Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 37 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:02:53 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Austrelatus gen. nov., a new genus of Australasian diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae), with the discovery of 31 new species from New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/103834/ ZooKeys 1170: 1-164

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1170.103834

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Jiří Hájek, Lars Hendrich, Suriani Surbakti, Rawati Panjaitan, Michael Balke

Abstract: Herein, Austrelatus gen. nov. (type species: Copelatus irregularis W.J. Macleay, 1871) is described for a distinctive lineage of predominantly Australasian species previously assigned to Copelatus Erichson, 1832. The new genus was retrieved as well supported, monophyletic clade in phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences data using Bayesian and parsimony approaches. The main morphological diagnostic character of Austrelatus is a complex median lobe of the aedeagus, with evident dorsal and ventral sclerites usually divided in apical half into two lobes of different shape or otherwise modified. Morphological comparison of the new genus with other Copelatinae genera, especially with Copelatus and Exocelina Broun, 1886, and a generic key to the New Guinean Copelatinae are provided. New combinations are established for 31 already described species mainly from the Australian Region (all from Copelatus): Austrelatus adelbert (Megna, Atthakor, Manaono, Hendrich & Balke, 2017), comb. nov.; A. badeni (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. bakewelli (J. Balfour-Browne, 1939), comb. nov.; A. baranensis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. bougainvillensis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. boukali (Hendrich & Balke, 1998), comb. nov.; A. clarki (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. daemeli (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. davidi (Wewalka, 2017), comb. nov.; A. deccanensis (Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018), comb. nov.; A. fidschiensis (Zimmermann, 1928), comb. nov.; A. gestroi (Régimbart, 1892), comb. nov.; A. irregularis (W.J. Macleay, 1871), comb. nov.; A. kaszabi (Guignot, 1956), comb. nov.; A. kietensis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. laevipennis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. luteomaculatus (Guignot, 1956), comb. nov.; A. maushomi (Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018), comb. nov.; A. neoguineensis (Zimmermann, 1919), comb. nov.; A. nigrolineatus (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. papuensis (J. Balfour-Browne, 1939), comb. nov.; A. parallelus (Zimmermann, 1920a), comb. nov.; A. schuhi (Hendrich & Balke, 1998), comb. nov.; A. sibelaemontis (Hájek, Hendrich, Hawlitschek & Balke, 2010), comb. nov.; A. strigosulus (Fairmaire, 1878), comb. nov.; A. ternatensis (Régimbart, 1899), comb. nov.; A. uludanuensis (Hendrich & Balke, 1995), comb. nov.; A. urceolus (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. variistriatus (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. wallacei (J. Balfour-Browne, 1939), comb. nov. and A. xanthocephalus (Régimbart, 1899), comb. nov. Austrelatus species from New Guinea are divided into two informal species groups, the A. neoguineensis group and A. papuensis group, and A. fumato sp. nov. and A. setiphallus sp. nov. standing aside of them. The A. neoguineensis group is introduced with three previously known species and 29 new species described here based on the morphological characters and Cox1 data: Austrelatus baliem sp. nov., A. bormensis sp. nov., A. brazza sp. nov., A. debulensis sp. nov., A. fakfak sp. nov., A. febrisauri sp. nov., A. fojaensis sp. nov., A. garainensis sp. nov., A. innominatus sp. nov., A. lembenensis sp. nov., A. lisae sp. nov., A. manokwariensis sp. nov., A. mimika sp. nov., A. mirificus sp. nov., A. moreguinensis sp. nov., A. nadjae sp. nov., A. oksibilensis sp. nov., A. pseudoneoguineensis sp. nov., A. pseudoksibilensis sp. nov., A. rajaampatensis sp. nov., A. rouaffer sp. nov., A. rugosus sp. nov., A. sandaunensis sp. nov., A. sarmiensis sp. nov., A. securiformis sp. nov., A. testegensis sp. nov., A. toricelli sp. nov., A. vagauensis sp. nov., and A. wanggarensis sp. nov. Copelatus vagestriatus Zimmermann, 1919, syn. nov. is recognised as a junior subjective synonym of A. clarki (Sharp, 1882). The lectotypes of Copelatus gestroi Régimbart, 1892, C. neoguineensis Zimmermann, 1919 and C. xanthocephalus Régimbart, 1899 are designated. All species are (re)described, and their important species characters (genitalia, habitus, and colour patterns) are illustrated. Keys to all species are provided. The known distribution and habitat preferences of each species are outlined briefly. New Guinean Austrelatus occupy a variety of stagnant water habitats, either lentic sensu stricto, or standing water associated with lotic habitats (e.g., backflows, rockpools, intermittent / ephemeral stream pools).

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Research Article Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:52:27 +0300
A species-group key and notes on phylogeny and character evolution in New Guinean Exocelina Broun, 1886 diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/94205/ ZooKeys 1131: 31-58

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1131.94205

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Michael Balke

Abstract: Detailed information about the known species groups of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea is presented, including species numbers, distribution, and references of species-group diagnoses, keys to the species, and species descriptions. An identification key to all species groups is provided. Phylogeny and morphological character evolution are discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:34:53 +0200
Three new deep-sea species of Marphysa (Annelida, Eunicida, Eunicidae) from Papua New Guinea (Bismarck and Solomon seas) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/89990/ ZooKeys 1122: 81-105

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1122.89990

Authors: Nicolas Lavesque, Guillemine Daffe, Christopher Glasby, Stéphane Hourdez, Pat Hutchings

Abstract: Three new species of Marphysa Quatrefages, 1866, Marphysa banana sp. nov., Marphysa papuaensis sp. nov., and Marphysa zanolae sp. nov. are described from deep-sea sunken vegetation off Papua New Guinea, using both morphology and molecular data (for two species). With the presence of compound spinigers only and the branchiae present over many chaetigers, Marphysa banana sp. nov. belongs to the group B2. This species is characterised by the presence of eyes, the presence of branchiae starting from chaetiger 20, and by the presence of three types of pectinate chaetae and bidentate subacicular hooks starting from chaetigers 13–52. With the presence of compound falcigers only and the branchiae restricted to a short anterior region, Marphysa papuaensis sp. nov. belongs to the group C1. This species has a bilobed prostomium but no eyes, has branchiae from chaetigers 7 to 14–16 with up to 16 filaments. Marphysa papuaensis sp. nov. is also characterised by the presence of bidentate subacicular hooks from chaetiger 20 and by a single type of pectinate chaetae. Finally, Marphysa zanolae sp. nov. belongs to the group C2, with the presence of compound falcigers only and the branchiae present over many chaetigers. This species is characterised by the absence of eyes, by the presence of branchiae with a single long filament starting from chaetiger 31, by unidentate subacicular hooks starting from chaetiger 28 and finally by one type of pectinate chaetae with very long outer teeth.

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Research Article Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:23:49 +0300
Battle of the bands: systematics and phylogeny of the white Goniobranchus nudibranchs with marginal bands (Nudibranchia, Chromodorididae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/72939/ ZooKeys 1083: 169-210

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1083.72939

Authors: Giun Yee Soong, Lynn J. Bonomo, James D. Reimer, Terrence M. Gosliner

Abstract: Species identities of Goniobranchus nudibranchs with white bodies and various marginal bands have long been problematic. In this study, specimens of these Goniobranchus nudibranchs from the Philippines, Peninsular Malaysia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Madagascar were analyzed and molecular data were obtained in order to re-examine the relationships between species within this “white Goniobranchus with marginal bands” group. The analyses clearly recovered six species groups corresponding to the described species Goniobranchus albonares, G. preciosus, G. rubrocornutus, G. sinensis, and G. verrieri as well as one new species, G. fabulus Soong & Gosliner, sp. nov. Notably, G. preciosus, G. sinensis, G. rubrocornutus, G. verrieri, and G. fabulus Soong & Gosliner, sp. nov. exhibit color variation and polymorphism, suggesting that some aspects of color patterns (e.g., presence or absence of dorsal spots) may not always be useful in the identification of species in the “white Goniobranchus with marginal bands” group, whereas other features such as gill and rhinophore colors and the arrangement and colors of the mantle marginal bands are more diagnostic for each species.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Jan 2022 18:01:01 +0200
Two new species of the Exocelina ekari group from New Guinea with strongly modified male antennae (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/55007/ ZooKeys 960: 63-78

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.960.55007

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Two new species of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886: E. athesphatos sp. nov. and E. tsinga sp. nov. are described from New Guinea and placed into the E. ekari group based on the structure of their male genitalia. The two species are very similar with respect to their external morphology and characterised by almost identical, strongly modified male antennae. However, they can easily be separated by the shape and setation of the median lobe and paramere. Based on morphological similarity and results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, we suggest these are sister species. Both of them have been collected on the southern slopes of the Central Range (the spine of New Guinea), with a distance of ca. 380 km straight line between the collecting localities.

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Research Article Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:38:05 +0300
Nine new species groups, 15 new species, and one new subspecies of New Guinea diving beetles of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/37403/ ZooKeys 878: 73-143

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.878.37403

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Evie L. Warikar, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Nine new species groups of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are introduced with keys to their representatives. Four groups are monotypic and include three new species: the E. aipomek group, the E. koroba group: E. koroba sp. nov., the E. mekilensis group: E. mekilensis sp. nov., and the E. morobensis group: E. morobensis sp. nov. The remaining five species groups include 18 species with 12 new species and one new subspecies: the E. bacchusi group: E. akameku sp. nov., E. oiwa sp. nov., E. oksibilensis sp. nov., and E. bacchusi herzogensis ssp. nov.; the E. jaseminae group: E. aseki sp. nov., E. kailaki sp. nov., and E. pseudojaseminae sp. nov.; the E. larsoni group: E. warahulenensis sp. nov.; the E. takime group: E. mianminensis sp. nov.; and the E. warasera group: E. haia sp. nov., E. kobau sp. nov., E. pulchella sp. nov., and E. warasera sp. nov. Diagnoses of five already described species of these groups are provided, as well as comparatives notes on all species. Exocelina santimontis (Balke, 1998) syn. nov. is a junior synonym of E. aipomek (Balke, 1998). Data on the distribution of the species are given, showing that most of the species of these groups occur in the Papua New Guinea.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Oct 2019 16:55:42 +0300
The incredible diversity of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in New Guinea revealed by integrative taxonomy (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28988/ ZooKeys 804: 1-136

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.804.28988

Authors: Thomas Kaltenbach, Jean-Luc Gattolliat

Abstract: Material collected between 1999 and 2011 in Papua New Guinea and the Papua Province of Indonesia unveiled the enormous diversity of Labiobaetis on this island. Twenty-six new species were identified and delimited by integrative taxonomy using genetic distance (COI, Kimura-2-parameter) and morphology. These new species are described and illustrated based on larvae, augmenting the total number of Labiobaetis species on the island of New Guinea to 32. Seven morpho-groups of species are proposed based on morphological characters and a key to all New Guinea species is provided. The generic attributes of the larvae are summarised and slightly modified based on the examinations of the new species. Results on the genetics of most species (COI) are also provided. The interspecific K2P distances are between 13% and 32%, the intraspecific distances usually between 0% and 2%. Possible reasons for the remarkable richness of this genus in New Guinea are discussed.

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Research Article Mon, 10 Dec 2018 19:02:30 +0200
Introduction of the Exocelina casuarina-group, with a key to its representatives and descriptions of 19 new species from New Guinea (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28903/ ZooKeys 803: 7-70

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.803.28903

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Nineteen new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described herein: E. adelbertensis sp. n., E. ambua sp. n., E. bewani sp. n., E. cyclops sp. n., E. ibalimi sp. n., E. keki sp. n., E. kumulensis sp. n., E. mendiensis sp. n., E. menyamya sp. n., E. okapa sp. n., E. piusi sp. n., E. pseudofume sp. n., E. pseudopusilla sp. n., E. pusilla sp. n., E. sima sp. n., E. simbaiensis sp. n., E. simbaijimi sp. n., E. sumokedi sp. n., and E. yoginofi sp. n. All of them, together with five already described species, have been united into the newly defined casuarina-group, a polyphyletic complex of related species with similar shape of the median lobe and paramere setation. An identification key to all known species of the group is provided, and important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, male protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes, and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution of the species are given, showing that most of the species occur in the central, mountain part of Papua New Guinea.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Dec 2018 19:50:28 +0200
A new species of frog-biting midge from Papua New Guinea with a key to the described Corethrellidae of the Australopapuan region (Diptera, Corethrellidae, Corethrella) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28543/ ZooKeys 795: 39-48

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.795.28543

Authors: Gunnar Mikalsen Kvifte, Ximena E. Bernal

Abstract: Corethrella oppositophila Kvifte & Bernal, sp. n. is described based on one male and six female specimens collected at 2200 m a.s.l. on Mount Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea. The species is the fourth species of frog-biting midge described from this country and appears similar to Corethrella solomonis Belkin based on pigmentation of legs and abdominal tergites. It differs from C. solomonis, however, in the shape of female flagellomeres I–III, and in the thorax which has a dark brown vertical stripe. The new species is named for its sexually dimorphic flagellomeres, which are short and squat in the female and elongate in the male. These differences in morphological characters are discussed in light of the likely sexual differences in functional uses of the antennae, as males use them for mating only whereas females use them both for mating and prey location. An emended key is presented to the described Australopapuan species of Corethrellidae.

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Research Article Mon, 5 Nov 2018 19:47:48 +0200
Descriptions of two new species and one new subspecies from the Exocelina okbapensis-group, and notes on the E. aipo-group (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/15913/ ZooKeys 715: 17-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.715.15913

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Two new species and one new subspecies of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described: E. okbapensis Shaverdo & Balke, sp. n., E. okbapensis hajeki Shaverdo & Balke, ssp. n., and E. may Shaverdo & Balke, sp. n. These and two already described species are assigned to the E. okbapensis-group, which is morphologically (based on setation of the paramere) and phylogenetically close to the E. aipo-group. On the latter, morphological and taxonomic notes are provided. An identification key to all known species of the groups is presented, and important diagnostic characters are illustrated. Data on the species distributions are mapped and show that the species occur only in the central mountain part of the island restricted by Wamena in the west and Sandaun Province in the east.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Nov 2017 19:42:42 +0200
Taxonomic revision of New Guinea diving beetles of the Exocelina danae group, with the description of ten new species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/9951/ ZooKeys 619: 45-102

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.619.9951

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Ten new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described: E. andakombensis sp. n., E. garaina sp. n., E. injiensis sp. n., E. kabwumensis sp. n., E. marawaga sp. n., E. posmani sp. n., E. tekadu sp. n., E. varirata sp. n., E. wareaga sp. n., and E. woitapensis sp. n. All of them together with five already described species are united into the newly defined E. danae-group (with E. miriae-subgroup), a polyphyletic complex of related species with lateral setation on the median lobe. In the light of newly available material, all previously described species of the E. rivulus-group are considered to belong to a single species, E. damantiensis (Balke, 1998), which is now placed into the E. danae-group, and three new synonyms are therefore proposed: E. madangensis (Balke, 2001) syn. n., E. patepensis (Balke, 1998) syn. n., and E. rivulus (Balke, 1998) syn. n. Exocelina tarmluensis (Balke, 1998) syn. n. is a junior synonym of E. danae (Balke, 1998). Redescription of E. atratus (Balfour-Browne, 1939) is provided based on its type material. An identification key to all known species of the group is provided, and important diagnostic characters are illustrated. Data on the species distribution are given, showing that whilst most species are local endemics, E. damantiensis is extremely widely distributed.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Sep 2016 17:24:17 +0300
A stunning new species of Jamides Hübner, 1819 (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae), with notes on sympatric congeners from the Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7356/ ZooKeys 571: 113-131

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.571.7356

Authors: Chris J. Müller

Abstract: Jamides vasilia sp. n., from montane West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, is described and illustrated. The new species is strongly divergent from other known Jamides Hübner, 1819 in possessing a high antenna-forewing length ratio, long androconia on the hindwing upperside and a strongly convex forewing inner margin in the male. It is compared by external structures, male genitalia and mtDNA sequence data to putative related species in the cyta group of Jamides. Notes on various Jamides taxa from the Bismarck Archipelago are also provided, with J. pseudosias (Rothschild, 1915) and J. reverdini (Fruhstorfer, 1915) recorded from New Britain for the first time.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0200
A new blue-tailed Monitor lizard (Reptilia, Squamata, Varanus) of the Varanus indicus group from Mussau Island, Papua New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6872/ ZooKeys 568: 129-154

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.568.6872

Authors: Valter Weijola, Stephen Donnellan, Christer Lindqvist

Abstract: We describe a new species of Varanus from Mussau Island, north-east of New Guinea. The new species is a member of the Varanus indicus species group and is distinguished from all other members by both morphological and molecular genetic characters. It is the third species of Varanus reported from the Bismarck Archipelago and the first record of a yellow tongued member of the Varanus indicus species group from a remote oceanic island. The herpetofauna of Mussau Island has not been well studied but the discovery of this new species is in accordance with recent findings indicating that the island may harbor several unknown endemic vertebrates. The distribution of the closely related Varanus finschi is also discussed in the light of recent fieldwork and a review of old records.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0200
The Knight and the King: two new species of giant bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus, Gekkonidae, Squamata) from northern New Guinea, with comments on endemism in the North Papuan Mountains https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6052/ ZooKeys 562: 105-130

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.562.6052

Authors: Paul Oliver, Stephen Richards, Mumpuni Mumpuni, Herbert Rösler

Abstract: The diverse biota of New Guinea includes many nominally widespread species that actually comprise multiple deeply divergent lineages with more localised histories of evolution. Here we investigate the systematics of the very large geckos of the Cyrtodactylus novaeguineae complex using molecular and morphological data. These data reveal two widespread and divergent lineages that can be distinguished from each other, and from type material of Cyrtodactylus novaeguineae, by aspects of size, build, coloration and male scalation. On the basis of these differences we describe two new species. Both have wide distributions that overlap extensively in the foothill forests of the North Papuan Mountains, however one is seemingly restricted to hill and lower montane forests on the ranges themselves, while the other is more widespread throughout the surrounding lowlands. The taxon endemic to the North Papuan Mountains is related to an apparently lowland form currently known only from Waigeo and Batanta Island far to the west – hinting at a history on island arcs that accreted to form the North Papuan Mountains.

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Research Article Wed, 10 Feb 2016 09:52:10 +0200
Description of 23 new species of the Exocelina ekari-group from New Guinea, with a key to all representatives of the species group (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4354/ ZooKeys 468: 1-83

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.468.8506

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Rawati Panjaitan, Herlina Menufandu, Michael Balke

Abstract: Twenty three new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described herein: E. bewaniensis sp. n., E. bismarckensis sp. n., E. craterensis sp. n., E. gorokaensis sp. n., E. herowana sp. n., E. jimiensis sp. n., E. kisli sp. n., E. ksionseki sp. n., E. lembena sp. n., E. mantembu sp. n., E. michaelensis sp. n., E. pinocchio sp. n., E. pseudoastrophallus sp. n., E. pseudobifida sp. n., E. pseudoedeltraudae sp. n., E. pseudoeme sp. n., E. sandaunensis sp. n., E. simbaiarea sp. n., E. skalei sp. n., E. tabubilensis sp. n., E. tariensis sp. n., E. vovai sp. n., and E. wannangensis sp. n. All of them have been found to belong to the E. ekari-group. An identification key to all known species of the group is provided, and important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, male antennae, protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes, and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution of the new species and some already described species are given.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Revision of the Australasian genus Pseudidarnes Girault, 1927 (Hymenoptera, Agaonidae, Sycophaginae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3773/ ZooKeys 404: 31-70

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.404.7204

Authors: Fernando Farache, Jean-Yves Rasplus

Abstract: The species of Pseudidarnes are revised, and six species are described: P. acaudus Farache & Rasplus, sp. n.; P. astridae Farache & Rasplus, sp. n.; P. badiogeminus Farache & Rasplus, sp. n.; P. cooki Farache & Rasplus, sp. n.; P. kjellbergi Farache & Rasplus, sp. n.; P. laevis Farache & Rasplus, sp. n. Pseudidarnes minerva Girault, 1927 and P. flavicollis Bouček, 1988 are redescribed. A key to the species is provided as well as illustrations for all females and all known males (except the wingless male of P. minerva). We also provided further discussion on ecology, morphological patterns, and host taxonomy. Online dichotomous and multi-access interactive LUCID keys to all Pseudidarnes species are available at http://www.figweb.org/.

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Research Article Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Six new species of Philiris Röber, 1891 (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) from Papua New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3675/ ZooKeys 395: 33-55

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.395.7110

Authors: Chris Muller

Abstract: Six new species of the large lycaenid genus Philiris Röber, 1891 (Philiris petriei sp. n., Philiris bubalisatina sp. n., Philiris baiteta sp. n., Philiris radicala sp. n., Philiris hindenburgensis sp. n. and Philiris parsonsi sp. n.), from Papua New Guinea, are described and illustrated, as are the early stages of the former taxon, with Litsea sp. near callophyllantha K. Schum (Lauraceae) recorded as the larval food plant. The holotypes of all but the latter are deposited in the ANIC, with that of P. parsonsi located in the BMNH. The external facies and male genitalia of all new species are compared in detail to putative known related species, and the types of these, in nearly all cases, are also illustrated.

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Research Article Tue, 1 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0300
A new genus of metalmark moths (Lepidoptera, Choreutidae) with Afrotropical and Australasian distribution https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3577/ ZooKeys 355: 29-47

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.355.6158

Authors: Jadranka Rota, Scott Miller

Abstract: Niveas Rota, new genus, and its two new species, N. agassizi Rota, new species, and N. kone Rota, new species, are described and illustrated. Niveas is assigned to the subfamily Choreutinae based on morphological and molecular data. Niveas agassizi is currently known only from Kenya and only from female specimens. Niveas kone has been found on the Solomon Islands and in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In PNG, larvae of this species have been reared from several species of Ficus (Moraceae). The two species are superficially quite dissimilar from each other. However, they share features in wing pattern and venation, as well as female genitalia, and the molecular data strongly support the monophyly of Niveas.

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Research Article Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Three new species of Oreophryne (Anura, Microhylidae) from Papua New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3122/ ZooKeys 333: 93-121

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.333.5795

Authors: Fred Kraus

Abstract: I describe three new species of the diverse microhylid frog genus Oreophryne from Papua New Guinea. Two of these occur in two isolated mountain ranges along the northern coast of Papua New Guinea; the third is from Rossel Island in the very southeasternmost part of the country. All three are the first Oreophryne known from these areas to have a cartilaginous connection between the procoracoid and scapula, a feature usually seen in species far to the west or from the central cordillera of New Guinea. Each of the new species also differs from the many other Papuan Oreophryne in a variety of other morphological, color-pattern, and call features. Advertisement-call data for Oreophryne species from the north-coast region suggest that they represent only two of the several call types seen in regions further south, consistent with the relatively recent derivation of these northern regions as accreted island-arc systems. The distinctively different, whinnying, call type of the new species from Rossel Island occurs among other Oreophryne from southeastern Papua New Guinea but has been unreported elsewhere, raising the possibility that it may characterize a clade endemic to that region.

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Research Article Fri, 20 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Taxonomic changes in some predominantly Palaearctic distributed genera of Drymini (Heteroptera, Rhyparochromidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3447/ ZooKeys 319: 211-221

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.319.4465

Authors: Elöd Kondorosy

Abstract: The history of the taxonomic research of Rhyparochromidae and especially Drymini is briefly reviewed. Two new species level synonyms are proposed: Taphropeltus javanus Bergroth, 1916, syn. n. = T. australis Bergroth, 1916, syn. n. = Brentiscerus putoni (Buchanan White, 1878). A monotypic new genus, Malipatilius gen. n. (type species: Scolopostethus forticornis Gross, 1965 from Australia) is established.

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Research Article Tue, 30 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Description of Nicrophorus efferens, new species, from Bougainville Island (Coleoptera, Silphidae, Nicrophorinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3273/ ZooKeys 311: 83-93

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.311.5141

Authors: Derek Sikes, Tonya Mousseau

Abstract: A new species of Nicrophorus in the nepalensis species-group, Nicrophorus efferens Sikes and Mousseau, is described from Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands archipelago. It is distinguished from the known species of the genus Nicrophorus and its likely closest relative, Nicrophorus reticulatus Sikes and Madge, based on external morphology. A comparison among the four Nicrophorus species known from the Solomon Island archipelago and Papua New Guinea is presented.

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Research Article Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0300
One hundred and one new species of Trigonopterus weevils from New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3761/ ZooKeys 280: 1-150

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.280.3906

Authors: Alexander Riedel, Katayo Sagata, Suriani Surbakti, Rene Tänzler, Michael Balke

Abstract: A species discovery and description pipeline to accelerate and improve taxonomy is outlined, relying on concise expert descriptions, combined with DNA sequencing, digital imaging, and automated wiki species page creation from the journal. One hundred and one new species of Trigonopterus Fauvel, 1862 are described to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach: T. aeneipennis sp. n., T. aeneus sp. n., T. agathis sp. n., T. agilis sp. n., T. amplipennis sp. n., T. ancoruncus sp. n., T. angulatus sp. n., T. angustus sp. n., T. apicalis sp. n., T. armatus sp. n., T. ascendens sp. n., T. augur sp. n., T. balimensis sp. n., T. basalis sp. n., T. conformis sp. n., T. constrictus sp. n., T. costatus sp. n., T. costicollis sp. n., T. crassicornis sp. n., T. cuneipennis sp. n., T. cyclopensis sp. n., T. dentirostris sp. n., T. discoidalis sp. n., T. dromedarius sp. n., T. durus sp. n., T. echinus sp. n., T. edaphus sp. n., T. eremitus sp. n., T. euops sp. n., T. ferrugineus sp. n., T. fusiformis sp. n., T. glaber sp. n., T. gonatoceros sp. n., T. granum sp. n., T. helios sp. n., T. hitoloorum sp. n., T. imitatus sp. n., T. inflatus sp. n., T. insularis sp. n., T. irregularis sp. n., T. ixodiformis sp. n., T. kanawiorum sp. n., T. katayoi sp. n., T. koveorum sp. n., T. kurulu sp. n., T. lekiorum sp. n., T. lineatus sp. n., T. lineellus sp. n., T. maculatus sp. n., T. mimicus sp. n., T. monticola sp. n., T. montivagus sp. n., T. moreaorum sp. n., T. myops sp. n., T. nangiorum sp. n., T. nothofagorum sp. n., T. ovatus sp. n., T. oviformis sp. n., T. parumsquamosus sp. n., T. parvulus sp. n., T. phoenix sp. n., T. plicicollis sp. n., T. politoides sp. n., T. pseudogranum sp. n., T. pseudonasutus sp. n., T. ptolycoides sp. n., T. punctulatus sp. n., T. ragaorum sp. n., T. rhinoceros sp. n., T. rhomboidalis sp. n., T. rubiginosus sp. n., T. rubripennis sp. n., T. rufibasis sp. n., T. scabrosus sp. n., T. scissops sp. n., T. scharfi sp. n., T. signicollis sp. n., T. simulans sp. n., T. soiorum sp. n., T sordidus sp. n., T. squamirostris sp. n., T. striatus sp. n., T. strigatus sp. n., T. strombosceroides sp. n., T. subglabratus sp. n., T. sulcatus sp. n., T. taenzleri sp. n., T. talpa sp. n., T. taurekaorum sp. n., T. tialeorum sp. n., T. tibialis sp. n., T. tridentatus sp. n., T. uniformis sp. n., T. variabilis sp. n., T. velaris sp. n., T. verrucosus sp. n., T. violaceus sp. n., T. viridescens sp. n., T. wamenaensis sp. n., T. wariorum sp. n., T. zygops sp. n.. All new species are authored by the taxonomist-in-charge, Alexander Riedel.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Taxonomy of new relatives of Onthophagus catenatus Lansberge, 1883 from New Guinea (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3445/ ZooKeys 251: 49-67

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.251.3994

Authors: Jan Krikken, Johannes Huijbregts

Abstract: Four new taxa from New Guinea are proposed in the dung beetle genus Onthophagus Latreille, 1802, all in the operational group of O. catenatus Lansberge, 1883. The group is discussed, defined, and the five taxa included are listed, keyed, and diagnosed. Three new species are described: Onthophagus abmisibilus (from West New Guinea, Indonesia), O. kokodanus, O. kokosquamatus (both from Papua New Guinea). One new species comprises a lowland and an upland subspecies: O. kokodanus kokodanus and kokodanus hagenaltus (both in Papua New Guinea).

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Research Article Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Introduction of the Exocelina ekari-group with descriptions of 22 new species from New Guinea (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3440/ ZooKeys 250: 1-76

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.250.3715

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: The Exocelina ekari-group is here introduced and defined mainly on the basis of a discontinuous outline of the median lobe of the aedeagus. The group is known only from New Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea). It contained four species to date: E. astrophallus (Balke, 1998), E. atowaso (Shaverdo, Sagata & Balke, 2005), E. munaso (Shaverdo, Sagata & Balke, 2005), and E. polita (Sharp, 1882). Twenty two new species are described herein: E. alexanderi sp. n., E. anggiensis sp. n., E. arfakensis sp. n., E. bifida sp. n., E. brahminensis sp. n., E. bundiensis sp. n., E. edeltraudae sp. n., E. ekari sp. n., E. eme sp. n., E. evelyncheesmanae sp. n., E. hansferyi sp. n., E. irianensis sp. n., E. kakapupu sp. n., E. knoepfchen sp. n., E. oceai sp. n., E. pseudosoppi sp. n., E. soppi sp. n., E. unipo sp. n., E. utowaensis sp. n., E. waigeoensis sp. n., E. weylandensis sp. n., and E. wondiwoiensis sp. n. The lectotype of Copelatus politus Sharp, 1882 is designated. A checklist and identification key to all species of the group are provided and important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, male antennae and protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution and habitat requirements are given. Representatives of the E. ekari-group are so far mostly known from lowland to lower montane habitats of the northern and central parts of New Guinea, the group is less diverse in higher altitudes.

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Research Article Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200
High mitochondrial DNA sequence divergence in New Guinea Carabdytes stream beetles and the taxonomist’s dilemma when other evidence is kind of subtle… (and collecting localities are far far away) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3416/ ZooKeys 247: 31-43

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.247.3812

Authors: Andre Skale, Rene Tänzler, Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: Carabdytes upin tindige ssp. n. is described from the Arfak Mountains, Bird’s Head, Indonesian Papua. It is morphologically very similar to Carabdytes upin upin Balke et al., 1992, known from eastern Indonesian Papua eastward to the western limits of the Papuan Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. For 726 bp at the 3’ end of the mitochondrial cox1 gene, the subspecies differ by 8.1–9.2% uncorrected p-distance. However, we also document considerable cox1 divergence within Carabdytes upin upin. We find few diagnostic positions in the nuclear genes argenine kinase as well as elongation factor 1 alpha that suggest there are indeed two isolated groups of Carabdytes, but evidence in elongation factor 1 alpha is not unambiguous. We decided to highlight this phenomenon of ambiguous evidence for ongoing/just attained speciation by describing a subspecies. We argue that such cases are actually common once mitochondrial sequence data are routinely added to the taxonomist’s toolkit, and sometimes simply adding data from few nuclear genes will not suffice the solve taxonomic riddles. Here, detailed population genetic investigations would be required – for which sufficient numbers of specimens from a sufficiently wide geographical sampling might be nearly impossible to acquire.

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Research Article Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200
A new species of Lesticus Dejean, 1828 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from the Finisterre Range, Papua New Guinea and a key to the genera of pterostichine-like Harpalinae of New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3407/ ZooKeys 246: 27-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.246.4112

Authors: Kipling Will, David Kavanaugh

Abstract: Lesticus finisterrae (Carabidae: Pterostichini) sp. n. (type locality: Finisterre Range, Papua New Guinea), is described and characters to differentiate it from other “Trigonotomi” species are given. A key to the genera of pterostichine-like Harpalinae of the island, including all genera of Morionini, Cratocerini, Drimostomatini, Abacetini, Loxandrini and Pterostichini, is provided. The genus Rhytisternus (Pterostichini) is for the first time reported from New Guinea, represented by the likely adventive species Rhytisternus laevis (Macleay). The previously unknown male of Stegazopteryx ivimkaensis Will (Drimostomatini) is described.

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Research Article Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200
Forever in the dark: the cave-dwelling azooxanthellate reef coral Leptoseris troglodyta sp. n. (Scleractinia, Agariciidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3193/ ZooKeys 228: 21-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.228.3798

Authors: Bert Hoeksema

Abstract: The coral species Leptoseris troglodyta sp. n. (Scleractinia, Agariciidae) is described as new to science. It is the first known azooxanthellate shallow-water agariciid and is recorded from the ceilings of caves at 5-35 m depth in West Pacific coral reefs. The corals have monocentric cup-shaped calices. They may become colonial through extramural budding from the basal coenosteum, which may cause adjacent calices to fuse. The size, shape and habitat of L. troglodyta are unique compared to other Leptoseris species, many of which have been recorded from mesophotic depths. The absence of zooxanthellae indicates that it may survive well in darkness, but endolithic algae in some corals indicate that they may be able to get some light. The presence of menianes on the septal sides, which may help to absorb light at greater depths in zooxanthellate corals, have no obvious adaptive relevance in the new species and could have been inherited from ancestral species that perhaps were zooxanthellate. The new species may be azooxanthellate as derived through the loss of zooxanthellae, which would be a reversal in Leptoseris phylogeny.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0300
Revised concept of the genus Euryporus Erichson (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) and phylogenetic significance of Staphylinini from New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2969/ ZooKeys 213: 51-62

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.213.3210

Authors: Alexey Solodovnikov

Abstract: The Staphylinini rove beetle genus Euryporus Erichson from the subtribe Quediina is restricted to include only three species from the Western Palearctic region: E. picipes (Paykull, 1800), E. aeneiventris (Lucas, 1846), and E. princeps Wollaston, 1864. Euryporus argentatus Fauvel, 1881, E. warisensis Last, 1987 and E. multicavus Last, 1980, which do not even belong to the subtribe Quediina, are excluded from the genus. Of these, two were transferred to different genera: Tympanophorus argentatus (Fauvel, 1881), comb. nov., from Sumatra; and Hesperus warisensis (Last, 1987), comb. nov., from New Guinea. “Euryporus” multicavus could not be placed to any of the described genera of Staphylinini and is left as incertae sedis pending a broader study of the relevant fauna of this tribe in New Guinea and adjacent regions. The taxonomic history of Euryporus is reviewed, and an updated diagnosis of this genus is provided.

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Research Article Wed, 1 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0300
A new species of Peucoglyphus Bernhauer from New Guinea (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2943/ ZooKeys 210: 69-74

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.210.3241

Authors: Alexey Solodovnikov

Abstract: Peucoglyphus ken sp. n., a new species from New Guinea is described. Adding the new species, this rare Wallacean genus from the tribe Staphylinini (subtribe Philonthina) currently includes five species. An updated identification key for the genus is provided.

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Research Article Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0300
At the lower size limit for tetrapods, two new species of the miniaturized frog genus Paedophryne (Anura, Microhylidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2143/ ZooKeys 154: 71-88

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.154.1963

Authors: Fred Kraus

Abstract: I describe two new species in the miniaturized microhylid frog genus Paedophryne from forests in southeastern Papua New Guinea. The first species is described on the basis of two specimens and exhibits female snout-vent length of 8.5–9.0 mm (no males known), whereas that of the second species, described on the basis of 12 specimens, is 8.8–9.3 mm, with males 8.1–8.9 mm. These frogs are smaller than the other two diminutive species described when the genus was recently erected, and they represent what are currently the smallest known species of tetrapods. The two species replace each other elevationally on the same mountain massif and occur in relative geographic proximity to the other named species of the genus. Females of both species contain only two enlarged ova, suggesting that they also possess clutch sizes at the extreme lower end of variation in frogs. All species of Paedophryne inhabit leaf litter, as seen for most other miniaturized anurans.

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Research Article Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0200
Revision of the termite family Rhinotermitidae (Isoptera) in New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3005/ ZooKeys 148: 55-103

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.148.1826

Authors: Thomas Bourguignon, Yves Roisin

Abstract: Recently, we completed a revision of the Termitidae from New Guinea and neighboring islands, recording a total of 45 species. Here, we revise a second family, the Rhinotermitidae, to progress towards a full picture of the termite diversity in New Guinea. Altogether, 6 genera and 15 species are recorded, among which two species, Coptotermes gambrinus and Parrhinotermes barbatus, are new to science. The genus Heterotermes is reported from New Guinea for the first time, with two species restricted to the southern part of the island. We also provide the first New Guinea records for six species of the genera Coptotermes and Schedorhinotermes. We briefly describe soldiers and imagoes of each species and provide a key based on soldier characters. Finally, we discuss the taxonomic and biogeographical implication of our results. A replacement name, Schedolimulus minutides Bourguignon, is proposed for the termitophilous staphylinid Schedolimulus minutus Bourguignon, to solve a question of secondary homonymy.

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Research Article Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0200
The spider family Selenopidae (Arachnida, Araneae) in Australia and Asia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2353/ ZooKeys 99: 1-103

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.99.723

Authors: Sarah Crews, Mark Harvey

Abstract: The spider family Selenopidae Simon occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, currently containing nearly 200 species in five genera. We relimit and revise the family to include four new genera and 27 new species from Australia and Asia. The family Selenopidae is redefined, as are the genera Anyphops Benoit, Garcorops Corronca, Hovops Benoit, Selenops Latreille, and Siamspinops Dankittipakul and Corronca, to accommodate the new genera and to correct previous errors in the definition. The species of Selenops that occur throughout India and China are also reviewed. Three species occur in China: S. bursarius Karsch, also known from Japan, Korea and Taiwan, S. ollarius Zhu, Sha, and Chen, and S. radiatus Latreille, the type of the genus and most widespread selenopid. Selenops cordatus Zhu, Sha, and Chen is recognized as a junior synonym of S. radiatus, syn. n. Amamanganops gen. n. is monotypic, with A. baginawa sp. n., and is known only from the Philippine island of Mindoro. Godumops gen. n. is monotypic, with G. careus sp. n., and is known only from Papua New Guinea. Karaops gen. n. occurs throughout Australia and has 24 species: K. australiensis (L. Koch) comb. n., K. gangarie sp. n., K. monteithi sp. n., K. alanlongbottomi sp. n., K. keithlongbottomi sp. n., K. larryoo sp. n., K. jarrit sp. n., K. marrayagong sp. n., K. raveni sp. n., K. badgeradda sp. n., K. burbidgei sp. n., K. karrawarla sp. n., K. julianneae sp. n., K. martamarta sp. n., K. manaayn sp. n., K. vadlaadambara sp. n., K. pilkingtoni sp. n., K. deserticola sp. n., K. ngarutjaranya sp. n., K. francesae sp. n., K. toolbrunup sp. n., the type species K. ellenae sp. n., K. jenniferae sp. n., and K. dawara sp. n. The genus Makdiops gen. n. contains five species from India and Nepal: M. agumbensis (Tikader), comb. n., the type of the genus M. mahishasura sp. n., M. montigenus (Simon), comb. n., M. nilgirensis (Reimoser) comb. n., and M. shiva sp. n. The genus Pakawops gen. n. is monotypic and contains P. formosanus (Kayashima) comb. n. known only from Taiwan. Finally, Selenops aculeatus Simon is transferred to the genus Siamspinops, forming the new combination S. aculeatus (Simon) comb. n. The distribution and diversity of the Australasian selenopid fauna is discussed. Keys are provided to all of the selenopid genera and to the species of Karaops and Makdiops.

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Monograph Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300
Australian gall-inducing scale insects on Eucalyptus: revision of Opisthoscelis Schrader (Coccoidea, Eriococcidae) and descriptions of a new genus and nine new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2338/ ZooKeys 58: 1-74

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.58.507

Authors: Nate Hardy, Penny Gullan

Abstract: We revise the genus Opisthoscelis Schrader, and erect the genus Tanyscelis gen. n. with Opisthoscelis pisiformis Froggatt as its type species. Species of both genera induce sexually dimorphic galls on Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) in Australia, with Opisthoscelis subrotunda Schrader also in Papua New Guinea. We synonymise the following taxa (junior synonym with senior synonym): Opisthoscelis fibularis Froggatt, syn. n. with Opisthoscelis spinosa Froggatt; Opisthoscelis recurva Froggatt, syn. n. with Opisthoscelis maculata Froggatt; Opisthoscelis globosa Froggatt, syn. n. (= Opisthoscelis ruebsaameni Lindinger) with Opisthoscelis convexa Froggatt; and Opisthoscelis mammularis Froggatt, syn. n. with Opisthoscelis verrucula Froggatt. We transfer seven Opisthoscelis species to Tanyscelis as Tanyscelis conica (Fuller), comb. n., Tanyscelis convexa (Froggatt), comb. n., Tanyscelis maculata (Froggatt), comb. n., Tanyscelis maskelli (Froggatt), comb. n., Tanyscelis pisiformis (Froggatt), comb. n., Tanyscelis spinosa (Froggatt), comb. n., and Tanyscelis verrucula (Froggatt), comb. n. We redescribe and illustrate the adult female of each named species of Opisthoscelis for which the type material is known, as well as the first-instar nymph of the type species of Opisthoscelis (Opisthoscelis subrotunda) and Tanyscelis (Opisthoscelis pisiformis). We describe four new species of Opisthoscelis: Opisthoscelis beardsleyi Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., Opisthoscelis thurgoona Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., Opisthoscelis tuberculata Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., and Opisthoscelis ungulifinis Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., and five new species of Tanyscelis: Tanyscelis grallator Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., Tanuscelis megagibba Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., Tanyscelis mollicornuta Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., Tanyscelis tripocula Hardy & Gullan, sp. n., and Tanyscelis villosigibba Hardy & Gullan, sp. n. We designate lectotypes for Opisthoscelis convexa, Opisthoscelis fibularis, Opisthoscelis globosa Froggatt, Opisthoscelis maculata, Opisthoscelis mammularis, Opisthoscelis maskelli, Opisthoscelis pisiformis, Opisthoscelis recurva, Opisthoscelis serrata, Opisthoscelis spinosa, and Opisthoscelis verrucula. As a result of our taxonomic revision, Opisthoscelis has six species and Tanyscelis has 12 species. We describe the galls of females for all 18 species and galls of males for 10 species of Opisthoscelis and Tanyscelis, and provide photographs of the galls for most species. A key to the adult females of the species of both genera is included.

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Monograph Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0300
New genus of diminutive microhylid frogs from Papua New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2207/ ZooKeys 48: 39-59

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.48.446

Authors: Fred Kraus

Abstract: A new genus of diminutive (10.1-11.3 mm) microhylid frogs is described from New Guinea that is unique in its combination ofonly seven presacral vertebrae, a reduced phalangeal formula that leaves the first fingers and first toes as vestigial nubs, and reduction of the prepollex and prehallux to single elements. Relationships to other genera are unknown, but overall similarity suggests some relationship to Cophixalus, although that genus also differs in some muscle characters and likely remains paraphyletic. The new genus contains two species, which are among the smallest known frogs in the world. Their miniaturization may be related to their inhabiting leaf litter, exploitation of which may for small size. The new genus is currently known only from one mountaintop in the southeasternmost portion of New Guinea and another on a nearby island. This region is part of the East Papuan Composite Terrane and, should this lineage prove endemic to that region, it may suggest that it originated prior to that geological unit’s docking with mainland New Guinea at 23–29 MY.

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Research Article Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0300
The spider family Micropholcommatidae (Arachnida: Araneae: Araneoidea): a relimitation and revision at the generic level https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2154/ ZooKeys 36: 1-321

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.36.306

Authors: Michael Rix, Mark Harvey

Abstract: The araneoid spider family Micropholcommatidae Hickman, previously containing 34 southern-temperate species in eight genera, is relimited and revised at the generic level to include 18 genera from Australia, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Chile. Three subfamilies are proposed, and a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the family is presented as a result of two morphological cladistic analyses, used to test the phylogenetic position and phylogeny of the known micropholcommatid taxa. These cladistic analyses inferred a monophyletic Micropholcommatidae, belonging to the diverse araneoid symphytognathidan lineage, with the families Anapidae, Symphytognathidae and Micropholcommatidae further united by the newly proposed 'EbCY' clade. The genus Teutoniella Brignoli, previously included in the Micropholcommatidae, was found to be most closely related to an undescribed genus from South Africa, together forming a distinctive ‘teutoniellid’ lineage within the EbCY clade. The subfamily Micropholcommatinae Hickman, new rank contains the bulk of micropholcommatid diversity, with three tribes, 15 genera and 45 described species. The micropholcommatine tribe Micropholcommatini Hickman, new rank includes the nominate genus Micropholcomma Crosby & Bishop, along with three additional genera from Australasia and Chile: Micropholcomma has eight species, including the type, M. caeligenum Crosby & Bishop, and M. junee sp. n.; Pua Forster is monotypic, with P. novaezealandiae Forster; Tricellina Forster & Platnick is also monotypic, with T. gertschi (Forster & Platnick); and Austropholcomma gen. n. has two species, including the type A. florentine sp. n., and A. walpole sp. n. The micropholcommatine tribe Textricellini Hickman, new rank is a diverse and distinctive lineage, including all species previously described in the genus Textricella Hickman, which is hereby recognised as a junior generic synonym of Eterosonycha Butler syn. n.; the 20 previously described species of Textricella are thus transferred into Eterosonycha or other newly described genera. The Textricellini includes 10 genera from Australasia and Chile: Eterosonycha has four species, including the type E. alpina Butler (=Textricella parva Hickman syn. n.), E. complexa (Forster), E. aquilina sp. n. and E. ocellata sp. n.; Epigastrina gen. n. has three species, including the type E. fulva (Hickman), E. loongana sp. n. and E. typhlops sp. n.; Guiniella gen. n. is monotypic, with G. tropica (Forster); Raveniella gen. n. has three species, including the type R. luteola (Hickman), R. hickmani (Forster) and R. peckorum sp. n.; Rayforstia gen. n. has 12 species, including the type R. vulgaris (Forster), the two new species R. lordhowensis sp. n. and R. raveni sp. n., and the nine additional species R. antipoda (Forster), R. insula (Forster), R. mcfarlanei (Forster), R. plebeia (Forster), R. propinqua (Forster), R. salmoni (Forster), R. scuta (Forster), R. signata (Forster) and R. wisei (Forster); Normplatnicka gen. n. has three species, including the type N. lamingtonensis (Forster), N. chilensis sp. n. and N. barrettae sp. n.; Eperiella gen. n. has two species, including the type E. alsophila sp. n., and E. hastings sp. n.; Algidiella gen. n. is monotypic, with A. aucklandica (Forster); Taliniella gen. n. has two species, including the type T. nigra (Forster), and T. vinki sp. n.; and Tinytrella gen. n. is monotypic, with T. pusilla (Forster). The micropholcommatine tribe Patelliellini trib. n. includes only one monotypic genus, Patelliella gen. n., represented by the enigmatic species Patelliella adusta sp. n. from Lord Howe Island. The subfamily Taphiassinae subfam. n. includes two genera of distinctive, heavily punctate Micropholcommatidae from Australasia: Taphiassa Simon has six species, including the type T. impressa Simon, T. punctata (Forster), T. castanea sp. n., T. globosa sp. n., T. magna sp. n. and T. robertsi sp. n.; the genus Parapua Forster, erected by Forster (1959) for P. punctata, is hereby recognised as a junior generic synonym of Taphiassa (syn. n.). The endemic Tasmanian genus Olgania Hickman has five species, including the type O. excavata Hickman, O. cracroft sp. n., O. eberhardi sp. n., O. troglodytes sp. n. and O. weld sp. n. The subfamily Gigiellinae subfam. n. includes only one genus from south-eastern Australia and Chile, Gigiella gen. n., described for the two species G. milledgei sp. n. and G. platnicki sp. n. The distribution, diversity and Gondwanan biogeography of the Micropholcommatidae are discussed, and natural history information is provided where known; webs and egg sacs of Taphiassinae are described for the first time. Species level monographic coverage is provided for those faunas of conservation or biogeographic significance, including the largely undescribed Western Australian fauna, the Lord Howe Island fauna, the Tasmanian cave fauna and the southern Chilean fauna, with other species of conservation or biogeographic importance also described. In total, 26 new species, 12 new genera, one new tribe and two new subfamilies are described, taking the total documented micropholcommatid fauna to 58 species.

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Monograph Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0200
New microhylid Frogs from the Muller Range, Papua New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2096/ ZooKeys 26: 53-76

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.26.258

Authors: Fred Kraus, Allen Allison

Abstract: We describe from the Muller Range of New Guinea three new species of microhylid frogs, one each in the genera Albericus, Cophixalus, and Oreophryne. The new Albericus is unique in its combination ofan infrequent peeping call, oblique lores, wide snout and finger discs, and distinct tympanum. The new Cophixalus is distinguished by its combination of finger discs larger than toe discs, third toe longer than fifth, distinct tympanum, curved scapular ridges, dark postocular stripe, dark W-shaped mark above the shoulders, anda call consisting of a rapid series of 6–9 musical peeps. The Oreophryne is unique in its combination ofa cartilaginous connection of the procoracoid to the scapula, no webbing between the toes, fifth toe longer than third, short snout, dark face, and call consisting of an extended multi-note chuckle or cackle. Each species was either common or abundant. The new Cophixalus shows a predilection for caves, although it is not restricted to them. Many frogs occurring in the central highlands of New Guinea are wide-ranging across much of this high-elevational region, but others are of restricted distribution. The species described herein are likely members of the latter group, although it remains to be determined whether each will prove endemic to the Muller Range.

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Research Article Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200
A description of four new species of fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) from Angola, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, and Peru https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1977/ ZooKeys 8: 39-61

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.8.82

Authors: Michael Hastriter

Abstract: Four new species of fleas are described: Aphropsylla truncata sp. n. (Ethiopia), Ectinorus hirsutus sp. n. (Peru), Rhinolophopsylla traubi sp. n. (Angola), and Thaumapsylla wilsoni sp. n. (Papua New Guinea). Our understanding of the genus Aphropsylla is deficient, therefore a discussion of host/parasite relationships and new records from Uganda are provided. A key is provided for the genus Aphropsylla, while representatives of the other three genera are associated with existing keys to facilitate their identification. The presence of lucodiscs on Apropsylla and other genera is briefly discussed. The occurrence of lucodiscs among representatives of the order Siphonaptera deserves further investigation.

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Research Article Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0300