[Entomology • 2026] Diaphanes meghalayanus & D. mawlynnong • Two New firefly Species of the Genus Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India

 

[A–B] Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov.;
[C–D] D. mawlynnong sp. nov.   

Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang, 

in Nonglang, Wijekoon, Ryndong, Das, Sengupta et Shangpliang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.415  

facebook.com: Chandana Wijekoon

Abstract

Two new Diaphanes Motschulsky 1853 species, D. meghalayanus Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov., and D. mawlynnong Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov., from Meghalaya, Northeast India, are described. Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov., is characterised by a unique colour pattern of the central disc, the absence of a typical circular pronotal areolet area, brownish-yellow pronotum and elytra, and other specific features of male genitalia. Diaphanes mawlynnong sp. nov., is distinct with rare moniliform antennae, circular-shaped pronotal areolet areas with blunt posterior lateral corners, and specific genital aedeagus characters. The female of D. mawlynnong sp. nov., which is apterous, was found in the same habitat where its males were associated. 13 Diaphanes species have been recorded from India, and with the discovery of these two new species, the number of Diaphanes species recorded in the country increases to 15. This knowledge significantly contributes to the existing information gap of Diaphanes diversity and distribution in this region.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity Hotspot, Indo-Burma, Lampyrids, Oriental, taxonomy

 

 General habitus of two new Diaphanes species from India, males.
A–B. Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov.; C–D. Diaphanes mawlynnong sp. nov.,
A., C. Dorsal view; B., D. Ventral view.

Diaphanes meghalayanus Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov. 

Diaphanes mawlynnong Nonglang, Das & Shangpliang sp. nov. 

Emma Magdalene Nonglang, Chandana Dammika Wijekoon, Memorial M Ryndong, Dhiraj Kumar Das, Samrat Sengupta and Jane Wanry Shangpliang. 2026. Two New firefly Species of the Genus Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 415-429. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.415 [2026-04-25]

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/87726

 facebook.com/ChandanaWijekoon3/posts/27450493694537347

[Entomology • 2026] Sclerocardius lyali • A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Thailand

 

Sclerocardius lyali 

Legalov & Bezborodov, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 

biotaxa.org/jibs

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov

Abstract

A new species, Sclerocardius lyali sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. The new species is close to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in the body covered with short setiform yellowish and pale scales, the postero-ventral side of the protibia lacking teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. This is the first record of Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847, from Thailand. A key to Asian species of the genus Sclerocardius is also given.

 

 Keywords: Curculionoidea, Molytinae, Sclerocardiini, new species, Mae Hong Son Province

 

Sclerocardius lyali sp. n., holotype, male.
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Habitus, ventral view; C. Habitus, frontal view; D. Aedeagus, dorsal view; E. Aedeagus, ventral view; F. Aedeagus, lateral view; G. Abdomen, ventral view.

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Curculionidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Molytinae Schoenherr, 1823

Tribe Sclerocardiini Lacordaire, 1866

Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847

Type species. Sclerocardius bohemani Schoenherr, 1847.

Sclerocardius lyali Legalov & Bezborodov, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Patronymic. In honour of Christopher H.C. Lyal (London, UK), who revised the genus

Sclerocardius.

Diagnosis. This new species is closely related to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in that it has short setiform yellowish and pale scales on the body, a postero-ventral side of the protibia without teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. Sclerocardius indicus is characterised by a body covered in long, narrow, orange scales; a pronotum with relatively small punctation; a postero-ventral side of the protibia with three rounded teeth; and the aedeagus is also wider.

Andrei Legalov and Vitaly G Bezborodov. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from Thailand. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 407-413. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 [2026-04-16] 

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/88627

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov/posts/3470913219750951

[Entomology • 2026] Zhangius rhymbon & Z. lophos • A New nanophyine Genus, Zhangius gen. nov., with descriptions of Two New Species (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Nanophyinae) from China and Thailand

Zhangius rhymbon  

Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.175356

Abstract

A new nanophyine genus, Zhangius Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, gen. nov., with two new species Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov. (type species) and Zhangius lophos Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov., are described. The diagnostic characters of the new genus and species are provided. Keys to the male and female of the species and host data are presented.

Key words: Chiang Mai, identification key, Lyalia, new genus, Shiva, taxonomy, weevils, Yunnan

Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov.
1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Mating; 4. Host plant, Lagerstroemia tomentosa C. Presl, 1844, leaves and capsule; 5. Crown collecting by long-handle tropical net.

Zhangius Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, gen. nov. 

 Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov.  

 Zhangius lophos Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov. 

 Zhiliang Wang, Miguel A. Alonso-Zarazaga. 2026. A New nanophyine Genus, Zhangius gen. nov., with descriptions of Two New Species (Coleoptera, Brentidae, Nanophyinae) from China and Thailand. ZooKeys. 1273: 205-220. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.175356 [18 Mar. 2026] 

[Entomology • 2025] Bucerocaputis kapinawa & B. timbira • Bucerocaputis gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from the Cerrado and Caatinga of Brazil, with the Description of Two New Species

 

Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, 

in Souza-Gonçalves, Lopes-Andrade et Grossi, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70025

Abstract

Bucerocaputis Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. nov., a new genus with two species, Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov. from the Caatinga biome and Bucerocaputis timbira Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov. from the Cerrado biome, is described based on individuals collected in the states of Bahia, Maranhão, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Region of Brazil. The genus shares some morphological affinities with members of Acanthocis Miyatake, 1954, Falsocis Pic, 1916, Plesiocis Casey, 1898, Porculus Lawrence, 1987 and Pseudeuxestocis Lawrence 2016; however, it can be distinguished mainly by the combination of the following features: the robust body; single pronotal and elytral punctation; antennae with 10 antennomeres; apical maxillary palpomere inflated with a large circular sensory area at the apex; prosternum biconcave with a relatively broad, strongly curved prosternal process, projecting below the plane of the prosternum disc; and male anterocephalic and anterior pronotal edge quadridentate. We also provide information on its host fungi and briefly discuss its geographical distribution.

Keywords: Caatinga, Cerrado, Ciinae, Neotropical, taxonomy, Tenebrionoidea

Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade gen. et sp. nov., holotype male (e–e) from Sairé (Pernambuco, Brazil).
(a) Dorsal view; note the lateral pronotal projections (arrows). (b) Lateral view. (e) Ventral view. (d) Frontal–ventral view of head and thorax note the lateral pronotal projections (arrows). (e) Scutellar shield and part of the pronotum and elytra.

Scale bars: 1.0 mm (a–c); 0.5 (d); 0.2 mm (e).

Bucerocaputis Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. nov. 

Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov.  

 Bucerocaputis timbira Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov. 

Igor Souza-Gonçalves, Cristiano Lopes-Andrade and Paschoal C. Grossi. 2025. Bucerocaputis gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from the Cerrado and Caatinga of Brazil, with the Description of Two New Species. Austral Entomology. 64(4); e70025. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70025 [06 October 2025]

[Entomology • 2026] Richtersveldiella sanparkensis, Pentamerica gazella, Nama mirifica, ... • A New Genus and Six New Species of Namaini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from the Richtersveld (South Africa, Northern Cape)

 

Richtersveldiella sanparkensis 

Borovec & Meregalli, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.2.2  

 Researchgate.net/publication/399722863

 

Abstract

One new genus and six new species of Namaini are described: Richtersveldiella sanparkensis Borovec and Meregalli, new genus and new species (type locality: Koeroegab); Pentamerica gazella Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Kodaspiek); Namaquania hirta Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Armmanshoek valley); Nama mirifica Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: south of Helskloof Pass); Nama vanwyki Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Armmanshoek valley); Nama armmanshoek Borovec and Meregalli new species (type locality: Armmanshoek valley). Biological notes and comparative remarks are added, along with considerations on their distribution. An assessment of their conservation status is also proposed.

Coleoptera, weevils, taxonomy, new genus, new species, species discovery, Afrotropical region

Richtersveldiella sanparkensis Borovec & Meregalli, sp. nov.

Nama vanwyki Borovec & Meregalli, sp. nov.

Richtersveldiella sanparkensis Borovec and Meregalli, new genus and new species 

Pentamerica gazella Borovec and Meregalli new species 

Namaquania hirta Borovec and Meregalli new species 

Nama mirifica Borovec and Meregalli new species 

 Nama vanwyki Borovec and Meregalli new species 

Nama armmanshoek Borovec and Meregalli new species

Roman BOROVEC and Massimo MEREGALLI. 2026. A New Genus and Six New Species of Namaini from the Richtersveld (South Africa, Northern Cape) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae).  Zootaxa. 5748(2); 193-214. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5748.2.2 [2026-01-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/399722863_A_new_genus_and_six_new_species_of_Namaini_from_the_Richtersveld_South_Africa

[Entomology • 2025] Gametis polita • Taxonomic Study of the Flower Chafer Genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Japan, with A Description of A New Species from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island, the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan

 

Gametis polita  

Seshima & Yoshida, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.5

 

Abstract 

A new species of the flower chafer genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842, Gametis polita Seshima & Yoshida, sp. nov., is described from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island in the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan, which was formerly misidentified as Gametis forticula (Janson, 1881). This is the first new species of the subfamily Cetoniinae sensu stricto described from Japan in approximately half a century. Using molecular and morphological evidence, we conclude that the genus Gametis comprises three species in Japan: G. forticula (Janson, 1881), G. polita sp. nov., and G. ishigakiana (Nomura, 1959), which was formerly treated as a subspecies of G. forticula. In addition, G. forticula miyakoana (Nomura, 1959) and G. forticula yonakuniana (Nomura, 1959) are transferred to subspecific status under G. ishigakiana.

Coleoptera, Cetoniini, cryptic species, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, the Ryukyus

Gametis polita sp. nov.: 
1–7, male (holotype); 1–2, habitus, dorsal (1), and ventral views (2); 3, mesosternal process, ventral view; 4, pygidium, dorsal view; 5, parameres, lateral view; 6, parameres, dorsal view; 7, right protibia, anterior view. 8–11, female (paratype); 8–9, habitus, dorsal (8) and ventral views (9); 10, right protibia, anterior view; 11, color variation, dorsal view.

 Scale bars = 5 mm (1–2, 8–9, 11); 1 mm (4–7, 10); 0.5 mm (3).

Live specimens of Gametis, dorso-lateral view.
28–29, Gametis polita sp. nov., 28, habitus, 29, punctures on elytra;
30–31, Gametis forticula, 30, habitus, 31, punctures on elytra;
32–33, Gametis ishigakiana ishigakiana, 32, habitus, 33, punctures on elytra;
34–35, Gametis ishigakiana yonakuniana, 34, habitus, 35, punctures on elytra.

Habitat of Gametis polita sp. nov., Tarama-jima Island (type locality). Photo by Fubito Aizawa.

Gametis polita Seshima & Yoshida, sp. nov.

[Japanese name: Hisui-koao-hanamuguri]

YÛHI SESHIMA and TAKAHIRO YOSHIDA. 2025. Taxonomic Study of the Flower Chafer Genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Japan, with A Description of A New Species from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island, the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan. Zootaxa. 5706(1); 79-92. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.5 [2025-10-09]

[Entomology • 2025] Pachyrhynchus analynae • A New Species of easter egg weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) from Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines

 Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina, 

in Obrial, Agbas, Pajota, Pepito, Añuber, Medina et Cabras, 2025. 

 Baltic J. Coleopterol. 25(2); 

Abstract

A new species of Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 from Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina sp. nov. named after Dr. Analyn Anzano Cabras, for her significant contribution on the advancement of beetle research and conservation in the Philippines particularly on the tribe Pachyrhynchini. The new species is the recent addition to the Pachyrhynchus speciosus species complex. Notes on the species ecology, habitat, distribution, and plant associationare presented.

Keywords: biodiversity, taxonomy, weevils, species groups, new species

 

Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Pachyrhynchus analynae sp. nov. belongs to the P. speciosus species group. In general appearance, this novel species conspicuously resembles a cross between P. miltoni Cabras & Rukmane, 2016, from Marilog, Davao City, and P. cabrasae Rukmane, 2016, from Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon. It exhibits a combination of scaly maculations found in both congeners: the longitudinal scaly bands at pronotum which resembles P. miltoni, while reticulate scales at elytra resembles P. cabrasae. However, P. analynae sp. nov. differs with P. miltonibased on the following characteristics: amygdaloid elytral shape, narrower in profile, and tapers apically; elytra bears reticulate net-like maculations that merge and sparsely covered with setae from the apical declivity towards the apex (vs stouter elytra with minute setae only along the lateral margin; with open-and closed-banded variations, with three contiguous scaly bands, with open-banded variation that retains the three scaly bands in P. miltoni).

 Variability of Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina sp. nov.:
A) open-banded, holotype male, B) filled-banded, paratype male
C) unfilled-banded, paratype, female, D) filled-banded, paratype female.

Graden G. Obrial, Daven Jayson D. Agbas, Efrhain Loidge P. Pajota, Mark John T. Pepito, Rylle G. Añuber, Milton Norman D. Medina, Analyn A. Cabras. 2025. Pachyrhynchus analynae sp. nov., A New Species of easter egg weevil (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. Baltic J. Coleopterol. 25(2); 257-271. 

 facebook.com/philcolsoc/posts/122231701238094735

  

[Entomology • 2022] Metapocyrtus baulorum & M. malindangensis • Two New Species of the Genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Northern Mindanao Philippines

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum 

Cabras, Pajota, Rivera & Medina, 2022

  du.lv/en/research/institutes

Abstract

 Two new species of the genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, subgenus Dolichocephalocyrtus Schultze 1925 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Northern Mindanao, Philippines are described and illustrated. The novel species are Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov. and Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov. from Mt. Malindang, Misamis Occidental and Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao. Photographs of habitus and male genitalia are presented with a brief ecologic note of their habitats. 

Keywords: archipelago, beetles, endemic, novel species, taxonomy, weevils

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.
A–C, Holotype male; A. dorsal view, B. lateral view, C rostrum (dorsal view).
D–F, Paratype female; D. dorsal view, E. lateral view, and F. rostrum (dorsal view).

Species of plants associated with Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.:
A– Philippine oak tree, Lithocarpus sulithi (Soepadmo 1970); B– leaves of a Philippine oak tree with visible chew marks; C– M. (D.) baulorum sp. nov. perching on its natural habitat.

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) baulorum sp. nov.

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov. 
 A–C, Holotype male; A. dorsal view, B. lateral view, C rostrum (dorsal view).
D–F, Paratype female; D. dorsal view, E. lateral view, and F. rostrum (dorsal view).

Metapocyrtus (Dolichocephalocyrtus) malindangensis sp. nov.  

Analyn Cabras, Efrhain Loidge Pajota, Rodrin Rivera and Milton Norman Medina. 2022. Two New Species of the Genus Metapocyrtus Heller 1912, subgenus Dolichocephalocyrtus Schultze 1925 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Northern Mindanao Philippines. Acta Biol. Univ. Daugavp. 22(1); 113 – 123.  

 du.lv/en/research/institutes/institute-of-life-sciences-and-technologies/issued-journal/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis-archives/acta-biologica-universitatis-daugavpiliensis-volume-22-no-1-2022

  twitter.com/imEfrhainLoidge/status/1602873163905654784

[Entomology • 2025] Batophila alishanensis, B. chungi, B. tsoui, B. wusheensis ... • The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera: Chrysomeliae: Galerucinae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species

 

A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus; 
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Rubus wallichianus (Rosaceae); 
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

Lee, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 

Abstract

The Taiwanese species of the genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 are revised. Batophila acutangula Heikertinger, 1921 is removed from the list of Taiwanese fauna. Batophila taiwanica Döberl, 2010 is recognized and redescribed. Additionally, eleven new species from Taiwan are described: B. alishanensis sp. nov., B. choui sp. nov., B. chungi sp. nov., B. houjayi sp. nov., B. huangi sp. nov., B. jungchani sp. nov., B. meihuai sp. nov., B. tsoui sp. nov., B. wusheensis sp. nov., B. yehi sp. nov., and B. yuae sp. nov. The species descriptions include illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae.

Key words: Host plant, leaf beetles, Melastomataceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Rubus, taxonomy

Field photographs of Batophila species
A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus;
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of R. wallichianus (Rosaceae);
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

 Chi-Feng LEE. 2025. The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera, Chrysomeliae, Galerucinae, Alticitae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species. ZooKeys. 1258: 73-118. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 [03 Nov 2025]

[Entomology • 2022] Dematotrichus gen. nov., Dematotrichus comatulus, D. hirtus, D. horridus, D. villosus, ... • Integrative Systematic Revision of A New Genus of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) endemic to New Caledonia

 

Dematotrichus gen. nov. 
Dorsal views of the male holotype and one female paratype of Dematotrichus hirtus sp. nov. (a), the male holotype of D. pubescens sp. nov. (b), the male holotype of D. capillaris sp. nov. (c), the male holotype and one female paratype of D. comatulus sp. nov. (d), and the male holotype and one female paratype of D. villosus sp. nov. (e).

Gómez-Zurita. 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2084471

 twitter.com/GomezZuritaLab

Abstract

The monophyletic group of species around Dematochroma pilosa Jolivet, Verma & Mille is identified in this work by combining information from mitochondrial DNA data and morphological features. A series of defining traits diagnosing this species assemblage from its closest phylogenetic relatives, including the genera Thasycles Chapuis and Atrichatus Sharp, is used to argue for its taxonomic separation and propose a new genus, named Dematotrichus gen. nov. Both Dematochroma pilosa and Montrouzierella hispida Jolivet, Verma & Mille are transferred to the new genus as D. pilosus (Jolivet, Verma & Mille) comb. nov. and D. hispidus (Jolivet, Verma & Mille) comb. nov., and 11 new species are described: D. capillaris sp. nov., D. capillosus sp. nov., D. comans sp. nov., D. crinitus sp. nov., D. comatulus sp. nov., D. hirtus sp. nov., D. hirsutus sp. nov., D. horridus sp. nov., D. pubescens sp. nov., D. setosus sp. nov. and D. villosus sp. nov. The work includes an identification key for all the species in the new genus.

 

Key words: Dematotrichus gen. nov., Dematochroma, Eumolpinae, island radiation, New Caledonia

  Dorsal views of the male holotype and one female paratype of Dematotrichus hirtus sp. nov. (a), the male holotype of D. pubescens sp. nov. (b), the male holotype of D. capillaris sp. nov. (c), the male holotype and one female paratype of D. comatulus sp. nov. (d), and the male holotype and one female paratype of D. villosus sp. nov. (e).

Dematotrichus gen. nov.

Diagnosis. One particularly remarkable feature of this genus in the context of the diversity of New Caledonian Eumolpinae, which shall help recognizing it right away, is the relatively homogeneous dorsal pubescence, only thinner perhaps on head. Such type of vestiture is not common at all among members of the tribe Eumolpini, although a few other genera or evolutionary lineages of New Caledonian Eumolpinae exhibit some degree of dorsal pubescence. However, these groups can be told apart very easily based on the shape of their pronota. One of the closest relatives to Dematotrichus gen. nov. is the genus Thasycles Chapuis. These genera show some external similarities, including the presence of setae on pronotum and elytra, but in Thasycles they are sparser and not uniform, mostly at sides and apex of elytra, and have a distinctive pronotum, transverse, with flat anterior angles (Gómez-Zurita & Pàmies-Harder, 2022). The species of Taophila Heller have some pubescence on elytra and often on pronotum, but it is also much sparser and/or patchier, and they have an unmistakable body structure, in good part because of the shape of pronotum, as well, narrower than elytra, about as long as wide, narrowing at both ends, and without lateral suture or very finely margined laterally (Platania & Gómez-Zurita, 2022). Tricholapita Gómez-Zurita & Cardoso have more generalized pubescence on both pronotum and elytra, but once again, the pronotum is very different from Dematotrichus (or any other known related genus), showing three and most often two prominent teeth at sides (Platania et al., 2020). Samuelsonia pilosa Jolivet et al., 2007a, S. mayonae Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2010 (in Jolivet et al., 2009) and a group of undescribed species related to them also have pubescent dorsum, but these are immediately recognizable because of their much smaller size (2–3× smaller), typically greenish or cupreous dorsal shine and pronotum not much narrower than elytra, widened posteriorly. The last known hairy representative of New Caledonian Eumolpinae, Dematochroma doiana Jolivet et al., 2007b, shows the same dense uniform pubescence on dorsum as all the species of Dematotrichus, and the penis has similar appearance, but the pronotum is very different, transverse, with anterior and posterior borders of similar length and anterior angles not compressed at sides of head.

Derivatio nominis. The generic name is composed of the same Greek root word for Dematochroma, Demato- (perhaps with the original meaning of bundle or bond; Brown, 1954), combined with a transliteration derived from the Greek word θρίξ or hair, -trichus, of intended masculine gender and in reference to the hairy dorsum of all species known to belong to this genus.

JesúS Gómez-Zurita. 2022. Integrative Systematic Revision of A New Genus of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) endemic to New Caledonia: Dematotrichus gen. nov. and its numerous new hairy species. Systematics and Biodiversity. 20(1); 1-28. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2084471

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[Entomology • 2025] Araneibatrus antennatus, A. thamluang, Batrisocenus filum, Nipponobythus haozhu, Tribasodites circinatus, Zopherobatrus excavatus, ... • Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts

Araneibatrus thamluang Yin, 2025 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 

 facebook.com: Speleological Research in Thailand

Abstract

Subterranean ecosystems, particularly the karst environments of Asia, represent a significant but underexplored frontier for biodiversity exploration. This paper focuses on the rove beetle subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from caves and related subterranean habitats throughout the continent. Drawing upon extensive material accumulated primarily from China and Thailand, supplemented by records from Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines, an exceptionally diverse subterranean fauna is herein delineated, including the description of 43 new species: Araneibatrus antennatus sp. nov., A. huangsunbini sp. nov., A. leclerci sp. nov., A. thamluang sp. nov., A. thamphamon sp. nov., A. thamphathong sp. nov., A. thamprakaiphet sp. nov.; Batrisiella longlina sp. nov.; Batrisocenus affinis sp. nov., Batrisocenus dushizi sp. nov., Batrisocenus filum sp. nov., Batrisocenus mojiachengi sp. nov., Batrisocenus shilin sp. nov., Batrisocenus trungtrang sp. nov., Tribasodites circinatus sp. nov., T. disuensis sp. nov., T. duanus sp. nov., T. guilinensis sp. nov., T. huchanghaoi sp. nov., T. miaoting sp. nov., T. pakchong sp. nov., T. shui sp. nov., T. uncinus sp. nov., T. zhouhanpingi sp. nov.; Zopherobatrus excavatus sp. nov., Z. kaiyangus sp. nov., Z. sinanus sp. nov., Z. wulongensis sp. nov.; Batraxis soparki sp. nov.; Nipponobythus haozhu sp. nov., N. jinji sp. nov., N. liyunchuni sp. nov., N. long sp. nov., N. minor sp. nov. (soil-dwelling), N. niubi sp. nov., N. platycephalus sp. nov., N. proiectus sp. nov., N. punctatus sp. nov., N. qian sp. nov., N. sanxian sp. nov., N. suxian sp. nov., N. wufengensis sp. nov., and N. zengtingkaii sp. nov. The present work nearly doubles the documented diversity of cavernicolous Pselaphinae in Asia, increasing the number of known species from 48 to 90, highlighting the profound geographical biases in previous research and the immense, cryptic diversity harbored within these habitats. Identification keys to supertribes, tribes, genera, and species are provided, along with a checklist of cavernicolous Pselaphinae recorded from Asia. Moreover, this study reports novel instances of pronounced male antennal polymorphism and identifies potential morphological correlates of sexual conflict, specifically, putative female resistance traits, within these cave-adapted lineages, thereby illuminating evolutionary dynamics operative in aphotic ecosystems. Collectively, this work establishes a crucial taxonomic framework for the Asian cavernicolous fauna and stresses the urgent need for continued biospeleological exploration to effectively catalogue and conserve the unique biodiversity endemic to these karst systems.

taxonomy, cavernicolous, biodiversity, male polymorphism, sexual conflict

Zi-Wei YIN. 2025. Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts. Insect Systematics and Diversity. 9(5); ixaf046. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 [03 November 2025] 

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[Entomology • 2025] Medeopteryx taprobana • A New Species of Firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) from Coastal Habitats in Southern, Sri Lanka

Medeopteryx taprobana 

De Silva, Gamage, Wijekoon & Wegiriya, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.04.010 

Highlights: 

• For the first time, fireflies of the genus Medeopteryx Ballantyne have been recorded in Sri Lanka.

• Medeopteryx taprobana is a new species found in Sri Lanka.

• Males, females, and larvae of Med. taprobana were found in a coastal habitat with mangroves.

• The phylogeny of Med. taprobana was determined using mitochondrial DNA barcoding and morphological investigation.

Abstract

We present the first record of the firefly genus Medeopteryx Ballantyne from Sri Lanka with descriptions of male, female, and larvae of a new species, Medeopteryx taprobana De Silva, Gamage & Wijekoon sp. nov., from a mangrove–associated coastal habitat in Matara, Southern Sri Lanka, with their phylogenetic placement based on mitochondrial DNA barcoding. This new species is distinguished from other Medeopteryx by not having trisinuate posterior projections (with a weak median posterior projection) of ventrite 7 and other specific characteristics of the aedeagal sheath. An updated list of species and a key to Medeopterx described species in the world are presented.

Keywords: Barcoding, fireflies, new records, South Asia

Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov. 
male andfemale: A, dorsal view; B, ventral view. 

  <scale bar: 1 mm>

Mating pair of Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov. in tail-to-tail position (initial interaction).

Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov.

 Etymology. This species is named "taprobana,” which was a Latin name that was used by the ancient Greeks for Sri Lanka. The name “Taprobana” was derived from the name "Tamraparni," which refers to the "copper–colored" shores of Sri Lanka. We use the name taprobana as a noun in apposition to preserve the original language.

 

Dilshan R. De Silva, Lahiru M.P. Gamage, Chandana D. Wijekoon and Hemantha C.E. Wegiriya. 2025. Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae): A New Species from Coastal Habitats in Southern, Sri Lanka. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.04.010 [24 May 2025]

[Entomology • 2024] Oocyclus extensus, O. latiorificialis & O. ximaensis • Three New Species of Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Laccobiini), with additional records from China

 

Oocyclus extensus

 Jia & Mai, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1205.123579 

Abstract

Three new species of the water scavenger beetle genus Oocyclus Sharp, 1882 from China (Oocyclus extensus sp. nov., from Xizang, O. latiorificialis sp. nov. and O. ximaensis sp. nov. from Yunnan) are described and illustrated in detail. Additional faunistic data, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, and a key to Chinese species are provided.

Key words: Identification key, Oriental Region, water scavenger beetles, Xizang, Yunnan

Habitat of Oocyclus ximaensis sp. nov.
  A river valley with forests on both sides in Xima Town (Yunnan); the red arrow indicates the rock wall with flowing water B, C adults at night.

Habitats of Oocyclus extensus sp. nov.
A valley at Zhêntang Town (Xizang), roadside with waterfalls B wet rock with fine flowing water C, D adults at night.

 Feng-long Jia and Zu-qi Mai. 2024. Three New Species of Oocyclus Sharp, 1882, with additional records from China (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Laccobiini). ZooKeys. 1205: 17-38. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1205.123579