Biosystematica, 2025, 11(1&2)
Date of Publication: 24 June 2026
Additions to the knowledge of the genus Hylomesa Krombein (Hymenoptera: Thynnidae: Myzininae) from India
ABSTRACT: The species, Hylomesa anomala Krombein, 1982 is newly reported from India. Hylomesa longiceps (Turner, 1918) is new district records from Arunachal Pradesh and Keralam. A map showing the distribution of the newly reported species and illustrations of species are also provided here. Diagnostic features of Hylomesa anomala Krombein and Hylomesa longiceps (Turner, 1918) are also provided. A key to species from the Indian subcontinent modified from Krombein, 1968 & 1982 is also provided.
Taxonomic Study on the Darwin Wasp Genus Dicamptus Szépligeti, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ophioninae) With Description of Two New Species from India
ABSTRACT: Two new species of the Darwin wasp genus Dicamptus Szèpligeti, viz., D. neosinuatus and D. keralicus are reported from Keralam, India. Descriptions of the new species with illustrations and the affinities of the new species to the closely related species are included. A key to the Oriental species of Dicamptus and a distribution map of the species described is also provided.
A New Species of the Ant genus Platythyrea (Formicidae: Ponerinae) From the Indian Institute of Science campus, Bangalore, Karnataka
ABSTRACT: Platythyrea ferruginea sp. nov. is described from India, based on the worker caste. The new species represents the fourth species of the genus Platythyrea from India. It resembles P. homasawini but can be distinguished primarily by its larger size and the morphology of the petiolar node. Platythyrea nicobarensis is described from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Platythyrea parallela complex is widely distributed in India. The third species, P. sagei has a limited distribution. The latter two species are also known to be present in Karnataka. The new species, in the genus Platythyrea, was discovered on the Indian Institute of Science Campus in the grassy area with abundant trees.
Seasonal Population Fluctuations of Dolichotetranychus floridanus (Banks) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Areca Palms of Kerala, India
ABSTRACT: Areca catechu L. is an economically important plantation crop in Kerala and is susceptible to infestation by the tenuipalpid mite Dolichotetranychus floridanus. This study investigated the seasonal abundance and feeding-associated damage of D. floridanus on arecanut in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of North Kerala during 2022–2023 and 2023–2024. Monthly sampling of infested and uninfested nuts revealed peak mite abundance during July–August, with mean densities of 66 and 54 individuals per tepal in Kozhikode and Malappuram, respectively. Mite abundance was positively correlated with relative humidity and negatively correlated with temperature. Feeding caused tissue desiccation, epidermal deterioration, and surface cracking, with severe infestation associated with secondary fungal and bacterial infection and tissue rot. The findings highlight the seasonal dynamics and potential phytopathological significance of D. floridanus infestation in arecanut plantations of North Kerala.
Bees of Thusharagiri, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
ABSTRACT: The study was conducted to prepare a preliminary checklist of bees of Thusharagiri, Kozhikode, Kerala State. The rainfall occurs between June to October. The present study helps to know about the species belongs to bee families. Family Apidae represents 22 species, which is the largest family. Family Halictidae represents 6 genera and 2 genera belong to the family Megachilidae. This study will enlighten the knowledge regarding the diversity of bees and forms a reference data for future bee works.