Tibetan-plateau

Guides

  • Blaptinae

    darkling beetles

    Blaptinae is a large subfamily of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) containing approximately 283 genera and 4,000 species, classified into 8 tribes. The subfamily was resurrected and redefined in 2021 based on morphological and molecular evidence, with seven tribes transferred from Tenebrioninae. Members are among the most widespread and abundant darkling beetles in arid regions globally, often dominating local invertebrate faunas in desert ecosystems. Ovoviviparity has been documented in at least one tribe (Platynotini), where females carry fully developed first-instar larvae.

  • Blaptini

    Blaptini is a tribe of darkling beetles within the subfamily Blaptinae (Tenebrionidae). The tribe contains more than 30 genera and was moved from Tenebrioninae to the resurrected subfamily Blaptinae in 2021, representing a major taxonomic reclassification. Members are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions of Asia, with notable diversity on the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau and in the Mediterranean basin. The tribe includes flightless species adapted to high-elevation and xeric environments.

  • Prodiamesinae

    Prodiamesinae is a subfamily of non-biting midges in the family Chironomidae. The subfamily contains at least four extant genera: Compteromesa, Monodiamesa, Odontomesa, and Prodiamesa, with additional fossil genera known from Cretaceous amber deposits. Species have been documented across the Holarctic region, including the Russian Far East, Tibetan Plateau, and North America. The subfamily has been subject to both morphological and molecular taxonomic studies, particularly for species discrimination using DNA barcoding.