Nomenclatural amendments concerning Chinese Psocoptera (Insecta), with remarks on species richness

Abstract

After having analysed the most recent literature on Chinese Psocoptera, in particular the important monograph published by Li Fasheng in 2002, the following 174 nomenclatural acts are proposed, as a contribution to stabilize the nomenclature of Chinese Psocoptera. New genus names (replacement names for junior homonyms): Lifashengia nom. nov. (Amphientomidae) for Obeliscus Li Fasheng, 2002 nec Beck, 1837, nec Popofsky, 1913, nec Graybill, 1923; Licaecilius nom. nov. (Caeciliusidae) for Neocaecilius Li Fasheng, 2002 nec Li Fasheng, 2000; Fashengocaecilius nom. nov. (Pseudocaeciliidae) for Calocaecilius Li Fasheng, 2002 nec Mockford, 1974; Fashenglianus nom. nov. (Psocidae) for Lativalva Li Fasheng, 2002 nec Amsel, 1956; Lipsocus (Psocidae) nom. nov. for Cyclotus Li Fasheng, 2002 nec Edwards, 1852. New species name (replacement name for junior homonym): Peripsocus lifashengi nom. nov. for P. orientalis Li Fasheng, 2002 nec P. orientalis Garcia Aldrete, 1999 (Peripsocidae). New synonymies: Lachesilla Westwood, 1840 (Lachesillidae) (=Dicrolachesillus Li Fasheng, 2002), Ectopsocus McLachlan, 1899 (Ectopsocidae) (=Ectotrichus Li Fasheng, 2002), Smithersia Thornton, 1992 (Myopsocidae) (=Polygonomyus Li Fasheng, 2002). Re-established synonymies: Heterocaecilius Lee & Thornton, 1967 (Pseudocaeciliidae) (=Orbocaecilius Li Fasheng, 1999), Trichadenotecnum Enderlein, 1909 (Psocidae) (=Trichadenopsocus Roesler, 1943). 43 new combinations are proposed and 30 combinations are re-established. For 19 genus names and 71 species names the correct original spelling is selected. Incorrect subsequent spellings are only mentioned in some particular cases, concerning 25 genus names and 46 species names. Up to the end of the year 2002 a total of about 5470 valid species and 440 valid genera of Psocoptera have been described worldwide. 2600 species (almost half of the known world fauna) have been recorded from Asia, in particular due to the activity of the Chinese entomologist Li Fasheng, who described himself about 1500 of the approximately 1530 species known from China.