Reassessment of the taxonomic position of Iranocypris typhlops Bruun & Kaiser, 1944 (Actinopterygii,Cyprinidae)

The Iranian cave barb (Iranocypris typhlops Bruun & Kaiser, 1944) is a rare and endemic species of the family Cyprinidae known from a single locality in the Zagros Mountains, western Iran. This species is “Vulnerable” according to the IUCN Red List and is one of the top four threatened freshwater fish species in Iran. Yet, the taxonomic position of I. typhlops is uncertain. We examined phylogenetic relationships of this species with other species of the family Cyprinidae based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Our results show that I. typhlops is monophyletic and is sister taxon of a cluster formed by Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843) and Garra barreimiae (Fowler & Steinitz, 1956) within a clade that includes other species of the genus Garra. Based on previous molecular and morphological studies, as well as our new results, we recommend that I. typhlops should be transferred to the genus Garra Hamilton, 1822.     

Deep‐sea bigscales,pricklefishes, gibberfishes and whalefishes (Teleostei: Stephanoberycoidei) off Brazil: new records,range extensions for the south‐western Atlantic Ocean and remarks on the taxonomy of Poromitra

The Stephanoberycoidei includes 23 genera and c. 94 species of deep‐sea teleosts commonly known as bigscales, pricklefishes, gibberfishes and whalefishes. Stephanoberycoidei is one of the least known groups of deep‐sea fishes, in spite of their apparent relative abundance in meso and bathypelagic depths. Nine species of the Stephanoberycoidei are reported here for the first time in Brazilian waters, and most of them represent new range extensions for the south‐western Atlantic Ocean. Those species are Melamphaes polylepis, Melamphaes typhlops, Poromitra sp. and Scopeloberyx robustus (Melamphaidae), Acanthochaenus luetkenii and Stephanoberyx monae (Stephanoberycidae), Rondeletia bicolor and Rondeletia loricata (Rondeletiidae) and Gyrinomimus sp. (Cetomimidae). Occurrences of the pricklefish Scopelogadus mizolepis (Melamphaidae), the gibberfish Gibberichthys pumilus (Gibberichthyidae) and the velvet whalefish Barbourisia rufa (Barbourisiidae) are confirmed in the Brazilian exclusive economic zone, but previously published records of Poromitra capito and Melamphaes simus (Melamphaidae) in the region most likely represent misidentifications. Validities of the recently described Poromitra kukuevi and Poromitra indooceanica are discussed in light of new specimens of the genus collected in the south‐western Atlantic Ocean. An identification key for the 13 species of Stephanoberycoidei reported off Brazil is also provided.     

Production and biomass of Tenagomysis tasmaniae Fenton, Anisomysis mixta australis (Zimmer) and Paramesopodopsis rufa Fenton from south-eastern Tasmania (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

Annual production estimates were calculated for Tenagomysis tasmaniae, Anisomysis mixta australis and Paramedopodopsis rufa using the size-frequency and Petrovich methods. Annual production for T. tasmaniae was more than twice that for P. rufa and A. mixta australis. The P:B ratio was however , higher for a. mixta australis than T. tasmaniae and P. rufa. The P:B values for the three species are among the highest ratios reported for mysids.     

Ant assemblages in the taiga biome: testing the role of territorial wood ants

Summary Ants were collected with sets of pitfall traps in four coniferous-forest habitats in southern Finland. A three-level competition hierarchy concept was used to generate predictions on ant community structure. The levels of the hierarchy, and the respective predictions, from top to bottom were: (1) The dominant territorial wood ants (Formica rufa-group species), expected to exclude each other. (2) The other aggressive species, likely to be excluded by the F. rufa-group. (3) The submissive species, non-aggressive and defending only their nest, and thus likely to coexist with the dominants but in reduced numbers. As expected, the species of the F. rufa-group excluded each other, and the species number of the other aggressive ants was significantly cut down in the presence of the F. rufa-group. The aggressive species F. sanguinea and Camponotus herculeanus showed complementary occurrences with the F. rufa-group, and Lasius niger reduced occurrences. The number of the submissive species was not significantly affected by the F. rufa-group. However, pairwise correlation coefficients were significantly more often negative than positive between presence of the F. rufa-group and average proportion of pitfalls per set with a submissive species, each analyzed in turn. The result indicates that the F. rufa-group also reduced the colony densities of the submissive species. We conclude that in the taiga biome territorial wood ants are, after adjusting for physical vicissitudes of the environment, the major structuring force of ant species assemblages.     

Fine structure of acrosome biogenesis and of mature sperm in the bivalve molluscs<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Glycymeris</Emphasis> sp. (Pteriomorphia) and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Eurhomalea rufa</Emphasis> (Heterodonta)

Proacrosomal vesicles form during the pachytene stage, being synthetized by the Golgi complex in Glycymeris sp., and by both the Golgi and the rough endoplasmic reticulum in Eurhomalea rufa. During early spermiogenesis, a single acrosomal vesicle forms and its apex becomes linked to the plasma membrane while it migrates. In Glycymeris sp., the acrosomal vesicle then turns cap-shaped (1.8 μm) and acquires a complex substructure. In E. rufa, proacrosomal vesicles differentiate their contents while still at the premeiotic stage; as the acrosomal vesicle matures and its contents further differentiate, it elongates and becomes longer than the nucleus (3.2 μm), while the subacrosomal space develops a perforatorium. Before condensation, chromatin turns fibrillar in Glycymeris sp., whereas it acquires a cordonal pattern in E. rufa. Accordingly, the sperm nucleus of Glycymeris sp. is conical and elongated (8.3 μm), and that of E. rufa is short and ovoid (1.1 μm). In the midpiece (Glycymeris sp.: 1.1 μm; E. rufa: 0.8 μm), both species have four mitochondria encircling two linked orthogonal (Glycymeris sp.) or orthogonal and tilted (30–40°; E. rufa) centrioles. In comparison with other Arcoida species, sperm of Glycymeris sp. appear distinct due to the presence of an elongated nucleus, a highly differentiated acrosome, and four instead of five mitochondria. The same occurs with E. rufa regarding other Veneracea species, with the acrosome of the mature sperm strongly resembling that of the recent Mytilinae. Electronic Publication     

Wood ants prefer conifers to broadleaved trees in mixed temperate forests

1. Wood ants, species of the subgenus Formica s. str., are one of the most important groups of insects in forest ecosystems due to their high abundance and activity.
2. We assessed the foraging pressure of Formica polyctena and Formica rufa, two dominant wood ant species in the Białowieża Forest. In addition, we compared coniferous and mixed stands in these respects.
3. In mixed stands F. polyctena visited more trees per plot than F. rufa. F. polyctena might forage a larger area due to higher population sizes, which further confirms higher foraging pressure of F. polyctena in comparison with F. rufa.
4. In our study area, host trees of the ant–aphid mutualism were larger in diameter than nonhost trees. The ants also preferred trees situated closer to their nests. In both mixed and coniferous stands, the most visited tree species was Norway spruce. Thus, we can conclude that Norway spruce seems to be preferred by the ant. The decline of living spruce in the Białowieża Forest may endanger their food source and impact the vitality of ant colonies.

     

Water relations of native and introduced C4 grasses in a neotropical savanna

Introduced African grasses are invading Neotropical savannas and displacing the native herbaceous community. This work, which is part of a program to understand the success of the African grasses, specifically investigates whether introduced and native grasses differ in their water relations. The water relations of the native Trachypogon plumosus and the successful invader Hyparrhenia rufa were studied in the field during two consecutive years in the seasonal savannas of Venezuela. The two C₄ grasses differed clearly in their responses to water stress. H. rufa consistently had higher stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, leaf water and osmotic potential and osmotic adjustment than the native T. plumosus. Also, leaf senescence occurred much earlier during the dry season in H. rufa. Both grasses showed a combination of water stress evasion and tolerance mechanisms such as stomatal sensitivity to atmospheric or soil water stress, decreased transpiring area and osmotic adjustment. Evasion mechanisms are more conspicuous in H. rufa whereas T. plumosus is more drought tolerant and uses water more conservatively. The evasion mechanisms and oportunistic use of water by H. rufa, characteristic of invading species, contribute to, but only partially explain, the success of this grass in the Neotropical savannas where it displaces native plants from sites with better water and nutrient status. Conversely, the higher water stress tolerance of t. plumosus is consistent with its capacity to resist invasion by alien grasses on shallow soils and sites with poorer nutrient and water status.     

Breeding biology of Tenagomysis tasmaniae Fenton,Anisomysis mixta australis (Zimmer) and Paramesopodopsis rufa Fenton from south-eastern Tasmania (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

The number, size and developmental stage of young in the brood pouch of female Tenagomysis tasmaniae, Anisomysis mixta australis and Paramesopodopsis rufa was recorded throughout the year. Breeding was intensive from spring till the end of autumn for the three species. Calculation of the egg ratio for each species showed that their major reproductive peaks occurred during spring and summer. A winter depression in the breeding cycle was observed for T. tasmaniae and P. rufa, but A. mixta australis ceased breeding during winter. Seasonal variation in the length of gravid females and number of young carried was evident for these three species. Females were longer in spring and summer and carried more young than in autumn and winter. A linear relationship between female length and brood size was demonstrated for each species; annual and seasonal equations were calculated for females carrying each developmental stage. The seasonal equations showed that for a female of given length fecundity was greater during spring than any other season. Natality was estimated to be highest during late spring, summer and early autumn for the three species. No seasonal variation in the size of eggs was evident for the three species. The reproduction pattern of T. tasmaniae, A. mixta australis and P. rufa appears to be very similar to that reported for the majority of iteroparous coastal temperate mysids throughout the world.     

Growth rate adjustment of two Drosophila parasitoids in response to the developmental stage of hosts

1. Generalist koinobiont parasitoids often exhibit high flexibility in their development; their larvae shorten or prolong the developmental period depending on the host quality at parasitisation. However, flexibility of the growth rate of parasitoid larvae has rarely been investigated so far. 2. This study investigated how the koinobiont parasitoid wasps Asobara japonica and Leptopilina ryukyuensis regulate their larval growth when they parasitise host Drosophila larvae with varying larval periods. 3. In both parasitoid species, the preimaginal period was longer when they parasitised 1‐day‐old larvae of Drosophila rufa than when they parasitised older larvae of D. rufa or when they parasitised larvae of Drosophila simulans, a species with a shorter larval period than D. rufa. After host pupariation, A. japonica accelerated its growth, thereby showing a biphasic growth curve. On the other hand, L. ryukyuensis did not accelerate its growth after host pupariation. 4. Growth retardation of parasitoid larvae in 1‐day‐old D. rufa larvae would contribute to avoiding excess growth before host pupariation, because the excess growth of parasitoid larvae would have negative effects on host growth. The growth rate acceleration of A. japonica after host pupariation suggests that they enhance resource utilisation in a host that has reached maximum body mass. It remains uncertain as to why L. ryukuensis does not show clear accelerated growth after host pupariation. Nonetheless, these results suggest that parasitoid larvae have the ability to detect the developmental stage of hosts in a species‐specific manner.     

Responses to simulated herbivory and water stress in two tropical C4 grasses

Summary The African grass Hyparrhenia rufa has established itself successfully in South American savannas (Llanos) and displaced dominant native grasses such as Trachypogon plumosus from the wetter and more fertile habitats. Several ecophysiological traits have been related to the higher competitive capacity of H. rufa. To further analyze the behavior of both species, their growth, biomass allocation, physiological and architectural responses to defoliation and water stress were compared under controlled conditions. Although total, aerial and underground biomass decreased under defoliation in both grasses, increases in clipped-leaf biomass and area compensated for defoliation in H. rufa but not in T. plumosus. This difference was due mainly to a higher proportion of assimilates being directed to leaf and tiller production and a higher leaf growth rate in the African grass as compared to T. plumosus, which showed incrased senescence under frequent defoliation. In both species, water stress ameliorated the effects of defoliation. The ability to compensate for defoliated biomass in H. rufa is possibly related to its long coevolution with large herbivores in its original African habitat and is apparently one of the causes of its success in Neotropical savannas.     

Differences in ecomorphology and microhabitat use of four saproxylic larvae (Diptera,Syrphidae) in Scots pine stump rot holes

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Novel polymorphic microsatellites for the red‐legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and cross‐species amplification in Alectoris graeca

The red‐legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, is an endemic species of the southwestern Mediterranean, and the most popular game bird in the Iberian Peninsula. A total of 27 microsatellite loci was isolated from an enriched genomic library of A. rufa. Six perfect GT microsatellites were characterized and optimized in 45 individuals of A. rufa. All loci revealed high levels of polymorphism with a number of alleles that ranged from three to 13. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.2 to 0.6. Cross‐species amplification showed that all loci were also polymorphic in rock partridge, Alectoris graeca. The new markers will be useful in determining hybridization between both species of Alectoris.     

Larval stages of the deep-sea lobster Polycheles typhlops (Decapoda,Polychelida) identified by DNA analysis: morphology,systematic, distribution and ecology

A total of 25 specimens of Eryoneicus larvae were collected near the Balearic Archipelago (Western Mediterranean Sea) in 2009 and 2010. Detailed morphological examination indicated that the smallest individual corresponded with the first zoea (ZI) stage of Polycheles typhlops hatched from a berried female by Guerao and Abelló (J Nat Hist 30(8):1179–1184, 1996). Only two species of deep-sea polychelid lobster, namely P. typhlops and Stereomastis sculpta, are known to occur in the Mediterranean. Genetic distance comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA and Cox I genes of this early larva together with adults from several Polycheles and Stereomastis species allowed us to assign it to P. typhlops. This is the first wild-caught larval stage of a polychelid lobster being identified using molecular techniques. The remaining specimens were attributed to zoeal stages II–III and decapodid stage based on morphological comparison. The arrangement of spines along the anterior part of the middorsal line (R, 1, 1, 1, 2, C₁), characteristic of the former species E. puritanii, discriminates these larvae from other Eryoneicus found in the Mediterranean. The clear presence of epipods on the third maxilliped and pereiopods of the decapodid stage gives further support to the identification of E. puritanii as the larval stages of P. typhlops. Additionally, information on the ecology of these larvae, their abundances during different seasons, as well as their bathymetric distribution is reported.     

Erstnachweis vonPolycheles typhlops (Decapoda reptantia) für isländische Gewässer

Zusammenfassung 1. Das Vorkommen vonPolycheles typhlops in den borealen isländischen Gewässern wird erstmals nachgewiesen.2. Eine typische, bei anderen Dekapoden nicht beobachtete Scherenhaltung konnte bei den im Aquarium gehaltenen Tieren festgestellt werden; sie kann mit der Lebensweise der Tiere in Verbindung gebracht werden.

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First record ofPolycheles typhlops (Decapoda reptantia) in Icelandic waters

During the ICNAF NORWESTLANT SURVEY 2, June 1963, two femalePolycheles typhlops Heller 1862, 10 and 12 cm long respectively, were caught with an otter trawl off the southwest coast of Iceland at a depht of 450 m. Up to now this species has only been known to inhabit the abyssal regions in the moderate and warm areas of the Atlantic Ocean (including the Mediterranean) and the Indian Ocean. Our specimens are the first of this species to be found in boreal waters; its distribution seems therefore to be wider than hitherto assumed. Since juvenile stages, previously described as a distinct crustacean species,Eryoneicus puritani, are occasionally found in plankton catches of the central North Atlantic, there is no doubt that this species is native to these waters and does not occure by chance in this area. A list of previous records of its occurrence, probably not complete, is given in Table 1.

     

Differential Interactions Between an Aphid Endohyperparasitoid and Three Honeydew-Collecting Ant Species: A Field Study of Alloxysta brevis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Alloxystidae)

The behavioral interactions between the chemically protected aphid hyperparasitoid Alloxysta brevis and three trophobiotic ant species were examined in the field on thistles. The patterns were not essentially influenced by hyperparasitoid sex. Ants differed in their guarding behavior of aphids and their response toward A. brevis. Lasius niger attacked the hyperparasitoid more readily than Myrmica laevinodis, while aggression by Formica rufa was intermediate. Apart from applying chemical defense, A. brevis responded to ants by flying away (mainly at L. niger) or with avoidance behavior (mainly at M. laevinodis). Additionally, females might switch their tactics from flight to defense with increasing age. Females left the plant more often after encounters with L. niger or F. rufa than with M. laevinodis. Disturbance by any ant species affected the foraging activities, reducing oviposition success to nearly zero.     

Development of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from the mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa rufa (Rafinesque)

We developed 10 microsatellite markers for the mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa rufa. In three populations of A. r. rufa, the number of alleles for these loci ranged from monomorphic to nine. Average observed heterozygosities in these populations ranged from 0.29 to 0.60. We also tested previously published markers from the endangered subspecies A. r. nigra in A. r. rufa populations.     

Lack of mitochondrial genetic structure in the red‐legged partridge Alectoris rufa (Phasianidae)

A phylogeographic analysis of the control region of mitochondrial DNA was done in 346 individuals of the red‐legged partridge Alectoris rufa (Linnaeus 1758), sampled throughout the species distribution range. The analysis indicated that there is no distinct intraspecific phylogeographical structure, in contrast to earlier studies with lower number of samples. The results are not in accord with the expected distribution of three A. rufa subspecies based on morphological characters (A. r. rufa, A. r. intercedens and A. r. hispanica). The results do not provide statistical support for the five groups (or management units) proposed in some earlier papers because the variation within populations is greater than that found among populations. The absence of a population structure might be a consequence of management activity, consisting of release into the field of individuals bred in farms with no control of their genetic identity and geographic origin. Only the north‐west Iberian populations show a weak population structure, suggesting that A. r. hispanica may have suffered less human influence.     

Genetic differentiation in sympatric wood ants, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Formica rufa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">F. polyctena</Emphasis>

Summary Direct observations have suggested that the closely related wood ants Formica polyctena and F. rufa represent different social organizations, with high queen number in F. polyctena and a high frequency of monogynous nests in F. rufa. We examined social organization and genetic population structure in a setup where populations of the two species are sympatric and gene flow between the species is possible. Our aim was to compare social organization in the species, and study evolutionary relationships between them. The observed relatedness among colony workers suggested that the difference in the level of polygyny is quantitative rather than qualitative, with a higher queen number in F. polyctena. The observed difference in polygyny was not accompanied by a difference in spatial genetic differentiation which was weak in both species. The genetic distance between the species is consistent with limited interspecific gene flow. Identification of a few possible F. rufa migrants in F. polyctena populations suggests potential interspecific gene flow. Thus, reproductive isolation of the species may not be complete when they are sympatric.Received 14 March 2003; revised 10 October 2003; accepted 20 October 2003.     

The fixed plot survey method for determining the host range of the flowerbud-feeding weevil Dicomada rufa, a candidate for the biological control of Hakea sericea in South Africa

The hakea bud weevil, Dicomada rufa (Curculionidae), is a promising candidate for the biological control of the weed Hakea sericea (Proteaceae) in South Africa. Because D. rufa could not be successfully cultured on potted plants in quarantine, most of theconventional methods for host range determination were not suitable. A type of open-field testing method, the fixed plot survey method, was developed to show that D. rufa is host specific to H. sericea. The trial was conducted in three 1–2 ha plots at three localities in New SouthWales, Australia, involving 41 test plantspecies. This result was combined with otherconventional considerations to apply for therelease of D. rufa in South Africa. Theseincluded a multiple choice feeding trial inquarantine in South Africa, during which 10test species from seven genera of South AfricanProteaceae were not accepted for feeding. AllSouth African Proteaceae, except Brabejumstellatifolium, are phylogenetically distinctfrom H. sericea. Also, there are norecords of D. rufa interacting withcommercially important plants in Australia,including commercially cultivated South AfricanProteaceae. Dicomada rufa adult andlarval feeding destroys buds, flowers, smallfruits and succulent shoots. It is expectedthat this damage will supplement that of thetwo seed-feeding biological control agentsalready established in South Africa and furtherreduce the reproductive potential of the weed,particularly that of young plants regeneratingafter fires. Without compromising safety, thefixed plot survey method may also contribute toreducing the time and cost normally associatedwith conventional host specificity testing.     

Rediscovery and redescription of the unusual subterranean characiform Stygichthys typhlops,with notes on its life history

The rediscovery of the enigmatic subterranean characiform Stygichthys typhlops is reported almost a half‐century after the collection of the holotype, the only specimen previously known. Thirty‐four specimens were collected in two shallow hand‐dug wells at the region of the type locality, c. 13 km south‐west of the town of Jaíba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. These specimens provide new information on the morphology of this species, and for the first time on its life history. The conservation status of S. typhlops is discussed. The species is severely threatened by habitat loss caused by exploitation of the aquifer.