Troglochaetus beranecki Delachaux (Annelida, Polychaeta): collecting methods and microscopy techniques for SEM and in vivo observations

The methods and the instruments for sampling and observation in vivo of the polychaete Troglochaetus beranecki are briefly described. Some SEM observations are reported. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Distribution patterns of interstitial freshwater meiofauna over a range of spatial scales,with emphasis on alluvial river-aquifer systems

Spatial distribution patterns of the interstitial meiobenthos are examined across a range of scales. A global interstitial highway model is presented with the alluvial aquifer system as its central core. Spatially discontinuous hypogean entities, such as karstic aquifers, springs, anchialine waters and the psammolittoral, have limited interconnections except through the alluvial aquifer system and are contiguous with epigean waters. The global interstitial highway is viewed as an evolutionary pathway and long-term dispersal route for meiobenthic forms. The distribution of interstitial animals in alluvial river-aquifer systems is examined at longitudinal (altitudinal), reach, floodplain, gravel bar, and vertical (depth) scales. Geomorphic and hydrogeologic features and interactions emerge as major determinants of the spatially heterogeneous nature of alluvial aquifers that structure the patchy distribution patterns of hypogean fauna across a range of scales.Invited summary of Symposium on the Biogeography of Subterranean Crustaceans: the Effects of Different Scales. Prepared for print by D. C. Culver.Invited summary of Symposium on the Biogeography of Subterranean Crustaceans: the Effects of Different Scales. Prepared for print by D. C. Culver.     

The musculature of Draculiciteria tessalata (Chaetonotida, Paucitubulatina): implications for the evolution of dorsoventral muscles in Gastrotricha

The muscular system of the marine interstitial gastrotrich Draculiciteria tessalata (Chaetonotida, Paucitubulatina) was analyzed with fluorescent phalloidin. Muscles in circular, longitudinal, helicoidal and dorsoventral orientations were found. Circular muscles were present as discreet rings on the pharynx only. Five pairs of longitudinal muscles were found in dorsal, lateral and ventral positions. One of the two pairs of lateral muscles is newly described for the species. Helicoidal muscles, external to the circular muscles and some longitudinal bands, spiraled around the pharynx and anterior portion of the intestine. Two pairs of segmentally-arranged dorsoventral muscles were also present. Lateral dorsoventral muscles extended from the base of the pharynx to the anterior part of the caudal furca. Medial dorsoventral muscles extended from the pharyngeal-intestinal junction into each ramus of the caudal furca. A hypothesis on the evolution of dorsoventral muscles in D. tessalata is proposed which includes a splitting of circular muscles into separate somatic and splanchnic components with a further displacement of both muscle sets into a dorsoventral orientation.     

A new marine cyclopoid copepod of the genus Neocyclops (Cyclopidae,Halicyclopinae) from Korea

A new cyclopoid species of the genus Neocyclops Gurney, 1927 is described. Type specimens were collected from a beach on south-western coast of the Korean Peninsula by rinsing intertidal coarse sandy sediments. Neocyclops hoonsooi sp. n. is most characteristic in showing the conspicuous chitinized transverse ridges originating from the medial margins of the coxae of all swimming legs. The new species is most similar to Neocyclops vicinus, described from the Brazilian coast, and Neocyclops petkovskii, from Australia. All three species share a large body size (more than 750 µm long), the presence of an exopodal seta on the antenna, two setae on the mandibular palp, the same seta/spine armature on the third endopodal segment of leg 3 (3 setae + 3 spines), and the fairly long inner distal spine on the third endopodal segment of the female leg 4. However, Neocyclops hoonsooi sp. n. differs from both species by the much shorter caudal rami (less than 1.7 times as long as wide) and the shorter dorsal caudal seta VII. Furthermore, Neocyclops hoonsooi is clearly distinguished from Neocyclops vicinus by the 10-segmented antennule (vs 12 segments in Neocyclops vicinus), and from Neocyclops petkovskii by the elongate inner distal spine on leg 5 exopod and the 3-segmented leg 5 in male (vs 4-segmented in Neocyclops petkovskii). A tabular comparison of characters separating Neocyclops hoonsooi from its closest allies and a key to Neocyclops species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean are provided. This is the first record of the genus Neocyclops from the northern Pacific.     

Biases and distribution patterns in hard-bodied microscopic animals (Acari: Halacaridae): Size does not matter,but generalism and sampling effort do

Aim

The interplay between distribution ranges, species traits and sampling and taxonomic biases remains elusive amongst microscopic animals. This ignorance obscures our understanding of the diversity patterns of a major component of biodiversity. Here, we used marine Halacaridae to explore whether differences between marine provinces can explain their distribution patterns or if differential sampling efforts across regions prevent any macroecological inference. Furthermore, we test if certain functional traits influence their distribution patterns.

Location

Europe.

Results

Whereas geographical variables provided a better explanation for differences in species composition, sampling effort and distance from marine biological stations accounted for the majority of differences in European Halacaridae richness. Species occurring in more habitats showed broader geographical ranges and accumulated more records. Species traits like generalism affected the distribution of halacarid species.

Main Conclusions

We propose that the sampling effort of halacarid mites in Europe might be explained by two different cognitive biases: the convenience of selecting certain sampling localities compared to others and the tendency of zoologists to scrutinise habitats where their target organisms are more common.     

Geometric morphometrics throws light on evolution of the subterranean catfish Rhamdiopsis krugi (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) in eastern Brazil

Rhamdiopsis krugi is a highly specialized troglobitic (exclusively subterranean) catfish from phreatic water bodies of caves located within two separated metasedimentary basins in the region of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia state, Brazil. In order to test the hypothesis of isolation with differentiation of the groups from the Una‐Utinga and Irecê metasedimentary basins, we compared five populations among themselves and with an epigean species of Rhamdiopsis. This was accomplished using geometric morphometrics, a powerful tool for detecting differences in body shape at population and species levels. All studied samples differed significantly from each other, the epigean sample being the most distinct and the Una Basin populations clustering together. Geological and hydrological barriers explain the differences among the subterranean populations. We discuss our results together with the autapomorphies found in R. krugi, which validate its monophyly. These results imply an old age for the R. krugi clade, more than 10 Myr; alternative hypotheses are also presented. We propose a two‐step vertical colonization model of the subterranean habitat through the hyporheic zone by an epigean ancestral, with a progressive acquisition of the autapomorphies characterizing R. krugi. For conservation purposes, the two differentiated sets of populations should be considered and referred to as R. krugi ‘Una morphotype’ and R. krugi ‘Irecê morphotype’. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 114 , 136–151.     

Biogeography and incipient speciation in Ophryotrocha labronica (Polychaeta, Dorvilleidae)

Crossing experiments were conducted between the Naples I (NI) strain of Ophryotrocha labronica labronica, three strains of O. l. pacifica from Japan (M3), Hawaii (WH) and Los Angeles (LA), two strains of O. labronica from Australia and one from an unknown origin, discovered in a Moscow aquarium, to determine the relationships between the European and Pacific subspecies, and the newly discovered strains. Previously published data combined with new results revealed several stages in the process of speciation within the sibling group. Interpopulation crosses yielded an increased sex ratio that appears to be positively related to genetic distance and to the sex ratio of the parent strains. Fecundity data demonstrated that the three northern Pacific strains are more closely related to each other than to any other strain, confirming that they are a valid subspecies, and indicate that they are the result of natural distribution. The strain of unknown origin as well as the Australian strains clearly belong to O. l. labronica. Its isolated presence in the South Pacific may be a remnant of an earlier wider distribution or an introduction of the Mediterranean population, as the life histories of Ophryotrocha species have made them prime candidates for anthropogenic dispersals.     

Molecular taxonomy: description of a cryptic Petitia species (Polychaeta: Syllidae) from the island of Mahé (Seychelles, Indian Ocean) using RAPD markers and ITS2 sequences

Petitia occulta sp. n. provides an example demonstrating that a morphologically indistinguishable species taxon can be described by molecular markers alone. Phenotypically the polychaete belongs to Petitia amphophthalma Siewing, 1956, one of the numerous meiofaunal species that have previously been regarded as cosmopolitan. Genotypically, however, by means of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (a DNA-fingerprinting technique) the population on the Indo-Pacific island of Mahé can be identified as a distinct taxonomic entity as: (1) genetic distance values between the Petitia from the Seychelles and from other sites (Mediterranean, Canary Islands) are relatively great; (2) differently generated cluster analyses of genetic distances produce phenograms revealing a distinctly separate clade (bootstrap 100%) for the Seychelles animals; and (3) the Seychelles animals are characterized by eight monomorphic diagnostic (i.e. autapomorphic) DNA-fragments. The RAPD procedure in this case requires the preparation of the whole organisms and, thus, no holotype is available. Instead the RAPD band-pattern with the diagnostic markers of one individual obtained with six primers, isolated DNA of one individual, and syntypes in the form of fixed, complete individuals are deposited. Species differentiation is confirmed by genomic DNA sequencing (ITS2).     

Origin,diversity, and biogeography of Antarctic scale worms (Polychaeta: Polynoidae): a wide‐scale barcoding approach

The Antarctic marine environment hosts diversified and highly endemic benthos owing to its unique geologic and climatic history. Current warming trends have increased the urgency of understanding Antarctic species history to predict how environmental changes will impact ecosystem functioning. Antarctic benthic lineages have traditionally been examined under three hypotheses: (1) high endemism and local radiation, (2) emergence of deep‐sea taxa through thermohaline circulation, and (3) species migrations across the Polar Front. In this study, we investigated which hypotheses best describe benthic invertebrate origins by examining Antarctic scale worms (Polynoidae). We amassed 691 polynoid sequences from the Southern Ocean and neighboring areas: the Kerguelen and Tierra del Fuego (South America) archipelagos, the Indian Ocean, and waters around New Zealand. We performed phylogenetic reconstructions to identify lineages across geographic regions, aided by mitochondrial markers cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S). Additionally, we produced haplotype networks at the species scale to examine genetic diversity, biogeographic separations, and past demography. The Cox1 dataset provided the most illuminating insights into the evolution of polynoids, with a total of 36 lineages identified. Eunoe sp. was present at Tierra del Fuego and Kerguelen, in favor of the latter acting as a migration crossroads. Harmothoe fuligineum, widespread around the Antarctic continent, was also present but isolated at Kerguelen, possibly resulting from historical freeze–thaw cycles. The genus Polyeunoa appears to have diversified prior to colonizing the continent, leading to the co‐occurrence of at least three cryptic species around the Southern and Indian Oceans. Analyses identified that nearly all populations are presently expanding following a bottleneck event, possibly caused by habitat reduction from the last glacial episodes. Findings support multiple origins for contemporary Antarctic polynoids, and some species investigated here provide information on ancestral scenarios of (re)colonization. First, it is apparent that species collected from the Antarctic continent are endemic, as the absence of closely related species in the Kerguelen and Tierra del Fuego datasets for most lineages argues in favor of Hypothesis 1 of local origin. Next, Eunoe sp. and H. fuligineum, however, support the possibility of Kerguelen and other sub‐Antarctic islands acting as a crossroads for larvae of some species, in support of Hypothesis 3. Finally, the genus Polyeunoa, conversely, is found at depths greater than 150 m and may have a deep origin, in line with Hypothesis 2. These “non endemic” groups, nevertheless, have a distribution that is either north or south of the Antarctic Polar Front, indicating that there is still a barrier to dispersal, even in the deep sea.     

Six new species of Protodrilus (Annelida, Polychaeta) from Europe and New Zealand, with a concise presentation of the genus

Protodrilus haurakiensis sp.n., P. jouinae sp.n., P. jägersteni sp.n., P. submersus sp.n. and P. litoralis sp.n. from New Zealand and P. gracilis sp.n. from Europe are described. Protodrilus jägcrsteni, P. submersus and P. litoralis are sibling species. Sperm dimorphism in all species investigated by the author is recorded for the first time in polychaetes. Two of the three so-called 'ecological forms' of P. hypoleucus and P. adhaerens are classified as variations of the type species without a particular taxonomic rank. In a table the partly actualized data of all 30 known Protodrilus species are presented, 8 of which are very insufficiently described. Synonyms in Protodrilus and similarities between P. rubropharyngeus Jägersten and P. flavocapitatus Uljanin are mentioned.     

Danaea (Marattiaceae) revisited: biodiversity,a new classification and ten new species of a neotropical fern genus

Revision of the Neotropical fern genus Danaea (Marattiaceae) has resulted in the recognition of ten new species, which are here for the first time presented to the scientific audience. Morphological and molecular data suggest that the genus consists of three monophyletic subgenera that are circumscribed here. A key is provided to aid species identification. The geographical ranges of the species are summarized and discussed with regard to speciation. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 163 , 360–385.     

Phylogeography of the smooth snake Coronella austriaca (Serpentes: Colubridae): evidence for a reduced gene pool and a genetic discontinuity in Central Europe

The present study considers the genetic structure and phylogeography of the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) in Central Europe, as analyzed on the basis of 14 microsatellite markers and a 284‐bp fragment of cytochrome b. We found deep divergence between western and south‐eastern Poland, suggesting at least two different colonization routes for Central Europe, originating in at least two different refugia. The west/south‐east divide was reflected in the haplotype distribution and topology of phylogenetic trees as defined by mitochondrial DNA, and in population structuring seen in the admixture analysis of microsatellite data. The well supported western European clade suggests that another refugium might have existed. We also note the isolation‐by‐distance and moderate‐to‐pronounced structuring in the examined geographical demes. Our data fit the assumption of the recently suggested sex‐biased dispersal, in that we found a strong divide in the maternal line, as well as evidence for a small but existent gene flow based on biparentally inherited microsatellite markers. All studied populations were very similar in respect of allelic richness, observed and expected heterozygosities, and inbreeding coefficients. However, some genetic characteristics were different from those expected compared to a similar fine‐scale study of C. austriaca from Great Britain. In the present study, we observed heterozygosity deficit, high inbreeding, and low Garza–Williamson indices, suggesting a reduction in population size. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 115 , 195–210.     

A new genus and a new subgenus of cavernicolous beetles from Furong Jiang valley,southwestern China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

A new genus and a new subgenus of semi-aphaenopsian trechine beetles are described from Furong Jiang valley in the bordering areas of Chongqing Shi (Municipality) and Guizhou Province, southwestern China: Deuveaphaenops Tian & Huang, n. gen. (type species: Deuveaphaenops qimenxicus Tian & Huang, n. sp. from Qimenxia Cave II, Wulong Xian, Chongqing) and Furongius Tian & Huang, n. subgen. (type species: Deuveaphaenops (Furongius) gelaophilus Tian & Huang, n. sp. from cave Xianmi Dong, Daozhen Xian, Guizhou). Deuveaphaenops probably belongs to the complex of Cathaiaphaenops, Qianotrechus, Guizhaphaenops and Sinotroglodytes.     

Amblyceps crassioris,a new sisoroid catfish from Odisha,India (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae)

Amblyceps crassioris, a new species of amblycipitid catfish, is described from the Mahanadi River basin in Odisha, India. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners in having a combination of the following characters: a deeply forked caudal fin, centrally projecting hooks on proximal lepidotrichia of median caudal-fin rays absent, jaws equal in length, lateral line absent, body depth at anus 15.1%–19.5% standard length (SL), caudal peduncle depth 13.0%–18.3% SL, adipose-fin base length 21.1%–27.1% SL, eye diameter 7.35%–14.1% head length and 38 total vertebrae.     

The Hoosier cavefish,a new and endangered species (Amblyopsidae,Amblyopsis) from the caves of southern Indiana

We describe a new species of amblyopsid cavefish (Percopsiformes: Amblyopsidae) in the genus Amblyopsis from subterranean habitats of southern Indiana, USA. The Hoosier Cavefish, Amblyopsis hoosieri sp. n., is distinguished from A. spelaea, its only congener, based on genetic, geographic, and morphological evidence. Several morphological features distinguish the new species, including a much plumper, Bibendum-like wrinkled body with rounded fins, and the absence of a premature stop codon in the gene rhodopsin. This is the first new cavefish species described from the United States in 40 years and exemplifies how molecular data can alert us to the presence of otherwise cryptic biodiversity.     

Morphology and life cycle of a new loriciferan from the Atlantic coast of Florida with an emended diagnosis and life cycle of Nanaloricidae (Loricifera)

Abstract. A new interstitial loriciferan, Nanaloricus gwenae sp. nov., is described from coarse-sand and shell-hash habitats ( Amphioxus sand), at 15–17 m depth, 6–7 miles off the coast of Fort Pierce, FL, USA. The new species is very closely related to the type species Nanaloricus mysticus found off the coast of Roscoff, France in nearly the same kind of sediment ( Dentalium sand). All life stages (Higgins larva, postlarva, and adult) in the life cycle of the new species were found through the 10-year investigation, leading to the conclusion that all species of Nanaloricidae have only a sexual reproductive cycle. The adult of the new species can be distinguished by the different body shape, the lorical spikes and sculpture, and the shape of the scalids. The postlarva has stronger longitudinal ridges on the lorical plates and the Higgins larva has toes with smaller mucrones than those of N. mysticus . An emended definition of the Nanaloricidae is provided based on the new formula of the number of rows and shape of the scalids on the introvert. The associated meiofauna found in the subtidal sand or shell hash is both abundant and diverse. Tardigrades, gastrotrichs, and kinorhynchs are among the most common associates. N . gwenae sp. nov. is represented by only eight specimens collected during a 10-year period of sampling this habitat.     

A new hypogean species of the genus Domene Fauvel, 1873 from Turkey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)

Domene bordonii sp. n. is described and illustrated from Geyik Mountains, Konya province, central southern Anatolia. This new hypogean species was collected with a subterranean pitfall trap in the mesovoid shallow substratum.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:72D06EC5-885F-4BCC-8066-A16B28016697     

A new Palliduphantes Saaristo & Tanasevitch, 1996 from the Elburz Mountains,Iran (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

A new linyphiid spider, Palliduphantes elburz, sp. n., is described, based on material of both sexes taken from high altitudes in the Elburz Mts, northern Iran. The male of the new species is easily distinguished not only from the single Iranian congener, P. sbordonii (Brignoli, 1970), but also from other species of the genus by the strongly modified palpal tibia, the peculiar shape of the lamella characteristica, as well as the form and armature of the embolus. The epigyne of P. elburz, sp. n. seems to be most similar to P. stygius (Simon, 1884) from the western Mediterranean, but differs well by the much longer stretcher.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E10F35CE-47D2-4FF8-9386-A00F3E61659B