A new species of Tephritis Latreille (Diptera: Tephritidae) from Iran

Tephritis nozarii sp. n. from East Azerbaijan Province (NorthWest of Iran) is described and illustrated. It is similar to T. hendeliana Hering, T. hyosciami Linnaeus and T. multiguttata Becker in its pale brownish grey wing pattern, differing by the number of hyaline spots in marginal part of r1 cell and some other details of pattern. Cell r1 in T. nozarii sp. n. contains 3 subequally large spots (resembling some Campiglossa species), a character rarely encountered in Tephritis

Genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of commercial populations of Bombus ignitus (Hymenoptera, Apidae) with wild populations in Eastern Asia

The bumblebee, Bombus ignitus (Hymenoptera, Apidae), plays a vital role in pollination in Northeast Asia, including Korea, China, Japan, and Far East Russia. Understanding the genetic makeup of the population can aid in its conservation. This study explores the DNA barcode region of cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) of B. ignitus in commercial populations from Korea and Japan. The results reveal low intraspecific genetic diversity among commercially reared populations, with a maximum sequence divergence of 0.3%. Analysis of a 458-bp region of the COI gene, including 384 previously reported sequences, identified 20 haplotypes with the highest sequence divergence of 2.01% in East Asia. Commercial populations show a genetic similarity primarily with the Japanese population. Cross-mating with native populations could result in competition and genetic contamination, leading to reduced fitness and sensitivity to future environmental conditions. Morphological similarities make monitoring of such effects challenging. This study provides a basis for further research on population studies, conservation, and commercialization of local populations of B. ignitus for better pollination services while minimizing risks of reducing genetic diversity and increasing competition between native and introduced populations

Exploring genetic variation and phylogenetic patterns of Tropilaelaps mercedesae (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) populations in Asia

IntroductionThe mites belonging to the genus Tropilaelaps are ectoparasites of honey bees, primarily infesting the larval and pupal stages. Originating from subtropical regions, these mites can cause brood malformation, bee mortality, and subsequent decline or absconding of colonies.Material and methodsDuring field surveys conducted in Nepal, South Korea, and Uzbekistan to investigate honey bee pests, several populations of T. mercedesae were collected. This is the first record of T. mercedesae from Uzbekistan. The morphological characteristics of the collected populations were analyzed, and their phylogenetic relationship with other Asian populations was examined.Results and discussionThe molecular analysis of cytochrome oxidase I gene revealed high similarity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan populations, signaling the potential invasion of subtropical honey bee parasites into the Central Asian beekeeping sectors. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of four distinct lineages within the mainland-Indonesian populations of T. mercedesae. Notably, an evolutionary divergence was observed between the haplotypes from Sri Lanka and the Philippines compared to the remaining mainland Asian and Indonesian haplotypes, suggesting the possible existence of subspecies or separate species in these isolated locations. To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, it is essential to continue monitoring the spread of this significant honey bee pest and conduct comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses of samples collected from these specific localities

Revision of the Urophora xanthippe species group, with description of new species (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Namin, Saeed Mohamadzade, Nozari, Jamasb (2015): Revision of the Urophora xanthippe species group, with description of new species (Diptera: Tephritidae). Zootaxa 3990 (1): 97-112, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3990.1.

A new species of Angelopteromyia Korneyev, 2001 (Diptera, Platystomatidae) from Iran, with the key to the species

Angelopteromyia korneyevi Mohamadzade Namin, sp. n. from Iran is described and figured. The new species is similar to other species of Angelopteromyia inabdominal spiracles 5 of females not approximated medially, as well as clypeus extended postero-ventrally, antenna shorter than face, and R1 and R4+5 setulose on dorsal side. It differs from other species of Angelopteromyia bymostly brown wing with 3 hyaline crossbands and a few hyaline spots, and dark brownish basal and costal cells without hyaline spots

A new species of Urophora Robineau-Desvoidiy, 1830 (Diptera, Tephritidae) from Iran

Urophora merzi sp. n. reared from flower heads of Centaurea behen Linnaeus is described from Iran. It is similar to U. campestris, U. sachalinensis, U. stylata, U. tsoii and U. vera in wing pattern with 3 well developed crossbands and indistinct subbasal crossband, differing in aculeus tip with two pairs of diminished preapical steps and different host plants

Revision of Heringina Aczél, 1940 (Diptera: Tephritidae), with description of a new species from Iran and Turkey

Namin, Saeed Mohamadzade, Korneyev, Severyn V. (2015): Revision of Heringina Aczél, 1940 (Diptera: Tephritidae), with description of a new species from Iran and Turkey. Zootaxa 3949 (1): 111-122, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3949.1.

An annotated checklist of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) of Iran

Namin, Saeed Mohamadzade, Korneyev, Valery A. (2018): An annotated checklist of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) of Iran. Zootaxa 4369 (3): 377-405, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4369.3.