The genus Amphiporus Ehrenberg (Nemertea, Enopla, Monostiliferoidea)

The literature relating to the 145 nemertean species at one time or another included in the monostiliferoidean genus Amphiporus Ehrenberg, 1831 is reviewed. Because the designated type species, A. albicans , must be declared a nomen dubium , the status of the genus itself becomes uncertain. The 33 species which, at least in part, have previously been transferred to other genera are tabulated and the taxonomic status of the remaining forms is re-evaluated. Most are identified as nomina nuda, nomina dubia, species inquirendae or synonymous with other taxa, but one species, A. bimaculatus , is transferred to the genus Nipponnemertes .     

New species and new records of apodous holothurians (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) from southern Africa

Oestergrenia spatula sp.n. from the south coast of southern Africa and Leptosynapta naiga sp.n. from the east coast are described. The genus Oestergrenia Heding, 1931 is resurrected from synonymy and discussed in detail. Epitornapta knysnaensis Cherbonnier, 1952 is referred to the genus Leptosynapta. Leptosynapta ancoracuta Cherbonnier, 1954 is considered a synonym of L. knysnuensis . In addition, two new records of Euapta godeffroyi (Semper, 1868) and Chiridota rigida Semper, 1868. both from the east coast, are given.     

Molecular dating and diversification of the South American lizard genus Liolaemus (subgenus Eulaemus) based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences

The temperate South American lizard genus Liolaemus is the one of the most widely distributed and species‐rich genera of lizards on earth. The genus is divided into two subgenera, Liolaemus sensu stricto (the ‘Chilean group’) and Eulaemus (the ‘Argentino group’), a division that is supported by recent molecular and morphological data. Owing to a lack of reliable fossil data, previous studies have been forced to use either global molecular clocks, a standardized mutation rate adopted from previous studies, or the use of geological events as calibration points. However, simulations indicate that these types of assumptions may result in less accurate estimates of divergence times when clock‐like models or mutation rates are violated. We used a multilocus data set combined with a newly described fossil to provide the first calibrated phylogeny for the crown groups of the clade Eulaemus, and derive new fossil‐calibrated substitution rates (with error) of both nuclear and mtDNA gene regions for Eulaemus specifically. Divergence date estimates for each of the crown groups and appropriate rate estimates will provide the foundation for understanding rates of speciation, historical biogeography, and phylogeographical history for various clades in one of the most diverse lizard genera in the poorly studied Patagonian region. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 164 , 825–835.     

Factors Affecting Golden-Cheeked Warbler Nest Survival in Urban and Rural Landscapes

ABSTRACT We evaluated hypotheses concerning temporal, landscape, and habitat effects on nest survival of golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) in an urban and a rural landscape during the breeding seasons of 2005 and 2006 in central Texas, USA. We found support for temporal effects of year and cubic effect of date and included them in candidate models that evaluated habitat and landscape effects. Nest survival was lower in 2006 than in 2005 and decreased nonlinearly as the breeding season progressed. We found support for edge effects with decreased nest survival nearer edges and in areas with increased open edge density (wooded habitat abutting open habitat) or decreased trail density. However, confidence intervals for the model-averaged odds ratios overlapped 1.0 for all edge variables. Overall daily survival rate was 0.964 (95% CI = 0.949-0.975), resulting in a 25-day period survival of 0.398 (95% CI = 0.269-0.524). Period survival in Austin's urban landscape (0.399, 95% CI = 0.270-0.526) was similar to survival in Fort Hood's rural landscape (0.396, 95% CI = 0.261-0.528). Both landscapes likely support self-sustaining populations based on reasonable assumptions for adult survival and number of nesting attempts. We suggest that some large urban preserves can provide breeding habitat of comparable quality to rural locations and recommend protecting large parcels (>100 ha) of breeding habitat with limited fragmentation and reducing the amount of wooded edge abutting open habitat to ensure nest survival regardless of their landscape context.