On the affinities of three fossil ocypodid crabs and their relevance to the time and place of origin of the genus Macrophthalmus (Crustacea: Brachyura)

All the species of Macrophthalmus described from fossil material belong to the still extant subgenus Venitus. M. vindobonensis and M. aquensis , the two earliest known species of the genus, are closely related to the extant M. latreillei , while M. guamensis is conspecific with M. leptophthalmus.
Doubt is cast on Remy's (1952) theory of the late Tertiary migration of Macrophthalmus from the Mediterranean, its suggested place of origin, to the Indo-West Pacific, its present distributional range. Instead it is proposed that Macrophthalmus arose in the Indo-West Pacific during the late Eocene-Oligocene, and extended its range into the Mediterranean during the early-middle Miocene. The Mediterranean species became isolated during the late Miocene by a land bridge, and probably became extinct following the elevation of their brackish habitat during the late Miocene-Pliocene.     

Genetic relationship among Japanese sentinel crabs (Decapoda: Ocypodidae: genus Macrophthalmus)

Seven species (eight populations) of sentinel crabs (genus Macrophthalmus) from the Japan coast and Uca vocans and Ocypode ceratophthalma, were examined electrophoretically for genetic variations in 13 enzymatic and one non-enzymatic protein comprising 17 loci. Most species were highly differentiated from each other (Nei's genetic distance, 0.29-1.63). The least genetic distance was found between M. japonicus and M. banzai, the genetic distinctiveness of the two taxa being supported by three divergent loci with no common allele. The genetic relationships among Macrophthalmus species differed greatly from those inferred from morphological features, with a UPGMA tree suggesting that the sub-genus Macrophthalmus is polyphyletic.     

Review of the Southeast Asian species of the Aenictus javanus and Aenictus philippinensis species groups (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Aenictinae)

The Southeast Asian species of the Aenictus javanus and Aenictus philippinensis groups are revised. Six species (four named and two new species) of the Aenictus javanus group occurring in this area are: Aenictus doydeei Jaitrong & Yamane, 2011, Aenictus duengkaei Jaitrong & Yamane, sp. n., Aenictus javanus Emery, 1896, Aenictus longinodus Jaitrong & Yamane, sp. n., Aenictus nishimurai Terayama & Kubota, 1993, and Aenictus piercei Wheeler & Chapman, 1930. Four species (three named and one new species) are recognized in the Aenictus philippinensis group: Aenictus pangantihoni Zettel & Sorger, 2010, Aenictus philippinensis Chapman, 1963, Aenictus punctatus Jaitrong & Yamane, sp. n., and Aenictus rabori Chapman, 1963. Aenictus piercei is removed from the members of the Aenictus piercei group sensu Jaitrong and Yamane (2011) and transferred to the Aenictus javanus group. Lectotypes and paralectotypes are designated for Aenictus piercei and Aenictus rabori. Size variation occurs among individuals from single colonies of the Aenictus javanus group, while the workers in the Aenictus philippinensis group are clearly monomorphic.     

Habitat preferences of two estuarine burrowing crabs Helice crassa Dana (Grapsidae) and Macrophthalmus hirtipes (Jacquinot) (Ocypodidae)

The horizontal and vertical distributions of two species of endemic, burrowing mud crabs Helice crassa Dana 1851 (Grapsidae) and Macrophthalmus hirtipes (Jacquinot 1853) (Ocypodidae) are described for the Avon-Heathcote Estuary (43°33′S: 172°44′E), Christchurch, New Zealand. Substratum preference is shown to be the most important factor influencing mud crab distribution, but lack of tolerance to salinities below 4‰ is also a significant factor preventing M. hirtipes from occurring at points close to freshwater input. Both species had similar sediment organic content and particle size requirements. Helice crassa was concentrated in well-drained, compacted sediments above mid-tide level, whilst Macrophthalmus hirtipeswas found in waterlogged areas below mid-tide level. This vertical separation is shown not to be caused by differential desiccation tolerances, but by feeding and burrowing adaptations related to these different substrata.     

A review of the genus Aleurolobus Quaintance and Baker (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from Taiwan, based mainly on pupal morphology with a description of a new species

The whitefly species of the genus Aleurolobus Quaintance and Baker are reviewed from Taiwan. A total of nine species are included. Aleurolobus shiiae Takahashi is new to Taiwan. Aleurolobus osmanthi Young is considered as a junior synonym of Aleurolobus taonabae (Kuwana). A new species, Aleurolobus rubus Dubey and Ko, is described, and the puparia of the new species are diagnosed in a combination of characters: the dorsal pores scattered over dorsum; each located on a large subcircular, chitinised cuticular dorsal marking; faint eye spots; broader submargin; and the vasiform orifice set anterior to the caudal end of puparium by nearly twice of its own length. The record of Aleurolobus philippinensis Quaintance and Baker, and Aleurolobus setigerus Quaintance and Baker from Taiwan is discussed. The puparial diagnosis of each species, identification key to species so far known from Taiwan and illustrations for each species are provided.     

Effect of acanthocephalan parasites on hiding behaviour in two species of shore crabs

The effect of acanthocephalan parasites (Profilicollis spp.) on the hiding behaviour during low tide of two species of shore crabs (intermediate hosts), Macrophthalmus hirtipes (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) and Hemigrapsus crenulatus (Brachyura: Grapsidae), was examined at Blueskin Bay, South Island, New Zealand. Exposed M. hirtipes were found to have significantly higher infection levels than did hidden conspecifics. This pattern was not observed for H. crenulatus. Mean cystacanth numbers were found to be considerably higher in M. hirtipes than H. crenulatus. Crabs exposed at low tide are at a greater risk of predation by definitive shorebird hosts than are hidden conspecifics. Preferential manipulation of one intermediate host species over another could influence diversity within ecosystems.     

Surveys of Gynaecotyla squatarolae and Microphallus koreana (Digenea: Microphallidae) Metacercariae in Two Species of Estuarine Crabs in Western Coastal Areas, Korea

To figure out the geographical distribution of Gynaecotyla squatarolae and Microphallus koreana metacercariae in Korea, shore crabs of southwestern coastal areas were examined. Eight coastal areas in Inchon-si (A), Gyeonggi-do (B), Chungcheongnam-do (C, D, and E), Jeollabuk-do (F), and Jeollanam-do (G and H) were selected, and 2 kinds of crabs, Macrophthalmus dilatatus and/or Macrophthalmus japonicus, were caught. After transportation to the laboratory, 15 crabs per each group were grouped and ground in a mortar and pestle, and examined for microphallid metacercariae. In M. dilatatus, G. squatarolae metacercariae were recovered from 3 (C, E, and H) out of 6 regions, but M. koreana metacercariae were not recovered. In the case of M. japonicus, G. squatarolae metacercariae were recovered from 6 (B, D, E, F, G, and H) of 7 areas surveyed, and M. koreana matacercariae were detected from 5 regions (A, B, D, F, and H). These results indicate that the life cycle of G. squatarolae is maintained in the western coastal areas using M. dilatatus and M. japonicus as intermediate hosts, while that of M. koreana is maintained only using M. japonicus.     

Studies on fossil Metasequoia from north-east China and their taxonomic implications

Specimens of Metasequoia from the Late Cretaceous or Early Tertiary collected from the Wuyun Formation, Jiayin County, Heilongjiang Province, north-east China, include shoots, female and male cones. Vegetative and reproductive features as well as details of leaf cuticle are described. Comparative studies on fossil and living specimens of the genus suggest a new approach to the classification of species of Metasequoia. Our investigations indicate that extant M. glyptostroboides is distinct from all of the recognized fossil species. The specimens described here, in addition to those previously regarded as M. disticha, M. japonica, M. chinensis, M. cuneata, M. papillapollenites, M. miocenica, M. kimurae, M. onukii, M. europaea, M. asiatica and M. nathorstii , are now considered to belong to a single species, namely M. occidentalis. A further valid species is M. milleri , which can be distinguished from M. occidentalis by the morphology of the male cones and the vegetative organs.     

Type Specimens and identity of the described species of Conus II. The species described by Solander, Chemnitz, Born, and Lightfoot between 1766 and 1786

Twenty-three species of Conus were described by authors other than Linnaeus between 1766 and 1786. Of these, 3 are Eocene species from England described by Solander in Brander (1766), and the remainder are Recent. Chemnitz (1777) described one valid species. Of the 10 species described by Born (1778), 7 are valid, 2 are junior synonyms of Linnaean species, and 1 is a nomen dubium. Solander in [Lightfoot] (1786) described 5 species, of which 3 are valid and 2 are junior synonyms of Linnaean species. Lightfoot (1786) described 4 species, of which 1 is valid and 3 are junior synonyms of Linnaean species.
Holotypes of 7 species and lectotypes of 3 species exist, and representatives of lecto-types of 10 species have been selected. All of these types are illustrated photographically.
Between 1758 and 1786, 60 species of Conus were described, of which 45 are now considered valid. Of these, 42 are Recent.     

Contributions to the anatomy of Sararanga (Pandanaceae)

Preliminary study shows the two species of Sararanga to differ considerably in morphology and anatomy. The presence of stellate trichomes in S. philippinensis is a major character separating the two species; such trichomes are not found elsewhere in the family. Massive strands of thickened cells (buttresses) extend across the leaf of S. sinuosu but appear absent from S. philippinensis. The leaf anatomy of the latter more closely resembles that common in Freycinetia. The photosynthetic tissue is not clearly differentiated into distinct layers. Both species of Sararanga have unspecialized stomata. The presence of raphides in different structures in the two species may be distinctive. The pollen grains are ellipsoidal, with an intricate reticulate exine. The fruits contrast in structure with those of Pandanus and Freycinetia and the seeds of Sararanga philippinensis have a characteristic elaborate testa.     

Transposition of Tn5367 in Mycobacterium marinum,using a conditionally recombinant mycobacteriophage

Mycobacterium marinum is a close relative of the obligate human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As with M. tuberculosis, M. marinum causes intracellular infection of poikilothermic vertebrates and skin infection in humans. It is considered a valid model organism for the study of intracellular pathogenesis of mycobacteria. Low transformation efficiencies for this species have precluded approaches using mutant libraries in pathogenesis studies. We have adapted the conditionally replicating mycobacteriophage phAE94, originally developed as a transposon mutagenesis tool for M. tuberculosis, to meet the specific requirements of M. marinum. Conditions permissive for phage replication in M. tuberculosis facilitated highly efficient transposon delivery in M. marinum. Using this technique we succeeded in generating a representative mutant library of this species, and we conclude that TM4-derived mycobacteriophages are temperature-independent suicide vectors for M. marinum.     

How many species of algae are there? A reprise. Four kingdoms, 14 phyla, 63 classes and still growing

To date (1 November 2023), the online database AlgaeBase has documented 50,589 species of living algae and 10,556 fossil species here referred to four kingdoms (Eubacteria, Chromista, Plantae, and Protozoa), 14 phyla, and 63 classes. The algae are the third most speciose grouping of plant-like organisms after the flowering plants (≈382,000 species) and fungi (≈170,000 species, including lichens) but are the least well defined of all the botanical groupings. Priority is given to phyla and class names that are familiar to phycologists and that are nomenclaturally valid. The most species-rich phylum is the Heterokontophyta to which 18 classes are referred with 21,052 living species and which is dominated by the diatoms in three classes with 18,673 species (16,427 living; 2239 fossil). The next most species-rich phyla are the red algae (7276 living), the green algae (6851 living), the blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria, 5723 living), the charophytes (4950 living, including the Charophyceae, 511 species living, and the Zygnematophyceae, 4335 living species), Dinoflagellata (2956 living, including the Dinophyceae, 2828 extant), and haptophytes (Haptophyta 1722 species, 517 living).     

蝶角蛉科(脉翅目,蚁蛉总科)中国一新纪录属记述

记述了中国蝶角蛉科1新纪录属原锯角蝶角蛉属Protacheron Weele,1908,描述了1新纪录种Protacheronphilippinensis和1新种Protacheron guangxiensis sp.nov..标本保存在中国农业大学昆虫博物馆.     

Riccia fruticulosa O.F.Müll., 1782 and blue Metzgeria (Marchantiophyta) in Europe

Riccia fruticulosa O.F.Müll., 1782 from Norway is a valid name, referring to Riccardia palmata (Hedw.) Carruth. In 1785 Dickson misidentified British plants of a blue Metzgeria as R. fruticulosa . The European blue species of Metzgeria is conspecific with M. violacea (Ach.) Dumort., which replaces M. fruticulosa auct. The true origin of the type of Jungermannia violacea Ach., 1805 is probably Tierra del Fuego (rather than Dusky Bay, New Zealand), where the species is widespread. Reports from Australasia, Asia and Africa are all erroneous. The blue colour of Jungermanniales is found only in living plants and is derived from the oil-bodies. In contrast, that of Metzgeria appears only after death; its biological function is unknown.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 142 , 229−235.     

A new species of horseshoe bat of the genus Rhinolophus from China (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae)

A new species of the Rhinolophus philippinensis group (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) is described from Guangdong, Guangxi, and Jiangxi Provinces in China. Rhinolophus huananus n. sp. is characterized by the horseshoe, as well as by external and cranial characteristics that separate it at the species level from the other members of the philippinensis group. One of the small species of the philippinensis group, R. huananus is intermediate in size between smaller R. siamensis and larger R. macrotis.     

从东南亚进口水果截获桔小实蝇复合种五近缘种的鉴别(双翅目:实蝇科)

介绍了近年从进口东南亚水果中经常截获的、最具经济重要性的桔小实蝇复合种5个近缘种:杨桃实蝇B.carambolae、桔小实蝇B.dorsalis、芒果实蝇B.occipitalis、木瓜实蝇B.papayae及菲律宾实蝇B.philippinensis,分别记述了翅、胸、足、腹及雌虫产卵器主要鉴别特征,并列出桔小实蝇复合种5近缘种鉴别特征检索表。