Zootaxa

**True elves: a review of the members of the Merodon constans group (Diptera: Syrphidae) breeding in snowdrops and snowflakes (Galantheae), with description of two new Caucasian species**

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

The results of a multi-year investigation into relationships between hoverflies (Syrphidae) of the Merodon constans species group and Galantheae host plants are summarized. The larvae of nine species of the M. constans group (within the M. albifrons evolutionary lineage), from the Black Sea and western Mediterranean regions were found to inhabit 13 species of snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) and a species of snowflake (Leucojum vernum). The relationship between Merodon analis Meigen, 1822 and Galanthus nivalis L. is confirmed. The natural-history unity of the M. constans group is confirmed by monophagy on Galantheae species. We describe and illustrate for the first time the methods used to investigate the life cycle of these elusive insects in the field. We show how phytophagous insects can be studied with minimal interference to plant populations, such as endangered snowdrop populations. We describe the distribution of all studied Merodon species and include an updated key to the species of the M. constans group. Two new species of this group, Merodon adjaricus Mishustin, Popov & Vujić, sp. nov. and Merodon resani Mishustin, Popov & Vujić, sp. nov., are described from Georgia. The insect-plant interactions, nature conservation issues and phytosanitary risks of these hoverfly species are also discussed.

Systematic review of the insular endemic lizard genus Coryphophylax Fitzinger in Steindachner, 1867 (Reptilia: Agamidae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the description of a new species from Car Nicobar, India

S.R. CHANDRAMOULI — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

The insular endemic Agamid genus Coryphophylax, restricted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India was studied to document morphological variation shown across various islands. Based on available genetic and morphological evidence, a new species is described from the geographically isolated Car Nicobar Island and re-characterizations of the currently recognized species are presented. The new species, Coryphophylax krishnani sp. nov. differs from congeners in having enlarged hexagonal subcaudals (versus small and uniform in all other species) and dewlap in males yellow with black markings (versus uniform in all other species). The new species has the narrowest geographic range among the four congeners. The conservation status of each member of the genus is proposed based on observed geographic distribution, threats and abundance.

Three new records and a dichotomous key for adult domestic Triatominae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) species in Oaxaca, Mexico

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

This study presents the results of an entomological survey conducted from 2018 to 2022, assessing distribution, species diversity, and infection risk of Triatominae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) species in 100 municipalities across Oaxaca. Additionally, we provide an updated dichotomous key for the identification of domestic triatomine species in the region. A total of 2,321 triatomine specimens were collected through active and passive surveillance. Ten species were identified, including three new records for the state: Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus Champion, 1899, Triatoma bassolsae Alejandre-Aguilar, Nogueda-Torres, Cortéz-Jímenez, Jurberg, Galvão & Carcavallo, 1999, and T. sanguisuga LeConte, 1856. Additionally, the presence of T. gerstaeckeri Stål, 1859 was reconfirmed after years of absence. The most frequently collected species were T. mazzotti Usinger, 1941, T. phyllosoma Burmeister, 1835, T. barberi Usinger, 1939, and T. dimidiata Latreille, 1811, primarily found in intradomestic and peridomestic environments. Natural Infection Indices ranged from 56 to 11, with T. phyllosoma, T. gerstaeckeri, T. pallidipennis Stål, 1872, and T. barberi exhibiting the highest values. Triatomine species distribution was primarily influenced by biogeographic provinces. The presence of nymphs indicates the establishment of breeding populations, increasing the risk of parasite transmission.

A checklist of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) from India

PARVEZ, AKSHAY KUMAR CHAKRAVARTHY, OLIVER KELLER, DEVANSHU GUPTA, AMLAN DAS — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

A checklist of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) of 92 species distributed in four subfamilies and 27 genera from India is provided based on a literature survey from 1881 to October 2025. The Indian firefly fauna comprises 60.86% endemic species. Luciolinae is the dominant subfamily with 37 species, followed by Ototretinae 31 species, Lampyrinae 17 species, and Cyphonocerinae with one species. Luciolinae and Ototretinae are the most diverse subfamilies with eleven firefly genera in each. Most of the firefly species found in India are recorded from more than one state.

**No justification for recognition of the blindsnake genera Anilios and Sundatyphlops (Squamata: Typhlopidae)**

FRED KRAUS, SIMON T. MADDOCK — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

The clade of blindsnakes historically placed into Ramphotyphlops Fitzinger was divided into several genera in 2014 based on the topology of a molecular phylogeny. We examine the molecular and morphological evidence used for recognizing two of those genera (the diverse Australian Anilios Fitzinger, and the monotypic Lesser Sundan Sundatyphlops Hedges, Marion, Lipp, Marin & Vidal) and find the evidence insufficient to support their distinction. Post hoc attempts at that time to define Anilios and Sundatyphlops using morphological data relied on using among-species averages of within-species means, an arbitrary approach largely driven by pooling species on geographic grounds, which ignored tremendous ranges of overlap in all morphological features claimed to be diagnostic. Three New Guinean species were also arbitrarily assigned to Anilios in the absence of any molecular or morphological evidence. The sole subsequent molecular study that has included the type species of Ramphotyphlops showed it to be sister to but virtually indistinguishable from Anilios. Lastly, all later molecular studies involving these snakes have consistently found the few species of Ramphotyphlops sensu stricto sampled (n = 1–3) to be paraphyletic when Anilios and Sundatyphlops are recognized. Consequently, we find there is no evidentiary basis for recognizing Anilios or Sundatyphlops as valid lineages distinct from Ramphotyphlops, and continuing to do so renders the latter paraphyletic; thus, we synonymize Anilios and Sundatyphlops with Ramphotyphlops. The taxonomic muddling created by recognizing these genera has persisted because consistently poor sampling of non-Australian members of Ramphotyphlops has not allowed for well-supported clarification of relationships among those lineages

**First record of Amrasca (Sundapteryx) biguttula (Ishida, 1913) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from Türkiye and its morphological and molecular identification**

İBRAHİM ERSİN BOZDOĞAN, HAKAN ÇARPAR, NİHAT DEMİREL, ÖMER FARUK COŞKUN — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

The two-spot cotton leafhopper Amrasca biguttula (Ishida, 1913) is a polyphagous cicadellid that has recently expanded from its native Asian range into Africa, the Caribbean and the southeastern United States. During faunistic surveys in 2024–2025, leafhoppers resembling A. biguttula were found on eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Hatay Province, eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye. Adults and males were examined in detail, and both external characters and male genitalia matched the diagnostic features described for A. biguttula, including the two distinct preapical dark spots on the forewings and the characteristic shape of the aedeagus and subgenital plates. COI sequences generated from Hatay specimens were 99.4–100% identical to published sequences from India and Southeast Asia, and phylogenetic analyses grouped the Turkish haplotype within a well-supported A. biguttula clade. In infested cotton fields, both nymphs and adults caused typical hopperburn symptoms, such as marginal chlorosis, necrotic patches and leaf curling, indicating that the species is established and actively damaging local crops. Because cotton is a key industrial crop in southern Türkiye, early detection, routine monitoring and coordinated management efforts will be essential to limit the impact of this invasive leafhopper in the region. These findings provide the first morphologically and COI-confirmed record of A. biguttula from Türkiye and extend the westernmost known limit of the species into the eastern Mediterranean.

**Morphological and molecular evidence reveals a new species of Sipyloidea (Phasmatodea: Lonchodidae: Necrosciinae: Necrosciini) from Yunnan Province, China**

ZI-ZHAO WANG, ZI-HAO ZHU, XING-MIN WANG — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

This paper describes a new species of the genus Sipyloidea Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893 from Yunnan Province, China based on morphological and molecular evidence: Sipyloidea brachyptera sp. nov.. A taxonomic identification key for females of this genus in China is also provided.

**Hidden diversity inside bromeliads: a new species of Cavichiana from Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)**

ÁGATHA TIMÓTEO, VICTOR QUINTAS, ANDRÉ ALMEIDA ALVES, GABRIEL MEJDALANI — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

The sharpshooter genus Cavichiana Mejdalani et al., 2014 previously included three species: C. bromelicola Mejdalani et al., 2014 (type species), C. alpina Quintas et al., 2020, and C. caelivittata Mejdalani et al., 2023. These species occur exclusively on bromeliads in southeastern and southern Brazil. Here we describe a new species, C. coeruleomaculata, from Caparaó National Park, municipality of Ibitirama, state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil (so far, the northernmost known record of the genus). The new taxon can be distinguished by the head with small bluish-white spots; forewings with large bluish-white transcommissural macula with anterior part covering scutellum; and aedeagus with conspicuous posterior projection directed dorsally and lacking apical crown of spines. An updated diagnosis of Cavichiana is presented, considering character variation found in species described after the original genus description. Also, a key to the known species of Cavichiana is provided and the distribution of the genus is discussed.

**Rediscovery of Neurateles Ratzeburg, 1848 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Orthocentrinae) from the Brazilian Caatinga: first validated Neotropical record**

JULIA SCANAVACHI, ANGÉLICA MARIA PENTEADO-DIAS — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300

**A new species of Rupirana (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from Serra do Assuruá, Bahia, Brazil**

SARAH MÂNGIA, GUILHERME DO AMARAL, MÁRCIA MULLER, DIEGO JOSÉ SANTANA — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300