This paper describes a new subspecies of oblique-lined tiger beetle, Cicindela tranquebarica joaquinensis, from the San Joaquin Valley of California. This new subspecies is most closely related to C. t. vibex with which it intergrades along the margins of the San Joaquin Valley. The maculation pattern of C. t. joaquinensis, like that of C. t. arida is characterized by being reduced to only the apical lunules. However, C. t. arida is significantly smaller in body size, has microserrations on the elytra, is restricted to the Death Valley area and thus well separated from C. t. joaquinensis by both distance and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A study of collection records indicated C. t. joaquinensis was historically present throughout much of the San Joaquin Valley in alkali sink or flat habitats. A search of the historic and many additional sites with these habitats produced only three extant populations of C. t. joaquinensis, all in patches of habitat that were less than three hectares in size. The extirpation of most populations of this beetle was caused by habitat loss from intense agricultural development in the San Joaquin Valley, especially cultivation for crops, cattle grazing, and water diversions and modifications related to irrigation. Increased vegetation is also reducing the open areas in the habitats needed by this species. Because of the very few and small extant populations and the elimination of nearly all of the alkali sink habitat, C. t. joaquinensis should be considered for endangered status by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Parochlus kiefferi (Garrett, 1925) Brundin (Diptera, Chironomidae) was found in two high-altitude glacial ponds (2455 m a.s.l.) in the Italian Alps (Trentino). This represents the first record of the tribe Podonomini and the second record of the subfamily Podonominae from Italy. New information on the geographical distribution and the ecological traits of the species is given.

A gynandromorph of a pierid butterfly, Eurema hecabe, caught at Mt. Tsukuba in Central Japan is described here. Wings were apparently bilaterally asymmetric, while the external and internal genitalia clearly showed the morphology and genotype of the female. The fact that this individual showed a female genotype excluded the possibility of incomplete feminization due to Wolbachia infection. Presence of a spermatophore in the bursa copulatrix and the difference in number of matured eggs between the right and left ovaries indicated that this gynandromorphic individual had copulated and oviposited in the field.

A description is provided of the cavity-nests of Isodontia elegans (Smith), one of three North American members of the subgenus Murrayella. As is typical of its close relatives and of other populations of the same species, females constructed multi-cellular nests in tunnels (trap-nests in this case) and separated cells with 2–20 cm thick partitions consisting of finely cut, dried plant fragments. Cells, up to five per nest, were stocked solely with tree crickets (Oecanthus quadripunctatus), 97% of which were adults, primarily females. From 3 to 11 prey were placed in individual brood cells, with female offspring receiving, on average, 40% more prey than males.

A new species of Rhamphomyia (s. str.) from southern Anatolia (Karaman province) is described and illustrated and compared with related species.

A new species, Asyndetus ventralis sp. n., is described from Yunnan and a species, Asyndetus thaicus Grootaert and Meuffels, is recorded from China for the first time. A key is given to separate the Chinese species.

The Polana (Polanana) sana species group consists of eight species. Included are: P. (P.) sana DeLong (=P. (P.) santana DeLong and Foster, new synonym), P. (P.) tropica DeLong and Triplehorn, and six new species, P. (P.) ordinaria, P. (P.) brevis, P. (P.) declivata, P. (P.) diplota, P. (P.) minima, and P. (P.) ancistra. Polana (P.) sana is now known from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru, P. (P.) tropica and P. (P.) brevis are known from Colombia and Peru, and the other five species are only known from Colombia.

The funnel-web spider, Agelena gracilens Koch C. L., 1841 is widely distributed throughout Middle Europe, Mediterranean countries, and Middle Asia. The aim of this study is to describe the functional morphology of the venom apparatus in A. gracilens using scanning electron microscopy. The organization of the venom apparatus of A. gracilens follows the general structure of the venom apparatus of other spiders. The venom apparatus is situated anteriorly in the prosoma and it is composed of a pair of chelicerae and venom glands. Each chelicera consists of a stout basal and a movable apical (fang) segments. The fang rests in a furrow on the basal segment and it narrows apically. There are parallel fine grooves on the surface of the fang. To eject the venom, a venom pore is located on the subterminal part of the fang. The venom glands of A. gracilens are of equal size and tubular. Each gland is surrounded by a bulky muscular layer. Also, neurons innervate the surface of the venom gland by SEM.

A new genus and species, Laminatopina orientalis, gen. et sp. n. from China is described and illustrated, and assigned to the tribe Delphacini within the subfamily Delphacinae (Delphacidae). The new genus resembles Neometopina Yang, 1989, but can best be distinguished from the latter by features of the male genitalia.

A new genus, Postleniatus and species, P. glycosmisus, collected in Australia, are described. The relationship with Pomponatius Distant and Turrana Distant is discussed. An illustration of the new species and figures of the hemelytra, male genital capsule, and female genital plates are provided. A key to the Australian Acanthocorini is provided.

A new species, Oxycera quadrilineata sp. n., is described from Turkey and diagnostic characters are illustrated and compared with four related species. Oxycera galeata (Lindner, 1975), Oxycera grata Loew, 1869 and Oxycera pardalina Meigen, 1822 are recorded for the fauna of Turkey for the first time.

A new genus, Rectimarginalis is erected for Holochlora fuscospinosa, H. traba, H. ensis comb. nov. and Rectimarginalis profunda sp. nov., based on the distinguished male stridulatory apparatus and male epiproct with possession of a stick-shaped projection. The new genus belongs to the tribe Holochlorini. A key to the eleven Chinese genera of Holochlorini is provided. A new species, R. profunda, is described from southwestern China. Two more new combinations, R. ensis (De Haan), and R. traba (Ingrisch), are proposed. A key to all four species of Rectimarginalis is given, together with illustrations of important taxonomic characters.

Information is presented on the distribution, life cycle, and larval feeding habits of Pherbellia inflexa Fisher, whose larvae attack the small land snail Zonitoides arboreus (Zonitidae).