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A recent study proposed a new genetic lineage of leatherback turtles ( Dermochelys coriacea ) based on genetic analysis, environmental history, and local ecological knowledge (LEK), suggesting the existence of two possible species or subspecies on the beaches of Oaxaca, diverging ~ 13.5 Mya. However, this hypothesis may be influenced by nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (NUMTs), which could have been misamplified as true mtDNA. NUMTs are sequences that have migrated from the mitochondrial genome to the nuclear genome and can co-amplify with mtDNA, potentially leading to erroneous phylogenetic interpretations. We re-examined the evidence for this proposed lineage by reviewing taxonomic literature and additional genetic data. Our analysis indicates that the divergent sequences, previously associated with a new lineage of D. coriacea , are NUMTs rather than true mitochondrial sequences. This is the first evidence of NUMTs in sea turtles. We also proposed a more specific primer for the mitochondrial control region ( D-loop ) for leatherback turtles to avoid amplifying nuclear copies. Our findings highlight the importance of rigorous genetic validation in conservation genetics, where misinterpretations can significantly impact species management. Finally, we developed a general protocol for detecting NUMTs applicable to any species.

The genus Sclerodermus Latreille (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) comprises over 80 species of ectoparasitoids of insect pests in forests, agricultural environments, and stored products with a cosmopolitan distribution. Despite its growing significance in biological control, behavioral ecology, and public health, the taxonomy of the genus remains poorly resolved. This is largely due to morphological reduction and simplification among species, outdated or incomplete original descriptions, and limited access to type material. A particularly problematic case is Sclerodermus cereicollis Kieffer, originally described from two geographically disjunct populations: Giglio Island (Italy, Palaearctic) and Annobón Island (Equatorial Guinea, Afrotropical). The syntype series includes morphologically divergent specimens, casting doubt on their conspecificity. In this study, we redescribe S. cereicollis based on both the original syntypes and newly collected material from Italy. A lectotype is designated to stabilize the nomenclature, and we provide the first molecular data for the species to assess genetic cohesion among populations. Comparative morphological and molecular analyses reveal that the Afrotropical syntypes represent a distinct, previously undescribed species. Accordingly, we describe Sclerodermus annobonensis Masini, Colombo & Azevedo sp. nov., designating a holotype. This study refines species boundaries within Sclerodermus and highlights the value of integrative taxonomy, combining historical and contemporary data, in resolving persistent systematic ambiguities in morphologically conservative taxa.

The genus Acephalonomia Strejček, 1990 is revalidated and its single species, Acephalonomia cisidophaga Strejček, 1990, from Czech Republic and Slovakia is restituted in the original combination. The revalidation is based on distinct characters: antennae with eight flagellomeres and prestigmal abscissa of R1 vein dilated. The intraspecifi c polymorphism is also relevant for revalidation, although not exclusively so. We redescribe and illustrate the type species Acephalonomia cisidophaga and describe and illustrate a second new species with eight antennal fl agellomeres from the Mariana Islands, Acephalonomia micronesica sp. n., and provide a key to this genus.

This study presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Dissomphalus Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) in the southwestern Pacific, focusing on specimens from Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Dissomphalus is the most species-rich genus within Bethylidae, with a global distribution, yet it remains poorly documented in the Oceanian region. We examined 151 male specimens collected in these islands. As a result, we describe 27 new species, 25 from Fiji and 2 from the Solomon Islands. Diagnostic morphological features, detailed illustrations, and an identification key for all species are provided. These findings substantially expand the known diversity of Dissomphalus in Oceania. Our results underscore the importance of taxonomic research in underexplored regions and highlight the potential for high levels of species endemism in island ecosystems. This revision contributes to a better understanding of the genus’ biogeographical distribution and provides essential tools for future biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in the southwestern Pacific.

Sea turtles are highly migratory and predominantly inhabit oceanic environments, which poses significant challenges to the study of their life cycles. Research has traditionally focused on nesting females, utilizing nest counts and mark-recapture methods, while male behavior remains understudied. To address this gap, previous studies have analyzed the genotypes of females and hatchlings to indirectly infer male genotypes and evaluate the extent of multiple paternity within populations. Our research aimed to investigate the presence of multiple paternity in loggerhead turtle ( Caretta caretta ) nests for the first time in Brazil. We analyzed 534 hatchlings from 43 nests associated with 42 females during the 2017/18 to 2019/20 nesting seasons, using four highly polymorphic, species-specific microsatellite markers (nDNA). Parentage tests were conducted to reconstruct paternal genotypes and determine the rates of multiple paternity within clutches. Our results revealed that 72.09% of clutches were sired by multiple males, with contributions ranging from one to six males per clutch. Additionally, seven out of 88 males (7.95%) were found to have sired clutches from multiple females, with some males contributing to more than one clutch within and across breeding seasons. The breeding sex ratio (BSR) was calculated to be 2.09 males per female. While multiple paternity is a common phenomenon among sea turtles, this study is the first to document polyandry in loggerheads in Brazil and the first to provide evidence of polygyny in this species globally. This research establishes a crucial database for future studies in Brazil, with a focus on the BSR of the Southwest Atlantic subpopulation, offering essential insights for developing effective management strategies for this vulnerable population.

It is difficult to make reliable sex associations in several species of Hymenoptera due to sexual dimorphism. Only a few species of the flat wasp genus Dissomphalus Ashmead, 1893 have had their sexes associated, since females are rarely collected and differ morphologically from their conspecific males. Collecting couples during their phoretic copula is difficult, but it is the most reliable way to associate the sexes in Dissomphalus. Herein, we associate the sexes and discuss the mating system based on couples of six Dissomphalus species collected during copulation: D. bisserratus Azevedo, 1999, D. connubialis Evans, 1966, D. rettenmeyeri Evans, 1964, D. simulatus (Evans, 1969), comb. nov., D. mendicus Evans, 1969, and D. firmus Redighieri & Azevedo, 2006. The females of the latter three are described for the first time. The distribution of two species is expanded. Apenesia simulata Evans, 1969 is transferred to Dissomphalus and is now D. simulatus comb. nov. Finally, we briefly discuss the genital structures used during phoretic copulation, analyzing the male and female genitalia in copulation. During copulation, the mating female is attached to the male only by the genitalia and is apparently grasped by muscles attached to the male's metasoma.