Stomatocysts of Mallomonas hamata and M. heterospina (Mallomonadaceae, Synurophyceae) from South Swedish lakes

The stomato cysts of Mallomonas hamata and M. heterospina are described from lakes in South Sweden. These Mallomonas species develop cysts of similar appearance, size and form. Cyst formation for Mallomonas hamata was recorded at temperature 10–11°C and pH 5.9 and for M. heterospina at temperatures 4.2–11°C and pH 7.4. The cysts of M. hamata and M. heterospina are ovoid and easy to recognize, even with light microscopy, but difficult to distinguish from another. Thus their value as paleoindicators is limited, even if the two species have preference for waters of different nutrient and pH status.     

Mallomonas fuegiana (Synurophyceae), a new species of silica scaled chrysophytes from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Vigna, M. S. & Kristiansen, J. 1995. Mallomonas fuegiana (Synurophyceae), a new species of silica scaled chrysophytes from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. — Nord. J. Bot. 15: 439–442. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
During the research project "Cryptogamic Flora of Tierra del Fuego", a new species of Mallomonas has been found. It is described here as M. fuegiana , and is placed in the section Torquatae , close to Mallomonas schwemmlii and M. dickii .     

Morphological variation and ecology of Mallomonas crassisquama (Chrysophyceae)

Siver, P. A. & Skogstad, A. 1988. Morphological variation and ecology of Mallomonas crassisquama (Chrysophyceae). - Nord. J. Bot. 7: 99–107. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
Mallomonas crassisquama is one of the most common and widely distributed species of Mallomonas . In this study we compare the morphology and ecology of the species based on 309 collections from 67 localities in Connecticut (U.S.A.) and Norway. The taxon produces a very complex siliceous coat consisting of four scale and two bristle types all of which have considerable structural variation. A new variety, M. crassisquama var. papillosa is described. Bristle production was found to be temperature dependent where cells formed serrated or helmet bristles under cold or warm conditions, respectively. M. crassisquama was found to exist over wide temperature, conductivity, phosphorus and pH ranges, however, was absent in samples with a pH <5.5.     

SEPERATION OF MALLOMONAS DUERRSCHMIDTIAE SP. NOV. FROM M. CRASSISQUAMA AND M. PSEUDOCORONATA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PALEOLIMNOLOGICAL RESEARCH1

A new species, Mallomonas duerrschmidtiae, with characteristics common to both Mallomonas crassisquama (Asmund) Fott and Mallomonas pseudocoronata Prescott, is described from acidic lakes low in specific conductance and total phosphorus concentration. Characteristics of scales, bristles and spines serve to separate the three taxa. The length and area of scales of M. duerrschmidtiae are significantly larger than those of M. crassisquama but smaller than those of M. pseudocoronata. Although the anterior submarginal ribs of scales of M. duerrschmidtiae may become extended to form short wings, the scales lack the large forward projecting anterior wings characteristic of scales of M. pseudocoronata. Features of the dome and junction between the arms of the V-rib and anterior submarginal ribs also serve to distinguish between the three species. Cells of M. duerrschmidtiae also possess long, smooth and thick spines on their posterior scales and lack helmet bristles. M. duerrschmidtiae has different maxima along pH, temperature, specific conductance, total phosphorus and seasonal gradients than either M. crassisquama or M. pseudocoronata. Discriminant analysis, based on nine morphological characters, was used to successfully classify body scales of the three species. The importance of M. duerrschmidtiae as a bioindicator in future lake monitoring and paleolimnological inference studies is discussed.     

Mallomonas fenestrata sp. nov. and M. perforata sp. nov. (Chrysophyceae, Mallomonadaceae) from tropical lakes

Two new species of Mallomonas (Chrysophyceae, Mallomonadaceae) are described from tropical lakes. M. fenestrata sp. nov. was found in Lago Tupé (Brazil) and M. perforata sp. nov. in Lake Danau Bratan (Indonesia), Negril ponds (Jamaica) and Marondera ponds (Zimbabwe).     

The taxonomy of problematic Mallomonas species (Synurophyceae). II. Mallomonas costata and M. galeiformis

Whole cells of Mallomonas costata and Mallomonas galeiformis with complete scale and bristle complements present few problems for their identification by TEM. Individual scales however, such as those usually encountered in paleolimnology, have often been difficult to identify in isolation. Both species occur in collections from Ontario, Canada, but M. galeiformis is apparently more acidophilic than M. costata . Several differences in structure of scales from both species are described which, if used as criteria for distinguishing between the two species, should facilitate identification of individual scales.     

Two new species of Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) from the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A.

Two new species of Mallomonas, M. ocalensis and M. caerula , are described from a clearwater, acidic and oligotrophic waterbody in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A. Mallomonas ocalensis , in the Series Doignonianae of the Section Torquatae, consists of relatively small cells with scales that have a series of parallel shield ribs with alternating thicknesses, collar scales with very short bristles and posterior scales with small protruding spines. Mallomonas ocalensis is most similar to Mallomonas dickii , but is distinguished from the latter species based on the highly variable thicknesses of the shield ribs and significantly larger scales. Mallomonas caerula , in the Series Mallomonas of the Section Mallomonas, consists of relatively large cells that bear large domed and dorneless scales, and long, robust and ribbed bristles. Bristles with and without helmets can be found. The shield, especially the distal portion, and the posterior flange of scales consists of series of more or less parallel ribs. Mallomonas caerula appears to be most closely related to Mallomonas acaroides var. acaroides and Mallomonas acaroides var. muskokana , but can be distinguished from the latter taxa on the basis of scale type, scale structure and bristle morphology. Both new species were found in the plankton and surface sediments of Blue Sink Pond.     

Mallomonas wujekii (Synurophyceae), a new species from Florida, U.S.A.

A new species of Mallomonas, M. wujekii sp. nov., belonging to the Series Tonsuratae is described from a dilute, acidic locality in Florida, U.S.A. Bristle bearing domed scales are restricted to the anterior end, and scales are orientated with their longitudinal axes at a 60° to 90° angle with the longitudinal axis of the cell. Cells have three types of scales, domed anterior scales, domeless body scales and spined posterior scales. All scales possess papillae that are restricted to the shield and have one rib positioned on each end of the posterior flange. The new species is believed to be most closely related to Mallomonas tonsurata and M. galeiformis . The combination of characters of the bristles is unique among taxa of Mallomonas .     

Exploring Cryptic Diversity and Distribution Patterns in the Mallomonas kalinae/rasilis Species Complex with a Description of a New Taxon—Mallomonas furtiva sp. nov.

A complex of closely related Mallomonas taxa belonging to the section Papillosae, M. kalinae ?ezá?ová and M. rasilis Dürrschmidt, has been studied in detail by molecular and morphometric methods. Our investigations uncovered the existence of a new species found in water bodies in Vietnam, which we describe here as Mallomonas furtiva sp. nov. This taxon is morphologically very similar to M. kalinae , from which it differs by minute, but statistically significant morphological differences on the structure of silica scales. Indeed, the principal component analysis of morphological traits measured on silica scales significantly separates all three species in the complex. Mallomonas kalinae and M . furtiva differ by number of papillae on the shield and the dome, as well as by the scale sizes. Likewise, Mallomonas rasilis and M. furtiva are primarily differentiated by the absence of submarginal anterior ribs on silica scales of the former species. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Mallomonas furtiva is closely related to M . kalinae , with which it formed a highly supported lineage. Distribution patterns of all three studied taxa are further discussed.     

Modified subfossil aye-aye incisors from southwestern Madagascar: species allocation and paleoecological significance

Two of the three drilled aye-aye incisors collected in 1901 by Grandidier at the subfossil site of Lamboharana were recently rediscovered in uncatalogued collections of the Institut de Paléontologie in Paris. These teeth are not much wider or thicker than those of the extant aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), but their arc of curvature is noticeably greater. These facts indicate that the teeth probably belong to D. robusta, a large extinct aye-aye whose dentition is otherwise unknown. No other remains referable to Daubentonia have been reported from Lamboharana, although D. robusta is known from other localities in the southwest. The presence of Daubentonia in southern Madagascar does not demonstrate that this region was markedly more humid or densely forested in the recent past. It remains to be established whether the extinction of D. robusta throughout its range in southern Madagascar, and local disappearance of D. madagascariensis everywhere but in the eastern forest biotope, is due to late Holocene climatic change, to anthropogenic effects, or both factors combined.     

The taxonomy of problematic Mallomonas species (Synurophyceae). I. Mallomonas hindonii and M. canina

Whole cells with complete cell armour (siliceous scales and bristles) of Mallomonas hindonii and Mallomonas canina (Synurophyceae) have been found in Ontario. It is concluded that these two species are not synonymous, as has been suggested previously, and attention is given to structural features of scales and bristles which can be used to distinguish between them. Both species are restricted to softwater/acidic environments.     

Trichostrongylina (Nematoda) from Malagasy muridae. II--Description of two new species of Heligmonina (Heligmonellidae) in Nesomys rufus and Eliurus tanala

Two new species of Heligmonellidae from Madagascar are described, Heligmonina madagascariensis n. sp. in Nesomys rufus and Heligmonina tanala n. sp. in Eliurus tanala. Both species belong to the Heligmonina species with a pattern of type 1-3-1 for the right lobe of the caudal bursa and 1-4 for the left lobe. In H. madagascariensis, H. dupuisi (Desset, 1964) and H. praomyos Baylis, 1928, left ray 6 arises before ray 3 from the common trunk to rays 3 to 6 while in H. tanala and the other species, it arises at the same level. H. madagascariensis is differentiated from H. dupuisi and H. praomyos by the symmetry of the branches of the dorsal ray. H. tanala is differentiated from H. malacomys Sakka & Durette-Desset, 1988, the closely related species by a different pattern of the cuticular ridges at mid-body, by the sharpness of the tips of the spicules and by the ratio of the length of the spicules on the length of the body (6.9, 8.8% versus 25-27.8%). Heligmonina chippauxi (Desset, 1964) a parasite of Oenomys hypoxanthus from the Republic of Central Africa is considered a valid species.     

Two new taxa in the Section Papillosae of the genus Mallomonas (Synurophyceae) from the Ocala National Forest, Florida, USA

Two new species of Mallomonas, M. binocularis and M. delanciana , are described from small, acidic, poorly buffered waterbodies in the Ocala National Forest, Florida, U.S.A. Both taxa are in the Section Papillosae, consist of relatively small cells covered with domed scales each bearing a single bristle, and have small tripartite scales with a small symmetrically placed dome. Scales of Mallomonas binocularis have shields that are covered with evenly-spaced papillae, two distinctive pores at the base of the V-rib and unornamented flanges. Mallomonas binocularis is most similar to Mallomonas paxillata, M. papillosa, M. rasilis and M. calceolus , but can be distinguished from the latter taxa on the basis of scale structure and bristle morphology. Scales of Mallomonas delanciana have shields with widely spaced papillae, a series of parallel ribs on the anterior flanges that usually continue around the dome, unornamented posterior flanges and lack rimmed pores in the posterior region of the shield. The density of the papillae on the shield, features of the dome and anterior flange, and the structure of bristles, clearly serve to separate M. delanciana from closely related species including M. papillosa, M. calceolus and Mallomonas conspersa.     

Chrysophycean scales as paleoindicators in the sediments of Hall Lake, Washington, U.S.A.

Twelve species of Mallomonas and ten species of other genera of Mallomonadaceae and Paraphysomonadaceae were found in sediments deposited in Hall Lake from about 1850 to the present. One Mallomonas species ( M. portue-ferreae peterfi & As-mund) was found that had not previously been reported from North America. The majority of the species have been described as either generally distributed or characteristic of acid or oligotrophic humic waters. M. heterospina Lund and M. multiunca Asmund, which were restricted to sediments deposited during the operation of a sawmill on the lake, have been collected from very eutrophic to dystrophic waters as well. On the whole the species composition indicates a change in the lake from oligotrophic to more eutrophic conditions.     

Mallomonas weei (Synurophyceae), a new species from North Carolina, U.S.A.

A new species of Mallomonas, M.weei, is described from North Carolina, U.S.A. Fine structure of scales and bristles has been studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The new species is placed in the section Mallomonas, series Intermediae.     

Mallomonas nieringii sp. nov., a new species of Synurophyceae from a suite of ponds on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

A new species of Mallomonas, M. nieringii sp. nov., is described from a small, poorly buffered, acidic locality on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Cells are covered with uniquely sculptured scales, each scale of which may possess a single bristle. Cell, scale and bristle morphology all indicate that this new species should be placed within the series Punctiferae of the section Punctiferae, which now has four recognized species and one variety. Scales of the apical ring are highly asymmetric in design, each with a forward projecting triangular shaped spine. Collectively, the triangular shaped extensions of the apical ring of scales surround a single emergent flagellum. Body scales resemble those of Mallomonas punctifera and M. transsylvanica in shape and general morphology, but differ in lacking distinct secondary ribbing on the shield. Mallomonas nieringii was found in six waterbodies all situated within a small geographic area on the outer tip of the Cape Cod peninsula.     

Characterization of 20 microsatellite marker loci in the Malagasy tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis madagascariensis)

The Madagascar tree boa, Sanzinia madagascariensis madagascariensis, is one of four snakes in the family Boidae living in Madagascar. This species is considered ‘vulnerable’ due to habitat loss and utilization as a food source by locals. Twenty species-specific microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from Sanzinia m. madagascariensis to assess population genetic parameters. Individuals were collected from two populations in the east and the northeastern coast of Madagascar: Torotofotsy wetlands and Mananara-Nord Biosphere Reserve, respectively. This marker suite will provide a useful tool for future research to determine and validate the taxonomic status of the tree boa with samples collected extensively throughout the island.     

The aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) found in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar

In the course of a study on the ecology of nocturnal lemurs several aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) were seen in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar near Perinet. These observations of the aye-aye in a forest of higher altitude suggest a still much wider distribution of this species than previously thought.     

Silica-scaled chrysophytes from the bog-lake Baláta-tó, SW Hungary

Twenty-six species of silica-scaled chrysophytes representing the genera Chrysosphaerella (1 species), Mallomonas (19 species) and Synura (6 species) are reported based on transmission electron microscopy from the springtime flora of the slightly acidic bog-lake Baláta-tó, a Nature Reserve, situated in Southwest Hungary. Ten of them ( Mallomonas alata, M. clavus, M. insignis, M. mangofera, M. oviformis, M. papillosa, M. pillula, M. scalaris, M. transsylvanica and Synura multidentata ) are new records for Hungary. Furthermore, two species, M. pillula and M. scalaris are for the first time found in the Carpathian Basin and M. alata f. hualvensis is a new record for the flora of Europe. Dispersal problems are discussed.