Search Results (135)

Insects exhibit diverse ecological characteristics, but species identification is challenging due to high morphological similarity. Traditional methods require genitalia dissection, which damages specimens and flattens three-dimensional structures, potentially losing key morphological details. In this study, we evaluate the utility of Micro-CT (Computed Tomography) as a non-destructive alternative for species identification by comparing genitalia structures obtained through Micro-CT with those obtained through traditional dissection. Micro-CT enabled three-dimensional reconstructions of male genitalia and aedeagus, providing detailed views from multiple angles without physical damage. The aedeagus was also virtually separated in a digital environment, further enhancing morphological analysis. Using this approach, we identified three new species, Casmara fulvacorona sp. nov. from Sumatra, C. falcatussica sp. nov. and C. fuscatulipa sp. nov. from Taiwan, based on genitalia characteristics. In addition, we provide a checklist of all Casmara Walker, 1863 species reported to date, including these newly described species, to confirm and clarify the distribution of this genus. Our results demonstrate that the additional use of Micro-CT in insect species identification can provide a scientific basis for reviewing and increasing confidence in species identification based on genital dissection. Full article

Due to the potential role of Auchenorrhyncha in the transmission of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in a wide variety of cultivations, during recent years in Europe, many studies have focused on species composition, abundance and seasonal appearance of Auchenorrhyncha. However, females and nymphs are difficult to identify, as species-level identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology. Sampling was conducted over four years in olive fields in Lesvos Island, in the Northeast Aegean, Greece, using sweep nets and Malaise traps. Both adults and nymphs were collected, with males identified to species level, while females and nymphs were separated on different morphotypes. Representatives from each morphotype and identified adults were sequenced using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Using a classical morphological approach, 58 species were identified to species level, and using DNA barcoding, nymph morphotypes and females were successfully identified within the families Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae, Delphacidae and Issidae. A phylogenetic tree was generated, clustering nymphs together with the corresponding adults. Our results demonstrate the utility of combining morphological and molecular methods for accurate species identification and highlight the importance of enriching online databases with additional species records. Full article

This study presents a taxonomic revision of the genus Macrima Baly, 1878 to advance the understanding of suprageneric, non-monophyletic “Monoleptites”. Through comprehensive morphological examinations of all type specimens, including detailed analyses of male and female genitalia and the structure of the cavitous anterior part of the head, we propose M. roseofulva Medvedev, 2011 and M. ferrugina Jiang, 1990 as new synonyms of M. aurantiaca (Laboissière, 1936), M. bifida Yang, 1992 a new synonym of M. cornuta (Laboissière, 1936), and M. yunnanensis (Laboissière, 1936) as a new synonym of M. pallida (Laboissière, 1936). In addition, M. costatipennis Jacoby, 1896 is transferred to Hoplosaenidea Laboissière, 1933 (comb. nov.). Color photos of habitus, body details, and genitalia are presented for all species. Full article

Background and Purpose: Undescended testes (UDT) is recognized as the most prevalent anomaly of the male genitalia and presents a significant risk factor for long-term complications, including infertility and testicular cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on the necessity of imaging in the management of UDT, nor is there agreement on which imaging modality is preferred or to what extent these tests offer real added value in the clinical setting. This review aims to evaluate the various imaging options available in the management of cryptorchidism, discussing their utility, advantages, and disadvantages compared to exploratory laparoscopy. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search using the following search terms: [“undescended testis”] OR [(“cryptorchidism”) OR (“diagnostic imaging”)] OR [(“Ultrasound”), OR (“CT scan”) OR (“MRI”)] AND [“laparoscopy”]. We analyzed 90 full articles, excluding irrelevant ones, and, in total, 18 publications were included in this review. Results: Ultrasound (US) is the most commonly used technique due to its non-invasive nature and absence of ionizing radiation. It is particularly beneficial in cases of non-palpable UDT. However, its main limitation lies in the difficulty in accurately locating UDT, especially when they are situated outside the inguinal region. Computed tomography (CT) scans serve as a crucial diagnostic tool, particularly for testes located below the internal inguinal ring. While CT exhibits comparable accuracy in detecting UDT, the need for sedation or general anesthesia, along with the costs and potential risks of secondary malignancy due to radiation exposure, does not favor its routine use. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers higher sensitivity than US and does not utilize ionizing radiation or intravascular contrast agents. It allows for the generation of multiplanar images, thereby providing improved tissue characterization. However, limitations include prolonged scan durations, the potential for motion artifacts during imaging, the need for sedation, and higher costs. Laparoscopy has been shown to provide better accuracy, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, particularly in cases of non-palpable UDT. It is widely regarded as the gold standard in achieving clear diagnostic and definitive therapeutic procedures and has demonstrated its utility in determining the anatomical position of intra-abdominal testes, owing to its magnification capabilities and minimally invasive approach. Conclusions: Achieving a correct and comprehensive diagnosis of cryptorchidism requires the medical team to decide on the appropriate imaging studies, as these will not significantly influence or alter the therapeutic decision-making process. It is unlikely that medical practice will eliminate imaging studies before a surgical decision is made in the near future. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach that includes clinical examination, imaging, and diagnostic laparoscopy remains essential for the accurate management of UDT. Full article

The black fig fly, Silba adipata, and a complex of Neosilba species have emerged as major fig pests in Veracruz, Mexico. To assess infestation patterns and species composition, we sampled figs during one production cycle (March–October 2024) in two plantations. A total of 1647 S. adipata (821 females, 826 males) and 1250 Neosilba spp. (628 females, 622 males) emerged from samples. One species, Neosilba recurva, is described as new based on the characteristics of the male genitalia and COI sequencing. Neosilba spp. outnumbered S. adipata in the preharvest period, after which S. adipata became dominant. S. adipata emerged ~14 days earlier than Neosilba spp. Infestation by S. adipata caused uniform fig reddening, while Neosilba spp. produced patchy redness near larval exit holes. Approximately 65% of figs were lost to lonchaeid infestation preharvest. Based on male genitalia, we identified Neosilba batesi and N. recurva sp. nov. (that together comprised 64% of samples), as well as Neosilba sp.1 (26%) and N. glaberrima (10%), but COI sequences revealed greater diversity. Neosilba batesi formed a clade that did not match a Floridan sequence. Neosilba glaberrima clustered near N. pendula from Brazil, but another sequence diverged, suggesting the presence of an additional, undescribed species, Neosilba sp.2? Neosilba recurva and Neosilba sp.1, together with the newly described N. flavitarsis from Veracruz, formed distinct genetic branches, supporting their specific status. Full article

The endemic African genus Epipleuria Fürsch is re-described, diagnosed and confronted with African species of the closely related genus Rhyzobius Stephens. The validity of the genus Epipleuria is confirmed. Two new species, Epipleuria capensis sp. nov. and Epipleuria tsitsikamma sp. nov., from the Republic of South Africa are described. Additionally, the male genitalia of Epipleuria natalensis Fürsch, 2001, are described and illustrated for the first time. Epipleuria endroedyi Fürsch, 2001; Epipleuria mahnerti Fürsch, 2001; and Rhyzobius stillatus Fürsch, 1992, are transferred to the newly established genus Pseudoepipleuria gen. nov. Full article

In this study, using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy, we give a detailed description of the Acanthoponera mucronata male, supplementing the former male-based genus diagnoses. In particular, we described for the first time the following characters: the morphology of the external genitalia, the peculiar antennal cleaning and the absence of the metapleural gland orifice. In addition, we show the pretarsal claws and the ventral excavation in the gaster that represent diagnostic male features of all Acanthoponera species, never imaged before. The use of modern taxonomic standards is particularly important in order to make these data available to future comparative analyses. Full article

The genus Dichaetomyia Malloch, 1921 of Muscidae from China is recorded, and an updated identification key to Chinese species based on males is provided. Three new species, namely Dichaetomyia villscutellata sp. n., Dichaetomyia bimaculata sp. n., and Dichaetomyia maculiventra sp. n., are described, along with two new country records, Dichaetomyia varicauda Emden, 1965, and Dichaetomyia latistriata Malloch, 1924. Photographs of the habitus and male genitalia, as well as illustrations of the male genitalia of the new species and new records, are provided. Full article

The Miocene volcano Mt. Choke in northern Ethiopia is known for its very species-rich Trechus fauna. In addition, the enormous morphological diversity that is expressed within a single subgenus, Abyssinotus, which is endemic to northern Ethiopia, is unique within the global Trechus fauna. In this paper, we describe eight additional new species and three subspecies of the Trechus subgenus Abyssinotus, all of which are endemic to Mt. Choke. These species belong to two different lineages within Abyssinotus, each differing from other lineages of the subgenus by certain morphological character states described in this paper and alternatively named the T. lobeliae and the T. basilewskianus subgroups. Several species of these subgroups are characterised by an apomorphical inverse male genital, with the right side up in repose. The T. lobeliae subgroup comprises two species and is monomorphic with respect to this character. The T. basilewskianus subgroup comprises eight species, including six species with monomorphically inverse male genitalia and two species with male genitalia monomorphically in the ‘normal’ position. These are the first examples within Trechinae in which inverse male genitalia are a species- or even group-specific characteristic. A brief summary of the distribution of this trait within the Carabidae is provided. We also present a new identification key for the Trechus species known so far from Mt. Choke. Full article

Asia comprises 60% of the global male population, yet Asian men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, remain sparse in the literature. Clinical researchers have often overlooked prostate cancer in Asian men, as available statistics suggest that Asian men are less likely to develop prostate cancer compared to Caucasian, Black, and Hispanic males. However, cultural investigations have indicated these figures may be influenced by factors such as cultural taboos, superstition and misconception, limited access to diagnostic tools and healthcare facilities, and epidemiological factors in terms of lifestyle, environmental exposure, and genetics. In particular, the lack of diagnostic resources, coupled with cultural stigmas surrounding cancers affecting the genitalia in Asian societies, may contribute to significant underreporting. Rapid aging population growth in East Asia and the continuing shift in Asiatic lifestyles towards Westernization will likely contribute to a continued rise in prostate cancer incidence among Asian men in the coming years. A comprehensive review of novel and commercially available prostate cancer detection tests demonstrates that accurate, less-invasive tools could relieve many of the pressures surrounding Asian men and their prostate health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and increased levels of adrenal androgens. Affected females are at risk of ambiguous genitalia, while affected males show sexual precocity. Here, we present a case of a newborn female patient, characterized by ambiguous genitalia and previously identified as low risk for common aneuploidies by non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Methods: We performed a NIPT, which showed a 46, XX genotype, confirmed by karyotype on the newborn’s DNA extracted lymphocytes. For clinical suspicion of CAH, we performed reverse dot blot and Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) of the CYP21A2 gene on the patients and her parents’ DNA. Then, we performed on mother’s plasma NGS analysis with an in-house developed panel of genes for monogenic diseases, including the CYP21A2 gene. Results: Reverse dot blot and MLPA detected the presence of the c.290-13A/C>G (I2 splice) mutation in heterozygosity in the parents and in homozygosity in the child, respectively. NGS detected the c.290-13A/C>G (I2splice) mutation in cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) in mother’s plasma with a variant allele frequency (VAF) of 67% with a fetal fraction (FF) of 5%. This latter suggests the presence of the variant both in the mother and in newborn cfDNA. Conclusions: The study reinforces the hypothesis that cfDNA can be used to identify point mutations, small insertions and/or deletions for the diagnosis of monogenic diseases, reducing the number of invasive tests and the risk of early miscarriages. Early detection of mutations in genes causing sexual development disorders could make it possible to start therapy in the womb. Full article

The taxonomy of genus Ambulyx Westwood, 1847 from China is reviewed based on analysis of wing morphology, male and female genitalia and phylogenetic relationships derived from DNA barcodes. A new species, Ambulyx wukong sp. nov. is described from NW Yunnan, China. A male of the rare species, A. zhejiangensis from Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China is examined and its male genitalia illustrated for the first time. Two taxa are newly recorded from China, A. tattina tattina from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, and A. semiplacida montana from Pingbian, Yunnan. Distribution maps, biological notes, and ecological records are also given. Full article

In order to replace chemical herbicides, which harm the environment and health, we seek sustainable methods to control weeds. We remove a seed-beetle species, Acanthoscelides atrocephalus, from synonymy with Acanthoscelides modestus and recognize it as a potential bioagent for Aeschynomene denticulata and A. indica. Belonging the megacornis group of the genus Acanthoscelides, its fine morphology was analyzed using high-resolution photography and scanning electron microscopy. The species differs from others of the A. megacornis group based on integument coloration, distinctive patterns of vestiture on the pronotum and pygidium, large and sexually dimorphic eyes, a strong frontal carina extending from the vertex of the head to the clypeus, and distinctive armature in the internal sac of the male genitalia. It stands out as a biological control agent due to the larvae’s habit of feeding on seeds, which hinders the development of the embryo. Through tetrazolium and germination tests, it was discovered that 100% of the infested seeds had no viable seed integument and did not germinate. A. atrocephalus is no longer a synonym of Acanthoscelides modestus. This species is a predator of A. denticulata and A. indica and prevents seed germination, becoming promising as a bioagent for the control of these weeds. Full article

Eogystia hippophaecolus (Hua, Chou, Fang et Chen) is a drilling pest that damages sea buckthorn, leading to substantial ecological and economic losses in areas where sea buckthorn is cultivated in China. Pheromone lures are widely used to monitor and trap male moths; however, the olfactory recognition mechanisms in male moths require further investigation. In this study, we characterized odorant receptor genes using phylogenetics, gene expression, sequence analyses and molecular docking. A phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method revealed that odorant receptor co-receptor (EhipOrco) genes clustered with other lepidopteran Orco genes, while pheromone receptor (EhipPR) genes clustered with other lepidopteran PR genes, suggesting that these genes have similar functions. The expression levels of 27 odorant receptor (EhipOR) genes in five tissues of male adults were analyzed using qPCR. Nine EhipOR genes were specifically expressed in the antennae, while several EhipOR genes were highly expressed in the head, feet, and external genitalia. As determined using molecular docking, EhipPR1–3 bound strongly to the primary sex pheromone components of E. hippophaecolus. Additionally, EhipPR1–3 demonstrated a strong binding affinity for longifolene among sea buckthorn volatiles. This study provides a foundation for future functional research on EhipORs and the olfactory recognition mechanisms of E. hippophaecolus. Full article

The genus Hypoglyptus Gerstaecker, 1855 is herein revised for the first time. Based on adult morphological characters, five species are recognized as valid: Hypoglyptus conspersus (Leonhard, 1912) (Greece), H. elegans (Brullé, 1832) (Greece, Albania), H. gracilis Kiesenwetter, 1864 (Greece), H. graecus (Pic, 1902) (Greece), H. heydeni Faust, 1889 (Greece, Syria, Turkey). For this last species a lectotype is designated. Hypoglyptus pictus Gerstaecker, 1855 is proposed as n. syn. of H. elegans (Brullé, 1832). Male and female genitalia have been examined and are illustrated for the first time. The five species are very similar to and separable from each other by a few subtle differences in the shape, the sculpture, and the vestiture of the pronotum and elytra and in the more or less toothed femora. On the basis of morphological characters, the genus Hypoglyptus, previously incertae sedis in Curculionidae, is here tentatively placed in the tribe Smicronychini of the subfamily Curculioninae. Full article