590 Tiere (Zoologie)
Refine
Year of publication
- 2018 (240) (remove)
Document Type
- Part of Periodical (141)
- Article (97)
- Preprint (2)
Language
- English (240) (remove)
Has Fulltext
- yes (240)
Is part of the Bibliography
- no (240)
Keywords
- taxonomy (58)
- new species (37)
- Odonata (12)
- morphology (11)
- distribution (7)
- Thailand (6)
- key (6)
- systematics (6)
- Central America (5)
- Taxonomy (5)
Institute
- Institut für Ökologie, Evolution und Diversität (26)
- Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft (17)
- Biodiversität und Klima Forschungszentrum (BiK-F) (9)
- Biowissenschaften (7)
- Medizin (6)
- Biochemie und Chemie (1)
- Exzellenzcluster Makromolekulare Komplexe (1)
- Universität des 3. Lebensalters e.V. (1)
- Zentrum für Biomolekulare Magnetische Resonanz (BMRZ) (1)
- Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Afrikaforschung (ZIAF) (1)
Although cone snails are among the most studied group of gastropods, new species are still regularly described. Here, we focus on Afonsoconus Tucker & Tenorio, 2013, a lineage that includes only two species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The analysis of molecular (partial mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences) and morphological (shell and radular tooth) characters revealed that the samples collected by dredging in deep water during a recent expedition carried out in the Mozambique Channel are different from the samples collected in the Pacific Ocean. We thus introduce here a new species, Afonsoconus crosnieri sp. nov., from the SW Indian Ocean including records from the Mozambique Channel, the Comoros and Glorieuses Islands, Madagascar, South Africa and Reunion Island.
During a survey of the fishes in the region of the Wonga-Wongué Presidential Reserve, 14 new populations of the subgenus Chromaphyosemion Myers, 1924 were found. These observations extend the previously known distribution range of the subgenus 120 kilometres southward. None of these populations could be related to any described species. Based on the colouration of the males and females, together with a genetic marker (mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b sequences), the populations studied are grouped into six new species which are described in this article, all close to Aphyosemion alpha Huber, 1998 with which they share the presence of a black alpha-shaped mark on the pre- and post-opercular region. The group composed of A. alpha and the six new species is referred to here as the A. alpha species group. All the new species, A. aurantiacum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. barakoniense Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. flammulatum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. flavocyaneum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., A. pusillum Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov. and A. rubrogaster Chirio, Legros & Agnèse sp. nov., are further unambiguously diagnosed by unique combinations of colour patterns, making it possible to generate an identification key for the A. alpha species group. It is likely that the coastal dunes of Wonga-Wongué that form a sandy relief, could have led to the fragmentation and then isolation of the hydrographical networks that flow into the Atlantic Ocean, making possible a significant number of allopatric speciations.
Three new species of Willowsia collected from Guizhou Province, China are described here: W. sexachaeta sp. nov., W. christianseni sp. nov., and W. tanae sp. nov. They have spinulate scales on the body. Colour pattern and dorsal chaetotaxy are the main diagnostic characters for these species. A table summarizing the main differences between all Chinese Willowsia species is given.
Twenty species of the genus Chilocorus Leach, 1815 currently known from China are recorded, including two new species described here: C. nigricaeruleus Li & Wang sp. nov. and C. strenotubus Li & Wang sp. nov. Diagnoses and detailed descriptions of the new species are given. Each species is illustrated in detail, including genitalia. Distribution maps, a key to the Chinese species and a world checklist of Chilocorus are given.
Comparison of morphological and genetic data from New Zealand forest cave wētā suggests we should recognise the genus Miotopus proposed by Hutton (1898). A new species within this genus is described (Miotopus richardsi sp. nov.). Both Miotopus diversus (Hutton, 1898) and Miotopus richardsi sp. nov. are common in native forests and widespread in New Zealand. Here we provide their known distributions and key traits.
Although extensively studied by different authors over the past 150 years, the taxonomy of Canthon Hoffmannsegg, 1817 and allied genera (which are here informally referred to as 'Canthon sensu lato') still remains problematic. With the aim of resolving some of the questions surrounding these taxa, the present work reviews the taxonomy of one of them, the genus Sylvicanthon Halffter & Martínez, 1977. As defined here, Sylvicanthon is distributed mainly throughout the vast areas of tropical rainforests in the Neotropical region and includes 15 species divided into two groups: the enkerlini group, with a single species, S. enkerlini (Martínez et al., 1964) comb. nov., and the candezei group, with five subgroups: the candezei subgroup, with S. candezei (Harold, 1869), S. genieri sp. nov. and S. foveiventris (Schmidt, 1920); the aequinoctialis subgroup, with S. aequinoctialis (Harold, 1868) comb. nov. and S. proseni (Martínez, 1949) stat. et comb. nov.; the bridarollii subgroup, with S. bridarollii (Martínez, 1949), S. seag sp. nov., S. edmondsi sp. nov. and S. attenboroughi sp. nov.; the furvus subgroup, with S. furvus (Schmidt, 1920), S. monnei sp. nov., S. mayri sp. nov. and S. obscurus (Schmidt, 1920); and the securus subgroup, with a single species, S. securus (Schmidt, 1920) comb. nov. Three species originally included in Sylvicanthon are here (re)transferred to Canthon: Canthon xanthopus Blanchard, 1846 and C. machadoi (Martínez & Pereira, 1967) comb. nov., as well as C. cobosi (Pereira & Martínez, 1960) stat. et comb. nov., which had been previously in synonymy under C. xanthopus. Descriptions, redescriptions, illustrations and comparative tables on the external morphology (including the genital capsule) of the genus and its species are presented, as well as a detailed discussion on their biogeography, comparative morphology, hypotheses on their phylogenetic relationships, data on natural history and a detailed historical revision of the classification of 'Canthon sensu lato'. Finally, we also discuss the socalled 'species problem' (i.e., the definition of the scientific term 'species') and its consequences to dung beetle taxonomy and favour the solution offered by the Biological Species Concept.
The family-group names of animals (superfamily, family, subfamily, supertribe, tribe and subtribe) are regulated by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Particularly, the family names are very important, because they are among the most widely used of all technical animal names. A uniform name and spelling are essential for the location of information. To facilitate this, a list of familygroup names for fossil fishes has been compiled. I use the concept ‘Fishes’ in the usual sense, i.e., starting with the Agnatha up to the †Osteolepidiformes. All the family-group names proposed for fossil fishes found to date are listed, together with their author(s) and year of publication. The main goal of the list is to contribute to the usage of the correct family-group names for fossil fishes with a uniform spelling and to list the author(s) and date of those names. No valid family-group name description could be located for the following family-group names currently in usage: †Brindabellaspidae, †Diabolepididae, †Dorsetichthyidae, †Erichalcidae, †Holodipteridae, †Kentuckiidae, †Lepidaspididae, †Loganelliidae and †Pituriaspididae.
A revision of the genus Cicynethus Simon, 1910 (Araneae, Zodariidae), a tale of colour patterns
(2018)
The genus Cicynethus Simon, 1910 is revised. Apart from the type species C. peringueyi Simon, 1893, only known from a juvenile, it contains five species, all of which are here described or redescribed based on adults: C. acer sp. nov. (♂♀), C. decoratus (Lawrence, 1952) comb. nov (♂), C. floriumfontis Jocqué, 1991 (♂♀), C. mossambicus sp. nov. (♂♀) and C. subtropicalis (Lawrence, 1952) comb. nov. (♂♀). The species are characterized by the genitalia, but also by the colour pattern. The distribution of the genus is extended to northern Mozambique. Cicynethus hongfuchui is transferred to Storenomorpha hongfuchui (Barrion, Barrion-Dupo & Heong, 2013) comb. nov. Cicynethus acanthopus Simon, 1910 is considered a species incertae sedis. A key to the species is provided.
Cochlostoma revised: the subgenus Lovcenia Zallot et al., 2015
(Caenogastropoda, Cochlostomatidae)
(2018)
Five species of the subgenus Lovcenia of Cochlostoma (Cochlostomatidae) are recognized, three of which are described as new to science: C. (L.) tropojanum sp. nov., C. (L.) jakschae sp. nov. and C. (L.) lanatum sp. nov. A lectotype is designated for C. (L.) erika (A.J. Wagner, 1906). The shell and the genital tracts are described for all species and the distributional data are summarized.
The ‘gigas’ group of dragon millipedes, formerly placed in the genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, is revised and assigned to the new genus Gigaxytes gen. nov. Desmoxytes gigas Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994 is the type species of the new genus and is redescribed as G. gigas (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb nov. Three new species are described: G. fusca gen et sp. nov. from Thailand and Myanmar; G. parvoterga gen et sp. nov. and G. suratensis gen et sp. nov. from Thailand. All Gigaxytes species are endemic to small distribution areas in limestone habitats in South Thailand and South Myanmar. Illustrations of external morphological characters and an identification key to all known species are provided as well as a distribution map.
The ‘acantherpestes’ group of dragon millipedes, formerly placed in the genus Desmoxytes Chamberlin, 1923, is revised and assigned to the new genus Nagaxytes Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. nov. Desmoxytes acantherpestes Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994 is the type species of the new genus and is redescribed as N. acantherpestes (Golovatch & Enghoff, 1994) gen. et comb. nov. Three new species are described from Thailand: N. erecta Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. and N. gracilis Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. from Kanchanaburi Province, and N. spatula Srisonchai, Enghoff & Panha gen. et sp. nov. from Tak Province. All new species are endemic to western Thailand and all are restricted to limestone habitats. Complete illustrations of external morphological characters, an identification key, and a distribution map are provided.
A new species of the genus Birdantis Stål, 1863 (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), B. bhaskarai sp. nov. from Larat Island (Tanimbar), is described. Birdantis collaris (Walker, 1870) stat. rev. and B. trilineata (Schmidt, 1926) stat. rev. are reinstated as valid species, respectively from status of subspecies and as junior synonym of B. delibuta Stål, 1863. These four species, as well as the other one previously described from the Maluku Islands, B. decens Stål, 1863, are illustrated from their type specimens. An identification key, a distribution map, illustrations of habitus and details of male genitalia are provided. The synonymy between Myrilla Distant, 1888 and Birdantis is formally reinstated and all species formerly placed in the subgenus Birdantis (Myrilla) are transferred to Birdantis sensu stricto. Birdantis is transferred to the subfamily Aphaeninae Blanchard, 1847 and now contains eighteen species distributed in Maluku (five species), New Guinea and neighbouring islands (ten species) and Australia
(three species).
The genus Disparalona Fryer, 1968 comprises a well-defined species complex, the hamatagroup, which might have sibling species in South America. This hamata-group needs urgent revision. Besides that, a complete morphological evaluation of the endemic species D. leptorhyncha (Daday, 1905) is lacking. Thus, the aim of the present study is to revise populations of species of the hamatagroup in South America and to redescribe D. leptorhyncha. Our findings pointed to an occurrence of species which are part of the Disparalona (Mixopleuroxus) linage. Currently, the Neotropics have the highest diversity to the genus, with three species of the hamata-complex – D. (M.) hamata (Birge, 1879), D. (M.) lucianae sp. nov., D. (M.) tenuispina sp. nov. – in addition to D. (M.) leptorhyncha. These species can be differentiated from each other by the morphology of their rostrum, labrum, and postabdomen.
Nanium Townes, 1967 is a small New World parasitoid wasp genus in the subfamily Ctenopelmatinae Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Previously, it comprised five species: one from North America and four from Costa Rica. The current study reviews the Neotropical species of the genus, and includes descriptions of two new species, N. medianum Reshchikov & Sääksjärvi sp. nov. from Ecuador and N. atitlanensis Reshchikov & Sääksjärvi sp. nov. from Guatemala. A key to the species is provided.
The new genus Neodiplopeltula gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate those species from the genus Diplopeltula Gerlach, 1950 that possess the following morphological characters: amphids in the shape of an elongated loop, a well-developed subcylindrical stoma and outstretched ovaries. The genus Diplopeltula is considered genus inquirendum et incertae sedis. Four species placed in Neodiplopeltula gen. nov. are redescribed. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Neodiplopeltula asymmetrica (Allgén, 1935) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula barentsi (Steiner, 1916) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula bathmanni (Jensen, 1991) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula cuspidiboja (Leduc, 2017) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula indica (Gerlach, 1962) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula intermedia (Gerlach, 1954) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula obesa (Nguyen Vu Thahn, Nguyen Thahn Hien & Gagarin, 2012) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula onusta (Wieser, 1956) gen. et comb. nov.; Neodiplopeltula ovalis (Ditlevsen, 1928) gen. et comb. nov. and Neodiplopeltula tchesunovi (Fadeeva & Mordukhovich, 2013) gen. et comb. nov. New synonyms include: Diplopeltis asymmetricus Allgén, 1935 and Diplopeltis ovalis Ditlevsen, 1928 are synonimised with Neodiplopeltula barentsi (Steiner, 1916) gen. et comb. nov.; Diplopeltula tchesunovi Fadeeva & Mordukhovich, 2013 is synonimised with Neodiplopeltula onusta (Wieser, 1956) gen. et comb. nov.; the male of Diplopeltula cuspidiboja Leduc, 2017 is synonimised with Neodiplopeltula barentsi gen. et comb. nov. and the female with N. bathmanni gen. et comb. nov. A key to the species of Neodiplopeltula gen. nov. is provided.
Umbyquyra gen. nov., a new Theraphosinae genus with stridulatory bristles on the palpal trocanther of pedipalp trochanter and first leg, is proposed. The genus differs from the other genera with stridulatory bristles on the same segments, Acanthoscurria Ausserer, 1871, Cyrtopholis Simon, 1892, Longilyra Gabriel, 2014 and Nesipelma Schmidt & Kovarik, 1996, by having a palpal bulb with a very short and acuminate embolus and four short keels; separated tibial apophysis; and female spermathecae resembling those of Cyrtopholis, with two seminal receptacles with elongated ducts emerging from a common area. Cyrtopholis palmarum Schiapelli & Gerschman, 1945 and C. schmidti Rudloff, 1996 from Brazil and Acanthoscurria acuminata Schmidt & Tesmoingt in Schmidt, 2005 from Bolivia are transferred to the new genus. The female of Umbyquyra palmarum (Schiapelli & Gerschman, 1945) gen. et comb. nov. and the male of U. schmidti (Rudloff, 1996) gen. et comb. nov. are described for the first time. Cyrtopholis zorodes Mello-Leitão, 1923 is considered a junior synonym of Acanthoscurria gomesiana Mello-Leitão, 1923 and Cyrtopholis meridionalis (Keyserling, 1891) is considered a nomen dubium. Eight new species from Brazil are described: Umbyquyra paranaiba gen. et sp. nov., U. cuiaba gen. et sp. nov., U. araguaia gen. et sp. nov., U. sapezal gen. et sp. nov., U. belterra gen. et sp. nov., U. caxiuana gen. et sp. nov., U. tucurui gen. et sp. nov. and U. tapajos gen. et sp. nov. Data and maps on the geographic distribution are provided.
The bathyal kinorhynch fauna along the Northwest American continental rise is explored, with emphasis on species of Echinoderidae Zelinka, 1894. Seven species of Echinoderes Claparède, 1863 are described as new to science: E. anniae sp. nov., E. dubiosus sp. nov., E. hamiltonorum sp. nov., E. hviidarum sp. nov., E. juliae sp. nov., E. lupherorum sp. nov. and E. yamasakii sp. nov. Three known species, Echinoderes hakaiensis Herranz, Yangel & Leander, 2017, E. cf. unispinosus Yamasaki, Neuhaus & George, 2018 and Fissuroderes higginsi Neuhaus & Blasche, 2006, are reported. The numerous new species indicate that the deep-sea still holds a great, undiscovered diversity of kinorhynchs, and that Echinoderes, as is also the case in more shallow, coastal waters, represents an important component of the deep-sea kinorhynch fauna. The presence of E. hakaiensis in the deepsea sediments demonstrates that the species may occur at a great depth range, and suggests that depth may play a less important role for the distribution of some kinorhynch species. The finding of the Northeast Atlantic species E. cf. unispinosus and the Southwest Pacific species Fissuroderes higginsi could indicate that kinorhynch species in the deep-sea may cover considerably larger distributional ranges than is assumed for coastal species of Echinoderidae.
The family Plectopylidae is divided into two subfamilies: Sinicolinae subfam. nov. (included extant genera: Gudeodiscus Páll-Gergely, 2013, Endothyrella Zilch, 1959, Halongella Páll-Gergely, 2015, Sicradiscus Páll-Gergely, 2013, Sinicola Gude, 1899) and Plectopylinae Möllendorff, 1898 (included genera: Chersaecia Gude, 1899, Hunyadiscus Páll-Gergely, 2016, Naggsia Páll-Gergely & Muratov, 2016, Plectopylis Benson, 1860). The Eocene fossil Plectopyloides Yen, 1969 is classified into the Sinicolinae. The Plectopylinae are revised mainly based on historical type and non-type material, and the material of the Florida Museum of Natural History, collected in Thailand in the 1980s. The following species-group taxa are described as new: Chersaecia auffenbergi sp. nov., Chersaecia densegyrata sp. nov., Chersaecia mogokensis sp. nov., Chersaecia reversalis sp. nov., Chersaecia scabra sp. nov., Chersaecia shiroiensis subnagaensis subsp. nov., Hunyadiscus tigrina sp. nov., Naggsia oligogyra sp. nov., Plectopylis crassilabris sp. nov., Plectopylis malayana sp. nov. and Plectopylis thompsoni sp. nov. The genus Endoplon Gude, 1899 is treated as a synonym of Chersaecia. Consequently, the two species classified in Endoplon are members of Chersaecia: Chersaecia brachyplecta (Benson, 1863) comb. nov. and Chersaecia smithiana (Gude, 1897) comb. nov. The genus Plectopylis is redefined, and includes only species with fused anterior and posterior lamellae. Thus, the following species are moved from Plectopylis to Chersaecia: Chersaecia feddeni (Blanford, 1865) comb. nov., Chersaecia goniobathmos (Ehrmann, 1922) comb. nov., Chersaecia leucochila (Gude, 1897) comb. nov., Chersaecia magna (Gude, 1897) comb. nov. and Chersaecia woodthorpei (Gude, 1899) comb. nov. Altogether thirteen species and varieties are moved to the synonymy of valid species: Helix (Plectopylis) brachydiscus Godwin-Austen, 1879 syn. nov., Helix (Plectopylis) ponsonbyi Godwin-Austen, 1888 syn. nov., Plectopylis (Chersaecia) kengtungensis Gude, 1914 syn. nov., Plectopylis (Chersaecia) degerbolae Solem, 1966 syn. nov., Plectopylis lissochlamys Gude, 1897 syn. nov., Helix repercussa Gould, 1856 syn. nov., Plectopylis achatina var. obesa Gude, 1898 syn. nov., Plectopylis achatina var. infrafasciata Gude, 1898 syn. nov. Plectopylis achatina var. venusta Gude, 1898 syn. nov., Plectopylis achatina var. castanea Gude, 1898 syn. nov., Plectopylis achatina var. breviplica Gude, 1898 syn. nov., Plectopylis achatina var. repercussoides Gude, 1899 syn. nov., Plectopylis linterae var. fusca Gude, 1898 syn. nov. Plectopylis (Chersaecia) simplex Solem, 1966 is a subspecies of Chersaecia perarcta (Blanford, 1865), whereas Plectopylis muspratti Gude, 1897 is a subspecies of Chersaecia nagaensis (Godwin-Austen, 1875).
Ants of the Tetramorium solidum group occur in Africa, with the vast majority of species endemic to the arid regions of southern Africa. The first revision of the genus was published more than 30 years ago and ant surveys have since considerably expanded the number of specimens available for study. The revision of this group reveals five new species, expanding the total number to 19. Almost all the species in this group occur in the southern parts of the Afrotropical region, with the exception of T. setuliferum Emery, 1895 and T. rothschildi (Forel, 1907). These two species have broad distributions within African grasslands and savannas, with T. setuliferum occurring in southern Africa and T. rothschildi in East Africa and the Sahel. Five new species are described in this revision: T. aisha sp. nov., T. brigitteae sp. nov., T. duncani sp. nov., T. lerouxi sp. nov. and T. margueriteae sp. nov. An illustrated key is presented and descriptions of new species are provided, supported by montage images and distribution maps.
Recently, the status of a new species of atyid shrimp from Pohnpei (Micronesia) was discussed in relation to C. brachydactyla De Man, 1908 and C. mertoni J. Roux, 1911. By combining morphological data with a phylogenetic analysis with closely related species, this species is here described as Caridina variabilirostris sp. nov. Notes on its ecological distribution are also provided. The new species is characterized by a highly variable rostrum and is present in rivers all over Pohnpei Island. The status of this new species is clarified and it is shown that neither C. brachydactyla De Man 1908 nor C. mertoni J. Roux, 1911 occur on Pohnpei Island.
In this paper we describe Macrobiotus canaricus sp. nov., a new tardigrade species of the Macrobiotus hufelandi group from the Canary Islands. Moreover, with the use of DNA sequencing, we confirm that Macrobiotus recens Cuénot, 1932 represents the hufelandi group, even though eggs laid by this species do not exhibit the typical hufelandi group morphology. Our study is based on both classical taxonomic methods that include morphological and morphometric analyses conducted with the use of light and scanning electron microscopy, and on the analysis of nucleotide sequences of four molecular markers (three nuclear: 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2, and one mitochondrial: COI). Our analyses revealed that M. canaricus sp. nov. is most similar to Macrobiotus almadai Fontoura et al., 2008 from the Archipelago of the Azores, from which it differs by the absence of granulation patches on the external and internal surfaces of legs I–III as well as by the absence of a cuticular pore in the centre of the external patch on legs I–III. Molecular sequences allowed us to pinpoint the phylogenetic positions of M. canaricus sp. nov. and M. recens within the M. hufelandi group.
We describe two new frog species of the genus Guibemantis Dubois, 1992 (Mantellidae) from northern Madagascar. Both species are placed in the subgenus Pandanusicola Glaw & Vences, 1994 and, like most of their relatives, appear to only inhabit the leaf axils of Pandanus plants. Guibemantis albomaculatus sp. nov. is distinguished from other closely related species by light colored dorsolateral stripes and abundant small white spots found on its flanks and limbs. Guibemantis woosteri sp. nov. also has light-colored dorsolateral stripes and small white spots, but differs by having strongly banded forelimbs and a reddish coloration around the eye orbits. Mitochondrial DNA sequences corroborate the identity of these two new species, which appear to be regional endemics in northern and north-eastern Madagascar, respectively. These descriptions bring the species count in Pandanusicola to thirteen.
Glemparon Jaschhof, 2013, a previously monotypic genus confined to Sweden, is shown here to be considerably richer in species, with most species found to occur in the Australasian region. Eighteen new species are described: G. tomelilla sp. nov. (from Sweden); G. aotearoa sp. nov., G. birhojohmi sp. nov., G. cervus sp. nov., G. didhami sp. nov, G. kaikoura sp. nov., G. nativitas sp. nov., G. orautahi sp. nov., G. otago sp. nov., G. pureora sp. nov., G. rakiura sp. nov., G. rotoiti sp. nov., G. rotoroa sp. nov., G. tewaipounamu sp. nov., G. waipapa sp. nov., G. waipoua sp. nov. (all from New Zealand); G. manuka sp. nov. and G. warra sp. nov. (both from Tasmania, Australia). Glemparon sagittifer Jaschhof, 2013 is redescribed. Genitalic illustrations are provided allowing for the effective identification of all the species known thus far. Morphological data obtained here are used for revising the generic definition. Dicerura Kieffer, 1898 is hypothesized as the sister group to Glemparon. The case of Glemparon is discussed as a perfect example of the fact that our collective ignorance of porricondyline diversity in most parts of the world is a major impediment to a better understanding of the European species.
Four new species of Lobolibethra Hennemann & Conle, 2007 (Diapheromerinae: Diapheromerini: “Clonistria-group”) are described and illustrated. Lobolibethra carbonelli sp. nov. and L. pozuzoae sp. nov. from eastern Peru are described from both sexes and the eggs, L. tricarinata sp. nov. from southeast Ecuador is described from the female and male, and L. verruculosa sp. nov. from eastern Peru is described from the male. The previously unknown males of the Peruvian L. mainerii (Giglio-Tos, 1910) and L. mutica Hennemann & Conle, 2007 are described and illustrated. Dyme iconnicoffi Caudell, 1918 is shown to represent the previously unknown male of L. mainerii (Giglio-Tos, 1910) and is synonymised (syn. nov.). An updated key is presented for the eleven known species of Lobolibethra.
Flower flies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of French Polynesia, with the description of two new species
(2018)
The flower flies (Diptera, Syrphidae) of French Polynesia are revised. A total of nine syrphid species were recorded from the five archipelagos of French Polynesia. Among them are two species new to science, Allograpta jacqi Mengual & Ramage sp. nov. and Melanostoma polynesiotes Mengual & Ramage sp. nov., and a new record for this country, Syritta aenigmatopatria Hardy, 1964. We provide DNA barcodes for all flower fly species of French Polynesia, making the syrphid fauna of this country the first one in the world to be entirely barcoded. New data on biology, flowers visited and some taxonomic notes are provided. An identification key for the species of Syrphidae in French Polynesia is given, as well as an identification key for the species of Melanostoma Schiner, 1860 in the Australasian and Oceanian Regions.
Afrocampe gen. nov. is described for its only species, A. prinslooi gen. et sp. nov., from Eastern and Western Cape, South Africa. This new genus is recognized as a member of the subfamily Tetracampinae Förster, 1856 of Tetracampidae Förster, 1856 based on the possession of 5-segmented tarsi in females and 4-segmented tarsi in males, the short straight calcar, the mesoscutum with distinct notauli, the mesoscutellum with two pairs of setae, the reduced mesopleural suture and the short stigmal and long postmarginal veins of the fore wing. Afrocampe gen. nov. is characterized by a large mesosoma, a non-convex first gastral tergite, an evenly acute calcar, a 5-segmented antennal funicle, a head lacking occipital carina and facial grooves and a long fore wing with distinctly delimited speculum, a bare admarginal area with a distinct admarginal row of setae on the underside and with 3 setal tracks (hair rows) radiating from the apex of the stigmal vein. The combination of these characters suggests a special status of the new genus within the subfamily Tetracampinae. Moreover, Afrocampe gen. nov. bears some resemblance to the Australian tetracampine genus Niticampe Bouček, 1988. The position of the latter in Tetracampinae, as well as habitus features of the former, are discussed.
Based on a study of 2150 specimens of the genus Trechus Clairville, 1806 from the Bale Mts, Mount Chillalo, and Mount Enkuolo, southern Ethiopia, the current knowledge regarding systematics and distribution of the genus in the area is summarized. Twenty-six new species are described and figured in detail: Trechus abalkhasimi sp. nov. (southeastern slope of Bale Mts, below Mt Abalkhasim); T. adaba sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Adaba); T. angavoensis sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. balesilvestris sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Adaba); T. bombi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. colobus sp. nov. (western Bale Mts); T. depressipennis sp. nov. (northeastern margin of Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mts); T. dodola sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. fisehai sp. nov. (northern slope of Bale Mts, above Goba); T. grandipennis sp. nov. and T. hagenia sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. haggei sp. nov. (northeastern margin of Sanetti Plateau); T. harenna sp. nov. and T. harryi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. iridescens sp. nov. (southeastern slope of Bale Mts, below Mt Abalk-hasim); T. mattisi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. mekbibi sp. nov. (southern and western part of Bale Mts); T. minitrechus sp. nov. (northeastern slope of Mt Enkuolo); T. nanulus sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. nigrifemoralis sp. nov. and T. oppositus sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. rira sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, upper Rira Valley); T. sanettii sp. nov. (southeastern slope of Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mts); T. tragelaphus sp. nov. (western Bale Mts, above Dodola); T. transversicollis sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, Harenna Forest); T. wiersbowskyi sp. nov. (southern escarpment of Bale Mts, upper Rira Valley). New distributional data are provided for T. baleensis (Basilewsky, 1974), T. bastianinii Magrini & Sciaky, 2006, T. batuensis Magrini & Sciaky, 2006, T. chillalicus Jeannel, 1936, T. clarkeianus (Basilewsky, 1974), T. culminicola Jeannel, 1936, T. ericalis Magrini, Quéinnec & Vigna Taglianti, 2013, T. gallorites Jeannel, 1936, T. gypaeti Vigna Taglianti & Magrini, 2010, T. oromiensis Magrini, Quéinnec & Vigna Taglianti, 2012, T. relictus Magrini, Quéinnec & Vigna Taglianti, 2012 and T. rotundicollis (Basilewsky, 1974). Cothresia robini Basilewsky, 1974 is considered a junior synonym of T. chillalicus Jeannel, 1936. A key to all species known to occur in the Bale Mts and adjacent volcanos is presented.
Twenty-two new species of the genus Eviulisoma Silvestri, 1910, from the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania, are described: E. acaciae sp. nov., E. aequilobatum sp. nov., E. akkariae sp. nov., E. angulatum sp. nov., E. articulatum sp. nov., E. biquintum sp. nov., E. breviscutum sp. nov., E. cetafi sp. nov., E. chitense sp. nov., E. commelina sp. nov., E. coxale sp. nov., E. ejti sp. nov., E. grumslingslak sp. nov., E. kalimbasiense sp. nov., E. navuncus sp. nov., E. nessiteras sp. nov., E. ottokrausi sp. nov., E. paradisiacum sp. nov., E. sternale sp. nov. and E. zebra sp. nov. from the Udzungwa Mts, E. culter sp. nov. from the Rubeho Mts and E. kangense sp. nov. from the Kanga Mts. Eviulisoma kwabuniense Kraus, 1958, and E. dabagaense Kraus, 1958, both from the Udzungwa Mts, are redesribed based on new material. Notes are provided on E. iuloideum (Verhoeff, 1941) based on type material. Eoseviulisoma Brolemann, 1920, is synonymized under Eviulisoma, based on newly collected material of E. julinum (Attems, 1909), type species of Eoseviulisoma. New material of Suohelisoma ulugurense Hoffman, 1964, type species of Suohelisoma Hoffman, 1964, has revealed that the gonopod structure is more similar to that of Eviulisoma than originally thought, but Suohelisoma is retained as a valid genus. Four species groups are recognized among Eviulisoma species from the Udzungwa Mts, but the need for a revision of the entire genus is emphasized. Two types of epizootic fungi are recorded from Eviulisoma spp., and an enigmatic amorphous mass, which may be a kind of plugging substance, is recorded from the gonopod tips and excavated sixth sternum of several species.
A new genus of jumping spiders, Bavirecta gen. nov. is proposed to include the type species B. flavopuncta gen. et sp. nov. and Bavirecta exilis (Cao et al., 2016) gen. et comb. nov. Distinguishing characters of Bavirecta gen. nov. include: 1) tubular abdomen, 2) enlarged front legs, 3) straight and
pointed embolus, broadest proximal lobe with black blotches, 4) prolateral tegular lobe, 5) widely separated anterior atria. Furthermore, two new species, Schenkelia aurantia sp. nov. (♂♀) and Brancus calebi (♂) sp. nov., are described and diagnosed. Mogrus frontosus (Simon, 1871) is redescribed based on a male collected from Mandaitivu Island of Jaffna District in Sri Lanka. The genera Brancus Simon, 1902, Mogrus Simon, 1882 and Schenkelia Lessert, 1927 are reported for the first time from Sri Lanka
(Brancus and Schenkelia are recorded for the first time outside Africa).
The systematic position of Tonza Walker, 1864 is re-evaluated, based on the characteristics of immature stages and DNA barcodes. Larvae and pupae of Tonza citrorrhoa Meyrick, 1905 are described and illustrated for the first time. Larvae of this species form a loose web among the leaves and branches of the host plant, Putranjiva matsumurae Koidz. (Putranjivaceae Endl.). The immature stages of Tonza exhibit four unique apomorphies including: in the larva, the prolegs on A5 and A6 absent, and the seta L2 on the A1–A8 very small; in the pupa, four minute knobs are positioned in the middle portion on abdominal segments V and VI; while its caudal processes possess a W-shaped spine with numerous minute spines. These characteristics clearly distinguish Tonza from other yponomeutoid families and hence, we propose a new family group name, Tonzidae Kobayashi & Sohn fam. nov., for the genus Tonza. Existing DNA barcode data suggest a relationship with Glyphipterigidae Stainton, 1854. The family level status of Tonzidae fam. nov. provides a hypothesis that needs to be tested with larger molecular data.
The new genus Phasmomantella gen. nov. is created to accommodate the new species P. nuichuana gen. et sp. nov. described from five adult females from Núi Chúa National Park in southern Central Vietnam. A second species, Phasmomantella pallida (Roy, 2001) gen. et comb. nov., is transferred from Euchomenella where it was originally described based on a single male specimen from the Nha Trang region in the Khánh Hòa Province. Phasmomantella gen. nov. is placed in the tribe Euchomenellini of the subfamily Deroplatyinae. A comprehensive diagnosis and detailed descriptions are presented along with high-resolution photographs, measurements and a distribution map. The standardised measurements are illustrated and a new key is proposed for the tribe Euchomenellini. The unique biogeography and habitats of the collection site within Núi Chúa National Park are discussed in the light of possible endemism and importance for nature conservation.
Four new species of Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) Brauer, 1870 from the Atlantic forest are diagnosed, described and illustrated. All of them have a small mesal sclerite and a set of spines, differing in size, density and position, on the inner face of the inferior appendage. Moreover, tergum IX varies mostly in the shape of the posterior margin. Four species are described as new for science. Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) copacabana sp. nov. is distinguished mainly by the projected basoventral margin of the inferior appendage, the spines are clustered in two regions and the quadrate posterior region of tergum IX. Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) maracanan sp. nov is differentiated by the inferior appendage, with a strongly angled apical region of 90º. Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) redentor sp. nov. differs by the inferior appendage, with a linear row of thick spines, and the tergum IX, with a posterior margin forming smoothly rounded lobes. Xiphocentron (Antillotrichia) tijuca sp. nov. is diagnosed by the subbasal region of the preanal appendage, which is markedly projected medially, and by the inferior appendage, which is thin subapically, enlarged apically and strongly bent dorsad.
Cestodes (Platyhelminthes) from Australian birds from the South Australian Museum collections were studied with a focus on common endemic terrestrial hosts. Despite the variable state of preservation of the examined worms, we could identify several new taxa, including Sobolevitaenia whittingtoni sp. nov. and Spiniglans beveridgei sp. nov. (Dilepididae) in Corvus mellori Mathews, 1912 (Corvidae); Notopentorchis musealis sp. nov. (Paruterinidae) in Hirundapus caudacutus (Latham, 1801) (Apodidae); Monopylidium australiense sp. nov. (Dilepididae) in Menura novaehollandiae Latham, 1801 (Menuridae); Dictymetra gerganae sp. nov. (Dilepididae) in Podargus strigoides (Latham, 1802) (Podargidae); Dictymetra longiuncinata sp. nov. in Esacus magnirostris (Vieillot, 1818) (Burhinidae) and Cracticotaenia adelaidae sp. nov. (Metadilepididae) in Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1801) (Artamidae) and Corcorax melanorhamphos (Vieillot, 1817) (Corcoracidae). Several other presumably new taxa that cannot be fully described are also reported. This diversity found in common hosts suggests the presence of a rich, and presently almost completely unknown, fauna of cestode parasites in Australian birds. As field collection permits allowing to explore this fauna are extremely difficult to obtain, this is a demonstration of the usefulness of museum collections to describe at least part of it.
It appeared necessary to undertake a redescription of Laophontodes typicus T. Scott, 1894, but with the absence of the type specimen, several additional individuals collected from a number of regions were studied. The specimens chosen were from the western coast of Sussex and the Scottish Firth of Forth (UK), the Skjerstad fjord (Norway), the Patagonian continental slope (Chile) and the Great Meteor Seamount (subtropical north-eastern Atlantic Ocean). All specimens examined had been previously determined as L. typicus and deposited in the collections of renowned research institutions.
However, detailed morphological comparison revealed that only the Sussex material can be assigned to L. typicus; the remaining specimens represent distinct species whose original assignment to L. typicus was erroneous, due to a morphological ambiguity. Thus, the current status of L. typicus must be regarded as a species complex. The Sussex material enabled a detailed redescription of L. typicus. Additionally, five new species are described, namely L. scottorum sp. nov., L. sarsi sp. nov., L. gertraudae sp. nov., L. monsmaris sp. nov. and L. norvegicus sp. nov. They exhibit some morphological similarity, but equally present discrete characters justifying their establishment as distinct taxa. The descriptions are
accompanied by a detailed discussion that explains the justification of the splitting of L. typicus.
Representatives of the subgenus Helochares (s. str.) Mulsant, 1844 of China are revised. One new species, H. (s. str.) songi sp. nov., is described from Guangxi, China. All species known from China are redescribed. A diagnosis and a differential diagnosis are provided for each species. Helochares
fuliginosus d’Orchymont, 1932 is recorded for the first time from China and Cambodia. Additional distribution records of H. atropiceus Régimbart, 1903 and H. pallens (MacLeay, 1825) are provided from China. The habitus and aedeagus of all species are illustrated, and a key for the identification of Chinese species of the subgenus is provided.
In this article, the subgenus Canthon (Goniocanthon) Pereira & Martínez, 1956 is diagnosed within the tribe Deltochilini Lacordaire, 1856 and redefined with three species: 1) C. (Goniocanthon) bicolor Castelnau, 1840, from the Guyanas and northern South America, included for the first time in this subgenus; 2) C. (G.) smaragdulus (Fabricius, 1781), including two subspecies, C. (G.) smaragdulus smaragdulus, senior synonym of Canthon speculifer Castelnau, 1840 (neotype here designated), from the southern portion of the Atlantic Forest and C. (G.) smaragdulus subviridis Schmidt stat. rev. (lectotype here designated) from the northern portion of the Atlantic Forest; 3) C. (G.) fulgidus Redtenbacher, 1868, which includes three subspecies, C. (G.) fulgidus fulgidus from the southern Amazon (lectotype here designated), C. (G.) fulgidus martinezi subsp. nov., from the central and southern Amazon and C. (G.) fulgidus pereirai subsp. nov., from the western Amazon.
We present records of 99 Odonata species from the Réserve Naturelle des Gorilles de Lésio-Louna (RNGLL) in the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) collected during a short survey from 14 January to 01 February 2017. It is the first systematic Odonata inventory for the RNGLL and for the Congolese part of the species-rich Batéké Plateau. A short introduction is given about the existing knowledge of dragonflies and damselflies from the country. Amongst the recorded species eight are new for the country list, raising it to at least 208 species. Some of the recorded species are endemic and characteristic for sandy streams and rivers of the Batéké Plateau. The potential diversity of the plateau in comparison to other regions of the country is discussed.
A total of 20 Odonata species were recorded from 15 water bodies (3 natural water bodies and 12 manmade reservoirs) in a desert landscape west of the Namak Lake in the northwest of the Central Plateau of Iran, from 27 May to 20 June, 2017. The study area included Qom province and the northern part of Esfahan province (34.07 to 35.14 N, 51.33 to 50.89 E). For Qom province, 17 out of 18 species found are new provincial records. In addition Selysiothemis nigra, Orthetrum chrysostigma and Orthetrum taeniolatum are new findings for Esfahan province. The species around the manmade reservoirs are characterized by a broad ecological amplitude ("generalists") while species assemblages of natural water bodies consisted of more sensitive species. In the arid climate of central part of Iran, manmade reservoirs are major habitats for Odonata species. Although these reservoirs have increased the amount of habitat for generalist species, they do not foster sensitive and specialist species. Furthermore, considering the more intense droughts predicted for these areas in the future, and the current scenario of environmental degradation, some sensitive species may be in danger of local extinction.
A record of male and female specimens of Sinolestes editus Needham, 1930 collected in Dak Hro village (14°19'45'' N, 108°24'23'' E, alt. 1,420m a.s.l.), Dak Roong Commune, K’Bang District, Gia Lai Province, Central Highlands of Vietnam is present with a detailed description of the morphology of these two specimens.
More Odonata found at the Cardamonean foothills in Koh Kong Province of Cambodia in 2014-2018
(2018)
Still unpublished data on Odonata of the coastal foothills of the Cardamom Mts. in Koh Kong Province, SW Cambodia obtained in 2014-2018 are provided. Tetrathemis flavescens Kirby, 1889 is for the first time reported for Cambodia and Risiophlebia guentheri Kosterin, 2015 for SW Cambodia. The photographic records from this area of Gynacantha basiguttata Selys, 1882, Gynacantha demeter Ris, 1911, Heliaeschna crassa Krüger, 1899, Amphithemis curvistyla Selys, 1891 and Pornothemis serrata Krüger, 1902 have been confirmed by specimens. The known local faunas of two neighbouring rivulets in Koh Kong Province, rich in Odonata, are updated and summarised.
Records of Odonata from Gunung Melatai, Nanga Gaat and the Kastima Logging area, all in Sarawak’s Kapit Division, are presented. The most notable records are of Matronoides cyaneipennis Förster, 1897 and Heliogomphus blandulus Lieftinck, 1929. A distribution map for Matronoides cyaneipennis and updated distribution maps for three species from the Coeliccia borneensisgroup are given. Tentative identifications to species of previously published records of Idionyx females are given. The genus Heliogomphus in Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore is reviewed and a simple one marker molecular analysis is presented for the genus in this region. Based on reexamination of specimens from the genus and the molecular results, an additional member of the genus is reported from Borneo: H. sp. cf olivaceus Lieftinck, 1961. Although both morphological and molecular results remain incomplete, it does appear likely that there is at least one more species of Heliogomphus present in Borneo than has been recognised until now, and that H. borneensis Lieftinck, 1964 may be a junior synonym of H. kelantanensis (Laidlaw, 1902).
Macromidia genialis buusraaensis subspecies nova (Odonata, Synthemisidae s.l.) from eastern Cambodia
(2018)
Macromidia genialis buusraaensis subspecies nova is described from 10 males and 2 females from three localities of Mondulkiri Province, the eastern Cambodia (the type locality: a brook downstream Buu Sraa Waterfall 12°34' N 107°25' E). The new subspecies is close to M. g. shanensis Fraser, 1927 and differs from it by an additional, and the broadest, yellow spot on S7. It is partly syntopic with Macromidia rapida Martin, 1907. A brief overview of the current knowledge of the genus Macromidia Martin, 1907 is provided.
Results of a brief examination of the spring aspect of Odonata at the Abrau Peninsula and some nearby localities on 2127th May 2018 are presented. Lestes dryas and Caliaeschna microstigma are reported for the Peninsula for the first time, revealing the world northernmost record of the latter. Some old data of Odonata at Novorossiysk and some recent erroneous data on the Krasnodarskiy Kray are referenced and discussed. The known Odonata fauna of the Abrau Peninsula reaches 38 species.
The Odonata found during work on the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in Tropical Agriculture (BEFTA) Project in Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia are reported. Prior to the BEFTA project we are only aware of published records of 37 species of Odonata from Riau Province (these are listed in an appendix). Seventy five species have been recorded during the BEFTA project, including five that have not (Archibasis incisura, Archibasis rebeccae and Pseudagrion williamsoni), or not definitely (Argiocnemis species and Mortonagrion species cf aborense), been recorded in Sumatra before. Macromia dione is recorded for the first time since its description. The number of species now known from Riau Province is 88; 51 of these are reported from the province for the first time here.
We present an annotated list of 28 Odonata species (19 Anisoptera, 9 Zygoptera) from Timor Island based on 464 records via photographs and 56 specimens held in collections at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia and the Museum Wiesbaden, Germany. Additionally 43 records of eight species (7 Anisoptera, 1 Zygoptera) from Rote Island and one record from Romang were reported. Most Timorese records are from Oecusse Special Administrative Region/Timor-Leste, a region which to date was "terra incognita". Further records from Timor-Leste are predominantly from Lautem Municipality and Baucau Municipality as well as from the Indonesian Kupang Regency. Four species are new records for Timor Island increasing the checklist to 40 species: Brachythemis contaminata (Fabricius, 1793), Tholymis tillarga (Fabricius, 1798), Gynacantha sp. cf. dobsoni Fraser, 1951and Ischnura aurora (Brauer, 1865). We provide the first photographs of live Nososticta impercepta Seehausen & Theischinger, 2017 as well as some descriptions of habitats in Oecusse. At Rote Island five species were reported for the first time as well: Brachythemis contaminata, Crocothemis servilia (Drury, 1773), Rhyothemis phyllis (Sulzer, 1776), Macrodiplax cora (Brauer, 1867) and Potamarcha congener (Rambur, 1842). The record of Orthetrum testaceum (Burmeister, 1839) from Romang Island appears to be the first Odonata documented from this island. The status of Rhyothemis phyllis is discussed with regard to the ssp. ixias Lieftinck, 1953 from the islands of Sumba and Flores. We provide distribution maps of each species as well as suggestions for targeted field research in the future. All historical records of Nososticta selysii (Förster, 1896) from Timor are now assigned to Nososticta impercepta.
Divergent selection between ecologically dissimilar habitats promotes local adaptation, which can lead to reproductive isolation (RI). Populations in the Poecilia mexicana species complex have independently adapted to toxic hydrogen sulfide and show varying degrees of RI. Here, we examined the variation in the mate choice component of prezygotic RI. Mate choice tests across drainages (with stimulus males from another drainage) suggest that specific features of the males coupled with a general female preference for yellow color patterns explain the observed variation. Analyses of male body coloration identified the intensity of yellow fin coloration as a strong candidate to explain this pattern, and common-garden rearing suggested heritable population differences. Male sexual ornamentation apparently evolved differently across sulfide-adapted populations, for example because of differences in natural counterselection via predation. The ubiquitous preference for yellow color ornaments in poeciliid females likely undermines the emergence of strong RI, as female discrimination in favor of own males becomes weaker when yellow fin coloration in the respective sulfide ecotype increases. Our study illustrates the complexity of the (partly non-parallel) pathways to divergence among replicated ecological gradients. We suggest that future work should identify the genomic loci involved in the pattern reported here, making use of the increasing genomic and transcriptomic datasets available for our study system.
As adapter molecules to convert the nucleic acid information into the amino acid sequence, tRNAs play a central role in protein synthesis. To fulfill this function in a reliable way, tRNAs exhibit highly conserved structural features common in all organisms and in all cellular compartments active in translation. However, in mitochondria of metazoans, certain dramatic deviations from the consensus tRNA structure are described, where some tRNAs lack the D- or T-arm without losing their function. In Enoplea, this miniaturization comes to an extreme, and functional mitochondrial tRNAs can lack both arms, leading to a considerable size reduction. Here, we investigate the secondary and tertiary structure of two such armless tRNAs from Romanomermis culicivorax. Despite their high AU content, the transcripts fold into a single and surprisingly stable hairpin structure, deviating from standard tRNAs. The three-dimensional form is boomerang-like and diverges from the standard L-shape. These results indicate that such unconventional miniaturized tRNAs can still fold into a tRNA-like shape, although their length and secondary structure are very unusual. They highlight the remarkable flexibility of the protein synthesis apparatus and suggest that the translational machinery of Enoplea mitochondria may show compensatory adaptations to accommodate these armless tRNAs for efficient translation.
The gecko genus Phyllopezus is distributed mainly along South America’s "Dry Diagonal" (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco). The genus has been the subject of recent taxonomic analyses and includes four described species and seven candidate species referred to here as Phyllopezus pollicaris sensu lato. In Paraguay, Phyllopezus is known from the Chaco and Cerrado where it is abundant, and also from a small isolated population from a rocky hill formation named "Cordillera de Los Altos" (Los Altos mountain range). Here we analyzed genetic samples from across its range, including new samples from Paraguay, using DNA barcoding analysis of the mitochondrial 16S gene and phylogenetic analyses using both Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods. We found genetic and morphological differences among geckos from the Los Altos mountain range and the remaining Phyllopezus populations. Using both molecular and morphological evidence we describe a new Phyllopezus species, sister to P. przewalskii. Genetic differentiation among described and putative Phyllopezus species is greater than their morphological differences, which likely accounts for these cryptic taxa remaining undescribed for so long.
The kinorhynch species Echinoderes levanderi Karling, 1954 is redescribed. The species can now be recognized by the presence of spines in middorsal positions on segments 4–8, and in lateroventral positions on segments 6–9, with lateroventral spines on segment 9 showing sexual dimorphism; tubes in subdorsal and ventrolateral positions on segment 2, in sublateral positions on segments 4 and 8, in lateroventral positions on segment 5, and in laterodorsal positions on segment 10. Furthermore, the enlarged sieve plates on segment 9 make the species highly characteristic. New records of the species extend its distributional range into the Bothnian Bay where the bottom water salinity drops below 5 ppt, which is the lowest salinity recorded for a habitat with kinorhynchs.
The South American genus Phantasca Redtenbacher, 1906 (Phasmatodea: Diapheromeridae: Diapheromaerinae) is re-diagnosed and revised at the species level. The precedingly unknown eggs are described for the first time. The genus Pterolibethra Günther, 1940 (type species: P. heteronemia Günther, 1940) is re-synonymised, with Phantasca (syn. nov.) and consequently the two species originally contained, P. heteronemia Günther, 1940 and P. poeciloptera Günther, 1940, are transferred to Phantasca (comb. rev.). P. laeta Conle, Hennemann & Gutierréz, 2011 is not congeneric and is transferred to the genus Jeremiodes Hennemann & Conle, 2007 (Cladomorphinae: Cladomorphini; comb. nov.). Two species are removed from Bacteria Berthold, 1827 and transferred to Phantasca; these are B. quadrilobata Chopard, 1911 and B. montana Redtenbacher, 1906 (comb. nov.). Six new species are described: P. adiposa sp. nov., P. amabile sp. nov., P. femorata sp. nov., P. guianensis sp. nov., P. nigrolineata sp. nov. and P. ruboligata sp. nov. The male and egg of P. quadrilobata (Chopard, 1911) are described and illustrated for the first time. The genus now contains 13 species that are distributed throughout the northern half of South America. A key as well as detailed descriptions and illustrations are presented for all known species.
Taxonomic revision of Brasiloniscus (Oniscidea, Pudeoniscidae) with description of a new species
(2018)
The Neotropical genus Brasiloniscus, erected by Lemos de Castro (1973), is revised and validated herein. The genus was originally described including two species, B. maculatus and B. verrucosus, but no type species was designated. According to § 13 of ICZN (1999) the name of the genus is therefore unavailable. Both species are redescribed, and B. maculatus is designated as the type species of the genus. The genus name will thus be available for the systematics of Oniscidea. In addition, a new species, B. littoralis gen. et sp. nov., is described based on material from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest from the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Climatic variables have been the main predictors employed in ecological niche modeling and species distribution modeling, although biotic interactions are known to affect species’ spatial distributions via mechanisms such as predation, competition, and mutualism. Biotic interactions can affect species’ responses to abiotic environmental changes differently along environmental gradients, and abiotic environmental changes can likewise influence the nature of biotic interactions. Understanding whether and how to integrate variables at different scales in ecological niche models is essential to better estimate spatial distributions of species on macroecological scales and their responses to change. We report the leaf beetle Eurypedus nigrosignatus as an alien species in the Dominican Republic and investigate whether biotic factors played a meaningful role in the distributional expansion of the species into the Caribbean. We evaluate ecological niche models built with an additive gradient of unlinked biotic predictors—host plants, using likelihood-based model evaluation criteria (Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion) within a range of regularization multiplier parameter values. Our results support the argument that ecological niche models should be more inclusive, as selected biotic predictors can improve the performance of models, despite the increased model complexity, and show that biotic interactions matter at macroecological scales. Moreover, we provide an alternative approach to select optimal combination of relevant variables, to improve estimation of potential invasive areas using global minimum model likelihood scores.
All giraffe (Giraffa) were previously assigned to a single species (G. camelopardalis) and nine subspecies. However, multi‐locus analyses of all subspecies have shown that there are four genetically distinct clades and suggest four giraffe species. This conclusion might not be fully accepted due to limited data and lack of explicit gene flow analyses. Here, we present an extended study based on 21 independent nuclear loci from 137 individuals. Explicit gene flow analyses identify less than one migrant per generation, including between the closely related northern and reticulated giraffe. Thus, gene flow analyses and population genetics of the extended dataset confirm four genetically distinct giraffe clades and support four independent giraffe species. The new findings support a revision of the IUCN classification of giraffe taxonomy. Three of the four species are threatened with extinction, and mostly occurring in politically unstable regions, and as such, require the highest conservation support possible.
Don't poke the bear : using tracking data to quantify behavioural syndromes in elusive wildlife
(2018)
Animal personality traits and the emergence of behavioural syndromes, i.e. between-individual correlation of behaviours, are commonly quantified from behavioural observations in controlled environments. Subjecting large and elusive wildlife to controlled test situations is, however, rarely possible, suggesting that ecologists should exploit alternative measures of behaviours for quantifying differences between individuals. Our goal was to test whether movement and space use data can be used to quantify behavioural syndromes in the wild. We quantified six behaviours from GPS and dual motion sensor tracking devices of 46 adult female brown bears followed in southcentral Sweden over the summer and early autumn. As well as daily travel distance, an indicator for activity, and daily displacement, an indicator for exploration, we quantified four behaviours that increase a bear's likelihood of encountering humans and could thus serve as indicators for boldness: diurnality, selection for roads and selection for two open habitat types, bogs and clearcuts, with low lateral cover. We tested (1) whether behaviours showed repeatable between-individual variation (animal personality) and (2) whether behaviours were correlated between individuals and thus formed a behavioural syndrome. Repeatability of behaviours ranged from 0.16 to 0.61 confirming between-individual variation in movement, activity and space use. A multivariate mixed model revealed significant positive correlations between travel distance, displacement and diurnality, suggesting the existence of an activity–exploration and potentially partial boldness syndrome in our bear population. Selection for exposed or human-frequented habitats were uncorrelated with the activity–exploration syndrome and with each other, albeit there was a trend for stronger road avoidance by bears that readily used clearcuts. We show that large tracking data sets can be used to quantify between-individual correlation in spatial behaviours. We suggest that delineating behavioural types from wildlife tracking data will be of increasing interest because of the importance of animal personality for ecological processes, wildlife conservation and human–wildlife coexistence.
On track
(2018)
In the second issue of the seventh volume of this journal it almost seems that our prayers expounded in the previous editorial were heard. Fourteen students and researchers from Germany came to explore six of the Cabo Verde Islands and found 18 new records of terrestrial species compared to those listed by Arechavaleta et al. (2005). These new records include the first observations of several species for some of these islands and further new observations for Cabo Verde. We refer to the first article entitled ‘Additions to the checklist of terrestrial biodiversity of Cabo Verde’. We hope this will motivate other research groups to bring more students to this archipelago on field trips.
Cabo Verde is a unique biogeographical region, where by mixing temperate and tropical characteristics an unusually high number of endemic species are reported. Cephalopods are central pieces of trophic networks worldwide, interacting as predator/ prey and competing with fish for ecological niches. We aimed to assess how the topography, prey availability, and predatory pressure of the Desertas Islands shaped the behaviour and ecology of the existing Octopus vulgaris population. Visual census (both underwater and on tidal rock pools) were performed on Santa Luzia Island (20 days) and Raso Islet (eight days). Octopus vulgaris individuals were found only in intertidal areas, during low tide, and mean population morphometry averaged 35.6 ± 10.4 cm (total length) and 175.0 ± 53 g (wet weight). The markedly reduced size of O. vulgaris, only partly explainable by Bergmann’s rule, and exclusion from subtidal areas, appears to have been mainly driven by severe predatory pressure and strong inter-specific competition for limited habitat niches. The induced behavioural and morphometric alterations may be the product of developmental plasticity, or have arisen from deeper genetic alterations, which would portray a potential speciation phenomenon of octopus’ populations residing on Cabo Verde’s Desertas Islands.
Pinna rudis Linnaeus, 1758 (Bivalvia: Pinnidae) has an Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution. Habitat degradation is considered the main cause of population declines in the recent past, raising the conservation status of the species to the category of vulnerable in some places. Population dynamics studies of P. rudis are still necessary to fully understand its conservation requirements. Moreover, new methods of individual data collection should be developed as individuals are highly sensitive to extraction and manipulation. In the present study, we propose a non-invasive method to collect P. rudis morphometric data in situ. For this, we sampled 900 m2 of the sea bed at Matiota Beach on São Vicente Island, Cabo Verde Archipelago, and collected 18 individuals to compute the relationship between shell length and width. The regression equation between the parameters allowed us to estimate the total size of 59 P. rudis individuals obtained from the beach. The non-invasive method adopted allowed determination of the total size of the individuals without removing them from the substratum and, thereby, allowing the comparative study of the species in different zones.
Based on six weeks spent in the field on six Cabo Verdean Islands in September/ October 2016 and 2017, we present 18 additions to the checklist of terrestrial biodiversity of the archipelago (ten arthropods, one bird, two fungi, and five flowering plants). Four of them are first records for Cabo Verde, the others for particular islands. Most interesting are the apple of Sodom fruit fly Dacus longistylus, perhaps actively introduced for biocontrol of the toxic apple of Sodom tree and the additions to the distribution of several bee species of the genera Amegilla, Megachile, and Xylocopa. Our observations indicate that the biodiversity of Cabo Verde is still incompletely known and more fieldwork is needed.
The West African region possesses one of the largest knowledge gaps in the distribution and taxonomy of all species, especially inconspicuous ones. This work presents one of the few bat studies ever carried out in the Cabo Verde Islands. Knowledge on the distribution of the seven species recorded in this remote archipelago is still very scarce and with very low resolution (many at island level), so new records are expectable and invaluable for the establishment of conservation policies. A review on the scattered and digitally unavailable (due to the old date of publication) knowledge of the Cabo Verde bat fauna with the first bat records for two islands and new occurrence data for two species on three islands is presented. It is expected that this work can constitute a reference for future bat works in the region, while providing acoustic data that can easily be updated upon future taxonomic revisions.
Untapped potential
(2018)
This first number of the seventh volume of Zoologia Caboverdiana is focussed on two groups of organisms that remain largely understudied in Cabo Verde. We are namely referring to mammals, both terrestrial and aquatic, and to terrestrial invertebrates. Two original articles and a short note, by authors from five different nationalities, including Cabo-Verdean, consolidate the vitality of this peer-reviewed journal.
Of the circa 25 species of butterfly species occurring in the Cabo Verde Archipelago, only one species is endemic: Chilades evorae (Lycaenidae). The species was reared by the authors and colour photographs of the early stages of this species are presented for the first time. The host-plants on the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, and Santa Luzia are illustrated with photographs. The butterfly is reported from Raso for the first time, together with a potential host-plant. A tachinid fly species Cadurciella sp. parasitising C. evorae is also reported.
Gervais’ beaked whale Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais, 1855) is restricted to the Atlantic Ocean. Although most records are from the North Atlantic, it is probably continuously distributed in deep warm waters around the equator (Mead 1989, Norman & Mead 2001). Its occurrence in West Africa is poorly known, as records are rare. It is classified as Data Deficient (Taylor et al. 2008).
The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is distributed in Europe, North America, and Siberia and mainly infests cervids as roe deer, fallow deer, and moose. From a one health perspective, deer keds occasionally bite other animals or humans and are a potential vector for Bartonella schoenbuchensis. This bacterium belongs to a lineage of ruminant-associated Bartonella spp. and is suspected to cause dermatitis and febrile diseases in humans. In this study, we analyzed the microbiome from 130 deer keds collected from roe deer, fallow deer and humans in the federal states of Hesse, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Brandenburg, Germany. Endosymbiontic Arsenophonus spp. and Bartonella spp. represented the biggest portion (~90%) of the microbiome. Most Bartonella spp. (n = 93) were confirmed to represent B. schoenbuchensis. In deer keds collected from humans, no Bartonella spp. were detected. Furthermore, Acinetobacter spp. were present in four samples, one of those was confirmed to represent A. baumannii. These data suggest that deer keds harbor only a very narrow spectrum of bacteria which are potentially pathogenic for animals of humans.
Effects of seasonal or daily temperature variation on fitness and physiology of ectothermic organisms and their ways to cope with such variations have been widely studied. However, the way multivoltines organisms cope with temperature variations from one generation to the next is still not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the multivoltine midge Chironomus riparius Meigen (1803) responds mainly via acclimation as predicted by current theories or whether rapid genetic adaptation is involved. To investigate this issue, a common garden approach has been applied. A mix of larvae from five European populations was raised in the laboratory at three different pre‐exposure temperatures (PET): 14, 20, and 26°C. After three and five generations, respectively, larvae were exposed to three treatment temperatures (TT): 14, 20, and 26°C. Mortality was monitored for the first 48 hr and after emergence. After three generations, significant mortality rate differences depended on an interaction of PET and TT. This finding supports the hypothesis that chironomids respond rapidly to climatic variation via adaptive mechanisms and to a lesser extent via phenotypic plasticity. The result of the experiment indicates that three generations were sufficient to adapt to warm temperature, decreasing the mortality rate, highlighting the potential for chironomids to rapidly respond to seasonally changing conditions.
Blow flies are worldwide the most important insects from a forensic point of view. In Thailand, aside from the two most common species, Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), Chrysomya chani Kurahashi was also found to be of forensic importance. We present a case of a human female cadaver in its bloated stage of decomposition, discovered at Pachangnoi Subdistrict, northern Thailand. Entomological sampling during the autopsy displayed an assemblage of numerous dipteran larvae. Macroscopic observations showed the coexistence of third instar larvae of the three blow flies C. megacephala, Chrysomya villeneuvi Patton, an unknown blow fly species and one muscid, Hydrotaea sp. The minimum post-mortem interval was estimated to be six days, based on the developmental rate of C. megacephala. The ID of the unknown larva, which is the focus of this report, was revealed later as C. chani by DNA sequencing, using a 1205 bp of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). The occurrence of C. chani on a human body revealed the need to analyse and describe the morphology of its immature stage, to enable forensic entomologists to identify this fly species in future cases. The morphological examination of the third instar was performed, revealing peculiar characteristics: protuberant tubercles encircling abdominal segments; 9–11 lobes on the anterior spiracle; six prominent pairs of tubercles along the peripheral rim of the eighth abdominal segment; a heavily sclerotized complete peritreme of the posterior spiracles. A key to differentiate the third instar of blow flies of forensic importance in Thailand is provided.
Four species of true crocodile (genus Crocodylus) have been described from the Americas. Three of these crocodile species exhibit non-overlapping distributions—Crocodylus intermedius in South America, C. moreletii along the Caribbean coast of Mesoamerica, and C. rhombifer confined to Cuba. The fourth, C. acutus, is narrowly sympatric with each of the other three species. In this study, we sampled 113 crocodiles across Crocodylus populations in Cuba, as well as exemplar populations in Belize and Florida (USA), and sequenced three regions of the mitochondrial genome (D-loop, cytochrome b, cytochrome oxidase I; 3,626 base pair long dataset) that overlapped with published data previously collected from Colombia, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Phylogenetic analyses of these data revealed two, paraphyletic lineages of C. acutus. One lineage, found in the continental Americas, is the sister taxon to C. intermedius, while the Greater Antillean lineage is most closely related to C. rhombifer. In addition to the paraphyly of the two C. acutus lineages, we recovered a 5.4% estimate of Tamura-Nei genetic divergence between the Antillean and continental clades. The reconstructed paraphyly, distinct phylogenetic affinities and high genetic divergence between Antillean and continental C. acutus populations are consistent with interspecific differentiation within the genus and suggest that the current taxon recognized as C. acutus is more likely a complex of cryptic species warranting a reassessment of current taxonomy. Moreover, the inclusion, for the first time, of samples from the western population of the American crocodile in Cuba revealed evidence for continental mtDNA haplotypes in the Antilles, suggesting this area may constitute a transition zone between distinct lineages of C. acutus. Further study using nuclear character data is warranted to more fully characterize this cryptic diversity, resolve taxonomic uncertainty, and inform conservation planning in this system.
GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH1) governs de novo synthesis of the enzyme cofactor, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), which is essential for biogenic amine production, bioactive lipid metabolism and redox coupling of nitric oxide synthases. Overproduction of BH4 via upregulation of GCH1 in sensory neurons is associated with nociceptive hypersensitivity in rodents, and neuron‐specific GCH1 deletion normalizes nociception. The translational relevance is revealed by protective polymorphisms of GCH1 in humans, which are associated with a reduced chronic pain. Because myeloid cells constitute a major non‐neuronal source of BH4 that may contribute to BH4‐dependent phenotypes, we studied here the contribution of myeloid‐derived BH4 to pain and itch in lysozyme M Cre‐mediated GCH1 knockout (LysM‐GCH1−/−) and overexpressing mice (LysM‐GCH1‐HA). Unexpectedly, knockout or overexpression in myeloid cells had no effect on nociceptive behaviour, but LysM‐driven GCH1 knockout reduced, and its overexpression increased the scratching response in Compound 48/80 and hydroxychloroquine‐evoked itch models, which involve histamine and non‐histamine dependent signalling pathways. Mechanistically, GCH1 overexpression increased BH4, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, and these changes were associated with increased release of histamine and serotonin and degranulation of mast cells. LysM‐driven GCH1 knockout had opposite effects, and pharmacologic inhibition of GCH1 provided even stronger itch suppression. Inversely, intradermal BH4 provoked scratching behaviour in vivo and BH4 evoked an influx of calcium in sensory neurons. Together, these loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments suggest that itch in mice is contributed by BH4 release plus BH4‐driven mediator release from myeloid immune cells, which leads to activation of itch‐responsive sensory neurons.
The bluebottle blow fly Calliphora vicina is a common species distributed throughout Europe that can play an important role as forensic evidence in crime investigations. Developmental rates of C. vicina from distinct populations from Germany and England were compared under different temperature regimes to explore the use of growth data from different geographical regions for local case work. Wing morphometrics and molecular analysis between these populations were also studied as indicators for biological differences. One colony each of German and English C. vicina were cultured at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Frankfurt, Germany. Three different temperature regimes were applied, two constant (16°C & 25°C) and one variable (17–26°C, room temperature = RT). At seven time points (600, 850, 1200, 1450, 1800, 2050, and 2400 accumulated degree hours), larval lengths were measured; additionally, the durations of the post feeding stage and intrapuparial metamorphosis were recorded. For the morphometric and molecular study, 184 females and 133 males from each C. vicina population (Germany n = 3, England n = 4) were sampled. Right wings were measured based on 19 landmarks and analyzed using canonical variates analysis and discriminant function analysis. DNA was isolated from three legs per specimen (n = 61) using 5% chelex. A 784 bp long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was sequenced; sequences were aligned and phylogenetically analyzed. Similar larval growth rates of C. vicina were found from different geographic populations at different temperatures during the major part of development. Nevertheless, because minor differences were found a wider range of temperatures and sampling more time points should be analyzed to obtain more information relevant for forensic case work. Wing shape variation showed a difference between the German and English populations (P<0.0001). However, separation between the seven German and English populations at the smaller geographic scale remained ambiguous. Molecular phylogenetic analysis by maximum likelihood method could not unambiguously separate the different geographic populations at a national (Germany vs England) or local level.
Scholars have debated the taxonomic identity of isolated primate teeth from the Asian Pleistocene for over a century, which is complicated by morphological and metric convergence between orangutan (Pongo) and hominin (Homo) molariform teeth. Like Homo erectus, Pongo once showed considerable dental variation and a wide distribution throughout mainland and insular Asia. In order to clarify the utility of isolated dental remains to document the presence of hominins during Asian prehistory, we examined enamel thickness, enamel-dentine junction shape, and crown development in 33 molars from G. H. R. von Koenigswald's Chinese Apothecary collection (11 Sinanthropus officinalis [= Homo erectus], 21 “Hemanthropus peii,” and 1 “Hemanthropus peii” or Pongo) and 7 molars from Sangiran dome (either Homo erectus or Pongo). All fossil teeth were imaged with non-destructive conventional and/or synchrotron micro-computed tomography. These were compared to H. erectus teeth from Zhoukoudian, Sangiran and Trinil, and a large comparative sample of fossil Pongo, recent Pongo, and recent human teeth. We find that Homo and Pongo molars overlap substantially in relative enamel thickness; molar enamel-dentine junction shape is more distinctive, with Pongo showing relatively shorter dentine horns and wider crowns than Homo. Long-period line periodicity values are significantly greater in Pongo than in H. erectus, leading to longer crown formation times in the former. Most of the sample originally assigned to S. officinalis and H. erectus shows greater affinity to Pongo than to the hominin comparative sample. Moreover, enamel thickness, enamel-dentine junction shape, and a long-period line periodicity value in the “Hemanthropus peii” sample are indistinguishable from fossil Pongo. These results underscore the need for additional recovery and study of associated dentitions prior to erecting new taxa from isolated teeth.
In the period 18th – 31st May 2017, 33 localities were examined for Odonata in the Central Zagros area of Iran: 16 in Markazi Province, 14 in Lorestan Province and 3 in Esfahan Province; in 27 of those localities Odonata were found, 25 species in total. For Markazi Province, only one species, Calopteryx splendens, was previously reported (and also found by us), so of 17 species found there 16 are formally new provincial records (Epallage fatime, Lestes barbarus, Coenagrion ornatum, C. persicum, Enallagma cyathigerum, Ischnura elegans, I. intermedia, I. pumilio, Platycnemis kervillei, Anax imperator, Anaciaeschna isoceles, Caliaeschna microstigma, Libellula depressa, Onychogomphus lefebvrii, Orthetrum brunneum, Sympetrum fonscolombii). Of 17 species
found in Lorestan, 5 are new for this province (L. barbarus, Aeshna mixta, Orthetrum taeniolatum, Sympetrum arenicolor, S. striolatum). Only two species were seen in Esfahan Province, in which little time was spent. Notes on variation and taxonomy are provided for Sympecma paedisca, C. ornatum (considered to be a senior synonym of C. vanbrinkae because of variation in the presumed main diagnostic character), E. cyathigerum, I. elegans, Gomphus schneideri (including discussion of G. amseli), as well as notes on habitats of most species and the general characteristics of the area.
Biological invasions are frequently studied topics in ecological research. Unfortunately, within invasion ecology parasite-associated aspects such as parasite impacts on new environments and on local host populations are less well-studied. Round gobies migrating from the Ponto-Caspian region into the Rhine River system are heavily infested with the Ponto-Caspian acanthocephalan parasite Pomphorhynchus laevis. As shown by experimental infestations the acanthocephalans occur as pre-adults in host-encapsulated cysts within the internal organs of the migrating gobies, but remain infective for their definitive host chub. Recently, we described the occurrence of larvae of another parasite, the invasive eel swim bladder nematode Anguillicola crassus, in these Pomphorhynchus cysts. In the present study, we could prove the infectivity of the nematode larvae for European eels for the first time. After experimental inoculation of Pomphorhynchus cysts occasionally infested with A. crassus larvae, the nematodes grow to maturity and reproduce whereas all P. laevis were unviable. We therefore postulate that the nematode larvae behave like immunological hitchhikers that follow a “Trojan horse strategy” in order to avoid the paratenic host’s immune response. Accordingly, the interaction between both invasive parasites gives first evidence that the invasional meltdown hypothesis may also apply to parasites.
New field sampling was carried out in June 2011 in northern Moldova, the most unstudied area in the Republic of Moldova. A total of 19 Odonata species was recorded during a field trip, with Libellula fulva and Gomphus flavipes new for Moldova. The presence of species of European concern is discussed. Photos of all visited habitats are included. The fauna of Moldova mostly consists of species which are able to survive in biotopes with high anthropogenic pressure.
We describe three new species of damselflies from streams draining into Lake Kutubu in Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. They are Drepanosticta johncanni sp. nov. (Platystictidae), Pseudagrion parafarinicolle sp. nov. (Coenagrionidae) and Wahnesia kutubuensis sp. nov. (Argiolestidae). Diagnostic characters of the males and, where available of the females, are illustrated and the probable affinities of the new species are discussed.
A catalogue of all types of subfamilies Protoneurinae and Disparoneurinae currently housed in the entomological collection of the Museum für Naturkunde − Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science in Berlin (Germany) is presented. It includes current status of the familygroup, genusgroup and speciesgroup names, transcriptions of data labels and references to the original descriptions.
Records of Odonata from the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary (LEWS) in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo are presented. Previous records of Odonata from LEWS are critically examined. One hundred and ten species have been recorded within the sanctuary, including three that have yet to be found outside (Drepanosticta adenani, Telosticta iban and "Elattoneura" mauros); records of four more species are regarded as in need of confirmation, those of another six are incorrect. In addition to the three species only known from LEWS, other notable records include: Drepanosticta sbong, Dysphaea lugens, Euphaea sp. cf basalis, Pericnemis kiautarum, Burmagomphus insularis, Gomphidia caesarea, Merogomphus species, Phaenandrogomphus safei, Macromia callisto and Idionyx montana. A fresh illustration of the anal appendages of Drepanosticta sbong in lateral view is provided to make up for inaccuracies in the original illustration. The taxonomy of Phaenandrogomphus safeii is briefly discussed. Zygonyx errans Lieftinck, 1953 is considered a subspecies of Z. ida not Z. iris Additional records from areas adjacent to LEWS are given in an appendix.
Sympetrum fonscolombii is for the first time reported for Tuva (Tyva Republic, Russia), as found in the UbsuNur Depression. New data are provided on Odonata of the Turan or TuranUyuk Depression of Tuva, including the first record of Somatochlora exuberata in Tuva beyond the Todzha Depression and Coenagrion armatum, C. ecornutum, Aeshna juncea, A. grandis, Somatochlora graeseri and Libellula quadrimaculata for the first time reported for the Turan Depression. New distributional data and comments on Ophiogomphus spinicornis Selys, 1878 are added. Somatochlora alpestris found at Lake Oyskoe is for the first time reported for the southern Krasnoyarskiy Kray.
An odonatological survey, based on sighting and photographic documenting, was conducted in Palawan and in Cuyo Island. Ten species were found in Cuyo Island raising the number of known species from five to eleven. There are six additions to the Cuyo Island fauna: Agriocnemis f. femina, Ischnura senegalensis, Pseudagrion microcephalum, Brachydiplax c. chalybea, Neurothemis fluctuans and Neurothemis t. terminata. The occurrence of Coeliccia boettcheri, known from Cuyo, but not recorded during this survey, is discussed in some detail. Forty species were recorded in Palawan. Four new additions to the Palawan fauna were recorded: Lestes p. praemorsus, Pseudagrion microcephalum, Xiphiagrion cyanomelas, and Anax guttatus. Neurobasis daviesi, a rare calopterygid damselfly endemic in Palawan, was encountered at the northern side of Cleopatra Needle during the survey.
Nine species of Navasoleon (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Nemoleontini) are recognized in the present work with the description of seven new species: N. amazonas Stange, N. brasiliensis Miller, N. egeri Stange, N. lithophilus Miller, N. lotti Stange, N. tarsalis Miller, and N. venezolanus Stange. Navasoleon bosqui (Navás) is designated a nomen dubium. A key to the species is provided as well as to the genera of Nemoleontini with closing pretarsal claws. The larvae of two species are described and keyed with biological notes. Biological data presented in Miller and Stange (1985), erroneously attributed to N. bolivianus (Banks), has now been corrected to N. lithophilus. Included in this treatise are 71 color photographs including photos of male and female terminalia, male genitalia, and two species of larvae.
A new species of leaf insect, Phyllium (Phyllium) letiranti Cumming and Teemsma, new species (Phasmida: Phylliidae), is described from a series of males, females, and eggs from Peleng Island, Indonesia. This new species is the first record of the family Phylliidae on the island and is here differentiated from congeners. Keys to males, females, and eggs of the Phyllium species of Sulawesi and Peleng islands are included within.
Behavioural traits of individual homing pigeons, Columba livia f. domestica, in their homing flights
(2018)
Homing tracks of two groups of pigeons, Columba livia f. domestica, were analyzed in view of difference between individual birds and correlations between characteristic variables, looking at the initial phase while the pigeons were still at the release site, and the homing phase separately. Individual birds differed significantly in their flying speed during the initial phase, and one pigeon tended to stay longer at the release site than the others. There were no significant differences in steadiness and efficiency, indicating that all pigeons homed equally well. Differences in correlation dimension, a variable reflecting the complexity of the navigational process, reflect differences in the use of navigational information, with one bird apparently using less complex information than others. The flying speed during the initial phase was positively correlated with the flying speed during the homing phase. During the homing phase, the steadiness of flight and the efficiency of homing were closely correlated, and both tended to be positively correlated with the correlation dimension, suggesting that birds that use more complex navigational information home more efficiently.
Himalopsyche Banks, 1940 (Trichoptera, Rhyacophilidae) is a genus of caddisflies inhabiting mountain and alpine environments in Central and East Asia and the Nearctic. Of 53 known species, only five species have been described previously in the aquatic larval stage. We perform life stage association using three strategies (GMYC, PTP, and reciprocal monophyly) based on fragments of two molecular markers: the nuclear CAD, and the mitochondrial COI gene. A total of 525 individuals from across the range of Himalopsyche (Himalayas, Hengduan Shan, Tian Shan, South East Asia, Japan, and western North America) was analysed and 32 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in our dataset delimited. Four distinct larval types of Himalopsyche are uncovered, and these are defined as the phryganea type, japonica type, tibetana type, and gigantea type and a comparative morphological characterisation of the larval types is presented. The larval types differ in a number of traits, most prominently in their gill configuration, as well as in other features such as setal configuration of the pronotum and presence/absence of accessory hooks of the anal prolegs.
Eastern boundary upwelling provides the conditions for high marine productivity in the Canary Current System off NW-Africa. Despite its considerable importance to fisheries, knowledge on this marine ecosystem is only limited. Here, parasites were used as indicators to gain insight into the host ecology and food web of two pelagic fish species, the commercially important species Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758, and Nealotus tripes Johnson, 1865. Fish specimens of T. lepturus (n = 104) and N. tripes (n = 91), sampled from the Canary Current System off the Senegalese coast and Cape Verde Islands, were examined, collecting data on their biometrics, diet and parasitisation. In this study, the first parasitological data on N. tripes are presented. T. lepturus mainly preyed on small pelagic Crustacea and the diet of N. tripes was dominated by small mesopelagic Teleostei. Both host species were infested by mostly generalist parasites. The parasite fauna of T. lepturus consisted of at least nine different species belonging to six taxonomic groups, with a less diverse fauna of ectoparasites and cestodes in comparison to studies in other coastal ecosystems (Brazil Current and Kuriosho Current). The zoonotic nematode Anisakis pegreffii occurred in 23% of the samples and could pose a risk regarding food safety. The parasite fauna of N. tripes was composed of at least thirteen species from seven different taxonomic groups. Its most common parasites were digenean ovigerous metacercariae, larval cestodes and a monogenean species (Diclidophoridae). The observed patterns of parasitisation in both host species indicate their trophic relationships and are typical for mesopredators from the subtropical epi- and mesopelagic. The parasite fauna, containing few dominant species with a high abundance, represents the typical species composition of an eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem.
In the insect brain, the mushroom body is a higher order brain area that is key to memory formation and sensory processing. Mushroom body (MB) extrinsic neurons leaving the output region of the MB, the lobes and the peduncle, are thought to be especially important in these processes. In the honeybee brain, a distinct class of MB extrinsic neurons, A3 neurons, are implicated in playing a role in learning. Their MB arborisations are either restricted to the lobes and the peduncle, here called A3 lobe connecting neurons, or they provide feedback information from the lobes to the input region of the MB, the calyces, here called A3 feedback neurons. In this study, we analyzed the morphology of individual A3 lobe connecting and feedback neurons using confocal imaging. A3 feedback neurons were previously assumed to innervate each lip compartment homogenously. We demonstrate here that A3 feedback neurons do not innervate whole subcompartments, but rather innervate zones of varying sizes in the MB lip, collar, and basal ring. We describe for the first time the anatomical details of A3 lobe connecting neurons and show that their connection pattern in the lobes resemble those of A3 feedback cells. Previous studies showed that A3 feedback neurons mostly connect zones of the vertical lobe that receive input from Kenyon cells of distinct calycal subcompartments with the corresponding subcompartments of the calyces. We can show that this also applies to the neck of the peduncle and the medial lobe, where both types of A3 neurons arborize only in corresponding zones in the calycal subcompartments. Some A3 lobe connecting neurons however connect multiple vertical lobe areas. Contrarily, in the medial lobe, the A3 neurons only innervate one division. We found evidence for both input and output areas in the vertical lobe. Thus, A3 neurons are more diverse than previously thought. The understanding of their detailed anatomy might enable us to derive circuit models for learning and memory and test physiological data.
Background: Chrysomya megacephala is a blow fly species of medical and forensic importance worldwide. Understanding its bionomics is essential for both designing effective fly control programs and its use in forensic investigations.
Methods: The daily flight activity, seasonal abundance related to abiotic factors (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) and reproductive potential of this species was investigated. Adult flies were sampled twice a month for one year from July 2013 to June 2014 in three different ecotypes (forest area, longan orchard and palm plantation) of Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, using semi-automatic funnel traps. One-day tainted beef offal was used as bait.
Results: A total of 88,273 flies were sampled, of which 82,800 flies (93.8%) were caught during the day (from 06:00 to 18:00 h); while 5473 flies (6.2%) were caught at night (from 18:00 to 06:00 h). Concurrently, the abundance of C. megacephala was higher in the forest area (n = 31,873; 36.1%) and palm plantation (n = 31,347; 35.5%), compared to the longan orchard (n = 25,053; 28.4%). The number of females was significantly higher than that of males, exhibiting a female to male sex ratio of 2.36:1. Seasonal fluctuation revealed the highest abundance of C. megacephala in summer, but low numbers in the rainy season and winter. Fly density was significantly positively correlated with temperature, but negatively correlated with relative humidity. No correlation between numbers of C. megacephala with rainfall was found. Activity occurred throughout the daytime with high numbers from 06:00 to 18:00 h in summer and 12:00 to 18:00 h in the rainy season and winter. As for the nocturnal flight activity, a small number of flies were collected in summer and the rainy season, while none were collected in the winter. Dissection of the females indicated that fecundity was highest during the rainy season, followed by winter and summer.
Conclusions: Since the assessment of daily, seasonal activity and the reproductive potential of C. megacephala remains a crucial point to be elucidated, this extensive study offers insights into bionomics, which may be considered for integrated fly control strategies and forensic entomology issues.
Synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling enables ongoing transmitter release, even during prolonged activity. SV membrane and proteins are retrieved by ultrafast endocytosis and new SVs are formed from synaptic endosomes (large vesicles—LVs). Many proteins contribute to SV recycling, e.g., endophilin, synaptojanin, dynamin and clathrin, while the site of action of these proteins (at the plasma membrane (PM) vs. at the endosomal membrane) is only partially understood. Here, we investigated the roles of endophilin A (UNC-57), endophilin-related protein (ERP-1, homologous to human endophilin B1) and of clathrin, in SV recycling at the cholinergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of C. elegans. erp-1 mutants exhibited reduced transmission and a progressive reduction in optogenetically evoked muscle contraction, indicative of impaired SV recycling. This was confirmed by electrophysiology, where particularly endophilin A (UNC-57), but also endophilin B (ERP-1) mutants exhibited reduced transmission. By optogenetic and electrophysiological analysis, phenotypes in the unc-57; erp-1 double mutant are largely dominated by the unc-57 mutation, arguing for partially redundant functions of endophilins A and B, but also hinting at a back-up mechanism for neuronal endocytosis. By electron microscopy (EM), we observed that unc-57 and erp-1; unc-57 double mutants showed increased numbers of synaptic endosomes of large size, assigning a role for both proteins at the endosome, because endosomal disintegration into new SVs, but not formation of endosomes were hampered. Accordingly, only low amounts of SVs were present. Also erp-1 mutants show reduced SV numbers (but no increase in LVs), thus ERP-1 contributes to SV formation. We analyzed temperature-sensitive mutants of clathrin heavy chain (chc-1), as well as erp-1; chc-1 and unc-57; chc-1 double mutants. SV recycling phenotypes were obvious from optogenetic stimulation experiments. By EM, chc-1 mutants showed formation of numerous and large endosomes, arguing that clathrin, as shown for mammalian synapses, acts at the endosome in formation of new SVs. Without endophilins, clathrin formed endosomes at the PM, while endophilins A and B compensated for the loss of clathrin at the PM, under conditions of high SV turnover.
Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Palearctic lady beetle that has become established in North America, is reported for the first time from the state of Iowa, U.S.A. The earliest specimen of H. variegata from Iowa was collected in 2009, with two subsequent specimens in 2012. Collection records of an advancing, non-native species like H. variegata are important for determining comparative rates of geographic spread across various regions and understanding its invasion dynamics.