Octosporea collembolae n. sp. (Microsporida,Microspora): A new microsporidian parasite of springtail Onychiurus quadriocellatus (Onychiuridae: Collembolae)

The life cycle of a new microsporidium, Octosporea collembolae, from the fat body of naturally infected springtails, Onychiurus quadriocellatus, is described at light and electron microscope levels. The prevalence of infection and host-parasite relationships are discussed.     

The life cycle and host specificity of Psychodiella sergenti n. sp. and Ps. tobbi n. sp. (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in sand flies Phlebotomus sergenti and Ph. tobbi (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Two new gregarines in the recently erected genus Psychodiella (formerly Ascogregarina), Psychodiella sergenti n. sp. and Psychodiella tobbi n. sp., are described based on morphology and life cycle observations conducted on larvae and adults of their natural hosts, the sand flies Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus tobbi, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses inferred from small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences indicate the monophyly of newly described species with Psychodiella chagasi. Ps. sergenti n. sp. and Ps. tobbi n. sp. significantly differ from each other in the life cycle and in the size of life stages. The sexual development of Ps. sergenti n. sp. (syzygy, formation of gametocysts and oocysts) takes place exclusively in blood-fed Ph. sergenti females, while the sexual development of Ps. tobbi n. sp. takes place also in males and unfed females of Ph. tobbi. The susceptibility of Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, and Phlebotomus arabicus to both gregarines was examined by exposing 1st instar larvae to parasite oocysts. High host specificity was observed, as both gregarines were able to fully develop and complete regularly the life cycle only in their natural hosts. Both gregarines are considered as serious pathogens in laboratory-reared colonies of Old World sand flies.     

More on the life cycle of Malamoeba scolyti (Amoebidae: Sarcomastigophora) parasitizing: the bark beetle Dryocoetes autographus (Scolytidae,Coleoptera)

Some new developmental features previously unreported in, the life- cycle of an amoeba Malamoeba scolyti, which cause cysts in Malpighian tubules of the bark beetle Dryocoetes autographus, are described by means of light, phase-contrast, Nomarski interference, and electron microscopy. Two developmental phases are presumed to take place in the life cycle of M. scolyti: a phase with large multinucleate amoebae (trophozoites) developing in the gut and caecum of the host, and a phase (parasitic phase) causing cysts in the Malpighian tubules. Some data on the host-parasite relationship and rate of infection are also discussed.     

Host activity and wasp experience affect parasitoid wasp foraging behaviour and oviposition on nematode‐infected larvae of the forestry pest Hylobius abietis

1. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are currently being used as introduced biological control agents against the larvae of the native European forestry pest Hylobius abietis L. which develop under the bark of stumps and roots of newly dead conifer trees. 2. The potential for resource competition between gregarious ectoparasitoid Bracon hylobii Ratz and EPN by recording oviposition and related behaviours of B. hylobii females on EPN‐infected H. abietis larvae was investigated. Wasps did not parasitise EPN‐infected host larvae that were dead when presented, but naÏve and experienced wasps parasitised live EPN‐infected hosts. NaÏve wasps parasitised live EPN‐infected hosts significantly less frequently than healthy hosts only when the infected larvae were close to death (i.e. died during 24‐h trial). Parasitism by experienced wasps was unaffected by host infection. 3. Wasp probing and oviposition were positively associated with the amount of host movement. Preventing H. abietis larvae from chewing on bark significantly reduced parasitism by naÏve, but not experienced wasps. 4. The number of eggs per clutch was not affected by bark chewing or EPN‐infection of H. abietis larvae. 5. NaÏve and experienced B. hylobii parasitised two abnormal hosts (larvae of coleopteran Rhagium bifasciatum Fabricius and lepidopteran Galleria mellonella L.), both of which moved and chewed on bark during trials. 6. It was concluded that B. hylobii can use vibrational cues generated by host movement and feeding to locate hosts at short range and accepts unsuitable (EPN‐infected or abnormal) hosts as long as these create such cues. The implications for competition between B. hylobii and EPN and possible ways of minimising it when applying EPN are discussed.     

Cortinarius sect. Brunnei (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in North Europe

The section Brunnei was extensively studied based on material from North Europe. To stabilise the nomenclature we studied the relevant types of taxa included in this section. Phylogenetic relationships and species limits were investigated using rDNA ITS sequences and the results were compared with the morphological data. We recognised 11 species: Cortinarius brunneus, C. clarobrunneus comb. nov., C. coleoptera, C. ectypus, C. gentilis, C. glandicolor (neotypified), C. pseudorubricosus, and four species described as new C. caesiobrunneus, C. albogaudis, C. carabus, and C. cicindela. They are described here and their taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and relationships are discussed. In addition, a key to species of the section Brunnei is provided. A total of 77 new sequences of 11 species are published including nine type sequences. Also the taxonomic assignments of sequences in the public databases belonging to the section Brunnei are revised.     

Host location by chemical stimuli in Bracon hylobii (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of Hylobius abietis (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The Large Pine Weevil, Hylobius abietis, is one of the most important pests in European coniferous forests. The ectoparasitoid Bracon hylobii is known to cause around 50% larval mortality. Chemical volatiles are among the most important stimuli involved in the host location. In the present study, a 4-arm olfactometer and a 2-choice wind-tunnel were used to test the behavioural responses of B. hylobii females to four odour sources from the host-plant/host-insect complex. For each odour, the behaviour of twenty virgin females was individually recorded in an olfactometer, whereas twenty virgin and twenty mated females were individually tested in a wind-tunnel. The following behavioural parameters were analysed: a) time spent walking; b) time spent stopped; c) total time spent in each arm; d) total speed; e) net speed; f) the rate of turning per unit distance walked; g) rate of turning per second. Comparison between odours shows clear differences in the behavioural parameters analysed. In particular, the bark disc/larva complex is the only odour source able to elicit behavioural responses of both naive and mated females. As strong responses were obtained only using experienced females, this suggests that previous searching activities increase the ability of B. hylobii to find its host.     

Nosema invadens sp. n. (Microsporida: Nosematidae), a pathogen causing inflammatory response in Lepidoptera

States in the life cycle of Nosema invadens sp. n. are described from the raisin moth, Cadra figulilella, and the almond moth, Cadra cautella. In laboratory tests, larvae of the following Lepidoptera were also susceptible: Ephestia elutella, Plodia interpunctella, Galleria mellonella, and Paramyelois transitella. The midgut wall and Malpighian tubules were invaded first, but subsequently most other tissues were also infected. Severe inflammatory response accompanied infection, including hemocytic encapsulation of infected areas and hemocytic infiltration of fat tissue.     

Systematics and evolution of the genus Torrubiella (Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

Torrubiella is a genus of arthropod-pathogenic fungi that primarily attacks spiders and scale insects. Based on the morphology of the perithecia, asci, and ascospores, it is classified in Clavicipitaceae s. lat. (Hypocreales), and is considered a close relative of Cordyceps s. 1., which was recently reclassified into three families (Clavicipitaceae s. str., Cordycipitaceae, Ophiocordycipitaceae) and four genera (Cordyceps s. str, Elaphocordyceps, Metacordyceps, and Ophiocordyceps). Torrubiella is distinguished morphologically from Cordyceps s. lat. mainly by the production of superficial perithecia and the absence of a well-developed stipitate stroma. To test and refine evolutionary hypotheses regarding the placement of Torrubiella and its relationship to Cordyceps s. lat., a multi-gene phylogeny was constructed by conducting ML and Bayesian analyses. The monophyly of Torrubiella was rejected by these analyses with species of the genus present in Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, and Ophiocordycipitaceae, and often intermixed among species of Cordyceps s. lat. The morphological characters traditionally used to define the genus are, therefore, not phylogenetically informative, with the stipitate stromata being gained and/or lost several times among clavicipitaceous fungi. Two new genera (Conoideocrella, Orbiocrella) are proposed to accommodate two separate lineages of torrubielloid fungi in the Clavicipitaceae s. str. In addition, one species is reclassified in Cordyceps s. str. and three are reclassified in Ophiocordyceps. The phylogenetic importance of anamorphic genera, host affiliation, and stipitate stromata is discussed.     

Morphology and anatomy of inflorescence and inflorescence axis in Paepalanthus sect. Diphyomene Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae,Poales) and its taxonomic implications

Paepalanthus sect. Diphyomene has inflorescences arranged in umbels. The underlying bauplan seems however to be more complex and composed of several distinct subunits. Despite appearing superficially very similar, the morphology and anatomy of the inflorescences can supply useful information for the understanding of the phylogeny and taxonomy of the group. Inflorescences of Paepalanthus erectifolius, Paepalanthus flaccidus, Paepalanthus giganteus, and Paepalanthus polycladus were analyzed in regard to branching pattern and anatomy. In P. erectifolius, P. giganteus and P. polycladus the structure is a tribotryum, with terminal dibotryum, and with pherophylls bearing lateral dibotrya. In P. flaccidus, the inflorescence is a pleiobotryum, with terminal subunit, and without pherophylls. Secondary inflorescences may occur in all species without regular pattern. Especially when grown in sites without a pronounced seasonality, the distinction between enrichment zone (part of the same inflorescence) and new inflorescences may be obscured. The main anatomical features supplying diagnostic and phylogenetic information are as follows: (a) in the elongated axis, the thickness of the epidermal cell walls and the cortex size; (b) in the bracts, the quantity of parenchyma cells (c) in the scapes, the shape and the presence of a pith tissue. Therefore, P. sect. Diphyomene can be divided in two groups; group A is represented by P. erectifolius, P. giganteus and P. polycladus, and group B is represented by P. flaccidus. The differentiation is based in both, inflorescence structure and anatomy. Group A presents a life cycle and anatomical features similar to species of Actinocephalus. Molecular trees also point that these two groups are closely related. However, inflorescence morphology and blooming sequence are different. Species of group B present an inflorescence structure and anatomical features shared with many genera and species in Eriocaulaceae. The available molecular and morphology based phylogenies still do not allow a precise allocation of the group in the bulk of basal species of Paepalanthus collocated in P. sect. Variabiles. The characters described and used here supply however important information towards this goal.     

Rugopharynx rosemariae new species (nematoda: Pharyngostrongylidae) from grey kangaroos (Macropus gig anteus and M. fuliginosus) with life cycle stages and associated pathology

Beverdge I. and Ppresidente P. J. A. 1978. Rugopharynx rosemarie sp. nov. (Nematoda: Pharyngostrongylidae) from grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus and M. fuliginosus) with life cycle stages and associated pathology. International Journal for Parasitology8: 379–387. Rugopharynx rosemariae new species is described from the stomachs of grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus Shaw, 1790 and Macropus fuliginosus (Desmarest, 1817) from south-eastern Australia. The new species differs from other species of the genus in spicule length and in the length and shape of the oesophagus. Parasitic life-cycle stages are described from natural infections; free-living life-cycle stages were obtained by culturing eggs from gravid females. Third stage larvae burrow into the gastric mucosa producing small elevated nodules resulting from a localized fibroplastic and inflammatory reaction in the lamina propria and submucosa. Fourth stage and adult worms occur in the stomach lumen. Rugopharynx brevis (Canavan, 1931) is made a synonym of Rugopharynx australis (Mönnig, 1926).     

A new species of Nosema from Hylobittacus apicalis (Insecta: Mecoptera: Bittacidae)

An undescribed Nosema was found infecting adults of the mecopteran Hylobittacus apicalis. This microsporidium is described herein as the first record of a microsporidium from the order Mecoptera. The slightly pyriform spores measured 4.5 × 2.4 μm. Mature spores had 9.5–10 polar filament coils irregularly grouped in the posterior end. The life cycle and ultrastructure of the developmental stages were described, and were typical of other Nosema spp. This microsporidium was regularly recorded from adult Hylobittacus apicalis populations over a 10-year period and tbe incidence of infection increased during the summer.     

Pancreatonema torriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Nematoda: Rhabdochonidae) from the pancreatic duct of Raja naevus

A new genus and species of nematode, Pancreatonema torriensis, from the pancreatic duct of Raja naevus caught off Aberdeen and north-west Scotland is described and aspects of its biology are discussed. According to the classification of Skrjabin, Sobolev & Ivashkin (1967) [Spirurata of animals and man and the diseases caused by them (4). Essentials of Nematodology, Vol. 16 (I.P.S.T. Translation No. 5904, Jerusalem, 1971)]it belongs to the family Rhabdochonidae, sub-family Prosungulonematinae, and is closely related to the genus Johnstonmawsonia. The taxonomy of the Prosungulonematinae is confused but it is suggested that Johnstonmawsonia should at present be restricted to those species of the genus described from marine teleosts, and that the species from freshwater teleosts should be included in the genus Prosungulonema.     

Redefinition of Peridinium lomnickii Wołoszynska (Dinophyta) by scanning electronmicroscopical survey

Peridinium lomnickii Wo?oszynska was investigated by scanning electron microscopy with special attention to the importance of development of thecal plate during the life cycle. Different life cycle stages (gymnodinoid-, glenodinoid-, peridinioid) are described on the basis of development of cell wall, presence and development of sutures, appearance of pore and the change of the cell shape. Differences and possible relationships between the three existing varieties of the species are discussed. We suggest that the three varieties of P. lomnickii, P. lomnickii var. lomnickii, P. lomnickii var. wierzejskii and P. lomnickii var. splendida,represent the different life cycle stages of the species. These results and the known ontogenic cycle of dinophyta taxa should be taken into consideration, when a phylogenic tree of the dinophytes is constructed.     

Mattesia bombi n. sp. (Neogregarinida: Ophrocystidae), a parasite of Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The fat bodies of queen, male, and worker bumble bees were found to harbor a parasite, Mattesia bombi n. sp. (Neogregarinida: Ophrocystidae). The life cycle of this protozoan includes micronuclear and macronuclear schizogonies, gametogony, and sporogony. Sporocysts are predominantly oval in shape and measured 27 × 5.4 μm when mature. The life cycle of the parasite is described and the mode of infection discussed.     

Morphology and molecular characterization of Polystoma goeldii n. sp. (Monogenea,Polystomatidae) parasite from the urinary bladder of Physalaemus ephippifer (Steindachner) (Anura,Leptodactylidae)

Polystomatid flatworms of amphibians are represented in the Neotropical realm by species of Mesopolystoma, Nanopolystoma, Parapseudopolystoma, Polystoma, Riojatrema and Wetapolystoma but only species of Polystoma are known from Brazil, namely Polystoma cuvieri, P. knoffi, P. lopezromani and P. travassosi. During a survey of monogeneans infecting amphibians in the north-eastern region of Pará State, the Cayenne Caecilian Typhlonectes compressicauda was found to be infected with Nanopolystoma tinsleyi and the Veined Tree Frog Trachycephalus typhonius was found to harbor Polystoma lopezromani. A yet unknown species of Polystoma was also encountered in the urinary bladder of the Steindachner's Dwarf Frog, Physalaemus ephippifer. This new species, which is the second species reported from Physalaemus spp., is described herein as Polystoma goeldii n. sp. and its life cycle is also illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from Polystoma spp. from other neotropical realm by a combination of characteristics, including hamuli morphology, outer/inner hamuli length ratio, haptor/total body length ratio, genital bulb/total body length ratio, genital spine number and COI molecular characters.     

New insights into skeletal morphology of the oldest known silicoflagellates: Variramus, Cornua and Gleserocha gen. nov.

Two of the oldest known silicoflagellate-bearing sediments, lower Albian at Ocean Drilling Program Site 693 in the Weddell Sea of Antarctica and Santonian in the Devon Island sequence of the Canadian Archipelago, are re-examined with a focus on silicoflagellate genera Variramus, Cornua, and Gleserocha that lack basal rings, a feature appearing during late Santonian/early Campanian time within the genus Corbisema. The extraordinary variability of Variramus aculeifera is studied, and a new genus Gleserocha is proposed for taxa with apical structures made of three struts, but without pikes. This new genus includes previously described Variramus wisei and Cornua tapiae and new species G. harrisonii, and is here proposed as a genus transitional between Variramus and Cornua. Two unusual new species of Cornua, C. deflandrei and C. witkowskiana, are also described and a revised terminology is proposed for the skeletal components of Cornua and closely related genera.     

Tuzetia boeckella sp. nov. (protozoa: Microsporida), a parasite of Boeckella triarticulata (Copepoda: Calanoidea) in Australia

A hitherto undescribed microsporidan has been found in the Australian freshwater copepod, Boeckella triarticulata, collected from Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra. We name this protozoan Tuzetia boeckella n. sp. and describe it in this paper. Large numbers of spores were found in the muscle of both sexes and all stages of the animals. The pyriform spores measured 5.1 × 2.7 μm with the extruded polar filament measuring 102 μm. Ultrastructural studies revealed the presence of a pansporoblastic membrane around each spore. The polar filament was arranged in a single row of 13–14 turns and decreased in diameter toward the posterior end. Few details of the life cycle were elucidated; however, evidence is presented for each sporont forming eight spores. Differentiating characters to distinguish this species from the six other known members of the genus are given.     

Fruit anatomy of species of Solanum sect. Acanthophora (Solanaceae)

The fruits of 10 species of Solanum sect. Acanthophora were studied. Cross and/or longitudinal and/or tangential microtome sections, stained mostly with astra blue/basic fuchsin, were made for microscopic examination. Three different kinds of cells were found in the epidermis, immediately below which a hypodermis, consisting in any of four types of structures, was always found. The mesocarp exhibits two histologically differentiated zones, an external one (formed by normal or spongy parenchyma, according to the species), and an internal one, commonly juicy, and with proliferations among the seeds. The diagnostic value of all these structures is assessed. Morpho-anatomical information is used to define fruit types beyond the berry, traditionally described for Solanum, and the probable dispersal syndrome related to them is discussed. Fruit similarities are slightly noticeable in several cases, while differences may be the result of their sexual system – which affects specially the size – and their histology, which is related to the dispersal syndrome. The comparison of our data with previous molecular phylogeny of the section suggests that a significant morphological variation is not associated with significant DNA sequence changes.