Life Sciences Commons^™

Review Of The Speyeria Egleis Complex In Montana, With The Description Of Two New Subspecies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae), Steve Kohler

The Taxonomic Report of the International Lepidoptera Survey

Four phenotypically and geographically distinct sets of populations of Speyeria egleis are identified in Montana. Two new subspecies are named from northwestern and northcentral Montana. Two existing names are recognized (S. e. macdunnoughi from southwestern Montana, southeastern Idaho, and northwestern Wyoming, and S. e. albrighti from central Montana. S. e. near macdunnoughi from Oregon and Washington is discussed.

Three New Species Of South American Checkered Beetles (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae), Weston Opitz

Insecta Mundi

Three new species of Enoclerus Gahan (Coleoptera: Cleridae) are described and illustrated. They are: Enoclerus minas Opitz from Colombia and Brazil, E. salta Opitz from Argentina, and E. thomasi Opitz from Bolivia.

Corporaal (1950: 14) lists 185 species of Enoclerus Gahan (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae). I know of over 60 undescribed species. It is a daunting task to organize such a high number of species into some sort of taxonomic revision, which cannot be provided at this time. However, some of these new species can be described that will be added to a larger work at a later date. Such descriptive …

Michyrus, A New Genus Of Pleasing Fungus Beetles With Coarsely Faceted Eyes (Coleoptera: Erotylidae), Paul E. Skelley, Héctor Jaime Gasca-Álvarez

Insecta Mundi

Michyrus Skelley and Gasca-Álvarez, new genus, is a Neotropical Tritomini (Coleoptera: Ero­tylidae: Erotylinae) with many unusual characters, whose relationships are unclear. Two new species are described: M. thomasi Skelley and Gasca-Álvarez and M. yvineci Skelley and Gasca-Álvarez.

Resumen. Michyrus Skelley y Gasca-Álvarez, nuevo género, es un Tritomini Neotropical (Coleoptera: Ero­tylidae: Erotylinae: Tritomini) con muchos estados de carácter inusuales, cuyas relaciones no están claras. Se describen dos nuevas especies: M. thomasi Skelley y Gasca-Álvarez y M. yvineci Skelley y Gasca-Álvarez.

A resurgence of publications on foundational faunal works, descriptive and revisionary taxonomy, and nomen­clatural issues within the new …

Description Of Two New Genera And A Taxonomic Key To The World Genera Of Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera), Trevor Randall Smith

Insecta Mundi

Abstract. The sixteen genera of Cybocephalidae (Coleoptera) occurring worldwide are listed and keyed. The genera included are Amedissia Kirejtshuk and Mantič, Apastillus Kirejtshuk and Mantič, Cybocepha­lus Erichson, Endrodiellus Endrödy-Younga, Eupastillus Lawrence, Hierronius Endrödy-Younga, Horadion Endrödy-Younga, Pacicephalus Kirejtshuk and Mantič, Pastillocenicus Kirejtshuk and Nel, Pastillodes En­drödy-Younga, Pastillus Endrödy-Younga, Pycnocephalus Sharp, Taxicephomerus Kirejtshuk, Theticephalus Kirejtshuk, a description of a new genus, Microthomas T. R. Smith, with one new species, M. brevicornis T. R. Smith, from Bolivia, and a new genus, Conglobatus T. R. Smith, with two …

In Memoriam: Michael C. Thomas. May 5, 1948–October 4, 2019, Paul E. Skelley, J. H. Frank

Insecta Mundi

We honor the life and accomplishments of Michael C. Thomas with a short narrative of his professional life along with appendices listing his scientific artwork, bibliography and patronyms. This paper is the first of a Festschrift with contributed remembrances and separate papers honoring him with additional patronyms.

This and the following set of papers published in Insecta Mundi are dedicated to Michael C. Thomas, as tribute and thanks from a small number of those he mentored or assisted throughout his life. Mike’s contributions to the study of beetles and as a member of the Insecta Mundi Editorial Board, editing and …

New Family Record For The West Indies And Two New Species Of Glaresis Erichson (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Glaresidae) From Hispaniola, Oliver Keller, Paul E. Skelley

Insecta Mundi

Glaresis franki Keller and Skelley new species and Glaresis thomasi Keller and Skelley new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Glaresidae) are described and illustrated. They represent the first record of the family for the West Indies. Both species are placed into the phoenicis species group. A key to the two West Indies species is presented.

Resumen. Se describe e ilustra Glaresis franki Keller y Skelley nueva especie y Glaresis thomasi Keller y Skelley nueva especie (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Glaresidae). Estas especies representan el primer record de la familia para las indias occidentales. Ambas especies se colocan en el grupo de especies de phoenicis. …

Aphelocerus Thomasi, A New Species Of Checkered Beetle (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae) From Mexico, Jacques Rifkind

Insecta Mundi

Aphelocerus thomasi Rifkind, new species (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae), is described from the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This beetle is named for the late Michael C. Thomas, in recognition of his lifetime of contributions to the study of Coleoptera.

Aphelocerus Kirsch (Coleoptera: Cleridae) is a moderately speciose genus (approx. 66 species) of predaceous beetle, broadly distributed across Mexico, Central America, and South America, that was recently revised by Opitz (2005). The Mexican Aphelocerus fauna includes approximately 25 described species (Opitz 2005), and several undescribed species are known. Endemism appears to be common, particularly in the tropical and subtropical highlands. …

A Review Of The Colaspis Suilla Species Group, With Description Of Three New Species From Florida (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae), E.G. Riley

Insecta Mundi

The Colaspis suilla species group (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae) is defined relative to other species of the genus Colaspis Fabricius occurring in the United States. The group is composed of five species, of which three from Florida are described as new species: C. ansa Riley from the Florida Panhandle, C. skelleyi Riley from Central Florida, and C. thomasi Riley from the southern Lake Wales Ridge. Colaspis suilla borealis Blake is reduced to a full synonym of C. suilla Fabricius, new synonymy. Comparative remarks, habitus images, images of male and female genitalia, range maps, specimen data, and a key to species …

Phyllobaenus Thomasi And P. Turnbowi, Two New Species From Mexico And Belize (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Hydnocerinae: Hydnocerini), John M. Leavengood, Jr.

Insecta Mundi

The two new species Phyllobaenus thomasi (Campeche, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo and Yucatán, Mexico, and Belize) and P. turnbowi (San Luis Potosi, Mexico), are described (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Hydnocerinae: Hydnocerini). The primary types are photographed and intrageneric relationships of the species are discussed.

Recent nomenclatural and descriptive work by Leavengood (2014), Leavengood and Garner (2014), Barr (2018) and Leavengood and Rifkind (2020) have made changes to the approximately 120 described species of New World Hydnocerini (i.e., Phyllobaenus Dejean, Isohydnocera Chapin and Wolcottia Chapin). Over 100 of these species comprise the genus Phyllobaenus. Mexico and Central America are home to about half …

A New Species Of Euxestoxenus Arrow (Coleoptera: Euxestidae) From Thailand, Adam Ślipiński

Insecta Mundi

A new species of Euxestoxenus Arrow (Coleoptera: Euxestidae), E. thomasi Ślipiński, is described from northern Thailand. The species differs from all Oriental and most of African species of Euxestoxenus by a 10-segmented antenna and glabrous, polished dorsum.

Euxestidae is a small and poorly known family of Coccinelloidea that currently includes 11 genera and about 70 species distributed mostly in the Old-World tropics and subtropics but extending into temperate areas of North America and Australia (Ślipiński 1990). The biology of the Euxestidae is mostly unknown but it appears that all species are fungivores, commonly found in rotten wood, forest litter, in …

Dyslexia, A New Remarkable Genus Of Pleasing Fungus Beetles (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Erotylinae) From The Andes, Paul E. Skelley, Héctor Jaime Gasca-Álvarez

Insecta Mundi

Dyslexia Skelley and Gasca-Álvarez, new genus (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Erotylinae: Erotylini), is described and illustrated. The genus is comprised of four new species, all described by Skelley and Gasca-Álvarez: D. belamyi, D. dathomirria, D. pulcricolor, and D. tomasi. The unique broad head structures of this genus are characterized and compared with other genera. Problems associated with the taxonomy of Erotylini are discussed.

Resumen. Se describe y se ilustra a Dyslexia Skelley y Gasca-Álvarez, nuevo género (Coleoptera: Erotyli­dae: Erotylinae: Erotylini). El género está formado por cuatro especies nuevas, todas descritas por …

New And Little Known Coleoptera (Silvanidae: Silvaninae) From Central And South America, David G. H. Halstead

Insecta Mundi

The following Silvaninae (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) are included: Synobius Sharp, 1899, with its spe­cies, Synobius lobicollis Sharp, 1899 and Synobius lobatus (Grouvelle, 1896); Neocorimus thomasi, new genus and new species; Austronausibius wagneri (Grouvelle) new combination, a species originally placed in Nau­sibius Lentz by Grouvelle (1913); a third species of Pensus Halstead, 1973, is described, Pensus hirtus new species, and a short key given for distinguishing it from the already known species, Pensus gilae (Casey) and Pensus guatemalenus (Sharp); also Coccidotrophus Schwarz and Barber, 1921, including Coccidotrophus socialis Schwarz and Barber, 1921, Coccidotrophus cordiae Barber, 1928, Coccidotrophus wheeleri …

A New Species Of Ataenius Harold (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) From The Southeastern United States, With A Lectotype Designation, Kyle E. Schnepp, Krystal L. Ashman

Insecta Mundi

A new species of Ataenius Harold, Ataenius thomasi Schnepp and Ashman (Coleoptera: Scara­baeidae: Aphodiinae), from Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, U.S.A. is described. The lectotype for Ataenius brevis Fall is designated.

In the United States and Canada the genus Ataenius Harold (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) contains 46 species (Stebnicka 2007; Smith 2009). The most recent faunal review of this genus in these countries was completed by Cartwright (1974). However, several species in that paper have been moved to other genera or syn­onymized (Stebnicka 2007). Stebnicka and Lago (2005) provide a key and catalog to the Ataenius strigatus group. Specimens of a putative …

Review Of Carpophilus (Ecnomorphus) Motschulsky, 1858 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Carpophilinae) In The West Indies, Gareth S. Powell, Kyle E. Schnepp

Insecta Mundi

Two new species of Carpophilus Stephens, 1829 in the subgenus Ecnomorphus Motschulsky, 1858 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) were recovered in material from the Caribbean. Descriptions and detailed diagnoses are provided for Carpophilus (Ecnomorphus) jamaicensis Powell and Schnepp, new species and Carpophilus (Ecnomorphus) thomasi Powell and Schnepp, new species. A key to the Carpophilus (Ecnomor­phus) of the West Indies is appended.

The family Nitidulidae Latreille is distributed throughout the world and reported broadly throughout the West Indies (Blackwelder 1945). The family represents one of the most diverse lineages of cucujoid beetles; however, the group remains one of …

Two New Species Of Pharaxonotha Reitter Among The Early-Diverging Lineages, With A Key To The Species Of The Genus (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae), Paul E. Skelley, William Tang

Insecta Mundi

Two species of the early-diverging lineages of Pharaxonotha Reitter (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) are described: Pharaxonotha taylori Skelley and Tang, new species, and Pharaxonotha thomasi Skelley and Tang, new species. A new key to described species of Pharaxonotha, based on previously unused characters, is presented.

In recent phylogenetic analyses of beetle diversity based on a large nuclear data set (McKenna et al. 2019) and on nuclear and mitochondrial legacy loci (Powell, pers. comm. 2020), the New World genus Pharaxonotha Reitter (Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) was shown to be sister to all remaining Erotylidae in a clade comprised of the Erotylidae+Phytophaga, …

Ogre-Faced, Net-Casting Spiders Use Auditory Cues To Detect Airborne Prey, Jay A. Stafstrom, Gil Menda, Eya I. Nitzany, Eileen A. Hebets, Ronald R. Hoy

Eileen Hebets Publications

Prey-capture behavior among spiders varies greatly from passive entrapment in webs to running down prey items on foot. Somewhere in the middle are the ogre-faced, net-casting spiders (Deinopidae: Deinopis) that actively capture prey while being suspended within a frame web. Using a net held between their front four legs, these spiders lunge downward to ensnare prey from off the ground beneath them. This “forward strike” is sensorially mediated by a massive pair of hypersensitive, night-vision eyes. Deinopids can also intercept flying insects with a “backward strike,” a ballistically rapid, overhead back-twist, that seems not to rely on visual cues. Past …

A Remarkable New Species Of Nothochodaeus Nikolajev From Sumatra (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae), M. J. Paulsen

Insecta Mundi

Nothochodaeus marsupialis Paulsen, new species (Coleoptera: Ochodaeidae), is described from Aceh Province, Indonesia, on the island of Sumatra. The species possesses deep abdominal cavities behind a shield-like central process, as well as rows of conical tubercles laterally on the second and third ventrites. These structures have not been found in any other members of the genus or family.

Two New Species Of Phyllophaga Of The Schizorhina Species Group From Cloud Forests Of Chiapas, México And Guatemala (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), Enio B. Cano

Insecta Mundi

Phyllophaga (Phyllophaga) badbunnyi Cano new species, and Phyllophaga (Phyllophaga) sechi Cano new species, of the Schizorhina species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), are described and illustrated from specimens collected at cloud forests between 1300-1750 m elevation of southeastern Chiapas, México and western Guatemala. A key to the Guatemalan and Chiapanecan species of Phyllophaga Harris, group Schizorhina, with dorsal finger-like projections of genital capsule, is provided.

Con base en especímenes colectados en bosques nubosos entre 1300 y 1750 m de altitud del sureste de Chiapas, México y del oeste de Guatemala, se describe y se ilustra a Phyllophaga (Phyllophaga) badbunnyi Cano …

Sobre El Estatus Taxonómico De Ectinogonia Darwini Waterhouse, 1913 Y Ectinogonia Angulicollis (Fairmaire Y Germain, 1858) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): Fijación Del Holotipo Por Monotipia, Designación De Lectotipo Y Descripción De Dos Nuevas De Ectinogonia (Ectinogonia) Spinola Del Norte De Chile, Cristian Pineda, José Mondaca

Insecta Mundi

Los ejemplares tipos de Ectinogonia darwini Waterhouse, 1913 y Psiloptera angulicollis Fairmaire y Germain, 1858 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), fueron localizados, estudiados y establecidos como holotipo por monotipia y lectotipo, respectivamente. Como las descripciones originales son ambiguas e incompletas, ambas especies son redescritas e ilustradas. Basados en estas nominaciones, y en el examen de ejemplares de Ectinogonia Spinola recolectados en el litoral de las provincias de Chañaral (Región de Atacama) y Antofagasta (Región de Antofagasta), y en la zona andina de la Provincia del Tamarugal (Región de Tarapacá), se describen dos nuevas especies del norte de Chile: E. superba Pineda y Mondaca, …

Primer Registro Del Pequeño Escarabajo De La Colmena Aethina Tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) En Colmenas De Abejas Africanizadas En Guatemala, José Francisco García Ochaeta

Insecta Mundi

Se registra por primera vez la presencia del pequeño escarabajo de la colmena (PEC), Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), en colmenas de abejas africanizadas en el departamento de Petén, Guatemala, alimentándose de miel y polen. Se presenta información básica sobre la especie, su distribución conocida actual e ilustraciones para ayudar en su identificación.

The presence of the small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is recorded for the first time in Africanized beehives from Petén department, Guatemala, feeding on honey and pollen. Basic information about the species, including its currently known distribution, and illustrations, are presented to aid …

Women In Beekeeping: Impacts Of A Beekeeper Educational Program, Bridget Gross

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The decline in honey bee populations over the past two decades in the United States is alarming. The management provided by beekeepers to their honey bee colonies influences the survival of the colony. However, there is a lack of information on the experiences of beekeepers, specifically women beekeepers. The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) in Nebraska hosted the “Honey Bees on the Farm: Connecting Women Beekeepers and Women Farmers for Environmental and Economic Benefit” program that provided informal, educational events to women beekeepers and landowners. Using a convergent mixed methods design, the first research question examines the impacts of the …

Nebline, Nov./Dec. 2020

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Nebraska Extension Celebrates 20 Years of School Enrichment Nutrition Kits!

Recipe of the Month

Fun Winter Gardening Projects

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Be a Master Gardener!

Upcoming Green Industry Conferences

Helping Foster a Growth Mindset in Young Children

Pesticide Applicator Trainings

Landlord/Tenant Lease & Crop Budget Workshops

Extension News

4-H Announcements for enrolled 4-H'ers or 4-H volunteers

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Jodi Gabel

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: Sarah Lanik-Frain and Mike Frain

2020 4-H Horse Awards

Extension Calendar

Outgoing 4-H Council Members

Youth Science Day for Homeschooled Youth

Ag Society Annual Election & Meeting

Super …

Two New Species Of Chrysina Kirby (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae), David C. Hawks

Insecta Mundi

Two new species of Chrysina Kirby (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) are described from Oaxaca and Queretaro, Mexico: C. pricei Hawks and C. robackeri Hawks.

Validation Of Chrysina Valentini Zubov And Ivshin, 2019 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) By Morphometric And Cuticular Reflectance Analyses, David C. Robacker, Karen M. Robacker, William C. Warfield

Insecta Mundi

Micromorphometric analyses of genital capsules and comparison of adult cuticular reflectance of two species of Chrysina Kirby (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) support the status of C. valentini Zubov and Ivshin, 2019 as a valid species. Compared with its closest relative C. optima (Bates, 1888), capsules of C. valentini are proportionately wider at the base of the parameres than those of C. optima, and taper toward the apex more abruptly. Reflectance of C. valentini under natural light appears slightly greenish while C. optima is uniformly reddish. The number of teeth on the protibia and the shape of the mesosternal process, characters …

Redescripción De Eulachnesia Boteroi Monné Y Monné, 2015 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Hemilophini), Sergio Devesa

Insecta Mundi

Eulachnesia boteroi Monné y Monné, 2015 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Hemilophini) es redescrito, ilustrado dorsal, ventral y lateralmente, así como diversos detalles de su morfología. Es realizada la designación de un neotipo y la especie es registrada por primera vez para Ecuador. Adicionalmente, es propuesta una clave para la identificación de las especies del género.

Eulachnesia boteroi Monné and Monné, 2015 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Hemilophini) is redescribed and illustrated dorsally, ventrally and laterally, with several specific details. The designation of a neotype is made and the species is registered for the first time for Ecuador. Additionally, a key is proposed for …

A New Species Of Oncotophasma Rehn, 1904 (Phasmida: Diapheromeridae) From Colombia, Andres David Murcia, Oscar J. Cadena-Castañeda, Daniela Santos Martins Silva

Insecta Mundi

Abstract. Oncotophasma aurantiaviridiata Murcia, Cadena-Castañeda, and Silva new species (Phasmida: Diapheromeridae) from the Colombian Andes is described. The new species is distinguished by its peculiar coloration, which highlights greenish and orange tones. It is also the first record of the genus for the eastern slope of the Colombian Andes. The previous distribution recorded for the genus is the Chocó biogeographic region from Costa Rica to Colombia, with species being found in the Colombian areas of influence of this biogeographic region, such as the western and central slopes of the Andes.

Resumen. Se describe a Oncotophasma aurantiaviridiata Murcia, Cadena-Castañeda y …

A Review Of The Nearctic Species Of Fornax Laporte (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Macraulacinae: Macraulacini) With Descriptions Of Six New Species, Robert L. Otto

Insecta Mundi

The Nearctic species of Fornax Laporte are reviewed. Three species are redescribed, and six new species are described mainly from southeastern United States. The new species are F. appalachiensis , F. con­vexicollis, F. floridana, F. lucidicollis, F. melsheimeri and F. parallelicollis. A neotype is designated for Hylochares bicolor Melsheimer, with notes on its purpose. Each species is diagnosed and imaged. A new identification key is provided for all known species of Fornax present in the Nearctic region, replacing previous Nearctic species keys of Muona (2000) and Otto (2017).

Selenopidae (Arachnida: Araneae), A New Host Spider Family For The Spider Wasp Tachypompilus Ferrugineus (Say) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pompilini), Frank E. Kurczewski, Rick C. West, Sarah C. Crews, N. R. Jenzen-Jones

Insecta Mundi

Four online photographs from Oaxaca, Mexico taken by N. R. Jenzen-Jones and posted on inaturalist.org reveal Selenops sp., probably S. mexicanus Keyserling (Arachnida: Araneae: Selenopidae), as a new host spider species, genus and family for the common and widespread American spider wasp Tachypompilus fer­rugineus (Say) (rusty spider wasp). The wasp transported the immobilized spider up an exterior stucco wall of a house, dorsal side upward, walking backwards for 3 m to her nest in a gap between the wooden planking and stucco wall beneath the roof, while grasping the femur of its right pedipalp with her mandibles.

Description Of The Male Of Euschistus (Euschistus) Baranowskii Eger And Bianchi (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Carpocorini), Joseph E. Eger Jr.

Insecta Mundi

Euschistus (Euschistus) baranowskii Eger and Bianchi (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Carpocorini) was described based on a single female specimen. In this paper, I describe the male of the spe­cies, primarily the genitalia, and compare it to other species of Euschistus (Euschistus) Dallas.

New Species Of Trachyderini From Mexico And Central America (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae), James E. Wappes, Antonio Santos-Silva

Insecta Mundi

Three new trachyderine species in the subtribe Trachyderina (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Ceram­bycinae: Trachyderini) are described: Entomosterna kovariki Wappes and Santos-Silva, new species, from Belize; Gortonia sumideroensis Wappes and Santos-Silva, new species, from Mexico (Chiapas); and Sphaeno­thecus vandenberghei Wappes and Santos-Silva, new species, from Nicaragua. A new key to Entomosterna species, and a previous Sphaenothecus key by Chemsak and Noguera (1998) is modified to include the new species, with both provided herein.