Background: Flowers are one of the important microhabitats promoting beetle diversity, but little is known about variation in the diversity of these insects at higher elevations. We do not know how divergent habitats influence the distribution of beetles among montane flora. Methods: We sampled beetles systematically in angiosperm flowers at 12 sites at two elevations (2700 m and 3200 m) and in two habitats (meadows and forests) for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) on the Yulong Snow Mountain in Yunnan, southwestern China. Beetle diversity among sites were compared. Their interactions with flowers of identified plant species were analyzed using bipartite networks approach. Results: We collected 153 species of beetles from 90 plant species recording 3391 interactions. While plant species richness was lower at the higher, 3200 m elevation regardless of habitat type, beetle species richness was not significantly different among sites. Plant-beetle interaction networks were strongly modular and specialized. The structure of networks showed greater differences between elevations than between habitats. The turnover of networks was determined by species composition showing a weak influence by interaction rewiring. Conclusion: Our study showed a high diversity of beetles in flowers at higher elevations within this mountain complex. The role of beetles in plant–insect interactions within some sections of temperate, montane sites appear to be underestimated and warrant further study.

A total of 28 Zeugophorinae taxa are recognized in China. Two new species of the subgenus Pedrillia are described from China: Zeugophora (Pedrillia) emeica Li & Liang, sp. nov. and Zeugophora (Pedrillia) nigroapica Li & Liang, sp. nov. Three species are recorded for the first time in China: Zeugophora (Pedrillia) longicornis Westwood, 1864; Zeugophora (Pedrillia) bicoloriventris Pic, 1911; and Zeugophora (Pedrillia) indica Jacoby, 1903. For Zeugophora (Pedrillia) longicornis Westwood, 1864 = Zeugophora (Pedrillia) bicoloriventris Pic, 1911, a new junior synonym is proposed. Keys to the Chinese species of the subgenera Zeugophora and Pedrillia and a check list of the species are provided.

Vertebrate pollination is widespread in Musaceae, with birds and bats serving as the main pollen vectors across the family. While these systems are typically well defined, the Golden Lotus (Musella lasiocarpa) has long been regarded as an exception, presumed to rely on insect, particularly bee, pollination. In this study, we challenge that assumption by providing the first comprehensive evidence of bird visitation and putative pollination in M. lasiocarpa. Through field surveys complemented by citizen science observations, we documented an unexpectedly rich assemblage of avian visitors: twelve bird species from five families regularly foraged at flowers and likely acted as pollinators. This represents a striking expansion of the known potential pollinator spectrum for the species and highlights a previously overlooked dimension of its reproductive ecology. The floral traits of M. lasiocarpa, including vivid bracts, accessible nectar, and extended flowering, align closely with adaptations to bird pollination. Beyond clarifying the natural history of the Golden Lotus, our findings reveal broader insights into the ecological and cultural significance of bird pollination in the Chinese flora, with implications for both biodiversity conservation and horticultural practices.

The external male genitalia of 21 Chinese species of the genus Zeugophora (subfamily Zeugophorinae) are compared. A key is compiled to Chinese Zeugophora species based on external male genitalia with aid of other external morphological traits. One new species, Zeugophora (Pedrillia) liupanshanensis Li & Liang, sp. nov. , is described from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.

A new species, Cylindroeme yunnanensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province of China. Cylindroeme vietnamica Vives, 2019 is recorded from China for the first time. A key to the species of Cylindroeme is provided.