RESUMEN

We examined the morphology, colour patterns and genetic relationships of Nososticta populations allied to N. salomonis (Selys) from across Melanesia. Seven species-level taxa are recognised in the N. salomonis 'complex': N. africana (Schmidt), N. boonei sp. nov., N. chrismulleri Theischinger & Richards, N. hedigeri sp. nov., N. salomonis (Selys), N. stueberi sp. nov., and N. tagula sp. nov. All of these species are black damselflies with blue markings, and they differ from all other Nososticta by having: 1) a prominent spike on the male superior appendage, 2) a prominent angular base of the male inferior appendage, and 3) a complex posterior lobe on the female pronotum bearing two pairs of processes in the rough shape of a chair when viewed laterally. A molecular phylogeny based on the DNA barcode fragment of the COI gene plus two nuclear genes indicates that these seven species are closely related, but more extensive sampling of Nososticta species is required to confirm that they form a monophyletic group.

RESUMEN

Two new species of Australian crane fly are described, illustrated and with COI sequences included: Gynoplistia (Gynoplistia) lutruwita Billingham & Theischinger sp. nov., and Molophilus (Molophilus) serricauda Billingham & Theischinger sp. nov., both from the Huon Valley region of southern Tasmania. Their affinities with other known Australian species are discussed.

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Available information on Gynacantha Rambur, 1842 species from the South Pacific is reviewed. Specimens were found to be sufficiently similar to G. rosenbergi Kaup in Brauer, 1867 to be placed in the same species group (G. rosenbergi group-established here) but also distinct enough to form a subgroup of its own (G. rosenbergi Pacific group). All species of the G. rosenbergi group are diagnosed, with three species, Gynacantha vitiana sp. n. (male and female) from Viti Levu, Fiji, G. koroana sp. n. (male) from Koro, Fiji and G. vanuatua sp. n. (male) from Malekula, Vanuatu being described as new to science. A key is presented for identification of the males.

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The crane fly genus Rhabdomastix Skuse, 1890 is briefly introduced, the four species hitherto known from Australia are reviewed. The male of R. tonnoirana Alexander, 1934 and the female of R. wilsoniana Alexander, 1934 are described for the first time and R. minima Alexander, 1926 is considered as nomen dubium. A further eight Australian species are described as new, their affinities and distributions are discussed. They are R. borroloola sp. nov., R. dobrotworskyi sp. nov., R. dooragana sp. nov., R. hirsuta sp. nov., R. nivalis sp. nov., R. ponticulus sp. nov., R. collessiana sp. nov., R. rosae sp. nov.  A key to the males of Australian Rhabdomastix is presented.

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Dinotoperla cherylae sp. nov. (Holotype ♂: New South Wales, Upper Kangaroo River, 34.672998oS/150.601391oE, 14-Dec-2017) is described from the Shoalhaven Catchment in New South Wales, Australia. The affinities and phylogenetic relationships of the new species are discussed.

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Nososticta impercepta sp. nov. is described and illustrated (holotype ♂: 28.vi.1911, Niki-Niki [South Central Timor Regency], Timor, Indonesia, C.B. Haniel leg., Coll. Ris, No. 2477; deposited at the Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum Senckenberg, Frankfurt am Main, Germany). An illustrated key for the species of Nososticta known from the Lesser Sunda Islands is given. The occurrence of N. selysi in Timor is considered to be doubtful. Nososticta emphyla is newly recorded from Sumbawa Island.

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The larval taxonomy of Australian stoneflies (Plecoptera) shows a large disparity in knowledge when compared to the adult taxonomy with many species having undescribed larval forms. The importance of stoneflies as an indicator group for monitoring aquatic ecosystems means knowledge of the larval taxonomy and the ability to identify species is essential. This study combined morphology and mitochondrial gene sequences to associate the adult and larval life-stages for species of Dinotoperla Tillyard. Morphological identification of adult males was recognised for 17 of the 35 Dinotoperla species and combining molecular data with morphology confirmed eight new adult-larval life stage associations. Further, molecular data supported the larval taxonomy for five morphospecies which remain unassociated. The combination of molecular and morphological methods enabled the larval morphology to be reassessed for the genus Dinotoperla and this has led to the establishment of two new genera, Odontoperla, gen. nov. and Oedemaperla, gen. nov., and the new species Dinotoperla aryballoi, sp. nov, D. tasmaniensis, sp. nov. and Oedemaperla shackletoni, sp. nov. as well as the new or updated descriptions of the larvae of 31 species and a comprehensive dichotomous key to these larvae.

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Climate change is expected to have substantial impacts on the composition of freshwater communities, and many species are threatened by the loss of climatically suitable habitat. In this study we identify Australian Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) vulnerable to the effects of climate change on the basis of exposure, sensitivity and pressure to disperse in the future. We used an ensemble of species distribution models to predict the distribution of 270 (85%) species of Australian Odonata, continent-wide at the subcatchment scale, and for both current and future climates using two emissions scenarios each for 2055 and 2085. Exposure was scored according to the departure of temperature, precipitation and hydrology from current conditions. Sensitivity accounted for change in the area and suitability of projected climatic habitat, and pressure to disperse combined measurements of average habitat shifts and the loss experienced with lower dispersal rates. Streams and rivers important to future conservation efforts were identified based on the sensitivity-weighted sum of habitat suitability for the most vulnerable species. The overall extent of suitable habitat declined for 56-69% of the species modelled by 2085 depending on emissions scenario. The proportion of species at risk across all components (exposure, sensitivity, pressure to disperse) varied between 7 and 17% from 2055 to 2085 and a further 3-17% of species were also projected to be at high risk due to declines that did not require range shifts. If dispersal to Tasmania was limited, many south-eastern species are at significantly increased risk. Conservation efforts will need to focus on creating and preserving freshwater refugia as part of a broader conservation strategy that improves connectivity and promotes adaptive range shifts. The significant predicted shifts in suitable habitat could potentially exceed the dispersal capacity of Odonata and highlights the challenge faced by other freshwater species.

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