We investigated the distribution and prevalence of egg parasitoids of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar 1821), at six field sites over two years. Percentage parasitism often reached 100% from June until October. Most of the observed parasitism was attributed to two species of Gonatocerus, G. ashmeadi Girault 1915 and G. walkerjonesi S. Triapitsyn 2006, with the former producing most of the parasitism in interior southern California and the latter being predominant at coastal sites. This is the first published study that indicates G. walkerjonesi may be dominant in parts of California. Other species detected at low levels were G. novifasciatus Girault 1911, G. morgani S. Triapitsyn 2006, Ufens principalis Owen 2005, and U. ceratus Owen 2005.

The objective of this baseline study was to use pitfall traps to examine the taxonomic composition and abundance of arthropods in the Quebrada del Morel private protected area located in the Atacama Region (Chile). The study area was divided into 10 vegetationally and pedologically contrasting sites: coastal steppe (CS), ravine bottom (RB), dunes with Prosopis flexuosa (PF), sandy-bottomed ravine (SBR), dunes with Skytanthus acutus (SA), coastal range (CR), piedmont with Nolana sp. (PN), inland dunes (ID), steppe with Nolana sp. (EN), and steppe with Atriplex sp. (EA). A total of 2187 specimens were captured, belonging to 73 species in 31 families. Of these 73 species, 26 belonged to Arachnida, and 47 to Insecta. The two dominant orders of the Arachnida assemblage were Solifugae (22.8% of total capture) and Araneae (5.7%). Insecta accounted for 69.1% of the total capture and was dominated by two orders: Coleoptera (33.8%) and Orthoptera (21.9%). The most abundant arthropod families were the solifuge Mummucidae (22.5%), the coleopteran Tenebrionidae (19.4%), and the orthopteran Gryllidae (18.8%). Particularly important among these families was Tenebrionidae which was represented by 18 species and 11 genera. The sites with the highest abundance of tenebrionids were PF (61.9%) and SBR (11.8%). The highest species diversity was observed in SBR (13) and PF (11). The differences in vegetation between the sites were clearly reflected in the numerical contribution of most taxa. This information will help implement compensation actions, develop a reclamation plan, and consolidate a conservation management plan for the Quebrada del Morel private protected area.

The genus Mecobaris Marshall (Curculionidae: Baridinae) is revised. Mecobaris menoni, sp. nov., is described and a key to the species known from the region is provided.

Taeniotes farinosus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a species that has been confused with other species during the past two centuries. In this work we demonstrate that Taeniotes farinosus sensu auctorum is not the species described by Linnaeus and designate a lectotype to establish its identity. Taeniotes pulverulentus (Olivier, 1790), currently synonymous with T. farinosus, is revalidated. Taeniotes guttullaris Schwarzer, 1929 and T. parafarinosus Breuning, 1971 are junior synonyms of T. pulverulentus; Lamia subocellata Olivier, 1792 ( =  Taeniotes subocellatus) is a junior synonym of Cerambyx farinosus ( =  T. farinosus). Additionally we provide annotated bibliographic references to T. farinosus and T. pulverulentus. Taeniotes monnei, a new species from Brazil and Argentina, is described and figured. Taeniotes peruanus Breuning 1971 is figured for the first time.

Six species of the albibarbis complex of Efferia Coquillett are reported from the Grand Canyon ecoregion on the southern Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona. The terminalia of E. albibarbis (Macquart), E. bicolor (Bellardi) E. carbonaria sp. nov., E. fisheri sp. nov., E. tapeats sp. nov., and E. zonata (Hine) are figured and compared with congeners. Efferia peralta Wilcox and E. vertebrata (Bromley) are included as comparisons and possible members of the Grand Canyon faunas. The range of E. bicolor has been extended northward from central Arizona to within 51.5 km of the south rim of the Grand Canyon and into Nye County, Nevada. Efferia fisheri is recorded along the southern edge of the plateau at Payson, AZ, 169 km south of the GCNP. Taxonomic and distribution notes are provided. Wilcox's key of this complex is revised to include all species described since his publication. Four of the six species overlap in low-elevation perennial stream riparian zones and in adjacent colluvial brecchia habitats in the Grand Canyon region. Efferia bicolor, E. fisheri, and E. zonata overlap at higher elevations.

Melanophila drummondi ab. nicolayi Obenberger 1944 has been listed in some of the more recent literature as M. drummondi nicolayi Obenberger, thus creating problems with interpretation of its status as an unavailable name under Articles 13 and 45.6.2 of the ICZN (1999). This issue is discussed. Based on examination of a photograph of the type specimen, we consider the taxon unworthy of separation from Phaenops drummondi (Kirby 1837), which is compared to similar species occurring in its range. A new distribution record and summary of known larval hosts are provided for the species.