A review of the genus Platydialepis Haupt (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae) of China, with description of four new species and key to the species

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  A review of the genus Platydialepis Haupt (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae) of China, with description of four new species and key to the species Abstract The genus Platydialepis Haupt is a small genus of Pompilidae . Its members hunt spiders for larval provisioning. Studying this genus helps further enhance the understanding of biodiversity within this genus. The genus Platydialepis Haupt from China is reviewed. Four new species, Platydialepis bidentata Cui, Li & Ma, sp. nov ., P. flavipectoralis Cui, Li & Ma, sp. nov ., P. frontimaculata Cui, Li & Ma, sp. nov ., and P. prominula Cui, Li & Ma, sp. nov . are described. Additionally, P. ryoheii (Ishikawa, 1957) is reported as a first record from China. A key to Chinese species of the genus Platydialepis is provided. Cui J, Li Q, Ma L (2026) A review of the genus Platydialepis Haupt (Hymenoptera, Pompilidae) of China, with description of four new species and key to the species. Journal of Hymenoptera Research ...

Taxonomic reassessment and rejection of the spider family Fonteferreidae Wunderlich, 2023 (Araneae)

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Taxonomic reassessment and rejection of the spider family Fonteferreidae Wunderlich, 2023 (Araneae)

Abstract

The taxonomic validity of the spider family Fonteferreidae Wunderlich, 2023 is re-evaluated in light of new morphological evidence. This araneoid family was originally established based on a single specimen, the male holotype, that lacked both distinctive somatic characters and reproductive structures. Upon re-examination, the holotype specimen was found to be a subadult male, and consequently the diagnostic traits previously cited to justify its familial status are found to be unsubstantiated. In absence of the necessary empirical evidence, the erection of the family Fonteferreidae, the genus Fonteferrea Wunderlich, 2023, and F. minutissima Wunderlich, 2023 must be rejected. We recommend that Fonteferrea minutissima, the genus Fonteferrea, and the family Fonteferreidae be formally treated as a nomina dubia within Araneae.

Lopardo L, Dupérré N, Hormiga G, Michalik P (2026) Taxonomic reassessment and rejection of the spider family Fonteferreidae Wunderlich, 2023 (Araneae). ZooKeys 1278: 95-109. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1278.181771