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A revision of the genus Gymnetina Casey, 1915 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini)
(2011)
The genus Gymnetina Casey (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) is redescribed and revised. Three new species and one new subspecies are described: G. borealis Warner and Ratcliffe, G. grossepunctata Ratcliffe and Warner, G. howdeni Warner and Ratcliffe, and G. cretacea sundbergi Warner and Ratcliffe. Gymnetina salicis (Bates), new status, is removed from synonymy with G. cretacea (LeConte), and G. alboscripta (Janson) is transferred from Gymnetis MacLeay to Gymnetina becoming Gymnetina alboscripta (Janson), new combination. Redescriptions of previously known species, a key for identification, and illustrations of the six species are provided. A brief biogeographical analysis suggests that ancestral taxa dispersed northwards from Guatemala and Mexico to the southwestern United States.
Acoma howdenorum, Acoma westcotti, Acoma quadrilaminata, and Acoma cimarron (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), all new species, are described from Yuma County, Arizona, USA, and Baja California Sur, Baja California (Norte), and Sonora, Mexico, respectively. Habitus of the four new species is illustrated, and an updated key to the described species in the genus is provided. Distribution and variation of Acoma glabrata Cazier are also discussed.
The monotypic aesaline genus Lucanobium Howden and Lawrence (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) was previously known only from Venezuela. A second species is here described as new from French Guiana, extending the range of the genus approximately 1800 km to the southeast. The generic description of Lucanobium is updated with respect to the discovery of a second species.
The female of Nothopleurus subsulcatus (Dalman, 1823) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Prioninae: Macrotomini) is described for the first time, and the female of Strongylaspis bullata Bates, 1872 is redescribed. Color photographs of the habitus of both, and key characters for the former are included. New distributional records within Mexico for N. subsulcatus and Strongylaspis championi Bates, 1884 are given.
Neolecanium amazonensis Foldi is redescribed and illustrated and is transferred to the new genus Foldilecanium Kondo as Foldilecanium amazonensis (Foldi) comb. nov. A new species, Foldilecanium multisetosus Kondo, is described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Cali, Colombia, on Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. and Thomson (Annonaceae). An updated taxonomic key to New World Myzolecaniinae and a key to separate the two species of Foldilecanium are provided.
From 1995 to 2004 collections for Bruchidae (Coleoptera) were made in La Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra de Huautla, Morelos, Mexico. Specimens were reared from mature seedpods, but also collected by net, malaise trap, and light trap. In total 72 species in 13 genera of Bruchidae were recovered. Of those two new species are here described: Amblycerus montalvoi Romero and Acanthoscelides camerinoi Romero. We record 27 host plants for the bruchids found in the study area.
I add new collection and phenological data on the North American earwigfly, Merope tuber Newman, and new county records for the red scorpionfly, Panorpa rufa Gray, and veined scorpionfly, Panorpa venosa Westwood, in Florida. Additionally, I report on a new Georgia county record for the extralimital species, Panorpa ferruginea Byers, the ferruginous scorpionfly, and speculate on its potential occurrence in Florida.
Five new species of anilline ground beetles (Carabidae: Trechinae: Bembidiini) are described from the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont Plateau of eastern United States. Two species, Anillinus unicoi n. sp. (from the Unicoi Mountains, North Carolina) and A. carltoni n. sp. (from the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee), inhabit the crests of adjacent mountain ranges, and share similarities with A. moseleyae Sokolov and Carlton. These three comprise a high-altitude group of species in the region. The third species A. chilhowee n. sp. is one of the smallest representatives of the loweae-group of species. It differs from its relatives in characters of male genitalia and inhabits the isolated Chilhowee Mountain ridge between Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers (Polk County, Tennessee). The fourth and fifth species possess complex arrays of spines on the internal sac of the aedeagus, similar to A. valentinei (Jeannel) from caves of Alabama. In the case of A. smokiensis n. sp. (Gregory Cave, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee), the aedeagal similarity suggests a close relationship with A. valentinei. Anillinus chandleri n. sp. from the Piedmont Plateau (Sumter National Forest, South Carolina) is similar to A. cornelli Sokolov and Carlton, also described from the Carolina Piedmont region. Keys are provided for the new species, where possible.
First discovered in 1934 and described as a variety of Cicindela abdominalis Fabricius (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae), the form floridana, to our knowledge, has not been recollected until we discovered it in 2007, south of the presumed type locality. From our examination of the type specimen, eight paratypes and 40 specimens from the new locality and additional study, we reinterpreted its status to be a full species. This interpretation is based on distinctive and consistent differences from the closely related Cicindelidia scabrosa (Schaupp). These differences include morphology (maculation, color and elytral microsculpture), distribution, habitat, and seasonality. We present here a more detailed description of this species within the genus Cicindelidia Rivalier, following Rivalier and Wiesner becoming Cicindelidia floridana (Cartwright) new combination.
Nine new species of Hyperaspis from various South American localities are described, illustrated, and compared with previously described taxa. New taxa are: Hyperaspis luciae, H. corcovado, H. divaricata, H. humboldti, H. mimica, H. praecipua, H. unimaculosa, H. drechseli, and H. esmeraldas. Hyperaspis pectoralis Crotch is recognized as a valid species of Hyperaspis and integrated into the existing classification.
This paper summarizes the published information on the beetle fauna of the northern Leeward Islands (Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Nevis, Saba, St. Barthélemy, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Martin-St. Maarten, and smaller associated islands, excluding Montserrat). These islands are generally smaller, lower, and drier than the remaining Leeward and Windward islands of the Lesser Antilles island arc. The fauna contains 26 families, with 155 genera, and 218 species. The families with the largest number of recorded species are Staphylinidae (36), Cerambycidae (28), Scarabaeidae (25), Tenebrionidae (23), Curculionidae (18), and Carabidae (15). At least 7 species (3.2% of the fauna) were probably introduced to the island by human activities. Sixteen species (7.3%) are endemic (restricted) to a single paleo-island bank and likely speciated there. Twenty nine species (13.3%) are shared only with other islands of the Lesser Antilles (Lesser Antillean endemics), and 43 species (19.7%) are more widespread Antilles endemics. The remaining 123 species (56.4%) in the fauna are otherwise mostly widely distributed in the Antilles and the Neotropical Region. The local beetle fauna is largely an immigrant fauna and has mostly originated elsewhere than on the islands of the northern Leewards. Summary data on total species endemicity of the entire Lesser Antilles indicate the presence of at least 1278 endemic beetle species, which is a density of about 20.7 species per 100 km2. This is now equivalent to that of the endemic vascular plants of the Caribbean islands. This truly makes the Caribbean islands a biodiversity hotspot for beetles. For the northern Leewards, it is evident that the beetle diversity is markedly understudied, and that the actual number of species is many times higher than now known.
The biogeographic significance of Diplopoda is substantiated by 50 maps documenting indigenous occurrences of the 16 orders, the three Spirostreptida s. l. suborders – Cambalidea, Epinannolenidea, Spirostreptidea – and all higher taxa including Diplopoda itself. The class is indigenous to all continents except Antarctica and islands/archipelagos in all temperate and tropical seas and oceans except the Arctic; it ranges from Kodiak Island and the northern Alaskan Panhandle, United States (USA), southern Hudson Bay, Canada, and near or north of the Arctic Circle in Iceland, continental Scandinavia, and Siberia to southern “mainland” Argentina, the southern tips of Africa and Tasmania, and Campbell Island, subantarctic New Zealand. The vast, global distribution is interrupted by sizeable, poorly- or unsampled areas including the Great Basin, USA; the Atacama Desert region of Chile and neighboring countries; southern South American islands; the central Kalahari and Sahara deserts; the Gobi Desert, Mongolia, and all of north-central and western China; from north of the Caspian Sea, Russia, to central Kazakhstan; and the “Outback” of central Australia. Five Arabian countries lack both samples and published records of indigenous diplopods – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates – as do Turks and Caicos, in the New World, and Mauritania and possibly Egypt, Africa. New records, including the first for Chilognatha from Botswana and the first specific localities from Northern Territory, Australia, are cited in the Appendix. Increased emphasis on mappings in taxonomic research is warranted along with investigations of insular “species swarms” that constitute a microcosm of the early evolution of the class. The largest “species swarm” in the Diplopoda is Diplopoda itself!
An annotated world catalogue and bibliography of the cucujoid family Propalticidae (Coleoptera) is presented. Each taxon is accompanied by a complete taxonomic history, including a full annotated synonymy with original references cited, and current location and status of primary types. The name Slipinskogenia nom. nov. is proposed to replace Discogenia Kolbe, 1897, junior homonym of Discogenia LeConte, 1866, resulting in 11 new combinations. A key is provided for separation of the two genera included in the family. Complete published and previously unpublished distributional data are given.
Pocket gopher burrows (Rodentia: Geomyidae) were sampled from five previously unsampled localities in northern Louisiana to determine the associated faunal composition of Histeridae and Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera). Sampling produced four species of Histeridae and seven species of Scarabaeidae, all of which had been previously reported from Louisiana. The most commonly collected scarab beetle was Cryptoscatomaseter haldemani (Horn) followed by Geomyphilus insolitus (Brown). Onthophilus kirni Ross was the most commonly collected hister beetle.
A catalogue of aphidiine parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) associated with various aphids species occurring in India was compiled. The present catalogue with 125 species under 22 genera has been further reinforced with not only all the latest taxonomic changes but also host names, host plants, distribution in India etc.
An additional 137 species and two tribes are added to the cerambycid fauna of Bolivia while 12 species are deleted. This brings the total number of species known from Bolivia to 1,561. Comments and statistics regarding the growth of knowledge on the Bolivian Cerambycid fauna and species endemicity are included.
In the field of mycology at the present time, many of the fungi which are most frustrating to attempt to classify are the Ascomycetes of pyrenomycetous nature. While it is possible to identify many species from descriptions in the literature, the position of these species in respect to one another is difficult to assign. A major step toward a modern classification was provided by Luttrell (1951b, 1955), where he expanded Miller's (1928) and Nannfeldt's (1932) recognition of differences between the subclasses Loculoascomycetes and Euascomycetes and utilized the basic characteristics of the ascus and of centrum development to delimit major groups. Currently, studies of generic types by a number of investigators are providing a firm base for the assignment of taxa to the correct genus. Several systems of classification are available, but none of these is entirely satisfactory. The following synopsis is offered as an alternative arrangement of one order in the Loculoascomycetes. For the present, the system applies to fungi known from temperate North America. The classification probably will have to be expanded and emended as tropical and temperate fungi from other continents are studied. My intention is to continue with similar studies of taxa in the other orders of both Loculoascomycetes and Euascomycetes.
The avifauna of the island of Flores and its satellite islands from Komodo to Alor is reviewed, combining historical data with recent observations. Recent surveys have added substantially to the data base, especially of the resident forest species, and endangered and endemic taxa, as well as adding a number of migrant and maritime species to the island list. Of particular interest are the rare forest endemics Wallace's Hanging-parrot Loriculus flosculus, the almost unknown Flores Scopsowl Otus alfredi, Flores Monarch Monarcha sacerdotum and Flores Crow Corvus florensis. An appeal is made for further surveys over the eastern part of the island and the eastern island chain.
Finding the peripheries : sovereignty and colonialism in nineteenth-century international law
(1999)
The special issue of The Linguistic Review on "The Role of Linguistics in Cognitive Science" presents a variety of viewpoints that complement or contrast with the perspective offered in Foundations of Language (Jackendoff 2002a). The present article is a response to the special issue. It discusses what it would mean to integrate linguistics into cognitive science, then shows how the parallel architecture proposed in Foundations seeks to accomplish this goal by altering certain fundamental assumptions of generative grammar. It defends this approach against criticisms both from mainstream generative grammar and from a variety of broader attacks on the generative enterprise, and it reflects on the nature of Universal Grammar. It then shows how the parallel architecture applies directly to processing and defends this construal against various critiques. Finally, it contrasts views in the special issue with that of Foundations with respect to what is unique about language among cognitive capacities, and it conjectures about the course of the evolution of the language faculty.
A new genus is proposed within the family Geophilidae: Hyphydrophilus n. gen., for H. adisi n.sp. Four additional new species are described, i.e. the ballophilids ltyphilus crabilli n.sp. and Taeniolinllm arborum n.sp. and the schendylids Pecfiniunguis ascendens n.sp. and Schendyluflls amazonicl/s n.sp. The geophilid species Ribautia centralis (SILVESTRI, 1907) is redescribed, after material from Brazil compared with the holotype. The ballophilid Thalthybil/s perrieri BROLEMANN, 1909 is transferred to the genus ltyphi/us COOK, 1889 and a lectotype is designated here for it.
This paper is an annotated catalogue of the geophilomorph centipedes known from Mexico, Central America, West Indies, South America and the adjacent islands. 310 species and 4 subspecies in 91 genera in 111 families are listed, not including 6 additional taxa of uncertain generic identity and 4 undescribed species provisionally listed as 'n.sp.' under their respective genera. Sixteen new combinations are proposed: Garrina pujola (CHAMBERLIN, 1943) and G. vera (CHAMBERLIN, 1943), both from Pycnona; Nesidiphilus plusiopol'us (ATTEMS, 1947), from Mesogeophilus VERHOEFF, 1901; Polycricus bredini (CRABILL, 1960), P. cordoballensis (VERHOEFF, 1934), P. hailiensis (CHAMBERLIN, 1915) and P. nesiotes (CHAMBERLIN, 1915), all from Lestophilus; Tuoba baeckstroemi (VERHOEFF, 1924), from Geophilus (Nesogeophilus); T. culebrae (SILVESTRI, 1908), from Geophilus; T. laticollis (ATTEMS, 1903), from Geophilus (Nesogeophilus); Titanophilus hasei (VERHOEFF, 1938), from Notiphilides (Venezuelides); T. incus (CHAMBERLIN, 1941), from Incorya; Schendylops nealotus (CHAMBERLIN, 1950), from Nesondyla nealota; Diplethmus porosus (ATTEMS, 1947), from Cyclorya porosa; Chomatobius craterus (CHAMBERLIN, 1944) and Cil. orizabae (CHAMBERLIN, 1944), both from Gosiphilus. The new replacement name Schizonampa Iibera is proposed pro Schizonampa prognatha (CRABILL, 1964) ex Schizotaellia prognatha CRABILL, 1964 nec Schizotaenia prognatha COOK, 1896.
A new family (Macronicophilidae) is established for Macronicophilus Silvestri, 1909, currently placed in Geophilidae. Seven new species of Neotropical Geophilomorpha are described: Ilyphilus saudus n.sp. and I. sensibilis n.sp. (Baliophilidae), Hyphydrophilus projeclUs n.sp. and Ribautia onycophaena n.sp. (Geophilidae), Macronicophilus abbrevialus n.sp., M. unguiseta n.sp. and M. venezolanus n.sp. (Macronicophilidae). The hitherto unknown male of Schendylops marchantariae (PEREIRA, MINELLI & BARBIERI, 1995) is described and two species (Pectiniunguis geayi (BROLEMANN & RIBAUT, 1911) and Ityphilus calinus CHAMBERLIN, 1957 are redescribed from the type and new material. A key to the species of Macronicophilus is provided.
Background: The interferon-inducible immunity-related GTPases (IRG proteins/p47 GTPases) are a distinctive family of GTPases that function as powerful cell-autonomous resistance factors. The IRG protein, Irga6 (IIGP1), participates in the disruption of the vacuolar membrane surrounding the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, through which it communicates with its cellular hosts. Some aspects of the protein's behaviour have suggested a dynamin-like molecular mode of action, in that the energy released by GTP hydrolysis is transduced into mechanical work that results in deformation and ultimately rupture of the vacuolar membrane. Results: Irga6 forms GTP-dependent oligomers in vitro and thereby activates hydrolysis of the GTP substrate. In this study we define the catalytic G-domain interface by mutagenesis and present a structural model, of how GTP hydrolysis is activated in Irga6 complexes, based on the substrate-twinning reaction mechanism of the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (SRalpha). In conformity with this model, we show that the bound nucleotide is part of the catalytic interface and that the 3'hydroxyl of the GTP ribose bound to each subunit is essential for trans-activation of hydrolysis of the GTP bound to the other subunit. We show that both positive and negative regulatory interactions between IRG proteins occur via the catalytic interface. Furthermore, mutations that disrupt the catalytic interface also prevent Irga6 from accumulating on the parasitophorous vacuole membrane of T. gondii, showing that GTP-dependent Irga6 activation is an essential component of the resistance mechanism. Conclusions: The catalytic interface of Irga6 defined in the present experiments can probably be used as a paradigm for the nucleotide-dependent interactions of all members of the large family of IRG GTPases, both activating and regulatory. Understanding the activation mechanism of Irga6 will help to explain the mechanism by which IRG proteins exercise their resistance function. We find no support from sequence or G-domain structure for the idea that IRG proteins and the SRP GTPases have a common phylogenetic origin. It therefore seems probable, if surprising, that the substrate-assisted catalytic mechanism has been independently evolved in the two protein families.
This review lists Agama smithii Boulenger 1896 as a synonym of Agama agama (Linnaeus 1758), Agama trachypleura Peters 1982 as a synonym of Acanthocercus phillipsii (Boulenger 1895) and describes for the first time Acanthocercus guentherpetersi n. sp. Without more convincing evidence, Chamaeleon ruspolii Boettger 1893 cannot be accepted as specifically distinct from Chamaeleo dilepis Leach 1819, nor Chamaeleo calcaricarens Böhme 1985 from C. africanus Laurenti 1768. Consequently, 101 species of lizard are currently recognised in Ethiopia, of which some 40% appear to be denizens of the Somali-arid zone. This significant proportion is attributable in part to the importance of the Horn of Africa as a centre for reptilian diversification and endemicity, in part to the fact that this lowland fauna was rather extensively sampled during the 1930s, but also to the conspicuous neglect of lizards in other regions of the country. Mountain and forested habitats are widespread in Ethiopia, so it seems extraordinary to record only five saurian species which are believed to be endemic in such environments. The inference that there are many more still to be discovered has important implications for conservation, because montane forest is known to be among the most threatened of Ethiopian biomes and there is clearly an urgent need for its herpetofauna to be more thoroughly researched and documented.
The present paper contains descriptions of 4 new genera and 62 new species of South African Spiders contained in the Collection of the South African Museum. With the exception of 3 new species of Prodidomidae, all of them belong to the groups Mygalomorphae (Migidce, 1 n. sp.; Ctenizidae, 1 n. gen. and 5 n. spp.; Barychelidae, 2 n. spp.), Cribellatae (Uloboridae, 1 n. gen. and 3 n. spp.; Dictynirlce, 4 n. spp.; Eresidae, 6 n. spp.) , and Ecribellatae Haplogynae (Sicariidae, 19 n. spp.; Dysderidae, 1 n. geu. and 11 n. spp.; Caponiidae, 1 n. gen. and 8 n. spp.).
It has been the goal of this review to describe the functional interrelations between Deiters' vestibular nucleus and numerous brain structures. Emphasis is placed on dynamic and integrative properties of linkages between the neurons of Deiters' nucleus and many other brain structures in order to begin considering the capabilities of the loops in the light of motor control and coordination of movement. The problem of somatotopy within the loops is also considered. Putting this information together, the possible roles of Deiters' nucleus in the control of movements are described. It is suggested that Deiters' nucleus in co-operation with cerebral cortex, cerebellum, subcortical and brainstem structures are responsible for the integration and realization of different movements.
This stndy is based largely upon collections from the Danish Noona Dan Expedition to the southern Philippines and the Bismarck Islands (Pelersen, 1966), supplemented with collections from the B. P. Bishop Museum, British Museum (Natural History), U. S. National Museum, California Academy of Science, Zoologisches Museum der Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and the Chicago Natural History Museum. I greatly appreciate having had the privilege of studying these valuable collections. ...
Background: The treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma patients consists of multimodal induction therapy to achieve remission followed by consolidation therapy to prevent relapses. However, the type of consolidation therapy is still discussed controversial. We applied metronomic chemotherapy in the prospective NB90 trial and monoclonal anti-GD2-antibody (MAB) ch14.18 in the NB97 trial. Here, we present the long term outcome data of the patient cohort. Methods: A total of 334 stage 4 neuroblastoma patients one year or older were included. All patients successfully completed the induction therapy. In the NB90 trial, 99 patients received at least one cycle of the oral maintenance chemotherapy (NB90 MT, 12 alternating cycles of oral melphalan/etoposide and vincristine/cyclophosphamide). In the NB97 trial, 166 patients commenced the MAB ch14.18 consolidation therapy (six cycles over 12 months). Patients who received no maintenance therapy according to the NB90 protocol or by refusal in NB97 (n = 69) served as controls. Results: The median observation time was 11.11 years. The nine-year event-free survival rates were 41 ± 4%, 31 ± 5%, and 32 ± 6% for MAB ch14.18, NB90 MT, and no consolidation, respectively (p = 0.098). In contrast to earlier reports, MAB ch14.18 treatment improved the long-term outcome compared to no additional therapy (p = 0.038). The overall survival was better in the MAB ch14.18-treated group (9-y-OS 46 ± 4%) compared to NB90 MT (34 ± 5%, p = 0.026) and to no consolidation (35 ± 6%, p = 0.019). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed ch14.18 consolidation to improve outcome compared to no consolidation, however, no difference between NB90 MT and MAB ch14.18-treated patients was found. Conclusions: Follow-up analysis of the patient cohort indicated that immunotherapy with MAB ch14.18 may prevent late relapses. Finally, metronomic oral maintenance chemotherapy also appeared effective.
A review of biological control efforts against Diptera of medical and veterinary importance includes pertinent literature of major dipterous taxonomic groups where some success has been achieved or where work is currently being conducted on species breeding in aquatic (e.g., mosquitoes, blackflies, tabanids) and terrestrial habitats (muscids, tsetse, etc.). Most effort has been directed against aquatic Diptera because of the human and animal disease agents they transmit. Research has established that the natural enemy component frequently is responsible for significant population reduction and indispensable to integrated control which seeks to maintain populations below annoyance or disease transmission levels. The manipulation of natural enemies through introduction and/or augmentation has in some cases provided satisfactory control, and sustained releases of natural enemies over several years may overcome the relative high cost of massive release rates. Ultimately, to guarantee the existence and maximum expression of resident natural enemies has become almost universally accepted, and challenging, to sound control practices. Indeed, chemical industry recognizing this, has sought to manufacture products such as Bacillus toxins, juvenile hormones, and baits that are minimally disruptive to existing natural controls. Although such easily applied products have been widely adopted, their cost continues to become prohibitive with developing resistance, as was observed earlier with many organophosphate and chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. Further advancements in the control ofthese Diptera should continue to embrace a sound appreciation for the natural control component and nurture ways to allow its maximum expression. Keyword Index: Biological Control, Diptera, Medical, Veterinary.
Arthropods use fluid medium motion-sensing filiform hairs on their exoskeleton to detect aerodynamic or hydrodynamic stimuli in their surroundings that affect their behaviour. The hairs, often of different lengths and organized in groups or arrays, respond to particular fluid motion amplitudes and frequencies produced by prey, predators, or conspecifics, even in the presence of background noise peculiar to the environment. While long known to biologists and experimentally investigated by them, it is only relatively recently that comprehensive physical-mathematical models have emerged offering an alternative methodology for investigating the biomechanics of filiform hair motion. These models have been developed and applied to quantitatively predict the performance characteristics of filiform hairs in air and water as a function of the relevant parameters that affect their physical behaviour. They even allow the exploration of possible biological evolutionary paths for filiform hair changes resulting from physical selection pressures. In this chapter we review the state of knowledge of filiform hair biomechanics and discuss two physical-mathematical models to predict hair dynamical behaviour. One modelling approach is analytically exact, serving for quantitative purposes, while the other, derived from it, is approximate, serving for qualitative guidance concerning the parameter dependencies of hair motion. Using these models we look in turn at the influence of these parameters and the fluid media physical properties on hair motion, including the possibility of medium-facilitated viscous coupling between hairs. The models point to areas where data is currently lacking and future research could be focused. In addition, new results are presented pertaining to transient tlows. We qualitatively explore the possibility of an overlapping water-air niches adaptation potential that may explain how, over many generations, the filiform hairs of an arthropod living in water could have evolved to function in air. Because flow-sensing hairs have served to inspire corresponding artificial medium motion microsensors, we discuss recent advances in this area. Significant challenges remain to be overcome, especially with respect to the materials and fabrication techniques used. In spite of the impressive technological advances made, nature still remains unrivalled.