Two new species of Heptapterus (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Uruguay River basin,Brazil

As part of an ongoing taxonomic revision of the genus Heptapterus from the Laguna dos Patos and Uruguay River drainages and Atlantic coastal streams of southern Brazil and Uruguay, two new species closely related to Heptapterus mustelinus were identified. Both species are endemic to small tributaries of the Uruguay River. The two new species are distinguished from each other and from other species of Heptapterus by arrangement of cephalic and trunk laterosensory systems, number of vertebrae and number of dorsal, pectoral and anal-fin rays. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (coI and cytb) sequence data further supports distinctiveness of the two new species.     

Living between rapids: genetic structure and hybridization in botos (Cetacea: Iniidae: Inia spp.) of the Madeira River,Brazil

Until the recent construction of hydroelectric dams, a series of 18 rapids divided the upper and lower Madeira River, and these rapids were thought to separate two species of Amazonian freshwater dolphins (boto): Inia boliviensis (above) and I. geoffrensis (below). Some reports and articles, however, mention the occurrence of botos within the rapids region and that they occasionally cross the rapids, but without mentioning the species concerned. Based on our previous studies, it is likely that I. boliviensis occurs in the region of the rapids. To test this supposition, we sampled 18 individuals from this region, and collected mitochondrial (control region, cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I) and nuclear (10 microsatellite loci) DNA data, in order to test if there is connectivity between the dolphins that were found within the rapids region and dolphins collected upstream and downstream of the rapids, and investigate population structuring between these localities. All animals in our study were molecularly identified using three mitochondrial markers as belonging to the species I. boliviensis. Animals upstream of the Teotônio waterfall, the main and highest waterfall of the region, had nuclear genome of I. boliviensis, while most dolphins downstream of the waterfall had nuclear genome of I. geoffrensis. Inia boliviensis collected in the rapids region above the Teotônio waterfall belong to a management unit (MU) distinct from the I. boliviensis MU occupying Bolivian rivers. Downstream of Teotônio waterfall most dolphins are I. boliviensis/geoffrensis hybrids, with remaining individuals being migrant I. boliviensis. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 114 , 764–777.     

A new candiru of the genus Paracanthopoma (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Araguaia River basin,central Brazil

A new species of the candiru genus Paracanthopoma is described from the floodplains of the Bananal Island, a transition area between the Cerrado and Amazon, in the Araguaia River basin, central Brazil. Paracanthopoma cangussu sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners, Paracanthopoma parva and Paracanthopoma saci, by the presence of seven opercular odontodes, five dentary teeth, five median premaxillary teeth, and first dorsal-fin pterygiophore in a vertical through the centrum of the 23th or 24th vertebra. It is further distinguished from each congener by an exclusive combination of character states, comprising the number of vertebrae, number of precaudal vertebrae, number of dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays, number of ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays, number of dorsal-fin rays, disposition of pores on the cephalic portion of the latero-sensory system, absence of an anterior process on the anterior margin of parieto-supraoccipital, number of dorsal-fin pteryigiophores and number of interopercular odontodes. Although vandelliines are known for being exclusively hematophagous, with guts gorged with blood, two cleared and stained specimens of P. cangussu sp. nov. had Chironomidae larvae (Insecta) on their guts. Because most specimens of P. cangussu sp. nov. were collected with stomachs filled with blood, it was hypothesized that the species feeds accidentally or occasionally on insects.     

Temporal patterns in the intertidal faunal community at the mouth of a tropical estuary

The use of intertidal sandy beaches by fish and macrocrustaceans was studied at different temporal scales at the mouth of a tropical estuary. Samples were taken along the lunar and diel cycles in the late dry and rainy seasons. Fish assemblage (number of species, density and biomass), crustaceans and wrack biomass, showed significant interactions among all studied factors, and the combination of moon phase and diel cycle, resulting in different patterns of environmental variables (depth, water temperature and dissolved oxygen), affected habitat use by the different species. Variances in faunal community were detected between seasons, stimulated by salinity fluctuations from freshwater input during the rainy season. These differences suggest an important cycling of habitats and an increase in connectivity between adjacent habitats (estuary and coastal waters). Moreover, the results showed that this intertidal sandy beach also provides an alternative nursery and protected shallow‐water area for the initial development phase of many marine and estuarine species. In addition, this intertidal habitat plays an important role in the maintenance of the ecological functioning of the estuarine–coastal ecosystem continuum.     

Morphology and Phylogeny of Thelohanellus marginatus n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea), a Parasite Infecting the Gills of the Fish Hypophthalmus marginatus (Teleostei: Pimelodidae) in the Amazon River

Thelohanellus marginatus n. sp., a new myxosporean parasite infecting the primary gill filaments of the teleost fish Hypophthalmus marginatus (Pimelodidae) in the Amazon River, is described on the basis of microscopic and molecular procedures. The parasite forms whitish and ellipsoidal cysts up to 250 μm in diam. Myxospores ellipsoidal with a slightly more pointed anterior end, measuring 17.1 ± 0.6 μm in length, 6.9 ± 0.4 μm in width, and 5.1 ± 0.5 μm in thickness. A single pyriform polar capsule, 9.0 ± 0.3 μm long and 6.1 ± 0.4 μm wide, positioned slightly right to the medial plane in valvular view, contains a polar filament arranged in 4–5 coils. Molecular analysis of the SSU rRNA gene by Maximum Parsimony, Neighbor‐Joining, and Maximum Likelihood revealed the parasite clustering among other myxobolids, namely Henneguya and Myxobolus. Host affinity is supported as an important evolutionary signal for the phylogeny of myxobolids. The parasite here described represents the first record of the genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 from the South American fauna.     

Chromosome characterization and biogeographic relations among three populations of the driftwood catfish Parauchenipterus galeatus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) in Brazil

The present study employed basic and molecular cytogenetic methods to characterize three populations of Parauchenipterus galeatus from the basins of the Paraná and São Francisco Rivers, and a region of connection between the two basins. Although the diploid number was equal to 58 chromosomes, variations in karyotype formula were detected among the populations. B chromosomes were detected only in the population from the São Francisco River. Heterochromatin was located in the terminal position in almost all the chromosomes and in the pericentromeric position in some acrocentric chromosomes in the three populations. A single nucleolus organizer region was detected by silver nitrate and 18S rDNA‐fluorescent in situ hybridization in the short arm of one subtelocentric pair in the three populations, varying only in the chromosome pair bearing this site. The 5S rDNA sites were located in two submetacentric chromosome pairs in the three populations, varying only in the chromosome pairs bearing these sequences. Classic and molecular chromosome markers, along with the context of the natural history of the formation of hydrographic basins, ecological aspects, and the geographic isolation of populations between hydrographic basins and within the same basin, were important contributions to the discussion on possible biogeographic relations among the populations of Parauchenipterus galeatus. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99 , 648–656.     

Effects of temperature on the life cycle,expansion, and dispersion of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in three cities in Paraiba,Brazil

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue and is common throughout tropical and subtropical regions. Its distribution is modulated by environmental factors, such as temperature. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature on the life cycle and expansion of Ae. aegypti populations in the cities of Campina Grande, João Pessoa, and Patos. Samples of Ae. aegypti were collected in the three cities and raised in the laboratory. We assessed the life cycles of the three Ae. aegypti populations under six constant temperatures (16, 22, 28, 33, 36, and 39°C), selected on the basis of historical temperature tendencies of each city. We also used existing climate data to calculate projected temperature increases for all three areas. Our results suggest that Campina Grande, João Pessoa, and Patos will experience, respectively, maximum temperature increases of 0.030°C/year, 0.069°C/year, and 0.061°C/year, and minimum temperature increases of 0.019°C/year, ?0.047°C/year, and ?0.086°C/year. These projected increases will result in temperatures favorable to the Ae. aegypti life cycle, causing rapid population growth. Therefore, Ae. aegypti populations are likely to expand in the mesoregions represented by these cities.     

Description and post-glacial demography of Gammarus jazdzewskii sp. nov. (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from Central Europe

The fresh waters of the Baltic German and Polish lowlands are inhabited by several Gammarus species. One of them, Gammarus fossarum, a common inhabitant of lowland and submontane waters in western and central Europe, is known to show different morphotypes of unclear taxonomic status. Recent molecular studies showed that Gammarus fossarum is a complex of numerous highly divergent lineages. We characterized one of these lineages genetically and morphologically, described it as a species new to science and named it in honour of Krzysztof Ja?d?ewski as Gammarus jazdzewskii. The newly described species is widely distributed in Central Europe, from the Western Carpathians to the Baltic Lowlands. Its ancestral lineage appeared in the Miocene and diversified largely throughout the Pleistocene, presumably in the Western Carpathians. Its current distribution is predominantly a result of postglacial expansion from local refugia located in the Western Carpathians.     

Delimiting species by reproductive isolation: the genetic structure of epigean and hypogean <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichomycterus </Emphasis>spp. (Teleostei,Siluriformes) in the restricted area of Torotoro (Upper Amazon,Bolivia)

Genetic variability of Trichomycterus from the region of Torotoro (Bolivia, Upper Amazon), distributed in the same watershed where the habitat is structured by waterfalls, canyons and a cave, was studied by allozyme (twelve putative loci) and RFLP-mtDNA (DLoop and cytochrome b) analyses. Alloenzymatic variation studied by Correspondence Analysis and Maximum Likelihood Analysis revealed a four-group structure, which was largely congruent with the distribution of the 14 mtDNA haplotypes. Two of these four clusters (I and II) were differentiated by two diagnostic loci (IDH and G3PDH), two semi-diagnostic loci (PGM and 6PGDH) and consequently a very high F_st value (estimator θ = 0.77). Therefore, clusters I and II are reproductively isolated. The distribution limit of these two (sibling) species does not correspond to those of the morphological species of Trichomycterus identified in this region: the epigean T. cf. barbouri and the hypogean T. chaberti. However, hypogean fish exhibited two mtDNA haplotypes, a private one and another shared with the epigean Trichomycterus from upstream reaches.     

Temporal and spatial variability in the abundance,biomass and distribution of Palaemon peringueyi (Decapoda: Crustacea) are influenced by biological but not physico-chemical factors in the permanently open Kariega Estuary,South Africa

Biological and physico-chemical factors affecting abundance and biomass of shrimp Palaemon peringueyi were investigated in 2010–2011 in the lower, middle and upper reaches of the freshwater-deprived permanently open Kariega Estuary. Shrimp abundance and biomass ranged from 0 to 88 ind. m^?2 and 0 to 4.4 g wwt m^?2, respectively. Shrimps were most abundant in the lower reach, and highest abundances and biomasses were recorded in the lower reach in June when salinities were low. The shrimps were almost always absent in the upper reach. Juveniles were found mostly in the lower and middle reaches, whereas adults were distributed in all three reaches. Regression analyses showed no statistically significant relationship for either abundance or biomass of the shrimps with temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen (p > 0.05). The relationship between shrimp abundance and biomass and vegetation cover was positive and statistically significant (R² = 0.109 and 0.185, respectively; p < 0.05). Vegetation cover plays an important role in determining the presence, distribution and abundance or biomass of P. peringueyi in this estuary.     

Of mites and bees: A review of mite–bee associations in Australia and a revision of Raymentia Womersley (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae), with the description of two new species of mites from Lasioglossum (Parasphecodes) spp. (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Social bees have a diverse fauna of symbiotic mesostigmatic mites, including highly pathogenic parasites of the honeybee, but there are few reports of Mesostigmata phoretic on or inhabiting the nests of solitary or communal, ground-nesting bees. In south-eastern Australia, however, native bees in the family Halictidae carry what appears to be a substantial radiation of host-specific mesostigmatans in the family Laelapidae. Herein, we redescribe the obscure genus Raymentia , associated with Lasioglossum ( Parasphecodes ) spp. bees (Halictidae) and describe two new species, R. eickwortiana from L. lacthium (Smith) and R. walkeriana from L. atronitens (Cockerell). The type species, R. anomala Womersley, is associated with L. altichum (Smith). In addition, we review the mites known to be associated with Australian bees, provide a key to differentiate them, and describe and illustrate acarinaria of the Halictinae. We also report on the first occurrences in Australia of the genera Trochometridium Cross (Heterostigmata: Trochometridiidae), from L. eremaean Walker (Halictidae), and Cheletophyes Oudemans (Prostigmata: Cheyletidae) from Xylocopa Latreille (Xylocopinae), and on the previously unknown association between a Neocypholaelaps Vitzthum (Mesostigmata: Ameroseiidae) and Lipotriches tomentifera (Friese) (Halictidae).     

The influence of diet on the duration and thermal sensitivity of development in the linden bug Pyrrhocoris apterus L. (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae)

Temperature and nutrition are crucial environmental variables that determine rates of growth and development in insects. However, the simultaneous effect of these factors on life‐history traits is rarely addressed. In the present study, the influence of two diets (linden fruit and sunflower seeds) on the duration of immature stages and thermal reaction norms for development is tested in the bug Pyrrhocoris apterus L. (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae). Eggs and larvae are reared at five constant temperatures (20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 °C) under an LD 20 : 4 h photocycle. Development rates deviate from linearity in the studied thermal range, especially in larvae; therefore, a nonlinear (power‐law) approximation is also attempted. Parental diet causes no change in thermal reaction norms for egg development. However, the progeny of sunflower‐fed bugs are more variable in terms of their development time, suggesting a transgenerational effect. Larval mortality rates increase in cooler conditions and are always higher on sunflower seeds. This is accompanied by more variable, less temperature‐dependent and generally slower larval development. A review of previously published case studies on temperature–diet interactions in the control of insect development leads to two general conclusions. First, there are two approaches for assessing the temperature‐dependent development in insects: one based on the concept of the sum of degree‐days and the other based on the concept of reaction norm. Despite an obvious non‐exclusiveness, the two approaches appear to have developed in isolation from each other. Second, three principal patterns of temperature–diet interactions can be recognized. The pattern found in P. apterus (the direct effects of diet are stronger at higher temperatures and much weaker or absent at lower temperatures) appears to be the most widespread.     

The detection of sex‐linked heteroplasmy in Pseudocardium sachalinense (Bivalvia: Mactridae) and its implications for the distribution of doubly uniparental inheritance of mitochondrial DNA

Although mitochondrial inheritance in metazoans is typically strictly maternal, doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) is probably the major exception to this widespread rule. DUI has been found in many species of bivalve molluscs, belonging to several different families. Based on current understanding, the detection of DUI generally relies on the detection of two distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages: a female‐transmitted one, that dominates somatic tissues in males and females and eggs, and a male‐transmitted one, that dominates the male germline and sperm. When a new species with DUI is identified, novel data are available to make a better inference on the evolution of this phenomenon within the Bivalvia. In this study, mitochondrial heteroplasmy in Pseudocardium sachalinense (Schrenck, 1862) is described. This species belongs to the family of Mactridae, in which DUI has not been previously demonstrated: this finding allowed to upgrade the present knowledge about the distribution of DUI.     

Eimeria procyonis sp. n., an Isospora sp., and a Redescription of E. nuttalli Yakimoff and Matikaschwili, 1932 (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the American Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

SYNOPSIS. Thirty-two of 48 raccoons examined were infected with a previously undescribed species of Eimeria which is herein named E. procyonis. Of the 32 infected animals, 10 also harbored E. nuttalli and 1 had Isospora sp. oocysts.
The ellipsoid to ovoid oocysts of E. procyonis measured 23.4 × 18.0 (16–29 × 13–24) μm; its sporocysts measured 12.1 × 9.3 (11.5–15 × 7–10) μm, each containing a slightly flattened substiedal body. The sporocyst residuum consisted of numerous scattered granules each ∼1 μm in diameter. The oocyst wall was double-layered. The outer layer appeared rough and pitted, measuring 1.5 μm, except at the micropyle where it was 1 μm thick.
The oocysts of the Isospora sp. measured 16.8 × 13.7 (16–18.5 × 12.5–15.5) μm. The wall consisted of a single layer ∼0.5 μm thick. The sporocysts measured 11.2 × 9.1 (9.5–11.5 × 8–10) μm, and each contained 4 elongate sporozoites. The oocysts of E. nuttalli measured 17.5 × 13.6 (12-21 × 11-15) μm, with a smooth single-layered wall approximately 0.7 μm thick. The sporocysts measured 12.2 × 7.1 (9-13 × 5.5–11) μm. Each sporocyst had a thin, dark, Stieda body and the sporocyst residuum consisted of many fine granules.     

A diepitopic sequential oligopeptide carrier (SOCn) as mimic of the sm autoantigen: synthesis, conformation and biological assays.

Anti-Sm (Sm: U1-U6 RNA-protein complex) antibodies are usually considered highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while anti-U1RNP (U1RNP: U1RNA-protein complex) are thought of as diagnostic criteria for the mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). However, both antibody specificities coexist in SLE and MCTD, in varying percentages. Although the anti-Sm/anti-U1RNP immunological cross-reactivity has been initially attributed to a common motif, PPXY(Z)PP (where X, Y, Z are various amino acids), found in the Sm, U1-A and U1-C autoantigens, it appears that the conformational features of the Sm epitopes also play an important role in the immunoreactivity. The PPGMRPP and PPGIRGP main epitopes of the Sm antigen were coupled in duplicate to the tetrameric Ac-(Lys-Aib-Gly)4-OH, SOC4, carrier to form the [(PPGMRPP)2, (PPGIRGP)2]-SOC4 construct as a mimic of the native Sm. It was found that: (i) the 3(10) helical structure of SOC4 allows the epitopes to adopt an exposed orientation, similar to their free forms, that facilitates their recognition from the anti-Sm antibodies, and (ii) the U1-RNP cross-reactivity is minimized.