A review of the subgenus Epicterodes of Arichanna (Lepidoptera,Geometridae, Ennominae), with description of one new species

The subgenus Epicterodes Wehrli, 1933 of Arichanna Moore, 1868 is reviewed. Six species are recognized, of which, A. (E). denticularia sp. nov. is described as new to science from China. One new synonym is established based on morphological and genetic similarity: A. (E.) flavomacularia Leech, 1897 (=A. (E.) perimelaina Wehrli, 1933 syn. nov.). Results of DNA barcoding for Epicterodes are briefly discussed. Diagnoses for all the species are provided and illustrations of adults, genitalia and distribution map are presented.     

Siamspinops, a new selenopid spider genus from Southeast Asia (Arachnida, Araneae)

Examination of a collection of selenopid spiders from Southeast Asia resulted in recognition of a new genus, Siamspinops gen. nov., which is erected to accommodate four new Southeast Asian species. Siamspinops spinosissimus sp. nov. (the type species; the male and female are described), S. spinosus sp. nov. (female) and S. allospinosus sp. nov. (female) are recorded from Thailand, S. spinescens sp. nov. (female) from the Malay Peninsula.     

Psednotrichia perennis (Asteraceae,Senecioneae): A new species from the Huila plateau,Angola

The genus Psednotrichia (Asteraceae–Senecioneae) is endemic to Angola and currently consists of two annual species, P. xyridopsis (O. Hoffm.) Anderb. & P. O. Karis, and P. newtonii (O. Hoffm.) Anderb. & P. O. Karis. A perennial member of the genus was collected on a recent field trip to Angola, and is here described as P. perennis N. G. Bergh & B. Nord., sp. nov. A key to the three species is provided.     

Meristoderes gen. nov., a new kinorhynch genus, with the description of two new species and their implications for echinoderid phylogeny (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida, Echinoderidae)

A new kinorhynch genus, Meristoderes gen. nov., and two new species from Spain and the Solomon Islands, respectively, are described. The new genus is distinguished from all other genera by the first segment consisting of a closed cuticular ring, and the second segment having partial tergosternal junctions, and a superficial midventral fold. This is a new cuticular configuration that may shed light into the phylogenetic relationships of echinoderid kinorhynchs. Meristoderes macracanthus gen. et sp. nov. from the Mediterranean coast of Spain is recognised by the presence of middorsal spines on segments 4, 6 and 8, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8, one pair of laterodorsal tubules on segment 10. Meristoderes galatheae sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands is recognized by having a middorsal spine on segment 4 only, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8 and subdorsal tubules on segment 10. Both species have a pattern of paraventral perforation site clusters on segments 3-9, with conspicuously long bracteate hairs from the posteriormost perforations sites on the segments 3-7 and 3-6, respectively.The new genus Meristoderes gen. nov. is included into the family Echinoderidae Bütschli, 1876 and appears closely related with the genera Cephalorhyncha Adrianov, 1999 and Echinoderes Claparède, 1863. The new information it provides is discussed to clarify the internal phylogeny of Echinoderidae. The terminology for cuticular characters in the overlapping area between consecutive segments is also standardized.     

Latest Miocene Dasyatidae (Neoselachii, Batomorphii) from the Alvalade Basin, Portugal

This paper deals with the only latest Miocene fish fauna so far recognized in Portugal and probably in western Europe through more than 10,000 teeth and many other remnants collected in the Latest Miocene, Esbarrondadoiro Formation (Alvalade basin, southern Portugal). A large number of teeth reported to the family Dasyatidae (ca. 46% among the Myliobatiforms) are described. Several forms were recognized. The concerned deposits are particularly rich in modern type, close to still extant selachian forms. This is confirmed by the presence of different species of Dasyatis. From the thermic point of view, Alvalade basin marine fishes point out to a decrease in the prevailing thermic conditions. The still abundant Dasyatis are in contrast to the rarity of Raja, a genus which suggests temperate or cold, or deeper hence colder waters. Moderately warm water conditions predominated, less than in Tortonian of Lisbon, more than exist today near the Portuguese coasts. The occurrence ratios of the taxa concerned among the exploited sites are quantitatively different. This points out to different paleoenvironmental conditions. The Dasyatis had a litoral/neritic bathymetric distribution and a benthic way of life. However, the Esbarrondadoiro pattern is very different from those from Santa Margarida and Vale de Zebro, which are nearly identical between them as far as Dasyatis gr. gigas and Dasyatis sp. are concerned: Dasyatis gr. gigas may suggest less warm waters, and this is very much compatible with other data that indicate a deeper environment and hence colder waters for Esbarrondadoiro.     

A new elasmothere (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae) from the late Miocene of the Linxia Basin in Gansu, China

Ningxiatherium euryrhinus sp. nov. is a relatively large elasmothere rhino from the Linxia Basin in northwestern China found in the early Bahean, which corresponds to the early Vallesian (MN 9), ca. 11.1 Ma. It is much larger than the extant Ceratotherium simum and has a single horn. Ningxiatherium is similar to the late Miocene Parelasmotherium from Gansu and Shanxi, but differs in having partially ossified nasal septum, terminal nasal horn boss, shallower nasal notch above the P3/P4 boundary, and much shorter premolars. N. euryrhinus sp. nov. differs from N. longirhinus from the late Miocene of Zhongning, Ningxia in northwestern China by its larger size, relatively wider nasals, shallower nasal notch, and sub-quadrangular occlusal surface of M3. In the Linxia Basin, the other early late Miocene (Bahean or Vallesian) elasmotheres are known from complete skulls or isolated teeth. They include two genera and three species: Parelasmotherium linxiaense, P. simplum, and Iranotherium morgani. They lack a nasal septum, but Ningxiatherium has one. The age of N. euryrhinus is early late Miocene based on direct association with biochronologic indicator taxa, such as Dinocrocuta gigantea, Hipparion dongxiangense, and Chilotherium primigenius. N. euryrhinus is more primitive than N. longirhinus sp. nov. in having a sub-quadrangular M3, a shallower nasal notch, and the presence of DP1 in adults.     

The identity of Tetracyclus constrictus (Bacillariophyceae) and a description of Tetracyclusbradburyii, a new miocene species

The siliceous valves from species of Tetracyclus (Bacillariophyceae) have variable but characteristic shapes. In this paper, species characterised by having valves with a central constriction are discussed. This distinctive shape occurs during only a period of its lifecycle. Tetracyclus constrictus and Tetracyclus celatom have been applied to fossil specimens occurring in deposits from the west coast of the USA and the east coast of Russia. Do these names apply to two closely related species or are they one and the same taxon? Two further species, Tetracyclus javanicus and Tetracyclus peragalli, have been involved in the identity of T. constrictus–T. celatom. T. constrictus M. Peragallo is the correct name and author for specimens of the extinct Miocene, circum-Pacific (or northern) fossil species with valves panduriform with rounded poles; T. javanicus refers to a species found living on Java only; fossil specimens usually referred to T. javanicus (Java) belong to a new taxon, Tetracyclus bradburyii (USA); T. peragalli is an extinct Miocene fossil, with a northern hemisphere distribution; small (≤10 μm) circular/elliptical fossil specimens, found alongside other specimens, are difficult (if not impossible) to determine to species level.     

A rare new species of Polhillia (Genisteae,Fabaceae)

The new species Polhillia ignota Boatwr. is described. This species is known only from two collections, one between Vredenburg and Saldanha and the other close to Porterville. The new species is most similar to P. obsoleta, which is known only from a few localities around Worcester, in its narrow, sericeous leaflets and flowers of equal size, but differs in its flattened mature leaves with larger leaflets (up to ± 12 mm long), longer pseudo-peduncles (up to ± 15  mm long), denser inflorescences (with up to four flowers), shorter pedicels (1–2 mm long) and non-auriculate wing- and keel petals.     

Isolepis namaquana (Cypereae, Cyperaceae), a new endemic species from the winter rainfall area of South Africa

A new species, Isolepis namaquana Muasya & J.Viljoen, is described and illustrated. It is known from two localities in Namaqualand: near Kamieskroon and at the foot of the Matsikammaberge, where it grows in ephemeral wetlands. The tufted annual species is diagnosed by floral and fruit characters including glume size, bifid stigma and colliculate nutlet surface ornamentation.     

Taxonomic review of the genus Thecobathra (Lepidoptera,Yponomeutidae) from Taiwan

The Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are reviewed. Four new species of Thecobathra: T. heppneri n. sp., T. minuta n. sp., T. pauciguttata n. sp., and T. taiwanensis n. sp. are described. The female genitalia of T. basilobata are described for the first time. Keys to all the Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are provided.     

A new species of the genus Laboulbenia (Laboulbeniales) on Ophionea indica (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Odacanthini) from Taiwan

Laboulbenia ophioneae is described as a new species with illustrations. It is closely related to Laboulbenia celestialis and Laboulbenia asiatica because of some similarities in the morphology of appendages and perithecia. The present species from the latter two species can be distinguished by the shorter, inflated perithecia, the shorter receptacles, and the appendages consisting of more or less darkly colored, broader branches. This new species was found on elytra of Ophionea indica from Taiwan, which has been also known as a host of Laboulbenia polymorpha. A mature thallus noticed by Terada (2004) on the slide 673b (M. Ishikawa collection) and a young thallus illustrated by Sugiyama (1978, fig. 1-G as L. polymorpha) on 673d (M. Ishikawa collection) are both identified as L. ophioneae.     

Fossil woods from Janggi Group (Early Miocene) in Pohang Basin,Korea

Sixty-four silicified fossil woods were collected from the Early Miocene Upper Coal-bearing Formation of Janggi Group in Pohang City, the Korean Peninsula. Out of them 23 specimens were identified as gymnosperms and 27 specimens as dicotyledons. The taxa identified include Picea palaeomaximowiczii Watari, Taxodioxylon cunninghamioides (Watari) Watari, T. sequoianum (Merckl.) Gothan, Fagus hondoensis (Watari) Watari, Cercidiphyllum sp., Camellia japonoxyla Suzuki et Terada, Distylium chiharu-hirayae Suzuki et Terada, Aesculus sp., Wataria miocenica (Watari) Terada et Suzuki and W. parvipora Terada et Suzuki. All of these species are reported for the first time from the Tertiary basins of Korea. Compared with those of the Miocene Formations in Japan, most taxa we found are common between the paleo-floras in Korea and Japan during the Early to Middle Miocene.     

Two new Beauveria spp. from South America

Beauveria velata sp. nov. was found on Lepidoptera larvae in Ecuador and is characterized by ellipsoid conidia covered with a distinct mucilaginous layer. Another Beauveria species, commonly encountered on Coleoptera in Brazil proved to be identical with Isaria amorpha Höhn., originally described from a cicada in Indonesia. The new combination Beauveria amorpha is proposed. Details of the occurrence and ecology of both species are described.     

Description of Hygrobates aloisii sp. nov. from Hong Kong, a new species of Hygrobates (Lurchibates) subgen. nov. (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae), with data on the parasite-host relationship to the Hong Kong Newt Paramesotriton hongkongensis (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae)

Adults and deutonymphs of a new water mite species of the genus Hygrobates Koch, 1837 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae) were found to parasitize the Hong Kong Newt, Paramesotriton hongkongensis Myers and Leviton, 1962 (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae), endemic to Hong Kong and coastal areas of Guangdong Province: Hygrobates aloisii sp. nov. Males and females, as well as deutonymphs and larvae are described. A new subgenus - Lurchibates subgen. nov. - is defined to accommodate the species of the Hygrobates salamandrarum-group. The parasite-host association, infestation rate, attachment sites and the impact of mite infestation on the newts behaviour and body condition are investigated. These ecological aspects of the parasite-host association between freshwater mites and newts are examined for the first time in detail in their natural habitat.     

Two new species of Chrysis Linnaeus (Hymenoptera,Chrysididae) from Iran

The Iranian species in the Chrysis pulchella and C. varidens species groups are investigated. Six species are recognized, two of which are described for the first time: Chrysis gamberoonensis Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. and Chrysis brunneamarginata Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov.. Chrysis gamberoonensis Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. belongs to the C. pulchella group and is recognizable within this species group by its unique blue body coloration, scattered mesosoma punctures, polished pit row with elongated pits, and a small median tooth on the lateral edge of metasomal tergum 3. Chrysis brunneamarginata Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. belongs to the C. varidens group and is recognizable by the usually colorless apical rim of metasomal tergum 3, and the unique shape of the anterior corners of the scutellum which are enlarged, thickened and directed backward covering the axillary trough. Dichotomous keys and distributional data for Iranian species included in these species groups are provided. Chrysis schwarzi Linsenmaier, 1968 is raised to species rank. The number of Iranian Chrysis species and subspecies is raised to 122.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F419F860-3B90-4679-9A19-2CF5C255AE6B     

Annesorhiza asparagoides (Apiaceae), a new species from the Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape Province, South Africa

A highly localised new species from the Cederberg Mountains near Wuppertal in the Western Cape Province is described. Annesorhiza asparagoides B.-E. Van Wyk, collected for the first time in 2009, differs from all other species of Annesorhiza (and the closely related Chamarea) in the unusual leaf structure, with crowded, subsessile, acicular leaf segments, resulting in dense, bottlebrush-like pinnae. The new species has a cluster of 10 or more slender roots, small (< 150 mm long), sparsely hairy leaves and small (± 8 mm long), oblong, conspicuously ribbed, homomericarpic fruits.     

Gymnocranius oblongus, a new large-eye bream species from New Caledonia (Teleostei: Lethrinidae)

Gymnocranius oblongus is described as a new species of the subfamily Monotaxinae (Sparoidea: Lethrinidae), a group of commercially important fishes distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific, from six specimens collected in New Caledonia. It is characterized by an oblong, fusiform body, slightly rounded snout, elongate tail with rounded tips and sub-horizontal, wavy blue lines or dashes on snout and cheeks. It is distinct from sympatric G. grandoculis by a more slender body which is also more symmetrical dorso-ventrally and a more elongated caudal fin. Both mitochondrial-DNA and nuclear-DNA markers provide a genetic basis to the distinction of G. oblongus from G. grandoculis.     

Fossil representatives of the family Greenideidae (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) from the Miocene of Europe

Four new aphid species (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea, Greenideidae) are described on the basis of imprints in oil-shales from the Miocene of Europe (Rubielos de Mora, Spain; Vishnevaya Balka ?Stavropol?, Russia): Eutrichosiphum europaeum nov. sp., Greenidea hispanica nov. sp., Greenideoida (Pentatrichosiphum) turolensis nov. sp. and Mollitrichosiphum rubusensis nov. sp. All the taxa are placed within recent genera of the subfamily Greenideinae. Miocene representatives of this subfamily have been found in the south of Europe. Later changes of climatic conditions limited its geographic range to south-eastern Asia, where it is now represented by over 130 species of seven genera.     

A new species of Combretum section Ciliatipetala (Combretaceae) from southern Africa, with a key to the regional members of the section

Combretum stylesii O.Maurin, Jordaan & A.E.van Wyk, a liana or slender tree with scrambling branches from the Tugela River Valley (KwaZulu-Natal), South Africa, is described. Molecular data supports its placement in subgenus Combretum section Ciliatipetala with its closest relative Combretum edwardsii. The new species differs from C. edwardsii in having, amongst others, a single mature leaf form, leaves softly textured, with whitish hairs, often with drooping habit, shorter leaf petioles (less than 5 mm), and less complex 8-celled leaf scales. A key to the species and infraspecific taxa of section Ciliatipetala in the Flora of southern Africa region is provided.