The aim of the present study, for which collections were made in 2004, 2005 and 2008, was to document the species of Geometridae in the Ayder plateau of the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. A total of 31 species belonging to 23 genera of the Geometridae family were identified. All identified species are first records for the Ayder Platau, while three (Xanthorhoe spadicearia (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775), Dysstroma citrata (Linnaeus, 1761) and Eupithecia egenaria Herrich & Schäffer, 1848) are first records for the Turkish Geometridae fauna. Idaea muricata (Hufnagel, 1767), which was collected in Samsun, is a new record for Asian Turkey (Anatolia). A zoogeographic characterisation is proposed for each species.

Two new species of the genus Baeocera, B. pulchella n. sp. and B. gutierrezberaudi n. sp., are described based on specimens collected in Jalisco, México. Both were found on rotten logs with mycelia of Ganoderma australe (Friese) Patouillard and unidentified species of Poria Persoon (Fomitopsidaceae) and Trichia Haller (Trichiaceae). A key for the identification of the Mexican species of Baeocera is provided.

Odonate larvae play an important role in wetland systems, providing food for many fish species and birds. Besides, they are important predators in these ecosystems. However, studies of factors that determine odonate species richness and distribution in wetlands are scarce in the Neotropical region. The objectives of this study were to: 1) conduct a survey of the diversity of odonate larvae in southern Brazil wetlands, and 2) determine how much variation in odonate richness, abundance and composition is explained by wetland area, altitude, water conductivity and nitrate, hydroperiod, and dominant aquatic vegetation in 140 wetlands in an extensive area of the Neotropical region (~280,000 km², southern Brazil). A total of 4,039 individuals distributed among five families and 28 genera were collected. Libellulidae, Coenagrionidae and Aeshnidae were the families that showed the greatest richness. Erythrodiplax was observed in more than 70% of the sampled wetlands, and comprised 61% of individuals collected. Richness was negatively associated with wetland area and nitrate concentration. Odonate abundance was negatively associated with water conductivity and nitrate, and it was higher in aquatic beds than in emergent wetlands. Richness and abundance were higher in permanent than in intermittent wetlands. Variation in odonate composition was correlated with wetland altitude, area and water conductivity. Hydroperiod and dominant aquatic vegetation also influenced composition. Our results showed that southern Brazil wetlands are important habitats for 28 odonate genera, and that richness, abundance and composition are influenced mainly by hydroperiod, nitrate, and aquatic vegetation type. These results should be seen as important to determine the environmental factors that shape and maintain odonate diversity in southern Brazil wetlands.

The melittid bees represent an early branch of bee phylogeny. They are therefore of special interest in understanding the early evolution and diversification of bees. Most species have been observed to be oligolectic (i.e., highly specialized in their choice of host-plant species). However, knowledge of host-plant associations is not equivalent across all melittid groups. Dasypodainae and the Melittinae are relatively well-known, while the African Meganomiinae are poorly studied. Preliminary field records seem to indicate that at least some meganomiine species are oligolectic. Here we present the first palynological analysis of pollen loads and pollen preference in Meganomiinae. Our results indicate that M. binghami is clearly a polylectic species. More data are needed to draw conclusions on the foraging behaviour of the other Meganomiinae. Our results show that, while oligolecty is widespread among melittid bees, there are polylectic lineages as well.

Five species in the delphacid planthopper genus Pentagramama have been described from the United States: P. bivittata Crawford, P. douglasensis Penner, P. longistylata Penner, P. variegata Penner, and P. vittatifrons (Uhler). Based on detailed examination of the male genitalia we synonymize P. variegata with P. douglasensis. Three of the species appear to be monophagous on bulrushes (Schoenoplectus spp.  =  Scirpus spp.; Cyperaceae). Penner (1947) provided descriptions of the species, illustrations of the heads, and a key for identification based on non-genitalic characters. We provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of the male and female genitalia, which are critical for accurate species identification.

Two new species, Trypoxylon (Trypoxylon) similichingi and T. (T.) clypeisinuatum from Yunnan, China, are described and illustrated. Four species, T. (T.) bilobatum Tsuneki, 1961, T. (T.) maculipes Tsuneki, 1979, T. (T.) truncatum Tsuneki, 1979 and T. (T.) thaianum Tsuneki, 1961, are first reported from China. A key to the species of Trypoxylon from Southwest China is provided.

The three purposes of this study were to conduct a statewide surveillance program for Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Formosan subterranean termite), conduct a concurrent survey of termite species found across Oklahoma, and identify and validate Oklahoma termite species using PCR technology.

Monitoring devices consisting of cylindrical in-ground monitors, soil-surface ground-boards, and elevated light traps were installed across southern Oklahoma to collect termites. County extension agents and pest management professionals cooperated by submitting termite samples. Additionally, inspections of landscaping timbers and railroad crossties were conducted at commercial outlets because these imported products may contain Formosan subterranean termites. Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. hageni Banks, R. tibialis Banks, R. virginicus (Banks) and Gnathamitermes tubiformans (Buckley) were collected, expanding the known distribution of these species in Oklahoma. However, C. formosanus Shiraki was not found although its eventual spread into Oklahoma appears certain. Termites were morphologically identified using alates and soldiers. Termites were also identified and validated by DNA sequencing and using BLAST on GENBANK.