Comparative analysis of chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems in Paraneoptera (Insecta)

This article is part (the 4th article) of the themed issue (a monograph) “Aberrant cytogenetic and reproductive patterns in the evolution of Paraneoptera”. The purpose of this article is to consider chromosome structure and evolution, chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems, which all together constitute the chromosomal basis of reproduction and are essential for reproductive success. We are based on our own observations and literature data available for all major lineages of Paraneoptera including Zoraptera (angel insects), Copeognatha (=Psocoptera; bark lice), Parasita (=Phthiraptera s. str; true lice), Thysanoptera (thrips), Homoptera (scale insects, aphids, jumping plant-lice, whiteflies, and true hoppers), Heteroptera (true bugs), and Coleorrhyncha (moss bugs). Terminology, nomenclature, classification, and the study methods are given in the first paper of the issue (Gavrilov-Zimin et al. 2021).

Some rare Heteroptera species (Hemiptera) from the „Cobîleni” natural reserve, Republic of Moldova

A list of the some rare heteroptera species from the „Cobîleni” Natural Reserve is published. The list contains 9 species from 5 families: Corixidae (3 species), Anthocoridae (1), Miridae (3), Lygaeidae (1) and Pentatomidae – 1 species. Data on bio-ecology and host plants are given. It is noted that the „Cobîleni” Reserve are the guarantor of the preservation of both typical biotopes and rare and endangered species of true bugs.

Diet of the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) in Cyprus during autumn migration

The diet of the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) was studied at Akrotiri Peninsula, Cyprus, in October 2008, during the autumn migration. Based on 180 pellets collected that represented 3,066 prey items, the diet consisted exclusively of invertebrates, nearly all preys were insects. Winged ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) formed 94% of the diet by number of specimens and 76% of biomass. Beetles (Coleoptera), mainly Carabidae and Scarabaeidae, made up 5% of the prey numbers but 22.5% of biomass. The other preys were made up by small numbers of earwigs (Dermaptera), true bugs (Hemiptera) and snails (Gastropoda).

Mechanisms of Survival of Arthropods in the World

The phylum Arthropoda is commonly divided into four subphyla of extant forms: Chelicerate (arachnids), Crustacea (crustaceans), Hexapoda (insects and springtails), and Myriapoda (millipedes and centipedes). Arthropods are classified as [Subclass] Apterygial including: Archaeognatha (Order: Microcoryphia), three-pronged bristletails (Order: Thysanura). [Subclass] Pterygota including : Biting and Sucking lice (Order: Phthiraptera), Booklice and Bark lice (Order: Psocoptera) Cockroaches (Order: Blattodea), Dragonflies and Damselflies (Order: Odonata), Earwigs (Order: Dermaptera), Grasshoppers and Crickets (Order: Orthoptera), Praying Mantids (Order: Mantodea), Mayflies (Order: Ephemeroptera), Stick insects and Leaf insects (Order: Phasmatodea), Stoneflies (Order: Plecoptera), Termites (Previously Order: Isoptera but now part of Order: Blattodea), Thrips (Order: Thysanoptera), True Bugs (Order: Hemiptera), Web-spinners (Order: Embioptera), Zorapterans (Order: Zoraptera), Alderflies, Dobsonflies & Fishflies (Order: Megaloptera), Bees, Wasps and Ants (Order: Hymenoptera), Beetles (Order: Coleoptera), Butterflies and Moths (Order: Lepidoptera), Caddisflies (Order: Trichoptera), Fleas (Order: Siphonaptera), Flies (Order: Diptera), Lacewings, Antlions & Mantidflies (Order: Neuroptera), Scorpionflies (Order: Mecoptera), Snakeflies (Order: Raphidioptera), Strepsipterans (Order: Strepsiptera). Over one million species of insects have been discovered and described but it is estimated that there may be as many as 10 million species on earth. Insects have been around for more than 350 million years, longer than the dinosaurs and flowering plants (Figure. 1).

Three new species of Eurystethus from Brazil (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

The Heteroptera (true bugs) and its fourth-largest family Pentatomidae (stink bugs) are worldwide distributed groups with higher diversity in the tropics. The pentatomid subfamily Discocephalinae is almost restricted to the Neotropical Region, and it is divided into the tribes Discocephalini and Ochlerini. Eurystethus Mayr, 1864 is placed within Discocephalini and comprises 18 species, 16 out of them classified into two subgenera. Here we describe Eurystethus jo sp. nov., Eurystethus multipunctatus sp. nov., and Eurystethus rufodorsatus sp. nov., all occurring in Brazil, compare them to other species and provide a distribution map.

The scent of life: Foreword from the Editors

This special issue of Zootaxa is published in honor of Dr. Jocélia Grazia (Fig. 1) from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, one of the world’s most respected and influential active taxonomists in Heteroptera. Though she retired from her long-time position as a Full Professor, away from undergraduate classes and administrative duties, Jocélia is still an active researcher and passionate about studying true bugs. An intense conviction she passes to her many students and becomes evident in her publications. If there is one word to define Jocélia Grazia, it is energy. Even the most novice and inexperienced student perceives the enthusiasm and dedication Jocélia faces from the small bureaucratic problems through the most challenging scientific questions.