Showing papers in "ZooKeys in 2008"
TL;DR: Investigation of relationships between forest stand age, silvicultural treatment, dead wood, and invertebrate biodiversity, using saproxylic beetles as an indicator group shows that both stand age and harvest treatment had an effect on species richness and species composition.
Abstract: Old-growth forests in Nova Scotia typically exhibit an uneven-aged, multi-layered stand structure and contain signifi cant amounts of coarse woody debris. Many forest species, including invertebrates, depend in various ways on deadwood substrates. Th e objective of this study was to investigate relationships between forest stand age, silvicultural treatment, dead wood, and invertebrate biodiversity, using saproxylic beetles as an indicator group. Saproxylic beetle communities were also compared in the context of other studies in Nova Scotia. Beetles were gathered using four collection techniques: pitfall traps, funnel traps, sweep-netting, and manual searching. Results show that both stand age and harvest treatment had an eff ect on species richness and species composition. Younger stands had lower species richness and hosted a signifi cantly diff erent suite of species than medium-aged or older ones. Similarly, harvested stands had lower species richness and were host to a signifi cantly diff erent suite of species than unharvested stands. Th e results from the investigation of stand age are of particular interest. Forest management that disregards the dependence of diff erent suites of beetles on forest stands of various ages and compositions, emphasizing even-aged single-species stands, may be harmful to the species diversity of Nova Scotia’s forest ecosystems.
43 citations
TL;DR: New records for 53 species of Canadian aleocharines were reported in this paper, including six species including Aleochara (Xenochara) quadrata Sharp, Gnathusa eva Fenyes, Phymatura blanchardi (Casey), Aloconota sulcifrons (Stephens), Myrmedonota aidani Maruyama and Klimaszewski, and Pella caliginosa(Casey) are newly recorded in Canada.
Abstract: New records are reported for 53 species of Canadian aleocharines. Eighty-eight new Canadian provincial records (nine from Alberta, 11 from British Columbia, eight from New Brunswick, 23 from Nova Scotia, one from the Northwest Territories, 27 from Ontario, one from Prince Edward Island, and eight from Quebec) are provided as well as six new state records from the United States (three from Alaska, two from Washington, and one from Oregon). Of these, six species including Aleochara (Xenochara) quadrata Sharp, Gnathusa eva Fenyes, Phymatura blanchardi (Casey), Aloconota sulcifrons (Stephens), Myrmedonota aidani Maruyama and Klimaszewski, and Pella caliginosa (Casey) are newly recorded in Canada. Th ese new records are examined in the context of what insights they provide in relation to the distribution and biogeography of the Canadian aleocharine fauna.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors surveyed the coastline inhabiting rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of Atlantic Canada and identified three new species, Oligota parva Kraatz, Acrotona avia (Casey), Strigota ambigua (Erichson), and Myrmecopora vaga (LeConte).
Abstract: Th e coastline inhabiting rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) of Atlantic Canada are surveyed. Th irty-three species have now been recorded in Atlantic Canada including 26 in New Brunswick, 15 in Newfoundland, 31 in Nova Scotia, and 13 on Prince Edward Island. Oligota parva Kraatz, Acrotona avia (Casey), Strigota ambigua (Erichson), and Myrmecopora vaga (LeConte) are all newly recorded in Canada, and Bledius mandibularis Erichson is newly recorded in Atlantic Canada. We retain A. avia as a species distinct from A. subpygmaea Bernhauer and designate a lectotype for A. avia. Ten new provincial records are reported, one from New Brunswick, six from Nova Scotia, and three from Prince Edward Island. Four functional groups, halobiont (obligate), halophile (facultative), haloxene (tolerant), and incidental coastal species, are distinguished and the fauna is examined from the perspective of the particular coastline habitats and microhabitats they have been found to inhabit. Fourteen of the 33 staphylinids are introduced, Palearctic species, and eight of these have been associated with historical dry ballast shipping to the region from Great Britain. A trophic analysis indicates that some species are phytophagous algae feeders, while others are either generalist predators, or predators specializing on particular taxonomic or functional groups of invertebrates. Finally, some attention is devoted to discussing the diminished areas of coastline environments such as coastal marshes, and the various kinds of environmental disturbances and degradations they have experienced. Th ese indicate the potential vulnerability of such coastal habitats and consequently of the communities of beetles that inhabit them.
28 citations
TL;DR: A 2005 study provided the first predictive ecological niche model for any bee species and concluded that M. sculpturalis, then confi ned to the eastern United States, would eventually spread as far south as southern Florida, as far north as southern Ontario and Nova Scotia, and as far west as South Dakota, western Kansas, and northwestern Texas as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Th e invasive giant resin bee (Megachile sculpturalis Smith) was fi rst discovered in North America in 1994. A 2005 study provided the fi rst predictive ecological niche model for any bee species and concluded that M. sculpturalis, then confi ned to the eastern United States, would eventually spread as far south as southern Florida, as far north as southern Ontario and Nova Scotia, and as far west as South Dakota, western Kansas, and northwestern Texas. Herein I provide the fi rst record of M. sculpturalis from northeastern Kansas, documenting that the species has indeed continued its westward expansion in North America and the new available records entirely correspond to the earlier predictions.
27 citations
TL;DR: The discovery of a new record of lithistid demosponges from a western Sardinian karstic cave stresses the key status of Mediterranean palaeoendemics as possible remnants of an ancient Tethyan fauna and focuses the need to plan conservation measures for these rare cave-dwelling sponges.
Abstract: A new record of lithistid demosponges is reported from a western Sardinian karstic cave. Th e new specimen matches the trait of the genus Neophrissospongia (Corallistidae) for an ectosomal skeleton of radial dichotriaenes, a choanosomal skeleton as a network of dicranoclone desmas, and streptaster/amphiaster microscleres with short spiny rays bearing blunt tips. Th e cave-dwelling N. nana nov. sp. diverges from the other species of the genus in diagnostic characters such as the large irregular plate-like growth form, the topographic distribution of inhalant and exhalant apertures, and a smaller size of all spicular types. Moreover it displays an additional rare second type of dichotriaenes with smooth cladomes, shared with other genera of Corallistidae but never reported before for the genus Neophrissospongia. In addition N. nana nov. sp. bears stylelike sub-ectosomal spicules shared with N. microstylifer from deep water of New Caledonia. As for the latter trait, a present in-depth analysis of N. nolitangere from the Atlantic Ocean contrasts with previous historical records reporting monaxial spicules as oxeas/anisoxeas. Th e diagnosis of the genus Neophrissospongia is therefore emended for the growth form and for the micro-traits of dichotriaenes and monaxial sub-ectosomal spicules. Morphological data indicate that the new species is allied to N. nolitangere and N. microstylifer from Eastern Atlantic and New Caledonian deep water, respectively, and its record confi rms the highly disjunct geographic range of the genus Neophrissospongia in the Lusitanian-Macaronesian-Mediterranean area and the western Pacifi c Ocean supporting the relic condition of the genus in the Mediterranean Sea. Th is discovery stresses the key status of Mediterranean palaeoendemics as possible remnants of an ancient Tethyan fauna and focuses the need to plan conservation measures for these rare cave-dwelling sponges.
25 citations
TL;DR: A review of the rove beetle species of the genus Gnypeta Th omson from Canada, Alaska and Greenland is presented and the following new synonyms are established.
Abstract: A review of the rove beetle species of the genus Gnypeta Th omson from Canada, Alaska and Greenland is presented. Eighteen species are reported from Canada of which 6 are described as new to science, 3 species described from the Palaearctic region are reported in North America for the fi rst time: G. brincki Palm, G. carbonaria (Mannerheim), G. sellmani Brundin; 5 species, G. atrolucens Casey, G. crebrepunctata (Casey), G. groenlandica Lohse, G. nigrella (LeConte), G. uteana (Casey), represent new distribution records for Canada, and one, G. caerulea (C.R. Sahlberg), represents a new province and territory record. New species are: G. ashei Klimaszewski, sp. nov., G. dentata Klimaszewski, sp. nov., G. lohsei Klimaszewski sp. nov.; G. minuta Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. nov., G. canadensis Klimaszewski, sp. nov., and G. saccharina Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. nov. Th e lectotypes are here designated for the following species from the syntype series: Gnypeta atrolucens Casey, G. baltifera (LeConte), G. bockiana Casey, G. brevicollis Casey, G. boulderensis Casey, G. brunnescens Casey, G. crebrepunctata (Casey), G. manitobae Casey, G. nigrella (LeConte), G. oblata Casey, G. punctatula Casey, G. uteana (Casey), and G. wickhami Casey. Th e following new synonyms are established (fi rst name being valid): G. uteana Casey (= G. boulderensis Casey, = G. punctatula Casey), G. crebrepunctata Casey (= G. oblata Casey), and G. laticollis Casey (= G. wickhami Casey). Th e species are classifi ed into fi ve new species groups refl ecting their presumed relationships. All treated species are illustrated, RESEARCH ARTICLE J. Klimaszewski et al. / ZooKeys 2: 11-84 (2008) 12 and distribution maps are provided. New data on collection, habitat, and distribution are presented. A key to the identifi cation of Canadian and Alaskan species is provided.
23 citations
TL;DR: Type material relating to 480 taxa, including holotypes, paratypes and syntypes, are included in the present catalogue, mainly coming from the collections of A Abercrombie (India), RD Darbishire, Prof. J Hadfi eld, and many specimens from M Connolly and HB Preston.
Abstract: Th is paper presents the fi rst published listing of the holdings of type specimens of mollusc in Th e Manchester Museum (University of Manchester, UK), the fourth largest mollusc collection in Britain Type material relating to 480 taxa, including holotypes, paratypes and syntypes, are included in the present catalogue, mainly coming from the collections of A Abercrombie (India), RD Darbishire, Prof AC Haddon (Torres Straits), Rev J Hadfi eld (Lifu, Loyalty Islands), LJ Shackleford (especially Marginella), GC Spence (especially African land snails and Urocoptis and many specimens from M Connolly and HB Preston), FW Townsend (Persian Gulf ), syntype material from the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (1902-1904) and that received from the Smithsonian Institution in 1973 in exchange Th ere is undoubtedly more type material within the collection which is not identifi ed as such as yet
21 citations
TL;DR: Seven species of adventive Palaearctic staphylinids, Ilyobates bennetti Donisthorpe, Meotica exilis (Knoch), MeotICA “pallens” (Redtenbacher), Anotylus insecatus (Gravenhorst), AnOTylus tetracarinatus Block, Oxytelus sculptus GravenHorst, and Lathrobium fulvipenne ( Gravenhor
Abstract: Seven species of adventive Palaearctic staphylinids, Ilyobates bennetti Donisthorpe, Meotica exilis (Knoch), Meotica “pallens” (Redtenbacher), Anotylus insecatus (Gravenhorst), Anotylus tetracarinatus Block, Oxytelus sculptus Gravenhorst, and Lathrobium fulvipenne (Gravenhorst) are newly recorded in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. One of these, M. exilis, a cosmopolitan species, is newly recorded in Canada and represents the fi rst verifi able report of this species from North America. Th e history of M. exilis in North America is examined indicating that previous reports were the result of misidentifi cation or of specimens of uncertain identity that can no longer be located. Th e confused nomenclature of this species is also discussed. Th e confused taxonomy of Meotica “pallens” is discussed with regard to the identity of the species reported under this name in North America. Atheta dadopora Th omson is newly recorded in Prince Edward Island. Records are provided that establish the presence of L. fulvipenne in North America in fi ve Canadian provinces. Observations on A. insecatus in the fi eld have established that they are predators of dipteran larvae. New early dates of detection are reported for Quedius curtipennis Bernhauer, Tasgius ater (Gravenhorst), Philonthus cognatus Stephens, and Philonthus rectangulus Sharp. As a consequence, 87 species of adventive Staphylinidae are now known to occur in the Maritime Provinces, 76 of which have been recorded in Nova Scotia, 61 in New Brunswick, and 29 on Prince Edward Island. Th e staphylinid fauna is briefl y discussed in relation to its zoogeographic components and its regional composition.
20 citations
TL;DR: Taxonomic and systematics studies in the digital era faces major challenges and requires new approaches as mentioned in this paper, many of which are currently stimulating spirited discussions amongst taxonomists and taxonomic experts.
Abstract: Publishing taxonomic and systematics studies in the digital era faces major challenges and requires new approaches, many of which are currently stimulating spirited discussions amongst taxonomists and sys
20 citations
TL;DR: Scolopendra canidens, O. spinicaudus and C. punicus are well adapted to arid and semidesert biotopes and have much wider ranges compared to the other three species which are restricted to the northern, more humid parts of the country.
Abstract: Th e present paper provides a review of the composition, distribution and habitat preferences of the scolopendromorph centipede fauna of Tunisia. Five (sub)genera and 8 (sub)species have hitherto been reported from the country, of which two are of uncertain status. After a study of signifi cant amount of new material collected in the period 2003-2008, 6 species, namely Scolopendra canidens Newport, 1844, S. morsitans Linnaeus, 1758, Cormocephalus gervaisianus (C.L. Koch, 1841), Otostigmus spinicaudus (Newport, 1844), Cryptops punicus Silvestri, 1896 and C. trisulcatus Brolemann, 1902, were found in the country. New illustrations and, where appropriate, brief descriptions of the species are given, along with an identifi cation key for the Tunisian scolopendromorphs. Cryptops anomalans Newport, 1844, Scolopendra oraniensis Lucas, 1846 and S. cingulata Latreille, 1829 are excluded from the country’s list since all previous records are most likely based on misidentifi cations. Cryptops trisulcatus and C. punicus are recorded for the fi rst time from Tunisia and Libya, respectively. Th e taxonomic position of C. punicus is discussed and the species is transferred from the subgenus Trigonocryptops to Cryptops. Scolopendra morsitans scopoliana is synonymised under S. morsitans. S. canidens, O. spinicaudus and C. punicus are well adapted to arid and semidesert biotopes and have much wider ranges compared to the other three species which are restricted to the northern, more humid parts of the country. S. canidens is the only myriapod in Tunisia found in a pure sandy desert.
17 citations
TL;DR: Diglotta mersa (Haliday) of the Diglottini is reported for the first time from the Atlantic coast of North America, and distributional and bionomic data for Halobrecta fl avipes Th omson, a coastal species of the Athetini Casey, are presented.
Abstract: Diglotta mersa (Haliday) of the Diglottini, a western Palaearctic species, is reported for the fi rst time from the Atlantic coast of North America (Canada, New Brunswick). It was found in fi ne gravel under small (10-15 cm diameter) rocks in the intertidal zone, approximately 2 m below the mean high tide mark. A description, and images of the external body, median lobe of aedeagus, spermatheca and terminal segments are provided. New distributional and bionomic data for Halobrecta fl avipes Th omson, a coastal species of the Athetini Casey, are presented.
TL;DR: Two new species of Australutica Jocque, 1995, a genus formerly only known from Australia, are described from South Africa: A. africana n.sp.
Abstract: Two new species of Australutica Jocque, 1995, a genus formerly only known from Australia, are described from South Africa: A. africana n. sp. from Soutpansberg and A. normanlarseni n. sp. from the Cape Peninsula. Th e taxonomic position of the new species is discussed and a key to the species of Australutica is provided.
TL;DR: In this paper, the aquatic Coleoptera (Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Elmidae, Dryopidae, and Heteroceridae) of Prince Edward Island, Canada are surveyed.
Abstract: Th e aquatic Coleoptera (Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Elmidae, Dryopidae, Heteroceridae) of Prince Edward Island, Canada is surveyed. Seventy-two species are now known to occur on Prince Edward Island, 26 of which are added to the island’s faunal list. Th ree species, Gyrinus aquiris LeConte, Oulimnius latiusculus (LeConte), and Helichus striatus LeConte, are removed since there are no voucher specimens or published records to substantiate their presence. Th e name Dineutus horni is designated as an incorrect subsequent spelling of Dineutus hornii Roberts, 1895. Th e composition of the fauna is briefl y discussed, both from regional and zoogeographic perspectives. Th ere is only one introduced species, Helophorus grandis Illiger. Only one third of the aquatic fauna recorded on the neighbouring mainland has been found on Prince Edward Island, perhaps refl ecting an island-associated diminution, the paucity of collecting, an area eff ect, or a combination of all these factors. Th e island faunas of Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, and insular Newfoundland are compared. Prince Edward Island’s is 36% smaller than the others, in contrast with the island’s carabid fauna which is almost identical in magnitude with that of Cape Breton. Th is might refl ect dispersal obstacles, the relative paucity of aquatic habitats on the island, or an insuffi cient collecting eff ort. Further research would be desirable, both to better discern the composition of the province’s fauna, as well as to monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems in relation to anthropogenic activities.
TL;DR: Most of the species of Macvicaria showed interspecific differences in all of the characters enumerated, the most dramatic being in the position of the genital pore in one species.
Abstract: Nine morphologically distinct species of Macvicaria Gibson & Bray, 1982 were recovered from six families, ten genera and twelve species of marine fishes in the waters off [lie coast of Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia: M. shotteri n. sp. in Apogon fasciatus (type-host), Sillaginodes punctatus and Sillago bassensis front Moreton Bay (type-locality), off southern Western Australia and off Kangaroo Island, South Australia; M mekistomorphe n. sp. in Sillago maculata from Moreton Bay; M. mutovitellina n. sp. in Dactylophora nigricans from off southern Western Australia; M. flextiomeatus n. sp. in Goniistius gibbosus (type-host) and Cheilodactylus rubrolabiatus from southern Western Australia; M. vitellocopiosa n. sp. in Sillaginodes punctatus from off Kangaroo Island, South Australia; M. dextrocaula n. sp. in Notolabrus parilus (type-host) and N. fucicola (Richardson) (Labridae) from off southern Western Australia (type-locality) and Kangaroo Island, South Australia; M. heronensis Bray & Cribb, 1989 in Trachinotus coppingeri off Stradbroke Island, Queensland; M. adomeae n. sp. in Sillaginodes punctatus off Kangaroo Island, South Australia; M. kingscotensis n. sp. in Neoodax balteatus (type-host) and Haletra semifasciata off Kangaroo Island, South Australia. We have used the following characters to distinguish between the species of Macvicaria: general body form; length/width ratio; size of cirrussac; length of forebody; post-testicular extent of caeca; egg size; and the position of the genital pore. Most of the species of Macvicaria showed interspecific differences in all of the characters enumerated, the most dramatic being in the position of the genital pore in one species. All 11 specimens recovered from 2 species of Notolabrus were found to have a dextral genital pore. This is the second report of amphitypy in the Opecoelidae. All of the host species, apart from Apogon fasciatus, are endemic to Australian or Australian and New Zealand waters. New combinations formed are: M dacrylopagri (Manter, 1954); M. deeghaensis (Gupta & Gupta, 1988); M. eleuthoronemae (Wang, Wang & Zhang, 1992); M gerridis (Fischthal & Thomas 1970); M. hunghuaensis (Qiu & Li in Shen & Qiu, 1995); M. longicirrata (Manter, 1963); M. oligolecithosus (Wang, Wang & Zhang, 1992); M. synagris (Yamaguti, 1952).
TL;DR: The genus Calodera Mannerheim, 1830 is reported from Canada for the first time and two species are identified; one is probably undescribed; the other, C. parviceps, is redescribed and illustrated.
Abstract: Th e Holarctic genus Calodera Mannerheim, 1830 is reported from Canada for the fi rst time. Two species are identifi ed. One of them is probably undescribed; the other, C. parviceps (Casey, 1893), is redescribed and illustrated. A key to the North American representatives of the genus is provided.
TL;DR: The regional composition and zoogeography of the Leiodidae in Atlantic Canada are examined and species are grouped in six main categories, refl ecting their distribution in the region.
Abstract: Th e Leiodidae (the round fungus beetles, the small carrion beetles, and the mammal nest beetles) of Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island) are surveyed. Twenty fi ve species, including Colon (Colon) politum Peck and Stephan, Colon (Myloechus) forceps Hatch, Colon (Myloechus) incisum Peck and Stephan, Colon (Myloechus) schwarzi Hatch, Hydnobius arizonensis Horn, Anogdus dissimilis Blatchley, Anogdus potens (Brown), Cyrtusa subtestacea (Gyllenhal), Leiodes puncticollis (Th ompson), Leiodes rufi pes (Gebler), Agathidium atronitens Fall, Agathidium depressum Fall, Agathidium diff orme (LeConte), Agathidium mollinum Fall, Agathidium oniscoides Palisot de Beauvois, Agathidium pulchrum LeConte, Agathidium repentinum Horn, Agathidium rusticum Fall, Gelae parile (Fall), Anisotoma blanchardi (Horn), Anisotoma discolor (Melsheimer), Anisotoma geminata (Horn), Anisotoma globososa Hatch, and Prionochaeta opaca (Say) are newly recorded in Atlantic Canada. One of these, Hydnobius arizonensis, is newly recorded in Canada. Colon (Myloechus) hubbardi Horn is newly recorded in the Maritime Provinces. Eight species are newly recorded in New Brunswick, 29 in Nova Scotia, two on Prince Edward Island, 12 on insular Newfoundland, and fi ve in Labrador for a total of 56 new jurisdictional records. Catops paramericanus Peck and Cook and Catops simplex Say are newly recorded from mainland Nova Scotia, and records are provided to verify the occurrence of Leiodes impersonata Brown and Leiodes punctostriata Kirby in Nova Scotia, and Leptinillus validus (Horn) in insular Newfoundland. Th ree species, Agathidium hatchi Wheeler, Catops americanus Hatch, and Sciodrepoides watsoni (Spence), are removed from the faunal list of New Brunswick. As a result, 66 species of Leiodidae have now been recorded from Atlantic Canada. Th e name Anisotoma obsoleta (Horn) is revalidated while the name Anisotoma horni Wheeler is newly designated a synonym of A. obsoleta. Th e regional composition and zoogeography of the Leiodidae in Atlantic Canada are examined and species are grouped in six main categories, refl ecting their distribution in the region. Island faunas are examined, particularly in regard to the similarities and diff erences of the faunas of Cape Breton Island, insular Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. Lone Shieling, in Cape Breton Highlands National
TL;DR: A key to Nearctic genera, and Canadian species of Eustrophinae is presented, as well as a checklist of all Nearctic species of the subfamily.
Abstract: Currently, the Canadian fauna of Eustrophinae consists of 7 species in 5 genera, as follows: Pseudoholostrophus impressicollis (LeConte), P. discolor (Horn); Holostrophus bifasciatus (Say); Eustrophus tomentosus Say; Eustrophopsis bicolor (Fabricius), E. confi nis (LeConte); Synstrophus repandus (Horn). None of these 7 species is restricted to Canada; each has a wider distribution in the United States. Each species (adult stage only) is diagnosed and described with selected morphological features illustrated. A key to Nearctic genera, and Canadian species of Eustrophinae is presented, as well as a checklist of all Nearctic species of the subfamily. Lectotypes are designated for Holostrophus discolor Horn and Eustrophus confi nis LeConte. Neotypes are designated for Eustrophus bifasciatus Say and Eustrophus tomentosus Say. Th e Canadian distribution of each species is mapped in detail, as well as a general indication of distribution in the United States. Aspects of the natural history of all species, where known, are included.
TL;DR: Eighteen species of flat bark beetles are now known in Atlantic Canada, 10 in New Brunswick, 17 in Nova Scotia, four on Prince Edward Island, six on insular Newfoundland, and one in Labrador.
Abstract: Eighteen species of flat bark beetles are now known in Atlantic Canada, 10 in New Brunswick, 17 in Nova Scotia, four on Prince Edward Island, six on insular Newfoundland, and one in Labrador. Twenty-three new provincial records are reported and nine species, Uleiota debilis (LeConte), Uleiota dubius (Fabricius), Nausibius clavicornis (Kugelann), Ahasverus advena (Waltl), Cryptolestes pusillus (Schonherr), Cryptolestes turcicus (Grouvelle), Charaphloeus convexulus (LeConte), Charaphloeus species nr. adustus, and Placonotus zimmermanni (LeConte) are newly recorded in the region, one of which C. sp. nr. adustus, is newly recorded in Canada. Eight are cosmopolitan species introduced to the region and North America, nine are native Nearctic species, and one, Pediacus fuscus Erichson, is Holarctic. All the introduced species except for one Silvanus bidentatus (Fabricius), a saproxylic species are found on various stored products, whereas all the native species are saproxylic. Ahasverus longulus (Blatchley) is removed from the species list of New Brunswick and Charaphloeus adustus (LeConte) is removed from the species list of Nova Scotia. One tropical Asian species, Cryptamorpha desjardinsi (Guerin-Meneville), has been intercepted in the region in imported produce, but is not established. A substantial proportion (44%) of the fauna is comprised of introduced species, almost all of which are synanthropic, associated with various dried stored products. Th e island faunas of Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, and insular Newfoundland are diminished in comparison to the mainland fauna, that of Prince Edward Island being exceptionally so in comparison to other saproxylic groups found there. Of the ten native species, four can be categorized as “apparently rare” (i.e., comprising ≤ 0.005% of specimens examined from the region). It is possible that the apparent scarcity of these species is related to the long history of forest management in Atlantic Canada. Further research on saproxylic faunas in the region is urged to help determine the impact that forest practices may have had and to seek measures which might lessen or ameliorate such impacts.
TL;DR: Th is key to the Carabus species of Israel is an updated identifi cation key with notes on the distribution and habitats of the species and a lack of any evidence of sympatry for the taxa in species rank of the C. syrus group requires further systematic and taxonomic studies.
Abstract: Th is key to the Carabus species of Israel is an updated identifi cation key with notes on the distribution and habitats of the species. Substantial additions, corrections and taxonomic changes on the Carabus fauna of the Middle East generated the need of an update of the knowledge of the genus Carabus in Israel. Th e classifi cation and the identifi cation of sibling taxa of the subgenus Lamprostus are still a problem: A zone of sympatry supports the species status of both C. sidonius and C. hemprichi. Th e lack of any evidence of sympatry for the taxa in species rank of the C. syrus group and their variability of the exoskeleton (mentum tooth, tip of aedeagus) requires further systematic and taxonomic studies.
TL;DR: As a result of recent work and a survey of museum specimens, 46 species have now been recorded in the province, 32 of which are newly recorded in New Brunswick, and distribution and bionomics of newly recorded species are summarized.
Abstract: Th e Nitidulidae (sap beetles) and Kateretidae (short-winged fl ower beetles) from New Brunswick are surveyed. As a result of recent fi eld work and a survey of museum specimens, 46 species have now been recorded in the province, 32 of which are newly recorded in New Brunswick. Epuraea obliquus Hatch is removed from New Brunswick’s faunal list. Th e distribution and bionomics of newly recorded species are summarized. Th e New Brunswick fauna consist of 33 Nearctic species, four Holarctic species, and nine adventive species. Historical early dates of detection of all nine adventive species found in the province are provided.
TL;DR: New records of H. aenescens from Eastern Europe are reported, the one from the far north of European Russia is the most remarkable and new data on the seasonal activity and mating behaviour are given.
Abstract: Introduced from the New World, H. aenescens has spread rapidly in Europe. Th is paper reports new records of H. aenescens from Eastern Europe. Among these records, the one from the far north of European Russia is the most remarkable. New data on the seasonal activity and mating behaviour of H. aenescens are also given. A peak of H. aenescens imago activity in southern Turkey takes place during very early spring. Th e mating behaviour of H. aenescens diff ers from that of other members of the genus Hydrotaea.
TL;DR: The Bulgarian population of X. parasimile showed the same pattern as the Serbian population revealed by the RFLP analyses of D1-D2 region, and a new record for Bulgaria as well as a new plant association for the species.
Abstract: Several populations of Xiphinema simile Lamberti, Choleva et Agostinelli, 1983 and two of X. parasimile Barsi et Lamberti, 2004, originating from various habitats – natural and man-made, have been studied. Xiphinema simile was associated both with cultivated and naturally growing plants, while X. parasimile was recovered from soil around grapevine. Data on the morphological and biometrical characteristics (including juvenile stages) are presented and variations discussed. Pharyngeal bulbus and glandularium length, vaginal and uterine characteristics were shown to be good diff erentiating characters. Th is report of X. parasimile is a new record for Bulgaria as well as a new plant association for the species. Th e description of its male is provided for the fi rst time. Th e Bulgarian population of X. parasimile showed the same pattern as the Serbian population revealed by the RFLP analyses of D1-D2 region.
TL;DR: The regional zoogeography of the Histeridae is examined focusing on diff erences between the faunal composition of the various provinces and the possible reasons responsible for these, and seven species of adventive histerids have been recorded in the region.
Abstract: New records of Histeridae from Atlantic Canada are reported. Th ree species are newly recorded from Prince Edward Island and two from New Brunswick, one of which, the adventive Palearctic Atholus bimaculatus (Linnaeus), is newly recorded from Atlantic Canada as a whole. Th ese new records increase the known histerid fauna of the region to 37 species, 30 native and 7 introduced ones. Th e regional zoogeography of the Histeridae is examined focusing on diff erences between the faunal composition of the various provinces and the possible reasons responsible for these. Th e island faunas of Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, and insular Newfoundland are examined. All have reduced faunas in comparison with the mainland perhaps as a result of island-associated diminutions, an area eff ect, a paucity of collecting, or a combination of these factors. Th ose of Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island are proportionately similar to those of other families of Coleoptera, whereas that of Newfoundland (only 10% of the mainland fauna) is signifi cantly less, a circumstance that deserves further investigation. Seven species of adventive histerids have been recorded in the region. Th e average dates of fi rst detection of these species are much later than the earliest records of these species in North America and comparatively later than is the case with other suites of adventive species in the Staphylinidae and Carabidae, perhaps as a result of the sparse attention the Histeridae have historically received by coleopterists in the region. Most of the adventive histerids are known to be synanthropic and may have been introduced to the region association with the importation of livestock and materials related to animal husbandry. Th e Histeridae of the region largely fall into one of several trophic guilds: coastal species and those associated with beach-drift material; species associated with bird nests; species associated with mammal nests; myrmecophilous species; saproxylic species found in sub-cortical environments; and generalist species found in a wide variety of decomposing situations.
TL;DR: Electrostephanus petiolatus is transferred to a new subgenus, Electrostephanodes n.
Abstract: Th e fossil crown wasp Electrostephanus petiolatus Brues comb. rev. (Stephanidae, Electrostephaninae) is re- described from a single male preserved in middle Eocene Baltic Amber. Th e holotype was lost or destroyed around the time of World War II and subsequent interpretations of its identity have been based solely on the brief descriptive comments provided by Brues in his original account. Th e new specimen matches the original description and illustration provided by Brues in every detail and we hereby consider them to be conspecifi c, selecting the specimen as a neotype for the purpose of stabilizing the nomenclature for this fossil species. Th is neotype exhibits a free fi rst metasomal tergum and sternum, contrary to the assertion of previous workers who indicated these to be fused. Accordingly, this species does indeed belong to the genus Electrostephanus Brues rather than to Denaeostephanus Engel & Grimaldi (Stephaninae). Electrostephanus petiolatus is transferred to a new subgenus, Electrostephanodes n. subgen., based on its elongate pseudo- petiole and slender gaster, but may eventually warrant generic status as the phylogenetic placement of these fossil lineages continues to be clarifi ed. A revised key to the Baltic amber crown wasps is provided.
TL;DR: Th e soft scale insect Inglisia vitrea Cockerell is transferred to the genus Pseudokermes as P. vitreus (Cockerell) comb and a lectotype is designated based on newly slide-mounted dry type material.
Abstract: Th e soft scale insect Inglisia vitrea Cockerell is transferred to the genus Pseudokermes as P. vitreus (Cockerell) comb. nov. Th e adult female is redescribed and illustrated. A lectotype is designated based on newly slide-mounted dry type material. New host-plant records and an updated geographical distribution for P. vitreus are given. Pseudokermes correntinus Granara de Willink is recognized as syn. nov. of I. vitrea.
TL;DR: The discovery of P. politus on insular Newfoundland is particularly noteworthy and represents a range extension of about 1,260 km as mentioned in this paper, which represents a possible origin of this apparently isolated and disjunct population.
Abstract: Th e Canadian Phalacridae are briefl y surveyed. Two species, Phalacrus politus Melsheimer and Olibrus vittatus LeConte, are newly recorded in Canada. As a result, eight phalacrids are now known to occur in Canada. Th irteen new provincial records are reported including one from Saskatchewan, two from Manitoba, two from New Brunswick, three from Nova Scotia, two from Prince Edward Island, and three from Newfoundland and Labrador. Th e four species and ten provincial records of Phalacridae reported from provinces in Atlantic Canada are the fi rst records of this family in the region. Information on the bionomics of these species is briefl y summarized. Th e species include Phalacrus penicillatus Say, Phalacrus politus Melsheimer (a smut-feeding species associated with corn, sorghum, and other grasses), Olibrus vittatus LeConte, Olibrus semistriatus LeConte (an abundant fl oricolous species found in the heads of several genera of Asteraceae), Acylomus pugetanus Casey (an ergot-feeding beetle associated with various grains and wild grasses), and Stilbus apicalis (Melsheimer) (an apparently surface-feeding, mold-grazing, facultatively parthenogenic species). Th e discovery of P. politus on insular Newfoundland is particularly noteworthy and represents a range extension of about 1,260 km. Th e possible origins of this apparently isolated and disjunct population are discussed, focusing on the glacial history of the region.
TL;DR: Four species of the genus Japananus Ball, 1931 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) are dealt with, including one new species from Sichuan Province, China, Japananus bicurvatus sp.
Abstract: Th e paper deals with four species of the genus Japananus Ball, 1931 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae), including one new species from Sichuan Province, China, Japananus bicurvatus sp. nov. A key is given to distinguish all species of the genus, and illustrations of genitalia are provided. Th e type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University (IEGU).
TL;DR: Smilirhexia naranja, gen. n.
Abstract: Smilirhexia naranja, gen. n. and sp. n., is described from Central America, the southern limit of the tribe Smiliini, and represents a strong divergence from the morphology of the oak-feeding genera prevalent in North America.
TL;DR: A brief history of the research on Coleoptera in Canada is recounted and it is evident that much still remains to be done.
Abstract: A brief history of the research on Coleoptera in Canada is recounted. Th e Canadian fauna was fi rst studied by Kirby (1837) from specimens collected during the fi rst two Franklin expeditions to the Canadian Arctic. Over the next 170 years many investigators have turned their attention to Canadian beetles. In 1991, 7,436 species had been documented to occur in the country. Since then there have been many taxonomic, faunistic, ecological, and other studies. Despite this long history of research, it is evident that much still remains to be done. It is important to recognize that taxonomic research is the foundation for understanding the biological diversity of the natural world.
TL;DR: A new soft scale insect genus is introduced to take a new species, Sterculicoccus tafoensis Hodgson, sp.
Abstract: A new soft scale insect genus, Sterculicoccus Hodgson, gen. n., is introduced to take a new species, Sterculicoccus tafoensis Hodgson, sp. n., off Triplochiton from Ghana. Sterculicoccus belongs to the Myzolecaniinae and is close to Alecanium Morrison. In addition, a new species of Hemilecanium Newstead, H. cedrelus Hodgson, sp. n., is also described off Cedrela toona from Zambia. Hemilecanium cedrelus is close to H. coriaceum Hall and H. uesatoi Kondo & Hardy (Saissetiinae). Th e adult females of these two species are described, along with the 1 st -instar and the 2 nd - and 3 rd -instar females of H. cedrelus.