[Entomology • 2026] Attenboroughnculus tau • A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad,

in De Ketelaere, Pullar et Broad, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 

ABSTRACT

A new genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is described: Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n. a monotypic genus for Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n. collected in central Chile. This is the fourth genus and fourth described species of Pedunculinae and the second from the Neotropics. Each of the four known genera is defined by putative apomorphies, included in an identification key, and photos of each are provided.

KEYWORDS: Austral, Darwin wasps, Gondwanan, new species, South America, taxonomy, Sir David Attenborough

Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n.

  

Etymology: 

This unique genus from Chile has been named after Sir David Attenborough ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrating the broadcaster and biologist’s highly distinctive contribution to our understanding of the natural world. David Attenborough has featured Chile’s diverse, extreme landscapes in several documentaries, emphasising the unique environmental challenges and ecological resilience of species within the country.

Sir David has also filmed several scenes with parasitoid wasps, famously termed the ‘bodysnatcher wasp’ by the broadcaster in the Trials of Life, first broadcast in 1990. He has used his work to reveal the intimate, unseen or overlooked within nature. This resonates in the discovery of this species in an unsorted drawer within the collections of the Natural History Museum, London.

In 2023 Sir David revealed a new bronze quote outside the Natural History Museum, London, reading: The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands. We are using this opportunity to echo this message through the naming of this new genus of tiny wasp.

We hope to inspire global scientists to take another look in their collections to see if there is something small that could contribute to our collective understanding and therefore the future of our natural world. The name is a concatenation of ‘Attenborough’ and ‘Pedunculus’.

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n.

Etymology: Named after the large, capital ‘T’ marking on the second metasomal tergite, with ‘tau’ being the Greek for ‘T’. A noun in apposition.

Augustijn De Ketelaere, Jennifer Pullar and Gavin R. Broad. 2026. The Description of A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera. Journal of Natural History. 60(21-24); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 [07 May 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Cryptocephalomorpha thom • A New Species of the myrmecophilous Genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pseudomorphini), from the Indochinese Peninsula

Cryptocephalomorpha thom Choi, Nomura & Park,

in Choi, Nomura, Kwon, Choi et Park, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.192635

 

Abstract

Based on specimens collected in southern Cambodia and western Thailand, Cryptocephalomorpha thom sp. nov., a new species of the genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pseudomorphini), is described. This study provides the first confirmed Cambodian record of the tribe and documents the occurrence of the new species in Cambodia and Thailand. A key to the Oriental genera of Pseudomorphini and an updated key to the Oriental species of the genus are provided, together with a description and illustrations of the new species.

Key Words: Cambodia, Carabidae, Cryptocephalomorpha, new species, Pseudomorphini, Thailand

Cryptocephalomorpha thom sp. nov.
Habitus of the holotype and paratype: A–C. Holotype, male; D–F. Paratype, female; A, D. Dorsal aspect; B, E. Ventral aspect; C, F. Left lateral aspect.
Elytral marginal setigerous punctures: A–B. Holotype, male; C–D. Paratype, female; A, C. Humeral series of elytral marginal setigerous punctures; B, D. Elytral subapex, without a subapical setigerous puncture.

Genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875: XCII.

Type species. Cryptocephalomorpha gaverei Ritsema, 1875.

Cryptocephalomorpha thom Choi, Nomura & Park, sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis.

Large species for the genus, body length more than 6 mm from head to visible abdominal segment. Mandible normal, without lateral excision and spine. Ground color almost uniformly dark brown, with small, narrow reddish patch on each of elytral subapex. Pronotal lateral margin distinctly explanate laterally; lateral margin visible from above. Elytral longer; length/width ratio of 1.22–1.25, lateral margin incurved below; lateral margin not distinctly visible from above, narrowed toward the apex, without a lateral seta of apical series and with a small elytral light patch on each side. Male abdominal sternite VI with dense pubescent pad at middle. Female abdominal sternite VI with four setae.

This is a large species within the genus Cryptocephalomorpha, readily recognized by its distinctive form of the elytral lateral margin and coloration. Among known congeners, it is most ...

Etymology: The new species is named after the Khmer word thom, meaning “large” or “big” (Khmer: ធំ). The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition and refers to the comparatively large size of the species within the genus.

Jong Bong Choi, Shuhei Nomura, Taeyeong Kwon, Eunyoung Choi and Jong Kyun Park. 2026. A New Species of the myrmecophilous Genus Cryptocephalomorpha Ritsema, 1875, from the Indochinese Peninsula (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pseudomorphini). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 73(2): 323-331. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.192635 [10 Jul 2026]

[Fungi • 2026] Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata • Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Pleurocordyceps (Hypocreales: Polycephalomycetaceae) associated with Ants and Cicadas from Malaysia, including A New Species and New Records

  

Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata 

in Shahbaz, Mohadden, Rong, Wei et Seelan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.4.1

 

Abstract

Pleurocordyceps is a group of hyperparasites that infects invertebrates, plants, and other fungi. It belongs to the family Polycephalomycetaceae, a newly established family separated from Ophiocordycipitaceae, order Hypocreales which includes several genera such as Dingleyomyces, Paradingleyomyces, Perennicordyceps, Pleurocordyceps, and Polycephalomyces. Pleurocordyceps currently comprises 26 species reported from South American and Asian regions In Asia, Malaysia has diverse forest ecosystems and rich fungal diversity; however, no previous studies have been reported on the occurrence of Pleurocordyceps species. The aim of the study is to explore the Pleurocordyceps diversity tropical rainforests of Malaysia using morpho-molecular analyses. During a fungal survey in Malaysia, fungicolous fungus associated with ants and cicadas nymphs were collected and subjected to morphological and molecular assessments. Two genetic loci—the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) gene—were used to construct both individual and concatenated phylogenetic trees. The study describes a new species, Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata sp. nov. (BORH/F03651) from an ant, and two new records of P. aurantiaca (BORH/F03651), and P. nipponica (UTHM-CEF003.1) from Diptera and cicada nymph, respectively. These findings expand the knowledge of the geographic distribution of Pleurocordyceps and provide the first baseline data for the genus in Malaysia, thereby improving understanding of the diversity and evolutionary relationships within Polycephalomycetaceae.

arthropod hosts, entomopathogenic fungi, Pleurocordyceps, synnema, three taxa, typification, Fungi

Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata sp. nov. 

MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ, FIRDZA ZULKARNAIN MOHADDEN, JEREMIAH SIA YIAO RONG, YAP JING WEI and JAYA SEELAN SATHIYA SEELAN. 2026. Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Pleurocordyceps (Polycephalomycetaceae, Hypocreales) associated with Ants and Cicadas from Malaysia, including A New Species and New Records.  Phytotaxa. 750(4); 219-237. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.4.1 [2026-04-09]

[Entomology • 2026] Leptogenys distincta & L. gastrolucida • Two New Species of Ant Genus Leptogenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, with an updated key to the known Oriental species

Leptogenys distincta  
 Leptogenys gastrolucida

Baidwan, Kapoor & Bharti, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2657496

 

ABSTRACT

Two new species of the genus Leptogenys are described based on the worker caste, namely Leptogenys distincta sp. n. and Leptogenys gastrolucida sp. n. from India. The male of L. gastrolucida sp. n. is also reported and described. An updated dichotomous key to the 60 known species of Leptogenys from the Oriental region is provided.

 

KEYWORDS: Taxonomy, Indo-Burma, biodiversity, description

 

 Leptogenys distincta sp. n.  

Leptogenys gastrolucida sp. n.  

Parvinder Singh Baidwan, Rakeshwar Kapoor and Himender Bharti. 2026. Two New Species of Ant Genus Leptogenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, with an updated key to the known Oriental species. Journal of Natural History. 60(25-28); 1357-1397. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2657496 [08 Jun 2026] 

[Entomology • 2026] Pseudodelta melas • A New Wasp-mimicking Clearwing Moth (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiini) from Uganda

Pseudodelta melas

Bartsch & Sáfián, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.9 

Abstract

In this study a new genus of Sesiini, Pseudodelta gen. nov., and its type species Pseudodelta melas sp. nov., are described from the Ziika (Zika) Forest, Uganda. This highly mimetic species bears a striking resemblance to Delta emarginatum (Linnaeus, 1758), the black mud wasp widespread in Africa, which is probably its model.

Lepidoptera, Cossoidea, new species, Afrotropical region, taxonomy

Pseudodelta melas holotype, male (1) upperside, (2) underside.

Pseudodelta melas holotype, genitalia structure.

Pseudodelta gen. nov. 

Etymology. The name refers to ancient Greek ψευδο [pseudo] = false, pretended, not real, and the genus Delta Fabricius, 1804 (Vespidae); gender is neuter.

Pseudodelta melas sp. nov. 

Etymology. Ancient Greek μέλας [mélas] = black, dark.

DANIEL BARTSCH and SZABOLCS SÁFIÁN. 2026. A New Wasp-mimicking Clearwing Moth from Uganda (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiini).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 184-188. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.9  [2026-05-08]

[Paleontology • 2026] Balticolasma wunderlichi • 3D analyses of the First ortholasmatine Harvestmen (Opiliones: Nemastomatidae) from European Eocene Ambers

 

Balticolasma wunderlichi 

Bartel, Mitov, Dunlop & Hammel, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01283.2025/sta

Artistic reconstruction by Joshua Knüppe  x.com/JoschuaKnuppe

The first fossil representatives of the harvestman subfamily Ortholasmatinae (Opiliones, Dyspnoi, Nemastomatidae) are described as Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. One male is preserved in Eocene Baltic amber and a presumably conspecific female in Eocene Rovno amber (northwest Ukraine). Ortholasmatines are typically highly ornate arachnids, and for the first time with an amber harvestman we applied computed tomography using synchrotron radiation to investigate its three-dimensional morphology and surface structure in considerable detail. Some of its morphological characters, appear to be closer to extant Asian genera. In a wider biogeographic context, our amber record is a significant find for the Paleogene of Europe given that (i) it is another species apparently found in both Baltic and Rovno amber and (ii) all modern ortholasmatines are restricted to East Asia and North and Central America.

Key words: Nemastomatidae, Ortholasmatinae, Baltic amber, Rovno amber, micro-CT, Priabonian, Eocene

Ortholasmatine harvestman Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. paratype (female) MB.A.4455 from Rovno amber, 33.90–37.71 Ma, Priabonian.
A1, dorsal view of the body A2, close-up of the ocular process in dorsal view, eye lenses arrowed.

Abbreviations: cp, carapace process; ey, eye lens; oc, ocular process; legs numbered I–IV. Scale bars 1 mm (A1) and 0.5 mm (A2).

Artistic reconstruction of the Eocene ortholasmatine harvestman Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. (male) by Joshua Knüppe (Ibbenbüren, Germany).

Systematic palaeontology 

Order Opiliones Sundevall, 1833 

Suborder Dyspnoi Hansen & Sørensen, 1904 

Family Nemastomatidae Simon, 1872 

Subfamily Ortholasmatinae Shear & Gruber, 1983 

Genus Balticolasma nov.

Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: From the Baltic region where the amber hosting one of the specimens originates from and the suffix lasma applied to a few possibly closely related modern ortholasmatine genera.

Christian Bartel, Plamen G. Mitov, Jason A. Dunlop, and Jörg U. Hammel. 2026. 3D analyses of the First ortholasmatine Harvestmen from European Eocene Ambers. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 71(1): 95-107. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01283.2025

 x.com/JoschuaKnuppe/status/2034328564938453473

[Fungi • 2026] Gibellula mineira • The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders

unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.

Santos, Mendes-Pereira, Ribeiro & Kloss. 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

 

Abstract

In tropical forests, there is a high diversity of parasites that use arthropods as resource, particularly arachnids. One of the most frequent groups of spiders’ parasites in tropical forests are fungi of the genus Gibellula, for which a considerable knowledge gap remains in these environments. In this study, we present the description of a new species that infects spiders of the species Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Gibellula mineira sp. nov. We also described the prevalence of the new fungal species in the host spider population and evaluated whether the host size influences their probability of parasitism. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that G. mineira represents a distinct species forming a clade with 100% support of bootstrap and showing a close phylogenetic relationship with Gibellula aurea. The characteristics that distinguish it from other species of the genus include light brown hyphae, white and slightly larger conidiophores, and thinner phialides. We observed a high prevalence of parasitism in this interaction, reaching 25% of the observed I. censoria population. Furthermore, we noted that the cadavers of parasitized spiders are exclusively attached to the underside of leaves, following the typical pattern observed for Gibellula species. Parasitism is more frequent in smaller I. censoria individuals, which is probably associated with thinner cuticles or higher foraging activity in smaller individuals. We suggested that G. mineira is an important natural enemy of I. censoria, directly influencing the population dynamics of this spider and expanding our knowledge of the ecology and biodiversity of araneopathogenic fungi.

 

Keywords: Hypocreales, Araneae, Behavioral manipulation, Parasitism, Araneopathogenic fungi

 Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.
(A) Unparasitized individual foraging in vegetation; (B) Silk retreat built by unparasitized spiders on the leaf lamina;
(C) Adult I. censoria individual infected by G. mineira at an early stage of fungal development; (D) G. mineira colony at mature stage of development;
(E) I. censoria individual showing newly formed synnemata (white); (F) I. censoria individual showing mature synnemata (light brown);
(G) Detail of a white synnema, at the beginning of development, with conidiophores showing chains of conidia; (H) Developed light brown synnema, with dense, white conidiophores.

Scale bars: E, G, H = 1 mm.  

Gibellula mineira sp. nov. 

Aline dos Santos, Thairine Mendes-Pereira, Camila de Fátima Ferreira Ribeiro and Thiago Gechel Kloss. 2026. The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Fungal Biology. 130(3); 101748. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

[Entomology • 2026] Methocha haaksek, M. hongkongensis, ... • The Methocha (Hymenoptera: Thynnidae: Methochinae) of Hong Kong (China), A Preliminary Faunal List with Descriptions of Five New Species and Sexual Associations rendered through Molecular Analysis

 

A. Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
B & C. M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
 D. M. leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
 E. M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
 F. M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 

in Barthélémy, Terayama, Poon et Sin. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3213 

Abstract

Five new species of Methocha Latreille, 1804 are described from Hong Kong: two species based on females only, Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. and Methocha leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.; two on males only, M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. and M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.; and one with females and males associated through molecular analysis, M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. A key to species and a phylogenetic tree of Methocha occurring in the Hong Kong SAR are provided.

Keywords: Thynnoidea, morphometrics, Cicindelinae, DNA barcoding, phylogenetic

Holotypes and paratypes, lateral habitus.
A. Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♀, M459.D.Hy.1, CASC. B. M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♀, M364.C.Hy.2, CASC. C. M. hongkongensis, paratype, ♂, M561CHY3, CBC. D. ♀, M. leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♂, M099.C.Hy.2, CASC.
E. M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♂, M060.C.Hy.4, CASC. F. M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., paratype, ♂, M321.E.Hy.4B, CBC.

Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 

M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 

M. leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.; 

M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 

M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.

 Christophe Barthélémy, Mamoru Terayama, Emily Shui Kei Poon and Simon Yung Wa Sin. 2026. The Methocha (Hymenoptera: Thynnidae: Methochinae) of Hong Kong (China), A Preliminary Faunal List with Descriptions of Five New Species and Sexual Associations rendered through Molecular Analysis. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1043(1); 118–151. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3213 

[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Hypoponera electrocacica • The Ant Genus Hypoponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Dominican Amber

 

Hypoponera electrocacica 

Fiorentino, Bouju, Sosa, Navarro & Barden, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2025.10213

 

Abstract

Hypoponera Santschi, 1938 is a genus of ponerine ants, well known for its simplified morphology, lacking any clear autopomorphy, and its cosmopolitan distribution. Here, we describe the first Hypoponera in Dominican amber. The discovery of Hypoponera electrocacica new species confirms the long-expected presence of the genus in the Caribbean Miocene. The modern diversity of Hypoponera in the Greater Antilles now stands at five species and two putative subspecies.

Systematic paleontology

Order Hymenoptera Linnaeus, Reference Linnaeus1758

Family Formicidae Latreille, Reference Latreille1802

Subfamily Ponerinae Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, Reference Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau1835

Genus Hypoponera Santschi, Reference Santschi1938

Type species: Ponera abeillei André, 1881, 

now Hypoponera abeillei (André, Reference André1881).

 Photomicrographs and illustration of Hypoponera electrocacica n. sp., holotype specimen, MNHNSD FOS 18.126.
(1) Head in front face view. (2) Illustration of forewing venation. (3) Body in dorsal view. (4) Body in lateral view.

Scale bars = 0.5 mm.

Hypoponera electrocacica new species

Etymology: The specific epithet electrocacica (from the Latin electrum, meaning ‘amber,’ and the feminine form of the Taino word cacique, meaning ‘chief’) is a feminine singular adjective in the nominative case. It refers to the alate ant or queen trapped in amber.

Gianpiero Fiorentino, Valentine Bouju, Diyael Sosa, Santo Navarro  and Phillip Barden. 2026. The Ant Genus Hypoponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Dominican Amber. Journal of Paleontology. First View. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2025.10213 [05 February 2026]

[Entomology • 2025] Crematogaster epispina • A New twig-nesting Species of the Crematogaster quadriruga group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Vietnam

Crematogaster epispina  Hosoishi, 

in Hosoishi & Pham, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.08.003

 Abstract

A new species of the ant genus Crematogaster is described from the worker and queen castes. Crematogaster epispina sp. nov., belonging to the Crematogaster quadriruga group, is discovered in a dead twig on a tree in Vietnam. Crematogaster epispina sp. nov. is distinguished from other members by having the propodeal spines curving upward and propodeal spiracles touching the metapleural gland bulla. An updated key to the species of the C. quadriruga group is proposed.

Keywords: Asia, Cuc Phuong National Park, dead twig, Orthocrema, taxonomy

 Crematogaster epispina sp. nov.:
A–C, holotype worker (HW, 0.42; WL, 0.47) (KUECANT051); A, body in profile view; B, full-face view of head; C, body in dorsal view.
D–F, paratype dealate queen (HW, 0.76; WL, 1.58) (KUECANT054); D, body in profile view; E,full-face view of head; F, body in dorsal view.

<scale bar: 0.5 mm>

Crematogaster epispina Hosoishi, sp. nov.

Diagnosis of worker. Antennal scape reaching posterolateral corners of the head. Propodeal spines thick and up-curved. Propodeal spiracle large and attached to the metapleural gland bulla. Subpetiolar process weakly developed. Subpostpetiolar process undeveloped, but venter of the postpetiole convex. Integument essentially smooth and shiny.

Diagnosis of queen. Antennal scape not reaching posterolateral corners of the head. Subpetiolar process low, with a ventral angle. Dorsal surface of the head smooth and shiny. Clypeus smooth.

Etymology. The species name refers to the upwardly directed propodeal spine of the species.

 

Shingo Hosoishi and Thai Hong Pham. 2025. Description of A New twig-nesting Species of the Crematogaster quadriruga group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Vietnam, with an updated key. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press, DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.08.003 [27 September 2025]

 

[Entomology • 2024] Taikona gaoligongshana & T. extraordinaria • Two New Species of the Genus Taikona Arita & Gorbunov, 2001 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) from Yunnan, China

 

[1-2] Taikona gaoligongshana Yu, Arita & Kallies,
[5-8] Taikona extraordinaria Yu, Kallies & Arita

in Yu, Kallies, Arita, He, Li, Yata & LiI, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5443.1.8  

  Researchgate.net/publication/379951548

 

Abstract 

Two new species, Taikona gaoligongshana Yu, Arita & Kallies, sp. nov. and Taikona extraordinaria Yu, Kallies & Arita sp. nov. are described from Yunnan Province, China. Illustrations of the holotypes and the male genitalia are provided, along with a key to all currently known species of the genus. DNA barcoding sequences are also provided.

 Lepidoptera, Sesiidae, Paranthrenini, Oriental region, barcoding, clearwing moths, taxonomy

 Taikona species, adults.
1-4. Taikona gaoligongshana sp. nov. 1-2. Holotype, ♂, Gongshan County, Yunnan Prov., No. KIZ 0135567. 3-4. Paratype, ♂, Gongshan County, Yunnan Prov., No. KIZ 0135568.
5-8. Taikona extraordinaria sp. nov. 5-6. Holotype, Dulongjiang Village, Gongshan County, Yunnan Prov., No. KIZ 0135569. 7-8. Paratype, ♂, Bingzhongluo Town, Gongshan County, Yunnan Prov., No. KIZ 0135570.

 

Taikona gaoligongshana Yu, Arita & Kallies, sp. nov. 

Taikona extraordinaria Yu, Kallies & Arita sp. nov. 

TIANTIAN YU, AXEL KALLIES, YUTAKA ARITA, JINFU HE, HAIJUN LI, NAOKI YATA, XUEYAN LI. 2024. Two New Species of the Genus Taikona Arita & Gorbunov, 2001 (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) from Yunnan, China.  Zootaxa. 5443(1); 135-140. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5443.1.8 [2024-04-19] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/379951548_Two_new_species_of_the_genus_Taikona_from_Yunnan_China

[Entomology • 2022] Neuroterus valhalla • Describing Biodiversity in the Genomics Era: A New Species of Nearctic Cynipidae Gall Wasp and its Genome

Artist’s illustration of the lifecycle of Neuroterus valhalla, a cynipid gall wasp that uses chemicals to induce live oak trees to grow protective crypts, or galls, around its eggs. N. valhalla females (A and D2) lay twice per year in alternating generations at different locations on trees. One generation emerges in February or March, laying eggs in live oak flowers (B) and inducing galls (C1) where adults will emerge in 2-3 weeks. These lay eggs at branching stem nodes (E), inducing galls (F1) from which adults will emerge 11 months later. Ecologists discovered N. valhalla at Rice University, and have yet to find a male member of the species (center). 

in Brandão-Dias, Zhang, Pirro, Vinson, Weinersmith, Ward, Forbes et Egan, 2022. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12521

Illustration by Barbara Rossi

ABSTRACT

Gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) specializing on live oaks in the genus Quercus (subsection Virentes) are a relatively diverse and well‐studied community with 14 species described to date, albeit with incomplete information on their biology, life history and genetic structure. Incorporating an integrative taxonomic approach, we combine morphology, phenology, behaviour, genetics and genomics to describe a new species, Neuroterus valhalla sp. nov. The alternating generations of this species induce galls on the catkins and stem nodes of Quercus virginiana and Quercus geminata in the southern United States. We describe both generations in the species' life cycle, and primarily use samples from a population in the centre of Houston, Texas, thus serving as an example of the undescribed biodiversity still present in well‐travelled urban centres. In parallel, we present a draft assembly of the N. valhalla genome providing a direct link between the type specimen and reference genome. The genome of N. valhalla is the smallest reported to date within the tribe Cynipini, providing an important comparative contrast to the otherwise large genome size of cynipids. While relatively small, the genome was found to be composed of >64% repetitive elements, including 43% unclassified repeats and 11% retrotransposons. A preliminary ab initio and homology‐based annotation revealed 32,005 genes, and a subsequent orthogroup analysis grouped 18,044 of these to 8186 orthogroups, with some evidence for high levels of gene duplications within Cynipidae. A mitochondrial barcode phylogeny linked each generation of the new species and a phylogenomic ultraconserved element (UCEs) phylogeny indicates that the new species groups with other Nearctic Neuroterus. However, both phylogenies present the genus Neuroterus in North America as polyphyletic.

 

  Neuroterus valhalla life cycle.
(A) Stem node (asexual) generation female; (B) oviposition in developing catkin buds; (C) N. valhalla's oval gall on the catkin inflorescence (C1), which are not to be mistaken with Andricus quercuslanigera's fusiform galls on the stalk of the catkin (C2); (D) unknown sexual generation male (D1), catkin (sexual) generation female (D2); (E) oviposition in stem nodes; (F) N. valhalla's cryptic galls on stem nodes (F1), not to be mistaken with Bassettia pallida's internode clustered cryptic galls (F2). Green background highlights the asexual (stem node) generation, while yellow background highlights the sexual (catkin) generation.  

Illustration by Barbara Rossi

 

Neuroterus valhalla sp. nov.

 Pedro F. P. Brandão-Dias, Yuanmeng Miles Zhang, Stacy Pirro, Camila C. Vinson, Kelly L. Weinersmith, Anna K. G. Ward, Andrew A. Forbes and Scott P. Egan. 2022. Describing Biodiversity in the Genomics Era: A New Species of Nearctic Cynipidae Gall Wasp and its Genome. Syst Entomol. 47: 94-112. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12521 [10 January 2022]

• Incorporating an integrative taxonomic approach, we describe a new species, Neuroterus valhalla sp. nov. alongside its genome sequence, highlighting the parallel between a type specimen and a reference genome.

• We describe it primarily from a population in the centre of Houston, Texas, thus serving as an example of the undescribed biodiversity still present in well-travelled urban centres.

• The genome of N. valhalla is the smallest reported to date within the tribe Cynipini, with evidence of extensive gene duplications, sparking a discussion on the mechanisms behind Cynipidae's large genomes.

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Apis aibai • A honey bee fossil (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene Teragi Group, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan: Bridging a Gap in Apis Evolutionary History

 

Apis (Apis) aibai 

Takahashi & Takahashi, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.162389

Abstract

A new fossil honey bee Apis (Apis) aibai sp. nov. was discovered in the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene lacustrine deposit in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Fossil species are identified based on their distinct forewing venation, thick, lighter-colored abdomens, and hind legs. Honeybee fossils exhibit a highly uneven distribution across time. Fossil species are primarily derived from older Oligocene–Miocene deposits, mostly in Europe and China, while fossils of a few modern species have been recovered from younger Pleistocene and Holocene deposits. Apis (Apis) aibai sp. nov. bridges the gap between older and younger fossil records. Additionally, this species represents the most recent extinct honey bee and the oldest known record of the subgenus Apis.

Key words: Apini, Apoidea, Cenozoic, fossil record, insect fossil, lacustrine deposit

Photographs of Apis (Apis) aibai sp. nov. (SOU-002).
A. Fossil-bearing piece (38.3 mm × 67.1 mm × 9.8 mm); B. Studied fossil reflecting dorsal view of SOU-002.

 Apis (Apis) aibai sp. nov.

 [New Japanese name: Tajima-mitsubachi]

Diagnosis. Medium-sized honey bee (body length approximately 10.0 mm). Wings hyaline. Forewing length approximately 8.4 mm. Vein 1Rs strongly slanted posterobasally, as long as vein 1Rs+M, subparallel to vein 2Rs, forming a slender subparallelogram-shaped 1st submarginal cell. Cross vein 1cu-a 0.7–0.8 times its length distant to vein 1M (basal vein). Cubital index 4.5. Hind tibia 2.3 times longer than wide, as long as basitarsus. Abdomen 1.4 times wider than thorax.

 Yui Takahashi and Jun-ichi Takahashi. 2025. A honey bee fossil (Hymenoptera, Apidae) from the Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene Teragi Group, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan: Bridging a Gap in Apis Evolutionary History. ZooKeys. 1255: 291-301. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.162389

[Entomology • 2025] Tetraponera sirindhornae • A New Species of the Ant Genus Tetraponera Smith, 1852 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae) from Thailand

 Tetraponera sirindhornae Yodprasit, Tasen & Jaitrong,

in Yodprasit, Tasen, Jeenthong, Buddhakala et Jaitrong, 2025. 

มดตะนอยเทพรัตน์  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266419 

Abstract

Tetraponera Smith, 1852, a large ant genus comprising 87 extant and seven fossil species, is primarily distributed in the Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australasian regions. A new species, Tetraponera sirindhornae Yodprasit, Tasen & Jaitrong, sp. nov., is described from southern Thailand based on worker, dealate queen, and male castes. The new species exhibits worker dimorphism and is morphologically similar to T. binghami (Forel, 1902), T. connectens Ward, 2001, and T. notabilis Ward, 2001 in possessing an elongated head, but differs by the presence of a distinct mandibular gap between masticatory margins when the mandibles are closed (in the case of major worker and queen). The new species was found nesting in a dead rubber tree branch on a tree within a rubber plantation near a stream.

Keywords: dimorphism, new species, taxonomy, key

 Tetraponera sirindhornae Yodprasit, Tasen & Jaitrong, sp. nov.

มดตะนอยเทพรัตน์ 

Kuntima Yodprasit, Wattanachai Tasen, Tadsanai Jeenthong, Nopparat Buddhakala and Weeyawat Jaitrong. 2025. A New Species of the Ant Genus Tetraponera Smith, 1852 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Pseudomyrmecinae) from Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8; 287-296. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266419 [2025-10-20] 

 

[Entomology • 2025] Vombisidris sirindhornae • The Ant Genus Vombisidris Bolton, 1991 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Thailand, with a Description of a New Species

Vombisidris sirindhornae Jeenthong, Samung & Jaitrong,

in Jeenthong, Samung, Phosrithong et Jaitrong, 2025. 

มดบากเทพรัตน์  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266521

Abstract

Vombisidris Bolton, 1991, a small ant genus comprising 20 extant species (including the new species), is distributed in India, China, various countries in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Queensland of Australia. Two species of the genus, V. satunensis Jeenthong, Jaitrong & Tasen, 2023 and V. sirindhornae Jeenthong, Samung & Jaitrong, sp. nov. are known in Thailand. Vombisidris satunensis inhabits lowland habitats (ca. 100–200 m a.s.l.), while V. sirindhornae is found in highland habitats (1,000 m a.s.l.). Both species were found nesting in dead twigs on trees at forest edges.

Keywords: distribution, identification key, new species, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Vombisidris sirindhornae Jeenthong, Samung & Jaitrong, sp. nov.

มดบากเทพรัตน์

Tadsanai Jeenthong, Yudthana Samung, Netnapa Phosrithong and Weeyawat Jaitrong. 2025. The Ant Genus Vombisidris Bolton, 1991 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Thailand, with a Description of a New Species.  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  426-438. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.25.8.266521

 facebook.com/YuththnaSamang/posts/25244606261843859