Cave-dwelling populations of Rhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Sierra de Zongolica,Veracruz, Mexico: an evidence-based checklist with comments on their evolutionary history and taxonomy

In this study, the authors present a comprehensive checklist of cave-dwelling populations of Rhamdia from the Sierra de Zongolica (SdZ) in Veracruz, Mexico, including two new records, based on permanent and verifiable evidence in the form of voucher specimens. The authors use phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of voucher-derived comparative cytochrome b data to shed light on the evolutionary history of these populations. The results of this study, while preliminary, suggest that hypogean forms of Rhamdia from the SdZ are cave-adapted populations of the more widespread and epigean species R. laticauda.     

A new species of Psathyrella (Agaricales,Coprinaceae) from Mexico with discussions on the known species

Psathyrella hypertropicalis, a new species, is described from a high mountain (Cofre de Perote) in the State of Veracruz, Mexico above the subtropical zone. This species is intermediate betweenP. velutina of the temperate regions andP. sepulchralis from the subtropical regions of Mexico. A list of the 26 species ofPsathyrella of Mexico is presented, of which 21 are from the tropics and subtropics, three from the temperate regions (P. velutina, P. spadicea, andP. hypertropicalis), and two with a broad distribution (P. candolleana andP. disseminata). Eleven are only known from Mexico.     

直翅目虫草（肉座菌目）：物种多样性及其与寄主的关系

迄今为止,以直翅目昆虫为寄主的虫草共报道25种,本研究详细介绍了它们的种类、寄主与分布,并给出了相关的分类学注释。ITS和tef1-α基因联合数据的分子系统发育显示,直翅目虫草分别隶属于白僵菌属Beauveria、绿僵菌属Metarhizium和线虫草属Ophiocordyceps 3个属。基于直翅目昆虫六大类群的生态习性特点,分析并讨论了直翅目虫草物种多样性与寄主的关系。以两种白僵菌Beauveria及戴氏虫草Metacordyceps taii（贵州绿僵菌Metarhizium guizhouense的异名）为例,介绍了虫草的根状菌索,一种介于子实体和孢梗束形体之间的根须状结构。种类修订：蟋螽白僵菌新组合Beauveria grylli comb. nov. ≡ 蟋蟀虫草Cordyceps grylli = Beauveria loeiensis,Beauveria kirkii comb. nov. ≡ Cordyceps kirkii。寄主更正：蟋螽白僵菌的寄主由原来的蟋蟀成虫（蟋蟀科Gryllidae）更正为螽斯（蟋螽）若虫（蟋螽科Gryllacrididae）,蟋蟀线虫草Ophiocordyceps tettigonia 寄主由原来的螽斯成虫（螽斯科Tettigoniidae：螽斯属Tettigonia）更正为蟋蟀成虫（蟋蟀科）。     

Population genetic structure of orchid bees (Euglossini) in anthropogenically altered landscapes

Habitat degradation and fragmentation are widespread phenomena in tropical regions. Negative effects on the biota are numerous, ranging from interruption of gene flow among populations, to the loss of genetic diversity within populations, to a decline in species richness over time. Orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) are of major conservation interest due to their function as pollinators of numerous orchid species and other tropical plants. Here, we used microsatellite markers to investigate the effects of geographic distance and habitat fragmentation on gene flow among populations. Populations of Euglossa dilemma in three geographic regions??the Yucat??n peninsula (Mexico), Veracruz (Mexico), and Florida (USA)??were genetically structured predominantly across the regions, with the strength of differentiation among populations being positively correlated with geographic distance. Within geographic regions only little substructure was found, suggesting that dispersal is substantial in the absence of geographic or ecological barriers. In a second study, patterns of genetic differentiation among eight species of Euglossa were not related to habitat fragmentation following deforestation in southern Mexico (Veracruz). Specifically, most bee populations in the 9,800?ha forest remnant of Los Tuxtlas (Volcano San Martin) were neither differentiated from, nor had less genetic diversity than, populations in near-continuous forest separated from Los Tuxtlas by 130?km of agricultural land. Either occasional long distance dispersal across open areas has buffered the expected genetic effects of fragmentation, or the history of fragmentation in southern Mexico is too recent to have caused measurable shifts in allelic composition.     

Revision of the Neotropical genus Leptochromus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Scydmaenidae)

Abstract The Neotropical genus Leptochromus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Scydmaenidae) is revised, and a phylogenetic analysis of Clidicini is presented. Leptochromus includes five species distributed from Veracruz, Mexico to Manaus, Brazil. Leptochromus fulvescens Motschulsky, L. mexicanus (Sharp) and L. agilis (Sharp) are considered valid species. Leptochromus bicolor O'Keefe, sp.n. from Veracruz, Mexico and L . palaeomexicanus O'Keefe, sp.n. from Miocene amber from Chiapas are described. Male genitalia and antennae are illustrated for each of the extant species. Female genitalia, mouthparts and other morphological features are illustrated for the type species L. fulvescens. For the phylogenetic analysis of Clidicini, Palaeoleptochromus O'Keefe was placed as the sister taxon to Leptochromus , and Papusus Casey was placed as the sister taxon to Leptochromus  + Palaeoleptochromus . Papusus is elevated from synonomy with Leptochromus and the biogeography of Clidicini is discussed.     

Seasonal community structure of macromycetes in Veracruz, Mexico

A study of phenological patterns in macromycete communities in Veracruz, Mexico was carried out in order to understand changes in community structure across regions of different vegetation types. Previous studies suggest that similarities in community composition occur when there are similarities in certain geographical and climatological characteristics, however they do not address functional groups or seasonal changes across regions. Macromycete communities in Veracruz showed similar species distribution patterns, but individual assemblages changed structure seasonally, changes that were strongly correlated with rainfall. Interestingly, the number of functional groups (species performing similar ecological functions) was not determined by rainfall, but the distribution of species within functional groups was determined by rainfall. Temperature did not appear to play a role in structuring community diversity at this regional scale. However, temperature and other environmental factors such as pH or light may be the mechanism triggering phenological patterns, and influencing the species pool at localized scales. This work brings new light to fungal community diversity patterns in a largely unknown group of species.     

A new sponge-inhabiting amphipod species (Crustacea, Gammaridea, Sebidae) from the Veracruz Coral Reef System, southwestern Gulf of Mexico

A new species of the genus Seba Bate (Amphipoda: Sebidae) is described from the Veracruz Coral Reef System, Veracruz, south-western Gulf of Mexico. The specimens were found in association with a sponge, Ircinia fistularis, at depths from 8 to 10 m. Seba alvarezi n. sp. can be distinguished from closely related species mainly by the presence of a short, two-articulated accessory flagellum, three apical setae on article 3 of the mandible palp, and by the absence of apical setae on the inner lobe of maxilla 1. The new species is compared to closely related species in the family, and an identification key to the species of Seba known from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea is given.     

Aphyllon castilloi sp. nov. (Orobanchaceae) from Veracruz,Mexico

Aphyllon castilloi Franc.‐Gut., Cházaro & Espejo (Orobanchaceae), a new species discovered in central Veracruz, Mexico is herein described, illustrated and compared with other Aphyllon species recorded from Mexico. The new species inhabits tropical semideciduous forest, a novel ecosystem for Aphyllon species native to North America, in contrast to most collections from Mexico, which are from warm sandy deserts. In addition, it parasitizes Simsia foetida (Asteraceae: Heliantheae). As far as known, the distribution of the new species is very restricted.     

Environmental and anthropogenic factors associated with coastal wetland differentiation in La Mancha,Veracruz, Mexico

At least 10% of the wetlands in Mexico are situated in the State of Veracruz on the central Gulf coast. The region has been intensively used for agriculture by humans for the last thousand years and today pastureland for cattle ranching is the dominant element of the landscape. We present a study of the wetland vegetation in a series of representative and internationally significant freshwater wetlands near the coastal lagoon La Mancha in Veracruz State. We obtained eleven wetland types formed by three wetland communities dominated by trees (mangrove or swamps), eight dominated by herbaceous species which we classified as marsh, five of which were native emergent marsh, one was a non-native emergent marsh and two were floating-leaved marsh. The highest diversity values were found in the Annona swamp, followed by the Sagittaria marsh and the Rhizophora–Laguncularia–Avicennia mangrove. CCA ordination showed that water level, disturbance and species number were the major factors explaining variation along axis 1, and on axis 2 conductivity, salinity, and bulk density. Wetland size was a major factor in both axes. We examined the interplay of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that give rise to the nature and diversity of wetland types that characterize the important wetland landscapes in this part of Mexico, being disturbance by human activities an important factor that favors the appearance of diverse species combinations.     

Description of two new species of Glypthelmins Stafford, 1905 (Digenea: Macroderoididae) in Rana spp. from Mexico, based on morphology and mtDNA and rDNA sequences

Glypthelmins Stafford, 1905 includes 29 putative species commonly found in the intestine and liver of anurans from all over the world but mainly in the Americas. Partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1), ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) and the large subunit 28S rDNA gene were obtained and analysed using pairwise distance matrices and parsimony methods in order to characterise the interrelationships between 14 isolates of four nominal species of Glypthelmins recognised on morphological grounds. The highest intra-specific sequence divergence occurred in the cox 1 (18.53%) sequence, followed by that of the ITS2 (5.44%) and 28S (4.63%). Genetic variability was detected between the three isolates originally identified as G. facioi Brenes et al., 1959 from two localities in Mexico and one locality in Costa Rica. Sequence divergence exhibited among these isolates ranged from 10.70 to 11.22%, from 0.48 to 0.97% and from 1.33 to 1.88% for cox 1, ITS2 and 28S, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis combining all three data-sets generated a single most parsimonious tree. The three isolates of G. facioi form a clade, with an isolate collected from frogs in Veracruz State as the sister group to an isolate from Tabasco State + G. facioi from Costa Rica. The information derived from pairwise distance of independent data-sets plus the phylogenetic information indicate that each of the two isolates from Mexico, identified a priori as G. facioi, represent separate species. A re-examination of specimens was carried out and a re-evaluation made of the morphological characters to find reliable differences that had been overlooked. As a consequence, G. brownorumae n. sp. from Tabasco and G. tuxtlasensis n. sp. from Veracruz are described based on molecular and morphological differences.     

Echinoids (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) from the Gulf of Mexico

The echinoid fauna of the Gulf of Mexico collected during three research cruises (20-1260 m depth) was surveyed from samples were taken at 43 stations. A total of 190 individuals were identified (eight orders, 11 families, 15 genera and 18 species). Six species are new records for the Gulf of Mexico: Stylocidaris lineata, Phormosoma placenta placenta, Plesiodiadema antillarum, Plethotaenia spatangoides, Brissopsis atlantica and Hypselaster limicolus. This adds to the little information available on the echinoid fauna of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche and Yucatan states in Mexico.     

A review on the genus Metarhizium as an entomopathogenic microbial biocontrol agent with emphasis on its use and utility in Mexico

Metarhizium is a genus of entomopathogenic fungi that was initially classified into three species and varieties. More recently, DNA sequencing has improved the phylogenetic resolution of Metarhizium which now includes 30 species. The insect host ranges vary within the genus and some species such as M. robertsii have broad host ranges, while others such as M. acridum show a narrow host range and are restricted to the order Orthoptera. Metarhizium spp. are ubiquitous naturally occurring soil inhabiting fungi, and some are rhizosphere colonisers and their diversity has been attributed to various selective factors (habitat type, climatic conditions, specific associations with plants and insect hosts). Metarhizium have been used for the biological control of insect pests that affect economically important agricultural crops and have been tested under laboratory and field conditions for the control of insect vectors of human disease, showing the effectiveness of the fungus against the target pest. In Mexico, Metarhizium species have been used for the control of insect pests such as the spittlebug (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), and locusts (Orthoptera) that affect crops such as corn, bean and sugarcane. Biosafety studies, such as dermal and intragastric tests in mammalian models have also been carried out to ensure safety to humans and other animals. Metarhizium shows great promise as an alternative to chemical insecticides that has relatively low impact on human health and the environment. Key features of Metarhizium for biocontrol of insects are outlined with special reference to their utility in Mexico.     

Nuclear power plants and natural populations of Mexican Drosophila

With the worldwide proliferation of nuclear power plants has come the need to study the biological effects of the operation of the reactors on surrounding populations. We have begun a long-term study of the sibling species Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans in the area of Laguna Verde in the state of Veracruz in Mexico. Laguna Verde, on the Gulf of Mexico about 75 km north of the city of Veracruz, is the location of the country's first nuclear power plant. This plant has not yet gone "on-line." The species have been collected from two sites, one of which is south of the reactor and is in the path of the prevailing north to south wind flow. The other collecting site is west of the plant. The species are being studied for the following: species frequency, desiccation resistance, vagility, proportion of larvae pupating, pupation height, and egg to adult survival after irradiation. To date we have noted both spatial and seasonal differences in a number of these characteristics. The information being gathered will serve as base-line data for monitoring the future operation of the nuclear power plant.     

The mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Tabasco,Mexico

To document and update the mosquito species of Tabasco, Mexico, field collection trips were conducted in the two physiographic regions of Tabasco: the coastal plain of the southern gulf and the mountains of Chiapas and Guatemala. Mosquitoes were collected as immature and adult stages during the dry and rainy seasons from 2014 through 2015. Additionally, the Reference Collection of Arthropods of Medical Importance (CAIM‐InDRE) containing mosquitoes of Tabasco was re‐examined. In total, 4,913 specimens were collected and examined, which are divided into seven tribes, 18 genera, 27 subgenera, and 104 species. Of these, one genus (Shannoniana Lane and Cerqueira), two subgenera (Georgecraigius Reinert, Harbach and Kitching, and Carrollia Lutz), and 21 species are new records for the mosquito fauna of Tabasco. Culex metempsytus Dyar is a new record for Mexico and Wyeomyia jocosa (Dyar and Knab) is removed from the Mexican mosquito fauna. Seventeen species historically reported were not found in the field collections conducted here. Taxonomic notes, new distribution limits, and comments about the medical importance of species of mosquitoes of Tabasco are discussed. Tabasco is the second state in Mexico with the largest mosquito richness (104 species), followed by Veracruz with 139 species.     

湖北神农架自然保护区昆虫的数量变化与环境关系的初步研究

昆虫物种多样性在生物多样性保护研究中有重要地位。湖北神农架自然保护区生物多样性极其丰富,保存状态相对良好,是我国生物多样性研究的关键地区之一。然而该地区的昆虫多样性研究极为薄弱,就是一般的物种调查也为数不多,所以调查主要昆虫类群的组成与数量变化,能为本区的生物多样性研究积累资料,并为长期监测打下基础。我们选择暖温带针叶林、落叶阔叶林、针阔叶混交林、亚高山草甸、箭竹林及溪边灌丛6种不同环境,以23块样地为代表,以巴氏罐诱法为主,结合网筛、扫网等方法,进行全面的标本采集与数据收集。经初步整理鉴定和数据分析,得到如下结果：（1）共获得标本58 368号,昆虫标本46 213号,其中膜翅目和鞘翅目数量较多,其次为半翅目、同翅目、双翅目、直翅目及脉翅目等。此外,环节动物、软体动物、多足纲及蛛形纲动物也有相当数量。在膜翅目中,个体数量最多的是蚂蚁（蚁科）;在鞘翅目中个体数量较多的类群依次是隐翅虫科、步甲科和叶甲科。（2）昆虫分布与环境的关系非常密切：仅从较高分类阶元来看,如昆虫纲的鞘翅目、双翅目、直翅目、膜翅目等,不同环境对昆虫数量分布的影响并不显著;而从相对低的分类阶元来看,如统计鞘翅目中步甲科、隐翅虫科等,则可以显示不同环境对昆虫数量分布的显著影响。（3）在一些特殊地点,发现若干比较特殊的昆虫物种,这表明神农架地区在昆虫物种保护上具有特殊地位。     

Phytophagous insects associated with cadang-cadang infected and healthy coconut palms in South-eastern Luzon, Philippines

Abstract. 1. The most common phytophagous insects associated (as adults) with the leaves of coconut palms in the Southeastern part of Luzon have been identified as part of a study on the natural method of spread of cadangcadang disease. Sixty-three species, of which at least twenty individuals were caught alive or with sticky boards, and five colony-forming Homoptera are listed. The sixty-three species belonged to the orders of Orthoptera (two species), Coleoptera (eight species), Hemiptera (one species) and Homoptera (fifty-two species, mainly Cicadellidae and Derbidae).
2. Three beetles ( Oryctes rhinoceros, Plesispa reichei and Hemipeplus sp.) and a lace bug ( Stephanitis typicus ) were found to be significantly more abundant in areas with a high incidence of cadangcadang disease. O.rhinoceros and P.reichei were also significantly more common on old palms (which are predisposed to the disease), and more abundant on cadang-cadang infected than on neighbouring healthy palms. Hemipeplus sp. apparently feeds by scraping the cuticle layer of the youngest fronds.     

Restricted occurrence of Locusta migratoria ovary maturing parsin in the brain-corpora cardiaca complex of various insect species

Ovary maturing parsin (OMP) is a gonadotrophic molecule previously isolated from the neurosecretory lobes of the corpora cardiaca of Locusta migratoria (acridian Orthoptera). A polyclonal antiserum directed against the two biologically active domains of the L. migratoria (Lom) OMP was used to investigate the occurrence of Lom OMP-like substances in brain-corpora cardiaca complexes of other insect species. Using immunohistochemistry, specimens of 40 different insect species belonging to 13 insect orders were tested. The Lom OMP-like substance was strictly limited to specimens of insect species belonging to the Acridae. It occurred in non-basophilic cells of the pars intercerebralis that project to the corpora cardiaca, as in Locusta. Although the antiserum only detected Lom OMP-like material in the Acridae, it is possible that related molecules exist in other insects. The antiserum may be very specific for domains of the Lom OMP molecule that have not been highly conserved during evolution or possibly these domains are not accessible to the antiserum in other insects.     

Dissimilar bill shapes in new world tropical versus temperate forest foliage-gleaning birds

Summary The bill shape of foliage-gleaning birds in temperate and tropical new world forests is dissimilar. Tropical species have longer and narrower bills than their temperate zone counterparts. In addition, their bills are longer for a given body size. These differences cannot be readily explained as phylogenetic artifacts. I suggest that the distinct bill morphology of the two assemblages is determined by the type of insects that comprise the largest size classes of potential prey. These large insects are particularly important since they generally comprise the bulk of the nestling diet for insectivorous birds. In tropical forests Orthoptera are probably the most abundant large soft-bodied arthropods; they form an important resource for foliage-gleaning birds during the breeding (rainy) seasons. Most temperate zone foliage-gleaning birds rely almost entirely upon caterpillars when breeding. Long, narrow bills are thought to close more rapidly than shorter, broader bills. These long, fast bills may be required to efficiently harvest active Orthoptera. Migrant warblers may face morphological constraints from breeding successfully in lowland tropical forests. While the short-billed temperate zone birds can survive the tropical dry season by foraging on small arthropods, they may be inefficient at handling large Orthoptera to feed to nestlings.