Phylogeny and cryptic diversification in Southeast Asian flying geckos

The closed-canopy forests of Southeast Asia are home to an impressive number of vertebrates that have independently evolved morphologies that enhance directed aerial descent (gliding, parachuting). These assemblages include numerous mammal, frog, snake, and lizard clades. Several genera of gekkonid lizards, in particular, have evolved specialized structures such as cutaneous expansions, flaps, and midbody patagia, that enhance lift generation in the context of unique gliding and parachuting locomotion. The genus Ptychozoon represents arguably the most morphologically extreme, highly specialized clade of gliding geckos. Despite their notoriety and celebrated locomotor ability, members of the genus Ptychozoon have never been the subject of a species-level molecular phylogenetic analysis. In this paper, we utilize molecular sequence data from mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments to estimate the evolutionary relationships of this unique group of flying geckos. Capitalizing on the recent availability of genetic samples for even the rarest of known species, we include the majority of known taxa and use model-based phylogenetic methods to reconstruct their evolutionary history. Because one species, P. kuhli, exhibits an unusually wide distribution coupled with an impressive range of morphological variation, we additionally use intensive phylogeographic/population genetic sampling, phylogenetic network analyses, and Bayesian species delimitation procedures to evaluate this taxon for the possible presence of cryptic evolutionary lineages. Our results suggest that P. kuhli may consist of between five and nine unrecognized, distinct species. Although we do not elevate these lineages to species status here, our findings suggest that lineage diversity in Ptychozoon is likely dramatically underestimated.     

The antennal sensory array of the nocturnal bull ant Myrmecia pyriformis

Insects use antennal sensilla to not only detect chemical and mechanical cues but also to sense changes in temperature, humidity and CO₂ levels. Very little is known about the variation in numbers, size and structure of sensilla in ants. Here we describe in detail the array of sensilla on the apical segment of the antennae of the nocturnal Australian bull ant Myrmecia pyriformis. Using scanning electron microscopy techniques we identified eight types of sensilla: trichodea curvata, basiconica, trichodea, coelocapitular, chaetica, trichoid II, ampullacea and coeloconica. Mapping the spatial location of each sensillum revealed distinct distribution patterns for different types of sensilla which were consistent across different individuals. We found, in most cases, the number of sensilla increases with the size of the apical antennomere, which in turn increases with body size. Conversely, the size of sensilla did not appreciably increase with the size of the apical antennomere. We discuss the size, numbers and distribution of sensilla of M. pyriformis compared to other ant species. Lastly, given the inconsistent use of sensillum nomenclature and difficulties associated in reliable identification we have attempted to consolidate the ant sensilla literature to make possible interspecific comparisons.     

Shape variation in a benthic stream fish across flow regimes

Evolution of fish body shapes in flowing and non-flowing waters have been examined for several species. Flowing water can select for fish body shapes that increase steady swimming efficiency, whereas non-flowing water can favor shapes that increase unsteady swimming efficiency. Benthic stream fishes often use areas near the substrate that exhibit reduced or turbulent flow, thus it is unclear which swimming forms would be favored in such environments, and how shape might change across flow regimes. To test the relationship between fish body shape and flow regime in a benthic stream fish, we used geometric morphometric techniques to characterize lateral body shape in mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) across flow rates, using stream gradient as an indicator of stream flow. Mountain suckers from low-flow environments were more streamlined, consistent with steady swimming body shapes, whereas mountain suckers from high flows had deeper bodies, consistent with unsteady swimming body shapes. In addition, smaller individuals tended to have more robust body shapes. These patterns are opposite to those predicted for stream fishes in the mid-water column. The benthic stream environment represents a distinct selective environment for fish shape that does not appear to conform to the simple dichotomy of flowing versus non-flowing water.     

The origin of parachuting locomotion in gekkonid lizards (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)

Several recent studies have focused on the ability of the gekkonid Ptychozoon lionatum to parachute, utilizing its enlarged lateral body folds. Little attention has been paid, however, to the evolution of such behavious and here several aspects pertaining to the origin of parachuting are integrated. Behavioural shifts and morphological modifications are considered together and evaluated in the light of ecological information. It is apparent that certain behavioural shifts were the precursors of subsequent morphological changes. The structural design of the body folds is also considered in relation to parachuting behaviour and both the gross morphology and histology are shown to be significantly modified to permit effective parachuting. The absene of musculature in the lateral body flaps of geckos is confirmed and a model for the integration of the various factors involved in effective parachuting is presented. Here the importance of the "structure-function" and "habitat-behaviour" sets are emphasized together with their new interrelationships when a protoadaptation becomes functional.     

Antennal sensillar equipment in closely related predatory wasp species (Hymenoptera: Philanthinae) hunting for different prey types

Despite its potential value in phylogenetic and ecological studies, the morphology of antennal sensilla has rarely been compared quantitatively within the Apoidea. Here, through a scanning electron microscopy analysis, we provide an inventory of different types of antennal sensilla and compare their morphology across 10 species of predatory wasps (Crabronidae: Philanthinae) including species that hunt exclusively either on beetles or on bees to feed their larvae. A sensilla-free area was found on the apical flagellomer of all but two species, and its shape and size appear to be useful for separating Philanthini from Cercerini within the subfamily. A total of eight types of sensilla (sensilla placoidea, sensilla basiconica, two types of pit organs, sensilla coelocapitula and three types of sensilla trichoidea) were found in all species, and an additional rarer type (grooved peg sensilla) was found only in three bee-hunting species and for first time in the genus Cerceris. Certain morphological features confirmed the separation of the apoid wasps from the rest of the Apoidea (i.e., bees). A cluster analysis based on the sizes of the different types of sensilla suggested that, overall, sensilla morphology is not a useful taxonomic tool, and thus, other factors likely determine interspecific variability. One candidate factor is the prey type, given some differences in the presence, density, size and distribution of certain types of olfactory sensilla between beetle-hunters and bee-hunters. This hypothesis needs to be further tested quantitatively using a larger species set, more individuals per species, additional sensilla features, and a correction for phylogeny.     

Consistent pattern in the placement of taste sensilla on the labellar lobes of Aedes aegypti

The long sensilla on the labellar lobes of Aedes aegypti were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The surface of the labella is populated by 3 hair-like structures: long sensilla (female 33.5 μm, SD 3.81 n=114; male 32.0 μm, SD 2.69 n=20), short sensilla (female 4.27 μm, SD 0.550 n=15; male 4.52 μm, SD 0.609 n=15), and microtrichia (female 5.00 μm, SD 0.656 n=55; male 5.27 μm, SD 0.376 n=53). This current study is concerned with the long sensilla. The ventral surface of the labella is consistently populated with 10 long sensilla. The dorsal surface is populated by 5 long sensilla. We assigned the base of each sensillum Cartesian co-ordinates describing its relationship to the other sensilla on the ventral and dorsal surfaces of each individual. These Cartesian co-ordinates were pooled and a stringent form of cluster analysis was used to determine if these sensilla could be identified by location on the labella. Sensilla from different individuals are more closely related by position than sensilla on the same individual, suggesting that these sensilla are located in a consistent pattern over the labellar surface. Sensilla were labeled V1–V10 and D1–D5 on the ventral and dorsal surfaces respectively.     

How seed traits predict floating times: a biophysical process model for hydrochorous seed transport behaviour in fluvial systems

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兴安落叶松鞘蛾触角及其感器的扫描电镜观察

应用扫描电镜对兴安落叶松鞘蛾Coleophora obducta(Meyrick)触角及其感器进行观察和研究。结果表明,兴安落叶松鞘蛾触角为丝状,其上共有8种感器:板形感器、锥形感器、腔锥形感器、栓锥形感器、毛形感器、鳞形感器、叉形感器和Bhm氏鬃毛,对各种感器的形态、分布特点进行描述,推测其可能具有的功能。雌雄蛾触角有明显的性二型现象,表现为雌雄触角大小不同,触角感器类型、大小、数量、分布不同。     

Gill surface area provides a clue for the respiratory basis of brain size in the blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)

Brain size varies dramatically, both within and across species, and this variation is often believed to be the result of trade-offs between the cognitive benefits of having a large brain for a given body size and the energetic cost of sustaining neural tissue. One potential consequence of having a large brain is that organisms must also meet the associated high energetic demands. Thus, a key question is whether metabolic rate correlates with brain size. However, using metabolic rate to measure energetic demand yields a relatively instantaneous and dynamic measure of energy turnover, which is incompatible with the longer evolutionary timescale of changes in brain size within and across species. Morphological traits associated with oxygen consumption, specifically gill surface area, have been shown to be correlates of oxygen demand and energy use, and thus may serve as integrated correlates of these processes, allowing us to assess whether evolutionary changes in brain size correlate with changes in longer-term oxygen demand and energy use. We tested how brain size relates to gill surface area in the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus. First, we examined whether the allometric slope of brain mass (i.e., the rate that brain mass changes with body mass) is lower than the allometric slope of gill surface area across ontogeny. Second, we tested whether gill surface area explains variation in brain mass, after accounting for the effects of body mass on brain mass. We found that brain mass and gill surface area both had positive allometric slopes, with larger individuals having both larger brains and larger gill surface areas compared to smaller individuals. However, the allometric slope of brain mass was lower than the allometric slope of gill surface area, consistent with our prediction that the allometric slope of gill surface area could pose an upper limit to the allometric slope of brain mass. Finally, after accounting for body mass, individuals with larger brains tended to have larger gill surface areas. Together, our results provide clues as to how fishes may evolve and maintain large brains despite their high energetic cost, suggesting that C. limbatus individuals with a large gill surface area for their body mass may be able to support a higher energetic turnover, and, in turn, a larger brain for their body mass.     

The scolopidial accessory organ in the Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae)

Multiple mechanosensory organs form the subgenual organ complex in orthopteroid insects, located in the proximal tibia. In several Ensifera (Orthoptera), a small chordotonal organ, the so-called accessory organ, is the most posterior part of this sensory complex. In order to document the presence of this accessory organ among the Ensifera, the chordotonal sensilla and their innervation in the posterior tibia of two species of Jerusalem crickets (Stenopelmatidae: Stenopelmatus) is described. The sensory structures were stained by axonal tracing. Scolopidial sensilla occur in the posterior subgenual organ and the accessory organ in all leg pairs. The accessory organ contains 10–17 scolopidial sensilla. Both groups of sensilla are commonly spatially separated. However, in few cases neuronal fibres occurred between both organs. The two sensillum groups are considered as separate organs by the general spatial separation and innervation by different nerve branches. A functional role for mechanoreception is considered: since the accessory organ is located closely under the cuticle, sensilla may be suited to detect vibrations transferred over the leg's surface. This study extends the known taxa with an accessory organ, which occurs in several taxa of Ensifera. Comparative neuroanatomy thus suggests that the accessory organ may be conserved at least in Tettigoniidea.     

B-chromosome systems in the greater glider (Petauroides volans volans) (Marsupialia:Petauridae). I. B-chromosome distribution

Variations in diploid chromosome number, due to the presence of B chromosomes, are found within the distribution of P. v. volans. B chromosomes vary in number between one and eight per animal, are mitotically stable in various body tissues and, unlike the Y chromosome in male P. v. volans, are not eliminated from bone marrow cells. Animals possessing B chromosomes have a distinct distribution, and it appears that a stable equilibrium between the forces of B chromosome accumulation or elimination is operating in those populations possessing these chromosomes.     

松褐天牛触角感器电镜扫描和触角电位反应

应用扫描电镜对松褐天牛的触角感器进行扫描观察,并测定了触角对松树主要挥发物的电生理反应.松褐天牛触角上共有7种感器,即毛形感器、锥形感器、指形感器、棒形感器、瓶形感器、芽形感器以及刺形感器,以毛形和锥形感器的数量最丰富.其中毛形感器和锥形感器各有3个型,指形感器有2个型.毛Ⅱ、毛Ⅲ型和锥Ⅰ、锥Ⅱ型感器表皮结构具有深的纵刻纹,具有嗅觉感器的典型特征.同时对各种感器的数量、长度及分布特点等作了描述.电生理研究结果表明,几种供试化合物及其混合物均能引起松褐天牛雌、雄成虫较强的电生理反应;松褐天牛触角不同部位的EAG反应存在显著差异;剂量试验表明,松褐天牛成虫触角对不同浓度的α-Pinene的EAG反应存在一定的规律性.     

二化螟盘绒茧蜂触角感器的超微结构

采用扫描电子显微镜对二化螟盘绒茧蜂Cotesia chilonisMunakata触角感器进行了观察和研究。结果表明,二化螟盘绒茧蜂触角上共存在6种感器,分别为板形感器、毛形感器、刚毛型感器、柱形感器、钟形感器、锥形感器。对各种触角感器的形态、分布特点进行了描述,并对两性间的差异及其功能进行了探讨。     

A new genus and two new nematode species (Drilonematoidea: Ungellidae: Synoecneminae) parasitic in two morphs of Drawida ghilarovi Gates,endemic earthworm from the Russian Far East

Drasico n. g. is erected to accommodate two new species of nematode, Drasico nemoralis n. sp. and D. paludigenus n. sp., recovered from coelomic cavities of Drawida ghilarovi Gates, endemic earthworms of the Russian Far East. The new genus is characterised by the following unique for the Synoecneminae characters: apical portion of the head attenuated, cephalic hooks displaced to the base of attenuated portion, amphids displaced posterior to cephalic hooks, excretory duct short and weak, males possessing several genital papilliform sensilla. The new species are differentiated by the size, number and disposition of the male genital sensilla (larger and more numerous in D. nemoralis n. sp.); the body shape of females (with thinner neck and wider mid-body in D. paludigenus n. sp.) and the ovarian tube arranged in transversal folds in D. paludigenus (vs longitudinal folds in D. nemoralis n. sp.). Nucleotide sequences of D2–D3 expansion segment of 28S rDNA for the two new species differed at 13 positions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close relationships of Drasico n. g. with species of Siconema Timm, 1966. The host species was represented by two morphs (blue-grey forest and tar-black meadow-swamp morph) with intraspecific divergence of 16–17% for cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, and each host morph was found infected by a different nematode species. A co-infection with the plectid nematode Creagrocercus drawidae Ivanova & Spiridonov, 2011 was recorded together with D. nemoralis n. sp. in the blue-grey forest morph.     

Fischoederius cobboldi: A scanning electron microscopy investigation of surface morphology of adult rumen fluke

Adults Fischoederius cobboldi are conical-shaped, concave ventrally and convex dorsally, measures about 8-10mm in length and 4-6mm in width across the mid section. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of entire body showed that the tegumental surface exhibits highly corrugation and transverse folds alternating with grooves and without spines. At higher magnification, the surface of each fold is further increased with a meshwork of ridges separated by irregular-sized pits. The ventral surface has more complex corrugations and invaginations than those of the dorsal surface of the body. Both anterior and posterior suckers have thick edges covered with transverse folds and appear spineless. The genital pore is located at the anterior one-third of the body. There are two types of sensory papillae on the surface: type 1 is bulbous in shape and nipple-like tips, measuring 10-15 μm in diameter at the base, and also type 2 is a similar shape and has short cilia on tips. These sensory papillae occur in large clusters, each having between 7 and 25 units depending on the region of the body. Clusters of papillae on the ventral surface and around the anterior suckers tend to be more abundant and larger in size. The dorsal side of the body exhibit similar surface features, but papillae appear less numerous and are smaller. Corrugations and invaginations of the dorsal aspect are also less extensive than those on the ventral surface of the body.     

Surface area of the respiratory organs of the Climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Pisces: Anabantidae)

Measurements have been made of the surface area of the gills and accessory respiratory organs of Anabas in the weight range 1–120 g, and the data analysed with respect to body weight using logarithmic transformations. The slope of the regression line for total gill area (0–615) is less than that found in most fish, the number of secondary lamellae/mm decreased more rapidly with body weight than for most water-breathing species (h = -0.152). The gill area of Anabas is relatively small but when the area of the accessory organs is added, the total respiratory area is of the same order as inactive water-breathing fish. The regression coefficient for combined areas of labyrinthine organs and lining of the suprabranchial chambers (0.713) exceeds that for the gills and together with other evidence (including estimates of diffusing capacity from morphological measurements), indicates an increasing importance of air-breathing of larger specimens. The average surface area of the accessory organs available for 1 ml of air within the suprabranchial chambers was found to be 2226 mm².     

Paramphistomum cervi: Surface topography of the tegument of adult fluke

Adult Paramphistomum cervi or rumen fluke are pear-shaped, slightly concave ventrally and convex dorsally. The worm measures about 5-13 mm in length and 2-5 mm in width across the mid-section. As observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the tegumental surface in all part of the body, appears highly corrugated with transverse folds alternating with grooves and is spineless. At high magnification, the surface of the fold is composed of microfolds or ridges separated by microgrooves or pits. Corrugations and invaginations of the ventral surface are also more extensive than on the dorsal surface of the body. Both anterior and posterior suckers have thick rims covered with transverse folds without spine. The genital pore is situated at the anterior third of the body. There are two types of sensory papillae on the surface: type 1 is bulbous in shape, measuring 10-15 μm in diameter at the base with nipple-like tips, and type 2 has a similar shape and size and also a short cilia on top. These sensory papillae usually occur in large clusters, each having between 5 and 20 units depending on the region of the body. Clusters of papillae on the ventral surface and around the anterior suckers tend to be more numerous and larger in size. The dorsal surface of the body has the least number of papillae.     

刺粉虱黑蜂触角感器的扫描电镜观察

采用扫描电镜观察了刺粉虱黑蜂Amitus hesperidum Silvestri触角。结果表明,在雌雄蜂的触角上共存在着7种感觉器,分别为Bhm氏鬃毛、毛形感觉器、板形感觉器、腔锥形感器、柱形感觉器、栓锥形感觉器。对触角感觉器的形态、分布进行了描述。雌雄触角有性二型现象,主要表现在毛形感器数量差异明显,板形感器分布不同,栓锥形感器只在雌虫上发现。     

Das Geruchsorgan des TiefseefischesAphanopus carbo (Percomorphi,Trichiuridae)

The paper deals with the structure of the olfactory organ, its accessory parts and the forebrain in the deep-sea fishAphanopus carbo. On each side of the head only one opening leads to the olfactory chamber. The olfactory folds are arranged in a rosette-like pattern, resembling the 360°-type. Secondary folds on the main folds may serve as an enlargement of the surface of the olfactory epithelium. Most of the surface area of the olfactory folds is covered by the olfactory epithelium, indicating that the receptive area is of optimal extension. The histological structure of the olfactory epithelium is similar to that in other teleost species. The number of olfactory receptors amounts to about 5×10⁶ to 10⁷ for the single organ. Numerous secretory cells of unknown function are located within the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory chamber is enlarged by three accessory sacs: Two ethmoidal sacs and one lacrymal sac (consisting of two parts). These sacs serve as ventilation aparatus which causes a permanent water current within the olfactory chamber and between the olfactory folds. The action of the accessory sacs is induced by the splanchnokinetic. The forebrain ofAphanopus carbo is well developed; its size ranges between that of forebrains in microsmatic and macrosmatic teleost species. A detailed investigation of the forebrain is in preparation. The diagnosis of the different parts of the olfactory apparatus ofAphanopus carbo demonstrates clearly that — in addition to the eye — this sense organ is well developed (relative to that in other teleosts). This fact suggests thatAphanopus carbo is related to a group of teleost species characterized by optical and olfactory orientation mechanisms of high performance.