Ultrastructure and molecular phylogenetic position of a new marine sand-dwelling dinoflagellate from British Columbia,Canada: Pseudadenoides polypyrenoides sp. nov. (Dinophyceae)

Two monospecific genera of marine benthic dinoflagellates, Adenoides and Pseudadenoides, have unusual thecal tabulation patterns (lack of cingular plates in the former; and no precingular plates and a complete posterior intercalary plate series in the latter) and are thus difficult to place within a phylogenetic framework. Although both genera share morphological similarities, they have not formed sister taxa in previous molecular phylogenetic analyses. We discovered and characterized a new species of Pseudadenoides, P. polypyrenoides sp. nov., at both the ultrastructural and molecular phylogenetic levels. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of SSU and LSU rDNA sequences demonstrated a close relationship between P. polypyrenoides sp. nov. and Pseudadenoides kofoidii, and Adenoides and Pseudadenoides formed sister taxa in phylogenetic trees inferred from LSU rDNA sequences. Comparisons of morphological traits, such as the apical pore complex (APC), demonstrated similarities between Adenoides, Pseudadenoides and several planktonic genera (e.g. Heterocapsa, Azadinium and Amphidoma). Molecular phylogenetic analyses of SSU and LSU rDNA sequences also demonstrated an undescribed species within Adenoides.     

THE RECLASSIFICATION OF PFIESTERIA SHUMWAYAE (DINOPHYCEAE): PSEUDOPFIESTERIA,GEN. NOV.1

Pfiesteria shumwayae Glasgow et Burkholder is assigned to a new genus Pseudopfiesteria gen. nov. Plate tabulation differences between Pfiesteria and Pseudopfiesteria gen. nov. as well as a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on rDNA sequence data warrant creation of this new genus. The Kofoidian thecal plate formula for the new genus is Po, cp, X, 4′, 1a, 6′′, 6c, PC, 5+s, 5′′′, 0p, 2′′′′. In addition to having six precingular plates, P. shumwayae comb. nov. also has a distinctive diamond or rectangular‐shaped anterior intercalary plate. Both Pfiesteria and Pseudopfiesteria gen. nov. are reassigned to the order Peridiniales based on an apical pore complex (APC) with a canal (X) plate that contacts a symmetrical 1′, four to five sulcal plates, and the conservative hypothecal tabulation of 5′′′, 0p, and 2′′′′. These morphological characters and the life histories of Pfiesteria and Pseudopfiesteria are consistent with placement of both genera in the Peridiniales. Based on the plate tabulations for P. shumwayae, P. piscicida, and the closely related “cryptoperidiniopsoid” and “lucy” groups, the family Pfiesteriaceae is amended to include species with the following tabulation: 4‐5′, 0‐2a, 5‐6′′, 6c, PC, 5+s, 5′′′, 0p, and 2′′′′ as well as an APC containing a pore plate (Po), a closing plate (cp), and an X plate; the tabulation is expanded to increase the number of sulcal plates and to include a new plate, the peduncle cover (PC) plate. Members of the family have typical dinoflagellate life cycles characterized by a biflagellated free‐living motile stage, a varying number of cyst stages, and the absence of multiple amoeboid stages.     

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW GENUS OF PFIESTERIA‐LIKE DINOFLAGELLATE,LUCIELLA GEN. NOV. (DINOPHYCEAE), INCLUDING TWO NEW SPECIES: LUCIELLA MASANENSIS SP. NOV. AND LUCIELLA ATLANTIS SP. NOV.1

A new genus of Pfiesteria‐like heterotrophic dinoflagellate, Luciella gen. nov., and two new species, Luciella masanensis sp. nov. and Luciella atlantis sp. nov., are described. These species commonly occur with other small (<20 μm) heterotrophic and mixotrophic dinoflagellates in estuaries from Florida to Maryland and the southern coast of Korea, suggesting a possible global distribution. An SEM analysis indicates that members of the genus Luciella have the enhanced Kofoidian plate formula of Po, cp, X, 4′, 2a, 6″, 6c, PC, 5+s, 5?, 0p, and 2″″. The two four‐sided anterior intercalary plates are diamond shaped. The genus Luciella differs from the other genera in the Pfiesteriaceae by a least one plate in the plate tabulation and in the configuration of the two anterior intercalary plates. An SSU rDNA phylogenetic analysis confirmed the genus as monophyletic and distinct from the other genera in the Pfiesteriaceae. The morphology of Luciella masanensis closely resembles Pfiesteria piscicida Steid. et J. M. Burkh. and other Pfiesteria‐like dinoflagellates in size and shape, making it easily misidentified using LM. Luciella atlantis, in contrast, has a more distinctive morphology. It can be distinguished from L. masanensis and other Pfiesteria‐like organisms by a larger cell size, a more conical‐shaped epitheca and hypotheca, larger rhombic‐shaped intercalary plates, and an asymmetrical hypotheca. The genus Luciella is assigned to the order Peridiniales and the family Pfiesteriaceae based on plate tabulation, plate pattern, general morphology, and phylogenetic analysis.     

New species of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Nitidulini) from the Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers

A new genus, Microsoronia, gen. nov., and new species of this genus, M. hoffeinsorum, sp. nov. from the Bitterfeld amber and M. kerneggeri sp. nov., M. nigerrima sp. nov., and M. interfax, sp. nov. from the Baltic amber, are described. The earliest known member of the genus Phenolia, P. (Lasiodites) angustitibialis, sp. nov., is described from the Baltic amber. The systematic position of these two genera, their possible evolution, as well as the possible ecology and bionomics of their members are discussed. It is shown that “Phenolia” incapax Scudder, 1890 should be included in the family Peltidae, rather than Nitidulidae.     

The genus Glochidinium gen. nov., with two species: G. penardiforme comb. nov. and G. platygaster sp. nov. (Peridiniaceae)

Glochidiniumgen. nov., a ncw genus of Peridiniaceae based on Peridinium penardiforme Lindemann, is herewith erected. Its plate formula is: Po+X+4′+6′′+3C+4S+5′′′+2′′′′ Main diagnostic characters of this new genus are the presence of only 3 cingular plates (it lacks the transitionalone), the third cingular contacting the anterior sulcal plate, and an unusual sulcus holding a small triangular posterior sulcal plate. The thecal morphology and structure of two freshwater planktic species of the genus are described on the basis of LM and SEM observations. G. penardiforme comb. nov. is an infrequent species, albeit widely distributed world-wide. It has been recorded under the names of Peridinium, Glenodinium and Peridiniopsis. Peculiar features in the tabulation of the furrows and of the surface sculpture show that the species does not fit any of the known genera, for which reason the new genus Glochidinium is established. G. platygaster sp. nov., the second species included in the genus, differs from the former by its elongated body, the regular pentagonal shape of its large first apical plate, an equally large sulcal anterior plate, and well developed sculpture, chiefly on the antapical plates. Glochidinium penardiforme and G. platygaster were found in some reservoirs from central and northern Argentina. G. penardiforme was also found in several Argentine rivers and ponds.     

New mesozoic diving beetles (Coleoptera,Dytiscidae) from China

A new subfamily of predaceous diving beetles, Liadytiscinae subfam. nov., including two genera and four species, Liadytiscus gen. nov. (L. cretaceus sp. nov., L. longitibialis sp. nov., and L. latus sp. nov.) and Liadroporus gen. nov. (L. elegans sp. nov.), from the Late Tithonian-Berriasian (Huangbanjigou, Yixian Formation) of China is described. Two new genera, Mesoderus gen. nov. with two species, M. magnus sp. nov. and M. ventralis sp. nov., and Sinoporus gen. nov. with one species, S. lineatus sp. nov., are also described; their position in the system of Dytiscidae remains uncertain. Relationships of the taxa described with Recent and fossil taxa of the same rank and some presumable ecological features of the new taxa are discussed.     

Three new species of Pristionchus (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) show morphological divergence through evolutionary intermediates of a novel feeding‐structure polymorphism

Developmental plasticity is often correlated with diversity and has been proposed as a facilitator of phenotypic novelty. Yet how a dimorphism arises or how additional morphs are added is not understood, and few systems provide experimental insight into the evolution of polyphenisms. Because plasticity correlates with structural diversity in Pristionchus nematodes, studies in this group can test the role of plasticity in facilitating novelty. Here, we describe three new species, Pristionchus fukushimae sp. nov. , Pristionchus hoplostomus sp. nov. , and the hermaphroditic Pristionchus triformis sp. nov. , which are characterized by a novel polymorphism in their mouthparts. In addition to showing the canonical mouth dimorphism of diplogastrid nematodes, comprising a stenostomatous (‘narrow‐mouthed’) and a eurystomatous (‘wide‐mouthed’) form, the new species exhibit forms with six, 12, or intermediate numbers of cheilostomatal plates. Correlated with this polymorphism is another trait that varies among species: whereas divisions between plates are complete in P. triformis sp. nov. , which is biased towards a novel ‘megastomatous’ form comprising 12 complete plates, the homologous divisions in the other new species are partial and of variable length. In a reconstruction of character evolution, a phylogeny inferred from 26 ribosomal protein genes and a partial small subunit rRNA gene supported the megastomatous form of P. triformis sp. nov. as the derived end of a series of split‐plate forms. Although split‐plate forms were normally only observed in eurystomatous nematodes, a single 12‐plated stenostomatous individual of P. hoplostomus sp. nov. was also observed, suggesting independence of the two types of mouth plasticity. By introducing these new species to the Pristionchus model system, this study provides further insight into the evolution of polymorphisms and their evolutionary intermediates. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Megapanorpa,a new genus with a single anal horn in males from Oriental China (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

A new genus of Panorpidae, Megapanorpa gen. nov. , is erected for five new species, Megapanorpa grandis sp. nov. (type species), M. absens sp. nov. , M. gaokaii sp. nov. , M. jiangorum sp. nov. and M. wanghongjiani sp. nov. This genus is similar to Cerapanorpa Gao et al., 2016 in a single anal horn on the sixth tergum of male, but can be differentiated from the latter by the following characters: the seventh abdominal segment of male is constricted and stalk‐like at base, the subgenital plate of female with a pair of lateral plates, and the medigynium of female with a concealed axis. Keys to genera of Panorpidae and species of Megapanorpa gen. nov. are presented. The morphology and function of anal horns in different genera and species have been discussed.     

MORPHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR ANALYSES OF THREE TOXIC SPECIES OF GAMBIERDISCUS (DINOPHYCEAE): G. PACIFICUS, SP. NOV., G. AUSTRALES, SP. NOV., AND G. POLYNESIENSIS, SP. NOV.

Three new dinoflagellate species, Gambierdiscus polynesiensis, sp. nov., Gambierdiscus australes, sp. nov., and Gambierdiscus pacificus, sp. nov., are described from scanning electron micrographs. The morphology of the three new Gambierdiscus species is compared with the type species Gambierdiscus toxicus Adachi et Fukuyo 1979, and two other species: Gambierdiscus belizeanus Faust 1995 and Gambierdiscus yasumotoi Holmes 1998. The plate formula is: Po, 3′, 7", 6C, 8S, 5‴, 1p, 2". Culture extracts of these three new species displayed both ciguatoxin- and maitotoxin-like toxicities. The following morphological characteristics differentiated each species. 1) Cells of G. polynesiensis are 68–85 μm long and 64–75 μm wide, and the cell’s surface is smooth. They are identified by a large triangular apical pore plate (Po), a narrow fish-hook opening surrounded by 38 round pores, and a large, broad posterior intercalary plate (1p) wedged between narrow postcingular plates 2‴ and 4‴. Plate 1p occupies 60% of the width of the hypotheca. 2) Cells of G. australes also have a smooth surface and are 76–93 μm long and 65–85 μm wide in dorsoventral depth. They are identified by the broad ellipsoid apical pore plate (Po) surrounded by 31 round pores and a long and narrow 1p plate wedged between postcingular plates 2‴ and 4‴. Plate 1p occupies 30% of the width of the hypotheca. 3) Cells of G. pacificus are 67–77 μm long and 60–76 μm wide in dorsoventral depth, and its surface is smooth. They are identified by the four-sided apical pore plate (Po) surrounded by 30 round pores. A short narrow 1p plate is wedged between the wide postcingular plates 2‴ and 4‴. Plate 1p occupies 20% of the width of the hypotheca. These three newly described species were also characterized by isozyme electrophoresis and DNA sequencing of the D8–D10 region of their large subunit (LSU) rRNA genes. The consistency between species designations based on SEM microscopy and classification inferred from biochemical and genetic heterogeneities was examined among seven isolates of Gambierdiscus. Their classification into four morphospecies was not consistent with groupings inferred from isozyme patterns. Three molecular types could be distinguished based on the comparison of their LSU rDNA sequences. Although G. toxicus TUR was found to be more closely related to G. pacificus, sp. nov. than to other G. toxicus strains, the molecular classification was able to discriminate G. polynesiensis, sp. nov. and G. australes, sp. nov. from G. toxicus. These results suggest the usefulness of the D8–D10 portion of the Gambierdiscus LSU rDNA as a valuable taxonomic marker.     

New tribe,genus, and species of paedogenetic gall midges (Diptera,Lestremiidae: Krassiloviolini trib. nov.) from the Late Cretaceous Taimyr amber

Paedogenetic fossil midges of the family Lestremiidae are revealed for the first time. Only eight species of eight gall midge genera belonging to five tribes of the subfamily Micromyinae (Lestremiidae) and two species of two genera of Porricondylinae (Cecidomyiidae: Porricondylinae sp., Holoneurini sp.) have previously been described from the Santonian Taimyr amber of Yantardakh. The new tribe Krassiloviolini trib. nov. differs from other tribes of Lestremiidae in the strong reduction of veins and flagellomeres, slightly differing in length first and second tarsomeres of the middle and hind tarsi, 3-segmented apical plates of the ovipositor, and the presence of paedogenesis. A new genus and species, Krassiloviola geniusloci gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a female that is characterized by the first front tarsomere 1.3 times as long as the second, short 2+7-segmented antennae, presence of stem and large narrow sensoria on flagellomeres, wide wings with strongly reduced vein R5, slightly forked Cu, and absence of fragment C behind the fusion with R5. The presence of two very large specific eggs is evidence of the existence of paedogenesis in the Late Cretaceous. Previously, fossil paedogenetic eggs have only been known in Miastor vlaskini (Fedotova et Perkovsky) described from the Late Eocene Rovno amber.     

A FURTHER SEM STUDY OF MARINE BENTHIC DINOFLAGELLATES FROM A MANGROVE ISLAND,TWIN CAYS,BELIZE, INCLUDING PLAGIODINIUM BELIZEANUM GEN. ET SP. NOV.1

This study indicates that bilaterally flattened, armored, benthic dinoflagellates are more diverse in morphology than previously known. A new species, Plagiodinium belizeanum Faust et Balech gen. et. sp. nov., is described in floating detritus from Twin Cays, Belize, mangrove habitats. Plagiodinium belizeanum cells are small, with dimensions of 26.5–30.5 μm in length, 20–24.5 μm in width, and 6.5–8.5 μm in depth. Cells are oblong and bilaterally compressed with a posteriorly located, spherical nucleus, many chloroplasts, and spherical starch granules. The epitheca descends ventrally, is cap-shaped, and is composed of five plates and a very small platelet provisionally named P₀ situated in the center. The epitheca is narrowly oval in apical view with a pointed truncated ventral side and a rounded dorsal side. The cingulum is composed of five plates. The hypotheca is constructed of five posteriorly elongated postcingular plates and one antapical plate. The sulcus is very short and narrow, comprised of five very small plates. The thecal plate arrangement of P. belizeanum is P₀, 5′, O″, 5C, 5″′, 1″″, 5S. No lists are present. Thecal plates have a smooth surface with small and irregularly scattered pores. The intercalary band is smooth on outer cell surface and broadly striated on its inner surface. We conclude that P. belizeanum represents a new, benthic, peridinioid, armored genus, Plagiodinium gen. nov. The taxonomic position of P. belizeanum sp. nov. is compared to related sand-dwelling and bilaterally flattened benthic dinoflagellates.     

Polysiphonia freshwateri sp. nov. and Polysiphonia koreana sp. nov.: two new species of Polysiphonia (Rhodomelaceae,Rhodophyta) from Korea

Polysiphonia sensu lato comprises approximately 200 species, which are currently assigned to several different genera. To date, one of these genera, namely, Polysiphonia, has been reported to have 17 species. Here, we describe for the first time P. freshwateri sp. nov. and P. koreana sp. nov. from Uljin and Ulleung Island, Korea, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Polysiphonia freshwateri sp. nov. and P. koreana sp. nov. are characterized by having the typical Polysiphonia features. Polysiphonia freshwateri sp. nov. is further characterized by having abundant trichoblasts, conspicuous scar cells, and tetrasporangia arranged in spiral series. Polysiphonia koreana sp. nov. is further characterized by having very scarce scar cells placed between two pericentral cells, from which cicatrigenous branches arise. The results of our rbcL sequence analyses support the taxonomic placement of P. freshwateri sp. nov. and P. koreana sp. nov. within Polysiphonia.     

New mesozoic Ithyceridae beetles (Coleoptera)

A new subfamily, Mongolocarinae subfam. nov. of the family Ithyceridae, from the Middle-Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous of Asia is described. It includes five genera with five species: Palaeocar gen. nov. (with P. princeps sp. nov.), Mongolocar gen. nov. (M. orcinus sp. nov.), Praecar gen. nov. (P. stolidus sp. nov.), Karacar gen. nov. (M. contractus sp. nov.), and Baissacar gen. nov. (B. passarius sp. nov.).     

Amphidoma parvula (Amphidomataceae), a new planktonic dinophyte from the Argentine Sea

Amphidoma is an old though poorly studied thecate dinophyte that has attracted attention recently as a potential producer of azaspiracids (AZA), a group of lipophilic phycotoxins. A new species, Amphidoma parvula, sp. nov. is described from the South Atlantic shelf of Argentina. With a Kofoidean thecal plate pattern Po, cp, X, 6′, 6′′, 6C, 5S, 6′′′, 2′′′′, the cultivated strain H-1E9 (from which the type material of Am. parvula, sp. nov. was prepared) shared the characteristic plate arrangement of Amphidoma each with six apical, precingular and postcingular plates. Amphidoma parvula, sp. nov. differs from other species of Amphidoma by a characteristic combination of small size (10.7–13.6 µm in length), ovoid shape, high length ratio between epitheca and hypotheca, and small length ratio between apical and precingular plates. Other morphological details, such as the number and arrangement of sulcal plates and the fine structure of the apical pore complex support the close relationship between Amphidoma and the other known genus of Amphidomataceae, Azadinium. However, Am. parvula, sp. nov. lacks a ventral pore, a characteristically structured pore found in all contemporary electron microscopy studies of Amphidoma and Azadinium. As inferred from liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, Am. parvula, sp. nov. did not produce AZA in measurable amounts. Molecular phylogenetics confirmed the systematic placement of Am. parvula, sp. nov. in Amphidoma (as sister species of Amphidoma languida) and the Amphidomataceae. The results of this study have improved the knowledge of Amphidomataceae biodiversity.     

New gall midges of the tribe Leptosynini (Diptera,Cecidomyiidae) from the Late Eocene ambers and the classification of the supertribe Heteropezidi

Three new genera and 27 new species of gall midges are described from the Late Eocene ambers: Henria baltica sp. nov., Frirenia manca sp. nov., F. musicata sp. nov., Leptosyna samlandica sp. nov., L. fastosa sp. nov. from Baltic amber and H. xystica sp. nov., H. liquida sp. nov., Stellasegna vlaskini gen. et sp. nov., S. vaporea sp. nov., S. nexa sp. nov., Rasnitsia verticosa gen. et sp. nov., F. rohdendorfi sp. nov., F. schevchenkoi sp. nov., F. melica sp. nov., F. lukashevichae sp. nov., F. leporidis sp. nov., F. marmarygma sp. nov., F. vesana sp. nov., Vincinescia alisae gen. et sp. nov., L. margarita sp. nov., L. munifera sp. nov., L. sukachevae sp. nov., L. assa sp. nov., L. larga sp. nov., L. vegeta sp. nov., L. vaticina sp. nov., and L. shcherbakovi sp. nov. from Rovno amber. Strobliella capitata Fedotova is redescribed as Henria capitata (Fedotova, 2004) (comb. nov.). Diagnoses of Henria (= Electroxylomyia Nel et Prokop, syn. nov.), Frirenia, and Leptosyna are revised. As a result, Henria comprises 3 extant and 5 extinct (Late Eocene) species, including H. eocenica (Nel et Prokop), comb. nov. (= Electroxylomyia eocenica), Frirenia comprises 1 extant and 10 Late Eocene species, and Leptosyna comprises 3 extant and 11 Late Eocene species. The tribe Heteropezini is elevated to the supertribal rank (Heteropezidi) and included in the subfamily Lasiopterinae. Leptosynini is treated as a separate tribe, and Lasiopterinae is considered as part of Cecidomyiidae s. str. (i.e., excluding Lestremiidae). Keys to the tribes and genera of Heteropezidi and to species of Henria, Stellasegna, Frirenia, and Leptosyna are provided. The gall midge faunas of the Rovno and Baltic ambers are compared. Phylogenetic relationships within the supertribe are hypothesized.     

New branched Porolithon species (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) from the Great Barrier Reef,Coral Sea,and Lord Howe Island

Porolithon is one of the most ecologically important genera of tropical and subtropical crustose (non-geniculate) coralline algae growing abundantly along the shallow margins of coral reefs and functioning to cement reef frameworks. Thalli of branched, fruticose Porolithon specimens from the Indo-Pacific Ocean traditionally have been called P. gardineri, while massive, columnar forms have been called P. craspedium. Sequence comparisons of the rbcL gene both from type specimens of P. gardineri and P. craspedium and from field-collected specimens demonstrate that neither species is present in east Australia and instead resolve into four unique genetic lineages. Porolithon howensis sp. nov. forms columnar protuberances and loosely attached margins and occurs predominantly at Lord Howe Island; P. lobulatum sp. nov. has fruticose to clavate forms and free margins that are lobed and occurs in the Coral Sea and on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR); P. parvulum sp. nov. has short (<2 cm), unbranched protuberances and attached margins and is restricted to the central and southern GBR; and P. pinnaculum sp. nov. has a mountain-like, columnar morphology and occurs on oceanic Coral Sea reefs. A rbcL gene sequence of the isotype of P. castellum demonstrates it is a different species from other columnar species. In addition to the diagnostic rbcL and psbA marker sequences, the four new species may be distinguished by a combination of features including thallus growth form, margin shape (attached or unattached), and medullary system (coaxial or plumose). Porolithon species, because of their ecological importance and sensitivity to ocean acidification, need urgent documentation of their taxonomic diversity.     

New biting midges from the Cretaceous amber of Lebanon (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

New Ceratopogonidae from the Early Cretaceous amber of Hammana (Central Lebanon) are studied. Five new species (Lebanoculicoides daheri sp. nov., Protoculicoides krzeminskii sp. nov., Archiaustroconops annae sp. nov., Archiaustroconops hammanensis sp. nov., and Archiaustroconops dominiakae sp. nov.) are characterized, described, illustrated, and compared with other Cretaceous taxa. New keys for species of the three genera Lebanoculioides, Protoculicoides, and Archiaustroconops, but also for all genera of Lebanese fossil biting midges, are proposed.