Phylogeny of scolopendromorph centipedes (Chilopoda): morphological analysis featuring characters from the peristomatic area

Alternative schemes for the higher‐level systematics of the centipede order Scolopendromorpha have been established from characters of trunk segmentation, including the segmental position of spiracles, and the presence or absence of eyes. A comparative survey of the preoral chamber by light and scanning electron microscopy contributes 16 new characters of the epipharynx and hypopharynx, sampled from 26 species that represent 20 genera. These new data together with 49 additional morphological characters permit cladistic analysis of the major scolopendromorph groups. The shortest cladograms resolve blind Scolopendromorpha as a basal grade within which a clade now classified as Plutoniuminae + Scolopocryptopidae (supported by unreversed characters from the preoral chamber) is sister to the remaining scolopendromorphs. A unique row of bullet‐shaped sensilla between the labral and clypeal parts of the epipharynx provides a new autapomorphy of the Scolopendromorpha. Either 21 or 23 trunk segments optimize at the base of the Scolopendromorpha but in either case homoplasy is forced on the cladogram. New characters from the epipharynx give additional support for the monophyly of several traditional groupings, including Cryptopinae, Scolopendridae, Otostigmini, and Scolopendrini, and a basal resolution of Asanadini within Scolopendridae. Of the two competing hypotheses for the position of the enigmatic Mediterranean Plutonium zwierleini—being either sister to the cryptopid Theatops or sister to all other Scolopendromorpha—the former hypothesis is strongly supported; spiracles on all trunk segments in Plutonium are homoplastic with the state in Geophilomorpha. Observations on feeding behaviour are needed to illuminate convergence in characters of the epipharynx and mandible in Edentistoma (Otostigminae) and Campylostigmus (Scolopendrini). © The Willi Hennig Society 2008.     

Phylogeny of Henicopidae (Chilopoda: Lithobiomorpha): a combined analysis of morphology and five molecular loci

Abstract. Relationships in Henicopidae, the dominant southern temperate clade of Lithobiomorpha, are appraised based on parsimony analysis of forty-nine morphological characters and sequence data from five loci (nuclear ribosomal RNAs 18S and 28S, mitochondrial ribosomal RNAs 12S and 16S, protein-coding mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I). A combined analysis of these data used direct character optimization, and tested stability of hypotheses through parameter-sensitivity analysis. The morphology dataset highlighted the mandibles as a source of new characters. Morphology, as well as the most congruent parameters for the sequence data and combined analysis, resolved Zygethobiini within Henicopini. Groups retrieved by combined analysis of the sequences and combination with morphology for all parameters include Anopsobiinae/Henicopinae, Lamyctes + Lamyctinus + Henicops , Paralamyctes ( Paralamyctes ), and a clade that groups the southeastern Australian/New Zealand Paralamyctes ( Haasiella ) and P . ( Thingathinga ). Paralamyctes (including Haasiella ) is a Gondwanan clade in the most congruent cladograms based on all molecular data and combination with morphological data. Biogeographic analysis of subtrees for Paralamyctes resolved the interrelationships of Gondwana as (Patagonia ((New South Wales + southeastern Queensland) ((Tasmania) (southern Africa + India) (New Zealand + north Queensland)))).     

Phylogenetic analysis of Myxophaga (Coleoptera) using larval characters

A phylogenetic parsimony analysis of fifty-four larval characters of Myxophaga (excluding Lepiceridae) resulted in two minimal length cladograms. The monophyly of Torridincolidae, Hydroscaphidae and Microsporidae is supported by several autapomorphies: miniaturization, flattened body with laterally extended tergites, broadened head, scale-like surface structures, broad tentorial bridge, disc-shaped labral sensilla, spiracular gills and pupation in the last larval exuviae. Hydroscaphidae are the sister group of Microsporidae. Larvae of both families are characterized by semi-entognathous mouthparts, tergites with posterior rows of lancet-shaped setae, claws with flattened basal spines and balloon-shaped spiracular gills. The monophyly of all families is supported by autapomorphies. Torridincolidae excluding Delevea is defined as a monophylum by four derived character states: body ovoid, thorax semicircular and as long as abdomen, labral sensilla fused and abdominal sternite IX distinctly reduced and triangular. The monophyly of Torridincolinae (sensu Endrödy-Younga 1997b) is supported by two autapomorphies. The proposed branching pattern suggests that the early representatives of Myxophaga (excluding Lepiceridae) were living in aquatic conditions with a preference for hygropetric habitats. The tendency to live on rocks in running water and miniaturization have played an important role in myxophagan evolution.     

Taxonomic significance of spine morphology in the echinoid genera Diadema and Echinothrix

Abstract. The spine morphology of all established species of Diadema and Echinothrix, including 2 color morphs of E. calamaris, were examined externally and internally via transverse sectioning to identify diagnostic species features and to assess the morphological relationship between species. Forty‐nine different morphological characters were measured and analysed using ordination by multi‐dimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis. Specimens of Diadema paucispinum and D. setosum had very distinct spine structures. In D. paucispinum, the spines were more robust than those of other species of Diadema. This was evident in the spine's internal structure, with large, closely packed solid wedges, a small axial cavity, and rings of trabeculae throughout the spine's length. The spines in D. setosum were distinctive because of their length in relation to test size and the reduced flaring of their verticillations. The spines of other members of this genus were very similar to each other. Without careful sectioning, the spines from specimens of D. antillarum, D. ascensionis, D. mexicanum and D. savignyi were difficult to differentiate. The internal structures of spines for each species did, however, possess a combination of features that differentiated the species. Such features included the shape, orientation, and number of solid wedges, the presence or absence of spokes and rings of trabeculae between the solid wedges, and the presence or absence of tissue within the axial cavity. Individuals of Diadema palmeri also had spines morphologically similar to other species, however, the red pigmentation of these spines (in life and when preserved) made them easily distinguishable. The spine structures of the 2 species of Echinothrix were starkly different, while the white and brown color morphs of E. calamaris had morphologically distinctive ambulacral and interambulacral spines. The blunt, open‐tipped interambulacral spines, with reticular tissue present in the axial cavity of the white color morph, were easily distinguished from the pointed, closed‐tipped spines, with a hollow axial cavity found in the brown color morph. Such differences indicate that the brown color morph is either a subspecies or a separate species. Taken together the data show that each species has significant morphological differences in the structure of the spines. It is evident from our data that spine morphology is a useful tool to differentiate these commonly confused species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chelidoperca tosaensis</Emphasis>, a new species of perchlet (Serranidae) from Japan and the Philippines,with geographic range extension of <Emphasis Type="Italic">C</Emphasis>. <Emphasis Type="Italic">stella</Emphasis> to the northwestern Pacific Ocean

Chelidoperca tosaensis is described as a new species based on 84 specimens from Japan and the Philippines taken from depths of 60–302 m. The species can be distinguished from all known congeners by having the following combination of characters: scale rows between lateral line and base of spinous dorsal fin 3; pored lateral-line scales 37–42 (modally 39); scale rows in longitudinal series 39–43 (modally 40); no longitudinal dark stripe or row of dark blotches on body side. The new species is additionally characterized by having a combination of numerous, scattered, yellow spots on dorsal and anal fins with red streak or cluster of reddish spots over bases of about 4–6th dorsal-fin spines; large ocellated red spot with pinkish white border present on membrane between opercular spines; pelvic fin with middle area yellow with whitish spine, and whitish first, second and fifth soft rays; caudal fin with about three transverse rows of yellow spots centrally and posteriorly, two fan-shaped rows of red blotches on basal third, and a pair of white blotches with a pair of yellow blotches between white blotches on the base. Diagnostic characters of Chelidoperca stella, previously known only from its type locality in the Andaman Sea, are updated based on 12 specimens from Taiwan, the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam and the Philippines. These specimens represent the first records of the species from the Pacific Ocean.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Geotrupidae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) based on larvae

Abstract. Thirty‐eight characters derived from the larvae of Geotrupidae (Scarabaeoidea, Coleoptera) were analysed using parsimony and Bayesian inference. Trees were rooted with two Trogidae species and one species of Pleocomidae as outgroups. The monophyly of Geotrupidae (including Bolboceratinae) is supported by four autapomorphies: abdominal segments 3–7 with two dorsal annulets, chaetoparia and acanthoparia of the epipharynx not prominent, glossa and hypopharynx fused and without sclerome, trochanter and femur without fossorial setae. Bolboceratinae showed notable differences with Pleocomidae, being more related to Geotrupinae than to other groups. Odonteus species (Bolboceratinae s.str.) appear to constitute the closest sister group to Geotrupinae. Polyphyly of Bolboceratinae is implied by the following apomorphic characters observed in the ‘Odonteus lineage’: anterior and posterior epitormae of epipharynx developed, tormae of epipharynx fused, oncyli of hypopharynx developed, tarsal claws reduced or absent, plectrum and pars stridens of legs well developed and apex of antennal segment 2 with a unique sensorium. A ‘Bolbelasmus lineage’ is supported by the autapomorphic presence of various sensoria on the apex of the antennal segment, and the subtriangular labrum (except Eucanthus). This group constituted by Bolbelasmus, Bolbocerosoma and Eucanthus is the first evidence for a close relationship among genera, but more characters should be analysed to test the support for the clade. A preliminary classification at tribe level of Geotrupinae is suggested as follows: Chromogeotrupini (type genus Chromogeotrupes), Lethrini (type genus Lethrus), Taurocerastini (type genus Taurocerastes) and Geotrupini (type genus Geotrupes). Some ecological facts of Geotrupidae evolution could also be explained by the present results, such as those related to diet and nesting behaviour. Both coprophagy and male–female co‐operation in nesting appear as derived traits.     

Plectranthias ryukyuensis,a new species of perchlet from the Ryukyu Islands,Japan, with a key to the Japanese species of Plectranthias (Serranidae: Anthiadinae)

A new perchlet, Plectranthias ryukyuensis, is described on the basis of four specimens (41.2–61.6 mm standard length: SL) from the Okinawa Islands, Japan. Plectranthias ryukyuensis can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: X, 15 or 16 dorsal-fin rays; 14 pectoral-fin rays, all unbranched; lateral line complete, with 29 or 30 pored scales; 3 scale rows above lateral line; 5 or 6 diagonal rows of large scales on cheek between eye and corner of preopercle; preopercle with two antrorse spines on ventral margin, 20–29 serrae on posterior margin; margins of subopercle and interopercle with a few serrae (weak in large individuals); minute flaps at tips of first to ninth dorsal-fin spines; caudal fin shallowly emarginate, with some ray branches distinctively elongated past fin margin; fourth dorsal-fin spine longest, its length 110.6–128.6% that of third spine; body pinkish-white with two longitudinal rows of irregular orange-red blotches on upper half of lateral surface when fresh (rows close together in smaller than ca. 50 mm SL), blotches interconnecting anteriorly on upper and lower rows, and posterior half of lower row; four faint orange-red vertical bands below lateral line on posterior half of body and two distinct yellow blotches on cheek in fresh specimens; body uniformly yellowish-brown with two longitudinal rows of irregular dark blotches on upper half of lateral surface in preserved specimens (faint in small specimens). A key to the Japanese species of Plectranthias is given.     

Adding mitochondrial sequence data (16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to the phylogeny of centipedes (Myriapoda: Chilopoda): an analysis of morphology and four molecular loci

Relationships within Chilopoda (centipedes) are assessed based on 222 morphological characters, complete 18S rRNA sequences for 70 chilopod terminals, the D3 region of 28S rRNA for 65 terminals, 16S rRNA sequences for 54 terminals and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences for 45 terminals. Morphological and molecular data for seven orders of Diplopoda are used to root cladograms for Chilopoda. Analyses use direct character optimization for 15 gap and substitution models. The Pleurostigmophora and Epimorpha s.l. hypotheses are largely stable to parameter variation for the combined data; the latter clade is formalized as the new taxon Phylactometria. The combined data include parameter sets that support either the monophyly of Epimorpha s.str. (=Scolopendromorpha + Geophilomorpha) or Craterostigmus + Geophilomorpha; the former derives its support from morphology and the nuclear ribosomal genes. Monophyly of Lithobiomorpha and the sister group relationship between Lithobiidae and Henicopidae are stable for morphological and combined data, and are also resolved for the molecular data for 14 of 15 parameter sets. The fundamental split in Scolopendromorpha is between Cryptopidae and Scolopendridae sensu Attems. Blind scolopendromorphs unite as a clade in most molecular and combined analyses, including those that minimize incongruence between data partitions. Geophilomorpha divides into Placodesmata and Adesmata under nine of 15 explored parameter sets.     

Diplaxine popovae gen. et sp. n., a new representative of the family Axinidae Unnithan, 1957 (Monogenoidea)]

A new species belonging to a new genus of Monogenoidea was found on the gills of Euleptorhamphus viridis from the Indian Ocean. The opisthohaptor of the new genus consists of two medially overlapping rows of clamps situated on a double fold along the oblique posterior margin of the body. Clamp are of Microcotyle type, their springs having accessory pieces. Three pairs of larval hooks are present. The genital atrium is armed with three groups of spines. The first group comprises spines surrounding the female aperture; the second one surrounds the cirrus in an incomplete circle; the third group consists of two lateral groups of spines arising from two muscular pad-like structures. Vagina armed with a chitionous spine opens on the right-hand side which is longer than the left-hand one. Behind the U-shaped ovarium vitellaria merge in an undifferentiated mass and completely cover the branches of the intestine and the testes. The new genus is close to the genera Chlamydaxine Unnithan, 1957 and Axine Abildgaard, 1794 differing from the former by an armed genital atrium and from the latter by two medially overlapping rows of clamps.     

西藏东南部棘蛙属一新种记述(两栖纲：蛙科)

对产于西藏东南部察隅和墨脱的察隅棘蛙通过形态特征和数值分类作了进一步比较研究,结果认为：产于察隅的察隅棘蛙是一个有效种,而产于墨脱的标本应为一个新种,即墨脱棘蛙Paa medogensis sp.nov.。     

Morphology and morphogenesis of a new marine ciliate, Apokeronopsis bergeri nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida), from the Yellow Sea, China

The morphology and morphogenesis of a new marine hypotrich ciliate, Apokeronopsis bergeri nov. spec., collected from mussel-farming waters near Qingdao, China, are described from living and protargol-impregnated specimens. This ciliate has characteristics that place it in the family Pseudokeronopsidae, namely, two long rows of frontal cirri (bicorona), which are continuous with the long midventral rows, and a single row of marginal cirri on each side of the body. It shares with its only congener, Apokeronopsis crassa, the long rows of buccal and transverse cirri and the wide spacing between the midventral rows of cirri. These characters separate the genus Apokeronopsis from Pseudokeronopsis, which has a single buccal cirrus, fewer transverse cirri and midventral rows of cirri arranged in a typical zig-zag pattern. A. bergeri differs from A. crassa in its shape, colour and in the numbers of membranelles and transverse cirri. Although morphogenesis in A. bergeri is similar to that of A. crassa in most respects, the mode of formation of the buccal cirri is slightly different. The close relationship of A. bergeri with A. crassa, and the more distant relationship with three Pseudokeronopsis species, is supported by a comparison of the sequences of their ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA regions.     

波纹盘肠溞(甲壳纲、双甲目)的重新描述及其生态学资料

波纹盘肠溞(Chydorus undulatus Chiang,1963)系蒋燮治1定名的枝角类新种。其主要特征是壳瓣腹缘内面具有双行排列整齐的拱型下陷。标本采集于1956年8月,祇在青海省的隔湖、倒淌河及其附近的沼地等很少处所发现。二十余年来尚未见他处报道。中国动物志已将这种枝角类列为我国的特有种2,甚至是青藏高原的特产种1。       

Three new species of Fissarcturus (Isopoda, Antarcturidae) from the Southern Ocean

Fissarcturus bathyweddellensis sp. nov. and Fissarcturus sandwichi sp. nov. are described from the abyssal Southern Ocean near the Antarctic Peninsula and Fissarcturus rossi sp. nov. is described from the shallow Ross Sea. A list of all described species of Fissarcturus is given. The new species differ from recognized species of the genus in the following respects: F. bathyweddellensis can be distinguished based on spination on the dorsum of the body, which is described in detail herein. It is most similar to F. emarginatus Brandt, 1990, but this has, for example, a shorter and less stout second cephalic spine. F. rossi can also be distinguished from F. bathyweddellensis based on spine pattern. Whereas all dorsal spines of F. bathyweddellensis are smooth, those of F. rossi are covered with spinules. F. sandwichi can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by the strong frontally bent supraocular spines (females with second cephalic spines) and dorsal body surface, which is covered with flat, cauliflower-like elevations in submedial, lateral and coxal rows.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 149 , 263–290.     

Form and Function of the Primary Spines of Two Bathyal Echinothuriid Sea Urchins

The appearance, in situ activity and structure of the primary spines of the two deep sea echinothuriid sea urchins Phormosoma placenta and Araeosoma belli are described with particular reference to the unusual, fleshy, aboral spines. Oral primary spines of both species are clearly but differently adapted for movement over soft substrata. The aboral spines of both species bear fleshy extensions which are composed of gelatinous material in both species and are not poison sacs. Field experiments showed that the fleshy parts of the aboral spines of P. placenta are palatable to shallow-water fish. However, the aboral spines are shown to have stored within the hollow ossicle of the spine secretory material likely to be irritant in function. The structure of the tip of the spine ossicle of both species suggests that they may act like hypodermic needles. We conclude that the aboral spines of both species are probably defensive in function but remain equivocal over the exact role of the massive fleshy extensions found in P. placenta. Other possible non-defensive functions are briefly discussed.     

Fine structure of the organ of attachment of the teleost, Garra gotyla gotyla (Ham)

We describe the morphology of the attachment organ (AO) of the teleost, Garra gotyla gotyla (Cyprinidae). It is located ventrally around the mouth opening and used by the species for attachment to submerged rocks in sub-Himalayan streams and rivers where it lives. The AO consists of three crescentic parts and a central callus part. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the former to possess numerous tubercles, each of which bears about 23–27 curved spines. Light microscopy shows the epidermis of the tuberculated parts to possess one type of cell arranged into 7–8 rows. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals these cells to contain abundant tonofilaments (hence called the filament cells). The epidermis of the callus part possesses the filament cells and additionally mucous cells, which are absent in the tuberculated parts. The superficial epidermis is apparently keratinized (thickness: 5–8 μm), and a part of the cells of the outer row is modified into spines. These cells show a thick plasma membrane envelope and possess mucous granules (diameter: 0.1–0.3 μm) and bundles of tonofilaments. The cells of the inner two to four rows possess similar organelles and additionally, prominent Golgi bodies and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistochemically, the cells of the outer row and the spines stain positively for cytokeratin. The cells of the innermost rows (five to eight) possess few tonofilaments and no mucous granules. It is evident that the filament cells of the mid- to upper epidermis are specialized for the production of mucous granules and tonofilaments, which is unique for the teleost epidermis concerned. It appears that the tuberculated parts with spines assist in anchorage and interlocking with the substratum, while the central callus part probably utilizes both suction and frictional mechanisms, and mucous secretion protects the spines from damage during anchorage and abrasion.     

A longstanding entomological problem finally solved? Head morphology of Nannochorista (Mecoptera,Insecta) and possible phylogenetic implications

External and internal head structures of Nannochorista species were examined and described in detail. The characters are discussed with regard to their functional and phylogenetic implications. The structure of the mouthparts indicates that adults of Nannochorista feed on fluids. The loss of the mandibular muscles and the precerebral pharyngeal dilators are presumptive autapomorphies of the genus. A possible clade comprising Nannomecoptera, Siphonaptera and Diptera is supported by the presence of a labral food channel, the absence of the galea, a sheath for the paired mouthparts formed by the labium, very strongly developed labial palp muscles and cibarial dilators, and the presence of a well‐defined postcerebral pharyngeal pumping chamber. Closer affinities of Nannomecoptera with Diptera are suggested by the presence of a unique sensorial groove on the third maxillary palpomere. Further potential synapomorphies are the presence of a frontal apodeme and a primarily lamelliform mandible without teeth. The presence of a salivary channel on the laciniae and a subdivided labrum are shared derived features of Nannochorista and Siphonaptera. A derived condition present in Mecoptera including Boreidae but excluding Nannochoristidae is the secretion with a strongly developed intrinsic muscle of the salivary duct. The loss of the lateral labral retractor, the cranial muscle of the cardo, and of two of the three premental retractors, and the absence of transverse epipharyngeal muscles are potential autapomorphies of Antliophora. The formation of a maxillolabial complex is a possible synapomorphy of Hymenoptera and Mecopterida.     

Algal blooms of the toxigenic diatom Pseudo-Nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in the Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica

Water samples were collected during a red tide event in November 2001, near San Lucas Island (Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica). Superficial temperature was 27 degrees C and water was turbid, with no fetid smell. One sample was treated with negative staining and observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM); another sample was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples had high concentrations of the diatom Pseudo-Nitzschia pungensf pungens (characterized by two rows of poroids in the external channel), and lower concentrations of Skeletonema costatum (chains joined by external microtubules) and Chaetoceros lorenzianus (oval apertures and long chains, having setae with distinctive transverse rows and spines). This is the first time that the first species was described producing red tides in Costa Rica. However, reports about red tides with high concentration of species like P. pungens (variety multiseries) are increasing. These species have been related to the production of domoic acid, a low molecular weight amino acid which in humans can cause amnesic intoxications with seafood. Previously, Costa Rican reports of toxic accidents only referred to seafood contaminated with Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum and Gymnodinium catenatum dinoflagellates. The increase in the number of Pseudo-Nitzschia causing harmful algae blooms is of interest for scientists around the world and must be documented. Similarly, some Chaetoceros species have been reported to be harmful to fish. We strongly recommend the establishment of a permanent surveillance program monitoring the presence of these species new at Costa Rican Pacific coast. Since the amnesic toxin is soluble in water and heat-resistant, we want to stress the possibility of having human cases of amnesic intoxication.