bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kazakhstan's upcoming OSCE Chairmanship: Election related issues
Authors: Aderhold Eltje
Published: March 2011

Electoral standards and commitments are at the core of the OSCE Acquis in the human dimension. The most urgent election-related challenge is the implementation of existing standards and commitments. However, instead of identifying and considering pathways towards better implementation of standards and commitments, OSCE participating States over the past years maneuvered into a political deadlock. As OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Kazakhstan should help identifying creative ways in which to achieve better implementation of existing standards and commitments. Kazakhstan could also foster consensus on additional electoral commitments, supplementing existing ones.
Afghanistan: The right mission on the wrong footing
Authors: Everts Daan
Published: March 2011

Afghanistan is a tragic case of failed preventive diplomacy. International indifference allowed a civil war to develop and escalate after the liberation from Soviet rule and, as a consequence, the rise of Taleban. In the aftermath of the horrendous 9/11 event Taleban rule was quickly ended, but US policies and UN reticence prevented a truly multilateral, comprehensive post-conflict approach to take shape — combining reconstruction, development and reconciliation while stressing Afghan ownership. The international mission remains in essence a 'noble mission', serving both humanitarian and security objectives, it needs basic adjustments for success: 'de-westernization', 'civilianization', Afghanization and political reconciliation are all important keys to achieving better and lasting results.
Kazakhstan's military reform and OSCE Chairmanship: Regional implications
Authors: Marat Erica
Published: March 2011

This article argues that Kazakhstan's strengthening relations with NATO and the EU, as well as its prospective OSCE chairmanship in 2010 has impacted the wider Central Asia region. Neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan were able to use Kazakhstan as a shield when Russia pressed them to recognize independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in August 2008. Kazakhstan's successful cooperation with NATO contributed to its recognition as a nation with great economic and political potential, though it remains questionable whether positive changes inside Kazakhstan in regards to democratic control of armed forces and other political sectors entailed by the OSCE chairmanship would similarly reverberate on a regional scale. Kazakhstan, for its part, should promote its successes regionally as part of its obligations as the OSCE chair.
Regulating religion in Post-Soviet Central Asia: Some remarks on Religious Association Law and 'official' Islamic institutions in Tajikistan
Authors: Epkenhans Tim
Published: March 2011

Although Tajikistan is a participating state of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and has acceded to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), religious associations are under increasingly scrutiny limiting the freedom of conscience. Tajikistan's government follows a similar policy as her Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. While a restrictive and contradictory religious association law limits the public space for religious associations, the government successively strengthens 'official' Islamic institutions and therefore directly interferes in internal religious affairs. Considering the diversity of Islamic beliefs in and practices in Central Asia and Tajikistan in particular, this policy could generate further friction among religious communities.
The OSCE Chairmanship: Captain or Figurehead?
Authors: Kemp Walter
Published: March 2011

The author asks whether the annual Chairmanship is the captain or the figurehead of the OSCE ship. It looks at the mandate of the Chairman-in-Office and how this works in practice. The author, who used to be an adviser to OSCE Chairmanships, concludes by making a number of recommendations for a successful Chairmanship.
Statelessness: A 21st century challenge for Europe
Authors: van Waas Laura
Published: March 2011

Over the past decade, a deepening understanding of the gravity of the problem of statelessness, as well as the growing realisation that the international legal framework relating to statelessness exhibits numerous shortcomings, has made it clear that this issue warrants further engagement by the international community. This article looks more closely at statelessness as a fundamental challenge for Europe in the twenty-first century. The piece discusses why finding an appropriate response to statelessness can be deemed imperative, taking into account both human rights and human security considerations. To provide an impression of current opportunities for addressing statelessness, some of the strengths and limitations of the existing international legal framework relating to statelessness are presented. Finally, the article discusses a number of recent developments, in particular in Europe, which may open new avenues for meeting the challenge of statelessness in the future.
Conferring human rights awards and prizes: Feeding the PR machine or a launching pad for change?
Authors: Loughran Jim
Published: March 2011

Almost every day there is media coverage of an international prize or award. The issues highlighted range from the advancement of science to excellence in artistic endeavour to human rights. This article looks at the proliferation of human rights prizes and asks searching questions about who really benefits from this huge investment of time and money. The article explores the delicate balance between the needs of international organisations to build their media profile and attract funders and the needs of the organisation or individual on the ground for whom the winning of an international award can be a ground breaking opportunity.
Intolerance and discrimination against Muslims (Islamophobia)
Authors: Orhun Ömür
Published: March 2011

In this article, after a brief introduction related to the present environment, Ambassador Orhun discusses human rights, mutual respect and dialogue, leading to an evaluation of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims. He finds that the environment in which Muslims live in Western countries has deteriorated considerably in the post September 11 period. He then provides an overview of his experience as OSCE's Personal Representative on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims. After sharing his views on ways to promote tolerance and combat discrimination against Muslims, Ambassador Orhun concludes with his recommendations. He stresses the need to take account of the intellectual front in the fight against intolerance and discrimination and dwells especially on true integration to enable Muslim migrants to feel at home in a cohesive society. He says that the real threat to tolerance and to multi-cultural societies emanates from the extremes of host and migrant groups and cautions vigilance to achieve peaceful co-existence.
Fostering relations with a host country: A case study of the OSCE and Tadjikistan
Authors: Samuel Kathleen
Published: March 2011

The OSCE's mandate for early warning, conflict prevention, conflict management and post-conflict rehabilitation based on its approach to comprehensive security through its network of field offices is implemented on a daily basis. Constructive relations with a host country are an important factor in their success, yet not always easy to achieve. This article provides a case study of one endeavour to strengthen these relations.
The Bolzano Recommendations on National Minorities in Inter-State Relations: Reconciling justice and security
Authors: Sabanadze Natalie
Published: March 2011

In October 2008, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities adopted Bolzano/Bozen Recommendations on National Minorities in Inter-State Relations. The Recommendations demonstrate how, under what conditions and within which limits States can support minorities residing abroad. These are the HCNM's first recommendations that deal expressly with the international dimension of the minority question, which is closely linked to both domestic and international security. This article contributes to the debate on the securitization of the minority question and on the example of the Bolzano Recommendations argues for both moral and practical validity of the HCNM's approach described as 'security through justice'.
Improving OSCE election observation
Authors: Eicher Peter
Published: March 2011

Although election observation has shown its value in enhancing public confidence and improving election practices, serious questions about the future of observation remain. Observer groups are under attack from some governments, while methods of manipulating elections have become increasingly sophisticated. A particular difficulty for observers is how to react when governments show a lack of political will to conduct fair elections. There are a number of steps that can be taken to meet these and other challenges, but ensuring that election observation remains relevant and effective will require continuing creativity, flexibility and innovations.
Can a summit advance the OSCE's work in the Human Dimension?
Authors: Goldstein Jeff
Published: March 2011

Kazakhstan's key goal for its chairmanship is to host an OSCE summit in 2010. In order for a summit to advance the Organization's human dimension work, Kazakhstan must first take concrete steps to improve its own human rights record. A summit should reaffirm the participating States' existing human dimension commitments, and their intent to address European security in a comprehensive manner, including compliance with OSCE norms in all three dimensions. It should also demonstrate the Organization's ability to address new human dimension challenges by starting the process of creating OSCE norms regarding the Internet.
From nation-building to desecuritization in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: van Willigen Niels
Published: March 2011

This article analyzes the value and impact of the nation building policy of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia). The analysis shows that the nation building effort has failed in the sense that the ethnic nationalist political culture persisted and that a collective Bosnian identity is absent. Bosnian politics continued to be dominated by ethnic nationalist political parties and ethnic group interests. The author argues that this can be explained by the continued securitization of ethnic identity. In other words, each ethnic group regards its vital interests to be existentially threatened by the other ethnic group(s). Therefore, the author concludes that when it comes to inter-ethnic cooperation, achieving good and effective government in Bosnia is not so much about nationbuilding, but about de-securitizing ethnic relations.
Advisability and feasibility of establishing a complaints mechanism for minority rights
Authors: Drzewicki Krzysztof
Published: March 2011

It has been suggested by a number of experts, states and international organizations that an effective protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities requires establishing a complaints mechanism for minority rights. Taking this as a point of departure the paper focused on the questions of the advisability and feasibility of the proposal. For the assessment of the advisability aspects supporting conclusions were identified in the experience of human rights and minority-related complaints systems in the United Nations and European frameworks. This paper further discusses a choice of a model for complaints mechanism and favours the one integrated with the Framework Convention on National Minorities. It is also submitted that the normative quality of the Framework Conventions, substantially increased through the reporting procedure in recent decade, strengthens the model based on the FCNM. Among feasibility questions the paper discusses legal basis for establishing the complaints mechanism and its basic procedural modalities. The most important conclusion inferred from the feasibility-related arguments points to the preference of a collective and not individual complaints system. Now it remains for the states to show if there is a sufficient willingness to enter negotiation on the proposed mechanism and put it into effect.
A Crime against Humanity? Implications and Prospects of the Responsibility to Protect in the Wake of Cyclone Nargis
Authors: Langmore John , McLachlan-Bent Ashley
Published: March 2011

In May 2008 Cyclone Nargis created significant international debate when the ruling military regime in Myanmar refused to allow international relief supplies and specialists into the country. The discussion that followed included invoking the principle of Responsibility to Protect as a way of forcing the regime to accept international assistance. This proposal caused sharp division amongst governments, relief agencies, journalists and citizens. The regime's shocking refusal to accept assistance constituted a crime against humanity and, as such, deserved consideration as an R2P situation. The damage which military action involves was severely underestimated by those proposing it and although the situation following Nargis clearly met the threshold criteria, permitting coercive intervention, the precautionary principles were not satisfied, thus making coercive intervention under R2P impermissible. The involvement of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) following Nargis facilitated entry of disaster assessment teams and some aid into Myanmar. In light of Myanmar's fear of intervention in its affairs, the international community should have used R2P to frame a response and worked with ASEAN from the outset to pressure the regime to respond to the disaster more effectively.
The United States and the Responsibility to Protect: Impediment, Bystander, or Norm Leader?
Authors: Reinold Theresa
Published: March 2011

The US has always reserved the right to use military force to save strangers – unilaterally, if necessary. Yet successive US Administrations have perceived this right as an option to intervene, and not as a general duty toward endangered civilians that is exercised in a more or less consistent fashion. The responsibility to protect is thus a double-edged sword for the United States: on the one hand, it legitimises the use of military means as a last resort to protect civilians from the worst human rights abuses. On the other hand, however, it limits US freedom of action by establishing clear guidelines for the use of force and by creating an expectation to act when human rights are being violated on a massive scale and all other non-military means have been exhausted. Unsurprisingly then, US engagement with the responsibility to protect has been rather ambivalent. This article reviews the Bush Administration's position on R2P in theory and practice, taking the Darfur crisis as a showcase of the Bush Administration's wavering commitment to atrocity prevention. The second part of the article discusses whether the Obama Presidency has departed from the Bush Administration's approach and assesses to what extent it will provide new impetus to the development of R2P.
First amber fossils of the extinct family Protopsyllidiidae, and their phylogenetic significance among Hemiptera
Authors: Grimaldi David
Published: March 2011

Two new species of a new genus, Postopsyllidium rebeccae and P. emilyae, are described, which are preserved in amber from northern Myanmar and central New Jersey, USA (100-90 myo), respectively. These are the first specimens of the hemipteran family Protopsyllidiidae found in amber and the latest occurrence of the family, some 50 my later than previous records; all others are compressions in rocks (many of them just wings) from the Late Permian to the Early Cretaceous. Postopsyllidium emilyae is also the first record of the group from the Western Hemisphere. A catalogue of Protopsyllidiidae is provided as well as an hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships among genera, though monophyly of the family is ambiguous. Postopsyllidium appears to be a recently derived genus, and four genera are removed from the family. Complete preservation in amber allows new insight into relationships, specifically that Postopsyllidium, and perhaps most or all Protopsyllidiidae, represent an extinct sister group to the Sternorrhyncha that retain features of some Auchenorrhyncha. Radiations of true Sternorrhyncha began in the Jurassic and Cretaceous, by which time the Protopsyllidiidae were apparently already relicts.
Revision of the genus Briarius [Fischer de Waldheim] (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Río María Guadalupe del , Lanteri Analia
Published: March 2011

Briarius [Fischer de Waldheim], senior synonym of Lamprocyphus Marshall, includes some of the most beautiful species of weevils within the Entiminae, Naupactini. It is closely related to Trichaptus Pascoe and according to the present revision has only two species, B. elegans (Roelofs) (new comb.), endemic to northeastern Brazil (Bahía and Espíritu Santo), and B. augustus (Illiger) distributed in northeastern Argentina, Brazil south of the Amazon River, and eastern Paraguay, in tropical and subtropical forests. After the examination of about 700 specimens from several localities we conclude that Briarius augustus is a complex species with population polymorphism (mainly in color vestiture) and geographic variation. Within it we have distinguished four subspecies previously described as species: B. a. augustus (Illiger) (= Cyphus oliveirae Roelofs, new syn.) occurs in Santa Catarina and Paraná on the Serra do Mar (Brazil); B. a. germari (Boheman) ranges from São Paulo to Espirítu Santo (Brazil), along the Atlantic forest; B. a. margaritaceus (Sturm) (= Cyphus consularis Chevrolat, C.. gloriandus Schoenherr, and C. spixi Perty) is distributed from Santa Catarina to Bahía (Brazil); and B. a. varnhageni (Germar) (= Lamprocyphus jacobi Hustache) ranges from Santa Catarina to northeastern Argentina (Misiones) and eastern Paraguay. Subspecies have overlapping ranges on the Serra do Mar (Santa Catarina), where it is possible to see all the variation within B. augustus. This area, same as other coastal hills along the Atlantic forests of Brazil, would have been Pleistocene refuges where species inhabiting rainforests survived and diversified during the dry-warm cycles of this period, however, time since then was probably not enough to achieve reproductive isolation, since individuals of different subspecies of B. augustus were found in copula. The paper includes descriptions and illustrations of the two valid species of the genus, and the subspecies of B. augustus. It also provides dichotomous keys, habitus photographs, illustrations of genitalia, external morphology, and a map of distribution.
Revision of the genus Lisposoma Lawrence, 1928 (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae)
Authors: Prendini Lorenzo
Published: March 2011

The endemic Namibian genus Lisposoma Lawrence, 1928, comprising two described species, represents one of two basal African genera in the Gondwanan family Bothriuridae Simon, 1880. All other, more derived genera of Bothriuridae occur in South America, India and Australia. Although the phylogenetic position of Lisposoma has become an increasingly contentious subject, three cladistic analyses based on morphological data have confirmed that it is a basal bothriurid. In view of those findings, the present contribution serves to revise the generic diagnosis of Lisposoma, last revised by Lamoral (1979), who placed the genus in the Scorpionidae Latreille, 1802 and constructed his diagnosis accordingly. A considerable number of new specimens, many representing new records for the two species of Lisposoma, have also accumulated since Lamoral's (1979) revision. These new data justify the provision of revised diagnoses and descriptions for the two species, together with a key to their identification, brief summaries of their ecology and conservation status, and a distribution map plotting all known locality records.
Genetic diversity, species phylogeny and historical biogeography of the Aquarius paludum group (Heteroptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Zettel Herbert , Damgaard Jakob
Published: March 2011

We investigated genetic diversity and phylogeny of all water strider species assigned to the Aquarius paludum species group on basis of 425 bp DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI). Parsimony analyses and genetic distances confirmed the taxonomic status of the two recently described species Aquarius lili Polhemus & Polhemus, 1994 from Timor and A. philippinensis Zettel & Ruiz, 2003 from the Philippines as being separate from the widespread Oriental A. adelaidis (Dohrn, 1860). Molecular clock estimates suggest that the disjunct zoogeographical pattern among the three species is due to a Pliocene/Pleistocene long-range dispersal, rather than a Mesozoic vicariance event as previously suggested. However, when we superimposed the disjunct distribution of Southern Hemisphere representatives of the paludum-group onto their phylogenetic relationship, the pattern indicated vicariance events following the break-up of Gondwana.
The Chloropidae (Diptera) of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Authors: Forrest Jessica , Wheeler Terry
Published: March 2011

Thirteen species of Chloropidae are recorded from the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Seven new species are described: Diplotoxa loma sp. n. (subfamily Chloropinae); Conioscinella empheria sp. n.; Gaurax gethosyne sp. n.; Hippelates alyscus sp. n.; Liohippelates baptipalpis sp. n.; Olcella anaclasta sp. n.; Olcella lupina sp. n. (subfamily Oscinellinae). Another species in the genus Apallates is apparently undescribed, but there is insufficient information to justify a formal description. Monochaetoscinella anonyma is recorded for the first time from the archipelago. Four species previously recorded from the archipelago were also identified: Cadrema pallida; Conioscinella galapagensis; Elachiptera cultrata; Liohippelates galapagensis. Previously published Galápagos records of Liohippelates pusio apparently refer to L. galapagensis. A key to the Galápagos species of Chloropidae is given. Geographic affinities of the Galápagos chloropid fauna are similar to those of other Diptera from the archipelago, with few pantropical species, some species also found in the northern Neotropical and southern Nearctic regions, and endemic species apparently with Neotropical sister groups.
Phylogenetic analysis of the genus Helicopha Mosely (Trichoptera: Helicophidae), with description of five new species from New Caledonia
Authors: Johanson Kjell Arne
Published: March 2011

Five new Helicopha species are described from New Caledonia: H. paniensis sp.n., H. amieuensis sp.n., H. einap sp.n., H. ramea sp.n. and H. dognyensis sp.n. The new species are all endemic to New Caledonia and described herein. Distributional data is included on maps for all eight New Caledonian Helicopha species. A key to the males of New Caledonian Helicophidae is presented. Phylogenetic analyses performed on morphological characters of the males of Helicophidae species show that the New Caledonia Helicopha are monophyletic, but the relationship between the Australian and New Caledonian Helicopha species is at present not fully understood. Analyzing with equally weighted characters leaves the Australian Helicopha as the sistergroup to the New Caledonian Helicopha. When characters are weighted using implied weights and concavity constant of 2, the New Zealand Zelolessica split the New Caledonian and Australian Helicopha, leaving Helicopha paraphyletic. The monotypic New Caledonian genus Briama is closely related to Helicopha in all results.
Larvae and pupae of Dascillidae (Coleoptera): morphological study and discussion of their relationships to Scarabaeoidea and Eulichadidae
Authors: Scholtz Clarke , Grebennikov Vasily
Published: March 2011

External morphology of late-instar larvae and pupae of the coleopteran family Dascillidae is revised. Larvae studied for Dascillus Latreille with two species from Europe and North America, Notodascillus Carter from Australia and Pleolobus Philippi from Chile; pupae studied for D. davidsoni LeConte. Larval diagnosis and description of the family are updated. Dascillid larvae exhibit little morphological variation and share eight apparently apomorphic characters. Widely accepted sister-group relationship between Dascillidae and Rhipiceridae is not supported with larval morphology because ectoparasitic larvae of Rhipiceridae are poorly known and apparently highly modified morphologically. The superfamily Scarabaeoidea is unlikely to be a close relative of Dascillidae since this hypothesis is based mainly on habitat-dependent convergences of soil-dwellers (grub-like body shape, reduced stemmata) or possible symplesiomorphic similarities. Ten similarities between larvae of Dascillidae and Eulichadidae (Dryopoidea) were found. Some of these are possibly synapomorphies of these two groups. Larval and pupal morphology of Dascillidae is illustrated by 26 drawings.
Ibotyporanga Mello-Leitão: tropical spiders in Brazilian semi-arid habitats (Araneae: Pholcidae)
Authors: Brescovit Antonio , Huber Bernhard
Published: March 2011

Three new species of the previously monotypic ninetine genus Ibotyporanga Mello-Leitão, 1944 are described: I. emekori sp. n., I. diroa sp. n., and I. ramosae sp. n., all from the Brazilian state Bahia. All were collected in 'caatinga', a vegetation type that covers most of the area with semiarid climate in the northeastern region of Brazil. It is argued that two alternative explanations might account for the apparently almost universal restriction of ninetines to relatively inhospitable areas: they might be a relict group (possibly monophyletic), displaced from more favorable areas by more modern pholcids; or they might be a polyphyletic assemblage of lineages that independently evolved the ability to thrive in arid and semiarid areas by reducing their body size and appendage length to fit into spaces with tolerable microclimate. Preliminary cladistic analyses based on morphology alone have not been able to settle this question.
Setting the Molecular Phylogenetic Framework for the Dermaptera
Authors:   Cassis,   Beacham,   Colgan
Published: March 2011

The insect group Dermaptera is traditionally divided into the Forficulina, comprising the majority of the species, the African rodent commensals, Hemimerina, and the Indo-Malayan bat commensals, Arixeniina. Numerous contrasting classifications and phylogenies exist for the Dermaptera, based on morphological, molecular and biogeographic data. We have collected varying number of sequences from fifteen Forficulina and six outgroups to establish a molecular hypothesis of the group's phylogeny. Despite repeated attempts, we were unable to obtain sequence data for Arixeniina and Hemimerina. We obtained partial sequences for four taxa for cytochrome oxidase 1 (with two additional taxa from GenBank), twelve for 16S rDNA, fifteen for 28S rDNA expansion region 1, seven for expansion region 9-10, and nine for 18S rDNA (plus seven sequences from GenBank). In combined analyses, the root of the Dermaptera lies between Anisolabididae and other families. This position is not directly supported by bootstrap analyses. Indirect evidence for the basal position of Anisolabididae, Pygidicranidae and Apachyidae is however found in the association of the four other studied groups (Labiduridae, Spongiphoridae, Chelisochidae and Forficulidae) in a derived clade with significant bootstrap support. The division of Forficulina into Catadermaptera and Eudermaptera is not supported as the former is paraphyletic in the present analyses. Eudermaptera is monophyletic with bootstrap support but is sister group to Labiduridae, a taxon usually assigned to the Catadermaptera.
Revision and cladistic analysis of the spider family Hersiliidae (Arachnida, Araneae) with emphasis on Neotropical and Nearctic species
Authors: Rheims Cristina Anne , Brescovit Antonio Domingos
Published: March 2011

Hersiliidae Thorell is a family of conspicuously long-legged spiders, characterized by extremely elongate posterior lateral spinnerets. To date, it includes 148 species distributed within seven genera, of which Tama Simon is the only one recorded in the Neotropical Region. Of the 23 known Tama species, 18 are exclusively Neotropical. In order to enhance the scientific knowledge on the family and its members this study presents a cladistic analysis and a taxonomic revision of the Neotropical and Nearctic hersilids. The cladistic analysis places the Neotropical and Neartic species in two separate clades, none of which are closely related to the genus Tama. Based on this result, Tama mexicana (O.P.-Cambridge) and T. forcipata (F.O.P.-Cambridge) are transferred to Neotama and three new genera are proposed to include the remaining species: Ypypuera n. gen. to include T. crucifera Vellard and T. vittata (Simon); Iviraiva n. gen. to include T. pachyura Mello-Leitão and T. argentina Mello-Leitão; and Yabisi n. gen to include T. habanensis Franganillo. Based on the taxonomic revision, eight synonymies are proposed: Tama crulsi Mello-Leitão, Tama micrura Mello-Leitão and T. occidentalis Schenkel with Ypypuera crucifera (Vellard); T. brasiliensis Piza and T. karinae Carcavallo with I. pachyura (Mello-Leitão); T. catamarcaensis Carcavallo and T. longipes Carcavallo with I. argentina (Mello-Leitão); and T. guianensis Mello-Leitão with Neotama mexicana (O.P.-Cambridge); three names are placed as nomina dubia: Tama americana (Simon), T. albigastra Mello-Leitão and T. sasaimae Mello-Leitão and four new species are described: Neotama cunhabebe, from São Paulo, Brazil, Neotama obatala, from Bahia, Brazil, Ypypuera esquisita, from Quevedo, Ecuador, and Yabisi guaba, from Pedernales, Dominican Republic. The family Hersiliidae, the genus Neotama and all three new genera, as well as all Neotropical and Nearctic species are redescribed and diagnosed and a identification key is presented.
Is the pronotal punctuation of Tingidae (Heteroptera) related to exaggerated traits?
Authors: Guilbert Eric
Published: March 2011

The pronotum of most of the Tingidae (Insecta, Heteroptera) is punctate. Observed with scanning electron microscope, the punctuation is made of pits with or without marginal protuberances at the entry, and with or without an associated sensilla. The distribution of the pits, the shape and number of their protuberances vary according to the species. The evolution of the punctuation may be related to the evolution of the pronotal and hemelytral shapes. The function of this punctuation remains unknown. However, it could be glandular and involved in protection against predators by secreting pheromones, or in an excretion phenomenon by excreting exudate. It could be also sensitive receptors involved in communication within species.
A basal chalcidoid (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from the earliest Cretaceous or latest Jurassic of Mongolia
Authors: Quicke Donald , Basibuyuk Hasan , Rasnitsyn Alexandr
Published: March 2011

Khutelchalcis gobiensis gen. et sp. n. (Khutelchalcididae fam. n.), based on a tiny impression fossil collected from the lowermost Cretaceous or uppermost Jurassic deposits of Khutel-Khara in East Mongolia, was studied using an environmental chamber scanning electron microscope. Character analysis suggests that the fossil belongs to a putative basal group of the Chalcidoidea. The greatly reduced wing venation, apparent presence of multiporous plate sensillae with long aperture on the flagellomeres, and a high antennal insertion all suggest that the new taxa is related to the Chalcidoidea. The angulation of fore wing vein Cu at the M+Cu fork is similar to that of Jurassic Jurapriidae, Cretaceous Serphitidae as well as various chalcidoids. This character might be a synapomorphy for Chalcidoidea + Serphitoidea (including Mymarommatidae) + Jurapriidae, which in turn are possibly a sister clade to Platygastroidea. The small size of this species is discussed in relation to conflicting scenarios concerning the plesiomorphic biology of the chalcidoid+proctotrupoid linage. Mymarommatidae and Serphitidae are combined in a single superfamily, Serphitoidea Brues, 1937 (= Mymarommatoidea Debauche, 1948, syn. nov.).
A molecular phylogeny and social behaviour of Japanese Ceratina (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Xylocopinae)
Authors: Cronin Adam
Published: March 2011

Primitively eusocial insect are often considered particularly useful for investigations into the processes underlying the origins of eusociality. Ceratinine bees have long been regarded as solitary, but sometimes exhibit oddly social traits for solitary species, while other species are known to be social, and social behaviour has been artificially induced in others still (Maeta & Sakagami 1995; Sakagami & Maeta 1995). Recent studies have had some success in elucidating aspects of the evolution of social behaviour in some groups using phylogenetics to infer historical changes in social behaviour (eg: Danforth 2002; Schwarz et al. 2003; Bull et al. 2003). Phylogenetic treatments of Ceratina have only recently been attempted in earnest (Terzo 2000) and behavioural data is lacking for many Ceratina species. Nonetheless, the Japanese fauna represents some of the most comprehensively studied Ceratina, and this study uses nucleotide data from mitochondrial COI and CytB and nuclear EF-1α regions to infer a phylogeny of Japanese Ceratina species. Data give good resolution for the subgeneric groups, and provide some support for the recent morphological phylogeny of Terzo (2000), but little resolution for higher relationships. Behavioural data suggest that sociality is variable within subgenera. The diversity and primitive nature of social behaviour in this group make it one of the most promising to provide insights into the process of social evolution, but more data are clearly needed.
A revision of Neotropical Eneopterinae crickets (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Eneopteridae) with a phylogenetic discussion
Authors: Robillard Tony , Desutter-Grandcolas Laure
Published: March 2011

A revision of Eneopterinae crickets from the Neotropical region is achieved in a cladistic perspective using for the first time characters of male and female genitalia and male forewing venation. Each genus is redefined and its monophyly assessed with reference to all known Eneopterinae genera. 6 new species are described (Eneoptera gracilis, E. nigripedis, Ligypterus belmontensis, L. linharensis, L. pernambucensis and Ponca hebardi) and an identification key is proposed for both males and females. Phylogenetic relationships are discussed and distributions characterised.
Taxonomic revision of Thoracocyphus Emden (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Lanteri Analia , Río M. Guadalupe del
Published: March 2011

Thoracocyphus Emden is a genus of broad-nosed weevils (Entiminae: Naupactini) with only two species: T. denticollis Emden and T. hatschbachi Bondar. Both taxa are endemic to Brazil and range in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and Paraná. Based on morphological characters of the antennae, eyes, mouth-parts, corbel plates and spermatheca, Thoracocyphus is closely related to Briarius [Fischer de Waldheim] (syn. of Lamprocyphus Marshall). The strong denticles located on the inner face of the three pairs of tibiae, and the presence of tubercles on the sides of the pronotum and humeri indicates that Thoracocyphus is more closely related to Teratopactus Heller. This contribution includes redescriptions of the genus and its species, a dichotomous key, habitus photographs and illustrations of the diagnostic characters of the external morphology, mouth-parts and genitalia.
A procedure for combined genitalia dissection and DNA extraction in Lepidoptera
Authors: Knölke Sonja , Segerer Andreas , Miller Michael , Hausmann Axel , Erlacher Sven
Published: March 2011

Extraction of DNA from Lepidoptera is a destructive procedure and curators are often reluctant to provide museum specimens for molecular investigations. On the other hand, dissection of abdomens and genitalia is a standard procedure for description and identification of species and generally accepted even for type material. We present a method that combines the investigation of morphological traits in genitalia with the analysis of DNA sequence information by modifying the dissection protocol. Maceration of abdomens in potassium hydroxide is replaced by enzymatic digestion of soft tissue followed by DNA extraction. DNA extracted from abdomens is suitable for sequencing, as shown for the mitochondrial COI gene appropriate for species identification. Enzymatically treated abdomens proved to be sufficient for preservation of morphological traits. Recommendations are given for appropriate treatment of collected specimens and for routine use of enzymatic digestion.
Phylogeny and classification of the tribe Calopterini (Coleoptera, Lycidae)
Authors: Bocakova Milada
Published: March 2011

The phylogeny of lycid tribe Calopterini is examined in the light of adult morphological evidence. Representatives from each of the Calopterini genus - group taxa and genera Dictyoptera, Lygistopterus, Conderis, Plateros, and Lycus are examined. An investigation of Calopterini phylogeny is presented here, based on 33 characters and 24 supraspecific terminal taxa, representing genera whose monophyly was implicitly assumed. Four cladistic analyses were performed with equal and successive weights and multistate characters treated as additive and non-additive, respectively. The preferred hypothesis, a strict consensus tree generated using successive weighting and unordered characters yields the scheme of relationships (Eurrhacina + (Calopterina + (Cyrtopteron + Mesopteron + Falsocaenia + Acroleptina))). On the basis of these results, two new subtribes Eurrhacina and Acroleptina are proposed.
Revision of the South American genus Parorphula (Orthoptera: Acrididae; Hyalopterygini) with the description of a new genus
Authors: Donato Mariano
Published: March 2011

In this study Parorphula is re-described based on characters from the external morphology and genitalia. This genus comprised two species: P. pallidinota and P. latipennis, that were described based mostly on characters from external morphology. The morphological analysis conducted in this study plus the support of results from a cladistic analysis showed that external morphological characters justify the creation of a new genus for P. latipennis. Therefore, the genus Neorphula is proposed and the new combination is established.
Biochemical Systematics, Biogeography and Evolutionary Rates in Species of the Mediterranean Genus Tyrrhenoleuctra (Plecoptera, Leuctridae)
Authors:   Oliverio,   Ketmaier,   Sezzi, de Figueroa J. M. Tierno ,   Fochetti
Published: March 2011

The western Mediterranean stonefly genus Tyrrhenoleuctra traditionally includes 3 species: T. minuta (Spain, North Africa, Balearic Islands), T. tangerina (Spain, North Africa), T. zavattarii (Corsica and Sardinia). Since the traditional morphological characters display great and overlapping variation, allozyme electrophoresis was used to clarify taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships within the genus and to discuss biogeographical implications. The results clearly discriminate at least four entities: the Corso-Sardinian unit, for which the name T. zavattarii can be used; the Balearic population, representing an undescribed species; at least two Iberian peninsular species. However, more data on topotypic populations are needed to define the taxonomic status of the Iberian species (including definition of the currently used names T. minuta and T. tangerina). The presence of Tyrrhenoleuctra in Sardinia and Corsica is likely due to an old vicariance event following separation of the Sardinia-Corsica microplate from the Iberian Peninsula. Calibration of the molecular clock (genetic distances vs. Corso-Sardinian plate split from Iberia) resulted in a very low evolutionary rate (0.008 D/my), lower than those found in taxonomically distant groups (including stoneflies) with similar distribution.
A re-evaluation of the genus Colonomyia Colless (Diptera, Sciaroidea), with the description of two new species
Authors: Jaschhof Mathias , Hippa Heikki
Published: March 2011

The genus Colonomyia Colless contains six species in the Australasian and Neotropical Regions. Several recognized synapomorphies leave no doubt that Colonomyia is a monophyletic group, with the Australasian species more closely related to one another than to the Neotropical species. On arguments derived from the wing venation, Colonomyia is hypothesized to be the sister-group of the genus Ohakunea Edwards, both together representing a lineage distinct from the family-level taxa currently recognized in the Sciaroidea. Colonomyia borea sp. n. from Costa Rica and C. rakelae sp. n. from Papua New Guinea are described. Recognition of these new species extends the distribution of the genus Colonomyia into the tropical zone and the northern hemisphere.
Revision of the Timasius chinai species group (Insecta: Heteroptera: Hebridae), with descriptions of ten new species
Authors: Zettel Herbert
Published: March 2011

The Timasius chinai species group is redefined and taxonomically revised. Twelve species are distributed on the Asian mainland from northeastern India to southeastern China and to the Malay Peninsula, on Tioman Island, and on Java. The two earlier described species, T. chinai (Lundblad, 1933) (from Indonesia: Java) and T. miyamotoi Andersen, 1981 (from Thailand and China; first record from Laos), are redescribed. Ten new species are described: Timasius anderseni sp.n. (from Vietnam), T. gracilis sp.n. (from China: Hong Kong), T. indicus sp.n. (from India: Meghalaya), T. laoticus sp.n. (from Laos), T. malayensis sp.n. (from West Malaysia), T. montanus sp.n. (from northern Thailand), T. schuhi sp.n. (from West Malaysia: Tioman Island), T. schwendingeri sp.n. (from northeastern Thailand), T. yangae sp.n. (from West Malaysia: Tioman Island and Selangor), and T. yunnanensis sp.n. (from China: Yunnan). Keys to the species are provided based on external characteristics and on the genitalia of the males.
The genus Dichopygina gen. n. (Diptera: Sciaridae)
Authors: Vilkamaa Pekka , Hippa Heikki , Komarova Lyudmila
Published: March 2011

The Northern Hemispheric sciarid species placed in the nigrohalteralis group of Corynoptera Winnertz are a monophyletic unit, which is described as a new genus Dichopygina gen. n. (type-species Bradysia (Chaetosciara) triseriata var nigrohalteralis Frey). The genus is Holarctic in distribution and includes the following species which are keyed and described: Dichopygina aculeata sp. n. (Holarctic), D. bernhardi sp. n. (Palaearctic), D. duplicis sp. n. (Nearctic), D. intermedia (Mohrig & Krivosheina) (Palaearctic), D. nigrohalteralis (Frey) (Holarctic), D. ramosa sp. n. (Palaearctic) and D. stricta sp. n. (Nearctic). Our previously published cladistic analysis suggests that the species now included in Dichopygina gen. n. are sister taxa to a large clade including the current Lycoriella Frey and elements of Corynoptera and Bradysia Winnertz. Corynoptera acanthostyla Tuomikoski and the New Zealand species referred to the Corynoptera nigrohalteralis group are excluded.
Three new species of Stibeutes and Gnotus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from holm-oak and cork-oak Mediterranean forests
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Estefanía , Bordera Santiago
Published: March 2011

The new species Stibeutes hirsutus, S. calderonae and Gnotus klausi from Spanish holm-oak and cork-oak woods are described and illustrated. Data on their habitat and the phenology of S. hirsutus are reported. The species S. breviareolatus collected in a cork-oak forest is recorded for the first time for Spain. New keys for the Gnotus tenuipes species group and for the Spanish species of Stibeutes are provided.
Taxonomy, distribution and first eco-ethological data of Melampsalta varipes (Waltl, 1837), an unrecognized cicada (Hemiptera, Cicadidae)
Authors: Puissant Stephane
Published: March 2011

The west Palaearctic cicada Melampsalta varipes (Waltl, 1837) has been studied for the first time in Spain. After a summary of its taxonomy and the designation of a neotype, its distribution and habitat in Spain and Portugal are given. M. varipes can be considered as a typical Mediterranean cicada essentially found in open fields, i.e. with low percentage of ligneous plants. The increase of tourism activities and the abrupt agricultural practice modification probably modify its habitat endangering the populations. Males call either when static on a perch or in flight. The song is attractive to both sexes, one singing male stimulating a chorus from surrounding males. The calling song consists of monotonous trains of short echeme and long echeme. Each echeme is composed of two parts: a successive short train of pulses and a sustained train of pulses. The structure of the signal varied among individuals in both temporal and frequency parameters suggesting individual acoustic markers. The duration of the inter-echeme silence may act as a simple specific recognition process. The frequency pattern show two groups of frequencies which could guide the female over long distances to males and then help them to localize males at close range.
Phylogenetic relationships and character evolution among selected species of Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on multiple mitochondrial genes
Authors: Smith Paul , Armstrong Karen , Kambhampati Srinivas
Published: March 2011

Several species within the fruit fly genus Bactrocera (Diptera: Tephritidae) are serious pests of cultivated fruit. The number of species within the genus and the relationships among them are not well understood. Therefore, we inferred phylogenetic relationships among thirty-nine Bactrocera species from 1819 base pairs of portions of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, NADH 1 dehydrogenase, and cytochrome oxidase II + tRNA-Lys + tRNA-Asp genes. Maximum parsimony analysis suggested the following relationships: (1) Bactrocera is monophyletic, (2) B. (Zeugodacus) is polyphyletic, (3) B. (Daculus) is a sister group to B. (Bactrocera), (4) B. (Bactrocera) is monophyletic, and (5) the B. (B.) dorsalis complex is polyphyletic. Character evolution, biogeography, and male-lure response were evaluated in a phylogenetic context by mapping selected character states onto the parsimony tree. Our mapping analysis suggested that in most cases the morphological characters exhibit a simple evolutionary transition from one character state another. Within the subgenus B. (Bactrocera) four distinct clades were identified which correlated with geographic distribution. Male-lure response was identified as being a labile behavior that has been lost on multiple occasions. Cue-lure response was plesiomorphic to methyl-eugenol response and the latter has evolved independently within the Bactrocera and Zeugodacus groups. The implications of our results toward a coherent, consolidated classification for Bactrocera are discussed.
Review of the south-west Asian genus Scotodrymadusa (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae): systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of an eremial lineage
Authors: Heller Klaus Gerhard , Ciplak Battal
Published: March 2011

The genus Scotodrymadusa, distributed in south-west Asia, is revised based on previous materials and new specimens collected from new localities. A key to all species is presented. Paradrymadusa palaestina Uvarov is placed in synonymy with Scotodrymadusa philbyi (Uvarov). Scotodrymadusa anatolica (Werner), Scotodrymadusa rammei (Uvarov), Scotodrymadusa turcica Ramme, Scotodrymadusa amani Ramme and Scotodrymadusa kozana Ramme are synonymised with Scotodrymadusa syriaca Pictet. Cladistic analysis confirmed the monophyly of Scotodrymadusa. Relationships among the species of Scotodrymadusa are: S. cincta + (S. maculata + (S. persica + (S. persa + S. annulicornis + (S. ozkani + (S. philbyi + S. satunini + S. gedrosica + (S. ebneri + S. syriaca)))))). The biogeography of the genus shows a correlation with its phylogeny. It is assumed that the genus is an eremial form and arose from an ancestral stock in Iran plus east Anatolia before Pliocene and the later range of genus is mediated by the tectonic evolution of Anatolian, Iranian and Arabian plates.