RESUMEN

Until the early 2000s, the genus Propomacrus was known to comprise two species, occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast China. The discovery of Propomacrusmuramotoae Fujioka in Tibet and subsequently in Bhutan and Nepal, might play a crucial role in bridging the geographical distribution gap of the Euchirini tribe between the Mediterranean and Central China, offering profound insights into its evolution and biogeography. However, all specimens, including the holotype specimen, were sourced from a single insect vendor, with no further specimens found or catalogued in museum collections thereafter. During our examination of a P.muramotoae specimen from a private collection in South Korea, we found its COI gene sequence to be identical to that of P.bimucronatus (Pallas) from Turkey, a species known for its wide distribution and genetic variability across regional populations. This overlap in genetic identity raised significant doubts, further compounded by our detection of deliberate modifications in essential diagnostic features during morphological examination. All three specimens we examined showed crude modifications, including staining and artificial grinding. Despite our inability to access the P.muramotoae type specimens for direct examination-a challenge we attempted to overcome through various means-it is evident that significant fraudulent tampering has occurred with the P.muramotoae specimens. Therefore, a new synonymy is proposed: Propomacrusbimucronatus Pallas, 1781 = P.muramotoae Fujioka, 2007 (syn. nov.). We also advocate for a straightforward verification of the type specimen through molecular analysis of the COI barcode region and morphological re-examination under a microscope for those who have access to the type specimens.

RESUMEN

A novel design of a portable funnel light trap (PFLT) was presented for collecting insects in ecological studies. The trap consists of a compact plastic box equipped with a light source and power source, along with two plastic polypropylene interception vanes. The PFLT costs 18.3 USD per unit and weighs approximately 300 g. A maximum of six PFLT units can be packed in one medium-sized backpack (32 cm × 45 cm × 15 cm, 20 L), making it easier to set up multiple units in remote areas wherein biodiversity research is needed. The low cost and weight of the trap also allows for large-scale deployment. The design is customizable and can be easily manufactured to fit various research needs. To validate the PFLT's efficacy in collecting insects across different habitat types, a series of field experiments were conducted in South Korea and Laos, where 37 trials were carried out. The PFLT successfully collected 7497 insects without experiencing battery issues or damage by rain or wind. Insect compositions and abundances differed across the three sampled habitat types: forests, grasslands, and watersides. This new FLT trap is an important tool for studying and protecting insect biodiversity, particularly in areas wherein conventional light traps cannot be deployed.

RESUMEN

A new species of the genus Enoploderes Faldermann from South Korea, Enoploderes breviantennatus (이른봄꽃하늘소, i-reun-bom-kkot-ha-neul-so) is described. Full descriptions of both sexes with male genitalia and diagnosable characters comparing to its closest congener, Enoploderes bicolor Ohbayashi, 1941 are provided. Biological notes including photograph of eggs and larvae in nature are also provided.

Asunto(s)

Escarabajos , Femenino , Masculino , Animales , Larva

RESUMEN

Background: Despite the recent advancement of faunal research of longhorned beetles in South Korea, the number of tribes of Cerambycinae has remained at 16 during the last 40 years. New information: In this paper, two cerambycine tribes, Stenopterini Gistel, 1848 and Thraniini Gahan, 1906, are reported for the first time in Korea by species Merionoeda (Macromolorchus) hirsuta (Mitono & Nishimura, 1936) and Thraniusvariegatus Bates, 1873, respectively. Morphological comments, biological observations and illustrations of both species are provided. An updated key to tribes of Korean cerambycinae is also provided.