taxonID	type	description	language	source
4419F96A9459FFDA6213FB0ADDD4FCD5.taxon	description	(Figure 2)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9459FFDA6213FB0ADDD4FCD5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna 8 - segmented, formula 1,1,4,2 (Figure 2 B); anellus (anl) enlarged and subtriangular (Figure 2 B; inset). Mesosoma with pronotum undivided; axilla (ax) large and subtriangular, each with 2 setae, posterolateral margin separated from the mesoscutellum (Figure 2 C); mesoscutellum (mss) large, hexagonal, and strongly convex, posterior margin rounded, scutellar sensilla (ss) in posterior third and widely separated (Figure 2 C); metanotum with semicircular dorsellum (dor) (Figure 2 C). Fore wing with linea calva; submarginal vein longer than marginal vein, with 5 setae; stigmal vein elongate, with prominent stigma and uncus; postmarginal vein absent (Figure 2 D; Hayat 1972, fig. 1). Tarsal formula 555; gaster 8 - segmented; Gt 7 reduced and band like; Gt 8 broad and setose at apex. Third valvulae elongate and narrow. Male genitalia with phallobase cylindrical; digiti with sclerotised bar running from base to apex along inner margin, and terminating with robust spine (Hayat 1978, fig. 2).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9459FFDA6213FB0ADDD4FCD5.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype of Eriaphytis orientalis: INDIA: Uttar Pradesh: Aligarh, 27 ° 52 ʹ 48 ” N, 78 ° 04 ʹ 12 ” E, M. Hayat [1 ♀, ZSI]. Non-type material of Eriaphytis orientalis: Same data as holotype [3 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 14276, UCRCENT 75191, UCRCENT 498694]. Holotype of Eriaphytis chackoi Subba Rao INDIA: Karnataka: Chikmaglur, Coffee Research Station, vii. 1977, ex. Vinsonia stellifera Westwood, M. J. Chacko [1 ♀, NHMUK]. Paratype of Eriaphytis chackoi: Same data as holotype [1 ♀, NHMUK].	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9459FFDA6213FB0ADDD4FCD5.taxon	discussion	Comments Eriaphytis Hayat, 1972 was lab-reared from an unknown species of Cerococcus Comstock, 1882 (Cerococcidae) (Hayat 1972). The genus was established due to the unusual combination of character states that align it with taxa from both Aphelininae (fore wing with a linea calva, structure of the syntergum) and Coccophaginae (8 - segmented antenna, strongly advanced axillae). Additionally, the morphology of the male genitalia is unique among Aphelinidae. As a result, Eriaphytis has historically been placed in its own subfamily Eriaphytinae (Hayat 1978). Phylogenomic analyses place Eriaphytis as the sister group of all other Coccophaginae (Kresslein 2024). While its placement would allow Eriaphytinae to exist in a cladistic framework, we believe that it is more appropriately placed as a tribe within Coccophaginae. Eriaphytis possesses all the key diagnostic characteristics of the Coccophaginae and lacks any distinct synapomorphies warranting a unique subfamily. A linea calva is present in two genera of Coccophaginae (Hayat 1972; Polaszek et al. 2023) rendering the structure homoplastic within Aphelinidae, and an enlarged anellus is present in species of Euxanthellus. Thus, we establish Eriaphytini Hayat 1978 stat. rev. as a tribe within Coccophaginae containing a single genus and two species: Eriaphytis chackoi which targets Cerococcus (Hayat 1972), and Eriaphytis orientalis Hayat, 1972 which targets Ceroplastes stellifer (Westwood, 1871) (= Vinsonia stellifera Westwood) (Coccidae) (Subba Rao 1980). Historically, anelli have not been considered in Aphelinidae due to their minute size. Some speculate that the apparent anellus in Aphelinidae is a pseudo-segment formed from cuticular folding at the base of Fu 1, though no studies have confirmed the origin of the structure (Heraty and Polaszek pers. comm.). However, the anellus (anl) of Eriaphytis is relatively enlarged and easily recognised as its own segment (Figure 2 B). For this reason, we break with tradition and include the anellus in the antennal formula of Eriaphytis, increasing the described antennal count from seven to eight segments.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A945BFFDB6193FC21DDDDFB55.taxon	description	(Figure 3 A, B)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A945BFFDB6193FC21DDDDFB55.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna usually with rounded apex (Figure 3 A), some species with spindle-shaped antenna, if so, parasitoids of Diaspididae (Figure 3 B); clava sometimes enlarged; axilla usually subquadrate (rarely subtriangular); tarsal formula either 5 - 5 - 5 or 5 - 4 - 5 (if antenna spindle-like, then submarginal vein with 2 - setae and tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5); syntergum undivided. Females are parasitoids of Aleyrodidae and Diaspididae (as well as several less common hosts). Males, where present, are autoparasitoids or heterotrophic parasitoids.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A945BFFDB6193FC21DDDDFB55.taxon	discussion	Comments Prospaltellini stat. rev. contains a single genus (Encarsia) with 486 species (Kresslein et al. 2023). Most recently Encarsia was placed in the tribe Pteroptricini Ashmead, 1904. Pteroptricini was diagnosed by subquadrate axilla, a medially membranous pronotum, and a sparsely setose mid lobe of the mesoscutum. Contemporary phylogenetic analyses (Cruaud et al. 2024; Kresslein 2024) recover the monophyly of Encarsia, but a polyphyletic Pteroptricini. Thus, we revive Prospaltellini and restrict Pteroptricini to Pteroptrix Westwood, 1833, Bardylis Howard, 1907, Coccophagoides Girault, 1915, and Diaspiniphagus Silvestri, 1927. Presently, 34 species groups of Encarsia are recognised (Kresslein et al. 2023); however, ongoing analyses are examining the phylogenetic stability of these species groups and may result in the creation of additional genera within Prospaltellini.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9455FFD561B9FCC3DF5BFCD5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Translation and reinterpretation from Kieffer 1913. Male – Body yellow-brown, antennae and legs lighter; multiporous plate sensilla brown. Mandibles absent, replaced with hairy lobes. Antenna 7 - segmented, inserted near mouth; scape longer than pedicel and Fu 1; pedicel conical and half as long as wide; flagellar segments conical, almost 3 - times as long as wide, each with 4 multiporous plate sensilla extending from the base to just beyond the apex of the segment; seventh flagellar segment formed of two fused segments and twice as long as the sixth, with two sets of multiplate porous sensilla. Body large and short; head wider than tall, eyes subcircular and setose, occiput with transverse strip; mesosoma as long as broad with reticulate sculpture anteriorly. Fore wing gradually widening from base to apex, with marginal fringe a third the length of the maximum width of the wing; wing disc setose with row of setae around edge; marginal vein as long as submarginal vein, and longer than half the length of the fore wing; stigmal vein short and oblique. Hindwing widest at hamuli then narrowing gradually to a point, with marginal fringe longer than maximum width. Tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5 with segments shortening apically. Metasoma sessile, with equal proportions to the mesosoma; apex rounded; cerci bearing 3 long setae. Length 0.6 mm. Kenya (originally published as British East Africa): Voï, Uganda Railway station, at the foot of the Taita Hills, 600 m elevation, 2 March 1912, St. No 60. (estimated coordinates: 3 ° 23 ʹ 37 ” S, 38 ° 34 ʹ 06 ” E).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9455FFD561B9FCC3DF5BFCD5.taxon	discussion	Comments While Kieffer originally placed the genus in Mymaridae, Hayat (in Huber 2005) suggested that it was potentially a male Encarsia. Allomymar is also treated as Aphelinidae by Noyes (2019). We have reviewed the species description of Allomymar taitae Kieffer, 1913 and agree with Hayat’s assessment, finding that Allomymar is a junior synonym of Encarsia. Previous investigations of the genus did not formally synonymise Allomymar with Encarsia due to the interpretation in Kieffer’s description of ‘ verticille d’arêtes’ on the apex of the antenna as whorls of setae, as in some species of Cales (Chalcidoidea: Calesidae), and some males of Encyrtidae), which is inconsistent with the antennae found in male Encarsia. However, assessment of Kieffer’s work clarified his use of ‘ arêtes’ to refer to ridges / keels / carinae. In this case, we believe that it refers to the multiporous plate sensilla of certain antennomeres. Additionally, while the original species description indicates that the type specimen is a female, the segmentation of the antenna and the relatively high number of multiporous plate sensilla is consistent with the appearance of antennae in male Coccophaginae. The type depository for Encarsia taitae (Kieffer, 1913) is not stated explicitly; however, it might be deposited at MNHN where some of the Kieffer types are stored in vials of ethanol stored together in larger jars also containing ethanol (Polaszek, pers. comm.). It is possible that researchers looking for what they believed to be a card-mounted or slide-mounted type specimen may have overlooked types stored in this manner. Until the type material can be examined, we place Encarsia taitae as a nomen dubium as its species identity cannot be assessed from the species description alone.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9454FFD5610EFC7CD829FABA.taxon	discussion	Comments Hayat (2012) states that the species name Encarsia orangae nom. nud. was published without a description and a type depository, as well as with unrecognisable photos and illustrations (Raina et al. 1996). While Hayat deems the species unrecognisable and ultimately places it incertae sedis, we find that it does not meet the criteria of availability set forth by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) and deem it a nomen nudum.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9454FFD661C2FAF9DD30FE48.taxon	description	(Figure 3 C, D)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9454FFD661C2FAF9DD30FE48.taxon	description	Pteroptrinos Mercet, 1912: 45, 253. Type genus: Pteroptrix; Westwood, 1833. As a subtribe of Aphelinidae.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9454FFD661C2FAF9DD30FE48.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna distinctly spindle shaped (fusiform) with strongly pointed apex (Figure 3 C, D), 7 - or 8 - segmented (antennal formula either 1,1,3,3 or 1,1,2,3). Axilla subquadrate. Fore wing with submarginal vein with either 1 – 2 setae (if so, tarsal formula 4 - 4 - 4) or 3 + setae (if so, tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5). Rarely, Gt 6 and Gt 7 separate rather than fused to form a syntergum. Females are parasitoids of Diaspididae. Males are either autoparasitoids or primary parasitoids of Diaspididae.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9454FFD661C2FAF9DD30FE48.taxon	discussion	Comments See Prospaltellini.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9457FFD6609BFE5ADFE2FDF9.taxon	materials_examined	Type genus: Euxanthellus Silvestri, 1915, in Silvestri 1915 a. urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: FB 161 F 8 B-F 370 - 416 F-B 09 E- 77 F 96 B 184017	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9457FFD061F5FD37DFF8FD27.taxon	description	(Figure 4)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9457FFD061F5FD37DFF8FD27.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Female. Antenna 9 - segmented; funicle 4 - segmented with Fu 1 subquadrate, closely associated with Fu 2 (Figure 4 B). Mesosoma with axilla (ax) with 5 – 11 setae; mesoscutellum with scutellar sensilla separated by 1 – 2 × their diameter; metanotum with dorsellum (dor) diamond shaped (Figure 4 C). Mesofurcal-mesopostnotal complex (f 2 b) with mesofurcal bridge complete and mesofurca shaped like ram’s horns (Figure 4 C). Fore wing with stigmal vein constricted, extending into wing disc; postmarginal vein present, as long as stigmal vein (Figure 4 D). Male. Antenna as in species of the Coccophagus malthusi species group (Hayat 1998, figs 309, 314, 317). Axilla with 3 – 5 setae. Otherwise as in female.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9457FFD061F5FD37DFF8FD27.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype: ERITREA: Nefasit. ex. Philippia chrysophyllae Silvestri, 1915 [= Stotzia chrysophyllae (Silvestri, 1915)] [1 ♀, UNP]. Non-type material: SOUTH AFRICA: Claremont, 4. xi. 1919, Rust, E. W., No. H, ex. Saissetia oleae (Oliver) on Sparmannia Buc’hoz. [= Rehmannia Libosch. ex Fisch. and C. A. Mey] [1 ♂, UCRC: UCRCENT 13050]; Capetown, 17. xi. 1919, Rust, E. W., ex. Saissetia oleae (Oliver) on oleander [1 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 13023]; Cape town, 4. vi. 1924, Rust, E. W., No. 43 [1 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 13031]; Rosebank, 9. iii. 1925, Rust, E. W., ex. Saissetia hemisphaerica [= Saissetia coffeae (Walker)] [1 ♂, UCRC: UCRCENT 13017]; Camp’s Bay, 16. vii. 1925, Rust, E. W., ex. Saissetia perseae Brian [= Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner)] [1 ♂, UCRC: UCRCENT 14196]; Pretoria, iv. 1954, Bedford, E. C. G., ACDL 414, ex. Ceroplastes helichrysi var. sinoiae Hall [= Ceroplaster sinoiae Hall] on Jacaranda Juss [6 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 412694, UCRCENT 498424] l West Cape, Wellington, 18. v. 1959, Whitehead, V. B., S & R 1898 – 3, ex. Saissetia oleae (Oliver) on apricot [3 ♂, UCRC: UCRCENT 19832, UCRCENT 19834, UCRCENT 19835]; West Cape, Wellington, 29. v. 1959, Whitehead, V. B., S & R 1900, ex. Saissetia oleae (Oliver) on apricot [2 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 19870, UCRCENT 19871].	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9457FFD061F5FD37DFF8FD27.taxon	discussion	Comments Euxanthellus stat. rev. was described for species that resemble Coccophagus but possess a 9 - segmented antenna (Figure 4 B) (Silvestri 1915 a). The genus was synonymised with Coccophagus by Hayat (1994) due to insufficient diagnostic characteristics to distinguish the genera. Heraty et al. (1997) explored the morphology of the mesofurcal-mesopostnotal complex in Aphelinidae and recognised that, in contrast to all other Coccophagus, species historically placed in Euxanthellus possessed a complete mesofurcal bridge and a ‘ rams-horn shaped mesofurca’ (p. 62) (Figure 4 C). The authors proposed that Euxanthellus should be treated as its own tribe and as the sister clade to Coccophagini + Pteroptricini. Hayat (1998) agreed that Euxanthellus should be treated as a valid genus in its own tribe. While Euxanthellini and Euxanthellus have been recognised twice as valid, the taxa have not been formally treated. As a result, the species of Euxanthellus have frequently been called by the incorrect name in publications and public databases for the last quarter century (Kondo 2006; Vikberg and Koponen 2008; Lotfalizadeh 2014; Rakimov et al. 2015; Phuong 2018; Noyes 2019). In conjunction with previous studies and contemporary phylogenomic analyses (Kresslein 2024), we formally recognise Euxanthellus with four species therein (Euxanthellus philippiae Silvestri, 1915 stat. rev., Euxanthellus subochraceus (Howard), 1907 stat. rev., Euxanthellus adustus Annecke and Prinsloo, 1976 stat. rev. and Euxanthellus desantisi Fidaglo, 1981 stat. rev.), and formally establish the tribe Euxanthellini. The general habitus of Euxanthellus is superficially similar to species of the Coccophagus malthusi species group (Hayat 1993) and it keys to members of the malthusi group in several keys to species of Coccophagus (Hayat 1993, 1998; Xu and Huang 2004; Myartseva 2006). Additionally, Compere (1931) excluded species of Euxanthellus from his key to Afrotropical Coccophagus. Euxanthellus can be easily distinguished with the diagnostic charateristics presented above. Euxanthellus desantisi is readily diagnosable from the remaining species in Euxanthellus by the head shape, mesoscutellar setation, relative proportions of Fu 1, and absence of the diamond-shaped dorsellum (Fidalgo 1981, figs 1 – 4). Additionally, Euxanthellus desantisi is the only known species of Euxanthellus known from outside the Afrotropics. We have tentatively placed Euxanthellus desantisi with the remaining Euxanthellus to aid with diagnosis, but ultimately molecular data will be necessary to determine the appropriate placement of this species.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9451FFD0609BFD56DD04FBD5.taxon	materials_examined	Type genus: Prococcophagus Silvestri, 1915. urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 4 DC 9 F 8 E 5 - C 44 B- 4 BF 3 - 81 AD- 7 B 2 EA 38 E 8 DBE	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9451FFD0609BFD56DD04FBD5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna with contrasting white and brown segments; scape almost always laterally flattened and strongly expanded (rarely unmodified); often with evident trichoid and mushroom sensilla on flagellar segments. Mesonotum with mesoscutum uniformly setose; axilla subquadrate with 1 – 4 setae. Fore wing usually infuscate towards base and hyaline at apex.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9451FFD26182FB07DD35FC2B.taxon	description	(Figure 5)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9451FFD26182FB07DD35FC2B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Body with opalescent lustre. Antennal segments with contrasting light and dark pigment; scape laterally compressed and expanded ventrally (except three species), inserted close to the clypeal margin (Figure 5 A – C). Mesosoma with pronotum (no 1) medially membranous; midlobe of mesoscutum setose (Figure 5 E); axilla subquadrate with 1 – 4 setae. Fore wing usually with infuscate area consisting of dark setae basally and hyaline apically; stigmal vein variable in length (Figure 5 D).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9451FFD26182FB07DD35FC2B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype of Prococcophagus varius: ERITREA: Cheren (= Keren) [1 ♀, UNP]. Holotype of Prococcophagus aurantifrons: AUSTRALIA: New South Wales, Sydney, Taronga Zoological Park, 20. x. 1927, ex. Inglisia sp., Compere, H. No. 10282713 [1 ♀, USNM]. Paratypes of Prococcophagus aurantifrons: same data as holotype [3 ♀ 2 ♂, USNM]. Holotype of Prococcophagus asterolecanii: HAITI: Morne-a-Cabrito, 22. v. 1931, ex. Asterolecanium epidendri (Bouch.) [= Asterolecanium aureum Targioni Tozzetti] on Anona sp., Dozier, H. L. [1 ♀, USNM 1049008]. Paratypes of Prococcophagus asterolecanii: same data as holotype except ex. Asterolecanium epidendri (Bouch.) (= Asterolecanium aureum) Targioni Tozzetti) on shrub 21. v. 1931 [2 ♂, USNM]; 22. v. 1931 [♀, USNM]; 29. v. 1931 [3 ♂, USNM]; 1. vi. 1931 [1 ♂, USNM]; 2. vi. 1931 [1 ♂, USNM]. Holotype of Prococcophagus hispaniolae: Caxeau, 16. iv. 1930, ex. Ceroplastes giganteus Dozier on Ficus rubricosta Warb., Dozier, H. L. [1 ♀ USNM 1049018]. Paratype of Prococcophagus srilankaensis: SRI LANKA (= Ceylon): Punduloya (= Pundaluoya), Green, E. E. 1073 / 01 [1 ♀, USNM]. Non type Material of Prococcophagus sp.: BENIN: Calavi, x. 2021, Goergen, G., ex. Bambusaspis miliaris (Boisduval) on leaves of Bambusa vulgaris (Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl.) [3 ♀, NHMUK: DNA 1715]. COSTA RICA: Rio Magnolia, 16 – 17. ii. 2017, Noyes, J. S. [1 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 00508967]. MEXICO: Jalisco, Chamela 19 ° 29 ′ 49.7 ″ N 105 ° 02 ′ 27.8 ″ W, 23. vi. 2008, Clebsch, H., low deciduous woodland, swp [1 ♀, NHMUK: DNA 322].	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9451FFD26182FB07DD35FC2B.taxon	discussion	Comments Prococcophagus was established for species that resemble Coccophagus but have a laterally compressed scape inserted close to the margin of the clypeus (Silvestri 1915 b). Taneostigmoidella Girault, 1915 was established in the same year, and was recognised as a junior synonym of Prococcophagus less than two years later (Girault 1915, 1917 c). Synonymy of Prococcophagus and Taneostigmoidella with Coccophagus was published independently by several authors (Shafee et al. 1985; Viggiani 1985; Hayat 1988) based the apparent homology of the male genitalic morphology and larval development (Mazzone and Viggiani 1984; Viggiani and Battaglia 1984). Hayat (1988) established the Coccophagus varius species group for all species originally placed in Prococcophagus and Taneostigmoidella, as well as two species of Aneristus Howard, 1895 a. Prococcophagus superficially resembles the other genera of Coccophagini Förster, 1878. The wing venation and antennal conformation of males in some species is similar to that of the Coccophagus ochraceus species group. However, Prococcophagus can be easily distinguished from Coccophagini by the medially membranous pronotum and the shape of the axilla, which align it closer to Encarsia. Contemporary phylogenomic analysis places Prococcophagus outside of Coccophagini (Cruaud et al. 2024; Kresslein 2024). Given the phylogenetic placement of the genus, and the ease with which it can be diagnosed, we revive Prococcophagus with 27 species (Table 1) and establish Prococcophagini within Coccophaginae. Presently, Prococcophagini contains two genera, Prococcophagus and Oenrobia. Additional genera will be described in an upcoming revision of the Prococcophagini.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9452FFCD61EFFEC7D8D5FD05.taxon	description	(Figure 6)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9452FFCD61EFFEC7D8D5FD05.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna with scape laterally flattened and expanded ventrally; multiporous plate sensilla (ts) trichoid rather than fused with flagellar segments along their length (Figure 6 A). Vertex with postocellar lines (pol) present (Figure 6 B). Mesosoma with axilla (ax) with 2 setae; mesoscutellum (mss) with medial longitudinal groove, scutellar sensilla (ss) separated by one diameter; metanotum with triangular dorsellum (dor) (Figure 6 C). Fore wing infuscate posterior to marginal vein; stigmal vein short (Figure 6 D). Third valvulae (3 vl) enlarged and strongly triangular (Figure 6 F).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9452FFCD61EFFEC7D8D5FD05.taxon	description	Redescription Female. Colour. The holotype (Figure 6) is cleared and slide-mounted, and as a result the body colour could not be reassessed. See Hayat (1995) for a discussion of body colour. Antenna 8 - segmented with all segments densely setose, antennal formula 1,1,3,3; scape laterally compressed and ventrally expanded, twice as long as wide, densely setose dorsally; pedicel shorter than Fu 1, Fu 1 2.9 × as long as wide, 1.1 × as long as both Fu 2 and Fu 3; all flagellar segments with multiporous plate sensilla (ts) trichoid rather than fused along their length; funicle with mushroom-like sensilla (Figure 6 A). Head with frontovertex setose; postocellar (pos), transfacial, and mediofrontal lines; scrobal depression with two lines of setae; eyes setose; mandibles with 2 teeth and a truncation; maxillary palp 2 - segmented (Figure 6 B). Mesosoma with pronotum (no 1) entire; mid lobe of mesoscutum (mlm) with ~ 45 setae, sculpture reticulate; side lobes of mesoscutum with 3 setae, lacking sculpture; axilla (ax) subquadrate with 2 setae, sculpture reticulate; mesoscutellum (mss) with 3 pairs of setae, longitudinal grove medially, lacking sculpture, scutellar sensilla (ss) separated by the diameter of one sensillum; metanotum with triangular dorsellum (dor). Fore wing apically rounded, 2.0 × as long as width, with disc setae longer at near base than apex; wing fringe 0.1 × as long as width of fore wing; submarginal vein subequal in length to marginal vein; stigmal vein short, adjacent to asetose patch on the wing disc; postmarginal vein extremely reduced (Figure 6 D). Tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5; mid tibia with spur subequal in length to mid basitarsus (Figure 6 E). Petiole transverse, with indistinct sculpture. Gaster 7 - segmented laterally with imbricate sculpture; Gt 1 – 2 0, Gt 3 – 7 with 1 + 1, 1 + 1, 2 + 2, 2 + 2, 2 + 2, and 4 setae, respectively. Ovipositor subequal in length to mid tibia. Third valvulae (3 vl) enlarged and kite shaped, 0.5 × as long as the second valvula (Figure 6 F). Male. Unknown.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9452FFCD61EFFEC7D8D5FD05.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype: See above. Non-type material: MALAYSIA: Sarawak: Borneo, Gunung Mulu National Park, Summit trail, vic. Paku Waterfall in forest, 4 ° 2.27 ʹ N, 114 ° 49.7 ʹ W 42 m, 16. ix. 2011, Polaszek, A., Darling, D. C., Talamas, E., and Johnson, N. F. [2 ♀, ROME: OSU 308696].	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9452FFCD61EFFEC7D8D5FD05.taxon	discussion	Comments Oenrobia was established for a single species (Oenrobia kinabaluensis) considered intermediate between Coccophagus and Encarsia, with Hayat (1995) stating that it shares many diagnostic characteristics with the former, except for sharing the facial lines, postocellar lines and general habitus of the latter (Figure 6 B). Oenrobia was further distinguished by a longitudinal groove on the mesoscutellum (Figure 6 C) and trichoid longitudinal sensilla on the flagellum (Figure 6 A). Hayat (1995) describes the ovipositor as ‘ connected to the last tergum through a thin band-like extension’; however, this structure is not clearly illustrated nor identifiable on the type specimen. It is clear from an examination of the type material that this species is very close to Prococcophagus, sharing many diagnostic characteristics, including an expanded and laterally flattened scape, postocellar lines, conformation of the mesonotal sclerites, and an infuscate fore wing base (Figure 6 D) (Hayat 1998; Wang et al. 2020; Qin et al. 2022). However, Oenrobia possesses several unique synapomorphies that help to distinguish it from Prococcophagus, including a relatively short stigmal vein, an undivided pronotum, a longitudinal groove on the mesoscutellum, a triangular dorsellum, and strongly enlarged triangular third valvulae (Figure 6 C, D, F). Additional material should be collected from the type location, and molecular data captured, to definitively establish the placement of Oenrobia outside Prococcophagus or, alternatively, as a highly apomorphic species within Prococcophagus.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944CFFCD623EFD5BDF13FBFC.taxon	discussion	Comments After elevating Euxanthellini and Prococcophagini to tribes, four genera remain in Coccophagini: Coccophagus s. s., Lounsburyia Compere and Insley, 1961, Mexidalgus Myartseva, 2014, and Timberlakiella. Preliminary phylogenomic analyses recover this restricted Coccophagini as polyphyletic. Additional taxa must be sampled to confidently resolve the classification of Coccophagini. Presently we maintain Coccophagini as a tribe, and we provide a contemporary treatment of Timberlakiella.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944CFFC861B6FAD2DD0BFD8B.taxon	description	(Figure 7)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944CFFC861B6FAD2DD0BFD8B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Dorsal mesosoma, legs, and ventral gaster densely setose with majority of setae uniform in length. Mesoscutellum (mss) strongly enlarged, posterior margin overhanging metanotum (no 3) and propodeum, occluding the medial portion of both in dorsal view (Figure 7 D). Metanotum with membranous projection (Figure 7 E). Fore wing densely setose; submarginal vein (smv) strongly curved and enlarged, lacking elongate robust setae common in other genera of Coccophaginae (Figure 7 G). Petiole (pet) short and gently constricted (Figure 7 H). Third valvulae (3 vl) considerably shorter than second valvulae, enlarged, elliptical and setose (Figure 7 H).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944CFFC861B6FAD2DD0BFD8B.taxon	description	Redescription Female. Colour. Body gold with eyes silver and ocelli dull red-brown. Antenna 8 - segmented with all segments densely setose, antennal formula 1,1,3,3; scape cylindrical, densely setose at apex; pedicel shorter than Fu 1, Fu 1 longer than Fu 2 and Fu 3; all flagellar segments with numerous multiporous plate sensilla (Figure 7 B). Head densely setose; face with fine reticulate sculpture; vertex with row of robust setae on occipital margin; frontomedial and transfacial lines intersect with scrobal depression (Figure 7 C). Mandible with 2 teeth and a truncation; ventral margin with elongate peg. Maxillary palp 2 - segmented. Mesosoma densely and uniformly setose with imbricate sculpture; pronotum (no 1) undivided; mid lobe of mesoscutum (mlm) with more than 100 setae; side lobes of mesoscutum (slm) with 20 + setae, posterior portion hidden beneath lateral margin of midlobe of mesoscutum; axilla (ax) large and subtriangular with 45 + setae; mesoscutellum (mss) densely setose with 4 pairs of elongate setae at apex, strongly projecting posteriorly, dorsally overlapping medial portion of metanotum and propodeum; mesoscutellar scutellar sensilla (ss) pit-like and widely separated; metanotum (no 3) with thin membranous asetose projection, visible laterally and dorsally at apex of mesoscutellum (Figures 7 E). Fore wing broad, 2.5 × as long as wide, hyaline, with wing disc broad and densely setose; marginal fringe very short; costal cell (cc) strongly curved; submarginal vein (smv) enlarged and strongly curved, 0.8 × the length of the marginal vein; stigmal vein short; postmarginal vein absent (Figure 7 G). Hindwing with submarginal vein and costal cell strongly curved. Tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5. Mid tibia (tb 2) with spur robust, 1.3 × as long as mid basitarsus; mid basitarsus with row of stout robust setae (Figure 7 H). Petiole short and slightly constricted, with mesophragma (2 ph) extending just beyond the anterior margin (Figure 7 F). Gaster with 7 segments, basal segment with reticulate sculpture, apical segments punctate; Gt 1 – 2 with lateral setae, Gt 3 – 5 with line of medial setae, Gt 6 – 7 densely setose; gastral sternites densely setose (Figure 7 H). Ovipositor originating towards the base of gaster, 1.6 × as long as mid tibia, barely extruded past apex of gaster; third valvulae (3 vl) enlarged, elliptical, densely setose, 0.1 × length of second valvulae (Figure 7 H). Male. Unknown.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944CFFC861B6FAD2DD0BFD8B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype: See above. Paratypes: PHILIPPINES: [Laguna]: Los Baños, 1921, Woodworth, H. [11 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 498470, UCRCENT 498678, UCRCENT 498688, UCRCENT 498432, UCRCENT 436257, UCRCENT 498475, UCRCENT 498408, UCRCENT 436255, UCRCENT 498464, UCRCENT 498443, UCRCENT 498453].	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944CFFC861B6FAD2DD0BFD8B.taxon	discussion	Comments Timberlakiella is a monotypic genus described from material collected from the Los Baños municipality in the Philippines (Compere 1936). It is a parasitoid of soft scale insects and has been reared from Coccus hesperidum (L., 1758) in Thailand (Tachikawa 1976). Like many species of the Coccophagini, Timberlakiella applanatonervus superficially resembles species of Coccophagus, but is distinguished by the above diagnostic characteristics. It shares the ram’s horn shape of the mesofurca with Euxanthellus but lacks a complete mesofurcal bridge. This suggests that Timberlakiella may represent a transitional taxon between Euxanthellus and the rest of the Coccophagini. It is essential that Timberlakiella be represented in future phylogenomic analyses. Until then we maintain its tribal position in Coccophagini.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9449FFCB61FBFC9FD868FA22.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Macropterous, rarely brachypterous. Female flagellum 5 - segmented, formula 1,1,3,2 (Figure 8 B); male flagellum 6 - segmented with no clear differentiation between funicle and clava (Figure 8 C); male scape sometimes laterally compressed and enlarged, with sensory plaque (scps) on ventral surface (Figures 8 C, 9 A). Mesosoma with pronotum (no 1) undivided (Figure 8 D, E); mesoscutellum (mss) usually shield-shaped with rounded apex and 4 – 6 stout setae (Figure 8 D); axilla small relative to other Coccophaginae, slightly advanced, each with no more than 1 seta, separated by approximately 3 × length of an axilla (ax) (Figure 8 D, E); mesopleuron convex and undivided when viewed laterally, consisting of a greatly enlarged and posteriorly-expanded acropleuron (acr) (Figure 8 E). Fore wing with stigmal vein elongate with 4 sensilla (svs) in characteristic pattern: three large sensilla in a row, with a fourth smaller sensillum positioned between, and anterior to the distal two larger sensilla (Figure 8 F). Cerci (cer) typically advanced anteriorly, as far as posterior margin of Gt 5 (Figure 8 G).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9449FFCB61FBFC9FD868FA22.taxon	discussion	Comments Coccobius contains 113 species that target Diaspididae. Hayat (1983) presented a brief taxonomic history of Coccobius that we summarise below. Physcus Howard, 1895 b was initially established for specimens similar to Coccophagus, but with a 7 - segmented antenna in females, narrow axilla, and distinctly elongate stigmal vein. In the same publication, Howard examined species descriptions of Coccobius. Of the four species described by Ratzeburg, three of them were determined to belong to previously established genera of Aphelinidae. Howard indicated that the fourth species, Coccobius annulicornis Ratzeburg, 1852, is likely a member of Physcus. Coccobius annulicornis was subsequently designated as the type species of Coccobius (Gahan and Fagan 1923). In a personal communication with Graham (1976), Nowicky asserted that Coccobius annulicornis belongs in Physcus. Unfortunately, the type material of Coccobius was destroyed during the Second World War. However, Hayat (1983) examined specimens from Nowicky’s collection that were identified as Coccobius annulicornis, which are clearly aligned with Physcus. This led Hayat to conclude that Coccobius is the valid genus name and Physcus is a junior subjective synonym. ICZN (1991) maintained the seniority of Coccobius over Physcus. Encyrtophyscus Blanchard, 1948 and Physculus Yasnosh, 1977 were synonymised due to the absence of diagnostic characteristics to diagnose the genera (Compere and Annecke 1961; Hayat 1983). While Idiococcobius Hayat, 2010 exhibited a suite of character states suggesting the establishment of a new genus, it was synonymised after molecular analyses placed the type species (Coccobius encarsoides (Hayat, 2010) and a closely related species (Coccobius islandicus Geng and Polaszek, 2020) within Coccobius (Geng et al. 2020). Prophyscus De Santis syn. n. (Figure 9) was established with a single species, Prophyscus latiscapus De Santis, 1940, from a single male specimen considered near Coccobius but with an enlarged and laterally flattened scape (Figure 8 A) and relatively smaller axilla (De Santis 1940 b). Hayat (1985 a) later rediagnosed the genus, stating that the axilla were identical to that of Coccobius, and noting that the mesoscutellum possessed lateral extensions, that he called parascutella [= axillula (axl)] (Figure 9 E). He provided a description for females which included an unmodified scape and a relatively short ovipositor (Hayat 1985 b, figs 83 – 88). Lastly, Hayat moved Physcus latiscapus Girault, 1929 to Prophyscus. The resulting homonym was resolved by moving Prophyscus latiscapus De Santis to Prophyscus desantisi Hayat, 1985. Based on our examination of the type material, we place Prophyscus as a junior synonym of Coccobius. The expanded scape is a common feature of males of Coccobius. We disagree with Hayat’s assertion that the mesoscutellum possesses axillulae. The lateral portion of the mesoscutellum is variable in curvature among species of Coccobius. In the type species, it appears that the mesoscutellar sculpture is compressed laterally, it does not constitute a separate sclerite. In Coccobius desantisi (Hayat, 1985), it appears that what Hayat describes as axillulae are the lateral portions of the mesoscutellum that have been torn longitudinally during slide mounting of the specimen. Finally, as it is presently described, Prophyscus possesses all the key diagnostic characteristics of Coccobius.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944AFFC46191FA4DDF4AFB57.taxon	description	(Figure 9) Prophyscus latiscapus De Santis, 1940: 24 [in De Santis 1940 b]. Type data: ARGENTINA: La Plata, i. 1938, De Santis, L., ex Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) [= Comstockaspis perniciosa (Comstock)]. Holotype, ♂. Type depository: MLPA [examined].	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944AFFC46191FA4DDF4AFB57.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna with scape laterally flattened and ventrally enlarged, with expansive sensory structure at base (Figure 9 A); Fu 1 quadrate and strongly enlarged (compare Figure 9 A with Hayat 1985 b, fig. 87).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944AFFC46191FA4DDF4AFB57.taxon	description	Redescription Male. Antenna with 8 segments, formula 1,1,4,2 (Figure 9 A); scape elliptical, strongly laterally flattened with sensory area at the base, 1.5 × as long as wide; pedicel globular, subequal in length to Fu 1; Fu 1 quadrate, subequal in length to Fu 2, 0.9 × as long as Fu 3; flagellar segments each with numerous multiporous plate sensilla. Head with frontovertex with transverse sculpture (Figure 9 C); mandibles with 1 tooth and a truncation. Mesosoma with pronotum entire; mid lobe of mesoscutum with approximately 40 setae, sculpture reticulate; axilla slightly advanced, each with 1 seta (Figure 9 D); mesoscutellum (mss) with 2 pairs of setae, sculpture longitudinally reticulate, scutellar sensilla widely separated (Figure 9 E); metanotum transverse. Fore wing broad, 2.1 × as long as wide, uniformly setose; marginal fringe 0.1 × as long as width of wing disc; submarginal vein with 7 setae; marginal vein 0.9 × as long as submarginal vein; stigmal vein elongate; postmarginal vein absent (Figure 9 F). Tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5. Gaster 7 - segmented; cerci slightly advanced. Female. Unknown.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944AFFC46191FA4DDF4AFB57.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype: See above.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A944AFFC46191FA4DDF4AFB57.taxon	discussion	Comments The holotype of Coccobius desantisi is in poor condition, and many structures (head, mesoscutum, mesoscutellum, acropleuron, aedeagus, etc.) are partially or completely obscured. Additional material should be collected from the type locality to enhance the species description. See Coccobius for further discussion.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9445FFC5619AFAE8D872FF65.taxon	discussion	Comments Coccobius latiscapus (Girault, 1929) is purportedly deposited at WADA (Dahms 1984); however, is currently missing from the collection (Melinda Moir, pers. comm.). Hayat (1985 a) states in the acknowledgements that he received a loan of material of Coccobius from multiple collections, including one from Dahms at QM. Thus, while there is no record of a loan, the type material of Coccobius latiscapus may be at the insect collection at the Aligarh Muslim University. See Coccobius for further discussion.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC56222FECDDE63FAA3.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Head prognathous with ∩ shaped fronto-facial sulcus (ffs); toruli inserted at clypeal margin (Figure 10 A, B). Body dorsoventrally flattened with gaster more than 2.5 × as long as mesosoma (Figures 10 A, 11 B). Mesosoma with pronotum (no 1) strongly enlarged, sometimes narrowly divided (Figure 10 C); axilla (ax) not advanced past the transscutal suture; mesoscutellum wider than long, scutellar sensilla absent from the mesoscutellum (mss) (Figures 10 D, 11 C). Fore wings reduced (Figure 11 D). Gastral tergites with dorsal invaginations (Figure 10 C).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC56222FECDDE63FAA3.taxon	discussion	Comments Prococcobius Hayat, 2015 was diagnosed based on the following suite of diagnostic characteristics: head subprognathous (Figure 10 A); mandible with mandibular rods basally globular (as in Signiphoridae); mesosoma with pronotum (no 1) enlarged (Figure 11 E), mesoscutellum (mss) transverse, mesoscutellar scutellar sensilla absent (Figures 10 D; 11 C); fore wing greatly reduced and subcircular, with wing disc asetose, with trace wing venation (Figure 11 D); gaster considerably larger than mesosoma (Figure 11 E). Prococcobius represents an unusual group within Physcini Yasnosh 1976. Numerous species of undescribed brachypterous Coccobius superficially resemble Prococcobius (Mottern unpublished). However, in Prococcobius the presence of a strongly enlarged pronotum and internal sternal projection (Figure 11 F) suggest placement outside of Coccobius. While it is possible that Prococcobius may be an extremely autapomorphic Coccobius, we have chosen to maintain it as a valid genus until sequence data can be collected and analysed.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC061B3FAD3DD26F9DA.taxon	description	(Figures 10, 11) urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: EC 8 EF 530 - 4437 - 4 F 8 B-B 2 F 1 - 9 CCE 3 FDEAEF 9	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC061B3FAD3DD26F9DA.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Head prognathous with vertical medial sulcus (vms); vertex transverse; ocelli absent (Figures 10 B, 11 A); occipital carina interrupted by occipital foramen (Figure 11 A). Mesosoma with pronotum (no 1) divided by longitudinal suture (Figure 11 C). Fore wing greatly reduced with only trace wing venation (Figure 11 D). Gaster with two sets of internal gastral projections (stp) originating from the second and third gastral sternites (Figure 11 F). Ovipositor longer than the length of the gaster (Figure 11 E, F).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC061B3FAD3DD26F9DA.taxon	description	Description Female. Colour. Antenna cream except Fu 1 and base of clava grey-brown. Head cream except gena dark grey-brown; eye silver. Mesosoma cream except posterolateral corners of mesoscutum dark grey-brown. Fore wing lightly infuscate. Legs cream except hind coxa, trochanter, and femur dark grey-brown. Metasoma dark grey-brown. Third valvula dark. Antenna with seven segments, formula 1,1,3,2, inserted at clypeal margin; scape slightly laterally flattened, 2.8 × as long as wide; pedicel 1.6 × as long as Fu 1; Fu 1 1.2 × as long as wide, subequal in length to Fu 2 and Fu 3; clava with truncated apex; flagellar segments with the following number of multiporous plate sensilla: Fu 1: 2, Fu 2: 2, Fu 3: 2, Fu 4: 3, clv: 7 (Figures 10 A, 11 A, B). Head prognathous with ∩ shaped sulcus (ffs) around scrobal depression and vertical medial sulcus (vms) across frontovertex; face sparsely setose, lacking sculpture; gena more densely setose; vertex (vtx) transverse; ocelli absent; occipital carina (occ) interrupted by occipital foramen (ocf) (Figure 11 A); mandibles with 2 teeth and a truncation, mandibular rods globular basally. Mesosoma, 0.4 × as long and 0.5 × as wide as metasoma (Figures 10 B, 11 A); pronotum (no 1) 1.5 × as long as mesoscutum, divided medially by narrow suture (Figure 11 C); mesoscutum (msc) 0.3 × as long as wide with alutaceous sculpture, midlobe with 10 setae, side lobes narrow, each with 1 seta (Figure 11 C); axilla (ax) not advanced beyond the transscutellar suture, each with a single seta (Figure 11 C); mesoscutellum (mss) transverse with 2 pairs of setae, scutellar sensilla absent (Figure 10 D); acropleuron (acr) undivided, strongly convex (Figure 11 E), metanotum (no 3) divided medially (Figure 11 C). Fore wing greatly reduced and ovoid; wing disc asetose; costal cell with 3 basal setae; submarginal vein extending length of wing, with 5 setae; marginal vein strongly reduced with single sensillum apically; stigmal vein absent; marginal fringe absent (Figure 11 D). Hindwing apparently absent. Tarsal formula 5 - 5 - 5. Hind leg with coxa, trochanter and femur strongly enlarged (Figure 11 E). Gaster with 8 segments, each with a transverse line of short setae, posterolateral margin of each with distinctive crenulae (gtc); 2 pairs of internal projections (stp) present within gaster originating from second and third gastral sternites; Gt 1 – 5, 7 with medial invagination (gti); cerci (cer) advanced anteriorly to posterior margin of Gt 5 (Figures 10 C, 11 E). Ovipositor originating at base of gaster, 3.8 × length of mid tibia, extruded just past gastral apex; third valvulae (3 vl) 0.3 × as long as ovipositor (Figure 11 F). Male. Unknown.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC061B3FAD3DD26F9DA.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype: SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: Eshowe, 21 – 23. iii. 2005, Kolyada, V., garden, YPT [1 ♀, UCRC: UCRCENT 498410]; deposited at UCRC. Notes. Collection label states that the type was collected in ‘ garden’, but a specific habitat is not explicitly mentioned.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC061B3FAD3DD26F9DA.taxon	etymology	Etymology From the Greek ‘ platys’ meaning flat and ‘ cephale’ meaning head.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9444FFC061B3FAD3DD26F9DA.taxon	discussion	Comments Prococcobius platycephala is distinguished from Prococcobius polaszeki Hayat, 2015 by the colour of the head and mesosoma, the medial division of the pronotum (Figures 10 A, 11 C), and the number of setae in the fore wing costal cell (Figure 11 D). Prococcobius platycephala can also apparently be distinguished by the absence of ocelli on the vertex (Figure 10 B), though while the description of Prococcobius polaszeki includes the presence of an anterior ocellus (Hayat 2015) it cannot be seen in the provided figures and may be absent (Hayat 2015, fig. 1). The holotype of Prococcobius platycephala does not possess hindwings. Hayat (2015) describes Prococcobius polaszeki as having a membranous hindwing, though this cannot be seen in the published photographs. While we cannot completely exclude the possibility the hindwings were lost prior to mounting and examination, we have excluded this character from the generic diagnosis.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9440FFC161E0FF2BDF36FE28.taxon	discussion	Comments See Prococcobius and Prococcobius platycephala for discussion.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9440FFC261C5FD17DD65FEBA.taxon	description	(Figure 12)	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9443FFC3619DFE08DF82FC4D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Antenna with clava 6.5 × as long as broad; pedicel 4 × as long as broad (Figure 12 A). Fore wing nearly 3 × as long as broad; parastigma (pst) curved (Figure 12 B); submarginal vein with 3 dorsal setae; marginal vein with 3 setae; marginal fringe 0.5 × fore wing width (Figure 12 B). Mid tibial spur 0.3 × as long as basitarsus (mbt) length (Figure 12 C).	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9443FFC3619DFE08DF82FC4D.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined Holotype: See above.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9443FFC3619DFE08DF82FC4D.taxon	discussion	Comments Metanthemus aureus Girault, 1928 was described in a private publication in the tribe Alaptini Perkins, 1912 (Mymaridae), a frequent classification used by Girault for species now recognised as in Cales Howard, 1907 and Eretmocerus (Girault, 1928). Girault compared Metanthemus with Paranthemus Girault, 1915, (= Cales) (Hayat 1983). However, he did not compare it with Eretmocerus itself, despite his previous valid description of Eretmocerus australis Girault, 1921. Metanthemus was later transferred to Aphelinidae by Huber (2005), but not assigned to a subfamily. Metanthemus has since remained a valid genus, known only from its short description in Girault (1928). The sole specimen of Metanthemus aureus is mounted in Canada balsam under irregular shards of broken glass in a thick preparation (Figure 12 D). Shards of glass are also mounted next to parts of the specimen, presumably to prevent compression of the specimen. Dahms (1983) indicated that this specimen is the holotype. The specimen clearly belongs to Eretmocerus based on the configuration of the antenna, tarsal formula (4 - 4 - 4), and other diagnostic characteristics typical of Eretmocerus. Eretmocerus aureus (Girault, 1928) is near to, or identical with, Eretmocerus mundus Mercet, 1931, except for a curved parastigma (Figure 12 B, compare with De Barro et al. (2000, fig. 9 )) and the relative proportions of the clava. Notably, the holotype of Eretmocerus aureus will key to Eretmocerus mundus in multiple identification keys (Hayat 1998; Zolnerowich and Rose 1998; De Barro et al. 2000), but with some difficulty due to the collapsed funicular segments of the type specimen. A more extensive redescription of Eretmocerus aureus is currently undesirable because many key features are not visible in the type specimen. Instead, photographs of the type specimen are provided for the first time (Figure 12). Girault (1928) mentions setal tracks on the fore wing disc, but discal setae are uniformly scattered, the typical character state for Eretmocerus (Figure 12 B). Most notably, Eretmocerus aureus differs from females of Eretmocerus mundus by the length of the clava (Figure 12 A): 8 – 8.5 × as long as broad. The clava of Eretmocerus mundus was described as less than 5 × as long as broad (Hayat 1998), but De Barro et al. (2000) described it as 5.8 – 6.8 × as long as broad, and Zolnerowich and Rose (1998) described it as 5.7 – 7.4 × as long as broad. The number of setae on the mesoscutal midlobe (2 pairs) is also used to define Eretmocerus mundus (Hayat 1998). The condition of the type specimen of Eretmocerus aureus prevents a clear assessment of the setae on the midlobe of the mesoscutum. Because of the poor visibility of morphological features on the only known specimen, Eretmocerus aureus is tentatively recognised as a separate species. Greater certainty would require an accurate count of setae on the midlobe of the mesoscutum, and examination of intact funicular segments. The relatively long antennal clava and the curved parastigma are the only defining features of Eretmocerus aureus that distinguish it from Eretmocerus mundus. Because of the importance of Eretmocerus mundus in the biological control of the Bemisia tabaci species complex, further research should prioritise the collection of specimens of Eretmocerus from the type locality of Eretmocerus aureus, and the comparison of morphological and molecular data from fresh specimens with those of other Eretmocerus. This is of even greater importance as the relative dimensions of the holotype are potentially inaccurate as it appears the specimen was allowed to collapse prior to being mounted. This synonymy was discovered independently by three of the current investigators but was not published until now.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9442FFFC61BAFBC9DDD8FD07.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Translation and reinterpretation from Risbec 1954: Body non-metallic. Antennae 7 - segmented (2 funicular, 3 claval), inserted at ventral margin of compound eyes. Head a little wider than high, equal in width to the mesosoma; compound eyes densely setose; lateral ocelli close to the margin of compound eyes; mouth fossa wide, mandibles with peg-like projection. Dorsal mesosoma with weak rugose sculpture; mesopleura with parapsidal furrows far from the median line. Metanotum and propodeum short on axis, stigma small, circular. Abdomen halfoval, valves barely protruding. Fore wing densely setose, with short marginal fringe. Reduced radius; marginal vein equal in length to costal cell; postmarginal vein strongly reduced. Fore and hind tibia widened and flattened; mid tibia with 2 long apical spurs.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9442FFFC61BAFBC9DDD8FD07.taxon	description	Male. Unknown.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A9442FFFC61BAFBC9DDD8FD07.taxon	discussion	Comments Verekia Risbec is a monotypic genus described from two female specimens reared from Bruchidius uberatus Fåhraeus, 1839 (= Bruchus baudoni Caillol, 1908) on a rubber tree (Risbec 1954: fig. 11). It was originally placed in Eunotinae (now Eunotidae), but moved to Aphelinidae due to superficial similarities to Coccophagus and Timberlakiella (Hayat 1983). From the description and illustrations, we note a combination of morphological character states that call into question placement in Aphelinidae: antenna formula 1,1,2,3, mesoscutum lacking notauli, small and widely separated axillae, mesoscutellum enlarged, mid tibia with 2 apical spurs. Additionally, the asserted host association is unlikely for members of Aphelinidae. We disagree with the placement of Verekia in Aphelinidae, and until the type material can be located at MNHN and examined, render it incertae sedis within Chalcidoidea.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A947DFFFD6119FD5ADDD0FF65.taxon	discussion	Comments Phtuaria incertae sedis Burks & Heraty is a fossil genus of Chalcidoidea recovered from middle Eocene Baltic amber (41.3 – 47.8 mya) (Burks et al. 2015, figs 1 – 4). Placement of Phtuaria remains a contentious topic because of its unique combination of morphological character states, allying the genus with a bizarre assemblage of chalcidoid families, including Aphelinidae, Baeomorphidae, Calesidae, Eulophidae, Idioporidae, Mymaridae, Pirenidae, Tetracampidae, and Trichogrammatidae (Burks et al. 2015). The authors rejected the placement of Phtuaria in all families except Aphelinidae, in which they include the genus because it ‘ possesses a mixture of features that are frequently used to characterize [the aphelinid] subfamilies’. However, in the same publication, inclusion within each subfamily is systematically rejected as the correct placement for Phtuaria. The authors ultimately choose to place the genus in its own subfamily Phtuariinae Burks et al. 2015. After the removal of Cales from Aphelinidae (Burks et al. 2022), there were no longer any known Aphelinidae with a straight fore tibial spur, further weakening the placement of Phtuaria in the family. Morphological phylogenetic analyses have not resolved the placement of Phtuaria. Burks et al. (2015) explored adding Phtuaria to the morphological matrix from Heraty et al. (2013). The results were variable between analysis types, with Phtuaria recovered (1) in a clade alongside Mongolocampinae (Tetracampidae), Baeomorphidae and Mymaridae; (2) as the sister to all Chalcidoidea excluding Mymaridae and Baeomorphidae; or (3) within the Aphelinidae as sister to Aphelinini + Eretmocerinae + Coccophaginae. Ongoing analyses are exploring the placement of Phtuaria and recover it either within Aphelinidae or associated with Signiphoridae and Azotidae. Until we uncover stronger evidence to support the placement of Phtuaria, we place Phtuariinae as incertae sedis within Chalcidoidea.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
4419F96A947CFFFE61FFFBF1DD23F9BD.taxon	discussion	Comments Both Galeopsomyia metallica and Galeopsomyia gallicola were originally described in the genus Trichaporus Förster, 1856 (Risbec 1952, figs 46 – 47). The taxonomic history of Trichaporus is tightly intertwined with its objective junior synonym Trichoporus Ashmead, 1900. Förster (1856) originally described Trichaporus in the Tetrastichoidae (= Tetrastichinae) but with no included species. Ashmead (1900) referenced Förster’s concept of Trichaporus as Trichoporus and established Trichoporus columbianus (= Euderus columbianus) as the type species. Ashmead (1904 b) established additional species in Trichoporus, and along with Crawford (1910) and Girault (1912), recognised that the original type species of Trichoporus belonged to the genus Euderus. Girault (1912) established Trichaporus melleus Ashmead, 1904 (spelled as in Förster 1856) as the new type species. Kurdjumov (1913) established a different species, Trichaporus solutus (manuscript name never published) as the type species of Trichaporus. Nowicki (1929), believed that Ashmead had incorrectly applied Trichaporus for species of Eulophidae and recognised four aphelinids within the genus. He established Trichaporus aleyrodis Mercet, 1930, then a manuscript name, as the type species. Nowicki also suggested that Trichoporus could remain a valid genus name with Trichoporus melleus (Ashmead) as the type species. Trichaporus melleus and Trichaporus colliguayae (Philippi, 1873) were moved from Trichaporus to Tetrastichus Haliday, 1844 by Gahan (1925), and later moved to Aprostocetus Westwood, 1833 by LaSalle (1994). Ultimately, Dozier (1933) synonymised Trichaporus sensu Nowicki with Encarsia. After decades of confusion, DeBach and LaSalle (1981) identified the convoluted utilisation of Trichaporus and Trichoporus, and they petitioned the ICZN for their suppression (LaSalle and DeBach 1982, 1983). In ICZN (1985), Trichaporus Förster was suppressed and Trichoporus was recognised as an erroneous misspelling of Trichaporus. The remaining Tetrastichinae associated with Trichaporus were moved to Galeopsomyia Girault, 1916, and Aphelinidae associated with Trichaporus were permitted to remain within Encarsia. While Risbec (1952) originally described both Trichaporus metallicus and Trichaporus gallicola in Tetrastichinae (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae), Noyes (2019) mistakenly treated both species as Encarsia (Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae); as a result, both species have been listed in species catalogues as Encarsia metallica and Encarsia gallicola (Heraty et al. 2007; Kresslein et al. 2023). We agree with Risbec (1952) that these species belong in Tetrastichinae, but the illustrations that accompany the descriptions are not detailed enough to assert appropriate generic placement. Based on the taxonomic actions in ICZN (1985), both species are in Galeopsomyia. However, species of Galeopsomyia are restricted to the Neotropics and the species in question were collected in Madagascar and thus may belong to a different genus. We considered three options to resolve the placement of Galeopsomyia metallica and Galeopsomyia gallicola: (1) establish a new genus for these species; (2) move the species to their original combination and place them as incertae sedis within Tetrastichinae; (3) leave the species in Galeopsomyia and treat them as nomina dubia. We decided against establishing a new genus because we could not locate the type material within the Paris museum. We considered returning the species to their original combination, but this is complicated by the suppression of Trichaporus. A potential solution was to refer to these the species as ‘ Trichaporus ’ metallica and ‘ Trichaporus ’ gallicola and regard them as incertae sedis within Tetrastichinae, in a similar manner to how Sforzi and Sommaggio (2021) and Dal Pos et al. (2024) treated species with unclear generic placement. However, because the Principal of Binominal Nomenclature requires that valid species names consist of a genus and a specific epithet, specific epithets cannot alone be treated as incertae sedis. Thus, we have concluded that the names ‘ Trichaporus ’ metallica and ‘ Trichaporus ’ gallicola cannot be used as valid species names. Therefore, we retain both species within Galeopsomyia as nomina dubia until their primary types have been located at the MNHN and are examined.	en	Kresslein, Robert L., Polaszek, Andrew, Burks, Roger A., Mottern, Jason L., Lahey, Zachary, Heraty, John M. (2025): Nomenclatural spring cleaning: tidying Aphelinidae of taxa that do not spark joy, and a new species of Prococcobius Hayat (Aphelinidae: Coccophaginae). Journal of Natural History 59 (9 - 12): 609-653, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2436124
