Abstract Skandarella vixe gen. et sp. nov. , a new gonyleptid harvestman of the subfamily Tricommatinae, is described from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia State, eastern Brazil. Skandarella gen . n ov . exhibits strong sexually dimorphic modifications in male leg II, contrasting with related genera such as Caramaschia Kury, 2002 (modifications in chelicerae, pedipalps, and femur IV), Tricommatus Roewer, 1912 (modifications in femur and patella IV), and Voriax Kury, 2014 (modifications in leg III and dorsal scutum shape). The new species inhabits the Caatinga domain, a poorly sampled and understudied region of Brazil, and was collected by sifting leaf litter—a challenging method in dry environments. The discovery of Skandarella gen. nov. not only expands the known diversity of Tricommatinae, a recently redefined subfamily now restricted to a small core group of six valid species in three genera, but also highlights the potential for uncovering hidden lineages in neglected dry habitats, helping bridge biogeographic gaps in the group.

Abstract Christmas beetles (subfamily Rutelinae, genera Anoplognathus , Calloodes and Repsimus ) are an ecologically important and culturally significant group of Australian scarabs, known for their striking appearance and seasonal mass emergences. Over the last decade, anecdotal reports suggest widespread population declines, raising concerns about their conservation status. Despite their prominence in Australian ecosystems, critical deficits remain in our understanding of their biology, particularly regarding their feeding ecology and larval habitat requirements. We reviewed available literature regarding adult and larval Christmas beetle feeding ecology, particularly feeding preferences, host plants and food finding behaviours. Our literature review found significant gaps in our knowledge of Christmas beetle feeding ecology: adult host plant association data were available for only 25 of the 44 described species of Christmas beetles. For larvae, our literature search identified feeding ecology information for only nine species. With the exception of a single study, all data regarding larval feeding came from observational studies rather than feeding trials. Notably, the only feeding trial we found failed to identify the larvae to species, significantly limiting the applicability of its findings. The limited information identified in this review highlights the urgent need for targeted research into the feeding ecology of Christmas beetles. The scarcity of data on larval feeding, in particular, limits our ability to determine how changes in land use, soil conditions, and plant communities impact their populations. Future studies incorporating feeding trials, long‐term field observations, and experimental approaches will be critical for better understanding Christmas beetle ecology, especially for assessing their ecological roles, identifying key habitats, and developing effective conservation strategies where needed. Given the increasing concerns over Christmas beetle declines, prioritising research on their habitat requirements and resource use will help to ensure the conservation of these iconic Australian insects.

Abstract Understanding the oviposition and foraging behaviour of pestiferous lepidopterans on their economically important food plants guides the development of effective pest management tactics. Here, we examined the oviposition behaviour and larval establishment of three noctuid species on a single crop—capsicum ( Capsicum annuum ). We selected pest species that are known to infest capsicum crops to varying degrees—the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera ; the cluster caterpillar, Spodoptera litura ; and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda . Although related, these species differ in their known host‐plant preferences and larval feeding behaviour. We conducted a series of glasshouse experiments examining moth oviposition and larval survival on different crop stages and the ability of neonate larvae to feed and establish on capsicum fruits at different stages of development. Although all three species oviposited on capsicum plants, S. litura laid more eggs than the other species and targeted most of their eggs to plants rather than the cage wall, indicating a preference for the plant. S. litura larvae demonstrated the highest level of survival (48%) when left unrestricted on capsicum plants, whereas only a small proportion of S. frugiperda (12%) and H. armigera (3%) larvae survived on capsicum plants. Surprisingly, most surviving S. frugiperda larvae were found feeding inside capsicum fruits. The results generated in this study demonstrate how in‐field infestations of these noctuids in capsicum arise and will guide further development of pest management strategies for these pests in capsicum.

Abstract This study reports the first confirmed occurrence of the Australian bee Hylaeus ( Gnathoprosopis ) euxanthus (Cockerell) in Argentina. The identification is supported by collected specimens reared from trap nests and photographic records from the iNaturalist platform. Observations on nesting behaviour, pollen provisioning and associated parasitoids are presented. Pollen analysis of brood cells revealed a preference for exotic Myrtaceae species. The study also records an endoparasitoid, Coelopencyrtus hylaei Burks (Encyrtidae). These findings highlight the importance of citizen science in detecting alien bee species.

Abstract Biosecurity is increasingly challenged by emerging horticultural pest insects, coupled with increasing pathways for incursions. The so‐called ‘Réunion’ planthopper, Euroxenus vayssieresi (Hemiptera: Issidae) appears to be a new emerging invasive horticultural pest species that is spreading across tropical regions around the world. Its true origins, pathways, hosts and impacts on plants are largely unreported. Here we report the first two detections of E. vayssieresi within the Australian region, in tropical locations over 1600 km apart, suggesting rapid long‐distance human‐mediated movement. Additionally, we provide the first global account of the horticultural impacts of the planthopper. We model the climatic suitability for the planthopper across the world, highlighting where this pest is most likely to establish if introduced. Silent or cryptic invasions by poorly detected, but rapidly expanding invertebrate species such as the Réunion planthopper represent ongoing challenges for biosecurity monitoring, emphasizing the importance of both sufficient surveillance to detect such cryptic pest species, and taxonomic resources capable of facilitating early detections of cryptic invasions.

Abstract Rhopalosomatidae (Hymenoptera, Vespoidea) are rare ectoparasitoid wasps that parasitize crickets (Grylloidea), with few records documented in the literature, which originate from the Nearctic and Australian regions. Here, we report the first record of Rhopalosomatidae larvae parasitizing crickets of the family Phalangopsidae in the Neotropics. Specimens of Ubiquepuella telytokous Fernandes, 2015 were collected in Minas Gerais (cave) and in Rio de Janeiro (tree trunks in Atlantic Forest fragments), Brazil, harbouring rhopalosomatid larvae. Parasitized specimens of Eidmanacris Chopard, 1956 were also observed in caves in Minas Gerais. This new host‐parasitoid association provides insights into the diversity and ecological interactions of these wasps in the Neotropics, where knowledge remains scarce. Additionally, we highlight the potential of citizen science platforms, such as iNaturalist, for expanding the documentation of parasitoid‐host relationships, as online records revealed other possible cases of parasitism in Brazil and Costa Rica. Our findings emphasise the need for further research on Rhopalosomatidae in the Neotropical region, particularly regarding their host specificity, life cycle and parasitoid–host relationships.

Abstract Oviposition and agonistic behaviour are important traits for understanding the pattern of coexistence and choice of host fruit shared between natives and invasive species. This study aimed to evaluate the interspecific interactions and the choice of the oviposition sites among three native species of fruit flies of the genus Anastrepha: Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), Anastrepha sororcula Zucchi, and an invasive species, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). The interactions between species were measured by counting the number of eggs laid in semi‐ripe and ripe guavas (Psidium guajava L.) in intra and interspecific combinations. Additionally, we compared the absolute frequency of agonistic behaviours in interactions between native and invasive fruit flies. The native species of Anastrepha did not change their preference for the fruit ripening stage, even in face of the invader C. capitata. Anastrepha species and C. capitata preferred to oviposit in semi‐ripe fruits, in all experimental scenarios. We also observed that C. capitata avoided interactions with the native species by preferring to oviposit in ripe fruits when in the presence of Anastrepha species. All species reduced the number of laid eggs when in the presence of heterospecific females. Aggression was the most frequent agonistic behaviour in all species combinations, followed by display/stalking and avoidance. Finally, our results showed that aggression behaviour was the most frequent in interactions of Anastrepha species with C. capitata.

Abstract Some thrips (Thysanoptera) species are presumed to injure avocado and macadamia trees and fruit when feeding as nymphs and adults. We investigated the abundance and species richness of thrips and monitored fruit and nut set and damage on four avocado (Fuerte, Hass, Maluma and Pinkerton) and macadamia (695, 814, 816 and A4) cultivars. Different stages of avocado fruit (1–3, 4–6 and 7–9 cm) or macadamia nut development (closed racemes, nut set, nut size 1–1.5 cm and nut size 3–4 cm) were sampled over two seasons in the Levubu region of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Thrips development on fruit, nuts and leaf flush was recorded to verify the thrips species causing damage. A total of 15 535 thrips were collected during August–January 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. Six thrips morphotypes were identified across macadamia and avocado orchards: Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thripidae), Thrips tenellus Trybom (Thripidae), Haplothrips gowdeyi Franklin (Phlaeothripidae), Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thripidae), Megalurothrips sp. (Thripidae) and Caliothrips sp. (Thripidae). Thrips were less abundant in the 2020/2021 season compared to the 2021/2022 season and in avocados than in macadamias. Pinkerton (2020/2021: 4.9 ± 0.8 and 2021/2022: 13.1 ± 0.2) and Fuerte (2020/2021: 6.9 ± 1.3 and 2021/2022: 7.5 ± 0.1) had the highest damage and fruit set per inflorescence in both seasons. Fruit size 1–3 cm had a mean damage of 3.4 ± 0.8 in 2020/2021 and 4.0 ± 0.7 in 2021/2022, 4–6 cm had 5.3 ± 0.9 and 4.7 ± 0.7 in 2021/2022, and 7–9 cm had 5.2 ± 0.9 in 2020/2021 and 5.0 ± 0.8 in 2021/2022. Macadamia cultivars and developmental stages most affected by thrips were dependent on the season. Our results suggest that damage occurs earlier in fruit or nut development, and Fuerte avocados and Macadamia 695 were the least susceptible to thrips damage. S. aurantii larvae developed from all sampled avocado and macadamia tissues and were able to persist until the adult stage, confirming it as the main damaging thrips species of avocado and macadamia in the Levubu region.

No abstract is available for this article.

Abstract Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) endotoxins are often considered environmentally friendly pest control tools. However, the development of resistance to Bt toxins and emergence of exotic pests necessitate the characterisation of new Bt isolates. This study aims to identify and characterise novel Bt toxins and bioactive compounds that may be utilised to mitigate the impact of Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW), a polyphagous agricultural pest species that has recently established populations in over 80 countries including Australia. Eight Bt isolates were used in bioassays to ascertain toxicity to FAW neonates. Six Bt isolates (Bt_01‐02 and Bt_05‐08) exhibited potential insecticidal activities. Three isolates including Bt_01 and Bt_07‐08 caused 100% mortality, while Bt_02, Bt_05, and Bt_06 induced 71.27 ± 21.17, 98.44 ± 2.21 and 92.19 ± 11.05% mortality, respectively. Genome analysis was conducted to characterise the toxins and secondary metabolite gene clusters of each isolate. Four isolates (Bt_01, Bt_06, Bt_07, Bt_08) contained the Cry1Na‐partial and Cry1I toxins, while Bt_05 contained Cry2A, Cry1H and Cry1‐like amino acid sequences. In addition, the gene cluster for zwittermicin A, a crystal toxin enhancer, was present in all isolates. However, no known toxins or insecticidal compounds were identified in Bt_02 despite inducing high mortality. The pathogenicity of Bt_02 was also tested against two Australian native pest species: Helicoverpa armigera conferta and H. punctigera. This includes both the susceptible and Cry1Ac‐resistant (Hp9‐3784) lines of H. punctigera. Bt_02 caused 74.88 ± 19.82% mortality in H. armigera, 95.65 ± 6.15% mortality in H. punctigera and 90.91 ± 12.86% mortality in Hp9‐3784. This suggests that Bt_02 may possess unknown toxins or bioactive compounds responsible for its effectiveness against three species of lepidopteran pests including those that exhibited Cry1Ac resistance.