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FIAS Scientific Report 2012
(2013)
Mining of simple sequence repeats in chloroplast genome of a parasitic liverwort: Aneura mirabilis
(2013)
Aneura mirabilis is a parasitic liverwort with a chloroplast genome size of 108007 bp. In this study simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected using bioinformatics approch in plastid genome of Aneura mirabilis. Due to its small genome size only 19 repeats were detected showing a density of 1 SSR/5.68 kb. The length of SSRs ranged from 12 to 20 bp. Mononucleotide repeats were the most frequent repeat type (36.84%) followed by tetranucleotide repeats (31.58%). Moreover hexanucleotide repeats were absent in chloroplast genome sequence of Aneura mirabilis.
The identity of Braunia alopecura (Brid.) Limpr. with Braunia secunda (Hook.) Bruch & Schimp.
(2013)
Braunia alopecura, originally regarded as species endemic to the Southern Alps, later known in addition from the the Cape Verde Islands and recently reported from the Indohimalaya, has revealed to be identical with the neotropical Braunia secunda. This is another case of an American species in the Southern Alps and in Europe in general, as well as an example of possible long distance dispersal.
The location of Ticino in the southern Alps with an altitudinal range from 200 to more than 3000 m generates a high biodiversity of bryophytes, however, in addition, a mixture of mediterranean elements (caused by mild temperatures), atlantic elements (caused by high precipitation) and especially insubrian elements (confined to the Southern Alps) has attracted many famous bryologists over the past 150 years and make this region to a real bryological hot spot. Six of the 7 insubrian species are mainly distributed in North America. Their presence in the Southern Alps is correlated with a certain geological formation and their origin is not clear.
Anomalies in female receptacle of Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. & Lindenb.- A report from J&K.
(2013)
The genus Plagiochasma belonging to the order Marchantiales has been very well worked out with respect to the structure and development of male and female receptacles. In the present paper, the author reports abnormalities in archegoniophores along with the anatomical details of the same. This report from J&K is altogether new.
Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract and phenolic compounds of a liverwort, Reboulia hemispherica was carried out by Agar well diffusion technique. The Gram positive bacteria were more sensitive than the Gram negative ones, while the fungal species were least sensitive. R. hemispherica extract exhibited best results against Staphylococcus aureus, although it was active against all tested microbes. The antimicrobial activity increased with the increase in the concentration of the extract except in Klebsiella sp. S. aureus, E. faecalis and Bacillus cereus were inhibited more by the crude methanol extract of R. hemispherica than the phenolic compounds isolated from the extract. A. niger was inhibited equally by the crude methanol extract as well as the phenolic compounds. B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. sp. and P. notatum were inhibited more by phenolic compounds than the crude methanol extract of R. hemispherica. Thus phenolic compounds of R. hemispherica should be studied further for use as antimicrobial agent.
Microsatellites also known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are short repeat motifs (1-6 bp) found in DNA sequences Detection of microsatellites is important for the development of molecular markers and to study the mapping of traits of economic, medical or ecological interest. In the present study, chloroplast genome sequence of Anthoceros formosae, downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) was mined with the help of MISA tool to detect SSRs in chloroplast genome (cpSSRs). A total of 67 SSRs were detected with a density of 1 SSR/2.4 kb in 161.162 kb sequence mined. Depending on the repeat units, the length of SSRs ranged from 12 to 18 bp for mono-, 14 to 46 bp for di-, 12 to 27 bp for tri-, 12 to 20 bp for tetra and 18 bp for hexa-nucleotide repeats. Mononucleotide repeats were the most frequent repeat type (35.82%) followed by dinucleotide repeats (25.37%). Penta-nucleotide repeats were not detected in chloroplast genome sequence of Anthoceros formosae.
Scanning electron microscope analyses of sporoderm of 7 species of 3 genera of Marchantiales are presented in this study. In the studied species, sporoderm exhibit a broad range of morphology and have taxonomic specificity. The structurally rigid sporoderms have specific sculpturing and characteristic patterning. Peculiar architectures are found in different taxa, which revealed that and stable architectures may be present within an order. Sporoderms usually have specific surface markings which are often one of the best parameters to identify any species.
Thalloid liverworts with unistratose thallus margins are easily determined as Aneura maxima, which shall be identified by this character. However, forms of Pellia epiphylla and P. endiviifolia grown under humid conditions can have an unistratose undulate thallus margin and thus confused with the latter. Pellia species can, however, be distinguished from Aneura by the presence of slime hairs vz. slime papillae, which are described and illustrated here.
Hot spots are characterized by the occurrence of „hot“ species, rare, endangered, phytogeographically (for example highly disjunct) or ecologically interesting species (for example heavy metal species). The Apuanian Alps (ital. Alpi Apuani) are a place of extraordinary botanical and also bryological interest. Although situated far from the west coast of Europe, many atlantic species are found there, which have isolated occurrences and show up next in Asturias, Macaronesia. Ireland or Scotland. Representative of the oceanic element in the bryoflora are Dumortiera hirsuta, Lejeunea lamacerina, Lophocolea fragrans, Plagiochila exigua, P. bifaria, Saccogyna viticulosa, Harpalejeunea ovata and Marchesinia mackaii, supplemented by ferns such as Trichomanes speciosum and Hymenophyllum tunbrigense (Cortini-Pedrotti et al. 1992). Reasons for the presence of such species in Italy are the extraordinary climatic conditions. Situated directly along the Meditrerranean Sea, the climate is mild and due to depressions in the gulf of Genova, the rain is caught by the mountains resulting in a high precipitation of about 1400 at the foot of the region and more than 3000 mm in the summit region. This does, however, not explain whether these species are relics from the Tertiary or dispersed from the W-coast of Europe after the Pleistocene glaciations.
In the present study the level of S, Cu, Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb and Cr was estimated in samples of the common thalloid liverwort Plagiochasma rupestre (G. Frost) Stephani, from Ranthambhore National park, Rajasthan (India). High metallic load was observed both in substrate as well as in plant tissue at locations adjacent to higher vehicular load, during winter the metallic content is highest, followed by summer and monsoon season. Elemental concentration in substrate for Plagiochasma rupestre was in the order of Zn> S> Pb> Cu> Cd> Cr, while in plant tissue it showed S> Zn> Pb> Cu> Cd> Cr, which is indicative of air borne trace elemental load. Quantitative analysis of these elements in vegetative thalli of Plagiochasma rupestre and the substrate showed an increase in metallic content during winter, which reveals the significance of this liverwort as a biological sink of mineral elements present in the soil and air and may provide an important tool in estimation of both aerial pollution and mineral enrichment in soil.
A boat dug out of a Alnus (alder) trunk about 4,000 years ago had the space between the transom (stern) board and the slot cut in the hull caulked with mosses principally a mass of Anomodon viticulosus but there were thirteen other mosses and one liverwort. The mosses allow the tentative deduction that the boat may not have been caulked at Degersee or, if caulked there, the mosses had been gathered elsewhere in the vicinity and brought to the boat.
Dicranodontium didymodon, a species described from the Himalaya was recently reported from Spain. It has been distinguished from D. denudatum by a smooth subula. A reexamination of the type of this species revealed no additional characters which would support the recognition of a separate species. Therefore D. didymodon is synonymised with D. denudatum. The specimen from Spain is referred to D. denudatum var. glabrum, which differs from D. didymodon by larger stature and lack of brood leaves.
In the past, many bryophyte species were regarded as endemic to the Alps. Herzog listed more than 70 examples. Many of them are micro-endemisms or merely alpine forms of other species (Leptodontium styriacum) and not of taxanomic value, or considered as relics from the last interglacial period, although the Alps were covered by glaciers during the last ice age, which made a survival almost impossible, especially for forest species and epiphytes. Several of these species turned out to occur as well in Asia (Distichophyllum carinatum) or were described from there under a different name (Tayloria rudolphiana as T. delavayi). So far, one important species, Brotherella lorentziana, remained unsolved. A recent study revealed that this species is present in Asia, where it is known as B. henonii. At the present state of knowledge, five species namely Herbertus sendtneri, Riccia breidleri, Barbula bicolor, Marsupella ramosa and Trochobryum carniolicum must still be considered as endemic.
During the analysis of collections made by the author and company in Madikeri (Coorg) district the need of an updated checklist became eminent. Literature studies were carried out alongside with the identification of specimen. Liverworts were added to the existing checklist of mosses of Karnataka. Location information of previous publications has been critically revised and reflected in the current list. An extended history of the bryological exploration of the state of Karnataka is given.
During the past years, Fontinalis specimens with round, concave leaves were collected in Germany and Spain, which were named as F. antipyretica var. mollis. A comparison with the type of F. mollis revealed that they are not identical and accordingly are described as new variety, F. antiypretica var. rotundifolia.
The family Geocalycaceae are one of the largest families of leafy liverworts in India consisting of 9 genera and 27 species belongs to two subfamilies. Present study reports the distribution of members of this family in Kerala state. In Kerala the family Geocalycaceae are represented by 11 species belonging to three genera viz., Heteroscyphus (6 species), Chiloscyphus (3 species) and Lophocolea (2 species). Among these Chiloscyphus muricatus and Heteroscyphus bescherellei are new record of occurrence for the state of Kerala.
Reproduction in bryophytes is by asexual as well as sexual means. Asexual reproduction is a significant adaptation to special environments and occurs by a large variety of methods. During the last few decades, many of the bryophytes, particularly the dioecious ones are reported to have registered a decline in their fertile populations. There is, therefore, a need to understand the reasons for their disappearance.
Growth of nine species of cyanobacteria was observed on eight species of bryophytes (thalloid liverworts and mosses) growing in the polyhouse, Bryophyte conservatory (Moss House), at National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. Bryophytes were cultured in the laboratory and transferred to polyhouse for hardening and acclimatization. Cyanobacterial growth was observed on the bryophytes as a contamination due to which there was suppression of bryophyte growth. It was evident that cyanobacteria played a significant role of allelopathy.
Combined data from chloroplast and mitochondrial genome sequences showed paraphyly of bryophytes
(2013)
The present study was conducted using chloroplast and mitochondrial genome sequences of plants to gain insight on evolutionary relationship of bryophytes. The representative taxa were selected considering the availability of both organelle genome sequences. Phylogenetic analysis using combined data from chloroplast and mitochondrial sequences infer paraphyly of bryophytes.
The present contribution revealed the occurrence of Hypnum plumaeforme Wilson belonging to family Hypnaceae (Bryopsida) for the first time in Munsiyari region of Uttarakhand state, which is a new addition to the bryoflora of Western Himalayas. Earlier this species was known only from eastern Himalayas (Nepal).
The present study is a compilation of moss flora of Western Himalayas (India). This compilation listed 745 species of mosses, belonging to 19 orders; 55 families and 230 genera. Out of these 17 species have been reported endemic from Western Himalayas. 196 species have been synonymized and status of 86 species is still doubtful i.e. unresolved name. At present out of 745 only 463 species are validly known from this mountain range of India
Barail Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) lies amidst the tropical forests of the state Assam, India between the coordinates 24o58' – 25o5' North latitudes and 92o46' – 92o52' East longitudes. It covers an area of about 326.24 sq. km. with the altitude ranging from 100 – 1850 m. An ongoing study on the group Marchantiophyta (liverworts, bryophyta) of BWS reveals the presence of 42 species belonging to 24 genera and 14 families. Among these, one genus (Conocephalum Hill) and 13 species are recorded as new for the state of Assam, eight species have been found which are endemic to India, seven species are recorded as rare and one species, Heteroscyphus pandei S.C. Srivast. & Abha Srivast. as threatened within the study area. Out of 24 genera identified, 46% have been found growing purely as terrestrials, 25% as purely epiphytes and 29% have been found to grow both as terrestrials as well as epiphytes. Among these, a diverse and interesting range of microhabitats have also been observed for each taxon. It has been found that genera having vast range of microhabitats comprise large percentage of the total liverwort flora of BWS.
The present phylogenetic analysis was conducted using mitochondrial genome sequences of plants to infer evolutionary relationship of bryophytes. Paraphyly of bryophytes was shown by reconstructed trees. Liverworts are the first to diverge therefore appeared as sister to land plants in nucleotide based trees. However protein sequences based tree show mosses and liverworts to form a joint clade. Hornworts formed sister relationship with vascular plants.
Fontinalis antipyretica var. mollis is recorded for Spain, which differs by orbicular, not keeled leaves. The presence in the same tufts together with var. antiypretica reveals that it is a somatic mutant of the latter. A form of Pellia epiphylla was observed which has wide thallus margins of unistratose cells resembling those of Aneura maxima. A Campylopus was collected resembling C. flexuosus but with ventral stereids in transverse section of the costa. It is described as C. flexuosus var. anomalus. An (unsuccessful) attempt has been made to find the locality in which P. Allorge found Campylopus setifolius for the only time in the Iberian Peninsula. The bryophilous fungus Octosporella jungermanniarum is reported as new to Spain. Dicranodontium didymodon, known before from the Himalaya and western China, is reported as new to Europe.
The availability of organelle genome sequences in public databases facilitates the reconstruction of land plants phylogeny. Therefore the present phylogenetic analysis was conducted using chloroplast genome sequences of plants to study phylogenetic relationship of bryophytes. The representative taxa were selected considering the availability of organelle genome sequences in database. Inferred tree topologies showed paraphyly of bryophytes with sister relationship between hornworts and vascular plants irrespective of the method (Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference) and type of sequences (Nucleotide and Protein) used. Among bryophytes liverworts are the first to diverge therefore appeared as sister to land plants. Moreover land plants formed a monophyletic group.
Allelopathic effect of Stichococcus bacillaris Nageli (Green Alga) on the growth of two bryophytes
(2013)
Stichococcus bacillaris (Green Alga) growth was observed as a contaminant on two taxa of bryophytes, a thalloid liverwort Lunularia cruciata (L.) Dumort. ex. Lindb. and a hornwort Folioceros physocladus Bharad. ex Schiffn. et Pande, growing on soil in pots in acclimatization chamber of Moss House at National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. Due to this algal contamination, suppression of growth of these bryophytes has been observed. It was evident that succession of Stichococcus bacillaris and its interaction with bryophytes played a significant role of allelopathy.
The present contribution is an enumerated account of mosses of Munsyari (Pithoragarh), Western Himalayas. The study revealed the presence 8 orders, 20 families, 32 genera and 44 species in the area. Moss species viz. Anoectangium walkeri Broth., Actinothuidium hookeri (Mitt.) Broth. Stereophyllum ligulatum Jaeg., Anomodon minor (Hedw.) Fŭrnr., Hageniells assamica Dixon, Schoenobryum cocavifolia (Griff.) Gang., Entodon luteonitens Ren. et Card. and Physcomitrium pulchellum (Grif.) Mitt. are reported for the first time from Munsiyari hills as well as western Himalayas as welcome additions to the bryoflora of Uttarakhand (Western Himalaya).
Eight specimens of bryophytes from Baltic amber are described and illustrated, five mosses and three hepatics. The genus Grimmia as well as Brothera leana are reported for the first time as fossils. The mosses Ctenidium capillifolium, Atrichum groehnii and Hypnodontopsis fossilis as well as the hepatics Cylindrocolea dimorpha and Scapania hoffeinsiana are reported repeatedly. The hepatic Spruceanthus polonicus is recorded the second time and photographs are presented for the first time. In addition, a haplolepideous moss capsule as well as a unknown apparently pleurocarpous moss are illustrated.
Similipal Biosphere Reserve is a part of biotic province of Chhotanagpur Plateau. It has a representative ecosystem under Mahanadian biogeographic region. Its biodiversity is an assemblage representation of Western Ghats and North-East India. Regarding bryophytes this area was rather unexplored and the current investigation shows the occurrence of 33 taxa of bryophytes in this biosphere reserve and its neighboring areas. Each species has been enumerated with its ecological and distributional details.
The present study deals with the investigation of bryophytic flora of Mukteshwar (Uttarakhand). The present account deals with the study of 38 species belonging to 31 genera of 21 families. The mosses are represented by 21 species of 20 genera and 12 families, while Liverworts are represented by 15 species of 10 genera and 8 families. Hornworts consist of 1 genus and 2 species. The dominant families are Aytoniaceae, Marchantiaceae, Thuidiaceae and Pottiaceae. The dominant genera are Plagiochasma, Targionia, Marchantia, Plagiochila, Atrichum, Thuidium and Pogonatum. Macrothamnium stigmatophyllum has been identified as new to western Himalaya, while Thuidium philiberti Limpr. is new to Uttarakhand.
A two week trip to Costa Rica was conducted between 26 May and 8 June 2013, sampling odonates in several provinces along the center to the pacific southern portionof the country. A total of 86 species in 34 genera were found, including 16 species of the genus Argia. Lists of all species by locality, photographs of live specimens, and illustrations and notes of described species of Argiaare presented to facilitate identification to other collectors.
Odonata survey was conducted in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, Mindanao Island. Four major sites were explored in Barangay Santo Niño from December 26 – 30, 2012. Thirty five species under eleven families including one new species were found representing the first odonatological record in the province of Davao del Norte. Three species need further study while Orthetrum glaucum represents a new record for the island of Mindanao. Coeliccia exoleta population, a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, was found.
The Odonata fauna of Balabac Island, Philippines was studied in March 2013. A total of 41 species under 33 genera were recorded. Twenty-eight species were recorded for the first time in the island. One genus – Mortonagrion was recorded for the first time in the Philippines. Mortonagrion astamii spec. nov. and Prodasineura poncei spec. nov. are new to science and are described. Three previously recorded species remained elusive and not seen during the survey.
Dragonflies from mainland Yemen and the Socotra Archipelago : additional records and novelties
(2013)
The odonatological results of two field trips to mainland Yemen carried out mainly in summer 2005 and winter 2007, and to Socotra in winter 1999 are put on record. At 30 localities, 33 dragonfly species were collected, respectively observed. One species,Azuragrion somalicum, is new for mainland Yemen, and a second, Pseudagrion niloticum, is new for mainland Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Three species, Azuragrionsomalicum, Orthetrum julia, and Sympetrum fonscolombiiare new records for Socotra.
A survey of Odonata in North Ethiopia, on the route Debre Libanos – Bahir Dar – Woldia – Hayk – Mile – Awash – Debre Zeyit crossing the provinces of Oromia, Amhara and Afar, in July 29 - August 10, 2012 yielded 38 species, including two endemics of Ethiopia and five species not hitherto reliably reported for this country in the literature: Pseudagrion commoniae (Forster, 1902), P. hamoni Fraser, 1955, P. salisburyense Ris, 1921, Bradinopyga strachani (Kirby, 1900) and Ictinogomphus ferox (Rambur, 1842). The number of Odonata species recorded in Ethiopia thus reached 104. Seventeen main localities were visited, on average showing 4.9 species per locality. A small branch of Jara River, Amhara, was the richest one (15 species). Comments on specimens of Pseudagrion spernatum Selys, 1881 and Nesciothemis farinosa (Forster, 1898) and notes on the country in general and particular habitats of Odonata are provided.
ProtoSociology : an international journal of interdisciplinary research. Nr. 30, 2013 ; Concepts
(2013)
By organizing the approach to religion historically, we trace the evolution, diffusion, and genealogies of ideas and themes and how those ideas have been inspired or configured by the events of times and human agency in looking at selected texts, actors, and themes. In other words, we inquire into the articulated problem of existence, its solutions, techniques and examples on a case-to-case basis contextualizing specific texts, actors and themes by relating them to time, space and situations.
Two new species of Deltosoma Thomson, 1864 are described from French Guiana: D. humeralis sp. nov. and D. fernandezi sp. nov. Deltosoma lacordairei Thomson, 1864 is redescribed based on examination of the holotype. A study of the aedeagi of these three species was conducted. Dorsal habitus photographs of both sexes, ventral photographs of males, and aedeagi photographs are provided.
Chromosomes of four rare and localized Caribbean Prioninae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) species were analysed. All have 26, XY karyotypes. Those of Solenoptera canaliculata (Solenopterini) from Guadeloupe nearby islands Les Saintes and Marie-Galante and S. quadrilineata from Martinique look similar. They have a single pair of sub-metacentric autosomes. The karyotype of S. touroulti from St. Lucia has three sub-metacentric pairs. It appears closer to that of Hovorodon maxillosum (Mallodontini) from Marie-Galante which has ten sub-metacentric pairs. The CO1 gene sequence, taking two European species Aegosoma scabricorne (Prioninae: Aegosomatini) and Ergates faber (Prioninae: Ergatini) as external groups was analysed in S. canaliculata and S. quadrilineata. In spite of their karyotype similarity, their CO1 genes differ by a strong accumulation of mutations. Thus, either chromosomal or genetic data confirm the species status of the three closely related Solenoptera species. Ten different CO1 haplotypes are found among the 21 specimens of S. canaliculata studied from les Saintes and Marie-Galante. Both different haplotypes were found in each island and identical haplotypes were found in different islands. Hence, the gene flow was not interrupted. Biogeographical parameters favor the hypothesis that repeated passages between islands were made possible by floating trunks, principally from Les Saintes to Marie-Galante.
We present new southeastern United States distributional records for Stictoleptura canadensis (Olivier, 1795), Leptura subhamata Randall, 1838 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lepturinae), and Heterosternuta cocheconis (Fall, 1917) (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae) which extend the southernmost limits of the known distributions for these species. We present new state records for these species.
SAFE Newsletter : 2013, Q4
(2013)
A new genus of the millipede tribe Brachyiulini (Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae) from the Aegean region
(2013)
A new genus of the julid tribe Brachyiulini, Enghophyllum gen. nov., is described, comprising two species from Greece. The type-species, E. naxium (Verhoeff, 1901) comb. nov. (ex Megaphyllum Verhoeff, 1894), appears to be rather widespread in the Aegean: it is known from Antiparos Island and Naxos Island (the type locality), both in the Cyclades, as well as East Mavri Islet, Dodecanese Archipelago (new record). The vulva of E. naxium is described for the first time. In addition, E. sifnium gen. et sp. nov. is described based on a single adult male from Sifnos Island, Cyclades. The new genus is distinct from other genera of the Brachyiulini mainly by its peculiar gonopod structure, apparently disjunct and at least mostly apomorphous: (1) promeres broad, shield-like, in situ protruding mostly posteriad, completely covering the opisthomeres and gonopodal sinus; (2) transverse muscles and coxal apodemes of promere fully reduced; (3) opisthomere with three differentiated processes, i.e., lateral, basal posterior and apical posterior; (4) solenomere rather simple, tubular. The evolution and biogeography of the new genus are briefly discussed, both suggesting its profoundly long isolation in the Aegean region from the contribal genera in the adjacent Balkans and Anatolia.
An overview of Nepenthes in the Philippines is presented. Four new species, Nepenthes extincta sp. nov., N. kitanglad sp. nov., N. kurata sp. nov. and N. leyte sp. nov. are described and illustrated from the Philippines and placed in the Nepenthes alata group. An updated circumscription and key to the species of the group is provided. Delimitation and comparison with the Regiae group is given. All four of the newly described species are assessed as threatened using the International Union for the Conservation of Nature 2012 standard, and one, N. extincta sp. nov. is considered likely to be already extinct due to open-cast mining. Logging and conversion of forest habitat are thought to be the main threats to the other three species.
The taxonomy of the genus Ophiocoma was last revised by Devaney in 1970. Recent discoveries of new species and re-instatement of previously synonymized names suggest that we still do not fully understand the species limits in this genus. A recent biodiversity survey of the SW Indian Ocean shallow reefs strongly suggested an unrecognised species in the genus, closely related to O. brevipes/O. dentata. This study examined both the molecular phylogenetic relationships and the morphological characteristics of several species in the genus in order to characterise the unrecognised species. The focal species clusters with O. brevipes, O. dentata, O. doederleini within a monophyletic clade supported by molecular data for the first time. The name Breviturma subgen. nov. is proposed for this clade, previously known as brevipes group. Type material of nominal species that have been synonymized with O. dentata was examined and re-assessed. Ophiocoma marmorata proved not conspecific with O. dentata. A rarely used character, dorsal disc granule density, was tested and showed differences between the examined species at similar sizes. In combination with colour pattern, disc granule density, arm spine sequence and maximum disc size, the new species was delimited morphologically and described as Ophiocoma krohi sp. nov.
The osteology of Rhinopycnodus gabriellae gen. and sp. nov., a pycnodontiform fish from the marine Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Lebanon, is studied in detail. This new fossil genus belongs to the family Pycnodontidae, as shown by the presence of a posterior brush-like process on its parietal. Its long and broad premaxilla, bearing one short and very broad tooth is the principal autapomorphy of this fish. Within the phylogeny of Pycnodontidae, Rhinopycnodus occupies an intermediate position between Ocloedus and Tepexichthys.
The external morphology of the thorax and abdomen of four species of Neotropical Hesperiidae, belonging to different tribes, are described and illustrated. The morphological characters traditionally used in the classification of the family are reviewed and new information is added with emphasis on the characters usually neglected in the classification and identification of Hesperiidae and Lepidoptera. The use of these characters, along with those commonly used in literature for the identification and taxonomy of the family, is discussed, aiming to contribute to comparative studies of morphology and taxonomy of this group.
Five species of the aphid genus Sipha Passerini (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are reported in North America and are reviewed herein. Of these species, three are adventive species and include: Sipha elegans del Guercio, Sipha glyceriae (Kaltenbach), and Sipha maydis Passerini. Sipha maydis was discovered in California in 2007 and now has been found in Georgia. The genus also includes two native species: Sipha agropyronensis (Gillette) and Sipha flava (Forbes). Sipha maydis can be distinguished easily from all the other species in the genus that occur in North America because it is black. All the species except S. agropyronensis have been implicated in damage to crop plants. A key to the apterae and alatae of Sipha found in North America is included.
The Neotropical members of the genus Aesalus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Aesalinae) are transferred to a new genus, Trogellus, due to their morphological dissimilarity and molecular divergence from the Old World species of Aesalus, and the new genus is revised. A neotype is designated for A. trogoides Albers and a lectotype for A. neotropicalis Bates. Aesalus smithi Bates is placed into synonymy with Aesalus trogoides, new synonymy. Two new combinations result from the transfer of species formerly in Aesalus: Trogellus trogoides from Mexico and Trogellus neotropicalis from Guatemala. In addition to the two known species, eight new species are described: T. catrachitus, T. chapinitus, T. hawksi, T. herrmanni, T. maesi, T. narizotus, T. ticiticus, and T. trifinius. This brings the total number of species of Central American aesalines to ten. A phylogeny of Aesalini based on two gene regions of ribosomal DNA is presented. Due to clear morphological differences and large molecular divergence between species groups, two additional new subgenera of Trogellus are proposed: Mayaesalus and Trogoides.
We provide new records of biting and predaceous midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Guadeloupe in the subfamily Ceratopogoninae, including descriptions and illustrations of three new predaceous species in the genera, Parabezzia Malloch, Stilobezzia Kieffer and Palpomyia Meigen, respectively, and the first records of the New World predaceous genus, Amerohelea Grogan and Wirth, from the Caribbean region. We also provide the first Guadeloupe records of the biting midges, Culicoides (Anilomyia) decor (Williston), C. (Avaritia) pusillus Lutz, C. (Drymodesmyia) bredini Wirth and Blanton, C. (D.) poikilonotus Macfie, C. (Haematomyidium) hoffmani Fox, C. (Hoffmania) insignis Lutz, C. rangeli Ortiz and Mirsa and C. trilineatus Fox, and the predaceous midges, Brachypogon (Brachypogon) bifidus Spinelli and Grogan, B. (B.) telesfordi Spinelli and Grogan, B. (B.) woodruffi Spinelli and Grogan, Monohelea maya Felippe-Bauer, Huerta and Ibáñez-Bernal, Stilobezzia (Stilobezzia) diminuta Lane and Forattini, S. (S.) thomsenae Wirth, Amerohelea galindoi Grogan and Wirth, Bezzia (Bezzia) flinti Spinelli and Wirth, B. (Homobezzia) venustula (Williston) and Palpomyia insularis Spinelli and Grogan.
The Bolivian species of Polyrhaphis Audinet-Serville, 1835, (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) are reviewed and illustrated, with P. skillmani new species described. A key is presented to the six species recorded from Bolivia (P. angustata Buquet, 1853; P. argentina Lane, 1978; P. gracilis Bates, 1862; P. pilosa Lane, 1965; P. spinosa (Drury, 1773); and P. skillmani Wappes and Santos-Silva, new species). Their collection localities, based on recently identified specimens examined by the authors, are plotted to show the distribution of species, and displayed next to an ecoregion map of Bolivia to illustrate biogeographical information for Polyrhaphis.
For the first time in Brazil, the weevil Cissoanthonomus tuberculipennis Hustache, 1939 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are reported preying on seeds of Cardiospermum grandiflorum Swartz (Sapindaceae). Observations are presented on oviposition and larval behavior, pupation site, and adult emergence. Photos of host plant, egg, larva, pupa and adult are provided.
Seventy-nine Cerambycidae and two Vesperidae species not previously recorded from Bolivia are listed along with the department where they were collected, and are thus added to the known fauna. An additional 22 species from existing publications, but whose Bolivian distribution is not recorded in the 2013 version of Bezark and Monné (2013), are listed separately to assist inclusion in this important reference. These records, along with the 60 new species described (through February, 2013) since Wappes et al. (2011), brings the total number of Cerambycidae and, closely related families Disteniidae, Oxypeltidae and Vesperidae, to 1,717 species known from Bolivia. New departmental records for another 254 species are listed. Color illustrations for 80 of the 81 species newly recorded from Bolivia are provided. Among the new records for Bolivia is Lathroeus oreoderoides Thomson, 1864 previously known only from South America without exact locality, hence this is its first recorded distribution. A male of Myzomorphus Dejean, 1835 collected at the same time and locality as a female Myzomorphus amabilis (Tippmann, 1960) is likely the previously unknown male of the species. Both sexes are illustrated.
The larvae and pupae of two species of Tabanidae (Diptera), Chrysops beameri Brennan and Hybomitra trispila (Wiedemann), are described and illustrated, and their similarities and differences relative to similar species are discussed. Comments are also provided on the larval habitats and the other species of immature Tabanidae associated with larvae of each species.
Coastal species are under considerable threat from recreational activities and climate change. The tiger beetle Cicindela hirticollis Say (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) was recorded historically from 30 locations along the shores of New York City and Long Island, New York. We conducted surveys for extant populations of this species at 40 sites from 1989 to 2010. Adults of C. hirticollis were found at 13 beaches. Only four sites had 40 or more adults of C. hirticollis active at the time the beach was surveyed. No beetles were detected on the large coastal beaches that were formerly occupied by this species. Many coastal beaches of New York receive heavy human foot and vehicle traffic and are therefore unlikely to provide suitable habitat for C. hirticollis without a shift in beach management that recognizes the potential of some beaches as wilderness systems capable of supporting the full array of beach-dependent species.
The primary types of Onciderini Thomson, 1860 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) deposited at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH) are catalogued and illustrated. Data on the original combination, current name, and type locality are verified and presented. There are 36 primary types of Onciderini including 12 in Oncideres Lacordaire, 1830; four in Hypsioma Audinet-Serville, 1835; three each in Hesychotypa Thomson, 1868; Cacostola Fairmaire and Germain, 1859; and Sternycha Dillon and Dillon, 1945. A brief history of the CMNH is also presented.
A key is provided for the twelve taxonomic groups within the genus Therates Latreille (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae). The chennelli group is reviewed here and a key to the 53 species known for this group is provided. Each species is illustrated, and a detailed description of its morphology and distributional records are provided. Therates khaoyaii, Th. pearsoni, Th. safraneki, Th. schuelei and Th. sigridgeissleri are described as new to science. Therates differens Sawada and Wiesner, 1999 is placed into synonymy under Th. concinnus Gestro, 1888. Therates tonkinensis kubani Wiesner, 1988 is placed into synonymy under Th. tonkinensis Horn, 1902 and Th. belokobylskiyi Matalin and Wiesner, 2006 is placed into synonymy under Th. haucki Moravec and Wiesner, 2001. Lectotypes are designated for Th. waagenorum Horn, 1900, Th. clavicornis Horn, 1902, Th. tonkinensis Horn, 1902 and Th. annandalei Horn, 1908. Therates baolocensis Wiesner, 1996 is elevated to species rank.
The ostracod genus Bennelongia De Deckker & McKenzie, 1981 is endemic to Australia and New Zealand. Extensive sampling in Western Australia (WA) revealed a high specific and largely undescribed diversity. Here, we describe seven new species belonging to the B. barangaroo lineage: B. timmsi sp. nov., B. gnamma sp. nov., B. hirsuta sp. nov., B. ivanae sp. nov., B. mcraeae sp. nov., B. scanloni sp. nov. and B. calei sp. nov., and confirm the presence of an additional species, B. dedeckkeri, in WA. For five of these eight species, we could construct molecular phylogenies and parsimonious networks based on COI sequences. We also tested for cryptic diversity and specific status of clusters with a statistical method based on the evolutionary genetic species concept, namely Birky’s 4 theta rule. The analyses support the existence of these five species and a further three cryptic species in the WA B. barangaroo lineage. The molecular evidence was particularly relevant because most species described herein have very similar morphologies and can be distinguished from each other only by the shape, size and position of the antero-ventral lapel on the right valve, and, in sexual populations, by the small differences in shape of the hemipenes and the prehensile palps in males. Four species of the WA B. barangaroo lineage occur in small temporary rock pools (gnammas) on rocky outcrops. The other four species are mainly found in soft bottomed seasonal water bodies. One of the latter species, B. scanloni sp. nov., occurs in both claypans and deeper rock pools (pit gnammas). All species, except for B. dedeckkeri, originally described from Queensland, have quite clearly delimited distributions in WA. With the seven new species described here, the genus Bennelongia now comprises 25 nominal species but several more await formal description.
Two new genera and five new species of Selachinematidae are described from the New Zealand upper continental slope (350-1240 m depth). Synonchiella rotundicauda sp. nov. is characterised by cephalic setae 0.25 cbd long, mandibles each with two pairs of hooks and two wing-like projections laterally, eight cup-shaped pre-cloacal supplements and short rounded tail. Pseudocheironchus gen. nov. is similar to Cheironchus, but differs from the latter in having a cuticle without lateral differentiation, cephalic setae only slightly longer than the outer labial sensillae, and a posterior buccal cavity with three equal mandibles. Pseudocheironchus ingluviosus gen. et sp. nov. is characterised by mandibles with eight blunt teeth, multispiral amphideal fovea with five turns, and a short rounded tail. Males of this new species with 17-19 cup-shaped pre-cloacal supplements. Males of the genus Cobbionema are described for the first time; C. trigamma sp. nov. is characterised by four long cephalic setae and six smaller outer labial setae in one circle, six rhabdions surrounding the anterior buccal cavity, each with two pairs of pointed projections at their posterior extremities, posterior buccal cavity widening posteriorly, with three pairs of rhabdions fused posteriorly and widening anteriorly, males with two testes pointing anteriorly and with reflexed posterior testis, and no pre-cloacal supplements. Gammanema agglutinans sp. nov. is characterised by a short, stout body often covered in adhering mucus and detritus, cuticle with minute spines, leaf-shaped somatic setae with ducts, sexual dimorphism in the shape of the amphideal fovea (loop-shaped in males and spiral in females), posterior buccal cavity with three pairs of broad, column-shaped rhabdions fused anteriorly, intestine cells with orange-brown granules, and small tubular pre-cloacal supplements. Bendiella gen. nov. is most similar to Halichoanolaimus, but differs from the latter, and all other genera of the family Selachinematidae, in having a cuticle with lateral differentiation consisting of longitudinal rows of larger dots, and from all other genera of the Choniolaiminae in lacking pre-cloacal supplements. Bendiella thalassa gen. et sp. nov. is characterised by amphideal fovea with 5.25 turns, anterior buccal cavity with twelve rhabdions, each with a pair of pointed projections at posterior extremity, posterior buccal cavity with three Y-shaped pairs of slender rhabdions fused from two thirds of distance from anterior ends, and conico-cylindrical tail.
New Zealand species of Iphimediidae, Amphipoda, are revised. Based on new material from the Chatham Rise, east of New Zealand, two new species are described in detail: Labriphimedia meikae sp. nov. and Labriphimedia martinae sp. nov. A key to the six species belonging to three genera of New Zealand Iphimediidae is provided.
A new status (as subgenera of Diostracus Loew, 1861) for Sphyrotarsus Mik, 1874, Lagodechia Negrobov & Tsurikov, 1996 and Ozmena Özdikmen, 2010 stat. nov. is proposed. A new species, Diostracus (Sphyrotarsus) kustovi sp. nov., is described from the Russian Caucasus. The following recombinations (comb. nov.) are also proposed: Diostracus (Sphyrotarsus) argyrostomus (Mik, 1874); D. (S.) caucasicus (Negrobov, 1965); D. (S.) hervebazini (Parent, 1914); D. (S.) hessei (Parent, 1914); D. (S.) hygrophilus (Becker, 1891); D. (S.) leucostomus (Loew, 1861); D. (S.) parenti (Hesse, 1933); D. (Lagodechia) spinulifer Negrobov & Tsurikov, 1988; and D. (Ozmena) stackelbergi (Negrobov, 1965). A key to ten Diostracus species inhabiting the West Palaearctic Region is provided.
Two new colourful species of direct-developing frogs of the genus Pristimantis are described from the summit of two isolated tepuis (sandstone table mountains) in the Eastern Pantepui District of the Guiana Shield highlands. Pristimantis jamescameroni sp. nov. is described from the summit of Aprada-tepui from 2557-2571 m elevation, and P. imthurni sp. nov. is described from the summit of Ptaritepui at 2471 m elevation. Both species share the absence of a differentiated tympanic membrane and external tympanic annulus (but presence of tiny pharyngeal ostia), the presence of nuptial pads in males, and the presence of lateral fringes on fingers and toes, a combination of characters that immediately distinguishes them from all other known Pantepui congeners. The two new species are morphologically similar to each other and are phylogenetically closely related, but they can be distinguished based on colour pattern and morphological characters such as head proportions, dorsal skin texture, and condition of the supratympanic fold. The IUCN conservation status of the new species is considered as Endangered (EN) owing to their apparent very restricted ranges. The number of described Pristimantis species occurring exclusively on tepui (and faunistically related granitic mountains) summits and upper slopes now reaches eleven.
This paper summarizes current knowledge about West African pholcids. West Africa is here defined as the area south of 17°N and west of 5°E, including mainly the Upper Guinean subregion of the Guineo-Congolian center of endemism. This includes all of Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo and Benin. An annotated list of the 14 genera and 38 species recorded from this area is given, together with distribution maps and an identification key to genera. Five species are newly described: Anansus atewa sp. nov., Artema bunkpurugu sp. nov., Leptopholcus kintampo sp. nov., Spermophora akwamu sp. nov., and S. ziama sp. nov. The female of Quamtana kitahurira is newly described. Additional new records are given for 16 previously described species, including 33 new country records. Distribution patterns of West African pholcids are discussed, as well as possible explanations for relatively low West African pholcid species diversity as compared to Central and East Africa.
After our taxonomic revision of Ootheca Chevrolat, 1837, and the description of Oothecoides Kortenhaus & Wagner, 2011 and Ootibia Kortenhaus & Wagner, 2012, it became clear that a further four galerucine species, closely related to the above named taxa, form a distinct monophyletic group, that constitutes a new genus, Oosagitta gen. nov. with O. anningae sp. nov., O. geescheae sp. nov., O. melanopicta sp. nov. and O. thomasi sp. nov.. Exosoma angolensis Laboissière, 1939, the type species of the new genus, and Ergana minuta Laboissière, 1937 are newly transferred to Oosagitta gen. nov. All species of Oosagitta gen. nov. are characterized by a broad body and pronotum, a more or less convex dorsum and short legs, and as such are most similar to the other above named genera. The antennae of Oosagitta gen. nov. are distinctly longer than those of Ootheca, Oothecoides and Ootibia. Genital structures of the males allow a reliable identifi cation of the genus. (Re-) descriptions are given for all species, including semi-schematic illustrations depicting the habitus outline, shape of the basal antennomeres and the median lobe. Photographs of the name-bearing types and distribution maps are provided.
The osteology of Gladiopycnodus karami gen. et sp. nov., of Monocerichthys scheuchzeri gen. et sp. nov. and of Rostropycnodus gayeti gen. et sp. nov., three new fossil fishes from the marine Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Lebanon, is studied in detail. Some of their cranial characters and the presence of a postcoelomic bone clearly refer these fishes to the order Pycnodontiformes. However, they differ from all other described Pycnodontiformes by two important characters. Their snout is elongated as a rostrum, formed by the enlarged prefrontal and the toothless premaxilla, with this premaxilla sutured by its upper margin to the lower margin of the prefrontal. Their pectoral fin is replaced by a strong spine articulated with the cleithrum. These two apomorphies justify the erection of a new family, the Gladiopycnodontidae. The skull of Monocerichthys scheuchzeri sp. nov. does not differ greatly from a classical pycnodontiform skull and this species seems to be the more primitive member of this new family. Gladiopycnodus karami gen. et sp. nov. and Rostropycnodus gayeti gen. et sp. nov. are much more specialized. They share some apomorphies not present in Monocerichthys scheuchzeri gen. et sp. nov., i. e., an extremely long rostrum and an elongated first anal pterygiophore that sustains with the postcoelomic bone a strong and long anal spine. Gladiopycnodontidae fam. nov. and Coccodontidae share a series of apomorphies that justify the erection of a new superfamily, Coccodontoidea, grouping these two families.
A new species, Memecylon pseudomegacarpum (Melastomataceae), is described from southern Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. This taxon was previously known under the misapplied name M. megacarpum, which is now considered endemic to Borneo. Memecylon pseudomegacarpum sp. nov. differs from M. megacarpum in having smaller leaves (8–)10.5–17(–22.5) cm rather than (10–)17–28(–35) cm long, with an elliptic lamina (not lanceolate) with a raised mid-rib (not sunken) and a marginal vein which is 2–4 mm from the margin (not 5–12 mm). Both species have similar flowers and share large (c. 15 mm diameter) globose fruits.
Two new species of the family Trefusiidae, viz., Trefusia piperata sp. nov. and Trefusialaimus idrisi sp. nov., are described from the crest of the Chatham Rise, Southwest Pacific Ocean (350 m water depth). The present study provides the first species records for this family in the region. Trefusia and Trefusialaimus comprise twenty and three valid species, respectively. A key to males of Trefusia is provided.
The molecular phylogeny of Miliusa (Annonaceae) is reconstructed, with 27 (of ca. 50) species included, using a combination of seven plastid markers (rbcL exon, trnL intron, trnL-F spacer, matK exon, ndhF exon, psbA-trnH spacer, and ycf1 exon) constituting ca. 7 kb. In addition, two new species of Miliusa are described from the Malesian area: M. butonensis sp. nov. from Buton Island, Indonesia and M. viridifl ora sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea. The former is included in the molecular phylogenetic analysis. The reconstructed phylogeny corresponds well to the informal morphological grouping proposed earlier. A revised key to 13 Austro-Malesian species of Miliusa is provided.
Type material of the species of Alloxysta described by Cameron and Fergusson and deposited in the Natural History Museum of London has been revised. Seven species are considered valid: Alloxysta abdera Fergusson, 1986, A. basimacula (Cameron, 1886), A. crassa (Cameron, 1889), A. mullensis (Cameron, 1883), A. piceomaculata (Cameron, 1883), A. pleuralis (Cameron, 1879) and A. semiaperta Fergusson, 1986. A. basimacula, A. crassa, A. maculicollis (Cameron, 1886), A. perplexa (Cameron, 1889) and A. piceomaculata are here removed from synonymy with A. macrophadna (Hartig, 1841). A. rufi ceps (Cameron, 1883) is removed from synonymy with A. victrix (Westwood, 1833). A. caledonica (Cameron, 1886) and A. perplexa are here synonymized with A. basimacula. A. maculicollis, A. ruficeps and A. ruficollis (Cameron, 1883) are here synonymized with A. castanea (Hartig, 1841). A. ancylocera (Cameron, 1886) was correctly synonymized with A. fuscicornis (Hartig, 1841), A. curvicornis (Cameron, 1883) was correctly synonymized with A. victrix and A. filicornis (Cameron, 1889) was correctly synonymized with A. macrophadna. Complete redescriptions and illustrations are given for valid species. A key for all the Alloxysta species found so far in Great Britain is given.
Several populations of four known species of the genus Pungentus (P. clavatus, P. engadinensis, P. marietani and P. silvestris), collected in the wild and in cultivated soils from the Iberian Peninsula, are studied. Detailed redescriptions and morphometrics are presented for each species. Illustrations are provided, including line drawings, light microscopy pictures of the four species as well as scanning electron microscopy observations of P. engadinensis. The Iberian populations are compared to type and other known populations, and new data are given that provide a better characterization of these taxa. Pungentus engadinensis is the most widely distributed species in the Iberian Peninsula.
We revise the species-level taxonomy of the Crematogaster (Crematogaster) degeerispecies-assemblage, a group of related ants occuring in Madagascar and the wider Malagasy region, and further provide an identification key to all species-groups of the genus Crematogaster in this region. Within the C. degeeri-assemblage, we recognize twelve species based upon morphological data from worker, queen and male ants, as well as genetic data from the barcode region of cytochrome oxidase I. Seven new species are described: Crematogaster alafara Blaimer sp. nov., C. bara Blaimer sp. nov., C. mafybe Blaimer sp. nov., C.maina Blaimer sp. nov., C. malahelo Blaimer sp. nov., C. masokely Blaimer sp. nov., C. ramamy Blaimer sp. nov. Crematogaster tricolor Gerstäcker, 1859 (stat. rev.) and C. dentata Dalla Torre, 1893 (stat. nov.) are raised to species level, and the following new synonymies are proposed: Crematogaster degeeri lunaris Santschi, 1928 as a synonym of C. degeeri Forel, 1886; Crematogaster sewelli improba Forel, 1907 and C. sewelli mauritiana Forel, 1907 as synonyms of C. dentata Dalla Torre, 1893, and C. pacifi ca Santschi, 1919 as a synonym of C. lobata Emery, 1895. Species descriptions, images, and distribution maps and identification keys based on worker ants, as well as on queen ants where available, are presented for all twelve species. In addition, we present a molecular gene tree for cytochrome oxidase I and summarize levels of sequence divergence within and between species of the C. degeeri-species-assemblage. Our findings are discussed in the light of previous work on Malagasy Crematogaster ants.