590 Tiere (Zoologie)
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India is a large country in Asia, and covers the transition zone between the Palaearctic and Indomalayan biogeographic realms, with influences from both. Present in India are members of the genus Andrena, an enormous bee genus distributed predominantly throughout the Holarctic, with the greatest Indian diversity in the Himalayan region due to its Palaearctic influences. Despite early studies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there has been almost no work on this group in India during the past century. A revision of type and non-type museum material combined with new collections has produced a revised total of 36 species of Andrena for India, including 11 species reported for the first time as well as the newly described Andrena (Melandrena) kedarnatha Wood & Gautam sp. nov. (northern India and Nepal) and Andrena (Simandrena) tungnatha Wood & Gautam sp. nov. (northern India). The true holotype of A. (Euandrena) communis Smith, 1879 is definitively located. Andrena burkelii Bingham, 1908 is synonymised with A. (Pallandrena) morosa Cameron, 1897. Lectotypes are designated for A. (Euandrena) murreensis Cockerell, 1923 and A. (incertae sedis) comberima beharica Cockerell, 1920. Further comments are made on the status of Andrena taxa described from India for which type material is and is not currently available. Thirty additional Andrena taxa suggested as present in the Indian fauna are excluded as either erroneous or lacking supporting data. These results illustrate the extent to which study of the Indian Andrena fauna has been confused, and provide a more stable taxonomic base for future studies in this country.
Two previously unrecognized species attributable to the genus Kontrimavichusia Makarikov & Binkienė, 2022 in arvicoline rodents from the North Caucasus are described. Kontrimavichusia testiculata sp. nov. is described from Microtus majori (Thomas, 1906) from the northwestern Caucasus (Republic of Adygeya and Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Russia) and Kontrimavichusia hobergi sp. nov. is described from Microtus daghestanicus (Shidlovsky, 1919) from the central Caucasus (Republic of North Ossetia, Russia). Kontrimavichusia testiculata is readily distinguishable from K. asymmetrica (Janicki, 1904) and K. hobergi in having a larger number of testes (4–6 per proglottis), larger suckers and a longer cirrus and cirrus-sac. In addition, the new species differs from its congeners by the position of the cirrus-sac with regard to the poral osmoregulatory canals and position of distal end of the rostellar pouch relative to the posterior margins of the suckers. Kontrimavichusia hobergi can be readily distinguished from its congeners by the arrangement of the testes in a triangle and the position of the cirrus-sac with regard to the poral osmoregulatory canals. In addition, this previously unrecognized species differs from K. asymmetrica and K. testiculata by the smaller dimensions of the fully developed strobila and a narrower ovary. The cirrus-sac of K. hobergi is larger than that in K. asymmetrica but smaller than that in K. testiculata. We also used partial sequences of the nuclear ribosomal 28S rRNA gene and mitochondrial nad1 gen to justify the generic arrangement and independent status of these two new species which are characterized in the current manuscript.
The genus Lissocnemis Kohl, 1907 of the subfamily Ctenocerinae is recorded from Korea for the first time. The diagnosis and characteristics of the genus, description of a new species, L. koreana Kim & Shimizu sp. nov. and redescription of another species, L. brevipennis hitherto known from Southeast Asia and Japan, are presented. The biogeographical distribution of the genus is discussed. Cryptosalius Turner, 1917 (type species: Pseudagenia rava Bingham, 1896; in part) and Dinagenia Banks, 1934 (type species: D. apollo Banks, 1934) are synonymized with Lissocnemis and the following new combinations are made: Lissocnemis tonkinensis (Turner, 1920) comb. nov. (= Cryptosalius tonkinensis Turner, 1920); Lissocnemis apollo (Banks, 1934) comb. nov. (= Dinagenia apollo Banks, 1934); and Lissocnemis satyrus (Banks, 1938) comb. nov. (= Dinagenia satyrus Banks, 1938). Lastly, L. satyrus (Banks, 1938) and L. nigricoxis Haupt, 1941 are rendered to be junior synonyms of L. apollo (Banks, 1934) comb. nov.
Due to the fragility of the ophiuroid (brittle star) skeleton, the bulk of the group’s fossil record consists of dissociated ossicles preserved as microfossils. In spite of their great potential as basis for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, however, ophiuroid ossicles from the Paleozoic have received very little attention so far. Here, we provide an exhaustive taxonomic assessment of such fossils retrieved from sieving residues from the Silurian of Gotland, Sweden. This material was used in a previous study to describe two key taxa that allowed constraining the origin of the extant ophiuroid clade. The remaining taxa belonging to that same lineage are described in the present paper. The evidence at hand suggests that the stem of the extant ophiuroid clade was formed by two genera, Ophiopetagno and Ophiolofsson gen. nov., including six and five species, respectively, and spanning at least the upper Llandovery through upper Ludlow. We conclude that Ophiopetagno and Ophiolofsson represent sister genera that coexisted through most of the Silurian in the shallow tropical seas of Gotland. They underwent repeated body size reductions in correlation with environmental perturbations, with Ophiopetagno paicei eventually giving rise to Muldaster haakei; the first member of the living Ophiuroidea. Herein, we also introduce two new clades, Ankhurida clade nov. and Ophiovalida clade nov., and the following eight new species: Ophiolofsson joelmciveri gen. et sp. nov., O. obituary gen. et sp. nov., O. immolation gen. et sp. nov., O. archspire gen. et sp. nov., O. hendersonorum gen. et sp. nov., Ophiopetagno bonzo sp. nov., O. kansas sp. nov., O. doro sp. nov.; and two probably new species in open nomenclature: Ophiopetagno sp. 1, and Ophiopetagno sp. 2.
Highlights
• A proteomic analysis of the mandibular glands of Shinisaurius crocodilurus and Corucia zebrata, was performed.
• Scanning electron microscopy of S. crocodilurus' teeth revealed a sharp ridge on the anterior surface, but no grooves.
• Scanning electron microscopy of C. zebrata teeth showed a flattened crown with a pointed cusp.
• Proteomic analysis of gland extracts of S. crocodilurus and C. zebrata showed absence of venom-derived peptides or proteins.
• Our results strongly support the non-venomous character of both S. crocodilurus and C. zebrata.
Abstract
Based on its phylogenetic relationship to monitor lizards (Varanidae), Gila monsters (Heloderma spp.), and the earless monitor Lanthanotus borneesis, the Chinese crocodile lizard, Shinisaurus crocodilurus, has been assigned to the Toxicofera clade, which comprises venomous reptiles. However, no data about composition and biological activities of its oral secretion have been reported. In the present study, a proteomic analysis of the mandibular gland of S. crocodilurus and, for comparison, of the herbivorous Solomon Island skink Corucia zebrata, was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the teeth from S. crocodilurus revealed a sharp ridge on the anterior surface, but no grooves, whereas those of C. zebrata possess a flattened crown with a pointed cusp. Proteomic analysis of their gland extracts provided no evidence of venom-derived peptides or proteins, strongly supporting the non-venomous character of these lizards. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD039424.
Highlights
• Proteomic analyses of submandibular gland extracts of two alligator lizards of the Anguidae family are reported.
• A conserved set of putative toxins was found in the submandibular gland extracts of Abronia lythrochila and A. graminea.
• Toxins evolved in oral secretions of paleo- and neoanguimorpha over more than 100 million years of Anguimorpha cladogenesis.
• Electron microscopy of pleurodont teeth of A. lythrochila showed no sign of groove, external opening or striations.
• Assessing the role toxins play in the ecology of extant anguimorph lizards deserves functional studies in natural prey.
Abstract
A useful approach to deepen our knowledge about the origin and evolution of venom systems in Reptilia has been exploring the vast biodiversity of this clade of vertebrates in search of orally produced proteins with toxic actions, as well as their corresponding delivery systems. The occurrence of toxins in anguimorph lizards has been demonstrated experimentally or inferred from reports of the toxic effects of the oral secretions of taxa within the Varanidae and Helodermatidae families. In the present study, we have focused on two alligator lizards of the Anguidae family, the Mexican alligator lizard, Abronia graminea, and the red-lipped arboreal alligator lizard, A. lythrochila. In addition, the fine morphology of teeth of the latter species is described. The presence of a conserved set of proteins, including B-type natriuretic peptides, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, group III phospholipase A2, and kallikrein, in submandibular gland extracts was demonstrated for both Abronia species. These proteins belong to toxin families found in oral gland secretions of venomous reptile species. This finding, along with previous demonstration of toxin-producing taxa in both paleo- and neoanguimorpha clades, provides further support for the existence of a handful of conserved toxin families in oral secretions across the 100+ million years of Anguimorpha cladogenesis.
Among the 44 genera of predatory stink bugs (Asopinae) described for the Old World, there is a notable lack of recent studies. In this research, we aim to fill this gap by investigating the taxonomic history and morphology of species of Cantheconidea. As results, we present the redescription of the genus and validate three species: C. humeralis, C. javana and C. mitis comb. nov. A lectotype for C. mitis is designated and comments on the type material are given. Additionally, we transfer four species from Cantheconidea to the genus Eocanthecona: E. acuta comb. nov., E. variabilis comb. nov., E. gaugleri comb. nov. and E. insularis comb. nov. To accommodate the unique characteristics of Cantheconidea cyanacantha, we describe a new genus, Cantheconesia Brugnera & Roca-Cusachs gen. nov., and transfer the species, resulting in Cantheconesia cyanacantha gen. et comb. nov. Our study provides detailed redescriptions of species and accompanying images to support taxonomic decisions and presents new distribution records.
Diurnal and nocturnal behaviour of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) in zoos
(2022)
Mammals are constantly exposed to exogenous and endogenous influences that affect their behaviour and daily activity. Light and temperature, as well as anthropogenic factors such as husbandry routines, visitors, and feeding schedules are potential influences on animals in zoological gardens. In order to investigate the effects of some of these factors on animal behaviour, observational studies based on the analyses of activity budgets can be used. In this study, the daily and nightly activity budgets of six lions (Panthera leo) and five cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) from four EAZA institutions were investigated. Focused on the influencing factor light and feeding, we analysed these activity budgets descriptively. Behaviour was recorded and analysed during the winter months over an observation period of 14 days and 14 nights using infrared-sensitive cameras. Our results show that lions and cheetahs exhibit activity peaks at crepuscular and feeding times, regardless of husbandry. Thus, lions in captivity shift nocturnal behaviour familiar from the wild to crepuscular and diurnal times. In cheetahs, in contrast, captive and wild individuals show similar 24 h behavioural rhythms. The resting behaviour of both species is more pronounced at night, with cheetahs having a shorter overall sleep duration than lions. This study describes the results of the examined animals and is not predictive. Nevertheless, the results of this study make an important contribution to gaining knowledge about possible factors influencing the behaviour of lions and cheetahs in zoos and offer implications that could be useful for improving husbandry and management.
A comprehensive checklist and host plants of Aphididae (Aphidomorpha: Hemiptera) from Pakistan
(2024)
The family Aphididae (Hemiptera) represents one of the most diverse groups of sap-sucking insect pests referred to as aphids or plant-lice, with 366 species reported in Pakistan, associated with wide array of agricultural and horticultural crops, including fruit and forest trees, weeds, grasses, shrubs, and vines. This work aims to provide an updated checklist of aphids and their associated host plants documented across various regions of Pakistan. The checklist consolidates information from various published literature sources, including annotated checklists, regional distribution data, and host plant records from Pakistan. In this study, we present an annotated checklist of 366 aphid species, belonging to 134 genera and 11 subfamilies, associated with a total of 359 host plant species stretched over 84 families in Pakistan.
Samples of Crustacea and Annelida (Polychaeta, Sipuncula, and Hirudinea) were collected in the Bering Sea and the northwestern Pacific Ocean during scientific cruise SO-249 BERING in 2016. Biological samples were collected from 32 locations by the team on-board RV Sonne using a chain bag dredge at depths ranging between 330–5,070 m, and preserved in 96% ethanol. Specimens were morphologically identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible using a Leica M60 stereomicroscope. The generated data here comprise taxonomic information as well as annotated bathymetric and biogeographic information from a total of 78 samples (26 Crustacea, 47 Polychaeta, 4 Sipuncula, and 1 Hirudinea). The dataset was prepared following Darwin Core Biodiversity standards for FAIR data sharing based on Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and Global Biodiversity Facility (GBIF) guidelines. The standardised digitised data were then mobilised to both OBIS and GBIF under CC BY 4.0 licence to publicly share and adopt the data. As records of these important marine taxa from bathyal and abyssal depths are sparse, especially from the deep Bering Sea, the herein generated and digitised data aid in filling existing knowledge gaps on their diversity and distribution in that region. As part of the “Biogeography of the NW Pacific deep-sea fauna and their possible future invasions into the Arctic Ocean” (BENEFICIAL) project, this dataset thus not only increases our knowledge in re-assessing and uncovering the deep-sea diversity of these taxa, but also serves policy and management sectors by providing first-hand data for global report assessments.
The monophyly of Theraphosinae is supported by both morphological and molecular phylogenies. However, intergeneric relationships often show polytomies and branches with low support. A previous phylogenetic study proposed an intergeneric relationship for the subfamily based on molecular data and divided it into three tribes: Grammostolini, Hapalopini and Theraphosini. However, not all genera of Theraphosinae were sampled, and some relationships were inferred based on morphological similarities. Regarding the Hapalopini from Brazil, the relationships of some genera are still uncertain, such as Kochiana, Catanduba, and Munduruku. In this paper, we describe four new species of Hapalopini from Brazil: Cyriocosmus paresi sp. nov., Hapalopus akroa sp. nov., H. guidonae sp. nov., and K. fukushimae sp. nov. In addition, we propose an updated diagnosis for these three genera and for the species K. brunnipes and M. bicoloratum.
Ophioderma teres (Lyman, 1860), an ophiuroid previously believed to have a wide distribution in the eastern Pacific, has been found to have an unclear taxonomic identity. While considered a well-known species, recent studies have revealed that O. teres lacks a holotype and has vague boundaries with its congeners Ophioderma teres unicolor H.L. Clark, 1940 and Ophioderma sodipallaresi Caso, 1986, as well as with two additional new morphotypes detected in Mexico and Nicaragua, causing continuous misidentifications. This study utilized an integrative taxonomy approach based on morphologic, morphometric, and molecular evidence to clarify the taxonomic status of O. teres, O. sodipallaresi, O. teres unicolor, and the two new morphotypes. Data integration led to the following results: 1) the neotype designation and redescription of O. teres; 2) the proposal of O. sodipallaresi as a junior synonym of O. teres; 3) the status change of O. unicolor stat. nov. from subspecies to species, and 4) the description of the morphotypes as the new species Ophioderma aija sp. nov. and Ophioderma bichi sp. nov. An identification key to the eastern Pacific species of Ophioderma was also developed. This work contributes to the knowledge of Ophioderma in the region, increasing the number of described species and providing resources for their accurate identification.
In this study, we describe two new species of Mesobiotus based on morphological data collected through light and scanning electron microscopy. Descriptions include DNA sequences of four commonly used molecular markers (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS-2, and COI). Mesobiotus efa sp. nov. was discovered in North-West Russia and belongs to the group of species with smooth cuticle, harmsworthi-type OCA, typical Mesobiotus claws IV with unindented lunules, and egg chorion with reticulated processes in form of ‘sharp wide cones’ or ‘cones with long slender endings’, egg process bases with well-developed crone of dark thickenings without finger-like projections, and egg shell surface between the processes with ridges without reticulation, areolation or semi-areolation. It can be distinguished from all know species of this group by a unique combination of morphological and morphometric characters. Mesobiotus vulpinus sp. nov. was found in the Russian Far East, and is similar to Mesobiotus mauccii by having an egg chorion with polygonal relief. The new species can be distinguished from M. mauccii by having a narrower buccal tube, by details of oral cavity armature, and by longer egg chorion processes. Furthermore, we provide results of the phylogenetic analyses of the genus Mesobiotus conducted in this study.
Although semi-aquatic cockroaches have been known for a long time, these insects remain little studied and their diversity underestimated. While a few species are known from Asia or South America, only a single one is known to be associated with water in Africa. Here, we report two species of semi-aquatic cockroaches of the subfamily Epilamprinae from Cameroon. One of these species is new: Rhabdoblatta fotoi Nyame Mbia, Legendre & Biram à Ngon sp. nov. Africalolampra camerunensis (Borg, 1902) comb. nov. was also found associated to these streams and we provide an extended description of this species, as well as for Africalolampra stipata comb. nov., also known from streams in West Africa. Another species was found in Cameroonian streams and is described here, although only identified at the family level (Blattellidae). The descriptions are based on morpho-anatomic characters, including male genitalia. Because nymphs were found primarily associated with water – more than adults – we provide a description of nymphs whenever possible. We provide molecular data (12S rRNA marker) for two of these water-associated species that we compared with published and unpublished sequences of Epilamprinae in a Maximum Likelihood approach. We also illustrate all but one species from continental Africa in the genera Africalolampra and Rhabdoblatta, including R. punctipennis (Saussure, 1895) which we reinstate. We provide a map and list of localities for Africalolampra and Rhabdoblatta spp. from continental Africa and Madagascar, as well as an identification key for species of Africalolampra. We finally discuss putative adaptations of semi-aquatic cockroaches.
Discoveries of new species often depend on one or a few specimens, leading to delays as researchers wait for additional context, sometimes for decades. There is currently little professional incentive for a single expert to publish a stand-alone species description. Additionally, while many journals accept taxonomic descriptions, even specialist journals expect insights beyond the descriptive work itself. The combination of these factors exacerbates the issue that only a small fraction of marine species are known and new discoveries are described at a slow pace, while they face increasing threats from accelerating global change. To tackle this challenge, this first compilation of Ocean Species Discoveries (OSD) presents a new collaborative framework to accelerate the description and naming of marine invertebrate taxa that can be extended across all phyla. Through a mode of publication that can be speedy, taxonomy-focused and generate higher citation rates, OSD aims to create an attractive home for single species descriptions. This Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA) approach emphasises thorough, but compact species descriptions and diagnoses, with supporting illustrations and with molecular data when available. Even basic species descriptions carry key data for distributions and ecological interactions (e.g., host-parasite relationships) besides universally valid species names; these are essential for downstream uses, such as conservation assessments and communicating biodiversity to the broader public.This paper presents thirteen marine invertebrate taxa, comprising one new genus, eleven new species and one re-description and reinstatement, covering wide taxonomic, geographic, bathymetric and ecological ranges. The taxa addressed herein span three phyla (Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata), five classes, eight orders and twelve families. Apart from the new genus, an updated generic diagnosis is provided for four other genera. The newly-described species of the phylum Mollusca are Placiphorella methanophila Vončina, sp. nov. (Polyplacophora, Mopaliidae), Lepetodrilus marianae Chen, Watanabe & Tsuda, sp. nov. (Gastropoda, Lepetodrilidae), Shinkailepas gigas Chen, Watanabe & Tsuda, sp. nov. (Gastropoda, Phenacolepadidae) and Lyonsiella illaesa Machado & Sigwart, sp. nov. (Bivalvia, Lyonsiellidae). The new taxa of the phylum Arthropoda are all members of the subphylum Crustacea: Lepechinella naces Lörz & Engel, sp. nov. (Amphipoda, Lepechinellidae), Cuniculomaera grata Tandberg & Jażdżewska, gen. et sp. nov. (Amphipoda, Maeridae), Pseudionella pumulaensis Williams & Landschoff, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Bopyridae), Mastigoniscus minimus Wenz, Knauber & Riehl, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Haploniscidae), Macrostylis papandreas Jonannsen, Riehl & Brandt, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Macrostylidae), Austroniscus indobathyasellus Kaiser, Kniesz & Kihara, sp. nov. (Isopoda, Nannoniscidae) and Apseudopsis daria Esquete & Tato, sp. nov. (Tanaidacea, Apseudidae). In the phylum Echinodermata, the reinstated species is Psychropotes buglossa E. Perrier, 1886 (Holothuroidea, Psychropotidae).The study areas span the North and Central Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the North, East and West Pacific Ocean and depths from 5.2 m to 7081 m. Specimens of eleven free-living and one parasite species were collected from habitats ranging from an estuary to deep-sea trenches. The species were illustrated with photographs, line drawings, micro-computed tomography, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images. Molecular data are included for nine species and four species include a molecular diagnosis in addition to their morphological diagnosis.The five new geographic and bathymetric distribution records comprise Lepechinella naces Lörz & Engel, sp. nov., Cuniculomaera grata Tandberg & Jażdżewska, sp. nov., Pseudionella pumulaensis Williams & Landschoff, sp. nov., Austroniscus indobathyasellus Kaiser, Kniesz & Kihara, sp. nov. and Psychropotes buglossa E. Perrier, 1886, with the novelty spanning from the species to the family level. The new parasite record is Pseudionella pumulaensis Williams & Landschoff, sp. nov., found in association with the hermit crab Pagurus fraserorum Landschoff & Komai, 2018.
Five new species of the spider genus Heteropoda Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Sparassidae) from China
(2024)
Five new species of Heteropoda (Araneae, Sparassidae, Heteropodinae) are described from China: H. bawanglingensis sp. nov. (female; Hainan), H. dulongensis sp. nov. (male, female; Yunnan), H. hainanensis sp. nov. (male, female; Hainan), H. longa sp. nov. (female; Guizhou), and H. vaginalis sp. nov. (female; Yunnan). We provide descriptions and illustrations for each species as well as a distribution map in the current paper.
Scalibregmatidae Malmgren, 1867 is a family of annelids, with only few taxa reported from Brazil. In this work, we describe two new species of Asclerocheilus Ashworth, 1901. The new species A. geiseae sp. nov. and A. blakei sp. nov. were collected during scientific expeditions to the Espírito Santo and Campos sedementary basins. These expeditions were coordinated by PETROBRAS/CENPES. The species A. geiseae sp. nov. is unique among its congeners by the presence of acicular spines with rounded and curved tips in two rows. The second species, A. blakei sp. nov., differs from its congeners by the combination of the presence of a trapezoidal prostomium, acicular spines on chaetigers 1–3, lyrate chaetae from chaetiger 3 on notopodia and 2 on neuropodia. Moreover, we report the species A. tropicus Blake, 1981 from the localities sampled on this study. We also provide an identification key to all species of Asclerocheilus of the world.
Sipunculans are a poorly studied group in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. For the Southern Mexican Pacific (SMP) there is only one record of a sipunculan species. The main objective of this work was to determine the species composition of the phylum Sipuncula present in the SMP. The study area covered three Mexican states: Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas; specimens from 28 localities were examined from both intertidal and subtidal zones. A total of 551 specimens were reviewed, from which 11 species were identified. Five of them have previously been recorded in the Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP): Apionsoma (A.) hespera comb. nov., A. (Edmondsius) pectinatum, Aspidosiphon (A.) elegans, Phascolosoma (P.) puntarenae and Themiste (T.) hennahi; four species are similar to nominal species: Sipunculus (S.) cf. polymyotus, Siphonosoma cf. vastum, Siphonosoma cf. cumanense and Phascolosoma (P.) cf. perlucens; and two new species are described: Aspidosiphon (Paraspidosiphon) cutleri sp. nov. and Aspidosiphon (Paraspidosiphon) pastori sp. nov. A checklist and an identification key for all sipunculan species from the TEP are presented. The checklist includes 53 taxa, 25 of which are questionable records. This work generated 11 new records of sipunculans in the SMP and five new records in the TEP.
A taxonomic study on the Afrotropical genera Afrepipona Giordani Soika, 1965 and Afrepsilon gen. nov. is presented. Twenty new species are described, of which 15 are in Afrepipona (Afrepipona anomala sp. nov., Afrepipona cellularis sp. nov., Afrepipona clonata sp. nov., Afrepipona cuprea sp. nov., Afrepipona lamellata sp. nov., Afrepipona lamptula sp. nov., Afrepipona lobulata sp. nov., Afrepipona meridionalis sp. nov., Afrepipona occidentalis sp. nov., Afrepipona orientalis sp. nov., Afrepipona punctatissima sp. nov., Afrepipona scabra sp. nov., Afrepipona segregata sp. nov., Afrepipona ulterior sp. nov., Afrepipona vulcanica sp. nov.) and five are in Afrepsilon (Afrepsilon aterrimum gen. et sp. nov., Afrepsilon ferrugineoaureum gen. et sp. nov., Afrepsilon hybridum gen. et sp. nov., Afrepsilon minor gen. et sp. nov., and Afrepsilon pictum gen. et sp. nov.). Afrepipona lamptoensis Giordani Soika, 1965 is withdrawn from synonymy with A. angusta (de Saussure, 1863) and subsequently revalidated. Afrepipona unifasciata Gusenleitner, 2012 is transferred to the genus Antodynerus de Saussure, 1855 (Antodynerus unifasciatus comb. nov.). Keys to all known species are provided.
Description of four new species of the Neotropical genus Scione Walker, 1850 (Diptera: Tabanidae)
(2024)
After 94 years after the last revision of the genus and after 22 years since the last species was named, we describe four new species of Scione from Ecuador and Peru: S. cooperi sp. nov., S. gertrudeae sp. nov., S. kroeberi sp. nov. and S. merianae sp. nov. We provide diagnoses, descriptions, photographs and discussions for each of the species.
Highlights
• Linking ecological and ecotoxicological data from 30 river sites.
• Bioassays indicate complex mixture of chemicals with different modes of action.
• Macroinvertebrate community deteriorates along a toxicity gradient.
• Macroinvertebrate response has low potential for toxicity-specific bioindicators.
• Effect-based methods could isolate toxicity effects from multiple stressors.
Abstract
Chemical pollution is one of the most important threats to freshwater ecosystems. The plethora of potentially occurring chemicals and their effects in complex mixtures challenge standard monitoring methods. Effect-based methods (EBMs) are proposed as complementary tools for the assessment of chemical pollution and toxic effects. To investigate the effects of chemical pollution, the ecological relevance of EBMs and the potential of macroinvertebrates as toxicity-specific bioindicators, ecological and ecotoxicological data were linked. Baseline toxicity, mutagenicity, dioxin-like and estrogenic activity of water and sediment samples from 30 river sites in central Germany were quantified with four in vitro bioassays. The responses of macroinvertebrate communities at these sites were assessed by calculating 16 taxonomic and functional metrics and by investigating changes in the taxonomic and trait composition. Principal component analysis revealed an increase in toxicity along a joint gradient of chemicals with different modes of action. This toxicity gradient was associated with a decrease in biodiversity and ecological quality, as well as significant changes in taxonomic and functional composition. The strength of the effects suggested a strong impact of chemical pollution and underlined the suitability of EBMs in detecting ecological relevant effects. However, the metrics, taxa, and traits associated with vulnerability or tolerance to toxicity were found to also respond to other stressors in previous studies and thus may have only a low potential as toxicity-specific bioindicators. Because macroinvertebrates respond integratively to all present stressors, linking both ecological and environmental monitoring is necessary to investigate the overall effects but also isolate individual stressors. EBMs have a high potential to separate the toxicity of chemical mixtures from other stressors in a multiple stressor scenario, as well as identifying the presence of chemical groups with specific modes of action.
Three Nearctic species of Episyron Schiødte (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pompilinae: Pompilini) were examined morphologically, geographically, and ecologically with intent to infer an aposematic correlation with habitat type, protarsal digging rake morphology, and host spider association. Episyron quinquenotatus quinquenotatus (Say) and E. conterminus cressoni (Dewitz), two subspecies with extensive aposematic markings and more and longer protarsal comb spines, were associated with bare or sparsely vegetated sandy soils near water courses. Episyron biguttatus biguttatus (Fabricus), with few aposematic markings and less and shorter protarsal comb spines, was associated with more densely vegetated terrain and gravelly and loamy soils. Three subspecies of Anoplius apiculatus (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae: Pompilinae: Pompilini) are discussed as an aposematic-habitat comparison.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6A128918-F0FC-4B58-BDDF-992DEDCD2755
Therates tuberosus Fleutiaux, 1893 and Calochroa octogramma octogramma (Chaudoir, 1852) (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are newly recorded for Vietnam. Ten additional species are reported to have new provincial records in Vietnam.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:53ADD674-7C16-40E7-ADF2-D9766125867C
Pulchriphyllium anangu Cumming et al., 2023 is here reported for the first time from Maharashtra state, India. Also, this is the first record of a leaf insect (Phasmatodea: Phylliidae) for Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, District Raigad, Maharashtra. This sighting represents the northernmost distribution in the Western Ghats for Pulchriphyllium anangu.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7A6F51C4-A097-4C63-B4F7-81252007F055
Homocopris Burmeister, 1846 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a small genus of South American dung beetles composed of four species distributed in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Recently, a neotype was designated for Copris torulosus Eschscholtz, 1822 (currently H. torulosus) based on the assumption that the original type series had been lost. However, this designation is invalid for failing to comply with articles 75.2, 75.3, 75.3.1, and 75.3.4. of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Furthermore, even if it had been nomenclaturally valid, the neotype now loses its type status because we found a syntype in the material of the Johann Friedrich Eschscholtz collection, preserved in the collection of Zoological Museum, Moscow Lomonosov State University, Moscow, Russia. We present evidence supporting the recognition of this specimen as a syntype and newly designate it as the lectotype. Photographs of the lectotype and its labels are provided. Additionally, the geographic distributions of H. punctatissimus (Curtis, 1844) and H. torulosus (Eschscholtz, 1822) in Chile are corrected.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2E05482A-282E-4206-8FE5-D3C59C5F149A
Fifteen new species of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Disteniidae) from Hispaniola (the Dominican Republic and Haiti) are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Novantinoe pilithorax Lingafelter, new species (Disteniini); Eburiola ciferrii Lingafelter, new species (Eburiini), Eburiola konstantinovi Lingafelter, new species (Eburiini), Elaphidion jaragua Lingafelter, new species (Elaphidiini), Linsleyonides guerreroi Lingafelter, new species (Elaphidiini), Compsibidion iviei Lingafelter, new species (Tropidini: Subtribe Neoibidionina), Hormathus albisetosus Lingafelter, new species (Tropidini: Subtribe Compsina), Trichrous eryphoides Lingafelter, new species (Dichophyiini), Plectrocerum woodruffi Lingafelter, new species (Dichophyiini), Oreodera nearnsi Lingafelter, new species (Acrocinini/Acanthoderini), Acrepidopterum fuscum Lingafelter, new species (Apomecynini), Acrepidopterum giesberti Lingafelter, new species (Apomecynini), Estola touroulti Lingafelter, new species (Desmiphorini), Eupogonius baorucensis Lingafelter, new species (Desmiphorini), and Eupogonius nigroapicalis Lingafelter, new species (Desmiphorini). Callidium biguttatum Sallé, 1856 is transferred to Calliclytus Fisher, 1932 new combination. The tribe Callidiini is thus removed from the West Indian fauna. Smodicum miserum Thomson, 1878 is a new synonym of Enosmaeus cubanus Thomson, 1878. Heterops hispaniolae Fisher, 1932 is a new synonym of Eburiola geminata (Fabricius, 1787) and the Dominican Republic is a new country record for the species. Linsleyonides portoricensis (Fisher, 1932) is newly recorded for Hispaniola and the Dominican Republic, new country and island record. Mallosoma bicolor Sallé, 1856 (formerly Trichrous) is transferred to Pseudothonalmus Guerrero in Lingafelter and Micheli, 2004, new combination. Trichrous bicolor Fisher, 1932 (now Trichrous fisheri Monné and Giesbert, 1992 due to homonymy) is a new synonym of Trichrous jaegeri Chevrolat, 1858. Rhopalophora baracoana Zayas, 1975 is transferred to Plectrocerum Dejean, 1835, new combination, and this removes Rhopalophorini from the West Indian fauna. Plectrocerum cribratum Sallé, 1856 is a new synonym of Plectrocerum spinicorne (Olivier, 1800). Plinthocoelium virens (Linnaeus, 1758) is reestablished as the proper name for the West Indian species previously known as Plinthocoelium columbinum (Guérin-Méneville, 1838). The African species called Philematium virens (Linnaeus) should use the senior-most synonym and be called Philematium sansibaricum (Gerstaecker, 1871). Plinthocoelium domingoensis (Fisher, 1922) is a new synonym of Plinthocoelium virens (Linnaeus, 1758). Neoclytus pallidicornis Fisher, 1932 is a new synonym of Neoclytus podagricus White, 1855.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B6A71A8B-0730-4ECA-B0EC-6128421D40AB
Based on the examination of an extensive series of specimens and available type material, three out of the six species of Aleyrodes Latreille (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) described from California, A. diasemus Bemis, 1904, A. essigi Penny, 1922, and A. osmaroniae Sampson, 1945, are newly synonymized under A. spiraeoides Quaintance, 1900. The species of Aleyrodes reported from California are keyed and diagnosed based on characters from puparia and male genitalia, and character variability is documented and illustrated.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EE1FB0AE-45B7-40D6-8B6F-4B2509A08FDC
The genera Lophalia Casey, 1912, Mannophorus LeConte, 1854 and Ischnocnemis Thomas, 1864 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Trachyderini) are recharacterized by providing additional morphological features to enhance the delineation of these genera. Two species Lophalia cribricollis Bates, 1892 and Ischnocnemis luteicollis (Bates, 1885) are transferred to a new genus Lophaliamorpha Eya with Lophaliamorpha luteicollis (Bates) new combination as the type species. Ischnocnemis skillmani Chemsak and Hovore, 2010 is transferred to a new genus Paramannophorus Eya with Paramannophorus skillmani (Chemsak and Hovore) new combination as the type species. A new genus Microteroschema is created to accommodate two additional species from Mexico: Microteroschema parvum Eya new species (Oaxaca and Chiapas) and Microteroschema pseudolaetum Eya new species (Chiapas) with M. parvum as the type species. Additional new species from Mexico include: Lophalia nigricollis Eya new species (Morelos and Michoacán), Mannophorus tricostatus Eya new species (Chiapas), Ischnocnemis edmundi Eya new species (Chiapas), and Ischnocnemis brevis Eya new species (Michoacán and Guerrero). Other new combinations include: three species previously included in Neotaranomis Chemsak and Linsley, 1982 (N. australis, Chemsak and Linsley, 1982, N. sinaloae Chemsak and Linsley, 1982 and N. atropurpurea Chemsak and Noguera, 2001) are transferred to Cyphosterna Chevrolat, 1862; Lophalia auricomis Chemsak and Linsley, 1979 is transferred to Zalophia Casey, 1912; and two species, Chemsakiella virgulata (Chemsak, 1987) and Ischnocnemis minor Bates, 1880 are transferred to Mannophorus LeConte, 1854. Furthermore, Ischnocnemis virescens Eya, 2010 is also transferred to Mannophorus as a new combination and new subspecies of Mannophorus virgulata (Chemsak). New synonymies include two species previously in Ischnocnemis, i.e., I. cribellatus (Bates, 1892), and I. cyaneus Bates, 1892 synonymized with Mannophorus laetus LeConte, 1854 and I. caerulescens Bates, 1885, respectively. A key to Sphaenothecus-like trachyderines, which includes all the above-mentioned genera, and keys to species of Lophalia, Lophaliamorpha, Mannophorus, Ischnocnemis, Microteroschema, and Cyphosterna are provided. Illustrations of the available species in color are included.
ZooBank registration. zoobank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5671A77B-2ECB-445F-8F61-246A9E442CDE
A new species of Gaindaphodius Král and Mencl from Nepal (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae)
(2024)
A new species from Nepal, Gaindaphodius marigold (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), is described, illustrated and compared with G. gainda Král and Mencl, 2024, the only other species in the genus Gaindaphodius Král and Mencl, 2024.
ZooBank registration. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C18D0E89-34D2-452F-B836-BA6A1A6411C5
Buch des Monats Mai 2024
(2024)
Kurzvorstellung der folgenden Publikation:
Richter, C. F. W.: Beschreibung und illuminirte Abbildungen in- und auslaendischer Schmetterlinge : XL Stuecke / C.F.W. Richter. - Breslau : [Verlag nicht ermittelbar], 1805-1806. - 160 ungezaehlte Seiten, 40 Blaetter Tafeln : Illustrationen. Die Illustrationen sind handkolorierte Kupferstiche.
Purpose: The stomachs and spiral valves of sharks and rays were examined for their trypanorhynch (Cestoda) parasite fauna and dietary items to infer feeding ecology. In Indonesia, sharks and rays have been experiencing increasing awareness and conservation in the recent years due to high fisheries activities and to avoid future species extinction.
Methods: The samples were collected in 2009 from two different sampling sites at the southern coasts of Java and Bali in Indonesia. The parasite fauna was studied for 41 elasmobranch fishes. Amongst these, three shark species, Carcharhinus sorrah, Carcharhinus sp. I and Squalus megalops and seven ray species, Brevitrygon heterura, B. cf. heterura, Gymnura zonura, Maculabatis gerrardi, Mobula kuhlii, Neotrygon cauruleopuncatata and Rhinobatos penggali were studied. Four additional specimens, belonging to the shark species Carcharhinus sp. II and Mustelus cf. manazo and the ray species Maculabatis gerrardi were studied from the waters of South Bali.
Results: Analyses of the feeding ecology of the ray M. gerrardi revealed distinct differences between both sampling sites, indicating the presence of ecological differences between the geographically independent regions. A total of 11 different trypanorhynch species/taxa belonging to the five families Eutetrarhynchidae (5), Gilquiniidae (1), Lacistorhynchidae (1), Pterobothriidae (1) and Tentaculariidae (3) were found. Ten trypanorhynch species from Penyu Bay and four species from South Bali could be identified. Two taxa that might represent new species were collected: Dollfusiella sp. from Brevitrygon heterura and Prochristianella sp. from Maculabatis gerrardi.
Conclusions: The present paper gives insights in using the trypanorhynch cestode community in combination with feeding ecology analyses to support conservation of elasmobranchs in Indonesian waters.
Highlights
• Stomach content analyses, parasitological and fecal examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany.
• 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasitic species could be identified of which 6 endoparasitic species have a human pathogenic potential.
• Stomach content was composed of one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components.
• Invasive alien species can have negative impact on native animal species and can act as a carrier of various parasites.
Abstract
Originally from Asia, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an invasive alien species in Europe, listed since 2019 on the List of invasive alien species of Union concern. The raccoon dog is considered to have negative impact on native biodiversity, as well as a crucial role in hosting and transmitting diverse parasites and pathogens of human and veterinary importance. In the present study, stomach content analyses and parasitological examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany. In addition, fecal samples were analyzed. The results of the study confirm the assumption that the examined raccoon dogs were infested with a various ecto- and endoparasite fauna. A total of 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasites were detected, with 6 of the endoparasites having human pathogenic potential. Trichodectes canis (P = 53.42%), Toxocara canis (P = 50.68%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (P = 68.49%) were the most abundant parasite species. The stomach contents consisted of approximately one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components, composed of various species of amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and birds. Among them were specially protected or endangered species such as the grass frog Rana temporaria. The study shows that the raccoon dog exerts predation pressure on native species due to its omnivorous diet and, as a carrier of various parasites, poses a potential risk of infection to wild, domestic and farm animals and humans.
Evidence of predation pressure on sensitive species by raccoons based on parasitological studies
(2024)
Highlights
• Parasitological analyses were carried out on 108 free-ranging raccoons in Germany.
• Three endoparasite species were newly discovered, alongside 13 parasites already known.
• A high prevalence of the pathogenic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis was identified.
• Uncovering endoparasites provides insights into predation events from the past.
• Stomach contents show serious negative impact of raccoons on native amphibians.
Abstract
To demonstrate predation and potential impacts of raccoons on various species, a total of 108 raccoons from aquatic-associated nature reserves and natural areas in three federal states of Germany, Hesse (n = 36), Saxony-Anhalt (n = 36) and Brandenburg (n = 36), were investigated from a dietary ecological perspective in the present study. Fecal analyses and stomach content examinations were conducted for this purpose. Additionally, as a supplementary method for analyzing the dietary spectrum of raccoons, the parasite fauna was considered, as metazoan parasites, in particular, can serve as indicators for the species and origin of food organisms. While stomach content analyses allow for a detailed recording of trophic relationships solely at the time of sampling, parasitological examinations enable inferences about more distant interaction processes. With their different developmental stages and heteroxenous life cycles involving specific, sometimes obligate, intermediate hosts, they utilize the food web to reach their definitive host. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that spawning areas of amphibians and reptiles were predominantly utilized as food resources by raccoons in the study areas. Thus, common toad (Bufo bufo), common newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), grass frog (Rana temporaria), and grass snake (Natrix natrix) were identified as food organisms for raccoons. The detection of the parasite species Euryhelmis squamula, Isthmiophora melis, and Physocephalus sexalatus with partially high infestation rates also suggests that both amphibians and reptiles belong to the established dietary components of raccoons from an ecological perspective, as amphibians and reptiles are obligate intermediate hosts in the respective parasitic life cycles of the detected parasites. The study clearly demonstrates that raccoons have a significant impact on occurrence-sensitive animal species in certain areas and, as an invasive species, can exert a negative influence on native species and ecosystems.
Highlights
• 234 raccoons were dissected, 23 parasite species could be detected.
• 14 new parasite species have been identified for raccoons in Europe.
• Compared to literature, a very high prevalence (95%) of B. procyonis was detected.
• The human pathogenic trematode P. muris was detected in raccoons for the first time.
Abstract
The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.
The raccoon is listed among the invasive alien species of EU concern requiring management actions. Projections of its global distribution have been mainly based on climatic variables so far. In this study, we aim to address the impact of land cover (LC) on the raccoon distribution in North America and Europe. First, we identified the LC types in which the observation sites are predominantly located to derive preferred LC types. Second, we used an ecological niche modelling (ENM) approach to evaluate the predictive power of climatic and LC information on the current distribution patterns of raccoons in both ranges. Raccoons seem to be more often associated to forested areas and mixed landscapes, including cropland and urban areas, but underrepresented in vegetation-poor areas, with patterns largely coinciding in both ranges. In order to compare the predictive power of climate variables and land cover variables, we conducted principal component analyses of all variables in the respective variable sets (climate variables and land cover variables) and used all PC variables that together explain 90% of the total variance in the respective set as predictors. Land cover only models resulted in patchy patterns in the projected habitat suitabilities and showed a higher performance compared to the climate only models in both ranges. In Europe, the land cover habitat suitability seems to exceed the current observed occurrences, which could indicate a further spread potential of the raccoon in Europe. We conclude that information on land cover types are important drivers, which explain well the spatial patterns of the raccoon. Consideration of land cover could benefit efforts to control invasive carnivores and contribute to better management of biodiversity, but also human and animal health.
Species lists play an important role in biology and practical domains like conservation, legislation, biosecurity and trade regulation. However, their effective use by non-specialist scientific and societal users is sometimes hindered by disagreements between competing lists. While it is well-known that such disagreements exist, it remains unclear how prevalent they are, what their nature is, and what causes them. In this study, we argue that these questions should be investigated using methods based on taxon concept rather than methods based on Linnaean names, and use such a concept-based method to quantify disagreement about bird classification and investigate its relation to research effort. We found that there was disagreement about 38% of all groups of birds recognized as a species, more than three times as much as indicated by previous measures. Disagreement about the delimitation of bird groups was the most common kind of conflict, outnumbering disagreement about nomenclature and disagreement about rank. While high levels of conflict about rank were associated with lower levels of research effort, this was not the case for conflict about the delimitation of bird groups. This suggests that taxonomic disagreement cannot be resolved simply by increasing research effort.
In recent decades, a rapid range expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) towards Northern and Western Europe has been observed. The golden jackal is a medium-sized canid, with a broad and flexible diet. Almost 200 different parasite species have been reported worldwide from C. aureus, including many parasites that are shared with dogs and cats and parasite species of public health concern. As parasites may follow the range shifts of their host, the range expansion of the golden jackal could be accompanied by changes in the parasite fauna in the new ecosystems. In the new distribution area, the golden jackal could affect ecosystem equilibrium, e.g., through changed competition situations or predation pressure. In a niche modeling approach, we project the future climatic habitat suitability of the golden jackal in Europe in the context of whether climatic changes promote range expansion. We use an ensemble forecast based on six presence-absence algorithms to estimate the climatic suitability of C. aureus for different time periods up to the year 2100 considering different IPCC scenarios on future development. As predictor variables, we used six bioclimatic variables provided by worldclim. Our results clearly indicate that areas with climatic conditions analogous to those of the current core distribution area of the golden jackal in Europe will strongly expand towards the north and the west in future decades. Thus, the observed range expansion may be favored by climate change. The occurrence of stable populations can be expected in Central Europe. With regard to biodiversity and public health concerns, the population and range dynamics of the golden jackal should be surveyed. Correlative niche models provide a useful and frequently applied tool for this purpose. The results can help to make monitoring more efficient by identifying areas with suitable habitat and thus a higher probability of occurrence.
Predator-prey interactions are vital for organismal survival. They shape anti-predator mechanisms and often depend on sensory abilities. Tadpoles use chemical cues, such as injury cues (alarm cues), to assess predation risks and modify their life-history, morphology, and behaviours accordingly. However, the prevalence of chemically mediated anti-predator responses in species with distinct ecological niches (e.g. within phytotelmata) remains unknown, hindering our understanding of the ecological significance and evolution of alarm substances. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate chemically mediated anti-predator responses in tadpoles of two Neotropical poison dart frogs, Ranitomeya sirensis and Epipedobates anthonyi (and compare their responses to two Palearctic model organisms, Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo, which are known to utilise alarm substances). Through behavioural bioassays, we exposed predator-naïve tadpoles to extracts of each species (i.e. con- and heterospecific cues), including water as a control (i.e. five treatments per species). We assessed changes in their activity before and after stimulus introduction. Our results show that E. anthonyi did not respond to any of the stimuli, whereas R. sirensis displayed increased activity levels exclusively in response to conspecific cues, but not to heterospecific cues. With this, our findings suggest a specialized recognition system in R. sirensis, potentially directed at conspecific competitors but likely unrelated to anti-predator mechanisms. In contrast, E. anthonyi may be insensitive to injury cues or utilize alternative sensory modalities to respond to acute predation events. This study sheds light on the chemical alarm response system of Neotropical poison dart frog tadpoles, providing foundational understanding of how dendrobatids react to injury cues. It prompts questions about the ecological significance and evolutionary implications of chemical communication in species facing extreme resource limitation during development and underscores the importance of comparative research for understanding chemical communication in diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Thought to be monotypic for decades, the only species in the goosefish genus Lophiomus Gill, Lm. setigerus (Vahl), shows a wide range of morphological variation and is distributed widely in the Indo-West Pacific (IWP). In this study, datasets for two mitochondrial and two nuclear genes sequences obtained from samples of Lophiomus collected in different localities across the IWP were constructed and analyzed to explore the phylogeny and species diversity within the genus. Our integrated approach with multiline evidence unveiled an unanticipated richness of at least six delimited species of Lophiomus. Herein, based on materials already available from museums and new specimens obtained primarily through the Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos program surveying IWP benthic fauna, we formally describe three new species: Lm. immaculioralis sp. nov., Lm. nigriventris sp. nov., and Lm. carusoi sp. nov. Also, we resurrect Lm. laticeps stat. rev. from synonyms of Lm. setigerus. These species can be diagnosed by genetics, body coloration, patterns on the floor of the mouth, peritoneum pigmentation, morphometric measurements, and meristic counts of cranial spines, dorsal-fin spines, and pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin rays from each other and from Lm. setigerus. The species Lm. setigerus, as well as the genus Lophiomus, are re-described accordingly based on the new results. Amended identification keys to the four extant lophiid genera and to species of Lophiomus are also provided.
Biodiversity patterns of marine crustaceans are still unknown in many locations or might have been overlooked due to our knowledge gaps, despite increasing sampling and data sharing efforts during the last decades. By analysing big data extracted from open portals such as Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) and Global Biodiversity Information System (GBIF), we aim to revisit the distribution and biodiversity patterns of the highly speciose and abundant Crustacea in the Northwest Pacific (NWP) from shallowest depths to the deep sea. This study focussed on selected benthic and pelagic crustacean (sub) classes and their species richness, sampling effort, and expected species richness (ES50) using equal/sized hexagonal cells, 5° latitudinal bands, 500 m depth intervals were analyzed. Crustacean species richness was highest in the tropical Philippines as well as around the Japanese islands. Pelagic crustacean species richness peaked at 30° latitude and declined beyond that. Benthic taxa; however, depicted high levels of species richness across most of the latitudinal gradient, reaching its highest point at 45° latitude. Due to the prevalence of certain crustacean orders in the deep sea, benthic species richness showed a distribution pattern with two distinct peaks across bathymetric gradients; with highest species richness recorded at shallow-water depths and also at abyssal depths. The most important environmental drivers of benthic and pelagic crustacean species richness were primary productivity (positive correlation) and salinity (negative correlation). Our study provides first insights into biodiversity patterns of the highly diverse Crustacea in the NWP and highlights strong differences between benthic and pelagic taxa. The results presented here could help us to better understand whether benthic or pelagic taxa might respond differently to climate changes in the NWP based on their distinct physiological and biological characteristics. This information is crucial in establishing species management strategies and ecosystem restorations in both shallow water and deep-sea environments.
The Indian species of the genera Orionis Shaw and Stenothremma Shaw (Braconidae, Euphorinae) are reviewed. Both genera are reported for the first time from India. Three new species, Orionis shillongensis Gupta, van Achterberg & Pattar sp. nov. from north-eastern India (Meghalaya), O. femorator Gupta, van Achterberg & Pattar sp. nov. from southern India (Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) and Stenothremma flavator Gupta & van Achterberg sp. nov. from southern India (Karnataka) are illustrated and described. A key to the Old World species of Orionis Shaw is provided.
The family Dendrodorididae has a global distribution, with prevalence in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones. Three species of Dendrodorididae were collected from the intertidal zone of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf in Iran. Based on anatomical, histological, and molecular investigations they can be assigned to Dendrodoris fumata, Dendrodoris nigra, and a new species of Doriopsilla, D. aroni sp. nov. Molecular analyses of CO1 and 16S, including all genera of Dendrodorididae, members of the sister taxon Phyllidiidae, and other dorid outgroups resulted in a polyphyletic genus Dendrodoris, which is in contrast to the nuclear gene studies. Our molecular results confirm the differentiation between Dendrodoris rubra and D. fumata. Dendrodoris nigra, D. fumata, and D. krusensternii each consist of several clades, indicating cryptic species complexes requiring further investigation. We describe the presence of bacteria for the first time in the vestibular gland of D. fumata. Validation of the specimens of Doriopsilla from the Persian Gulf as a new species is supported by haplotype networking, genetic distance, and ABGD analyses of mitochondrial genes. Our CO1 analysis confirms a previous hypothesis that Cariopsilla is a junior synonym of Doriopsilla.
The genus Tekellina Levi, 1957 is currently composed of ten species, six of which are Neotropical. They are small-sized spiders (0.9 to 1.5 mm), with a wide distribution, with a great diversity in the Neotropical Region and well represented in Brazil. In this article, males and females of the species Tekellina bella Marques & Buckup, 1993 and T. crica Marques & Buckup, 1993 are redescribed and illustrated. The female of Tekellina minor Marques & Buckup, 1993 is described and illustrated for the first time. New records are included for Neotropical species. Tekellina guaiba Marques & Buckup, 1993 is synonymized with T. pretiosa Marques & Buckup, 1993. Three new species are described for Brazil: Tekellina picurrucha Rodrigues & Estol sp. nov. (São Paulo, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul), Tekellina miuda Rodrigues & Estol sp. nov. (São Paulo and Paraná) and Tekellina miudinha Rodrigues & Estol sp. nov. (São Paulo). Distribution maps with new records and an identification key of the Neotropical species are also presented.
Nerillids are small marine annelids, once placed at the artificial group ‘Archiannelida’, which contained all families of the exclusively interstitial polychaetes. Nerillidae is the most species rich family among them, with 71 species grouped into 15 genera, and represents an important component of the interstitial fauna, occupying a wide bathymetric range. Despite its problematic placement among the ‘Archiannelida’ families, the group per se is considered monophyletic. Currently, only two species of Paranerilla are valid, both being reported from the northern hemisphere. It is presented herein as the first description of a species of Paranerilla from tropical waters, named as Paranerilla schiavettii sp. nov., which is also considered as a unique record by the presence of a modified acicular spine in noto- and neuropodia from chaetiger 3–7, not mentioned in its congeners descriptions. Hence, we also propose an emendation on the genus diagnosis to embrace the presence of acicular spines within Paranerilla. So, the presented information complements the current knowledge about the group’s taxonomy and expands its distribution to South Atlantic waters.
In the present study, a revision of the phylogeny and taxonomy of the family Dorididae is carried out focusing on the genus Doris Linnaeus, 1758. The type species D. verrucosa Linnaeus, 1758 and a blueish and yellow morphotype of D. ocelligera collected in different localities in the Mediterranean Sea and the North-East Atlantic were sequenced, as well as D. bertheloti and the elusive D. marmorata for the first time. The genetic markers include the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 16S rRNA, and histone 3. The phylogenetic results suggest that the genus Doris is paraphyletic, and D. ocelligera morphotypes separate into two species, as confirmed with species delimitation tests. To complement the phylogenetic evidence with morphoanatomical data, the dissection of two specimens of each morphotype is conducted. Significant differences in morphological traits such as body shape, colouration patterns, and mantle tubercles come to light, together with anatomical differences in the relative shape and size of the radular teeth and reproductive structures. Considering the modern and old descriptions of D. ocelligera, it is finally concluded that the blueish morphotype belongs to D. ocelligera. In contrast, the yellow morphotype responds to the actual synonym Aldisa berghi (Vayssière, 1901), which is resurrected here as Doris berghi comb. rest. Considering the broad phylogeny of the family, some systematic notes at the genus level are here provided.
New World lampyrid taxonomy faces severe taxonomic impediments. Most species remain known from original taxonomic descriptions only, often insufficient for accurate identification. Therefore, the study of type specimens is critical to ensure proper identification. The Russian entomologist Viktor Ivanovich Motschulsky was one of the most important authors of firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) taxonomy during the XIXth century, and his work is still relevant today. Part of his material, including the type specimens of several species, is deposited at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Unlike their European, Asian, and Oceanian counterparts, the taxonomy of Neotropical fireflies is still in its infancy, partly due to largely outdated literature and difficulties in accessing type specimens. Here, we review the type specimens of 38 firefly species deposited at ZIN, 15 of which are holotypes and 7 are lectotypes. For each specimen, the name-bearing status, condition of preservation, as well as the associated label data are provided. Lectotypes are designated for the following species described by Motschulsky: Bicellonycha lividipennis, Ellychnia californica, Lychnuris klugii, Macrolampis longipennis, Pseudolychnuris suturalis, Telephoroides lineaticollis, Telephoroide occidentalis.