Recent brachiopods from the southern Brazilian shelf: palaeontological and biogeographical implications

Until recently, the rhynchonelliform (articulated) brachiopod fauna from the Brazilian continental shelf (western South Atlantic) was represented only by the endemic species Bouchardia rosea (Mawe), reported from coastal waters of the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The present study, based on samples from coastal (<30 m), shelf, and continental slope waters (99–485 m), documents the South Atlantic brachiopod fauna and shows that this fauna is more widespread, diverse, and cosmopolitan than previously thought. Based on a total of 16,177 specimens, the following brachiopods have been identified: Bouchardia rosea (Family Bouchardiidae), Platidia anomioides (Family Platidiidae), Argyrotheca cf. cuneata (Family Megathyrididae), and Terebratulina sp. (Family Cancellothyrididae). In coastal settings, the fauna is overwhelmingly dominated by Bouchardia rosea . Rare juvenile (<2 mm) specimens of Argyrotheca cf. cuneata were also found at two shallow-water sites. In shelf settings (100–200 m), the fauna is more diverse and includes Bouchardia rosea , Terebratulina sp., Argyrotheca cf. cuneata , and Platidia anomioides . Notably, Bouchardia rosea was found in waters as deep as 485 m, extending the known bathymetric range of this genus. Also, the record of this brachiopod in waters of the state of Paraná is the southernmost known occurrence of this species. The genera Platidia and Terebratulina are documented here for the first time for the western South Atlantic. The Brazilian brachiopod fauna shares similarities with those from the Atlantic and Indian shelves of southern Africa, and from the Antarctic, Caribbean and Mediterranean waters. The present-day brachiopods of the western South Atlantic are much more cosmopolitan than previously thought and their Cenozoic palaeobiogeographic history has to be reconsidered from that perspective.     

Six new species of Lepidapedon Stafford, 1904 (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae) from deep-sea macrourid fishes from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, with revised keys to the species of the genus

Species of the genus Lepidapedon are divided into various groups and subgroups based on vitelline distribution relative to the acetabulum and anterior extent of the excretory vesicle. Members of this genus predominantly parasitise gadiform fishes and are commonly collected from relatively deep waters. A recent study of deep-sea helminths from macrourids of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea revealed six new species of this genus. L. mexicanensis n. sp., of the elongatum group, elongatum subgroup, differs from other species in this subgroup in proportions (as % of body length), lacking confluent vitelline fields between both the ovary and anterior testis and the testes, and in having a smaller egg and body size. L. nezumiatis n. sp., of the elongatum group, desclersae subgroup, differs from both L. filiformis and L. desclersae in having intermediate egg and body sizes, and a longer oesophagus than prepharynx. L. caribbaei n. sp. and L. longivesicula n. sp., of the garrardi group, congeri subgroup, differ from L. congeri in having a sucker-ratio of 1:<1. L. caribbaei n. sp. and L. longivesicula n. sp. differ from each other in that L. caribbaei n. sp. has numerous long, barb-like, deeply imbedded spines, a less elongate body, an infundibuliform oral sucker, a similar-sized oesophagus and prepharynx, and a caecal bifurcation which is closer to the acetabulum than oral sucker, while L. longivesicula n. sp. has shorter, serrate or plate-like, lightly imbedded, widely to sporadically spaced spines, a more elongate body, a spherical to subspherical oral sucker, a longer oesophagus than prepharynx, and a caecal bifurcation which is closer to the oral sucker than acetabulum. L. desotoensis n. sp., of the rachion group, rachion subgroup, is distinct from both L. luteum and L. abyssensis in having a smaller size, lacking cervical glands or pharyngeal gland cells, and possessing dark-staining particles in the mesenchyme, while it differs from L. abyssensis specifically in having a much longer oesophagus than prepharynx, lateral vitelline fields that are not confluent intertesticularly, and wider eggs. L. zaniophori n. sp., also of the rachion subgroup, differs from both L. cascadensis and L. genge in having a smaller egg size, a shorter prepharynx and oesophagus than pharynx, and vitelline fields that are intertesticular but only slightly encroach between the ovary and anterior testis. L. sammari and L. spiniferi are designated as incertae sedis, and L. quiloni and L. stromateusi are designated as species inquirendae. New parasite keys and host records for Coelorinchus coelorhincus, C. caribbaeus and Nezumia cyrano are offered. Support is given to Lepidapedon probably being the dominant digenean genus in deep water.     

A new species of Thecadactylus from Sint Maarten, Lesser Antilles (Reptilia, Squamata, Gekkonidae)

We describe a new species of Thecadactylusfrom the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten. The new species differs from all other species in the genus by having a distinct dorsal pattern of numerous irregular but sharply deliminated black spots and blotches on an otherwise almost patternless background.     

座隔孢属一新种

座隔孢属(Toxosporiopsis Sutton & Sellar)为腔孢纲(Coelomycetes)之一小属,已描述2种。本文报道了该属产自中国的一个新种:中国座隔孢(Toxosporiopsis sinensisW.P.Wu)。新种生于胡桃(Juglans regia L.)枯枝上,它与已知种尖顶座隔孢(Toxosporio-psis capitata Sutton & Sellar)和大孢座隔孢(Toxosporiopsis macrosperma(Cavara)Sutton& Dyko)在子座大小,产孢细胞长度,分生孢子形态、大小,侧丝长度及其外围胶质鞘的有无等特征上差别极大,故另立新种。     

A new Liopropoma sea bass (Serranidae,Epinephelinae, Liopropomini) from deep reefs off Cura?ao,southern Caribbean,with comments on depth distributions of western Atlantic liopropomins

Collecting reef-fish specimens using a manned submersible diving to 300 m off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, is resulting in the discovery of numerous new fish species. The new Liopropoma sea bass described here differs from other western Atlantic members of the genus in having VIII, 13 dorsal-fin rays; a moderately indented dorsal-fin margin; a yellow-orange stripe along the entire upper lip; a series of approximately 13 white, chevron-shaped markings on the ventral portion of the trunk; and a reddish-black blotch on the tip of the lower caudal-fin lobe. The new species, with predominantly yellow body and fins, closely resembles the other two “golden basses” found together with it at Curaçao: L. aberrans and L. olneyi. It also shares morphological features with the other western Atlantic liopropomin genus, Bathyanthias. Preliminary phylogenetic data suggest that western Atlantic liopropomins, including Bathyanthias, are monophyletic with respect to Indo-Pacific Liopropoma, and that Bathyanthias is nested within Liopropoma, indicating a need for further study of the generic limits of Liopropoma. The phylogenetic data also suggest that western Atlantic liopropomins comprise three monophyletic clades that have overlapping depth distributions but different depth maxima (3–135 m, 30–150 m, 133–411 m). The new species has the deepest depth range (182–241 m) of any known western Atlantic Liopropoma species. Both allopatric and depth-mediated ecological speciation may have contributed to the evolution of western Atlantic Liopropomini.     

A new mermithid nematode from Ablabesmyia monilis (L.) (Diptera: Chironomidae) in northern Minnesota

Limnomermis steineri n. sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) is described from the hemocoel of male, female, and intersex imagos of Ablabesmyia (s. str.) monilis (L.) eclosing from Lake Ozawindib and Lake Alice Bog in northern Minnesota during summers 2000-2005. The species is distinguished from other described members of the genus. Paramermis rosea is returned to Limnomermis. A review of adequately described members of the genus is included. One species of the genus has been reported previously from the Nearctic Realm. Emphasis is placed on the need for host identification, larger number of specimens of both mermithid sexes, and information on the intensity of infections to enable more precise range comparisons in mermithid biometrics.     

Description of two new species of Clivina Latreille (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Clivinini) from southeastern United States

Two new species of the genus Clivina Latreille are described. One, Clivina choatei Bousquet & Skelley, belongs to the nominotypical subgenus and is known from six specimens collected in northern Florida. The species is structurally similar to Clivina myops Bousquet, known only from the holotype found in North Carolina, but differs among others by its smaller size and wider elytral striae. The second species, Clivina alabama Bousquet, belongs to the subgenus Antroforceps Barr and is known from two specimens collected in north-central Alabama. The species is structurally most similar to Clivina sasajii Ball, known only from Latimer County in Oklahoma, but differs among others in the absence of eyes and in having the pronotum and elytra proportionally wider.     

Serpulids (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) from the Northwestern Caribbean with keys to the Grand Caribbean region: Salmacina, Ficopomatus, Pomatoceros, Pomatostegus, Protula, Pseudovermilia, Spirobranchus and Vermiliopsis

From the revision of more than 1,250 serpulids, 15 species from the Grand Caribbean Region were identified and characterized. Thirteen species were collected along the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula and eight were found in other localities in the Gulf of Mexico, seven others are from Cuba and comments on type specimens of two species are also included. Three morphometric analyses were made to evaluate some characters. The first on Pomatostegus stellatus (Abildgaard), and related species and subspecies: P. brachysoma Schmarda, P. macrosoma Schmarda, P. s. fruticosa M?rch, P. s. pentapoma M?rch and P. s. tetrapoma M?rch, indicated that they are conspecific. Another one on Spirobranchus de Blainville species: S. dendropoma M?rch, S. giganteus (Pallas), S. polycerus (Schmarda) and S. polycerus augeneri ten Hove; indicated that S. giganteus differs from the other three taxa. The third analysis was made on Vermiliopsis annulata (Schmarda) sensu lato; it allowed the recognition of three different forms. Several incomplete specimens might belong to an undescribed genus. A key for identification of all the species recorded in the Grand Caribbean Region is also included.     

中国横断山地区蓝藻型肺衣属地衣的三个新种

在形态和化学研究的基础上,结合分子生物学研究方法（ITS片段）,对中国横断山地区的830号与蓝细菌共生的肺衣属标本进行了分类学研究,共发现3个新种;其中,横断山肺衣L. hengduanensis的主要特征是具粉芽化裂芽,无脊肺衣L. irrugulosa的网脊不明显,以及宽叶肺衣L. latilobulata的裂片顶端宽且钝圆;3个种在ITS系统发育树上分别形成独立小枝。文中提供了中国肺衣属中与蓝细菌共生的物种检索表。     

Monogeneans from Clarias (Siluriformes, Clariidae) in Cameroon. II. Description of three new species of Birgiellus n gen (Dactylogyridea, Ancyrocephalidae) in the Nyong Basin

A study of monogenean gill parasites from three species of the genus Clarias Scopoli, 1777 (Clariidae), namely Clarias camerunensis L?nnberg, 1895, C. jaensis Boulenger, 1909 and C. pachynema Boulenger, 1903, from the Nyong Basin (Cameroon) revealed the presence of three new monogenean species of the new genus Birgiellus, namely Birgiellus mutatus n. sp. from C. pachynema, B. calaris n. sp. from C. jaensis and B. kellensis n. sp. from C. camerunensis. The genus Birgiellus differs from the genus Quadriacanthus by the morphology of the ventral bar composed of a single piece (two distinct in Quadriacanthus) and the size of the uncinuli IV, which are not much different from the others (longest in Quadriacanthus). Birgiellus calaris differs from B. mutatus by its ventral anchors longer and larger, the morphology of the ventral bar with a short incision between the two branches, and a long and trapezoid handle, the size of the sclerotised structures of the male and female copulatory organs, the larger thickness of the hook in the male accessory piece, the latter having also a heel. Birgiellus kellensis is closer to B. calaris but can be distinguished by the small size of its dorsal and ventral anchors, its transverse bars, male copulatory organ, and the accessory piece, which also has not a heel but a secondary blade. According to the clause 8.5.2 of the International Zoological Code of Nomenclature (1999) the genus Birgiellus and the species B. mutatus and B. calaris, respectively, replace Claridectes, C. clarisa and C. alacris previously described by Birgi (1987), but whose specimens were not deposited in a museum. All the three taxa described exhibit a strict (oioxenous) host specificity.     

中国滑刃属一新种记述(滑刃目,滑刃科)

2001～2002年从山东省青州市韭菜Allium tuberosum的根际土壤中发现滑刃属Aphelenchoides1新种,定名为韭菜滑刃线虫Aphelenchoides alliussp.nov.。该虫具有以下特征:虫体大型;唇区缢缩,口针较长,无口针基部球;侧区具有6条侧线;生殖系统发育良好,卵巢具1～2个转折,卵母细胞单列;尾细锥形,末端收缩呈细指状,平截,刺状尾尖突生于其上;雄虫常见,尾钩状,末端具刺状尾尖突,交合刺典型,顶尖和喙突明显。已报道种中有8个种与新种相似,其中5个种虫体体长较短,小于500μm,易与新种分开,它们是:细尖滑刃线虫A.conimucronatus(L=280～440μm),高头滑刃线虫A.editocaputis(L=270～320μm),高山滑刃线虫A.montanus(L=390～400μm),稀少滑刃线虫A.rarus(L=300～320μm),沃恩滑刃线虫A.vaughani(L=360～430μm)。另3个种与新种相比较:中心滑刃线虫A.centralis侧线4条,尾巴较长,雄虫不常见;陶比恰滑刃线虫A.daubichaensis侧线4条,口针较短且有小的基部球,后阴子宫囊较短,卵巢无转折;一点红滑刃线虫A.emiliae口针基部球发达,中食道球椭圆形,更大19μm×15μm,后阴子宫囊较短。     

Singchia and Gunnaria, two new genera of Orchidaceae

Singchia Z. J. Liu ＆ L. J. Chen, a new orchid genus, is established based on the new species S. malipoensis Z. J. Liu ＆ L. J. Chen found in southeast Yunnan, China. The new genus is related to Pteroceras, from which it differs by having a lip with its basal margins immovably adnate to the lower part of the pendent column foot, a thin-walled spur, and very unequally and deeply split pollinia, each with a distinct caudicle. In addition to a discussion on Ascocentrum pusillum, a species of questionable placement, another new genus, namely Gunnaria S. C. Chen ex Z. J. Liu ＆ L. J. Chen, is set up and a new combination, namely G. pusilla （Aver.） Z. J. Liu ＆ L. J. Chen, is made. The new genus Gunnaria differs from its allyAscocentrum by having a cross-shaped pollinarium, sulcate or split pollinia, each with a distinct caudicle attached to a common linear stipe much longer than either pollinia or viscidium, and strongly incurved side lobes of the lip.     

A taxonomic review of the genus Microbispora and a proposal to transfer two species to the genus Actinomadura and to combine ten species into Microbispora rosea

We conducted a taxonomic review of the genus Microbispora using chemotaxonomic and DNA-DNA hybridization techniques, and reached the following conclusions: Microbispora viridis should be transferred to the genus Actinomadura as Actinomadura rugatobispora comb. nov., nom. nov. (type strain SF2240 = IFO 14382 = JCM 3366) and Microbispora echinospora should be transferred to the genus Actinomadura as Actinomadura echinospora comb. nov. (type strain JCM 3148 = ATCC 27300). We also propose that Microbispora rosea, Microbispora amethystogenes, Microbispora chromogenes, Microbispora diastatica, Microbispora indica, Microbispora karnatakensis and Microbispora parva should be combined into the species Microbispora rosea subsp. rosea (type strain JCM 3006 = ATCC 12950), and that Microbispora aerata, Microbispora thermodiastatica and Microbispora thermorosea should be combined and transferred to the new subspecies Microbispora rosea subsp. aerata comb. nov. (type strain IFO 12581 = ATCC 15448). Microbispora bispora clearly differs from these ten strains at the species level.     

Taxonomy of some microteids (Squamata) from Venezuela, I: variation and geographic distribution of Euspondylus acutirostris and description of a new Euspondylus from northeast Venezuela

Only two species of the microteiid lizard genus Euspondylus (E. acutirostris and E. phelpsorum) had been reported from Venezuela. New records of the poorly known gymnophthalmid lizard Euspondylus acutirostris are reported extending its known range along the Coastal Range and Sierra de Aroa (north-central Venezuela) and Sierra de San Luis (northwestern Venezuela), all records occurring at the cloud forest above 1000 m. Seven body measurements were included and morphological variation is described based on at least 17 new specimens. Sexual dimorphism is determined in, at least, eight characteristics of size and squamation. Specimens were found in epiphytic bromeliads and the ground. The populations from Sierra de Aroa and Sierra de San Luis (only one specimen known from each locality), differ from those of the Coastal Range (supposedly the nominal population) in some morphological and coloration features, suggesting that the former two could represent different taxonomical entities. A new species of Euspondylus is described based on a female (taken within a bromeliad) from Cerro El Humo, Sucre, northeastern Venezuela. It differs from congeners mainly by having keeled scales on the limbs and a very acute snout.     

Descriptions of Chitwoodius brasiliensis n.sp., Chitwoodius rusticulus n.sp., and Vancterlindia venata n.sp. (Dorylaimida: Tylencholaimidae: Vanderlindiinae)

Chitwoodius brasiliensis n.sp. is described from soil around plant roots in Vicosa, MG State, Brazil. It has a body 1.9 mm (1.6-2.5) long, odontostyle and odontophore 33 μm (31-37) and 34 μm (31-36) long, respectively, and males with spicules 59-61 μm long. Chitwoodius rusticulus n.sp. from Colombian rain forest differs from other species of the genus in having a weakly muscular anterior part of the oesophagus, a pore-like vulva, and an unsclerotized vagina. Vanderlindia venata n.sp. from lucerne soil in South Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, differs from the type and only other known species of its genus in having a smaller and less slender body (L = 3.34 mm [3.15-3.71], a = 50 [46-53]), odontostyle 2.3-2.5 times lip region width long, and stylet guiding ring located at 1.2-1.4 times lip region width from anterior end.     

A new species of the genus Goezia Zeder, 1800 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from the fish,Mastacembelus armatus (Lacep.) from West Bengal,India

Goezia moraveci n. sp. is described from light microscope and scanning electron microscope studies of the specimens recovered from the freshwater fish Mastacembelus armatus from West Bengal, India. G. moraveci differs from other species of the genus in having a small body size, the excretory pore posterior to the level of the nerve-ring, a very short, wide intestinal caecum and a long ventricular appendage (ratio 1: 6–15), a different number and arrangement of caudal papillae, and cuticular spines surrounding the bases of the caudal papillae. This represents the first species of the genus from a piscine host in India.