Composition of the genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gnaptorina</Emphasis> Reitter and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudognaptorina</Emphasis> Kaszab of the tribe Blaptini (Coleoptera,Tenebrionidae)

Based on the structure of the segments of the male fore and middle tarsi, three subgenera are distinguished in the genus Gnaptorina Reitter: Gnaptorina s. str. (brushes or tufts of pale setae are present on the sole surface of the 1st–3rd segments of the fore tarsus and also on the 1st and 2nd segments of the middle tarsus, the type species Gnaptorina felicitana Reitter, 1887), Boreoptorina subgen. n. (a brush is present on the sole surface of the 1st segment of the fore tarsus, but is absent on the sole surface of the segments of middle tarsus, the inner margin of the male fore tibia with a hairy brush, the type species Gnaptorina cordicollis G. Medvedev, 1998), and Hesperoptorina subgen. n. (a flat hairy brush is present only on the sole surface of the 1st segment of the fore tarsus, type species Gnaptorina brucei Blair, 1923). The genus Pseudognaptorina Kaszab, 1977 is considered monotypical. Lectotypes of four species of Gnaptorina are designated.     

Morphological variation in the forelegs of the Hawaiian Drosophilidae. I. The AMC clade

The Hawaiian Drosophilidae possess spectacular diversity in male foreleg modifications, many of which are unknown in other Diptera. The greatest diversity in foreleg morphology is in the antopocerus, modified tarsus, and ciliated tarsus clade (AMC Clade), a group of 95 species. The modified tarsus flies are divided into the bristle, ciliated, split, and spoon tarsus subgroups. The bristle tarsus species feature one or two rows of thickened setae on the basitarsus. The split tarsus species are characterized by only having four tarsal segments, in contrast to five tarsomeres in the remainder of Diptera. Based on comparisons of the apparent ground state of ventral setal rows across the Hawaiian Drosophila, we suggest that it is the second tarsal segment which has been lost. The spoon tarsus species are characterized by having the second tarsomere modified into a setae‐filled, concave‐shaped spoon. The ciliated tarsus species, all of which possess one or more elongate setae on the tarsus of males, are probably not monophyletic with respect to the bristle tarsus subgroup. The antopocerus flies are characterized by a long basitarsus, with extensive setation on the tibia and basitarsus of some species. The use of these foreleg modifications in courtship behavior has been previously described and it is suggested that they represent the results of sexual selection. The current work expands on previous morphological analyses, presenting a level of detail not previously possible without SEM images. The new characters revealed will figure prominently in future cladistic studies. J. Morphol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Deep-sea Kinorhyncha: two new species from the Guinea Basin,with evaluation of an unusual male feature

Two new species of homalorhagid kinorhynchs from the deep-sea Guinea Basin are described. Pycnophyes nubilis sp. nov. is easily recognized by the presence of paradorsal setae on segment 1; middorsal processes on segments 1–10, progressively increasing in length towards the posterior segments; and middorsal process on segment 10 extending over the last trunk segment. Pycnophyes farinellii sp. nov. is distinguished by middorsal elevations on segments 2–9 and laterodorsal and ventromedial setae on segments 2 and 9 only. Moreover, males of the latter species lack ventromedial tubes on segment 2—a very uncommon feature among the genus. The systematic significance of this character is discussed in detail.     

The evolution of pedipalps and glandular hairs as predatory devices in harvestmen (Arachnida,Opiliones)

Pedipalps are the most versatile appendages of arachnids. They can be equipped with spines (Amblypygi), chelae (Scorpiones), or adhesive pads (Solifugae), all of which are modifications to grasp and handle fast‐moving prey. Harvestmen (Opiliones) show a high diversity of pedipalpal morphologies. Some are obviously related to prey capture, like the enlargement and heavy spination of Laniatores pedipalps. Many Dyspnoi, by contrast, exhibit thin, thread‐like pedipalps that are covered with complex glandular setae (clavate setae). These extrude viscoelastic glue that is used to immobilize prey items. Comparable setae (plumose setae) have previously been found in representatives of both Eupnoi and Dyspnoi, yet comprehensive data on their distribution are lacking. This study examined the distribution and ultrastructure of glandular setae in harvestmen and related them to pedipalpal morphology. Pedipalpal and setal characters were analysed in a phylogenetic framework. We found that glandular setae are synapomorphic for and widespread in the Palpatores clade (Eupnoi plus Dyspnoi). Their occurrence correlates with pedipalp morphology and feeding habit. Remnants of arthropod cuticular structures or secretions, frequently found attached to glandular setae, and behavioural observations, underlined the importance of the setae for capturing and securing prey. We hypothesize that glandular setae evolved as an adaptation to capture small and agile prey, which are hard to catch with a capture basket. Details of ultrastructure indicate that the setae are derived sensilla chaetica, with both a secretory and sensory function. Derived ultrastructural characters of the glandular setae, such as slit‐like channel openings and a globular arrangement of the microtrichia, may increase their effectiveness. The functional role of further pedipalpal modifications, such as apophyses, stalked and hyperbendable joints, and curved segments, as well as sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic polymorphism, are discussed. Some implications of the results obtained for the taxonomic treatment of Phalangiidae are also discussed. These results shed new light on the biology and evolutionary history of this fascinating group of arthropods.     

Five new species and a new subgenus of the mite genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Premicrodispus</Emphasis> (Acari,Heterostigmata, Microdispidae) from Turkmenistan

A new monotypic subgenus, Premicrodispulus subgen. n., with the type species Premicrodispus reductus sp. n., and four new species of the nominative subgenus of the mite genus Premicrodispus, P. (Premicrodispus) paradoxus sp. n., P. (P.) heterocaudatus sp. n., P. (P.) obtusisetosus sp. n., and P. (P.) incisus sp. n., collected in soils of Turkmenistan are described. The subgenus Premicrodispulus subgen. n. differs from the nominative subgenus in the presence of 3 setae on genu I (seta l″ absent) and 1 seta on genu II (setae d and l″ absent). Premicrodispus (Premicrodispus) paradoxus sp. n. differs from all the species of the genus in the presence of solenidion on tarsus III. P. (P.) heterocaudatus sp. n. is most similar to P. longisetosus (Mahunka, 1970), but differs in the setae ps3 distinctly longer than ps ₁ (in P. longisetosus, ps ₃ and ps ₁ are similar in length). P. (P.) obtusisetosus sp. n. is most similar to P. montanus Khaustov, 2006, but differs in obtuse setae c ₁, e, and f (in P. montanus, these setae are pointed); P. (P.) incisus sp. n. is most closely related to P. longisetosus (Mahunka, 1970), but differs in the presence of distinct excavations on the posterior margin of tergites C and D (in P. longisetosus, excavations are absent).     

Description of Eucyclops tziscao sp. n., E. angeli sp. n., and a new record of E. festivus Lindberg, 1955 (Cyclopoida,Cyclopidae, Eucyclopinae) in Chiapas,Mexico

Two new species of the freshwater cyclopoid genera Eucyclops are described, Eucyclops tziscao sp. n. and E. angeli sp. n. Both species belong to the serrulatus-group defined by morphological features such as: the presence of distal spinules or hair-like setae (groups N1 and N2) on frontal surface of antennal basis; the fourth leg coxa with a strong inner spine that bears dense setules on inner side, yet proximally naked (large gap) on outer side; and a 12-segmented antennule with smooth hyaline membrane on the three distalmost segments. Eucyclops tziscao sp. n. is morphologically similar to E. bondi and E. conrowae but differs from these species in having a unique combination of characters, including a caudal ramus 4.05±0.25 times as long as wide, lateral seta of Enp3P4 modified as a strong, sclerotized blunt seta, coxal spine of fourth leg with inner spinule-like setules distally, and sixth leg of males bearing a strong and long inner spine 2.3 times longer than median seta. Eucyclops angeli sp. n. can be distinguished by an unique combination of morphological features: the short caudal ramus; the long spine on the sixth antennular segment of A1; the presence of one additional group of spinules (N12’) on the caudal surface of A2; the presence of long setae in females, or short spinules in males on the lateral margin of fourth prosomite; the strong ornamentation of the intercoxal sclerite of P4, specially group I modified as long denticles; the distal modified setae of Exp3P3 and Exp3P4 in females and males; and the short lateral seta of P5. Finally, we report on a new record of E. festivus in México, and add data on morphology of the species.     

New species of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of the genera Belbodamaeus (Damaeidae), Malaconothrus (Malaconothridae) and Nothrus (Nothridae) from India

Three new oribatid mite species, Belbodamaeus indicus sp. n. (Damaeidae), Malaconothrus macrofoveolatus sp. n. (Malaconothridae) and Nothrus phylliformis sp. n. (Nothridae), are described from Indian soils. Belbodamaeus indicus sp. n. is clearly distinguishable from all species of Belbodamaeus by the absence of discidia, very long sensilli and morphology of parastigmatic tubercles Sa. Malaconothrus macrofoveolatus sp. n. is very similar morphologically to Malaconothrus yinae Yamamoto, Aoki, Wang & Hu, 1993 from China, however it differs from the latter by the morphology of notogastral and genital setae, size of body foveolae, epimeral formula, and number of genital setae. Nothrus phylliformis sp. n. is very similar morphologically to Nothrus mystax Mahunka, 1986 from Tanzania, however it differs from the latter by the smaller body size, length of interlamellar setae and the position of notogastral setae d ₁. An identification key to known species of Belbodamaeus is presented.     

Two new species of Pergalumna (Acari,Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Costa Rica,including a key to all species of the genus from the Neotropical region

Two new species of oribatid mites of the genus Pergalumna (Oribatida, Galumnidae), P. elongatiporosa sp. n. and P. striatiprodorsum sp. n., are described from leaf litter of a secondary forest in Costa Rica. Pergalumna elongatiporosa sp. n. is most similar morphologically to P. horvathorum P. Balogh, 1997 and P. sura P. Balogh, 1997, however, it differs from both by the body size, body surface ornamentation and morphology of notogastral porose areas A1 and A3. Pergalumna striatiprodorsum sp. n. is most similar morphologically to P. hawaiiensis hawaiiensis (Jacot, 1934) and P. strigulata Mahunka, 1978, however, it differs from P. hawaiiensis by the length of interlamellar setae and surface ornamentation of the prodorsum; from P. strigulata by the surface of ornamentation of the notogaster, length of interlamellar setae and morphology of bothridial setae. An identification key to known species of Pergalumna from the Neotropical region is given.     

Descriptions of two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia: Pteronyssidae) from Ivory Coast

Two new feather mite species of the family Pteronyssidae Oudemans, 1941 collected from birds captured in Ivory Coast are described: Pteronyssoides cyanomitrae n. sp. from Cyanomitra obscura (Jardine) (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae) and Conomerus pygmaeus n. sp. from Hylia prasina (Cassin) (Passeriformes: Macrosphenidae). Pteronyssoides cyanomitrae n. sp. belongs to the nectariniae species group and differs from the closest species, P. garioui Gaud & Mouchet, 1959, in having, in males, the adanal shield present and setae f longer than setae d on the tarsus III; females of this species have the hysteronotal shield with two small median incisions on the anterior margin barely extending beyond the level of setae e2. Conomerus pygmaeus n. sp. is the first species of this genus found on a passerine host, and seems to be more similar to C. sclerosternus Gaud, 1990. This new species has the following distinctive characters: in females, the opisthosoma has small lobe-like extensions and the central sclerite is fused posteriorly with the lateral opisthosomal sclerites; in males, coxal fields I–IV lack large sclerotised areas.     

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION ON THE LARVA OF NEOPSYLLA SPECIALIS SPECIALIS*

Abstract This paper deals in detail with the morphology of the larva of Neopsylla specialis specialis Jordan, 1932. It may be distinguished from other larvae of 5 species or subspecies of Neopsylla by two fine setae lying on outside of each posterior long seta on the ventral plates of the first to third thoracic segments, ratio of the length and width of the egg burster, number and shape of mandibular teeth, number and length of the setae in the anterior and posterior row on dorsal side of head, and number of the setae of anal comb and the strut setae. The sense organs on the 10th tergite are discussed.     

Morphogeographic variations in the genusMesopodopsis Czerniavsky with descriptions of three new species (Crustacea,Mysidacea)

Most of the exceptional morphological features of the genusMesopodopsis are shared withNanomysis, Diamysis, andLimnomysis in a mosaic-like pattern. This group, comprising euryhaline species from fresh-to metahaline waters, has its centre of recent species richness in the Mediterranean to Ponto-Caspian region. Within the genus one may distinguish two morphogeographic groups, Euro-African species with a spine below the statocyst, and Indo-Australasian species without this spine. Detailed study from the entire distribution range indicates thatM. slabberi (van Beneden) should be split into 4 species: the nominal form from the NE-Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, with 5–8 segments on the tarsus of the fourth thoracic endopod;M. aegyptia n.sp., widely distributed in the Mediterranean, with 7–9 segments on this tarsus as well as dimorphic setation patterns on the eighth tarsus;M. tropicalis n.sp. from equatorial W-Africa with 5–6 segments and dimorphic setation patterns on the mandibular palp; andM. wooldridgei n.sp. from South African waters with 9–12 segments on the tarsal joint of the fourth thoracic appendage, respectively. A key to the seven known species of the genus is given.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Foxtosognus rarus</Emphasis> gen. n., sp. n.—A new genus and species of copepods (Copepoda: Calanoida) from the abyssopelagic zone of the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench

A female of Foxtosognus rarus gen. n., sp. n., a new genus and species of copepods, is described from the abyss of the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench. The new genus is placed in the family Arctokonstantinidae, whose diagnosis is emended and supplemented with the following characters: mandibular basis with one to two setae; mandibular endopod one without setae; maxillular distal basal endite plus endopod with two to four setae or without setae. The features that distinguish Foxtosognusgen. n. from other representatives of this family are as follows: mandibular palp with a long endopod segment one, endopod segment two with seven setae, and exopod segment five with two setae; maxillula with distal basal endite lacking setae and separated from endopod bearing three setae; maxillular precoxal arthrite with seven to eight setae and exopod with four setae; maxilliped syncoxa without setae on precoxal endites and endopod of three segments. The genera Sognocalanus and Foxtonia earlier included in the Spinocalanidae are herein transferred to the Arctokonstantinidae.     

The earliest fossil record of Panorpidae (Mecoptera) from the Middle Jurassic of China

The early history of Panorpidae (Mecoptera) is poorly known due to sparse fossil records. Up to date, only nine fossil species have been described, all from the Paleogene, except the Early Cretaceous Solusipanorpa gibbidorsa Lin, 1980. However, we suggest S. gibbidorsa is too incompletely preserved to permit even family classification. A new genus with two new species, Jurassipanorpa impunctata gen. et sp. n. and Jurassipanorpa sticta sp. n., are described based on four well-preserved specimens from the late Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. These two new species are the earliest fossil records of Panorpidae. The new genus is erected based on a combination of forewing characters: both R₁ and Rs₁ with two branches, 1A reaching posterior margin of wing distad of the forking of Rs from R_1, and no crossveins or only one crossvein between veins of 1A and 2A. In all four specimens, long and robust setae ranging from 0.09 to 0.38 mm in length and pointing anteriorly, are present on anal veins of forewings. The function of these setae is enigmatic.     

Distinguishing features of immature stages of Panchaetothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) known in New Zealand

Diagnostic morphological characters of the juvenile Panchaetothripinae in New Zealand are illustrated. Keys developed enable colonies with only immature stages to be identified without needing to rear adults. Live larvae or larvae in ethanol are distinguished by the presence of expanded tips of body setae (Parthenothrips dracaenae), the absence of setae at the abdomen tip (Hercinothrips bicinctus), setae at abdomen tip not longer than abdominal tip width (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) and abdominal tip setae longer than abdominal tip width (Sigmothrips aotearoana, endemic species). The presence or absence of spine-like setae on abdominal segments 9 and 10, and the number and length of setae on the wing buds, enable identification of pupae. Abdominal spine-like setae were on the prepupa and pupa of H. bicinctus and S. aotearoana, species that pupate off the plant, and are probably defensive structures. This is the first record of spine-like setae on segment 10 of terebrantian pupae.     

A preliminary revision of sordidus-like species of Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 (Anomopoda, Branchiopoda) in North America, with description of I. bernerae n. sp.

Presently the inter-generic structure of the Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 is not clear, and we regard as `sordidus-like' all the species with (1) incomplete moulting, (2) valves without lateral horns or other remarkable structures, (3) non-distal position of anus on postabdomen, (4) long lateral setae on the postabdomen, which reaches the anus; (5) single or doubled teeth on preanal margin of postabdomen. Available material on sordidus-like forms of Ilyocryptus Sars, 1862 (Anomopoda, Branchiopoda) from North America was investigated. We also analyzed a limited amount of material similar to I. sordidus s. str., but not enough to be presented now. Three other conventional species were found and redescribed: the exclusively North American I. gouldeni Williams, 1978, as well as I. cuneatus?tifter, 1988 and I. spinosus?tifter, 1988, both described earlier from Europe. An original analysis of the differences between all species was performed. A new sordidus-like species, I. bernerae n. sp., from a single locality in South Carolina, U.S.A., is described. The main diagnostic features of this new species within sordidus-like members of the Ilyocryptusare: thin and sharp dorsal keel; exclusively single preanal teeth, greatly increasing in size in basal direction; lateral setae on postabdomen, not decreasing in size basad; absence of denticles on base of postabdomen; complete absence of any denticles on distal and middle portion of ventral margin of postabdominal claws; distalmost spine on claw base longer than basalmost; bases of antennules compressed against each other (although not touching); slightly different armature of two sides of lateral swimming setae; presence of small hooks on tips of lateral swimming setae; distal segments of setae on trunk of limb I setulated only in basal portion; sensillum on gnathobase II curved.