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

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

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

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12521

Illustration by Barbara Rossi

ABSTRACT

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

 

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

Illustration by Barbara Rossi

 

Neuroterus valhalla sp. nov.

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

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

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

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

[Entomology • 2025] Lycoderides aburraensis & L. santainensis • Taxonomic and Ecological Notes on Lycoderides Sakakibara (Hemiptera: Membracidae), including Two New Species from the highlands of the Colombian Andes

 

in Flórez-V, Lapèze et Urban, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.2.1 

 facebook.com/CamiloFlorez10

Abstract

Two new species of Lycoderides Sakakibara are described and observations on their natural history are provided based on field observations in the highlands of the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes: Lycoderides aburraensis Flórez-V sp. nov. and L. santainensis Flórez-V sp. nov. The male of L. serraticornis (Fowler) and female of L. abditus Sakakibara are described, based on specimens collected in recent expeditions in Colombia and French Guiana, respectively. Information on host plants, ant-mutualism, behavior of adults and/or nymphs, female and male genitalia is provided for four species: L. santainensis sp. nov., L. luteus (Funkhouser), L. phasianus (Fowler) and L. serraticornis. Nymphal morphological variation in L. luteus due to host plant association are discussed. Additional notes on the biology of L. amazonicus (Sakakibara), L. brevilobus (Sakakibara), L. aff. brulei Sakaibara, L. fernandezi (Strümpel) and L. marginalis (Walker) are included. The species L. amazonicus, L. brevilobus, L. gradatus (Sakakibara) and L. marginalis are recorded for the first time in Colombia.

Hemiptera, Stegaspidini, Fagaceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, sexual dimorphism, host plants

 

Camilo FLÓREZ-V, Jérémie LAPÈZE and Julie M. URBAN. 2025. Taxonomic and Ecological Notes on Lycoderides Sakakibara (Hemiptera: Membracidae), including Two New Species from the highlands of the Colombian Andes.  Zootaxa. 5665(2); 151-186. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.2.1 [2025-07-22] 

 facebook.com/CamiloFlorez10/posts/10164005062633799

[Entomology • 2025] Rediscovery of Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): A rare endemic saproxylic Longhorn Beetle in the Djebel Edough Forest, Algeria

 

Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885

in Hadiby, Boukheroufa, Vitali, ... et Sakraoui, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5632.3.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391546832

Abstract

The rediscovery of Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885, a rare and endemic saproxylic longhorn beetle, in the Djebel Edough forest in Algeria is reported. Hind wings are for the first time showed and described, evidencing the brachyptery of this species. Erroneous nomenclatorial, biological and chorological data referred by previous authors are discussed and corrected. This species, which had not been observed in the region since 1900, is an obligate saproxylic insect exclusively associated with the Algerian oak Quercus canariensis Willd. Classified as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List due to its rarity and the threats to its habitat, P. ramalium represents a conservation priority. Its rediscovery highlights the need for further research to assess the current state of its population and better understand its ecological requirements. This information will be crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and preserving its fragile habitat.

Coleoptera, Rediscovery, Pseudomyrmecion ramalium, saproxylic beetle, endangered species, Djebel Edough forest

Capture site and field photos in the Edough forest massif (North-East Algeria).

Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885, male, from Edough forest (Badji Mokhtar University, Annaba, Algeria).
Dorsal view, tegmen, median lobe and hind wings. Scale bar = 1 mm. (Photo and drawings F. Vitali).

RACHED HADIBY, MEHDI BOUKHEROUFA, FRANCESCO VITALI, YASMINE ADJAMI, ABDELAZIZ FRIH, FERIEL SAKRAOUI. 2025. Rediscovery of Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885: A rare endemic saproxylic Longhorn Beetle in the Djebel Edough Forest, Algeria (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae).  Zootaxa. 5632(3);547-556. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5632.3.7 [2025-05-08]

 Researchgate.net/publication/391546832_Rediscovery_of_Pseudomyrmecion_ramalium_in_the_Djebel_Edough_Forest_Algeria

[Botany • 2025] Lithocarpus graniticus (Fagaceae) • A New Species from the Granitic Mountain Valleys of Southern Fujian, China

 

Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin,

in Lin, X.-Y. Chen, Ma, Zhu et S.-P. Chen, 2025. 

岩柯  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3417/2025955

Abstract

An elegant new species of Fagaceae, Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin, was discovered in the valley of a granite mountain in southern Fujian, China. The new species is most similar to L. cucullatus C. C. Huang & Y. T. Chang in having grayish-white waxy scales on abaxial leaf surfaces, cupules enclosing more than 1/2 of the nut, and the seed scar convex and ca. 1/3 of the nut. It is distinguished by its cupular cupule, relatively densely pilose inflorescences, ovate or ovate-elliptic leaves, and sparsely pilose indument on branches and abaxial surfaces of young leaves. Photographs, a line drawing, and a description of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Fagales, Lithocarpus, Southeast China, stone oak

Line drawing of Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin.
—A. Branches and leaves with young infructes-cence. —B. Abaxial leaf surface. —C. Androgynous inflorescence, showing the cluster of staminate flowers borne near apex and pistillate flower borne far from apex, each with a bracteole. —D. Mature infructescence. —E. Nut.

Drawn by Xue-Jing Lan.

Photographs of Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin.
—A, B. Habitat and full body. —C, D. Young branchlets and leaves. —E, F. Branchlets and leaves of last-year growth. —G, H. Infructescences, cupules, and nuts. —I. In-florescences. —J. Male flowers. —K. Female flowers.

Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Lithocarpus graniticus S. P. Chen & Y. Z. Lin is distinguished from L. cucullatus C. C. Huang & Y. T. Chang by its sparsely pilose (vs. tomentose) branchlets and abaxial surfaces of young leaves; ovate or ovate-elliptic (vs. narrowly oblong to lanceolate) leaves; relatively densely pilose (vs. to-mentose) inflorescences; and cupular (vs. cucullate) cupules.

Etymology and common name. The epithet “graniticus” indicates the new species was discovered growing in granite mountains. 

The proposed Chinese name of Lithocarpus graniticus is 岩柯 (yan ke).

Yi-Zhe Lin, Xin-Yan Chen, Liang Ma, Yi-Yao Zhu and Shi-Pin Chen. 2025. Lithocarpus graniticus (Fagaceae), a New Species from the Granitic Mountain Valleys of Southern Fujian, China. Novon, A Journal for Botanical Nomenclature. 33; 16 - 23. DOI: doi.org/10.3417/2025955

[Botany • 2024] Quercus zhekunii (Fagaceae) • A New sclerophyllous Oak from Guangxi, southwest China

Quercus zhekunii M.Deng & J.Huang, 

in Deng, Lin, Liu, S.-X. Huang, Tu, Lu and J. Huang. 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04512

Abstract

Asian (sub)tropical karst regions harbor high endemism and species diversity of sclerophyllous oaks. In this study, Quercus zhekunii, a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Phylogenomic reconstruction using RAD-seq placed this new species within the ‘Tropical clade' of Quercus sect. Ilex. The dense fused fasciculate and uniserate trichomes on the leaf abaxial surface of Q. zhekunii resemble those of Q. kingiana. However, its distinctively concave primary and lateral veins on the leaf adaxial surface, along with the prominent backward-recurved leaf blade and leaf margin, make it morphologically distinct from any known species in Q. sect. Ilex. The conservation status of Q. zhekunii is assessed as ‘Endangered' (EN). A new identification key to the species in the ‘Tropical clade' is provided. In addition, character evolution and phylogeography of the ‘Tropical clade' of Q. sect. Ilex is briefly discussed based on the new phylogenetic and morpho-anatomical data.

Keywords: Fagaceae, karst area, phylogeny, Quercus sect. Ilex, RAD-seq, taxonomy

Min Deng, Lin Lin, Lu-Ting Liu, Si-Xiang Huang, Yu Tu, Zhao-Cen Lu and Jian Huang. 2024. Quercus zhekunii M.Deng & J.Huang, A New sclerophyllous Oak from Guangxi, southwest China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04512

[Entomology • 2024] Chrysonotomyia susbelli • A New Species of Chrysonotomyia Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae) from Houston, Texas, USA

 Chrysonotomyia susbelli 

O’Loughlin, Brandão-Dias, Gates & Egan, 2024 

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1212.127537  

Abstract

A new species of the genus Chrysonotomyia Ashmead, Chrysonotomyia susbelli sp. nov., is described from the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas, USA. The species is a parasitoid emerging from Neuroterus nr. bussae galls in leaves of the southern live oak (Quercus virginiana). This represents the 6th species described from North America north of Mexico and the first in the world known to parasitize cynipid gall wasps. This discovery hints at an entire undiscovered niche between Chrysonotomyia parasitoids, cynipid gall wasps, and oaks in the Nearctic, which is a global biodiversity hotspot for oaks and cynipids. This new species description is complemented by mtDNA-COI-barcode data and information on the natural history of this species. We record host association, phenology, and report a leaf-scanning behavior performed by females, presumably to search for host galls. Modifications to the key of New World members of the genus (Hansson 2004) are included to integrate this new species.

Key words: Cynipidae, live oak, Neuroterus nr. Bussae, parasitoid, Quercus virginiana

 Chrysonotomyia susbelli sp. nov.
female holotype A dorsal habitus B lateral habitus C frontal view of head.
male syntype A dorsal habitus B lateral habitus C frontal view of head.

 Chrysonotomyia susbelli sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Mesosoma predominantly golden yellow with dark brown markings dorsally. Similar to C. corynata (Hansson, 2004) but differing in hue and dorsal patterning; dorsellum visible in dorsal view; antennae not distinctly clavate; flagellomere five dark brown; gaster with dark brown transverse bands, never more than two complete dorsally.

Etymology: From Latin sus belli, roughly translating to “warpig”, in reference to the mascot of the Rice University dormitory Wiess College where the first author currently resides, whose official color is similar to the golden yellow of the dorsal mesosoma. Wiess College is named for Harry Carothers Wiess (1887–1948), one of the founders and one-time president of Humble Oil, whose generosity, with time, mind, and resources, greatly shaped the expansion of Rice University.

 Brendan O’Loughlin, Pedro F. P. Brandão-Dias, Michael W. Gates and Scott P. Egan. 2024. Description of A New Species of Chrysonotomyia Ashmead from Houston, Texas, USA (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae). ZooKeys. 1212: 241-254. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1212.127537

https://news.rice.edu/news/2024/another-new-wasp-species-discovered-researchers-rice-campus

[Botany • 2022] Lithocarpus eiadthongii (Fagaceae) • A New Stone Oak Species from southern Thailand

Lithocarpus eiadthongii Sinbumr., Rueangr. & Sungkaew,  

in Sinbumroong, Rueangruea, Teerawatananon & Sungkaew, 2022. 

ก่อลูกเอียด || DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.1.7

Researchgate.net/publication/359400517

Abstract

A new species of the genus Lithocarpus, L. eiadthongii, from southern part of Thailand is described and illustrated. Its colour photographs are also provided and its conservation status is assessed. The new species is superficially similar to L. melataiensis, L. pusillus and L. vuquangensis in terms of leaf and fruit size. Notwithstanding, it differs from the three species in several aspects e.g. leaf apex, leaf blade covering, cupule stalk, cupule size, nut size and nut enclosure.

Keywords: Asia, conservation, diversity, oak, tree, Eudicots

Lithocarpus eiadthongii Sinbumr., Rueangr. & Sungkaew. 
A. Habit of fruiting leafy twig (from the holotype Sinbumroong 04072020); B. Trunk, showing outer bark and buttresses; C. Flowering leafy twig, showing androgynous inflorescences; D. Dry and mature cupules and nuts, showing inside and outside of cupules, basal scar of the nuts and a longitudinal section of a nut.

Photos by A. Sinbumroong.

Lithocarpus eiadthongii Sinbumr., Rueangr. & Sungkaew, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:— Lithocarpus eiadthongii is superficially similar to L. melataiensis , L. pusillus and L. vuquangensis. In terms of leaf characters, it may look like L. vuquangensis, but it is, however, much different from the latter in terms of fruit characters (having cupule size of 4−7 mm high by 8−13 mm across; cupule surface with (5)6−9 lamellae; nut size of 0.8−1.5 cm across; nut basal scar of 4−8 mm across in L. eiadthongii vs cupule size of ca 14 mm high by ca 18 mm across; cupule surface with 4−5 lamellae; nut size of 2.1−2.4 cm across; nut basal scar of ca 11 mm across in L. vuquangensis). Whilst, in terms of fruit characters, it may look similar to L. melataiensis and L. pusillus, but L. eiadthongii differs from the latter two in having a stalked cupule of 3−6 mm long (vs sessile cupule in L. melataiensis vs sessile to stalked cupule of 2−3 mm long in L. pusillus. Moreover, in terms of leaf characters, L. eiadthongii is much different from the latter two in having a leaf acumen of 3−10 cm long and leaf undersurface with sparsely white to creamy-white waxy to glabrous (vs leaf acumen of 15−22 mm long and leaf undersurface with densely yellowish brown tomentose, sometimes with simple hairs in L. melataiensis vs leaf acumen of 10−30 mm long and leaf undersurface with densely greyish brown tomentose by adpressed, minute, stellate hairs in L. pusillus) ( Table 1).

   

    

Etymology:—The specific epithet eiadthongii is named in honour of a well-known Thai dendrologist, Associate Professor Wichan Eiadthong who specialized in many families of Thai flora including Fagaceae (Eiadthong, 1993) .

Vernacular:— Ko look eiad (Thai - ก่อลูกเอียด), meaning an oak tree with small fruit.

Ecology and distribution:— Currently, it is only known from peninsular Thailand; in Namtok Ngao National Park and Klong Naka Wildlife Sanctuary of Ranong province and Si Phang-Nga National Park of Phang-Nga province. They grow in the co-dominant and intermediate layers of the evergreen forest canopy, particularly along the hillsides, between 60 m and 260 m elevation.

 Aroon Sinbumroong, Sukid Rueangruea, Atchara Teerawatananon and Sarawood Sungkaew. 2022. Lithocarpus eiadthongii (Fagaceae), A New Stone Oak Species from southern part of Thailand. Phytotaxa. 541(1); 73-78. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.541.1.7

Researchgate.net/publication/359400517_Lithocarpus_eiadthongii_a_new_stone_oak_from_southern_Thailand

ก่อลูกเอียด Lithocarpus eiadthongii Sinbumr., Rueangr. & Sungkaew โดยคำระบุชนิด eiadthongii  ตั้งชื่อเพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่ ผศ. ดร.วิชาญ เอียดทอง อดีตอาจารย์ผู้ล่วงลับ ภาควิชาชีววิทยาป่าไม้ คณะวนศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์  ผลงานของท่านนับเป็นคุณูปการอันใหญ่หลวงแก่วงการวนศาสตร์  เป็นผู้ประสิทธิ์ประสาทวิชารุกขวิทยาป่าไม้ (Forest Dendrology) ให้แก่นิสิตวนศาสตร์จำนวนมากมายนับไม่ถ้วน  ท่านนับเป็นผู้สร้างแรงบันดาลใจไม่มากก็น้อยให้ลูกศิษย์ (รุ่นน้อง) หลายๆท่านให้รักในการศึกษาพรรณไม้ ทั้งในการศึกษาต่อและปฏิบัติงานด้านรุกขวิทยาป่าไม้ พฤกษศาสตร์ป่าไม้ และอนุกรมวิธานพืช ทั้งในระดับมหาวิทยาลัย และหน่วยงานราชการ สืบต่อมาจนถึงปัจจุบัน

 facebook.com/DNP1362/posts/282712610708446  

 news.dnp.go.th/news/14817

[Botany • 2014] Lithocarpus orbicarpus • a new species of Stone Oak (Fagaceae) from Phang Nga province, Peninsular Thailand

Lithocarpus orbicarpus Strijk

Abstract

A new species is described, Lithocarpus orbicarpus Strijk, collected from Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary, Mueang district, Phang Nga Province in the Peninsular Floristic Region of Thailand. We provide the first technical illustrations and colour photographs of the new species, as well as a description of its conservation status and the collecting locality. The species can be easily distinguished by its unique orbicular acorns, each covered with a dense pattern of irregularly placed scales, which completely conceal the nut, except for a tiny apical pore, and which are arranged in a dense cluster on an erect woody spike. We also provide an amendment to the existing diagnostic key to Lithocarpus, and discuss important differences with morphologically similar species found in Thailand and the surrounding region.

Keywords: Lithocarpus orbicarpus, new species, Stone Oaks, Fagaceae, Thailand, Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary

Figure 2. Lithocarpus orbicarpus Strijk, sp. nov.
Chamchumroon et al. 5823 (BKF). Pictures from field collection. A Branch with leaves B Young infructescences C Bark and sapwood D Fresh fruit – top view E Fresh fruit – side view F Fresh fruit – bottom view G Dried fruit – top view H Dried fruit – side view J Dried fruit – bottom view (G–J: blue lines demarcate vestigial exocarp; red lines demarcate scar area (receptacle tissue)) K Dried infructescence L Young acorn, opened up to show dotted pattern of small depressions and surface structure of the umbo M Cross-section of fried nut, showing seed coat and black cotyledons N Terminal leaf, twig and very small terminal bud, showing grey indumentum O Young emerging leaf with soft grey indumentum.

All pictures by S. Sirimongkol and J. S. Strijk.

Distribution: This species is only known from Thailand, and has not been recorded outside Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary, Mueang district, Phang Nga Province. During our field survey, we found only one individual tree, located on a gentle sloping section of closed dense forest. Additional survey work will have to be undertaken to determine the actual population size of this species within the wildlife sanctuary.

Ecology: This species grows in dense hillside forest at an elevation of around 450 m.

Etymology: Lithocarpus orbicarpus is named after its unique orbicular acorns, arranged densely clustered on an erect spike, of which the cup almost completely encloses the nut (except for a tiny apical pore). The exterior of the cup is covered with a dense pattern of ridges, transforming with age into horizontal and vertical lines with irregularly placed scales. Apart for a tiny portion of the umbo which is covered with vestigial exocarp, the exterior surface of the nut is completely covered by scar. Although the cupule nearly completely covers the nut, the latter is free and not fused to the wall of the cupule – a condition which occurs throughout the genus (Cannon 2001; Cannon and Manos 2001). Upon drying, the shrinking of the cotyledons inside the nut causes the whole infructescence to make a rattling sound when shaken.

Joeri Strijk, Sukontip Sirimongkol, Sukid Rueangruea, Nikom Ritphet, Voradol Chamchumroon. 2014. Lithocarpus orbicarpus (Fagaceae), a new species of Stone Oak from Phang Nga province, Thailand. PhytoKeys. 34 (2014) : 33-46. doi: dx.doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.34.6429