Sinharaja gen. n., a new Uropodina mite genus from Sri Lanka with description of two new species (Acari: Mesostigmata: Uropodidae)

A new Uropodina genus (Sinharaja gen. n.) is described on the basis of two new species (S. ceylonensis sp. n. and S. sinhala sp. n.) from Sri Lanka. The new genus differs by the strongly sclerotised dorsal lines, pentagonal pygidial shield, the shape and length of dorsal setae and the shape of first and fourth hypstomal setae, internal malae and epistome from the other known Uropodina genera.     

Truyolsodontos estauni n. gen., n. sp., Truyolsodontidae,a new family of lamniform sharks from the Cenomanian of northern Spain

Truyolsodontos estauni n. gen., n. sp. is described based on fossil teeth from the middle and upper Cenomanian of northern Spain. The species Protoscyliorhinus magnusLandemaine, 1991 is withdrawn from the genus Protoscyliorhinus and placed in this new one. For the new genus, the new family Truyolsodontidae is proposed.     

Pseudonotohymena antarctica n. g., n. sp. (Ciliophora,Hypotricha), a New Species from Antarctic Soil

A new soil ciliate, Pseudonotohymena antarctica n. g., n. sp., from King George Island, Antarctica, is described based on live observation, protargol impregnation, and its 18S rRNA gene. The new genus Pseudonotohymena is morphologically similar to the genus Notohymena Blatterer and Foissner 1988 in the following characteristics: 18 fronto‐ventral‐transverse cirri, a flexible body, undulating membranes, dorsomarginal kineties, and the number of cirri in the marginal rows. However, Pseudonotohymena differs from Notohymena particularly in the dorsal ciliature, that is, in possessing a nonfragmented dorsal kinety (vs. fragmented). In addition, the molecular phylogenetic relationship of the new species differs from that of Notohymena species. On the basis of the morphological features, the genetic data, and morphogenesis, we establish P. antarctica n. g., n. sp. In addition, the cyst morphology of this species is described.     

Description of Sclerorhabditis miniata n. sp. and First Description of Male of Diploscapter coronatus Cobb, 1913 (Nematoda: Rhabditidae)

A population of Sclerorhabditis miniata n. sp. is described and illustrated from Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir State, India. The new species is characterized by small body size, with an annulated cuticle, offset labial region, crown shaped, strongly sclerotized lips, thin lateral lips, membranous, stegostom without glottoid apparatus, cheilostom rod shaped, sclerotized, spicules free, strong and thick, gubernaculum simple, bent proximally, bursa open, peloderan with seven pairs of bursal papillae in 1+1/1+1+2+1 pattern. The males of Diploscapter coronatus are described for the first time. They are usually smaller than the females and have labial region similar to females. Spicules separate, with a small dorsal velum, gubernaculum simple, almost straight, bursa open, pseudopeloderan with seven pairs of bursal papillae in 1+1/1+2+1+1 pattern.     

A new genus and two new species of dactylogyrid monogeneans from gills of Neotropical catfishes (Siluriformes: Doradidae and Loricariidae)

A new genus of dactylogyrid monogeneans (Ancyrocephalinae), Paracosmetocleithrum n. gen., is erected to accommodate P. trachydorasi n. sp. from Trachydoras paraguayensis (Siluriformes: Doradidae) in the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil. The new genus differs from Neotropical dactylogyrids in the presence of a well-developed ornamentation in the middle portion of the ventral bar, and a sclerotized patch on the surface of the dorsal bar with an inconspicuous medial process that possesses two submedial projections arising from the tapered ends of this patch. In addition, Demidospermus rhinelepisi n. sp. is described from Rhinelepis aspera (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). The new species, which is the fifth species of the genus described from loricariids, can be differentiated from congeners by the possession of a sclerotized patch attached to the middle portion of the ventral bar, and by morphology of the accessory piece, which presents broad ends, tapering in the centre, rounded proximal end, distal end folding on both sides with folds extending to approximately ¾ of the accessory piece length. Molecular data on both new species are also provided and species composition of Demidospermus, recently revealed as polyphyletic by molecular studies including the present one, is discussed.     

Praealbonemertes whangateaunienses n. gen. and n. sp., a new heteronemertean from New Zealand

Abstract

A new genus and species of heteronemertean, Praealbonemertes whangateaunienses n. gen. and n. sp., is described and illustrated. The species is characterised by inter alia a cephalic lacuna with strands of longitudinal muscle fibres, a proboscis with three muscle layers, and a well-developed muscle plate dorsal to the foregut and anterior intestine. The material was collected in New Zealand.     

Pratylenchus australis n. sp. and Eutylenchus fueguensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Tylenchina) from southern Chile

Two new species of nematodes from southern Chile are described and illustrated. Pratylenchus australis n. sp. is distinguished by its heavy cephalic sclerotization, smooth tail terminus, lack of spermatheca, and absence of males. Eutylenchus fueguensis n. sp. differs from other Eutylenchus spp. by the long female stylet (31 [28-32] μm), strongly sclerotized excretory duct opening posterior to nerve ring, and broadly rounded caudal alae of males.     

An integrative taxonomic study of Susanlimocotyle narina n. gen. n. sp. (Monogenoidea,Dactylogyridae) from the nasal cavities of a marine catfish (Siluriformes,Ariidae) from the Atlantic Amazon Coast of Brazil and new molecular data of Chauhanellus spp.

Based on a taxonomic approach, combining morphological characters with DNA sequences (i.e.,18S rDNA, ITS1, 5.8S rDNA and ITS2), Susanlimocotyle n. gen. is proposed to accommodates Susanlimocotyle narina n. sp. from the nostrils of the ariid Sciades herzbergii (Bloch) from the coast of the state of Pará, Brazil. Susanlimocotyle n. gen. is characterized by species possessing: an intestinal ceca confluent posteriorly; a male copulatory organ, comprising a variable tube, articulated with the accessory piece; a sclerotized vagina, vaginal aperture dextro-ventral; an onchium; a robust ventral bar; two dorsal bars; a ventral anchor with elongated shaft and a dorsal anchor with deep root expanding into wings. In addition, new molecular data of Chauhanellus spp. are also provided and used for the evaluation of the phylogenetic relationships among monogenoids parasitizing siluriforms. Susanlimocotyle n. gen. exhibited a higher genetic divergence level for 18S rDNA (4.6 to 7.2% [83–130 bp]) with respect to Chauhanellus spp. despite sharing S. herzbergii as a host, than Hamatopeduncularia spp., (4.1 to 5.8% [75–110 bp]) from Oriental ariids. For the 18S rDNA, 5.8S rDNA, ITS1 and ITS2 regions, C. boegeri and C. susamlimae were observed to have the smallest interspecific distances, and C. velum was revealed to be the most genetically distant species to Chauhanellus. The proposal for Susanlimocotyle n. gen. is also supported by phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA gene, which supports the close relationship between the new genus and Hamatopeduncularia and Chauhanellus from ariids from the South America and Oriental regions. Moreover, the patterns towards the shared diversification between monogenoids and their ariid hosts were addressed.     

Paramoeba aparasomata n. sp., a symbiont-free species,and its relative Paramoeba karteshi n. sp. (Amoebozoa,Dactylopodida)

Two brackish water amoebae have been isolated and studied from the benthic biotopes of the Chupa Inlet (Kandalaksha Bay, northwestern Russia). Both strains can be identified as new species of the genus Paramoeba (Amoebozoa, Dactylopodida, Paramoebidae) based on light microscopical characters, structure of microscales on the cell surface and molecular evidence based on the analyses of two genes, nuclear SSU rRNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Paramoeba aparasomata n. sp. is of particular interest because this amoeba is permanently lacking a symbiotic Perkinsela-like organism (PLO) present in other species of Paramoeba and Neoparamoeba. The results obtained show that scaly dactylopodial amoebae lacking PLO are not necessarily members of Korotnevella. In particular, we suggest that Korotnevella nivo Smirnov, 1997, with microscales very similar to those of Paramoeba eilhardi and the species studied here in structure, may be in fact a member of Paramoeba. Molecular data on K. nivo have to be obtained and analysed to test this hypothesis. Based on our new results we emend the diagnosis of the genus Paramoeba to make it more fit to the current phylogenetic conception.     

Katatopygia gen. n., a monophyletic branch segregated from Boletina (Diptera, Mycetophilidae)

The genus Katatopygia gen. n. is proposed for the Boletina erythropyga/punctus-group that was first introduced by Garrett (1924, 1925) and currently comprises eight described species. Molecular studies have strongly indicated that this group forms a monophyletic sister-group to a clade consisting of all other Boletina, Coelosia and Gnoriste, and its monophyly is supported by morphological data as well. The new genus includes the following species: Katatopygia antoma (Garrett, 1924), comb. n., Katatopygia antica (Garrett, 1924), comb. n., Katatopygia erythropyga (Holmgren, 1883), comb. n.,Katatopygia hissarica (Zaitzev & Polevoi, 2002), comb. n., Katatopygia magna (Garrett, 1925), comb. n., Katatopygia laticauda (Saigusa, 1968), comb. n., Katatopygia neoerythropyga (Zaitzev & Polevoi, 2002), comb. n. andKatatopygia sahlbergi (Lundström, 1906), comb. n., all transferred from Boletina. Katatopygia sahlbergi is found to be a senior synonym of Boletina punctus Garrett, 1925, syn. n. A phylogeny based on morphological data and using parsimony analysis yielded four most parsimonious trees where the new genus is retrieved as monophyletic with high support. Katatopygia neoerythropyga is found to be the sister-taxon to all other species that form two clades, one with Katatopygia sahlbergi-like species and one with Katatopygia erythropyga-like species. A key to males of Katatopygia is provided.     

Two new species of Cryptocephalum n. gen. (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) from the cephalic lateral line of Percichthys trucha (Perciformes: Percichthyidae) in Patagonia, Argentina

Two new species of Monogenoidea were found parasitizing the cephalic lateral line canals of Percichthys trucha (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Percichthyidae). These species are described as members of a newly proposed genus of Dactylogyridae. Cryptocephalum n. gen. is characterized by the site of infection and the combination of the several features: ventral and dorsal anchor/bar complexes, anchors with strongly elongated shaft and recurved point, shaft and point of dorsal anchors protruding laterally from haptor, hooks with 2 subunits and with pair 5 smaller than the others; gonads overlapping; coiled male copulatory organ with counterclockwise rings, accessory piece formed by 2 distinct parts, and a tubular, sclerotized ventral vagina. C ryptocephalum petreum n. sp. is characterized by having both anchor pairs protruding laterally from haptor, male copulatory organ with a coil of 2-1/2 rings, accessory piece tweezers-shaped, and sclerotized vaginal vestibule. Cryptocephalum spiralis n. sp. has ventral anchors protruding ventrally and dorsal ones protruding laterally, male copulatory organ with a coil of 1-1/2 rings, the antero-dorsal part of the accessory piece saddle-shaped, vaginal vestibule not present, and coiled vagina. This is the first record of Dactylogyridae species parasitizing the cephalic lateral line of fishes.     

A new species of sublittoral marine gastrotrich, Lepidodasys ligni sp. n. (Macrodasyida,Lepidodasyidae), from the Atlantic coast of Florida

A new species of Lepidodasys is described from sublittoral sandy sediments off the Atlantic coast of Florida. Lepidodasys ligni sp. n. is a small species (≤ 450 µm) with a crossed-helical pattern of small, non-keeled, non-imbricated scales on the dorsal and lateral body surfaces, two columns of ventral, interciliary scales that form a herringbone pattern, and a series of anterior, lateral, dorsal and posterior adhesive tubes. Similar to Lepidodasys castoroides from the Faroe Islands, the new species possesses a caudal constriction that demarcates the posterior end containing the caudal organ. The frontal organ lies within the posterior constriction, which is heavily invested with somatic circular muscles. These muscles are also present throughout the trunk and represent a novel condition for species of Lepidodasys,which were previously considered to lack somatic circular muscles. Posterior of the caudal constriction is a large, barrel-shaped caudal organ that is wrapped in a series of interdigitating, spindle-shaped, incomplete circular muscle fibers. The caudal organ contains a sclerotized central canal, but the absence of distal cuticular endpieces distinguishes the new species from its morphologically similar congener, Lepidodasys castoroides.     

Descriptions of Eumonhystera borealis n. sp., Sphaerolaimus occidentalis n. sp., and a Redescription of S. gracilis de Man 1876 (Nemata) from Bothnian Bay,Baltic Sea

The free-living nematodes Eumonhystera borealis n. sp., Sphaerolaimus occidentalis n. sp., and S. gracilis de Man 1876 from Bothnian Bay in the northern Baltic Sea are described and illustrated. Eumonhystera borealis n. sp. differs from other species by its small body size (314-393 μm), narrow body (a = 37-49), and large anterior amphids. In Sphaerolaimus occidentalis n. sp. the amphids are posterior to the buccal cavity, and it differs from other similar species by having two sclerotized rings in the posterior part of the buccal cavity. An intersex is reported for S. gracilis. Sphaerolaimus gracilis is cannibalistic or a predator of other species, with a preference for E. borealis n. sp. Sphaerolaimus occidentalis n. sp. coexists with S. gracilis at depths of 80 m but not at 12 m.     

Pararotylenchus n. gen. (Pararotylenchinae n. subfam., Hoplolaimidae) with Six New Species and Two New Combinations

A new subfamily, Pararotylenchinae, (Hoplolaimidae) is described. It includes a single genus, Pararotylenchus n. gen., six new species, attd two new combinations, Pararotylenchus (syn. Tylenchorhynchus) brevicaudatus (Hopper, 1959) n. comb. and Pararotylenchus (syn. Rotylenchus) pint (Mamiya, 1968) n. comb. Pararotylenchinae is similar to certain other Hoplolaimidae, such as Rotylenchinae, with respect to most characters including the short tail, the position of the phasmids near the anus, and the relatively great distance of the dorsal gland orifice from the base of the stylet knobs. The lip region, as observed with the scanning electron microscope, conforms to the basic pattern for Hoplolaimidae. The labial disc is round with slit-like amphidial openings at the lateral sides of the periphery of the disc. The distinctive anterior-most lip annule is segmented into six sectors. Unlike other Hoplolaimidae, however, the esophageal glands of Pararotylenchinae form a basal bulb similar to that of Tylenchorhynchidae; other characters do not resemble Tylencborhynchidae. Specimens of Pararotylenchus have been recovered only from cool regions at high elevations and Pacific coastal areas in the Western United States, Japan, and Korea.     

Milnesium berladnicorum sp. n. (Eutardigrada,Apochela, Milnesiidae), a new species of water bear from Romania

In a lichen sample collected from a tree in Bârlad town (Vaslui County, Romania), a new tardigrade species belonging to the genus Milnesium (granulatum group) was found. Milnesium berladnicorum sp. n. is most similar (in the type of dorsal sculpture) to Milnesium beasleyi Kaczmarek et al., 2012 but differs from it mainly by having a different claw configuration and some morphometric characters. Additionally, the new species differs from other congeners of the granulatum group by the different type of dorsal sculpture, claw configuration and some morphometric characters.     

Marine Nematodes of Bothnian Bay,Finland: Ethmolaimus hailuotoensis n. sp. (Ethmolaimidae: Nemata)

Ethmolaimus hailuotoensis n. sp. from Bothnian Bay, northern Baltic Sea, is described and illustrated. Ethmolaimus hailuotoensis n. sp. has a strongly sclerotized luminal lining of the terminal esophageal bulb and esophagus. The most characteristic feature is a lateral series of large concentric, sclerotized rings with a fine, internal longitudinal oval sclerotization. In addition, E. hailuotoensis n. sp. is distinguished from other Ethmolaimus species by its smaller body size, fewer number of precloacal supplements (7-8), conical tail, and the position of amphid posterior to the buccal cavity. Females of E. hailuotoensis n. sp. studied were hermaphroditic. Ethmolaimus hailuotoensis n. sp. coexisted with E. pratensis. Ethmolaimus pratensis from Bothnian Bay has a characteristic row of sublateral hypodermal glands, a character not before seen in Ethmolaimidae.     

Description of Eucyclops tziscao sp. n., E. angeli sp. n., and a new record of E. festivus Lindberg, 1955 (Cyclopoida,Cyclopidae, Eucyclopinae) in Chiapas,Mexico

Two new species of the freshwater cyclopoid genera Eucyclops are described, Eucyclops tziscao sp. n. and E. angeli sp. n. Both species belong to the serrulatus-group defined by morphological features such as: the presence of distal spinules or hair-like setae (groups N1 and N2) on frontal surface of antennal basis; the fourth leg coxa with a strong inner spine that bears dense setules on inner side, yet proximally naked (large gap) on outer side; and a 12-segmented antennule with smooth hyaline membrane on the three distalmost segments. Eucyclops tziscao sp. n. is morphologically similar to E. bondi and E. conrowae but differs from these species in having a unique combination of characters, including a caudal ramus 4.05±0.25 times as long as wide, lateral seta of Enp3P4 modified as a strong, sclerotized blunt seta, coxal spine of fourth leg with inner spinule-like setules distally, and sixth leg of males bearing a strong and long inner spine 2.3 times longer than median seta. Eucyclops angeli sp. n. can be distinguished by an unique combination of morphological features: the short caudal ramus; the long spine on the sixth antennular segment of A1; the presence of one additional group of spinules (N12’) on the caudal surface of A2; the presence of long setae in females, or short spinules in males on the lateral margin of fourth prosomite; the strong ornamentation of the intercoxal sclerite of P4, specially group I modified as long denticles; the distal modified setae of Exp3P3 and Exp3P4 in females and males; and the short lateral seta of P5. Finally, we report on a new record of E. festivus in México, and add data on morphology of the species.