Two new species of Brueelia Kéler, 1936 (Ischnocera, Philopteridae) parasitic on Neotropical trogons (Aves, Trogoniformes)

Two new species of Brueelia are described and illustrated. These new species and their type hosts are: Brueelia sueta ex Pharomachrus pavoninus (Spix, 1824), the Pavonine Quetzal and Brueelia cicchinoi ex Trogon viridis Linnaeus, the White-tailed Trogon. Both new species differ from the only Brueelia described on Trogon mexicanus by many morphological features, including those present in the male genitalia and female vulvar margin. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene for these two new species differ from one another by 13.6% uncorrected p-distance. Whereas Brueelia cicchinoi is only 0.3% divergent from previously published COI sequences identified as Brueelia sp. from the Mexican Trogon melanocephalus Gould, 1936 and Trogon massena Gould, 1938. We also found Brueelia cicchinoi on Trogon melanurus, Trogon collaris and Pharomachrus pavoninus. Thus Brueelia cicchinoi is found on multiple trogoniform hosts across an extremely large geographic distribution and has one of the largest number of host associations among Brueelia species.     

A Molecular Phylogeny of Warbling-Finches (Poospiza): Paraphyly in a Neotropical Emberizid Genus

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of 12 species within a single genus of neotropical passerine (Poospiza) using 849 bp (283 codons) of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene. We further explored evolutionary affinities of these taxa using sequence from an additional 47 thraupine (tanagers) and 7 emberizine (sparrows and buntings) genera, members of the predominantly New World family Emberizidae. Poospiza have traditionally been considered part of the emberizine radiation. However, our analyses suggest that members of this genus are more closely related to some thraupine lineages than they are to the other neotropical emberizine genera included in our study (Atlapetes, Embernagra, Melopyrrha, Phrygilus, Saltatricula, Tiaris). Although member taxa are closely related, the genus Poospiza appears to be paraphyletic with representatives of 6 thraupine genera (Cnemoscopus, Cypsnagra, Hemispingus, Nephelornis, Pyrrhocoma, Thylpopsis) interspersed among four well-supported Poospiza clades. The majority of species within this Poospiza–thraupine clade have geographic ranges that are exclusive to, or partially overlap with, the Andes Mountains. It is probable that these mountains have played an important role in driving cladogenesis within this group. Sequence divergence (transversions only; mean 4.7 ± 1.3%) within the clade suggests that much of this diversification occurred within the late Miocene and Pliocene, a period coincident with major orogenic activity in central-western South America.     

A molecular phylogeny of warbling-finches (Poospiza): paraphyly in a neotropical Emberizid genus

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of 12 species within a single genus of neotropical passerine (Poospiza) using 849 bp (283 codons) of the cytochrome b mitochondrial gene. We further explored evolutionary affinities of these taxa using sequence from an additional 47 thraupine (tanagers) and 7 emberizine (sparrows and buntings) genera, members of the predominantly New World family Emberizidae. Poospiza have traditionally been considered part of the emberizine radiation. However, our analyses suggest that members of this genus are more closely related to some thraupine lineages than they are to the other neotropical emberizine genera included in our study (Atlapetes, Embernagra, Melopyrrha, Phrygilus, Saltatricula, Tiaris). Although member taxa are closely related, the genus Poospiza appears to be paraphyletic with representatives of 6 thraupine genera (Cnemoscopus, Cypsnagra, Hemispingus, Nephelornis, Pyrrhocoma, Thylpopsis) interspersed among four well-supported Poospiza clades. The majority of species within this Poospiza-thraupine clade have geographic ranges that are exclusive to, or partially overlap with, the Andes Mountains. It is probable that these mountains have played an important role in driving cladogenesis within this group. Sequence divergence (transversions only; mean 4.7+/-1.3%) within the clade suggests that much of this diversification occurred within the late Miocene and Pliocene, a period coincident with major orogenic activity in central-western South America.     

A molecular phylogeny of the Sierra-Finches (Phrygilus, Passeriformes): extreme polyphyly in a group of Andean specialists

The unparalleled avian diversity of the Neotropics has long been argued to be in large part the evolutionary consequence of the incredible habitat diversity and rugged topography of the Andes mountains. Various scenarios have been proposed to explain how the Andean context could have generated lineage diversification (e.g. vicariant speciation or parapatric speciation across vertical ecological gradients), yet further study on Andean taxa is needed to reveal the relative importance of the different processes. Here we use mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences to derive the first phylogenetic hypothesis for Phrygilus (Sierra-Finches), one of the most species-rich genera of mainly Andean passerines. We find strong evidence that the genus is polyphyletic, comprising four distantly related clades with at least nine other genera interspersed between them (Acanthidops, Catamenia, Diglossa, Haplospiza, Idiopsar, Melanodera, Rowettia, Sicalis and Xenodacnis). These four Phrygilus clades coincide with groups previously established mainly on the basis of plumage characters, suggesting single evolutionary origins for each of these. We consider the history of diversification of each clade, analyzing the timing of splitting events, ancestral reconstruction of altitudinal ranges and current geographical distributions. Phrygilus species origins date mainly to the Pleistocene, with representatives diversifying within, out of, and into the Andes. Finally, we explored whether Phrygilus species, especially those with broad altitudinal and latitudinal Andean distributions, showed phylogeographic structure. Our best-sampled taxon (Phrygilus fruticeti) exhibited no clear pattern; however, we found deep genetic splits within other surveyed species, with Phrygilus unicolor being the most extreme case and deserving of further research.     

Dispersal ecology versus host specialization as determinants of ectoparasite distribution in brood parasitic indigobirds and their estrildid finch hosts

Brood parasitic birds offer a unique opportunity to examine the ecological and evolutionary determinants of host associations in avian feather lice (Phthiraptera). Brood parasitic behaviour effectively eliminates vertical transfer of lice between parasitic parents and offspring at the nest, while at the same time providing an opportunity for lice associated with the hosts of brood parasites to colonize the brood parasites as well. Thus, the biology of brood parasitism allows a test of the relative roles of host specialization and dispersal ecology in determining the host-parasite associations of birds and lice. If the opportunity for dispersal is the primary determinant of louse distributions, then brood parasites and their hosts should have similar louse faunas. In contrast, if host-specific adaptations limit colonization ability, lice associated with the hosts of brood parasites may be unable to persist on the brood parasites despite having an opportunity for colonization. We surveyed lice on four brood parasitic finch species (genus Vidua), their estrildid finch host species, and a few ploceid finches. While Brueelia lice were found on both parasitic and estrildid finches, a molecular phylogeny showed that lice infesting the two avian groups belong to two distinct clades within Brueelia. Likewise, distinct louse lineages within the amblyceran genus Myrsidea were found on estrildid finches and the parasitic pin-tailed whydah (Vidua macroura), respectively. Although common on estrildid finches, Myrsidea lice were entirely absent from the brood parasitic indigobirds. The distribution and relationships of louse species on brood parasitic finches and their hosts suggest that host-specific adaptations constrain the ability of lice to colonize new hosts, at least those that are distantly related.     

The Abantis species (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) of western West Africa

Abstract. The genus Abantis Hopffer contains eight species in western West Africa. One species, Abantis pseudonigeriana sp.n., is described as new. Distributional notes and a key are given for all species. In general the species of this genus are rare and poorly represented in collections, but there are interesting examples of pairs of very similar species (nigeriana and pseudonigeriana; elegantula and maesseni).     

Comparative phylogenetic histories of two louse genera found on Catharus thrushes and other birds

The louse genera Brueelia (Ischnocera) and Myrsidea (Amblycera) are broadly codistributed on songbirds (Passeriformes), but differ in a variety of life history characteristics. We used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences to assess levels of genetic divergence and reconstruct phylogenies of these 2 genera, focusing especially on Catharus thrushes in North America. We then qualitatively compared the phylogenies and levels of divergence within these 2 genera of codistributed parasites. Neither Brueelia nor Myrsidea appears to cospeciate with Catharus thrushes or passerine birds in general. The Myrsidea phylogeny exhibits significant levels of biogeographic structure, whereas the Brueelia phylogeny does not. Myrsidea and Brueelia also differ in their levels of intra-generic genetic divergence, with Myrsidea showing higher levels of genetic divergence and host specificity than Brueelia. Our genetic data support traditional morphology-based taxonomy in several instances in which the same species of Brueelia has been reported on multiple host taxa, e.g., all migrant Catharus spp. carry B. antiqua, with little haplotype divergence. Myrsidea found on each Catharus sp. are in general genetically distinct, except for M. incerta, which parasitizes both Catharus ustulatus and Catharus minimus. The strong biogeographic signal in the Myrsidea phylogeny and higher relative levels of host specificity of Myrsidea spp. suggest that infrequent host-switching, followed by speciation, is shaping the evolutionary history of this group. In contrast, the relatively lower host specificity of Brueelia spp. suggests that host-switching, combined with more frequent ongoing dispersal, has been more important in the evolutionary history of Brueelia.     

Molecular evolution of satellite DNA CLsat in lizards of the Darevskia species (Sauria: Lacertidae): correlation with species diversity

The structure and evolution of a satellite DNA family was examined in lizards from the genus Darevskia (family Lacertidae). Comparison of tandem units of repeated DNA (satDNA), CLsat, in all species from the genus Darevskia has shown that their variability is largely based on single-nucleotide substitutions, which constitute about 50 diagnostic positions underlying classification of the family into three subfamilies. Maximum differences between the subfamilies reached 25%. At this level of tandem unit divergence between the subfamilies, no cross-hybridization between them was observed (at 65 degrees C). The individual variability of one subfamily within the species was on average 5% while the variability between species consensuses within a subfamily was 10%. The presence of highly conserved regions in all monomers and some features of their organization show that satellites of all Darevskia species belong to one satDNA family. The organization of unit sequences of satellites CLsat and Agi also detected by us in another lizard genus, Lacerts s. str. was compared. Similarity that was found between these satellites suggests their relatedness and common origin. A possible pathway of evolution of these two satDNA families is proposed. The distribution and content of CLsat repeat subfamilies in all species of the genus was examined by Southern blotting hybridization. Seven species had mainly CLsatI (83 to 96%); three species, approximately equal amounts of CLsatI and CLsatIII (the admixture of CLsatII was 2-3%); and five species, a combination of all three subfamilies in highly varying proportions. Based on these results as well as on zoogeographic views on phylogeny and taxonomy of the Darevskia species, hypotheses on the evolution of molecular-genetic relationships within this genus are advanced.     

A new genus and three new species of decapodiform cephalopods (Mollusca: Cephalopoda)

We describe here two new species of oegopsid squids. The first is an Asperoteuthis (Chiroteuthidae), and it is based on 18 specimens. This new species has sucker dentition and a funnel–mantle locking apparatus that are unique within the genus. The second new species is a Promachoteuthis (Promachoteuthidae), and is based on a unique specimen. This new species has tentacle ornamentation which is unique within the genus. We also describe a new genus and a new species of sepioid squid in the subfamily Heteroteuthinae (Sepiolidae) and it is based on four specimens. This new genus and species exhibits unique modifications of the arms in males.     

The Recent species of Adeonella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) including descriptions of fifteen new species

The genus Adeonella Busk (1884) comprises 41 species, 15 of which are considered to be new to science. Adeonella lichenoides (Lamarck) is regarded as the senior synonym of A. platalea (Busk) (= A. polymorpha Busk), the type species of the genus. Adeonella is distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific realm, the Mediterranean, and the South Atlantic Ocean. Its highest diversity is found off the east coasts of southern Africa. Thirty-one species (15 new to science) are described and illustrated, morphology and geographical distribution are discussed and a key is provided to all recognized species.     

卵甲蝇属一新种记述（双翅目：甲蝇科）

全世界已知卵甲蝇属共4种,本文记述1新种,即神农架卵甲蝇Oocelyphus shennongjianus sp.nov.,文中还编制了卵甲蝇属检索表。     

Phylogenetics,historical biogeography and molecular species delimitation of Gnaptorina Reitter (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Blaptini)

With 38 described species or subspecies, Gnaptorina Reitter is the second‐most species‐rich genus in the darkling beetle subtribe Gnaptorinina (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae). In this study, we reconstructed a phylogeny of the genus based on one nuclear and three mitochondrial genes and used this phylogeny to explore the historical biography and diversification of Gnaptorina species. We implemented multiple molecular species delimitation approaches to reassess the status of Gnaptorina species and taxonomic subdivisions of the genus. Dating and historical biogeography analyses suggest an early Eocene origin of the genus, with the southeastern regions of the Tibetan Plateau most likely as areas of origin. Based on these results, we propose a new classification for Gnaptorina with three major clades identified. Consequently, the monotypic subgenus Boreoptorina is newly synonymized with the more species‐rich subgenus Hesperoptorina, and G. dongdashanensis Shi is transferred from Hesperoptorina to the subgenus Gnaptorina. In addition, G. minxiana Medvedev, formerly treated as a subspecies of G. potanini Reitter, is elevated to species. Results of molecular species delimitation analyses are largely congruent and confirm the status of most morphological species.     

A new Spanish species of Tragopogon (Asteraceae: Lactuceae)

Tragopogon cazorlanum (Asteraceae: Lactuceae) is proposed as a new Spanish species with distribution restricted to the Baetic mountains (south-eastern Spain). Its morphological, palynological, chromosomal, biogeographical and ecological features are discussed, as well as its main relationships and differences with reference to other Spanish species of the genus.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 146 , 505–511.     

Helminths in Mesaspis monticola (Squamata: Anguidae) from Costa Rica, with the description of a new species of Entomelas (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) and a new species of Skrjabinodon (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae)

Entomelas duellmani n. sp. (Rhabditida: Rhabdiasidae) from the lungs and Skrjabinodon cortagoensis n. sp. (Oxyurida: Pharyngodonidae) from the intestines of Mesaspis monticola (Sauria: Anguidae) are described and illustrated. E. duellmani is the sixth species assigned to the genus and is the third species described from the Western Hemisphere. It is easily separated from other neotropical species in the genus by pre-equatorial position of its vulva. Skrjabinodon cartagoensis is the 24th species assigned to the genus and differs from other neotropical species in the genus by female tail morphology.     

Revision of the Australian species of Hyalobathra Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Crambidae: Pyraustinae) based on adult morphology and with description of a new species

Abstract The genus Hyalobathra Meyrick is redefined based on five Australian species including the type  species. The four named Australian species, H. archeleuca Meyrick, H. unicolor (Warren) , H. miniosalis (Guenée) and H. minialis (Warren), are redescribed and a new species, H. crenulata sp. n., is described . Hyalobathra unicolor is removed from synonymy with H. illectalis (Walker), and lectotypes are designated for H. archeleuca , H. minialis and for H. rhodoplecta Turner, a synonym of H. miniosalis . The presence of H. paupellalis (Lederer) in Australia could not be confirmed, but its genitalia are figured. Two previously included species, ' Hyalobathra ' aequalis (Lederer) and ' H .'  brevialis (Walker), are excluded from Hyalobathra, as they lack its generic apomorphies, but cannot at present be assigned to any other genus.     

中国片尺蛾属分类订正并记三新纪录种(鳞翅目：尺蛾科：灰尺蛾亚科)

记录中国分布的片尺蛾属6种,并记述中国3新纪录种：黑片尺蛾Fascellina porphyreofusa Hampson, 1895; F. inornata Warren, 1893; F. rectimarginata Warren, 1894。文中提供了属种描述和鉴别特征,给出了种检索表及成虫和外生殖器图。