We report here the discovery of a remarkable new monotypic mygalomorph spider genus, known only from one geographical location along the central coast of California. The single relict species comprising Cryptocteniza kawtak n. gen. n. sp., is morphologically distinct and geographically isolated from other related genera, with its closest phylogenetic relatives found much further to the east in New Mexico and Arizona. Using a phylogenomic approach employing anchored hybrid enrichment, we reconstruct the evolutionary history of the family Euctenizidae Raven, 1985 to explore relationships among genera, affirmatively place previously undescribed taxa, explore rates of diversification, and reconstruct the group's biogeography. A biogeographic analysis shows that extinction likely played a significant role in shaping the observed disjunct modern-day distribution of Cryptocteniza and its sister taxa. Our extinction hypothesis is further bolstered by a diversification rate analysis identifying considerably higher rates of speciation in other euctenizid lineages like Aptostichus Simon, 1891. Consequently, changes in environmental conditions (or other related biotic and/or abiotic factors) may have spurred an adaptive radiation in related genera now widely distributed across the California Floristic Province biodiversity hotspot, with concomitant extinction in Cryptocteniza following the Miocene and establishment of a Mediterranean climate. Owing to its phylogenetic distinctiveness, incredibly narrow distribution and age, we show that Cryptocteniza meets all the criteria of an ‘Endangered Living Fossil’ and is consequently of grave conservation concern.

The discovery of new biodiversity, during an age of unprecedented extinction, is vital for all the life sciences and the quality of human life. One ecologically and economically important group that requires attention is the hymenopteran family Braconidae, which is estimated to include thousands of undescribed species. Here we assessed the genetic structure and species diversification in the braconid wasp genus Allorhogas Gahan (Doryctinae) that were reared from galls of five cynipid wasp species associated with three live oak species (Fagaceae: Quercus: subsection Virentes) in the southeastern United States. We explored genetic variation in the single-locus barcoding COI region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and conducted analyses with different DNA sequence-based species delimitation approaches both for the above marker and genome-wide nuclear data using ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We found high variation in the mtDNA barcoding region among specimens of Allorhogas reared from galls made by different cynipid species in distinct plant organs and among specimens reared from the same type of gall from two separate geographic regions. In addition, our analyses of mtDNA and multilocus nuclear data were concordant in consistently delimiting at least five genetic lineages. We combined this molecular evidence with morphological data to describe four new species and redescribe the type species of the genus, Allorhogas gallicola Gahan, which exhibited similar morphological, ecological, and biogeographic characteristics to the four new species.This study highlights the importance of carrying detailed rearing surveys to uncover the intricate species interactions and species diversity that is present in gall-former systems.

A series of different-looking tiger moths was collected at pyrrolizidine alkaloid baits in the daytime in Peru. They proved to be variants of a new genus, Vanewrightia gen. nov., and a new species, Vanewrightia kiesela sp. nov., both described here.This species presents a striking example of extensive intraspecific variation within a population. Its discovery demonstrates the importance of sampling moths by means other than collecting with light, of studying patterns of wing undersides, and of the value of barcoding. Specimens found in collections considered here potentially to represent further species of the new genus are documented and discussed; Vanewrightia subflavescens (Kaye, 1911) comb. nov., and Vanewrightia patawaensis (Cerda, 2017) comb. nov. are established; we propose Epidesma parva (Rothschild, 1912) as a junior synonym of E. aurimacula (Schaus, 1905). The newly recognized intraspecific variation greatly challenges delimitation of morphospecies and uncovers uncertainties in the taxonomy of Epidesma Hübner, [1819]. The occurrence of an oblique forewing band in many Lepidoptera and the stunning similarity in overall appearance of variants of Vanewrightia with unrelated taxa, in particular notodontid moths (Josiini) and Chamaelimnas C. & R. Felder, [1885] butterflies (Riodinidae), are discussed in the context of mimicry and crypsis, and some perspectives for further research are suggested.