Lacticaseibacillus parahuelsenbergensis sp. nov., Lacticaseibacillus styriensis sp. nov. and Lacticaseibacillus zeae subsp. silagei subsp. nov., isolated from different grass and corn silage.

Four rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, facultative anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive lactic acid bacteria, designated as EB0058T, SCR0080, LD0937T and SCR0063T, were isolated from different corn and grass silage samples. The isolated strains were characterized using a polyphasic approach and EB0058T and SCR0080 were identified as Lacticaseibacillus zeae by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Based on whole-genome sequence-based characterization, EB0058T and SCR0080 were separated into a distinct clade from Lacticaseibacillus zeae DSM 20178T, together with CECT9104 and UD2202, whose genomic sequences are available from NCBI GenBank. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values within the new subgroup are 99.9 % and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values are 99.3-99.9 %, respectively. In contrast, comparison of the new subgroup with publicly available genomic sequences of L. zeae strains, including the type strain DSM 20178T, revealed dDDH values of 70.2-72.5 % and ANI values of 96.2-96.6 %. Based on their chemotaxonomic, phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, EB0058T and SCR0080 represent a new subspecies of L. zeae. The name Lacticaseibacillus zeae subsp. silagei subsp. nov. is proposed with the type strain EB0058T (=DSM 116376T=NCIMB 15474T). According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, LD0937T and SCR0063T are members of the Lacticaseibacillus group. The dDDH value between the isolates LD0937T and SCR0063T was 67.6 %, which is below the species threshold of 70 %, clearly showing that these two isolates belong to different species. For both strains, whole genome-sequencing revealed that the closest relatives within the Lacticaseibacillus group were Lacticaseibacillus huelsenbergensis DSM 115425 (dDDH 66.5 and 65.9 %) and Lacticaseibacillus casei DSM 20011T (dDDH 64.1 and 64.9 %). Based on the genomic, chemotaxonomic and morphological data obtained in this study, two novel species, Lacticaseibacillus parahuelsenbergensis sp. nov. and Lacticaseibacillus styriensis sp. nov. are proposed and the type strains are LD0937T (=DSM 116105T=NCIMB 15471T) and SCR0063T (=DSM 116297T=NCIMB 15473T), respectively.

Genomic Analyses Reveal Demographic History and Temperate Adaptation of the Newly Discovered Honey Bee Subspecies Apis mellifera sinisxinyuan n. ssp.

Studying the genetic signatures of climate-driven selection can produce insights into local adaptation and the potential impacts of climate change on populations. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an interesting species to study local adaptation because it originated in tropical/subtropical climatic regions and subsequently spread into temperate regions. However, little is known about the genetic basis of its adaptation to temperate climates. Here, we resequenced the whole genomes of ten individual bees from a newly discovered population in temperate China and downloaded resequenced data from 35 individuals from other populations. We found that the new population is an undescribed subspecies in the M-lineage of A. mellifera (Apis mellifera sinisxinyuan). Analyses of population history show that long-term global temperature has strongly influenced the demographic history of A. m. sinisxinyuan and its divergence from other subspecies. Further analyses comparing temperate and tropical populations identified several candidate genes related to fat body and the Hippo signaling pathway that are potentially involved in adaptation to temperate climates. Our results provide insights into the demographic history of the newly discovered A. m. sinisxinyuan, as well as the genetic basis of adaptation of A. mellifera to temperate climates at the genomic level. These findings will facilitate the selective breeding of A. mellifera to improve the survival of overwintering colonies.

Morphological Description and Molecular Phylogeny of Two Species of Levicoleps (Ciliophora, Prostomatida), L. taehwae nov. spec. and L. biwae jejuensis nov. subspec., collected in Korea.

Two colepid ciliates, Levicoleps taehwae nov. spec. and L. biwae jejuensis nov. subspec., were collected from the brackish water of the Taehwa River and a small freshwater pond in Jeju Island, South Korea, respectively. Their living morphology, infraciliature, and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences were determined using standard methods. Barrel-shaped L. taehwae nov. spec. is a small ciliate with an average size of 45 × 25 µm in vivo, about 15 ciliary rows each composed of 12 monokinetids and two perioral dikinetids, and two 20 µm-long caudal cilia. The sequence length and GC content of the SSU rRNA gene are 1,669 bp, 44.5%. This novel species is similar in body size to Coleps hirtus, and has six armor tiers and hirtus-type tier plates, and the same number of ciliary rows as C. hirtus; however, it can be distinguished from the latter by the absence of armor spines and its sequence similarity of SSU rRNA gene is about 92.8% which indicates that it is a distinct form. Levicoleps biwae jejuensis nov. subspec., is a medium colepid ciliate which has a barrel-shaped body, about 22 somatic kineties and 16 transverse ciliary rows, three mini adoral organelles, and four 15 µm-long caudal cilia. The sequence length and GC content of the SSU rRNA gene are 1,666 bp and 44.4%.

Begoniafimbristipulasubsp.siamensis (sect. Diploclinium, Begoniaceae), a new taxon of the megadiverse genus endemic to Thailand.

The genus Begonia has not only been recognised to be one of the mega-diverse plant genera but also as one found to comprise many undiscovered species. In particular, the increase of extensive field surveys in tropical regions of Southeast Asia has added to the discovery of many new species that are often found only in a few localities. In this study, the new taxon Begoniafimbristipulasubsp.siamensissubsp. nov. from Thailand is described. The Thailand accessions are highly similar in their morphology to accessions of B.fimbristipula from southern China but differ in their tuber shape, peduncle trichomes, petiole trichomes and number of female tepals. The new taxon has been found only in the northern parts of Thailand occurring at elevations above 1,300 meters. The new findings not only contribute to our knowledge of the plant diversity of Thailand but provide also critical information contributing to the protection of this species. In China, this species is endangered which is of special concern given its utilisation as a medical herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Considering IUCN Red List Categories, the new subspecies is considered to be Vulnerable. The disjunct distribution of the two subspecies of B.fimbristipula encourages urgently needed comparative taxonomic studies across the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Eastern Colombian Páramo Liodessus Guignot, 1939 diving beetles are genetically structured, but show signs of hybridization, with description of new species and subspecies (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae).

We studied Liodessus diving beetles from six eastern Colombian Páramo areas, as well as from the Altiplano. We discovered a highly characteristic new species, based on male genital morphology, Liodessussantarositasp. nov., in the Páramo de Guantiva-Rusia. Specimens from the Altiplano around Bogotá, and the Páramos of Almorzadero, Chingaza, Matarredonda, Rabanal y Rio Bogotá and Sumapaz form one clade of genetically similar populations based on mitochondrial Cox1 sequence data. The individuals of this clade are sub-structured according to their geographic distribution. The populations differ from each other mainly in terms of body size and coloration and, at most, subtly in their genital morphology. In two cases, we find putative hybrid populations between Altiplano and Páramo areas. We suggest that the different Páramo populations are in an early phase of speciation, and perhaps already genetically isolated in some cases. They are here assigned subspecies status to highlight these ongoing processes pending more comprehensive geographic sampling and use of genomic data. We refer to this clade as the Liodessusbogotensis complex, containing Liodessusb.bogotensis Guignot, 1953; Liodessusb.almorzaderossp. nov.; Liodessusb.chingazassp. nov.; Liodessusb.lacunaviridis Balke et al., 2021, stat. nov.; Liodessusb.matarredondassp. nov., and Liodessusb.sumapazssp. nov.

Taxonomy Complexity of Some Tyrrhenian Endemic Limonium Species Belonging to L. multiforme Group (Plumbaginaceae): New Insights from Molecular and Morphometric Analyses.

The delimitation of Limonium taxa is highly complicated due to hybridization, polyploidy, and apomixis. Many "microspecies" were described and aggregated into groups, most of which are still poorly known from both molecular and morphological points of view. The aim of this study is to investigate four endemic species from the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy and the Ponziane Archipelago belonging to the L. multiforme group (L. amynclaeum, L. circaei, L. pandatariae, and L. pontium) by means of molecular and morphometric analyses. Molecular data by sequencing ITS and three plastid markers and morphometric data highlight new information about the taxonomy of these taxa so as to reduce them into a single specific entity. In fact, the better taxonomic choice is to consider the populations studied as part of a single species, i.e., Limonium pontium. Three subspecies are recognized, i.e., subsp. pontium [= L. circaei = L. amynclaeum; from Circeo to Gianola localities (excluding Terracina) and from islands Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, and Santo Stefano], subsp. pandatariae comb. et stat. nov. (from island of Ventotene), and subsp. terracinense subsp. nov. (from Terracina).

Notes on the genus Theopropus Saussure (Mantodea, Hymenopodidae) from China, with description of a new species from the Himalayas.

The genus Theopropus Saussure, 1898 is distributed with five species in SE Asia, three of which were recorded in South China: T. elegans (Westwood), T. cattulus (Westwood) and T. sinecus Yang. After examining numerous specimens of Theopropus, we attempt to resolve some taxonomic confusion about Theopropus occurring in China. Those Chinese specimens that were inaccurately identified as T. cattulus represent a new subspecies of T. sinecus Yang: T. s. qiongae Wu & Liu, ssp. nov.. A new species, T. xishiae Wu & Liu, sp. nov., is described from the rainforests of the southern slopes of the Himalayas. The records of T. elegans in China are also clarified. Biological characteristics of the species and subspecies, necessary illustrations, and ecological images are provided. The distribution of the known Chinese Theopropus species is discussed and mapped.

Notes on the subspecies of Plagionotus arcuatus (Linnaeus, 1758) with description of a new subspecies from Iran (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

This paper reviews the lower-ranked taxa within the species Plagionotus arcuatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and describes a new subspecies P. arcuatus shirazensis based on specimens from Iran. Some comments are made on the morphology of the subspecies, and a key, together with an exhaustive photographic documentation, is provided for their identification. The distribution ranges of these various taxa are discussed and basic biological information on all the subspecies is given. We explain our opposition to the subspecies Plagionotus arcuatus tastani Özdikmen, Atak Uçkan, 2017, and have accordingly synonymized it with the nominative subspecies.

Erratum: ROMAN KRÓLIK, LECH KRUSZELNICKI, ANDRZEJ LASON amp; MARCIN WALCZAK (2021) Notes on the subspecies of Plagionotus arcuatus/ (Linnaeus, 1758) with description of a new subspecies from Iran (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Zootaxa/, 4942: 558-568.

N/A.

New records of two lycaenid butterfly species (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in China, with the description of a new subspecies.

BACKGROUND: The family Lycaenidae is the second-largest group of butterflies which contains about one third of the known species of Papilionoidea. The genera Tajuria Moore, [1881] and Drupadia Moore, 1884 are both mainly found in the Oriental and Australian realms. In a very recent expedition to south-west China in Xishuangbanna (Yunnan Province), specimens of T. sekii Saito, 2005 and D. scaeva (Hewitson, 1869) were collected for the first time, a new subspecies of the former: T. sekii sisyphus ssp. nov., is described and illustrated and the latter species comprises the first record of the genus Drupadia in China. NEW INFORMATION: A new subspecies of T. sekii Saito, 2005, T. sekii sisyphus ssp. nov., is described and illustrated. The species T. sekii Saito, 2005 and D. scaeva (Hewitson, 1869) are first recorded in China and the latter comprises the first record of the genus Drupadia in China. Relevant details are presented for the species.

On systematic status of Spindasis syama Horsfield, [1829] in Taiwan and the Philippines (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Aphnaeini).

Based upon both morphological and gene barcode evidence, the population of Spindasis syama in Taiwan is described as Spindasis syama lamuae, ssp. nov., and the taxon negrita Felder, 1862 is revised as a species endemic to the Philippines (stat. rev.).

Study of the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran: new subspecies, new records and an updated checklist.

The present study is based on the genus Bracon Fabricius collected from the Khuzestan province in the southwestern part of Iran during 2016-2017. In total, 35 species including one subspecies were collected and identified, of which 10 species are recorded for the first time from Iran and Bracon (Osculobracon) pelliger rumezensis Samartsev Zargar ssp. n. is described. In addition, 24 species are recorded for the first time from Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Brief diagnoses with illustrations for new records from Iran and a faunistic list with distribution data are provided.

Proposal of Desulfosarcina ovata subsp. sediminis subsp. nov., a novel toluene-degrading sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from tidal flat sediment of Tokyo Bay.

Strain 28bB2TT is a sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated in a previous study, obtained from a p-xylene-degrading enrichment culture. Physiological, phylogenetic and genomic characterizations of strain 28bB2TT were performed to establish the taxonomic status of the strain. Cells of strain 28bB2TT were short oval-shaped (0.8-1.2×1.2-2.7µm), motile, and Gram-negative. For growth, the optimum pH was pH 6.5-7.0 and the optimum temperature was 28-32°C. Strain 28bB2TT oxidized toluene but could not utilize p-xylene. Sulfate and thiosulfate were used as electron acceptors. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 53.8mol%. The genome consisted of an approximately 8.3 Mb of chromosome and two extrachromosomal elements. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene analysis, strain 28bB2TT was revealed to belong to the genus Desulfosarcina, with high sequence identities to Desulfosarcina ovata oXyS1T (99.5%) and Desulfosarcina cetonica DSM 7267T (98.7%). Results of Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) calculation and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) analysis showed that the strain 28bB2TT should be classified as a subspecies under D. ovata. Based on physiological and phylogenetic data, strain 28bB2TT (=NBRC 106234 =DSM 23484) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species in genus Desulfosarcina, Desulfosarcina ovata subsp. sediminis subsp. nov.

The Rhyacophila fasciata Group in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rhyacophila f. fasciata Hagen 1859 and the description of two new subspecies, Rhyacophila fasciata delici Kucinic Valladolid (ssp. nov.) from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rhyacophila fasciata viteceki Valladolid Kucinic (ssp. nov.) from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae).

We present the description of two new subspecies of the Rhyacophila fasciata Group: Rhyacophila fasciata delici Kucinic Valladolid (ssp. nov.), broadly distributed in Croatia and present also in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and R. fasciata viteceki Valladolid Kucinic (ssp. nov.), found in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our study of the morphology of adults, as well as our analysis of the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene and geographical distribution confirm the differences of the two new subspecies with the nominal species R. f. fasciata, also found in both countries.

Taxonomic Studies of the genus Decticus Serville, 1831 from China (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Tettigoniinae), based on Morphology and Songs.

The genus Decticus Serville contains sixteen known species and subspecies, those widely distributed in the Palaearctic, among which three species and subspecies have been recorded in China. Morphological features in specimens of Decticus are variable. Stable characteristics and reliable methods for distict the species and subspcies are required. The geometric morphometrics was conducted to explore morphological variance on structure of right tegmen of Decticus specimens based on 30 landmarks, as well as qualitative analysis on variances of body size, male stridualtory apparatus and genital characters. The male calling songs structures, if available, can be compared and identified species usefully. The results indicate that the analyzed samples suggest two species, D. albifrons (Fabricius, 1775) and D. verrucivorus (Linnaeus, 1758). D. verrucivorus includes four subspecies, D. v. verrucivorus (Linnaeus, 1758), D. v. crassus Götz, 1970 (a newly recorded subspecies from China), and two new subspecies, D. v. latipennis ssp. n. and D. v. sayram ssp. n.. The songs of D. albifrons and D. v. verrucivorus, D. v. crassus are composed of numerous single chirps. One chirp of D. albifrons consists of one low-amplitude and short-duration syllable, and one high-amplitude and long-duration syllable. One chirp of D. v. verrucivorus consists of five syllables with different amplitudes. One chirp of D. v. crassus consists of five or six syllables with different amplitudes. Illustrations of necessary morphological and bioacoustical characters are presented.

Review of the Cyana rejecta (Walker, 1854) species-group, with descriptions of three new species from mainland Africa and a new subspecies from Madagascar (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini).

The present paper provides an overview of the Cyana rejecta (Walker, 1854) species-group. Three new species (C. yao sp. n., C. occidentalis sp. n. and C. cornutissima sp. n.) and a new subspecies (C. rejecta viettei ssp. n.) are described. Adults, male and female genitalia of all taxa of the species-group are illustrated.

Taxonomic and nomenclatural changes in three species of Pterostichus Bonelli (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the Far East.

The ground beetle genus Pterostichus Bonelli has diversified in regions including the Far East, but taxonomic issues remain even at the species level. This study presents taxonomic and nomenclatural changes in three species of Pterostichus from the Far East: P. (Petrophilus) eximius Morawitz, P. (Lenapterus) wellschmiedi Kirschenhofer, and P. (L.) subrugosus Straneo. The analyses are based on comparative studies of the endophallus of male genitalia, which is taxonomically useful in Carabidae but has not been examined in these species. The first species, P. eximius, has been treated as a monotypic species that is widely distributed in Eastern Siberia, the Russian Far East, and adjacent regions, but our results revealed that populations from Rishiri-tô and the Sakhalin islands are distinct from the nominotypical population from Transbaikalia. The name for the Sakhalin population, which was synonymized with P. eximius, is reinstated as subspecies P. eximius sachalinensis stat. nov., and the Rishiri-tô population is described as Pterostichus eximius rishiridakensis ssp. nov. Conspecificity (syn. nov.) was confirmed for P. wellschmiedi, which was described from southern Sakhalin, and P. marginatus Matsumura, which was described earlier from southern Sakhalin. No conspicuous differences in the endophallus structure were found between P. subrugosus, which was described from Hokkaidô, and P. marginatus, although differences are recognized in the elytral sculptures and in the metallic luster of the dorsal surface. The taxon was thus downgraded to subspecies P. marginatus subrugosus stat. nov.

A new taxon within Biscutella laevigata L. (Brassicaceae) endemic to calamine areas in southern Poland.

A new taxon Biscutella laevigata subsp. woycickii (Brassicaceae) is described from southern Poland. The taxon is similar to B. laevigata subsp. gracilis, but differs in having thin, light-green rosette leaves very densely covered by simple non-glandular trichomes, smaller seeds and the ability to tolerate and accumulate high amounts of heavy metals. This new taxon is supported by results of cultivation experiments, as well as genetic and paleobotanical evidence.

Revision of the subgenus Stigmatophorella of Chalcophorella (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Chrysochroinae).

The subgenus Stigmatophorella Tôyama, 1986 of Chalcophorella Kerremans, 1903 is revised based on comparative study of extensive material including types of all described taxa. One new subspecies is described: Chalcophorella (Stigmatophorella) bagdadensis wandalii subsp. nov. from NE Iraq, NW Iran and S Armenia. Chalcophorella quadrimaculata (Redtenbacher, 1850) is removed from synonymy with C. stigmatica (Dalman, 1817), transferred from the nominotypical subgenus to Stigmatophorella and downgraded to subspecies Chalcophorella (S.) bagdadensis quadrimaculata (Redtenbacher, 1850) stat. nov., assign. nov. Two new synonymies are established: C. (S.) bagdadensis quadrimaculata = C. (S.) bagdadensis freyi Obenberger, 1942 syn. nov.; = C. (S.) bagdadensis berhauti Mandl Pochon, 1957 syn. nov. (formerly synonym of C. (S.) bagdadensis bagdadensis). Lectotypes are designated for following taxa to ensure their correct application and recognition in future: Chalcophorella (S.) bagdadensis amarensis Obenberger, 1942; C. (S.) bagdadensis bagdadensis (Laporte de Castelnau Gory, 1837), C. (S.) bagdadensis freyi; C. (S.) bagdadensis quadrimaculata; C. (S.) escalerae (Abeille de Perrin, 1904); C. (S.) orientalis Obenberger, 1924; and C. (S.) quadrioculata (Kollar, 1843). All herein included taxa are illustrated with colour photographs of habitus and the male aedeagus. A key to all taxa is presented.

Studies on the genus Chrysodema (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Chrysochroinae) part I.

Subgeneric classification of Chrysodema Laporte de Castelnau Gory, 1835 is revised and following synonymy is established: Chrysodema=Cyalithoides Fisher, 1922 syn. nov.; Pseudochrysodema Saunders, 1874=Leganya Holynski, 1994 syn. nov.,=Marcsikiella Holynski, 2014 syn. nov. Four subgenera are recognized as valid: Chrysodema s. str., Gelaeus Waterhouse, 1905, Pseudochrysodema Saunders, 1874, and Thymedes Waterhouse, 1905, and a key to the subgenera is given. Four species-groups are established in the subgenus Chrysodema s. str.: C. aeneoviolacea-group, C. aurostriata-group, C. eximia-group, and C. sonnerati-group. All known species, except the currently accepted synonyms of Chrysodema (Chrysodema) eximia Laporte de Castelnau Gory, 1835, included in these groups are revised based on comparative study of extensive material including types of all described taxa. Three new species and one subspecies are described: Chrysodema (Chrysodema) dany sp. nov. from Haruku Island, Indonesia; C. (C.) gottwaldi sp. nov. from Palawan Island, Philippines; C. (C.) lewisii nakatai subsp. nov. from Yaeyama Islands, Japan; and C. (C.) vrabeci sp. nov. from Thailand and Laos. Chrysodema (C.) aeneoviolacea Deyrolle, 1864 stat. rev., C. (C.) dohrnii Saunders, 1874 stat. rev., and C. (C.) fuscitarsis Kerremans, 1895 stat. rev. are removed from synonymy with C. (C.) mniszechii Deyrolle, 1864; C. (C.) tonkinea Kerremans, 1909 stat. rev. is removed from synonymy with C. (C.) aurostriata Saunders, 1866. Three new synonymies are established: C. (C.) aeneoviolacea=C. (C.) elongata Kerremans, 1900 syn. nov.=C. (C.) keyensis Théry, 1923 syn. nov. (the latter was formerly synonym of C. (C.) elongata); C. (C.) dohrnii=C. (C.) fairmairei Kerremans, 1895 syn. nov. (formerly synonym of C. (C.) mniszechii). Neotype is designated for C. (C.) sonnerati Laporte de Castelnau Gory, 1835 and lectotypes are designated for following taxa to ensure their correct application and recognition in future: C. (C.) aurostriata, C. (C.) fairmairei, C. (C.) fuscitarsis, C. (C.) sumatrensis Kerremans, 1895, C. (C.) tonkinea, C. (C.) yerburyi Waterhouse, 1905, C. (P.) coelestina Obenberger, 1922, and C. (P.) inslabilis Deyrolle, 1864. Additionally, dark species of the subgenus Pseudochrysodema are revised and as a result C. (P.) coelestina stat. rev. and C. (P.) instabilis stat. rev. are removed from synonymy with C. (P.) radians (Guérin-Méneville, 1830) and a new species C. (Pseudochrysodema) jakli sp. nov. is described from Timor Island, Indonesia. All herein included taxa are illustrated with colour photographs of habitus and the male aedeagus when available. All new taxa are diagnosed and a key to species of the C. aeneoviolacea-group is given.