Two new species of Staurotheca Allman, 1888 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Sertulariidae) from the Scotia Sea (Antarctica)

Two new species of the genus Staurotheca Allman, 1888 have been studied (Staurotheca cornuta sp. nov. and Staurotheca multifurcata sp. nov). The material, from the Scotia Ridge area (Antarctica), was collected in 1986/1987 by the Spanish Antarctic expedition “Antártida 8611”. Each species is described and figured, and its systematic position among allied species is noted. Data concerning autecology and geographical distribution for each species are given. A comparative table listing the main features of the known species of the genus is included. Finally, a general survey of the geographical and bathymetrical distribution of the known species of the genus is presented. Accepted: 1 September 1998     

Some new species of Haplotaxidae (Oligochaeta) from Guinea and remarks on the history of the family

Three new species of Haplotaxidae collected by Dr. A. Villiers in a cave near Kindia, Guinea, are described. One species belongs to the genus Metataxis Righi, 1985 (M. carnivorus sp. nov.) which is distributed in Western Africa and Eastern America. Another new species is similar to Lycodrilus kraepelini Michaelsen, 1914 incertae sedis: a new genus Villiersia is proposed for both species (V. guanivora sp. nov., V. kraepelini nov. comb.).A third species, of which only immature specimens are available, is tentatively attributed to the genus Haplotaxis: it is remarkable because of its peculiar setae and commissural vessels (H. villiersi sp. nov.).The three species appear to feed on bat guano and, occasionally, on aquatic arthropods. Metataxis, Tiguassu and Villiersia belong to the section of Haplotaxidae endowed with paired sperm sacs and ovisacs.The relations of Haplotaxidae with other families are discussed and it is suggested that the passage from the haplotaxid condition to that of sparganophilids and more advanced lumbriciforms is connected to a change of reproductive strategy and to an enhanced metabolism.     

New species of sap beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Nitidulini) from the Baltic and Bitterfeld ambers

A new genus, Microsoronia, gen. nov., and new species of this genus, M. hoffeinsorum, sp. nov. from the Bitterfeld amber and M. kerneggeri sp. nov., M. nigerrima sp. nov., and M. interfax, sp. nov. from the Baltic amber, are described. The earliest known member of the genus Phenolia, P. (Lasiodites) angustitibialis, sp. nov., is described from the Baltic amber. The systematic position of these two genera, their possible evolution, as well as the possible ecology and bionomics of their members are discussed. It is shown that “Phenolia” incapax Scudder, 1890 should be included in the family Peltidae, rather than Nitidulidae.     

Mixoscyphus antarcticus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Sertulariidae), the first truly endemic genus of Antarctic benthic hydroids

A genus and species of Antarctic benthic hydroids new to science, Mixoscyphus antarcticus gen. nov., sp. nov., is described and figured. Its systematic position amongst allied genera of the family Sertulariidae is discussed. The studied material originates from the South Shetland Islands area (West Antarctica), which was collected by several Spanish and US Antarctic expeditions. Mixoscyphus gen. nov. currently represents the only complete endemic genus of Antarctic benthic hydrozoans. A discussion of other genera of benthic hydroids that are largely endemic to the Antarctic is also provided.     

New species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macclintockia</Emphasis> (Angiosperms) from the Campanian of the Ugol’naya Bay (Northeastern Russia)

New species of angiosperms are described as members of the genus Macclintockia from the Ugol’naya Bay area, in northeastern Russia: M. barykovensis Moiseeva, sp. nov., M. gigantea Moiseeva, sp. nov., and M. terranea Moiseeva et Herman, sp. nov. Leaves of this genus are considerably variable, which hampers differentiation between particular species. The study of new material has allowed the author to trace the morphological variability of these species and revised on this ground the composition of the species M. ochotica Vachr. et Herman and M. beringiana Herman. The composition of Macclintockia is discussed, as well as its occurrence during the Late Cretaceous.     

MICROFISSURATA GEN. NOV. (BACILLARIOPHYTA), A NEW DIATOM GENUS FROM DYSTROPHIC AND INTERMITTENTLY WET TERRESTRIAL HABITATS1

A new freshwater benthic diatom genus, Microfissurata gen. nov., was identified from light and scanning electron micrographs. The most characteristic morphological feature (referred to also by the name of the new genus) is the structure of the striae/alveoli, which are simple, mostly uninterrupted, transapical slits. The combination of characteristics of the new genus is unique. It includes two new species: Microfissurata paludosa Cantonati et Lange‐Bert. sp. nov. and M. australis Van de Vijver et Lange‐Bert. sp. nov., distributed in Europe and on an austral island, respectively. The new genus occurs in freshwater dystrophic lakes, pools, seepage springs, mires, and in intermittently wet terrestrial habitats. It is not abundant but widespread wherever these habitat types are well developed, in Nordic‐alpine and sub‐Antarctic areas. Overall, the new genus appears to be mostly epiphytic (bryophilous) and capable of tolerating a wide range of moisture conditions (xerotolerant). The finding of the type species (M. paludosa) in a well‐investigated area like central Europe highlights the diatom species richness of dystrophic habitats and their importance for diatom biodiversity conservation.     

On two new species of Oswaldella Stechow, 1919 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from Bransfield Strait (Antarctica)

Two species of the genus Oswaldella Stechow, 1919 new to science (Oswaldella crassa sp. nov. and O.␣curiosa sp. nov.) were studied. Both species are described and figured; their systematic position amongst the remaining species of the genus is discussed. The material originates from the Bransfield Strait area (Antarctica) and was collected during the United States Antarctic Research Program with R.V. Eltanin. A comparative table listing the main features of the known species of Oswaldella is presented. Finally, a general survey of geographical and bathymetrical distribution of the known species of Oswaldella is given. Received: 8 October 1997 / Accepted: 2 February 1998     

Oocyte development and gonad production of Nematocarcinus lanceopes (Decapoda: Caridea) in the eastern Weddell Sea, Antarctica

 Nematocarcinus lanceopes Bate 1888 is the only decapod that occurs in large numbers on the continental slope of the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Histological examination of the female gonads and analyses of oocyte growth indicate a biannual reproduction cycle with seasonal occyte maturation in this species. Vitellogenic development is estimated to take 2 years and culminates during summer. Females spawn three times, every 2nd year, while they grow from 27 to 34 mm carapace length. Based on these results the calculated female gonad production is 184 g wet mass (70.5 g dry mass)/total catch, which is high compared to shrimp populations on the continental shelf of the Weddell Sea. Seasonal reproductive patterns of N. lanceopes seem to reflect oscillating food conditions in the Antarctic Weddell Sea. This mode of reproduction differs from all other Nematocarcinidae, which release eggs the whole year round. The ability to adapt the reproductive cycle to a seasonal productivity pattern may have been an important factor in extending the distribution range of the deep-water genus Nematocarcinus into Antarctic waters. Received: 3 January 1996/Accepted: 28 April 1996     

Diet of the Antarctic starry skate Amblyraja georgiana (Rajidae, Chondrichthyes) at South Georgia (Southern Ocean)

Stomach contents were identified from 206 Antarctic starry skate (Amblyraja georgiana) that were collected during three groundfish surveys (September 2007, April 2008 and January 2009) at South Georgia, Southern Ocean. The diet of A. georgiana varied with skate size and between years. Preferred prey included fish (particularly for larger individuals) and Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, as well as amphipods, polychaetes and other benthic fauna. The skate A. georgiana appears to be an opportunistic predator, and the clear presence of Antarctic krill in this demersal predator’s diet may indicate a benthic habit of this euphausiid species, which has hitherto mainly been considered as occupying a purely pelagic niche.     

Deep-sea Tardigrada from South Shetland Islands (Antarctica) with description of Angursa antarctica sp. nov. (Arthrotardigrada, Halechiniscidae)

A new species of marine tardigrade is described coming from the muddy sediment of the Antarctic deep sea. Angursa antarctica sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of balloon-shaped primary clavae, long lateral cirri, long cephalic cirri, spines on legs I, hemispherical capsule-shaped papillae on legs IV, and short external peduncles. Geographical distribution of the genus Angursa extends to Antarctic waters, suggesting a cosmopolitan distribution for this bathyal and abyssal genus. A table comparing the main differentiating characteristics of the species of Angursa is presented. Received: 25 July 1997 / Accepted: 9 November 1997     

New hyperbenthic species of Misophriopsis and Misophriella, first record of misophrioid copepods (Crustacea) from Antarctic waters

  Misophrioid copepods are reported for the first time from Antarctic waters. A species of each of the genera Misophriopsis and Misophriella is described from hyperbenthic layers of the continental shelf of the eastern Weddell Sea. The genus Misophria is also reported from these waters. Misophriopsis australis sp. nov. is the fifth representative of this widely distributed genus, previously reported from the North Atlantic, the China Sea, and both NW and NE quadrants of the Pacific Ocean. Misophriella schminkei sp. nov. is the second representative of the genus, known to date only from a single female caught in North Atlantic bathyal depths. Traces of subdivisions on antennary exopodal segments of the latter species suggest that the first segment may be a triple segment, while the second and terminal segments may be double segments. In addition, the mandibular exopod of this taxon indicates that a six-segmented ramus with setal formula 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2 may represent the ground pattern in Copepoda. The presence of parts of a cyclopinid copepod in the gut of M. schminkei sp. nov. indicates that this species may be carnivorous. Received: 12 November 1998 / Received in revised form: 26 July 1999 / Accepted: 27 July 1999     

STUDIES ON THE GENUS METALLUS FORBES OF CHINA (HYMENOPTERA:TENTHREDINIDAE)*

Abstract The genus Metallus Forbes from China is revised. Four new species are described in this paper: Metallus nigritarsus sp. nov., M. minutus sp. nov., M. bui sp. nov. and M. jingfanus sp. nov. The male of Metallus mai Wei and the female of Metallus wangi Wei are described for the first time.     

On the Paleozoic bryozoans of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ascopora</Emphasis> Trautschold

Based on the study of the neotype and the astogeny of the type specimens of the species Ascopora nodosa (Fischer von Waldheim, 1837), the diagnosis and species composition of the genus Ascopora Trautschold, 1876 are emended. The genus Ascopora and three species out of the five included in this genus—A. nodosa (Fischer von Waldheim, 1837); A. sokolovae Schulga-Nesterenko, 1955; and A. latiaxis Schulga-Nesterenko, 1955—are described. A new genus, Tetrasella gen. nov., with the type species T. blanda sp. nov. is described. This genus comprises five species, transferred from the composition of the genus Ascopora. An emended diagnosis of the genus Ascoporella Krutchinina, 1986, is provided. This genus comprises nine species, of which two, A. lecta sp. nov. and A. mera sp. nov., are described as new species.     

The lichen genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Umbilicaria</Emphasis> from the neighbourhood of Admiralty Bay (King George Island,maritime Antarctic), with a proposed new key to all Antarctic taxa

This paper documents the occurrence of the genus Umbilicaria in the neighbourhood of Admiralty Bay on King George Island in the maritime Antarctic. Nine species are reported from the area surveyed, with Umbilicaria kappeni being reported from King George Island for the first time. The occurrence of U. aprina, U. cristata and U. umbilicarioides on the island is confirmed and that of U. aprina is its first documented record from the maritime Antarctic. Fertile specimens of U. umbilicarioides are recorded for the first time from Antarctica. The area around Admiralty Bay seems to be one of the Antarctic regions with the highest diversity of Umbilicaria species. The diagnostic characters and distribution of each species are discussed. An updated key for identification of all the Antarctic species of the genus is provided.     

Megapanorpa,a new genus with a single anal horn in males from Oriental China (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

A new genus of Panorpidae, Megapanorpa gen. nov. , is erected for five new species, Megapanorpa grandis sp. nov. (type species), M. absens sp. nov. , M. gaokaii sp. nov. , M. jiangorum sp. nov. and M. wanghongjiani sp. nov. This genus is similar to Cerapanorpa Gao et al., 2016 in a single anal horn on the sixth tergum of male, but can be differentiated from the latter by the following characters: the seventh abdominal segment of male is constricted and stalk‐like at base, the subgenital plate of female with a pair of lateral plates, and the medigynium of female with a concealed axis. Keys to genera of Panorpidae and species of Megapanorpa gen. nov. are presented. The morphology and function of anal horns in different genera and species have been discussed.     

Echiniscus corrugicaudatus (Heterotardigrada; Echiniscidae) a new species from Ellsworth Land, Antarctica

Echiniscus corrugicaudatus sp. nov., (Heterotardigrada; Echiniscidae) was found in the limited vegetation from the inland nunataks of Ellsworth Land, West Antarctica. The tardigrade fauna of this a rarely explored region shows limited overlap with the fauna from the maritime or coastal continental Antarctic. This species is placed within the Echiniscus “arctomys-group” based on the characteristic of, “a lack of body appendages other than cirrus A”. It has less well-defined edges to the dorsal plates than other species within the group and distinct ridges on the caudal plate. Males were found in the population indicating gonochoristic reproduction, and a large number of juveniles suggesting an over-wintering strategy of eggs or a biennial population over-wintering as adults/sub-adults and eggs.     

New taxa of Mesorthopteridae (Insecta: Grylloblattida) from the Permian of Russia

New taxa of grylloblattids of the family Mesorthopteridae are described from the Permian of Russia: Parastenaropodites aquilonius sp. nov. from the Soyana locality (Middle Permian); P. circumhumatus sp. nov. from the Kul’chumovo locality; and Tshermyaninus biforis gen. et sp. nov., Permorthopteron foliaceus gen. et sp. nov., Parastenaropodites pannea sp. nov., P. exossis sp. nov., Mesoidelia procera sp. nov., and M. riphaea sp. nov. from the Isady locality (Upper Permian). Two species of the genus Khosaridelia Storozhenko, 1992 (family Permotermopsidae) and one species of the genus Megakhosarina Storozhenko, 1993 (family Megakhosaridae) are transferred to the genus Parastenaropodites Storozhenko, 1996 (family Mesorthopteridae); one species of the genus Parastenaropodites is transferred to the genus Austroidelia Riek, 1954; as a result, four new combinations are established: Khosaridelia rigida Aristov, 2005 =Parastenaropodites rigidus (Aristov, 2005), comb. nov. (Vorkuta locality, Lower Permian of Russia); Khosaridelia vyatica Aristov, 2009 =Parastenaropodites vyaticus (Aristov, 2009), comb. nov. (Karaungir locality, Middle Permian of Kazakhstan); Megakhosarina intricata Aristov, 2008 =Parastenaropodites intricatus (Aristov, 2008), comb. nov. (Soyana locality, Middle Permian of Russia); and Parastenaropodites nervosa Storozhenko, 1996 =Austroidelia nervosa (Storozhenko, 1996), comb. nov. (Madygen locality, Middle Triassic of Kyrgyzstan). An identification key to species of the genus Parastenaropodites is given.     

Benthic hydroids (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) from the Bransfield Strait area (Antarctica) collected by Brazilian expeditions,with the description of a new species

A total of 36 species of benthic hydroids, belonging to nine families and 16 genera, were found in the hydroid collection gathered during the Brazilian Antarctic expeditions PROANTAR III and IV. Seven of the species were identified only to generic level. There is a clear dominance of the subclass Leptothecatae with 33 species. By far the most diversified family was the Sertulariidae, with 16 species (44%). Symplectoscyphus with eight species, including Symplectoscyphus magnificus sp. nov., is the most diversified genus. Almost 70% of the species diversity is restricted to just six genera (38%). Sixty-eight percent of the species is Antarctic endemics and 86% is restricted to Antarctic or Antarctic/sub-Antarctic waters. Eudendrium antarcticum and Amphisbetia operculata are recorded for the first time from Antarctic waters.     

A new coral‐associated decapod assemblage from the Upper Miocene (Messinian) Upper Coralline Limestone of Malta (Central Mediterranean)

Abstract: A rich coral‐associated decapod assemblage is recorded from the ‘Depiru Beds’ of the upper part of the Upper Coralline Limestone (Messinian, Upper Miocene), from the island of Malta. Nineteen species within 17 genera have been discovered, where 14 genera are new for Malta. Four new species are described, namely Micippa annamariae sp. nov., Pilumnus scaber sp. nov., Panopeus muelleri sp. nov. and Herbstia melitense sp. nov. Herbstia melitense sp. nov. constitutes the first record of the genus from the fossil record in the Mediterranean region. This discovery more than doubles the number of known fossil decapod species from Malta. The fossil bivalve Jouannetia (J.) semicaudata Des Moulins, 1830 and the extant decapod Maja goltziana D’Oliveira, 1888, are also recorded for the first time from Malta. Other Neogene coral‐associated decapod assemblages are investigated and correlated with the new assemblage from Malta. The migration of taxa between the Mediterranean region and the Paratethys, particularly during the Lower Badenian (Langhian), is evidenced by the strong affinity of the Maltese decapod assemblage with that of the Middle Miocene Badenian assemblages from Hungary, Poland and Ukraine. Upper Miocene, Messinian assemblages from Spain, Algeria and Morocco are also similar to that from Malta.