Symbiotic cornucopia of the monophagous planthopper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ommatidiotus dissimilis</Emphasis> (Fallén, 1806) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Caliscelidae)

In contrast to Cicadomorpha, in which numerous symbiotic bacteria have been identified and characterized, the symbionts of fulgoromorphans are poorly known. Here, we present the results of histological, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses of the symbiotic system of the planthopper Ommatidiotus dissimilis. Amplification, cloning, and sequencing of bacterial 16S RNA genes have revealed that O. dissimilis is host to five types of bacteria. Apart from bacteria Sulcia and Vidania, which are regarded as ancestral symbionts of Fulgoromorpha, three additional types of bacteria belonging to the genera Sodalis, Wolbachia, and Rickettsia have been detected. Histological and ultrastructural investigations have shown that bacteria Sulcia, Vidania, and Sodalis house separate bacteriocytes, whereas bacteria Wolbachia and Rickettsia are dispersed within various insect tissue. Additionally, bacteria belonging to the genus Vidania occupy the bacteriome localized in the lumen of the hindgut. Both molecular and microscopic analyses have revealed that all the symbionts are transovarially transmitted between generations.     

Substantial,and significant,expansion of ant hosts range for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myrmicinosporidium</Emphasis> Hölldobler, 1933 (Fungi)

Six new genera, three tribes and one subfamily are added to the list of known hosts for the enigmatic endoparasitic fungus Myrmicinosporidium Hölldobler. Aphaenogaster senilis, Cataglyphis hispanica, Crematogaster auberti, Goniomma hispanicum, Messor barbarus, Tapinoma nigerrimum and Tapinoma simrothi were collected from olive groves and detected as infected with spores of the fungus. Pheidole pallidula and Tetramorium semilaeve were also found to be infected. The finding of seven hosts (seven genera, three subfamilies) from a single olive grove is an evidence that the fungus has a phylogenetically wide host spectrum and is, therefore, a generalist microparasite. Portugal is also a new country for Myrmicinosporidium.     

The influence of meteorological parameters on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cladosporium</Emphasis> fungal spore concentrations in Beja (Southern Portugal): preliminary results

Introduction Fungal spores constitute an important fraction of bioaerosols in the atmosphere. Objectives To analyse the content of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores in the atmosphere of Beja and the effect of meteorological conditions on their concentrations. Methodology The daily and hourly data of Alternaria and Cladosporium fungal spores concentration in the atmosphere of Beja were monitored from April 12, 2012 to July 30, 2014, based on the Portuguese Aerobiology Network methodology. The influence of meteorological conditions on the studied types of fungal spore concentrations was assessed through Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results During the study period, 20,741 Alternaria spores and 320,862 Cladosporium spores were counted. In 2013, there were 5,822 Alternaria spores and 123,864 Cladosporium spores. The absolute maximum concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores were recorded on November 8, 2013, with 211 and 1301 spores/m³, respectively. Temperature, insolation and wind direction parameters showed a positive correlation with Alternaria and Cladosporium spore levels, while relative humidity and precipitation presented a negative correlation, which is statistically significant. Wind speed only showed a statistically significant positive correlation in terms of Alternaria spore levels. Conclusion Alternaria and Cladosporium spores are present in the atmospheric air of Beja throughout the year, with the highest concentration period occurring during spring and autumn. There was a clear effect of meteorological parameters on airborne concentrations of these fungal spores.     

The survival of micromycetes exposed to space conditions

Original data on the survival of fungal spores exposed to space conditions are presented. The experiment was carried out on the Earth-orbiting Russian satellite Foton-M4. The flight duration of the satellite was 45 days. Thirteen fungal species (hyaline as well as pigmented) from 10 genera recovered from destructed stone materials were studied. Sterile quartz sand was inoculated by the fungal spores and was placed into Eppendorf tubes. During the space flight, the Eppendorf tubes with fungal spores were kept inside the Foton descent capsule in the “Biokont” containers and on the external surface of the capsule in the “Exobiofrost” containers exposed to the open space as well. Spores of ten species (77% of all tested species), i.e. Acremonium charticola, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium verrucosum, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Sarocladium kiliense, and Trichoderma harzianum, survived after the flight both inside and outside the descent capsule. Only three species (23% of all tested species), i.e. Acremonium furcatum, Engyodontium album and Verticillium zaregamsianum, failed to survive outside as well as inside the capsule. Spore viability differed depending on the fungal species. Thus, spores of some fungal species are able to survive under the complex of stress factors such as low temperature values, radiation, etc. We have shown that micromycetes can be used as a model group for study of eukaryotic organisms’ resistance to stress factors, due to their high tolerance not only to extreme terrestrial environments, but to the extraterrestrial ones as well.     

Diversity of airborne <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cladosporium</Emphasis> species isolated from agricultural environments of northern Argentinean Patagonia: molecular characterization and plant pathogenicity

Fungal spores are normal components of external environments. They have been reported to be associated with human, animal and plant diseases causing primary and opportunistic infections. Cladosporium is commonly the most frequently isolated genus from air samples, and its species are considered mainly saprophytic, but there is a wide variety of taxa that can cause adverse effects on human and animal health and also on plants. In this work, we aimed to record Cladosporium spores frequency of isolation in northern Argentinean Patagonia and to perform a molecular characterization based on actin gene complemented with EF1α and ITS genes. The ability of the pathogens to cause disease in pip fruits of Packham’s Triumph and Abate Fetel pears and red delicious apples was determined. Results confirmed Cladosporium spores as the main genera isolated from air samples, and the molecular characterization revealed the existence of 11 species in this region grouped in C. cladosporioides and C. herbarum complexes. Pathogenicity tests revealed that Cladosporium sp. cause disease on fruit. Abate Fetel was the most susceptible to infection. These results compose the first study in Argentina in respect of identification at species level of airborne Cladosporium spores, and furthermore, it is the first report in northern Patagonia and the high valley of Río Negro productive region. This knowledge can help farmers to take preventive measures in order to avoid biological damage.     

Diversity of fungi associated with roots of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calanthe</Emphasis> orchid species in Korea

While symbiotic fungi play a key role in the growth of endangered Calanthe orchid species, the relationship between fungal diversity and Calanthe species remains unclear. Here, we surveyed root associated fungal diversity of six Calanthe orchid species by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region using 454 pyrosequencing. Our results revealed that Paraboeremia and Coprinopsis are dominant fungal genera among Calanthe species. In terms of overall relative abundance, Paraboeremia was the most common fungal genus associated with Calanthe roots, followed by Coprinopsis. Overall fungal diversity showed a significant degree of variation depending on both location and Calanthe species. In terms of number of different fungal genera detected within Calanthe species, C. discolor had the most diverse fungal community, with 10 fungal genera detected. This study will contribute toward a better understanding of those fungi that are required for successful cultivation and conservation of Korean Calanthe species.     

Distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in four semi-mangrove plant communities

To better understand the diversity and species composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in mangrove ecosystems, the AMF colonization and distribution in four semi-mangrove plant communities were investigated. Typical AMF hyphal, vesicle and arbuscular structures were commonly observed in all the root samples, indicating that AMF are important components on the landward fringe of mangrove habitats. AMF spores were extracted from the rhizospheric soils, and an SSU rDNA fragment from each spore morph-type was amplified and sequenced for species identification. AMF species composition and diversity in the roots of each semi-mangrove species were also analyzed based on an SSU-ITS-LSU fragment, which was amplified, cloned and sequenced from root samples. In total, 11 unique AMF sequences were obtained from spores and 172 from roots. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the sequences from the soil and roots were grouped into 5 and 14 phylotypes, respectively. AMF from six genera including Acaulospora, Claroideoglomus, Diversispora, Funneliformis, Paraglomus, and Rhizophagus were identified, with a further six phylotypes from the Glomeraceae family that could not be identified to the genus level. The AMF genus composition in the investigated semi-mangrove communities was very similar to that in the intertidal zone of this mangrove ecosystem and other investigated mangrove ecosystems, implying possible fungal adaptation to mangrove conditions.     

Population surveys of fork-marked dwarf lemurs and needle-clawed galagos

Fork-marked dwarf lemurs (Phaner spp.) of Madagascar and the needle-clawed galagos (Euoticus spp.) of Central-West Africa are two genera within the primate suborder Strepsirrhini. Despite their distant relationship, these genera share remarkably convergent anatomical, behavioural and ecological characteristics. However, like most nocturnal primates in sub-Saharan Africa they are poorly studied and little is known about the population estimates of both genera. I conducted surveys of wild populations of Phaner pallescens, P. parienti and P. furcifer in Madagascar as well as Euoticus elegantulus and E. pallidus in Cameroon. Six transects were established in Madagascar covering a total distance of 20 km, within which I encountered 52 fork-marked dwarf lemurs. In Cameroon three transects were established covering a total distance of 8.5 km, and 56 encounters of needle-clawed galagos were made. Population encounter rates of P. pallescens, P. parienti, P. furcifer, E. elegantulus and E. pallidus were 3.3, 2.4, 2.3, 9.9 and 8.3 individuals per kilometre, respectively. Compared to previous estimates of population encounter rates in other study sites, these values are lower. Low population encounter rates of fork-marked dwarf lemurs and needle-clawed galagos may be due to environmental and anthropogenic pressures at the study sites. Further ecological, behavioural and conservation studies are required for these genera.     

Revision of the shield-bug genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Holcostethus</Emphasis> Fieber and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peribalus</Emphasis> Mulsant et Rey (Heteroptera,Pentatomidae) of the Palaearctic Region

A complex of the heteropteran genera centering around Peribalus Mulsant et Rey and Holcostethus Fieber is considered. The genus Dryadocoris Kirkaldy reveals no relationship with the above genera and is believed to represent a separate clade of the family Pentatomidae. The genera Peribalus and Holcostethus are revised. The former includes three subgenera: Peribalus s. str. with two species, Asioperibalus subgen. n. (type species Cimex inclusus Dohrn) with six species, and Tianocoris subgen. n. (type species Holcostethus manifestus Kiritshenko) with two species. Holcostethus embraces two subgenera: Holcostethus s. str. and the monotypic Enigmocoris subgen. n. (type species H. fissiceps Horváth). Two new species are described: Peribalus tianshanicus sp. n. from the Tien Shan Mts. and P. przewalskii sp. n. from the northern part of China (Huan He River). P. capitatus Jakovlev and P. vernalis (Wolff) are downgraded to subspecies of P. strictus (F.). P. ovatus Jakovlev is synonymized with P. inclusus (Dohrn). Two new monotypic genera related to the revised complex of genera are established, Paraholcostethus gen. n. (type species Peribalus breviceps Horváth) and Himalayastethus gen. n. (type species H. pilosus sp. n. from Kashmir). A key to, and morphometric characters for all the taxa considered are provided. The key characters, including both male and female genitalia, are illustrated, and distributional maps are given.     

Pollen analysis of spider web samples from Korba District,Chhattisgarh (central India): an aerobiological aspect

Pollen analyses of spider web samples, collected from the recently planted Tectona grandis (T. grandis, teak)-dominated tropical deciduous forest of Bhulsidih Village, Korba District (Chhattisgarh, central India), shed light on the relationship between the extant vegetation and pollen rain. The study revealed the dominance of pollen of herbs and trees, whereas shrubs, fern spores and algal remains are meagre. Among the tree taxa, Sapotaceae, Syzygium, Holoptelea, Lannea coromandelica, Shorea robusta and Grewia are dominating with moderate to low and intermittent presence of Madhuca indica, Terminalia, Mitragyna, Schleichera, Anacardiaceae, Diospyros, Emblica officinalis and Flacourtia. However, the rest of the forest constituents are either not represented at all despite their presence in the floristics, which could be attributed to their low pollen productivity owing to entomophily as well as their poor pollen preservation pattern. On the other hand, the ground vegetation is represented by the very high frequency of grasses (Poaceae) along with Tubuliflorae, Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae and Cerealia, however, Artemisia, Xanthium, Malvaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Justicia in moderate to lower values. Ferns, which occur abundantly along the adjoining stream banks, are marked by the sporadic retrieval of trilete spores that could be ascribed to the prevailing damp condition around the sampling provenance. The study, in addition to understanding the pollen–vegetation relationship, could also be helpful in aerobiological study, especially in assessing the allergenicity of various pollen grains/spores in the area of investigation, causing bronchial asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis/pollinosis), naso-bronchial allergy and other respiratory disorders along with conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, food allergies and other health disorders.     

A revision of the Jurassic Stonefly Genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dobbertiniopteryx</Emphasis> Ansorge and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Karanemoura</Emphasis> Sinitshenkova (Insecta: Plecoptera), with the description of new species from the Daohugou locality,China

The stonefly genera Dobbertiniopteryx Ansorge and Karanemoura Sinitshenkova are revised. Based on new material from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, China, two new species, D. juracapnia sp. nov. and K. manca sp. nov., are described and Karanemoura abrupta Sinitshenkova, 1987 is redescribed. K. desiliens Sinitshenkova, 1987 is excluded from Karanemoura; its position within the family Perlariopseidae remains uncertain. The placement of Dobbertiniopteryx in the modern family Capniidae is confirmed. The perfect state of preservation of the nearly complete adult stonefly remains from China made it possible to improve and extend the diagnoses of the Perlariopseidae and Dobbertiniopteryx. The geological background of the Daohugou deposits is briefly discussed.     

Ichneumonid parasitoid wasps from the Early Eocene Green River Formation: five new species and a revision of the known fauna (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae)

The parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae is one of the most species-rich groups of organisms, but its fossil record remains very poorly studied, which impedes inferences of the origin of its diversity. We here describe two new fossil genera and five new species of Ichneumonidae from the Eocene Green River Formation: Carinibus molestus gen. et sp. nov., Ichninsum appendicrassum gen. et sp. nov., Mesoclistus? yamataroti sp. nov., Scambus? mandibularis sp. nov., and Scambus? parachuti sp. nov. The newly described Mesoclistus? yamataroti represents the first record of the subfamily Acaenitinae from this fossil locality. In addition, we revise the ten previously described fossil ichneumonids from the Green River Formation, following a conservative approach when re-assessing their taxonomic positions: we keep the current placement of six revised fossils, but express the uncertainty in genus-assignment according to open nomenclature rules: Eclytus? lutatus Scudder, Glypta? transversalis Scudder, Pimpla? eocenica Cockerell, Phygadeuon? petrifactellus Cockerell, Plectiscidea? lanhami Cockerell and Rhyssa? juvenis Scudder. We exclude three fossil genera from their current subfamilies and place them within Ichneumonidae incertae subfamiliae: Eopimpla Cockerell, Lithotorus Scudder and Tilgidopsis Cockerell. Furthermore, we move Tryphon amasidis Cockerell and LeVeque to the new genus Trymectus gen. nov. In the light of these revisions, we discuss the importance of careful taxonomic placement of fossils and difficulties in ichneumonid palaeontology caused by host-related homoplasies and a lack of knowledge about the age of the recent subfamilies.     

Cleaning up the grasses dustbin: systematics of the Arundinoideae subfamily (Poaceae)

Among the 12 subfamilies currently considered in the systematics of Poaceae, the Arundinoideae have long been considered as a dustbin group, with a diversity of forms putatively hiding incertae sedis. Because this subfamily has been poorly investigated using molecular markers for the last two decades, the present study provides the first complete phylogeny of the Arundinoideae based on five plastid DNA loci sequenced for 12 genera, and analysed with and without plastome data from previous studies. The refined Arundinoideae appear to be a robust evolutionary lineage of Poaceae, divided into three tribes with some biogeographical patterns: (1) tribe Arundineae, the most heterogeneous tribe, including Eurasian Arundo, Australian Amphipogon and Monachather, and South African Dregeochloa; (2) tribe Crinipedeae (described here), including Crinipes, Elytrophorus, Styppeiochloa and Pratochloa (described here), with a South and East African distribution; and (3) tribe Molinieae, including Hakonechloa, Molinia and Phragmites, with a Eurasian distribution. Despite reduction in size, this small subfamily conserves a high diversity of morphological forms, with several small but highly differentiated genera. Finally, the molecular dating approach provides an evolutionary framework to understand the diversification of Arundinoideae, refuting Gondwanan vicariance between genera and suggesting capability for long distance dispersal.     

Notes on the phylogenetic relationships of planthoppers of the family issidae (Hemiptera,Fulgoroidea) of the Western Palaearctic fauna,with descriptions of two new genera

Seven groups of genera are distinguished in the subtribe Issina Spinola. The new genera Apedalmus gen. n. (the type species Falcidius abruzicus Dlabola, 1983) and Thalassana gen. n. (the type species: Hysteropterum ephialtes Linnavuori, 1971) are erected. The subgenera Acrestia Dlabola, 1980, Montissus Gnezdilov, 2003, and Atticus Gnezdilov, 2003 are upgraded to genera. The subgenus Capititudes Gnezdilov, Drosopoulos et Wilson, 2004 is transferred to the genus Acrestia, and the subgenus Stygiata Emeljanov, 1972 to Celyphoma Emeljanov, 1971. The subtribe Agalmatiina Gnezdilov, 2002 and the subfamily Hysteropterinae Melichar, 1906 are placed in synonymy under Issina Spinola, 1839. Issus reticulatus Herrich-Schäffer, 1835 is designated as the type species of the genus Hysteropterum Amyot et Serville, 1843.     

Airborne pollen and fungal spores in Garki,Abuja (North-Central Nigeria)

The ambient atmosphere is dominated with pollen and spores, which trigger allergic reactions and diseases and impact negatively on human health. A survey of pollen and fungal spores constituents of the atmosphere of Garki, Abuja (North-Central Nigeria) was carried out for 1 year (June 1, 2011–May 31, 2012). The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and abundance of pollen and fungal spores in the atmosphere and their relationship with meteorological parameters. Airborne samples were trapped using modified Tauber-like pollen trap, and the recipient solutions were subjected to acetolysis. Results revealed the abundance of fungal spores, pollen, fern spores, algal cysts and diatoms in decreasing order of dominance. The atmosphere was qualitatively and quantitatively dominated by pollen during the period of late rainy/harmattan season than the rainy season. Numerous fungal spores were trapped throughout the sampling periods among which Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Cladosporium spp. and Curvularia spp. dominated. These fungi have been implicated in allergic diseases and are dermatophytic, causing diverse skin diseases. Other pathogenic fungi found in the studied aeroflora were Dreschlera spp., Helminthosporium spp., Torula spp., Pithomyces spp., Tetraploa spp., Nigrospora ssp., Spadicoides spp., Puccinia spp. and Erysiphe graminis. Total pollen and fungal spores counts do not show significant correlation with meteorological parameters.     

Comparative Flower and Inflorescence Organogenesis among Genera of Betulaceae: Implications for Phylogenetic Relationships

Betulaceae have simple flowers but complex inflorescences. Recent phylogenetic analyses using molecular data have produced robust phylogenetic trees of Betulaceae. In this study, we evaluated the phylogenetic value of comparative organogenetic data of reproductive organs in the context of molecular phylogenies. Flower and inflorescence developmental processes of 21 species from all six genera in Betulaceae were documented with scanning electron microscopy. In each pistillate cyme, there are one primary bract, two secondary bracts, and two or three flowers in the six genera; only in Alnus are there two tertiary bracts on the abaxial side. The pistillate flower of all genera but Alnus has tepal primordia. Two tepals stop developing early on, resulting in the lack of tepals in mature flowers of Betula; while the tepals are initiated from a common circular primordium at the base of pistil in Corylus, Ostryopsis, Carpinus, and Ostrya, and the developed tepals with irregular shape and unstable number of lobes are adnate to the top of the pistil. In staminate organogenesis, each cyme has one primary bract and three flowers in all genera; two secondary bracts are only present in Alnus, Betula, and Corylus. Staminate flowers have no tepals except in Alnus and Betula, and exhibit high variation in number of stamens among genera. The number of secondary and tertiary bracts in each pistillate and staminate cyme, as well as the presence of tepals in pistillate and staminate flowers was clarified in all genera. Micro-morphological characters were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships of genera and sections of Betulaceae. Our analyses support the division of two subfamilies: Betuloideae (Alnus and Betula) and Coryloideae (Corylus, Carpinus, Ostrya, and Ostryopsis), and three tribes: Betuleae (Alnus and Betula), Coryleae (Corylus), and Carpineae (Carpinus, Ostrya, and Ostryopsis). The results agree with those from molecular phylogenetic studies, and suggest that micro-morphological characters are phylogenetically informative in Betulaceae, and reproductive organs of Betulaceae have evolved in the direction of reduction in bracts and tepals.     

Earliest Divergence of Stagodontid (Mammalia: Marsupialiformes) Feeding Strategies from the Late Cretaceous (Turonian) of North America

Two new unequivocal stagodontids, Fumodelphodon pulveris, gen. et. sp. nov., and Hoodootherium praeceps, gen. et. sp. nov., are described from the Turonian (~92 Ma) Smoky Hollow Member of the Straight Cliffs Formation, of southern Utah, USA. Mammals from this time period are poorly represented; the recovery of these two large stagodontids demonstrates the early emergence of faunal elements mostly associated with the later Cretaceous. These taxa represent the earliest stagodontids with crushing premolars (Fumodelphodon) and sectorial premolars (Hoodootherium), morphologically similar to the well-known stagodontids Didelphodon and Eodelphis, respectively. The similar morphologies suggest that these two new genera may be early members of later Cretaceous stagodontid clades, implying a ~ 7 Ma ghost lineage leading to Eodelphis and a ~ 15 Ma ghost lineage to Didelphodon. A reexamination of stagodontid characters suggests a basal placement of Pariadens within Stagodontidae, contrary to some recent studies. The discovery of two new stagodontids bearing lower molars morphologically similar to, but premolars distinct from, Eodelphis highlights the importance of the specialized premolar morphology for resolving the relationships between genera within Stagodontidae.     

New Zealand Eocene,Oligocene and Miocene Macrofossil and Pollen Records and Modern Plant Distributions in the Southern Hemisphere

The modern New Zealand flora has a relatively low number of families and genera in relation to land area, but well-preserved macrofossils and pollen from three sites in southern New Zealand suggest that the floras in Eocene, Oligocene and Miocene times were much more diverse at the generic level. At Pikopiko, Southland, a late Eocene in situ forest with fern understory was dominated by conifers, Casuarinaceae, Lauraceae, Nothofagus, Proteaceae, and mesothermal angiosperms including palms (aff. Calamus), Sapindaceae: Cupaniae and Picrodendraceae. At Newvale Mine, Southland, a leaf bed within a thick lignite seam represents leaf fossils preserved in a late Oligocene oligotrophic bog. This site demonstrates that Agathis, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Halocarpus, Microcachrys, Podocarpus and Phyllocladus coexisted with diverse angiosperms including Nothofagus, Gymnostoma, Cunoniaceae, Ericaceae, Sapindaceae and several Proteaceae. Pollen data add Meliaceae, Myrtaceae, Onagraceae and Rubiaceae to the flora. At Foulden Maar, Otago, mummified leaves and flowers, including several with in situ pollen, demonstrate the existence of a diverse flora surrounding an Early Miocene lake. This site contains numerous monocot macrofossils including Astelia, Cordyline, Ripogonum and Typha, as well as the oldest fossils known for Orchidaceae and Luzuriagaceae. This flora was dominated by Lauraceae with affinities to Cryptocarya and Litsea, but other families include Araliaceae, Cunoniaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae sensu lato, Menispermaceae, Myrsinaceae, Myrtaceae, Onagraceae, Proteaceae and Sterculiaceae. Many ferns, conifers, and Nothofagus are from lineages with Gondwanan ancestors, whereas other taxa show links to Australia (e.g., Gyrostemonaceae), New Caledonia (e.g., Beauprea) and South America (e.g., Luzuriaga, Fuchsia). Many of these taxa are now extinct in New Zealand, and therefore indicate much wider biogeographic ranges for many families and genera in the past.     

Mealybugs of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fonscolombia</Emphasis> Licht. (Homoptera,Pseudococcidae) of the fauna of Russia and adjacent countries

The genus name Euripersia Borchs. is considered a junior synonym of Fonscolombia Licht. based on the absence of essential differences between type species of these genera. The key to Fonscolombia includes, in addition to the type species, nine species from Russia and adjacent countries. Eight of these species are redescribed and illustrated, F. butorinae Danzig et Gavrilov, 2005 has been recently described as new. Two species originally described in Euripersia do not belong to this genus. One is transferred to Trionymus Berg, and thus a new combination is established: Trionymus mongolicus (Danzig), comb. n. Synonymy of Euripersia caulicola with Phenacoccus incertus Kir. has been established recently (Danzig, 2005). Other species presently placed in Euripersia (Ben-Dov, 1994) need a revision. Lectotypes are designated for 4 nominal species. Fonscolombia is related to Phenacoccus Sign., the separation of these two genera is not clear. Fonscolombia is characterized by broad-oval and convex body, poorly developed anal lobes, short, 6-8-segmented (F. edentata and F. herbacea with 7–9-segmented) antennae, and cerarii present on the last abdominal segments only (C ₃ sometimes present). Most species live on roots of grasses (F. butorinae between leaves near soil, F. herbacea, on dicotyledonous herbs) and are characterized by ovoviviparity.