Comparative morphology of male genitalia in antlions (Insecta, Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae), with emphasis on owlflies (Ascalaphinae) and a possible structural evolutionary scenario.

Male genitalia morphology in Myrmeleontidae has traditionally been insufficiently studied, although it has received increased attention for its diagnostic value in recent times. A neutral terminology has generally been applied in standard taxonomic practice, yet knowledge of an equivalent and stable terminology across taxa based on comparative morphology has been missing. Herein a detailed comparative morphology study with examples from most tribes within Myrmeleontidae, including owlflies (Ascalaphinae), attempts to relate external and internal genital structures based on a proposed groundplan for Neuroptera and Myrmeleontidae. We contend that a groundplan based on 10 abdominal segments, plus vestigial structures from an 11th segment, coherently depicts structural components across myrmeleontid taxa. A gonarcus, an element of Neuropterida amply referred in Neuroptera, is supported to represent the pair of abdominal appendages of segment X medially fused, with gonocoxite and gonostylus components. In most myrmeleontid taxa, basal (gonocoxites) and distal (gonostyli) components separate, with gonostyli positioned posteriorly with respect to gonocoxites, still united with translucent, lightly sclerotized tissue, forming a more or less conical structure, a proposed synapomorphy for the family. Ninth gonostyli are generally reduced (pulvini) and have migrated close to the base of gonarcus (10th gonocoxites). A pelta, also a potential synapomorphy for Myrmeleontidae, derives from paired setose surfaces of the 10th gonostyli, medially positioned (still evident in Bubopsis). Three structural types of gonarcus are diagnosed for illustrative purposes, as they may represent convergent constructs.

Antlions of formerly recognized tribe Gnopholeontini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Brachynemurini) from Peninsula of Baja California, with a new species of Tyttholeon Adams

ABSTRACT A new antlion species, Tyttholeon froehlichi Tavares, Marquez and Contreras sp. n., is described from the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, an area biogeographically significant for its high number of endemic species. Previously monotypic, Tyttholeon Adams now comprises two Nearctic species. Three of the four genera within the formerly recognized tribe Gnopholeontini and their respective species, all present in the Peninsula of Baja California (Gnopholeon barberi Currie, G. delicatulus Currie, G. zapotecus Stange, Menkeleon bellulus Banks, and Tyttholeon puerilis Adams), are herein diagnosed, illustrated, and have their distribution updated and analyzed. A taxonomic key is provided for Tyttholeon.

A new species of Paranthaclisis Banks (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae) from the Peninsula of Baja California, Mexico

ABSTRACT Paranthaclisis stangei Marquez, Martins, and Contreras, sp. n., is a new myrmeleontid from Baja California Sur state, Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, which is an important area of endemism. After this new discovery, the genus Paranthaclisis is composed by five species, three occurring in Mexico. This new species is easily identified by a rostrum completely yellowish-white, an area of pre-origin of RP with spurial vein on hindwing and with marks; males are easily separated by the conspicuous posterior thinning of the parameres and mediuncus dorsally without teeth and a basomedial split.

A new species of Wesmaelius Krüger from Mexico, with a key to the New World species of the subgenus Kimminsia Killington (Neuroptera, Hemerobiidae).

Wesmaelius (Kimminsia) nanacamilpa Marquez & Contreras, sp. n., a brown lacewing from Tlaxcala state, Mexico is described and illustrated. This is the second recorded species of Wesmaelius from Mexico, and the third from Middle America. Males of the new species may be identified by parameres separate apically, styliform sclerites directed basally, as well as a rounded gonarcus with a short entoprocessus. Females may be distinguished from closely related species by a subgenital plate with the central plate broadly incised basally. There are now 16 species of Wesmaelius known from the New World.

Description of the pupa of Climaciella brunnea (Say) (Mantispidae, Mantispinae) and a key to known pupae of mantispids from North America.

Most works about Climaciella brunnea (Say) deal with predation and parasitoidism on wolf spiders (Lycosidae), or records of populations that mimic vespid wasps (Polistes spp.). Knowledge on immature mantispids is scarce, particularly about pupae. Currently, a key by Hoffman and Brushwein provides information on larvae and pupae of several North American species. Herein, the pupa of C. brunnea is described for the first time, on the basis of a specimen from central Mexico, and its position in the available key is proposed,. The pupa of Plega yucatanae Parker Stange from southeastern Mexico is also incorporated to the key on the basis of a published description.

Rediscovery of Eremobittacus spinulatus Byers (Mecoptera, Bittacidae) in Mexico, with description of the female and comments on sexual dimorphism and potential mimicry.

The female of Eremobittacus spinulatus Byers, 1997 is described for the first time. A key to the two species known of this genus endemic to Mexico is provided, and species distribution is illustrated. A case is made for adults of Eremobittacus to be sexually dimorphic, which appears to be an exceptional occurrence in Bittacidae. It is claimed that Eremobittacus spinulatus habitus has a wasp-like appearance, which may potentially depict a case of mimicry.