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Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov. (Crustacea, Ostracoda) from an artesian well in Texas, USA
(2017)
We describe a new genus, Ufocandona gen. nov. with its type species Ufocandona hannaleeae gen. et sp. nov., from an artesian well in San Marcos, Texas, USA. The new genus has diagnostic characteristics that distinguish it from other genera in Candonidae, including the asymmetric shape of the valves, the smooth central area on the external surface of the valves, the hexagonal ornamentations around the marginal ends of the carapace, the dense spines on the marginal edges of the right valve and the dorsal prolongation and tubercles seen from inside the ventral edges of the left valve. Additional differences in the soft body parts of the male and female (e.g., claw-like uropod, shape of hemipenis, long Y aesthetascs, two short or reduced exopods on antenna, reduced numbers of setae and segments on other extremities) distinguish the new genus from others in the family. The discovery of this species from a deep artesian well contributes important information to our understanding of groundwater species diversity in a biologically diverse aquifer where the ostracod fauna has been unstudied.
A new genus and two new species of Argentine Rhinotragini
(Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae)
(2017)
Rhopalessa irwini sp.nov. and Rhinion parkeri gen. nov., sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Rhinotragini) are described from Argentina. A key to species of Rhopalessa is provided.
The female of Callichroma magnifi cum Napp and Martins, 2009 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Callichromatini) is described and illustrated for the fi rst time. The geographical distribution of the species is expanded to the Colombian Caribbean and information on the collection site is provided.
The New World genus Chariessa Forster (Coleoptera: Cleroidea: Cleridae) is revised and includes C. catalina Opitz, new species, C. elegans Horn, C. dichroa (LeConte), C. floridana Schaeffer, C. pilosa (Forster), C. texana Wolcott, C. ramicornis Perty, C. vestita (Chevrolat), and C. duponti (Spinola). Enoplium pilosa var. marginata Say is synonymized with Chariessa pilosa Forster. Lectotypes are designated for C. pilosa (Forster), C. ramicornis Perty, and C. vestita (Chevrolat). Available information indicates that Chariessa adult and immature individuals are predatory on lignicolous insects with a particular affinity for cerambycids and buprestids that infest species of oak. It is postulated that Pleistocene speciation generated the North American components of Chariessa with more ancient southern species generated during the Middle Tertiary; after closures of the Middle American portals and orogeny of the South American Andes. Included in this treatise is a discussion of natural history, key to species, narratives of zoogeography and phylogeny, one diagram of a phylogenetic tree, 35 line drawings, eight SEM micrographs, twelve habitus photographs, nine photographs of male genitalia, and five distributional maps.
Abstract. Six new species of Coleoxestia Aurivillius, 1912 (Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Cerambycini) are described: C. clarkei from Bolivia; C. chemsaki and C. eyai from Peru; C. fragosoi and C. rafaeli from Brazil; and C. hovorei from Ecuador. Coleoxestia rachelae Eya and Chemsak is also newly recorded from Peru (new country record). Dorsal, ventral and lateral illustrations along with illustrations of various other structures are provided for each of the new species. In some cases, existing key couplets by Eya and Chemsak (2005) or Martins and Monné (2005) are modifi ed to help separate a new species from similar existing species. A reproduction of the general descriptive terminology for the head, prothorax and antennomeres of Coleoxestia, from Fragoso (1993), is also included in the illustrations.
Adesmus martinsi (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Hemilophini), a new species from Bolivia, is described, illustrated, and included in a previous key. The new species displays gender dimorphism in the pubescent pattern and in anatomical structure. Thus, Adesmus becomes the second genus recorded in the Hemilophini to have visual chromatic dimorphism.
Chiquitano gen. nov. Chiquitano volcanesensis sp. nov., Compsibidion achiraensis sp. nov. and Compsibidion amboroensis sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Neoibidionini) are described from Bolivia. Notes on Rhysium Pascoe, 1866 and Rhysium bimaculatum Pascoe, 1866 are provided, and Brechmoidion separatum Martins and Galileo, 2007 is transferred to Rhysium. Keys to species of Compsibidion Thomson, 1864, Brechmoidion Martins, 1969 and Rhysium Pascoe, 1866 are also provided.
A detailed study of the holotype of Sphecomyrma canadensis Wilson, 1985 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Canadian amber has led to the conclusion that the specimen belongs to a new genus, here named Boltonimecia gen.n. Since the taxonomy of stem-group ants is not well understood, in order to find the taxonomic position of this genus, it is necessary to review the classifi cation of stem-group ants in a study of their relation to crown-group ants. In the absence of data for traditional taxonomic approaches, a statistical study was done based on a morphometric analysis of antennae. Scape elongation is believed to play an important role in the evolution of eusociality in ants; however, this hypothesis has never been confirmed statistically. The statistical analysis presented herein lends support to the view that antennal morphology reliably distinguishes stem-group ants from crown-group ants, to determine whether a species belongs to one or the other group. This, in turn, may indicate a relationship exists between eusociality and scape elongation. A review of Cretaceous records of ants is made and the higher classification of Formicidae with definitions of stem and crown groups is proposed. Newly obtained data are discussed focusing particularly on the origin, evolution and diversity of ants.
A primitive subfamily of false click beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae: Phlegoninae) distributed primarily in the Neotropical region is revised. Euryphlegon gen. nov. is described from Belize in Central America. New species include: Phlegon chiriquiensis sp. nov. (Panama), Phlegon panamensis sp. nov. (Panama), Euryphlegon jacqueschassaini sp. nov. (Panama) and Euryphlegon parallelus sp. nov. (Belize). Phlegon herculeanus (Lacordaire) stat. res. is resurrected from synonymy with Phlegon buqueti Laporte. One new combination is proposed: Euryphlegon degallieri (Muona) (Phlegon). Based on a number of observed external character traits, Euryphlegon is placed in Orodotini Muona, 1993 within Macraulacinae Fleutiaux, 1922. Identifi cation keys are provided for species of Phlegon and Euryphlegon in the Neotropical region. The relationships among Phlegon, Euryphlegon, Euryptychus LeConte and other groups within Echthrogasterini Cobos, 1964 and Orodotini are discussed.
New Bolivian Rhinotragini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae) are described: three species of Phygopoda Thomson, 1864 (P. longiscopifera sp. nov., P. boliviensis sp. nov. and P. chaquensis sp. nov.); and one species of Phygopoides Peñaherrera-Leiva and Tavakilian, 2007 (P. maxwelli sp. nov.). Two Brazilian species of Neophygopoda Melzer, 1933 are transferred to the genus Phygopoda: P. exilis (Melzer, 1933) comb. nov. and P. agdae (Martins, Galileo and Santos-Silva, 2015) comb. nov. All the species are illustrated, and a key to the Bolivian species of Phygopoda and host flower records are provided.
The family Gymnophthalmidae contains nearly 235 species with a distribution range from southern Mexico to central Argentina as well as in the Antilles. Among gymnophthalmids, the genus Colobosaura is a member of the tribe Iphisini, and currently is considered monotypic (C. modesta). The diversity of the tribe was studied recently, with the erection of several new genera. In this work genetic and morphological data of specimens of Colobosaura recently collected in Paraguay were analyzed. Genetic (16S barcode) data indicate that these samples are not conspecific with C. modesta and they are allocated to the nominal species C. kraepelini. Because the original primary type of the latter taxon is considered to be lost, a neotype (SMF 101370) is designated for this species and a redescription provided based on our material. Colobosaura kraepelini is distributed in the Humid Chaco, being the only member of the whole tribe in this ecoregion.
The taxonomic history of the rhinotragine genera Phygopoda Thomson, 1864 and Pseudophygopoda Tavakilian and Peñaherrera-Leiva, 2007 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) are discussed, and evidence is presented to suggest that some recent taxonomic changes made by Carelli and Monné (2015) were unjustified. Consequently, Phygopoda nigritarsis Gounelle, 1911 is moved to the genus Neophygopoda Melzer, 1933, creating the new combination Neophygopoda nigritarsis, the genera Panamapoda Clarke, 2014 and Paraphygopoda Clarke, 2014 are revalidated, and the species Paraphygopoda viridimicans (Fisher, 1952) and Paraphygopoda nappae Clarke, 2014 are also revalidated.
Dipropus tequesta Johnson new species (Coleoptera: Elateridae) is described from southern Florida. Dipropus fuscus (LeConte) is a new synonym of D. soleatus (Say), and D. granosus (Fall) is a new synonym of D. asper (LeConte). The fl ightless female of D. asper is described and provides the fi rst report of brachyptery and endogean habits in Dipropus. A key to the species of the eastern United States and a new checklist of species for the country are provided.
Eight species of Diplopeltoides are described from the Swedish west coast. Diplopeltoides suecicus sp. nov. has the cuticle with longitudinal striation visible only under SEM; cuticular plate underlying the cephalic cuticle around the amphid present; cephalic sensilla 4–6 μm long; amphid an inverted U-shape; wide space between amphidial branches areolated; spicules 27–31 μm long; gubernaculum with caudal apophysis. Diplopeltoides longicaudatus sp. nov. is characterized by a cuticle without longitudinal striation; cuticular plate underlying cephalic cuticle around amphid present; cephalic sensilla 13 μm long; amphid an inverted U-shape; narrow space between amphidial branches not ornamented; spicules unequal in size, 27–31 μm long; gubernaculum absent; midventral precloacal cuticular ridge present. D. grandis sp. nov. is characterized by a cuticle with longitudinal striation; cuticular plate underlying cephalic cuticle around amphid present; cephalic sensilla 18.5 μm long; amphid an inverted U-shape; wide space between amphidial branches punctate. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Diplopeltoides asetosus (Juario, 1974) comb. nov., Diplopeltoides botulus (Wieser, 1959) comb. nov., Diplopeltoides bulbosus (Vitiello, 1972) comb. nov., Diplopeltoides lucanicus (Boucher & Helléouët, 1977) comb. nov., Diplopeltoides pumilus (Vincx & Gourbault, 1992) comb. nov. and Diplopeltoides striatus (Gerlach, 1956) comb. nov. Diplopeltoides holovachovi Fadeeva & Mordukhovich, 2013 is synonymised with Diplopeltoides pumilus comb. nov. An updated key to the species of Diplopeltoides is provided.
A new species of the genus Spinaethorax Papáč & Palacios-Vargas, 2016, recently erected for two cave species in Mexico, is described from a Vietnamese cave. It differs from the Mexican species most noticeably by the dorsal chaetotaxy of the head (number and morphology of chaetae), the shape of S-chaetae on the third antennomere, the dorsal chaetotaxy of the abdomen and the chaetotaxy of the dens. The pattern of special τ-chaetae is described for the first time in the genus. The affinities between Spinaethorax and the other genera of Neelipleona are discussed. Spinaethorax is propably closely related to Neelus Folsom, 1896. A table of the differential characters is provided for the three known species of Spinaethorax. Spinaethorax appears to be restricted to caves, but its presence in Vietnam indicates that this genus has a much larger distribution than previously recognized.
Hornbeams (Carpinus) and hop-hornbeams (Ostrya) are trees or large shrubs from the northern hemisphere. Currently, 43 species of Carpinus (58 taxa including subdivisions) and 8 species of Ostrya (9 taxa including sudivisions) are recognized. These are based on 175 (plus 16 Latin basionyms of cultivars) and 21 legitimate basionyms, respectively. We present an updated checklist with publication details and type information for all accepted names and the vast majority of synonyms of Carpinus and Ostrya, including the designation of 54 lectotypes and two neotypes. Cultivars are listed if validly described under the rules of the ICN. Furthermore, we consider Carpinus hwai Hu & W.C.Cheng to be a synonym of Carpinus fargesiana var. ovalifolia (H.J.P.Winkl.) Holstein & Weigend comb. nov. During the course of our work, we found 30 legitimate basionyms of non-cultivars that have been consistently overlooked since their original descriptions, when compared with the latest checklists and floristic treatments. As regional floras are highly important for taxonomic practice, we investigated the number of overlooked names and found that 78 basionyms were omitted at least once in the eight regional treatments surveyed. More seriously, we found 4 basionyms of accepted species being overlooked in a major floristic treatment.
Siamopsis gen. nov., described here, belongs to a group of genera with the right valve overlapping the left valve in the subfamily Cypridopsinae Kaufmann, 1900 of the family Cyprididae Baird, 1845. The distinguishing characters of the new genus are in the morphology of its valves and soft parts. The postero-dorsal margin of the internal left valve is plate-like protruded. The morphology of this plate varies in different species, e.g., some species bear a tooth-like tubercle on the plate. The posterior margin of the right valve is recurved inwardly at ca mid-height, resulting in the occurrence of a lobe-like expansion that can clearly be seen in the dorsal and caudal views of the carapace. In addition, the other diagnostic soft part features of the new genus are the cylindrical caudal ramus, the presence of two t-setae on the female A2 penultimate segment, the very elongated terminal segment of the Mx1 palp, the morphology of the two large bristles (tooth bristles) of the Mx1 third endite (one smooth, one serrated) and the absence of d-seta on T1. In the present paper, five new species are described under this new genus: Siamopsis renateae gen. et sp. nov., S. suttajiti gen. et sp. nov., S. conspecta gen. et sp. nov., S. khoratensis gen. et sp. nov. and Siamopsis planitia gen. et sp. nov. A key to the species of Siamopsis gen. nov. is also provided.
Two species of the nematode family Diplopeltidae are described from Skagerrak. The new genus Belgopeltula gen. nov. is proposed for Diplopeltula belgica Vincx & Gourbault, 1992 and is characterised by: amphidial fovea circular in female and double-loop-shaped in male; excretory pore located at the level of cephalic setae bases; oral opening on the dorsal side of the body; pharynx subdivided into strongly muscularised fusiform corpus and weakly muscularised narrow and long postcorpus; female didelphic with antidromously reflexed ovaries; supplements absent. Mudwigglus micramphidium sp. nov. is characterised by: a body of 0.6 mm long; cephalic sensilla 1.5 μm long; amphidial fovea loop-shaped, 8 μm long and 3.5 μm wide; gymnostom without cuticularised ring; tail elongate conoid, with subcylindrical distal part; terminal setae absent; spicules 15 μm long; gubernaculum present; two midventral precloacal setae. It is distinguished from M. macramphidium Leduc, 2013 in having shorter amphidial fovea, shorter spicules and presence of two precloacal setae. Redescription of Diplopeltis cylindricauda Allgén, 1932 is provided based on type material. Diplopeltula minuta Vitiello, 1972 is transferred to the genus Mudwigglus Leduc, 2013. Diplopeltis cylindricauda Allgén, 1932, Diplopeltula laminata Vitiello, 1972 and Diplopeltula cassidaignensis Vitiello, 1972 are transferred to the genus Pseudaraeolaimus Chitwood, 1951.
A new mesoserphid wasp from the Middle Jurassic of northeastern China (Hymenoptera, Proctotrupoidea)
(2017)
A new genus and species of Mesoserphidae (Hymenoptera), Juraserphus modicus gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a well-preserved fossil specimen from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of northeastern China. It is characterized by the following forewing features: the forking of Rs+M located approximately one-third of the distance between 1m-cu and 2r-rs, both 1cu-a and 2cu-a antefurcal; 1-M more than twice as long as 1m-cu and hind wing with cells r and rm closed. In addition, it has a short ovipositor, only extending slightly beyond the metasomal apex. Its new morphological characters broaden the diversity of Mesoserphidae in the Mesozoic and provide new insights into the evolution and relationships of Mesoserphidae.
Two formerly monotypic lumbriculid genera, Guestphalinus Michaelsen, 1933 and Kincaidiana Altman, 1936, are reviewed using morphological and molecular data, following the discovery of new northwestern, Nearctic species. Several populations of Kincaidiana hexatheca Altman, 1936 were examined, and both morphology and DNA data suggest a single, variable species in Pacific drainages extending from northern California through Washington, USA. Specimens of Kincaidiana from the Smith River drainage with a single, median atrium and differing genetically from K. hexatheca are assigned to K. smithi sp. nov. The chaetal morphology of North American Guestphalinus populations is variable, and two basic morphotypes are assigned to G. elephantinus sp. nov. and G. exilis sp. nov. This decision is supported by molecular data. The tree topology, based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI), and the nuclear 28S rRNA gene sequences, confirmed the close phylogenetic relationships among the Nearctic Guestphalinus, Kincaidiana and Uktena Fend, Rodriguez & Lenat, 2015. Probable synapomorphies associating these genera include a filiform, ringed proboscis, a forward shift of reproductive organs relative to the usual position in the family, and spermathecae in the atrial segment.
Revision of the genus Spilopteron Townes, 1965 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Acaenitinae) from Japan
(2017)
Ten Japanese species of the genus Spilopteron Townes, 1965 are recognized. Five new species, S. albiventre sp. nov., S. brachyurum sp. nov., S. nigrum sp. nov., S. oblongulum sp. nov. and S. pseudonigrum sp. nov., are described from Japan. Morphological discrimination between most Japanese species is confirmed by sequence analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene, which indicates the following relationships: S. oblongulum sp. nov. + S. apicale (Matsumura, 1912), S. brachyurum sp. nov. + S. nigrum sp. nov. + S. pseudonigrum sp. nov., and S. tosaense (Uchida, 1934) + S. luteum (Uchida, 1930). A key to the Japanese species of Spilopteron is provided. This genus seems to have its center of diversity in the mid-latitude area of East-Asia.
The species of Dipropus Germar (Coleoptera: Elateridae) of the west-central region of North America are taxonomically reviewed. Historical records of D. approximatus (Candèze), D. ferreus (LeConte), D. simplex (LeConte) and D. soleatus (Say) in the region are based on misidentifi cations. Dipropus pericu new species is described from Baja California Sur. Dipropus reinae new species, D. sonora new species and D. yaqui new species are described from southern Arizona, New Mexico and Sonora. Dipropus warneri new species is described from Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Dipropus sus (Candèze) is reported from Morelos, Sonora and Sinaloa as new state records. Keys to the species of the region are provided. The historical value of a specimen of Elater soleatus Say in the Dejean collection is discussed and its lectotype designated. Ischiodontus oblitus Candèze is treated as an objective synonym of Dipropus soleatus.
A new species of Autostichidae, Eraina beechei nov. sp., is described from specimens collected in the Andean mountains of Ñuble, Biobío. Diagnostic characters for the species are presented; photographs of adults, illustrations of male and female genitalia, and a key for identifi cation of Eraina species are provided.
We describe a new butterfl y species, Anaeomorpha mirifi ca Simon and Willmott, n. sp. (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Charaxinae), from premontane rain forest of the Chocó region of northwestern Ecuador. This represents the second known species and the fi rst record outside of the Amazon basin for this taxonomically and biologically enigmatic genus. Although the two species are not known to be sympatric, we identifi ed 21 characters in the external color pattern, wing shape and male genitalia that together support distinct species status. Most notably, the new species possesses an ocellus in the ventral hind wing tornus, a character which occurs in the Neotropical Charaxinae only in the genus Prepona Boisduval, 1836. A mean divergence of 6.8% in the COI ‘barcodes’ between the two species underlines their taxonomic distinctness.
A new species of Ctilodes Murray, 1864 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) was recovered in material from Vietnam during a large study of Carpophilinae. A description and detailed diagnosis of Ctilodes clinei Powell and Duffy new species is presented here along with a key to identify all currently known species of Ctilodes.
Recent expeditions (NANHAI 2014, DONGSHA 2014 and ZHONGSHA 2015) conducted in deep waters of the South China Sea obtained interesting material of various spider crabs (Majoidea) including several new records for the area, and two new species of epialtids of the genera Oxypleurodon Miers, 1885 and Stegopleurodon Richer de Forges & Ng, 2009. Two poorly known species, previously only known from their types, Rochinia strangeri Serène & Lohavanijaya, 1973 and R. kagoshimensis (Rathbun, 1932) comb. nov., are redescribed, refigured, and their taxonomy discussed.
The genus Dasydorylas Skevington, 2001 is recorded from two provinces in Iran (Sistan-o Baluchestan and Kermanshah Provinces). Dasydorylas derafshani sp. nov. and D. zardouei sp. nov. are characterized morphologically by DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial COI gene. Eudorylas antennalis Kapoor, Grewal & Sharma, 1987 is transferred to Dasydorlyas (comb. nov.). An existing identification key to the males of the western Palaearctic species of Dasydorylas is complemented to include the newly described species.
Daddy-long-leg giants: revision of the spider genus Artema Walckenaer, 1837 (Araneae, Pholcidae)
(2017)
This is the first revision of Artema Walckenaer, 1837, a genus consisting of large and phylogenetically interesting species. Even though Artema is not species-rich (now eight nominal species), it has suffered from poor descriptions and synonymies. Our main goal was to gather all available material and to clarify species limits. Four species are easily distinguished from other congeners: Artema atlanta Walckenaer, 1837, the type species; A. kochi Kulczyński, 1901 (revalidated); A. bunkpurugu Huber & Kwapong, 2013; and A. nephilit sp. nov. All other species are problematic for varying reasons: species limits are unclear between A. doriae Thorell, 1881 and A. transcaspica Spassky, 1934; A. magna Roewer, 1960 and A. ziaretana (Roewer, 1960) are problematic because they are based on female and juvenile types respectively and little new material is available. The material available to us suggests the existence of a few further species; however, they are not formally described, either because of small sample sizes (Artema sp. a and A. sp. b are represented by only one specimen each) or because of unclear species limits (between Artema sp. c, A. transcaspica and A. doriae).This study is the first serious step towards understanding the genus. Intensive collecting effort is needed in order to fully clarify species limits.
This paper revises the genus Ganelius Benesh, which is endemic to Madagascar, in the stag beetle tribe Figulini Burmeister (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Lucaninae). Species in the genus are striking in their highly sexually dimorphic mandibles, a character that rarely occurs in the tribe. The genus was previously comprised of four species, but three of these names were problematic or questionably applied. A lectotype is designated for G. madagascariensis Laporte, a neotype is designated for Ganelius oberndorferi Nonfried, and Nigidius passaliformis Benesh is newly synonymized with G. oberndorferi. Two new species, G. gnamptus Paulsen and G. zombi Paulsen, are described from western Madagascar. The identity of the overlooked Ganelius nageli (Kriesche) is fixed through a neotype designation, and the species is moved to the new genus Agnelius, which is distinguished from Ganelius by a lack of sexual dimorphism, serrate protibiae, and a more flattened body.
Species descriptions, keys to genera and species, and geographical distributions are presented for 43 species of the family Bruchidae (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) for Chile. Of these species, seven are described as new:
Acanthoscelides aricae sp. nov., Lithraeus chillan sp. nov., L. comptus sp. nov., L. elguetai sp. nov., L. limari sp. nov., L. lonquimay sp. nov., and L. penai sp. nov. Eight species are endemic to Chile. A list of true host plants and floral records for those with known host associations is presented. Habitus photographs and drawings of pertinent body parts, including male genitalia, are provided. References pertaining to the previously described species are listed.
A new cryptic species, Aleochara (Xenochara) castaneimarmotae Klimaszewski, Webster, and Brunke, new species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae), associated with Marmota monax (Linnaeus) burrows and caves in eastern North America, is described and illustrated. A key to Canadian species of subgenus Xenochara Mulsant and Rey and revised distributions of the taxonomically difficult fumata species group are provided. Aleochara quadrata Sharp is recorded from Washington and Oregon for the first time.
This paper describes and illustrates a new genus and a new species belonging to the family Nesticidae based on morphology and supported by molecular data. The new genus, Kryptonesticus gen. nov., groups eight species spread from Bulgaria and Turkey to Croatia, including Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Crete. As a result, seven new combinations are proposed: K. eremita (Simon, 1879) comb. nov., K. arenstorffi (Kulczyński, 1914) comb. nov., K. fagei (Kratochvíl, 1933) comb. nov., K. beroni (Deltshev, 1977) comb. nov., K. beshkovi (Deltshev, 1979) comb. nov., K. henderickxi (Bosselaers, 1998) comb. nov. and K. dimensis (López-Pancorbo, Kunt & Ribera, 2013) comb. nov., all ex Nesticus. Kryptonesticus deelemanae gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of both sexes and its phylogenetic relationships with closely related species are discussed based on morphological and molecular data (the cox1, rrn and H3 genes). In addition, the species of this new genus (except for K. eremita) are clear candidates for protection: they have highly restricted ranges and some of them show a high degree of adaptation to the subterranean environment.
Pukupuku arunachalensis sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India
(2017)
A new species of the genus Pukupuku Muramoto, 2006 is described from the state of Arunachal Pradesh (Northeast India): Pukupuku arunachalensis sp. nov. Relevant diagnostic characters are illustrated and compared with closely related species, Pukupuku curtus (Arrow, 1919) and Pukupuku katsurai (Muramoto, 2002). The distribution of the new species is mapped.
Oromia is the largest National Regional State of Ethiopia. Here we present the first comprehensive checklist of its birds. A total of 804 bird species has been recorded, 601 of them confirmed (443) or assumed (158) to be breeding birds. At least 561 are all-year residents (and 31 more potentially so), at least 73 are Afrotropical migrants and visitors (and 44 more potentially so), and 184 are Palaearctic migrants and visitors (and eight more potentially so). Three species are endemic to Oromia, 18 to Ethiopia and 43 to the Horn of Africa. 170 Oromia bird species are biome restricted: 57 to the Afrotropical Highlands biome, 95 to the Somali-Masai biome, and 18 to the Sudan-Guinea Savanna biome. 26 species of birds of Oromia are Threatened (three Critically Endangered, nine Endangered, and 14 Vulnerable), and an additional 20 species are classified as Near Threatened. International regulations affect 225 Ethiopian bird species. Of the polytypic species, a total of 620 subspecies can be taxonomically assigned to Oromia. 11 of them are endemic to Oromia, 71 to Ethiopia and 150 to the Horn of Africa. This very high diversity underlines the high responsibility of the Oromia National Regional State for bird conservation.
Four new species of Nyctonympha Thomson, 1868 are described: N. antonkozlovi sp. nov. and N. sinjaevi sp. nov. from Colombia, N. birai sp. nov. from Venezuela and N. mariahelenae sp. nov. from Brazil (Rondônia), Bolivia and Peru. Nyctonympha flavipes Aurivillius, 1990 is formally excluded from the Peruvian and Brazilian fauna. A provisional key to species of Nyctonympha is provided.
Nine individuals of Apatidelia from Zhejiang Province, China were examined and their barcode sequences were generated and analyzed. A new species, A. morsei Xu & Sun sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The larva, male and female of A. acuminata Leng & Yang, 1998 and the male and female of A. morsei Xu & Sun sp. nov. are associated by mtCOI gene sequences. The male of A. acuminata Leng & Yang, 1998 is re-described and re-illustrated, and the female and the larva of the same species are also described and illustrated. Females and larvae of the genus are here reported for the first time.
The monotypic Neotropical genus Ectophasiopsis Townsend, 1915 (Diptera, Tachinidae, Phasiinae) is revised, with the addition of two species (one new and another transferred species), and a redefinition of the genus, accompanied by photographs and drawings of specimens and male terminalia. A new combination is proposed, Ectophasiopsis gradata (Wiedemann, 1830) comb. nov., previously Trichopoda Berthold, 1827, and a new species Ectophasiopsis ypiranga sp. nov. is described. A key for the genera of the “Trichopoda typica” subgroup sensu Sabrosky (1950), as well as a key to species of Ectophasiopsis is given. The geographical range of the genus and the host list are updated.
This paper deals with the taxonomy and faunistics of the genus Diplommatina in Nepal. Altogether 16 species are reported, seven of which are new to science viz. D. abiesiana sp. nov., D. fistulata sp. nov., D. godawariensis sp. nov., D. maipokhariensis sp. nov., D. salgharica sp. nov., D. shivapuriensis sp. nov. and D. syabrubesiensis sp. nov. Information on nine previously reported species is provided: D. exserta Godwin-Austen, 1886, D. folliculus (L. Pfeiffer, 1846), D. miriensis Godwin-Austen, 1917, D. munipurensis Godwin-Austen, 1892, D. oviformis Fulton, 1901, D. pachycheilus Benson, 1857, D. regularis Fulton, 1901, D. silvicola Godwin-Austen, 1886 and D. sperata W.T. Blanford, 1862. Although D. canarica was once reported from Nepal, it is not treated here as it is an endemic of the Western Ghats. A dichotomous identification key for all Nepalese species is presented.
Ten new species belonging to three new genera (Atlantisina gen. nov., Bathycyclopora gen. nov., Calvetopora gen. nov.) of umbonulomorph bryozoans from northeastern Atlantic seamounts, islands, and the continental slope are introduced. We furthermore erect the new family Atlantisinidae fam. nov. for these genera. Eight new species belong to the new genus Atlantisina: Atlantisina atlantis gen. et sp. nov. (type species), A. acantha gen. et sp. nov., A. gorringensis gen. et sp. nov., A. inarmata gen. et sp. nov., A. lionensis gen. et sp. nov., A. meteor gen. et sp. nov., A. seinensis gen. et sp. nov., and A. tricornis gen. et sp. nov. The genus Bathycyclopora gen. nov. is introduced for ?Phylactella vibraculata Calvet from the Azores, and also includes Bathycyclopora suroiti gen. et sp. nov. The type species of Calvetopora gen. nov. is Lepralia inflata Calvet from the Gulf of Cadiz; this genus also includes Calvetopora otapostasis gen. et sp. nov. and another species left in open nomenclature. Of the 13 species described herein, 11 occur on seamounts and islands, and nine species are endemic to a single seamount, island or station. The present results show that bryozoans provide striking examples of the function of seamounts as areas of endemism, most likely intrinsically linked to the low dispersal abilities of bryozoan larvae.
Umborotula bogorensis (Weber, 1890) is a freshwater sponge species that is recorded occasionally, mainly on islands and peninsulas of Australasia. Less than 10 records with morphological descriptions and illustrations have been published so far, and the most recent record is dated 1978. A list of the few voucher specimens from museum collections is provided here together with the rich unpublished Sasaki collection from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, recently deposited in a Japanese museum. The present new record from Northeast Thailand enlarges the geographic range of U. bogorensis to the Indochina mainland. A comparison of historical data vs present Thai records is performed by morpho-analysis(SEM) as well as biogeographic, ecological and climatic data. Results show low variability in shape and size of the diagnostic morphotraits in populations scattered over the wide geographic range. Here we also formally accept the new taxonomic status (rank elevation) of the previous suborder Spongillina as a new order Spongillida. The presence of this potentially threatened species in the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, together with its possible long-term persistence in the Bogor Botanical Garden, may support its conservation. Only a census of the known, extremely scattered populations will define the status of this species.
With about 250 species, the genus Blaps Fabricius, 1775 is one of the most diverse genera of darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Blaptini: Blaptina). In this study, we provide new insights on the evolutionary relationships of Blaps species using a combined molecular and morphological dataset encompassing 69 distinct Blaps species and subspecies (105 specimens in total, all belonging to the subgenus Blaps), four other representatives of the tribe Blaptini (from the subtribes Gnaptorina, Gnaptorinina and Prosodina) and 12 outgroup species. Five new species of Blaps are also described within the subgenus Blaps: B. effeminata sp. nov. from Libya, B. intermedia sp. nov. from Morocco, B. maldesi sp. nov. from Algeria, B. nitiduloides sp. nov. from Algeria and Tunisia and B. teocchii sp. nov. from Tunisia. The results of the phylogenetic analyses indicate that the genus Blaps is likely paraphyletic; the two highlighted clades are morphologically distinct and correspond to groups previously referred to as sections (I and II) within the subgenus Blaps. This suggests the need for more phylogenetic studies in order to clarify the status of the various genera and subgenera belonging to the tribe Blaptini.
The family Ammotheidae is the most diversified group of the class Pycnogonida, with 297 species described in 20 genera. Its monophyly and intergeneric relationships have been highly debated in previous studies. Here, we investigated the phylogeny of Ammotheidae using specimens from poorly studied areas. We sequenced the mitochondrial gene encoding the first subunit of cytochrome c oxidase (CO1) from 104 specimens. The complete nuclear 18S rRNA gene was sequenced from a selection of 80 taxa to provide further phylogenetic signal. The base composition in CO1 shows a higher heterogeneity in Ammotheidae than in other families, which may explain their apparent polyphyly in the CO1 tree. Although deeper nodes of the tree receive no statistical support, Ammotheidae was found to be monophyletic and divided into two clades, here defined as distinct subfamilies: Achelinae comprises the genera Achelia Hodge, 1864, Ammothella Verrill, 1900, Nymphopsis Haswell, 1884 and Tanystylum Miers, 1879; and Ammotheinae includes the genera Ammothea Leach, 1814, Acheliana Arnaud, 1971, Cilunculus Loman, 1908, Sericosura Fry & Hedgpeth, 1969 and also Teratonotum gen. nov., including so far only the type species Ammothella stauromata Child, 1982. The species Cilunculus gracilis Nakamura & Child, 1991 is reassigned to Ammothella, forming the binomen Ammothella gracilis (Nakamura & Child, 1991) comb. nov. Additional taxonomic re-arrangements are suggested for the genera Achelia, Acheliana, Ammothella and Cilunculus.
Contributions to the knowledge of the mite genus Stigmaeus Koch, 1836 (Acari: Stigmaeidae) of Turkey
(2017)
Based on the mite specimens collected within the scope of a study on Erzincan (Turkey) mite biodiversity, two species of the genus Stigmaeus are described and illustrated here: S. bifurcus sp. nov. as new to science and S. miandoabiensis Bagheri & Zarei, 2012 as a new record for Turkey. Some morphological abnormalities in the new species are noted. The deutonymph of S. miandoabiensis is described for the first time in this study. Discovery of this stage from soil and litter under Pinus sylvestris in Turkey adds more data to our knowledge of the species.
To date, six species of the Australian endemic millipede genus Boreohesperus have been recognized: all have highly localized distributions, consistent with being short-range endemic species, and all are from the Cape Range and Pilbara region of Western Australia. In this paper, we describe three new species, B. alcyonis sp. nov., B. psittacinus sp. nov., and B. vascellus sp. nov., each from a different island in the Kimberley region of north-western Australia.
A new species of vermetid gastropod belonging to the genus Novastoa Finlay, 1926, N. rapaitiensis sp. nov., is described from French Polynesia and the Great Barrier Reef, based on morpho-anatomical and molecular data, increasing the recognized extant diversity of this genus from five to six species. The new species is characterized by the largest operculum in the genus to date, with a conspicuous spindle-shaped mammilla that readily distinguishes this species from its congeners. Based on available data, members of the studied populations of N. rapaitiensis sp. nov. are interpreted as a single species, although slight morphological and color differences exist between localities separated by up to 7000 km. The larval development of N. rapaitiensis sp. nov. is inferred to be direct, raising new questions about genetic connectivity and dispersal trajectories across a vast geographic range. Additional molecular data may prove helpful in refining our current knowledge on the morphological variability within this species and verifying the degree of cryptic diversity in this genus.
The genus Koiulus gen. nov. and its type-species, Koiulus interruptus gen. et sp. nov., are described from the Russian Far East. The new genus is compared with other genera of Mongoliulidae, in particular with Ussuriiulus Golovatch, 1980, also from the Russian Far East, with which it shares the absence of ozopores from individual body rings distributed along the body, a condition so far otherwise unknown in the superorder Juliformia. A synoptic table of genera and a list of species of Mongoliulidae are presented.
Japanese species of the genus Intybia are revised taxonomically, with the examination of the endophallic structure. Eight species, including one new species Intybia donan sp. nov. from Yonagunijima, are recognized. All species are described or redescribed with a key and figures. The endophallic structure contains one primary sclerite (gonoporal piece), three secondary sclerites (ligula, semigonoporal piece, and spinous plate) in some species, and a membranous basal area densely covered with many spines (spinous area). Based on the structures of the endophallus, the Japanese members of the genus are divided into two species groups (the histrio and pelegrini groups). The pelegrini species group is furthermore subdivided into three subgroups (subgroups 1–3). New distributional records are as follows: I. histrio from Hachijô-jima and Tanega-shima; I. niponica from Sakhalin and I. takaraensis from Tokuno-shima and Amami-Ôshima.
In Southeast Asia, bats of the genus Tylonycteris Peters, 1872 have traditionally been classified into two wide-ranging species, T. pachypus (Temminck, 1840) and T. robustula Thomas, 1915. Our comparative phylogeographic analyses based on two mitochondrial and seven nuclear genes, combined with our multivariate morphological analyses, show that these species actually represent cryptic species complexes that share a similar biogeographic history in three major regions, i.e., Sundaland, southern Indochina, and northern Indochina. Our molecular dating estimates suggest that Pleistocene climatic oscillations and sea level changes have repeatedly isolated ancestral populations of Tylonycteris spp. in distant bamboo forest refugia. The analyses indicate, however, that populations of the T. pachypus complex were less affected by forest fragmentation in mainland Southeast Asia than those of the T. robustula complex. Accordingly, we propose several taxonomic changes within the genus Tylonycteris: the species T. fulvida and T. malayana are revalidated, and a new species, T. tonkinensis Tu, Csorba, Ruedi & Hassanin sp. nov., endemic to northern Indochina, is described.
In this review (third part), several species within the Nassarius pauperus complex from the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific are treated, including a revised concept of Nassa paupera Gould, 1850, type species of the genus Reticunassa Iredale, 1936. In the most recent taxonomic revision, several species had been synonymized with Nassarius pauperus (Gould, 1850), despite distinctive differences among these species in shell morphology. We sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial COI and the nuclear 28S genes of all available Nassarius pauperus complex species. Automatic barcode gap discovery and reciprocal monophyly were applied to propose species delimitation hypotheses and to support a new concept of the genus. Using morphological and molecular characters, Reticunassa is elevated to full genus rank. Six new species are described: Reticunassa visayaensis sp. nov., R. poppeorum sp. nov., R. annabolteae sp. nov., R. goliath sp. nov., R. intrudens sp. nov. and R. thailandensis sp. nov., while R. tringa (Souverbie, 1864) is recognized as a valid species.
Six species of Anastatus Motschulsky, 1859 (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) were described from China in Chinese by J.K. Sheng and coauthors in 1997 and 1998: A. dexingensis, A. flavipes, A. fulloi, A. huangi, A. meilingensis and A. shichengensis. This represents almost half the species of Anastatus recorded from China, but no keys were given to differentiate the species and the original descriptions included only simple line drawings to illustrate the species. Because recognition of these species is critical prior to clarifying the Anastatus fauna of China and of the eastern Palaearctic and Oriental regions, we have redescribed the six species in detail in English based on original type material, illustrating the species through macrophotography of type material and providing a key to differentiate females of the species.
Two new species of hangingflies, Terrobittacus rostratus sp. nov. and Terrobittacus angustus sp. nov., are described and illustrated from Yunnan, southwestern China, increasing the species number of Terrobittacus Tan & Hua, 2009 to six. Terrobittacus rostratus sp. nov. differs from its congeners by wings devoid of markings and epandrial appendages slightly longer than half the length of the gonocoxites. Terrobittacus angustus sp. nov. can be recognized by wing markings along R5 distally. A key to species of the genus is updated to include the two new species.
The genus Austrotinodes contains 55 species, largely distributed in the Neotropics, with a few species occurring in the Australian Region. In Brazil, 10 species have been recorded, mainly in the southern and southeastern regions. Herein, we describe 13 new species from Brazil, all of them named in memory of great Brazilian scientists: Austrotinodes absaberi sp. nov., A. adolfolutzi sp. nov., A. berthalutzae sp. nov., A. chagasi sp. nov., A. costalimai sp. nov., A. cruzi sp. nov., A. donagrazielae sp. nov., A. gusmaoi sp. nov., A. lattesi sp. nov., A. lenti sp. nov., A. santosdumonti sp. nov., A. vanzolinii sp. nov. and A. vitalbrazili sp. nov. Additionally, we give new distribution records for A. amazonensis Flint & Denning, 1989, A. longispinum Thomson & Holzenthal, 2010, A. paraguayensis Flint, 1983 and A. taquaralis Thomson & Holzenthal, 2010. We also provide new diagnoses and illustrations for A. amazonensis and A. paraguayensis, to facilitate identification of those species.
Nomenclatural changes are made in three previously described genera in the planthopper tribe Hemisphaeriini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae: Issinae), viz Gergithus Stål, 1870, Mongoliana Distant, 1909 and Hemisphaeroides Melichar, 1903. In addition, a new genus, Gnezdilovius gen. nov., with Gergithus lineatus Kato, 1933 as its type species, is described for 40 species formerly included in Gergithus, and the generic characteristics of the latter genus is revised. One new species, Gergithus frontilongus sp. nov. from China (Yunnan), is described and illustrated. One additional Gergithus species, previously misidentified as G. signatifrons Melichar, 1906 from Siberut Island, is mentioned and illustrated. Gergithus contusus Walker, 1851 is transferred to Mongoliana and Hemisphaerius atromaculatus Distant, 1916 and H. fuscoclypeatus Distant, 1916 are transferred to Hemisphaeroides. Checklists for all four genera are provided detailing the nomenclatural changes and a key to the 19 genera of Hemisphaeriini is provided. Morphological diversity and distribution of the genera are briefly discussed.
Two new species of the Rhyacophila nigrocephala species group, R. voluta sp. nov. and R. linguiformis sp. nov., are described, diagnosed and illustrated. Rhyacophila voluta sp. nov. is similar to R. pentagona Malicky & Sun, 2002 in male genitalia, but can be diagnosed by the inferior appendages of the same length as the complex of preanal appendages and dorsal lobe of segment IX, fused base of the basal segments of inferior appendages, and slightly incised distal margin of apical segment of inferior appendage. Rhyacophila linguiformis sp. nov. is similar to R. rima Sun & Yang, 1995 and R. esorima Mey, 1996 in male genitalia, but can be diagnosed by the progressively narrowed complex of preanal appendages and the dorsal lobe of segment X, the short anal sclerites, and the small gap between the upper and lower lobes of apical segment of inferior appendages. An updated checklist of 23 species recorded from China is presented.
Two new genera and species of tiger beetles from Baltic amber (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae)
(2017)
Two fossil tiger beetle species (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae) are described from Eocene Baltic amber using light microscopic and X-ray microscopic techniques. Both species are considered representatives of the subtribe Iresina Rivalier, 1971 due to the shared combination of character states: glabrous head, six labral and four suborbital setae, and glabrous pronotum. Palaeopronyssiformia groehni Wiesner, Will, and Schmidt, new genus, new species, is characterized by a glabrous and furrowed head with six labral setae, large eyes, presence of two supraorbital setae on each side, mandibles with two teeth of the incisor region, and a glabrous and furrowed pronotum. Palaeoiresina cassolai Wiesner, Will, and Schmidt, new genus, new species, is characterized by a unicolored, undentated labrum, mandibles with two teeth of the incisor region, glabrous head with six labral setae, two clypeal setae, two supraorbital setae on each side, and a glabrous pronotum, mesepisternum, mesepimeron, and metepisternum. The species described here represent the only known tiger beetle fossils preserved in Baltic amber.
Tortonian teleost otoliths from northern Italy: taxonomic synthesis and stratigraphic significance
(2017)
The Tortonian fish otoliths of northern Italy have been studied for more than a century and represent one of the best known otolith-based teleost faunas in the Miocene of the Mediterranean Basin. Yet with the growing knowledge on Recent otoliths, an updated taxonomic overview of this fauna is needed. Moreover, new material from hemipelagic Tortonian marls sampled at nine localities is described herein, revealing 109 taxa of which 88 are recognised at species level. Four of these are new: Coryphaenoides biobtusus sp. nov., “Merluccius” rattazzii sp. nov., Neobythites auriculatus sp. nov. and Lesueurigobius stironensis sp. nov. The compilation of previously studied and newly acquired material revealed a total of 118 nominal Tortonian species. At generic level, the fauna is characterised by many modern forms; more than 90% can be assigned to present day genera. At species level, however, more than half of the represented taxa are extinct. Based on the fossil otolith record, the Tortonian fauna of the Mediterranean is most similar to that of the Langhian (Badenian) of the Central Paratethys by sharing many extinct Miocene species, but it is also very close to that of the Pliocene Mediterranean, by sharing many modern Atlantic-Mediterranean forms. The Tortonian fauna is further characterised by many species that are apparently confined to the upper Miocene, resulting in a unique combination of its taxonomic composition.
Improving nomenclatural consistency: a decade of experience in the World Register of Marine Species
(2017)
The World Register of Marine species (WoRMS) has been established for a decade. The early history of the database involved compilation of existing global and regional species registers. This aggregation, combined with changes to data types and the changing needs of WoRMS users, has resulted in an evolution of data-entry consistency over time. With the task of aggregating the accepted species names for all marine species approaching completion, our focus has shifted to improving the consistency and quality of data held while keeping pace with the addition of > 2000 new marine species described annually. This paper defines priorities and longer-term aims that promote standardisation within and interoperability among biodiversity databases, provides editors with further information on how to input nomenclatural data in a standardised way and clarifies for users of WoRMS how and why names are represented as they are. We 1) explain the categories of names included; 2) list standard reasons used to explain why a name is considered ‘unaccepted’ or ‘uncertain’; 3) present and explain the more difficult situations encountered; 4) describe categories of sources and notes linked to a taxon; and 5) recommend how type material, type locality and environmental information should be entered.