We introduce a model that can be used for the description of the distribution of species when there is scarcity of data, based on our previous work (Ballesteros et al. J Math Biol 85(4):31, 2022). We address challenges in modeling species that are seldom observed in nature, for example species included in The International Union for Conservation of Nature\'s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2023). We introduce a general method and test it using a case study of a near threatened species of amphibians called Plectrohyla Guatemalensis (see IUCN 2023) in a region of the UNESCO natural reserve \"Tacaná Volcano\", in the border between Mexico and Guatemala. Since threatened species are difficult to find in nature, collected data can be extremely reduced. This produces a mathematical problem in the sense that the usual modeling in terms of Markov random fields representing individuals associated to locations in a grid generates artificial clusters around the observations, which are unreasonable. We propose a different approach in which our random variables describe yearly averages of expectation values of the number of individuals instead of individuals (and they take values on a compact interval). Our approach takes advantage of intuitive insights from environmental properties: in nature individuals are attracted or repulsed by specific features (Ballesteros et al. J Math Biol 85(4):31, 2022). Drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, we incorporate quantum Hamiltonians into classical statistical mechanics (i.e. Gibbs measures or Markov random fields). The equilibrium between spreading and attractive/repulsive forces governs the behavior of the species, expressed through a global control problem involving an energy operator.

Border crops can increase beneficial insect biodiversity within agricultural fields by supplementing insects with food and nesting resources. However, the effectiveness of border crops relies on insect movement between adjacent habitats and some insects might consider habitat boundaries as barriers. Therefore, understanding insect movement between habitats is needed to determine the effectiveness of border crops for ecosystem services such as pest control within agricultural habitats. Our objective was to compare ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) movement across soybean plots that were bordered by corn and grassland habitat to determine whether habitat boundaries were considered barriers of movement to predatory beetles. Using a grid of pitfall traps within these habitats, we conducted a mark, release, and recapture experiment to track and evaluate ground beetle movement patterns. We found that ground beetles stayed in the habitat of their release and that movement between habitats, despite the type of bordering habitat or type of edge, was uncommon. We also found that long-distance movement was rare as most beetles moved less than 5 m (regardless of release or recaptured habitat) and movement was perpendicular to habitat edges. These results suggest that any edge habitat, including agricultural-agricultural boundaries and natural-agricultural boundaries, are likely barriers to ground beetle movement. Therefore, in order for border crops to be effective in pest management by ground beetles, making habitat edges more permeable, especially using techniques such as edge softening, could promote cross-habitat movement and ultimately contribute to natural pest control in agricultural systems.

The monotypic genus Uncobotyodes Kirti & Rose and its type species U. patulalis (Walker) are redescribed. The female genitalia of U. patulalis are described for the first time. An additional species, Uncobotyodes latizona sp. nov., is described as new to science. The two species of the genus are compared. Images of adults and their genitalia are provided.

In the present study, a new species of Macrolycus s. str. is reported from China and described as M. subapicis sp. nov. M. bowringi Waterhouse, 1878 is recorded to China for the first time. The above two species, M. oreophilus Kazantsev, 2002 and M. gansuensis Kazantsev, 2002 are illustrated with the male habitus and genitalia. In addition, a distribution map, and a key to the species of Macrolycus s. str. in the world are provided.

Among Afrotropical genera of Osoriini, Madegassosorius Scheerpeltz is exceptionally poorly defined. Although later authors maintained this genus, they restricted its diagnostic features and distinguish it from the apparently highly similar Mimogonellus Fagel merely by the structure or presence of the lateral pronotal carinae and the elytral adsutural striae. A comprehensive survey of specimens belonging to most world genera of Osoriini suggested that these characters may be variable within the genus and therefore of weak taxonomic value. In order to test this hypothesis, the type species of Madegassosorius and Mimogonellus were studied in detail, as well as dozens of additional specimens belonging to this unclearly defined group. As a result, Madegassosorius syn. n. is placed as a junior synonym of Mimogonellus, and the latter genus is redefined and redescribed. A lectotype is designated for Mimogonus leleupi Cameron, the type species of Mimogonellus. The synonymization of Madegassosorius with Mimogonellus results in one case of secondary homonymy, and Mimogonellus longipennides nom. n. is proposed as a replacement name for Mimogonellus longipennis (Coiffait, 1979) comb. n. (ex Madegassosorius), nec Mimogonellus longipennis Fagel, 1960.

We here propose a species group within the genus Platydracus, the brachycerus group, that is very likely associated with termites and includes three known species: Platydracus brachycerus Smetana & Davies, 2000; Platydracus juang Smetana, 2005; and Platydracus donnyi Rougemont, 2015. We also describe three new species belonging to this group, all from China: P. smetanai sp. n. (Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Guangxi), P. gracilis sp. n. (Guangxi) and P. paragracilis sp. n. (Yunnan). Platydracus juang is newly recorded from Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan provinces. A key to species of the Platydracus brachycerus group is provided.

Two new species of the genus Yukikoa M. Sat, 1976 are described from Honshu, Japan: Y. mashimai sp. nov. from Niigata Prefecture and Y. nishimotoi sp. nov. from Fukui Prefecture. A revised key to the described species of Yukikoa and a distribution map are provided.

The South Korean species of the genus Stichillus Enderlein are reviewed and four species are newly recognized. One of them, S. koreanus sp. nov., is described as new to science and the other three species, viz. S. cylindratus Nakayama & Shima, S. japonicus (Matsumura) and S. spinosus Liu & Chou are new to South Korea. Detailed descriptions with photographs of four Korean Stichillus species, and a revised key to males of ten species from East Asia except Mongolia and North Korea are provided.

We review three leaf-cutter wasp species of the genus Zethus Fabricius, 1804 occurring in Hong Kong. Zethus malayanus Gusenleitner, 2010, syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of Z. bakeri Giordani Soika, 1995; we clarify the status of Zethus dolosus Bingham, 1897 formerly reported from Hong Kong and add Z. angulatus Nguyen & Carpenter, 2016 as new to Hong Kong. We provide descriptions and high-resolution images for the three species, including male genitalia of Z. angulatus and Z. bakeri.

The genus Capillogryllus includes three species, Capillogryllus dolabripalpis Xie & Zheng, 2003, Capillogryllus exilipalpis Xie & Zheng, 2003, Capillogryllus spinae Wu & Ma, 2023. Recently, we found a new species of this genus in Yadong County, Xizang Autonomous Region, and described it here. In addition, we found that the ovipositor varies greatly within this taxon, so we compare and characterize their ovipositor and discuss the feasibility of using the ovipositor alone to identify them. We also provide two keys based on the genitalia of males and females.