Chromosome C-band karyotypes, heterochromatin content and chromosome chiasma during meiotic prophase of two short-winged locust species Caryanda cultricerca and Caryanda amplexicerca (Orthoptera, Catantopidae) were studied. Results indicated that both species had a diploid chromosome number of 2n (♂) = 23 and a XO sex-determining mechanism. All chromosomes were telocentric except the S₉ of C. cultricerca. The autosomes can be classified into large, medium and short groups. In C. cultricerca there were 19 C-bands while C. cultricerca had 16 C-bands; both species had an approximately equal value in the total of heterochromatic content (21.91% vs. 21.58%). As for the chromosome behavior in meiosis, 1 chiasmata and 2 chiasmata types occurred most frequently in both species during meiotic prophase. Moreover, the differences in chromosome karyotype, characteristics of sex-chromosome and their significance in adaptation and differentiation of these two species are discussed.

We tested two hypotheses that investigated the pattern of attack by a gall-inducing insect on its host plant Astronium fraxinifolium (Anacardiaceae) in two contrasting habitats: cerrado (a savannic formation that indicates harsh conditions) and gallery forest (indicating moist conditions): (i) that galling female preference and larval performance are higher in xeric than mesic habitats; (ii) that vigorous modules are more attacked by the galling female insects where their larvae achieve higher performance independent of the habitat. The attack preference by the female galling did not differ between habitats. However, the larval performance was higher in the xeric habitat (cerrado) (76%) compared to the mesic habitat (gallery forest) (24%), partially supporting the first hypothesis. In general, bottom-up and top-down forces controlling the gall-inducing insect were higher in the mesic habitat. Shoot size of A. fraxinifolium did not influence the selection by the females for oviposition in any of the habitats. But, larger shoots provided better larval performance only in xeric habitats. In this way, galling performance is strongly habitat dependent and long-term differences in mortality rates between mesic and xeric habitats may have led to greater performance and success in dry environments.

We report the collection of larvae of Ameletus from several streams in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota from 1992 to the present. This represents a new state record for South Dakota for the family Ameletidae.

The wax gland plates of 58 species in 26 genera of three tribes of Hormaphidinae, a group of aphids with wax gland plates typical of aphids as a whole, are studied. We systematically analyzed the morphological diversity of wax gland plates in this group and discussed possible scenarios for their evolution. The results suggest that wax gland plates in Hormaphidinae show great diversity in four aspects: distribution, degree of development, shape and structure. In addition, ontogenetic changes in wax gland plates are found in several species. Wax gland plates with six rows on the dorsum appear to be the primordial type and there is a general trend for the degeneration of wax gland plates in Hormaphidinae. Wax gland plates appear to contain certain phylogenetic signals and consequently may be of great importance to phylogenetic and evolutionary research on aphids.

Chorthippus changbaishanensis longipennis ssp. nov., a new subspecies of Chorthippus Fieber collected from Jilin Province, China, is described. It differs from the nominal subspecies, Chorthippus changbaishanensis Liu, in the following characters: 1) both tegmina and hind wings of male and female are developed, their length approximately equal, surpassing the apex of hind femur; 2) longitudinal diameter of female compound eyes is 1.4 times longer than horizontal diameter, and 1.12 times length of subocular furrow; 3) foveolae of female is shorter, the length is about 2.5 times the width.

We collected Diplolepis spp. galls on Rosa canina L. between April and September in 2007, 2008 and 2009 in the Inner Western Anatolian. In this study, only inquilines Periclistus brandtii were reared from Diplolepis mayri (Schlechtendal), 1877 galls on laboratory conditions. Periclistus brandtii is a new record for Turkey fauna at genus and species levels. The characteristic features are briefly described; data on distribution and ecological notes are also given. We also discuss effects of Periclistus brandtii on Diplolepis galls and Rosa canina.

This report documents the first records of the green lacewing Leucochrysa pavida (Hagen) in New Jersey. The collected specimens were a second instar larva from East Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, two second instar larvae from Tuckahoe, Cape May County, New Jersey, and five second instar larvae from Villas, Cape May County, New Jersey. It is unknown whether these specimens represent a recent range expansion of a more southerly species or a species that was overlooked previously because of extreme crypsis and relatively small size.

Two new species of the genus Synonychimorpha Miyatake, 1994 are described from Laos: S. trimaculata sp. nov. and S. laosensis sp. nov. A key to the known species of this genus is given.

Eccinetus Muesebeck & Walkley, 1956 (Belytinae) from China is revised, with two species described and illustrated as new species: E. flatiscapus sp. nov. and E. yunnanensis sp. nov. Three species were recorded for the first time from China: E. hardyi Buhl, 1998, E. rectinervis (Kieffer, 1913) and E. seticornis Buhl, 1998. A key to the world species of this genus is provided. The types of new species are deposited in the Hymenoptera Collection of South China Agricultural University (SCAU).

The moth Orgyia ericae Germar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is an important pest of deciduous trees and woody scrublands in northern China. A survey within this pest-affected zone was conducted to collect and rear braconid parasitoids associated with the immature stages of the moths. A new braconid parasitoid of this pest, Bracon (Habrobracon) erduos sp. nov., is recognized and described. It proved to be an ectoparasitoid of the larvae of Orgyia ericae Germar. The examined specimens are deposited in the Parasitic Hymenoptera Collection, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (ZJUH).

Abies religiosa (Pinaceae) is native to mountains of central and southern Mexico and western Guatemala, A. hickeli is found only in Mexican states of Veracruz and Oaxaca. Fir forests grow at altitudes of 2000 to 3600 m and account for only 0.16% of the total area of the country. Megastigmus (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) larvae damage up to 57% of the seed production of Cupressaceae, Taxodiaceae and Pinaceae. We examined 8,809 seeds of A. religiosa and A. hickeli and found damage caused by an insect identified as Megastigmus sp. This is the first report of Megastigmus in seeds of Abies religiosa in the state of Veracruz and the first in A. hickeli, considered an endangered species. Data over three years revealed infestations between 8.56% and 10.55%. Our results establish a basis for monitoring Megastigmus population in the zone and for taking preventive management measures in case of increased damage to the seeds.

Chinese Palmon Dalman (Hymenoptera: Torymidae: Toryminae) are revised. Species are parasitoids in mantid egg masses. Palmon longistigmus Xiao & Zhao sp. nov., is described as new, and two species, Palmon greeni (Crawford) and Palmon megarhopalus (Masi), are newly reported from the China mainland and redescribed. The new species can be distinguished by the length of postmarginal vein and number of teeth on metafemur. A key to the three Chinese species is provided.