Systematics,genetics, and biogeography of intertidal mites (Acari,Oribatida) from the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca

This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of marine‐associated mites in the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca and reveals a relatively high diversity of these taxa with six species from two different families: Selenoribatidae and Fortuyniidae. Indopacifica, a new genus of Selenoribatidae, is described from Thailand and Malaysia, with two new species, Indopacifica pantai n. sp. and Indopacifica parva n. sp. The genus is characterized by the unique combination of following characters: lacking lamellar ridges, incomplete dorsosejugal suture, fourteen pairs of notogastral setae, and presence of epimeral foveae. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on 18S ribosomal RNA sequences clearly confirms the distinctness of the new genus Indopacifica and places it close to the genus Rhizophobates. The lack of molecular genetic data of possible relatives impedes a clear assessment, and hence, we emphasize the need for further combined approaches using morphological and molecular genetic sequence data. All species show wide distribution areas within this geographic region suggesting that these taxa are good dispersers despite their minute size and wingless body. Molecular genetic data demonstrate recent gene flow between far distant populations of I. pantai n. sp. from the coasts of Thailand and two islands of Malaysia and hence confirm this assumption. The seasonally changing surface currents within this geographic area may favor hydrochorous dispersal and hence genetic exchange. Nevertheless, morphometric data show a slight trend to morphological divergence among the studied populations, whereas this variation is suggested to be a result of genetic drift but also of habitat differences in one population of Alismobates pseudoreticulatus.     

Revisiting Lepidonella Yosii (Collembola: Paronellidae): character overview,checklist of world species and reassessment of Pseudoparonella doveri Carpenter

Characters used in the taxonomy of the genus Lepidonella Yosii, 1960 (Collembola: Paronellidae) are listed and discussed. Several new ones are introduced. An overview of pseudopore patterns across Collembola is presented, with several new locations of these structures across Entomobryomorpha. Their interest at different taxonomic level is underlined. The genus Lepidonella is redefined. The American species L. marimuti Soto Adames &; Bellini, 2015 Soto-Adames FN, Bellini BC. 2015. Dorsal chaetotaxy of neotropical species supports a basal position for the genus Lepidonella among scaled Paronellidae (Collembola, Entomobryoidea). Florida Entomologist. 98(1):330–341.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] is placed in incertae sedis among Lepidonella. Lepidonella species of the world are listed with synonymies and combinations. The Malaysian troglobitic species Pseudoparonella doveri Carpenter, 1933 Carpenter GH. 1933. XIX. Fauna of the Batu caves, Selangor. Journal of the Federated Malay States Museum. 17:217–221. [Google Scholar] is redescribed in detail, with emphasis on its pattern of antennal chaetae, and transferred to the genus Lepidonella. Its close similarity with L. lecongkieti Deharveng &; Bedos, 1995 Deharveng L, Bedos A. 1995. Lepidonella lecongkieti n.sp., premier Collembole cavernicole du Vietnam (Collembola, Paronellidae). Bulletin de la Société entomologique de France. 100(1):21–24. [Google Scholar] from southwestern Vietnam caves is underlined. This disjunct distribution is briefly discussed.     

Influence of the Dispersed Particulate in Chocolate on Cocoa Butter Microstructure and Fat Crystal Growth during Storage

The dispersed particulates present in chocolate are shown to influence the microstructural development and fat crystal growth of cocoa butter (CB) during storage. Atomic force microscopy of both chocolate and CB showed that surface crystal growth on both materials was similar during isothermal (25 °C) storage over 4 weeks. However, unique micron-scale amorphous mounds also appeared on the surface of chocolate. With time, these regions increased in number and diameter and eventually solidified into clustered crystalline masses. X-Ray diffraction, solid fat content, and whiteness index measurements substantiated the observed crystal growth, with gradual increases in the proportion of the form VI polymorph, solid fat, and whiteness over time. Overall, these findings suggest that typical chocolate refining and tempering protocols result in a heterogeneously distributed particulate network that has a substantial impact on the morphology and crystallization pathway of the fat phase.     

Cyphoderus (Cyphoderidae) as a major component of collembolan cave fauna in Thailand,with description of two new species

Distinguishing features of Cyphoderus Collembola of the bidenticulati group are described. Taxonomic problems in the bidenticulati group of Cyphoderus are emphasized, and new characters of taxonomic value are introduced and discussed. Two new species are described from caves of Thailand, differing mainly in claw morphology.