P. duckei. Male and female genitalia are illustrated for P. biguttata Bequaert, P. bella, P. nitida, P. fulvotincta and P. picteti. New collection records and a new identification key are presented for this species-group.

Biodiversity of the aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) of the Arabian Peninsula: Vespoidea, Vespidae.

An updated checklist of the Arabian species of Vespidae is provided here. The list includes 163 identified species in 49 genera and four subfamilies: Eumeninae (41 genera, 130 species), Masarinae (4 genera, 14 species), Polistinae (3 genera, 17 species) and Vespinae (1 genus, 2 species). Distributions, both on the Peninsula and extra-limital, are provided for each species and subspecies; 53 species (33%) are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, as are 15 subspecies. A new combination is proposed: Knemodynerus sauditus (Giordani Soika, 1989) comb. nov., transferred from Trachyodynerus Giordani Soika, 1989.

The first divergence time estimation of the subfamily Stenogastrinae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) based on mitochondrial phylogenomics.

In this study, the mitochondrial genomes of three Stenogastrinae species, Eustenogaster scitula, Liostenogaster nitidipennis and Parishnogaster mellyi were sequenced and annotated, and a total of 16 vespid mtgenomes are comparatively analyzed. Our results indicate that codon usage bias is mainly dominated by mutational pressure, and affected only slightly by natural selection. Selective pressure analysis of protein-coding genes (PCGs) shows that the highest evolutionary rate is present in NADH complex I, and the lowest in cox1. Compared with the reported mtgenomes of other Vespidae, in Stenogastrinae, trnH is shifted to a new position. Phylogenetic analyses are performed using Bayesian method and Maximum Parsimony. Phylogenetic analysis further confirms that the Stenogastrinae is the sister group of all remaining Vespidae. Divergence time of Stenogastrinae from other Vespidae is estimated at ~ 166 Mya. Our results also support that eusociality evolved twice in the family Vespidae.

Descriptions of eight new species of the genus Parancistrocerus Bequaert (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae), with a key to the Oriental species.

Eight new species, namely Parancistrocerus latitergus sp. nov. (China), P. lamnulus sp. nov. (China), P. laticlypeus sp. nov. (Thailand), P. prominens sp. nov. (Thailand), P. guangxiensis sp. nov. (China), P. discarinatus sp. nov. (Thailand), P. abyssicavus sp. nov. (Thailand), and P. similiandrocles sp. nov. (China) are described and illustrated. Parancistrocerus samarensis (von Schulthess, 1934) and P. incorruptus incorruptus Giordani Soika, 1972, are newly recorded from China and Thailand, respectively. An updated key to the Oriental species of the genus Parancistrocerus is also given.

Descriptions of three new species of the genus Stenodyneriellus Giordani Soika with keys to some related species (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae).

Three new species, namely Stenodyneriellusangustus sp. n. from Thailand, S.profundus sp. n. from Philippines, and S.longitergus sp. n. from Indonesia, are described and illustrated in detail. Stenodyneriellusmaculatus Gusenleitner, 2013 is newly recorded from Vietnam. Two keys to some related species are also provided.

Northeast Asian Allorhynchium van der Vecht (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), with a key to Oriental species.

The Oriental species of Allorhynchium van der Vecht, 1963 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) are keyed for the first time and their distribution is summarised, with special reference to China and Vietnam. Archancistrocerus Giordani Soika, 1986, is synonymized with Allorhynchium van der Vecht (syn. nov.). Allorhynchium diffinis (Giordani Soika, 1986) is a new combination and A. quadrimaculatum Gusenleitner, 1997, is recorded from Vietnam for the first time.