Two new species of Alainites (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) from the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.

The mayfly genus Alainites Waltz & McCafferty, 1994 encompassed 20 species and was represented across the West Palaearctic region by six species. Based on morphological (nymphal characters) and molecular (mitochondrial COI sequences) evidence, two new species are described: A.bengunn sp. nov. from Sardinia and A.gasithi sp. nov. from Israel. Both species are confined to narrow distribution ranges, in line with most of their congeners from the region. The key nymphal traits are discussed and identified to distinguish species in the group.

Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Takobia Novikova & Kluge, 1987 (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae) in Central Asia.

Based on the original type material, the nymphal stage of the mayfly Takobiamaxillare is redescribed; in parallel, a lectotype is designated. Takobiamaxillare is the type species of the genus Takobia, and an accurate and complete knowledge of its morphology is crucial to the delimitation of this problematic genus and clarification of its phylogenetic affinities. Ambiguous characters, previously reported for this species in the literature are clarified. Furthermore, two new species in the same genus are described, namely Takobiasinusopalpata sp. nov. and Takobiashughnonica sp. nov. based on the morphology of nymphs from Central Asia, supplemented with COI sequences. Implications for the systematics of Takobia and related taxa are discussed and the need for an extensive phylogenetic study of this group is stressed.

A reassessment of the genus Oligoneuriopsis Crass, 1947 (Ephemeroptera, Oligoneuriidae, Oligoneuriellini).

The distinction between the two closely related genera Oligoneuriella Ulmer, 1924 and Oligoneuriopsis Crass, 1947 has been much debated. First described from South Africa, Oligoneuriopsis seemed to be a clearly defined genus. However, as the known distribution of the genus widened and knowledge on it expanded, species delimitation based on morphology became less clear due to overlap in several apparently defining morphological characters, especially in the nymphs. This work attempts to reassess Oligoneuriopsis morphology in the context of all currently known species. The type species, Oligoneuriopsis lawrencei Crass, 1947 is redescribed at the imaginal and nymphal stages and a neotype is designated. The putative nymph of Oligoneuriopsis dobbsi (Eaton, 1912) is described based on material collected around Mt Elgon (Kenya). The adults of Oligoneuriella orontensis Koch, 1980 are described for the first time and the species is transferred to the genus Oligoneuriopsis (Oligoneuriopsis orontensis comb. nov.). Egg structure is also described for the first time for the species Oligoneuriopsis skhounate and O. orontensis. Some biogeographical considerations are also given. It is likely that more species will still be discovered, especially in Africa.

Taxonomy of Baetis Leach in Israel (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae).

The taxonomy and systematics of the genus Baetis Leach (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in Israel is clarified for the first time as part of an ongoing comprehensive survey of the Israeli mayfly fauna. Six clearly defined species are currently recognized in Israel, four of which are described here as new to science. The validity of all species is supported by a molecular analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene. A key for the identification of the Israeli species based on the nymphal stage is provided, as well as data on their distribution patterns and ecology. The local fauna represents four Palearctic species groups, three of which reach their limit of distribution range in Israel. Baetis species typically inhabit lotic, pristine habitats in northern Israel, with few exceptions for some species that can be found in the Dead Sea area or in ephemeral ponds.