The significance of the leaf epidermis in the taxonomy of the Combretaceae. V: The genus Cimbretum subgenus Cacoucia in Africa

The anatomy of the leaf epidermis of 49 of the approximately 65 African species of Combretum subgenus Cacoucia is described. This is discussed in relation to the taxonomy of the subgenus, particularly its sectional classification. Of the 17 sections which have been describrd, Campylogyne is now referred to the genus Quisqualis, Argyrotricha is referred to Combretum subgenus Combretum , and Angolensia, Grandiflora, Mweroensia, Parvula and Trichopetala are included with other sections. Combretum grandidieri is referred to the genus Calopyxis . In general the leaf epidermis of speries of subgenus Cacoucia is of far lower taxonomic value than in subgenus Combretum .     

An integumental anatomy for the butterfly Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Lepidoptera:Lycaenidae):a morphological terminology and homology

An integumental anatomy for the lycaenid butterfly Glaucopsyche lygdamus is presented. Comparisons with other lepidopteran taxa are made to rectify the homology of parts and contrast anatomical divergences within the Lycaenidae. A general terminology based on Snodgrass is given, to replace many of the specialized and often synonymous terms restricted to the Lepidoptera. Many common anatomical svnonyms are also given. Several reinterpretations of the anatomy and homology of various integumental regions are discussed. A previously unreported cuticular anomaly on abdominal tergum 2 of male Polyommatinae (Downey's area) is described. The following new or newly combined terms are used:postgenal-occipital area, postgenal-occipital protuberance, dorsal temporal sulci, postantennal projections, pronotal projection, infraepisternal-basisternal plate, paracoxal-marginopleural sulci, dorsal epimeral sulci, ventral epimeral sulci, secondary coxal sulci, ventral subcostal-radial process, lateral secondary sclerite and Downey's area.     

A reconsideration of the reptilian relationships of Archaeopteryx

The cladistic relationships of Archaeopteryx , the earliest known bird, are re-examined and previous hypotheses of relationships evaluated. The morphology of Archaeopteryx is redescribed. New interpretations of the fossils are presented, particularly in regard to the morphology of the pectoral girdle, manus, pelvic girdle, tarsus and pes. These new interpretations challenge some of the phylogenetic hypotheses recently presented and a new version of thecodontian relationships is suggested.     

Comparative sensitivities of electrophoretic assays for human enzymes

The sensitivities of 26 starch gel electrophoretic enzyme assays have been compared using HeLa human cells and A9 mouse cells grown in vitro.This research was supported by National Institutes of Health Grant No. USPHS GM 09966.     

Präadaption bei Flechten iranischer Halbwüsten

25 species of lichens have been collected in semidesertic to desertic areas of Iran. On the basis of spatial relations to the substrate and anatomical features of the thallus three main groups (one with a subdivision based on colour and morphology of the thallus) can be differentiated. Selective advantages and peculiarities in connection with the desert habitat are pointed out, such as inverse thallus-structure, a dense network of skeletal hyphae in the substrate in otherwise epilithic species, proliferating areolae of the thallus, immersed pycnidia with trichogynes and brownish spores in groups with usually colourless spores. Most of the species are wide-spread in arid and often also in humid regions; only one species,Verrucaria buschirensis J. Steiner, seems to be endemic. The prevalence of cyanophilic lichens in deserts may have phylogenetic reasons, as these groups appear to date back to periods without higher vegetation and a desert-like environment.

Herrn Prof. Dr. L.Geitler zum 80. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Studies onCabomba aquatica (Cabombaceae)

Cabomba aquatica has been found for the first time in India. Both, submerged and floating leaves are epistomatic. The stomata are anomocytic and perigenous in their development. The metaxylem vessel elements have simple perforation plates and spiral side wall thickening. Vessel elements are found in roots, rhizomes and aerial stems. The venation pattern is of two types like the dimorphic leaves. On the basis of these and other featuresCabomba deserves family rank.     

Biology and comparative predation efficacy of three heteropteran species recorded as predators ofBemisia tabaci in Maharashtra

Two mirids,Deraeocoris sp. andCampylomma nicolasi Reuter and one lygaeid,Geocoris ochropterus Fieber were found preying onB. tabaci (Gennadius) for the first time in Maharashtra State of India during 1987–88. Their biology and predation capacity onB. tabaci were studied in detail under laboratory conditions. The nymphal stage ofDeraeocoris sp. passed through 6 instars, whereas 5 instars in case of the remaining species.G. ochropterus, Deraeocoris sp. andC. nicolasi consumed on an average 482.5, 275.3 and 128.8 nymphs of 57.3, 25.5 and 20.6 days, respectively. On the basis of consumption rate per day,Deraeocoris sp. proved to be a superior predator. Part of Ph. D. Thesis submitted to Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani 431402, India.     

Range edges and the molecular divergence of Greya moth populations

Aim We investigated the geographical pattern of genetic divergence and demographic history in the prodoxid moth Greya obscura throughout its entire geographical range in far western North America and compared it to the geographical patterns found in a previously studied species, Greya politella, which co‐occurs over the same range, in the same habitats, and on the same host plants. Location The study included sites distributed throughout the California Floristic Province. Methods We used analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and amplified fragment length polymorphisms to evaluate the pattern and history of genetic continuity among populations. Results Greya obscura populations show a history of spatial expansion with considerable haplotype diversity in the centre of the geographical range. As with G. politella, some range‐edge populations of G. obscura are sufficiently divergent (6.7% in COI) to be considered as potentially cryptic species. Greya obscura and G. politella, however, differ in the specific range‐edge sites showing greatest genetic divergence and cryptic speciation. Main conclusions These results corroborate the view that range edges are important cradles of divergence and speciation. In addition, the results indicate that the geographical pattern of divergence at edges may differ even among closely related species occupying the same habitats and using the same hosts.