News

The enigmatic, monotypic genus Laciphorus Redtenbacher, 1908 (type species: Laciphorus lobulatus Redtenbacher, 1908) is redescribed and its taxonomic position is explained. It belongs to a subgroup of ‘anareolate’ Phasmatodea currently referred to as Diapheromerinae: Diapheromerini: ‘Bacteriagroup’ and now members of a clade termed Occidophasmata (Simon et al., 2019). Globocalynda Zompro, 2001 is shown to be the morphologically most similar and presumably most closely related genus. Two new synonymies are revealed.

The new Hesperophasmatini–genus Sigaruphasma gen. nov. from Hispaniola is described and illustrated. It is remarkable for violating several of the previously stated diagnostic features of the tribe Hesperophasmatini Bradley and Galil, 1977. It is well characterized by the cylindrical, cigar–like body of females, proportionally very short legs, strongly broadened profemora of females, lacking sensory–areas on the probasisternum and profurcasternum as well as the smooth egg–capsule. Two new species are described from the Dominican Republic, both from the males, females and eggs. S.

With this publication, the knowledge about the diversity of plasmids in French Guyana is enormously increased from 28 previously known species up to 73!, including 16 new species and one new genus.

Furthermore, it also contains important taxonomic changes that affect a large number of neotropical Phasmatodea. We propose 56 new combinations and 26 new synonymous, which help to solve many taxonomic problems and to correct mistakes. Hopefully, this will be of great help for new researchers interested in working on this wonderful group of insects.

Two new species of Taraxippus Moxey, 1971 are described and illustrated: T. samarae sp. nov. from Costa Rica and Panama and T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. from the Dominican Republic. Both sexes and the previously unknown eggs are described. The genus is recorded from Central America for the first time. A distribution map and a discussion of the distributional pattern of Taraxippus are provided.

new detailed care sheet for Phyllium oyae "Ban Saleuy", a new species from Laos

new care sheet for Trachythorax sp. "Kon Chu Rang", a new species from Vietnam. With many photos and remarks about their interesting behaviour

updated care sheet for Phyllium letiranti "Tataba"

A new subgenus and species of leaf insects from the island of Obi (Moluccas) has just been described

meadow sweet (Filipendula) is no suitable food plant for Agathemera luteola "Capilla del Monte". Most of the nymphs die after some time, many of them even before their first moult. So for the moment Rhus and Cotinus are the only suitable food plants for Agathemera luteola "Capilla del Monte" here in Europe. More food plant tests are needed, and see the care sheet for detailed infos on breeding this remarkable species.

Joachim and Jerome have also published an animated 3D view of a Baculomia pumatensis egg. This offers a phenomenally detailed view of the whole egg morphology. It's to be hoped, that this will become standard quickly