Host specialization is an important ecological characteristic of parasitic species. The identification of the parasitic strategy of the genus Stylops (Strepsiptera; Stylopidae) is, however, ambiguous. According to the number of recognized species based on existing taxonomy, highly specialized and supergeneralistic species exist in this genus. Our research aims to clarify the concept of host specialization in the genus Stylops, in which all of the members are parasites of Andrena bees. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the parasites (mostly females) and the mapping of hosts onto the phylogenetic tree, we tested three hypotheses of host specialization: (1) each species of the genus Stylops is associated with a single host species; (2) Stylops species are specialized to a group of closely related hosts; and (3) a single Stylops species is a generalist, parasitizing all host Andrena species in this particular region. Our evidence clearly shows a close relationship between the parasite and the host: one species of Stylops attacks one or a few host species of Andrena bees, usually from a single subgenus. Moreover, a moderate generalistic strategy is also likely in a few Stylops species. According to our results, the species diversity of the strepsipteran parasites of bees must be reconsidered. A single European species of Stylops should be divided into a higher number of valid species.

Parasitism of Andrena (Suandrena) savignyi Spinola (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) by Stylops Kirby (Strepsiptera: Stylopidae) has been recorded only once, and from an individual collected in Egypt almost a century ago, with the parasite described as Stylops savignyi Hofeneder. The recent rediscovery of this Stylops from an individual of Andrena savignyi permits a reinterpretation of the species and its affinities among other Stylops. The bee was collected at flowers of Zilla spinosa (Turra) Prantl. (Brassicaceae) in Amariah, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Based on DNA barcode sequences from material sampled across Africa, Asia, and Europe, it is apparent that Stylops savignyi is conspecific with Stylops nassonowi Pierce, and we accordingly synonymize this name (syn. n.), with the latter representing the senior and valid name for the species. A differential diagnosis is provided for Stylops nassonowi and the morphology of the female is described, as well as the first instars.

A new Strepsiptera genus from South America is described, Rozenia gen. n., with three new species: Rozenia calliopsidis sp. n. (type species), Rozenia peruana sp. n. and Rozenia platicephala sp. n. These three new species are parasites of bees belonging to the tribe Calliopsini (Andrenidae, Panurginae). Rozenia calliopsidis sp. n. is a parasite of the bee genus Calliopsis Smith, 1853 and Rozenia peruana sp. n. and Rozenia platicephala sp. n. are parasites of the bee genus Acamptopoeum Cockerell, 1905. Diagnoses and descriptions of female puparia are presented for all three species. Diagnoses and descriptions of first instars (triungulinids) are presented for Rozenia calliopsidis sp. n. and Rozenia platicephala sp. n. The first case of increased number of setae on the body of the first instars and augmentation of chaetotaxy of Strepsiptera are discussed.

In this paper we deal with determination of chosen characteristics of vending business in the Czech Republic. Vending seems to be dynamically developing sector of economics. A strong competition is present in this market. This can be a reason that new ideas of improvement appear continuously. Primary data are used to characterize vending business from the perspective of consumer as well as vending operator. The data are used as input to statistical tests; results are summarized and presented in economic terms. At first, survey (about 600 respondents) is analyzed in empirical way. It is informative in such sense, that vending machines are used by majority of users, more often in school or workplace. The main reasons of using vending machines are speed of shopping and no other shopping possibility. Further part is devoted to comparison of prices under different situations. For example, there are differences among various vending machine locations. Vending machine prices are not necessarily higher than prices in shops or cafeterias. Finally, operator profitability is explored based on company internal data. Among others, hot drinks vending machines are more profitable than vending machines selling bottled beverages of packaged food in general.

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