On the Knowledge of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis (Reitter, 1894) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

Entomological Review - The type and other extensive material of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and some of its synonyms was examined. Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis...     

On the Synonymy of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Oxytelinae)

Entomological Review - The type material of several synonyms of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) is revised. Both Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) striatipennis (Eppelsheim, 1894) and...     

Ultrastructure of the protonephridium in Prostoma graecense (Bohmig) (Rhynchocoela, Enopla, Hoplonemertini)

Fine structure studies show that (1) the terminal cell is an elongated thin-walled and fenestrated basket with a multiciliary flame. Many short curved microvilli are confined to the cell lumen, while longer straight microvilli project from the cell's apical end into the proximal part of the protonephri-dial capillary, forming a sheath around the flame. The filtration area consists of slits between narrow cytoplasmic bars and is entirely confined to the terminal cell, which consequently is defined as a flame bulb, not closely similar to those of other phyla. (2) The protonephridial capillary is short and narrow, with few scattered cilia and luminal microvilli. (3) The coiled tubule is thick-walled, with several ciliated cells very rich in glycogen. The luminal border shows specializations probably concerned with modifying the ultrafiltrate.     

Ontogeny of the chondrocranium in Corydoras aeneus (Gill, 1858) (Callichthyidae, Siluriformes)

Callichthyids take a basal position in the loricarioid evolutionary lineage leading up to an algae scraping feeding mechanism in the loricariid family. Therefore, the study of the morphology and development of a callichthyid representative would contribute to a better knowledge on the differences in cranial morphology and their impact on feeding ecology within this superfamily. Therefore, development in the chondrocranium of Corydoras aeneus was studied based on 22 cleared and stained specimens and 6 series of serial sections. The latter sections were also digitized and used for 3D reconstructions. Development overall follows the typical siluriform trends in chondrocranial development. Even the low complexity of the chondrocranium at hatching fits the trend observed in other siluriforms, although other studies showed loricarioid hatchlings to generally show more complex chondrocrania. In contrast to other catfish, in C. aeneus, the notochord was never found to protrude into the hypophyseal fenestra. In addition, also differing from other siluriforms, a commissura lateralis is present, a state also reported for Ancistrus cf. triradiatus (Geerinckx et al., [2005] J Morphol 266:331-355). The splanchnocranium again has the typical siluriform shape during its ontogeny, with the presence of a compound hyosymplectic-pterygoquadrate plate, although not fused to the neurocranium or interhyal at any time during ontogeny, a state described earlier for Callichthys callichthys (Hoedeman, [1960a] Bull Aquat Biol 1:73-84; Howes and Teugels, [1989] J Zool Lond 219:441-456). The most striking difference found in comparison to other catfishes, however, involves thebranchial basket, which arises as a single element with a further differentiation from the middle arches on in both a rostral and caudal direction.     

Terrestrial locomotion in the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch) (Anabantidea, Pisces)

Climbing perches use the tail for forward propulsion when on land. The spiny gill covers are used to obtain purchase on the substratum. Unusually amongst teleosts, the opercular and subopercular bone are not bound strongly together into a single operculum. Instead they are joined only by a thin, flexible membrane, so that the fish has two sections of the gill cover hinged separately; the opercular on the suspensorium and the subopercular on the rearmost part of the lower jaw. The gill covers open very widely and the subopercular rotates ventrally as well as laterally. Two modes of locomotion are employed. Usually Anabus adopts a near-upright posture and alternately drives the left and right spiny suboperculars into the substratum, using the tail to vault over the subopercular (which acts in the manner of a short vaulting pole). During vigorous movement the fish may leave the substratum altogether during the vault. Fatigued fish, or fish which have fallen during climbing, move on their sides, using the tail for propulsion and a single spiny opercular which is repeatedly driven into the substratum. Maximum speeds observed on land corresponded to 1.8 body lengths S^?1. No evidence of involvement of the pelvic fins in locomotion was obtained; the pectorals seemed only to help in tilting the head from side to side and did not contribute significantly to forward propulsion. On mud and tree bark the fish were laterally unstable, often resting on their sides. Grassy substrata provided support and permitted a more upright posture. Slope climbing ability was restricted to 25° when climbing tree bark and 30° when climbing grass. Coupled with lateral instability these observations disqualify the species from any tree-climbing capacity. Anabas can climb vertical obstacles of at least half body length in height by pushing the head against the obstacle, using the spiny gill covers for purchase until one or other subopercular hooks over the top of the barrier. The subopercular is then used as a fulcrum for an upwards vault to clear the obstacle.     

Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (I)

ABSTRACT Among forty species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), nineteen species of ten genera are revised: Ecliptopera Warren, Lampropteryx Stephens, Eustroma Hübner, Eveeliptopera Inoue, Lobogonodes Bastelberger, Hysterura Warren, Sibatania Inoue, Eulithis Hiibner, Gandaritis Moore, and Electrophaes Prout. The diagnostic characters and monophyly of each genus are provided. Figures of adults including male and female genitalia, and distribution maps in Korea are also provided.     

Genetic variation in the soil phthiracarid mite, Steganacarus (S.) magnus (Nicolet, 1855) (Acarida, Oribatida) (Notulae Oribatologicae XL)

Genetic divergence and variability at 14 enzyme loci were examined in and between Italian populations of two edaphic Oribatid (Acarida, Oribatida) species, Steganacarus (Steganacarus) magnus (8 populations) and S. (S.) hirsutus (1 population). The seven populations belonging to S. (S.) magnus can be divided into two groups according to their phenotype, form anomala (A) (MON, ARG, AST, CDO) and form magna (M) (MAL, MAM, RIF) while another can be considered as hybrid between the two preceding groups (ZOC). Genetic identity (I) values between the S. (S.) magnus populations in spite of their morphological differences ranged from 0.977 to 1.000 showing the great genetic similarity of simple local populations while those of S. (S.) hirsutus indicated two distinct morphological species. The genetic distances between all the populations examined were very low despite the ecological differences and geographical distances between the collecting sites. Genetic variability estimates in all the populations of both species were very low when compared to those reported for most arthropods. Some explanatory considerations are suggested.     

Lecithostaphylus retroflexus (Molin, 1859) (Zoogonidae) and Tergestia acanthocephala (Stossich, 1887) (Fellodistomidae) (Digenea) from the epipelagic teleost Belone belone (L.) in the western Mediterranean

Numerous individuals of the poorly known species Lecithostaphylus retroflexus (Zoogonidae) and Tergestia acanthocephala (Fellodistomidae) have been recovered from the teleost fish Belone belone gracilis from off the Scandola Nature Reserve, Western Mediterranean. They are redescribed, incorporating previously undescribed features: for L. retroflexus, a post-oral ring, a bipartite seminal vesicle, the shape of the excretory vesicle, the subterminal excretory pore and the flask-shaped gland-cells associated with the distinctly pedunculate ventral sucker; and for T. acanthocephala, the intestinal bifurcation in the forebody, necessitating its return to the genus Tergestia from Theledera. Additionally, T. acanthocephala is compared with T. laticollis from various species of Trachurus from the same geographical area.     

Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (II)

Eight genera and 16 species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), were revised: Dysstroma Hübner, Paradysstroma Choi, Callabraxas Butler, Thera Stephens, Heterothera Inoue, Pennithera Viidalepp, Polythrena Guenée and Xenortholitha Inoue. Pennithera comis (Butler) was newly added to the Korean fauna. Diagnostic and phylogenetic characters supporting the monophyly of the genera and a key to the genera were provided. For the species, diagnoses with figures of male and female genitalia and distributional data with maps in Korea, and taxonomic remarks were provided.     

Streblonema (Ectocarpales,Phaeophyceae) infection in the kelp Laminaria saccharina (Laminariales,Phaeophyceae) in the western Baltic

The brown alga Laminaria saccharina is the dominant subtidal macroalga in Kiel Bay, western Baltic. It is infected by the microscopic brown alga, Streblonema aecidioides. Infected thalli may show symptoms of Streblonema disease, i.e. alterations of blade and stipe, ranging from dark spots to heavy deformations and completely crippled thalli. Samples taken from a single locality all year round show that (i) the host population is infected at a high rate of 87±13% (SD), but that (ii) a considerable proportion of thalli containing Streblonema does not show disease symptoms, and that (iii) juvenile hosts, which mainly appear in autumn, are infected at almost the same rate. Thus the infection seems to occur early in the host's life. Juveniles in nature show fewer symptoms of the disease than adults. Two months after infection, oxygen production and growth in laboratory-raised experimentally infected juvenile hosts was not different from uninfected controls. Experimental thalli showed more severe morphological alterations than uninfected controls only four months after infection. Both field and laboratory observations indicate that a lag phase exists between infection and outbreak of the disease.     

Nesting ecology of the wasp Sceliphron destillatorium (Illiger, 1807) (Hymenoptera,Sphecidae) in the Crimea

The nests of Sceliphron destillatorium in the Crimea were mainly built in attic spaces of houses and in various uninhabited buildings, and consisted of 3–39 (on average 16.5) cells. Twelve species of spiders from 11 genera of 4 families with predomination of Araneidae and Oxyopidae were recorded as prey. One nest cell contained 4–13 (on average 7.9) spiders, mostly adult ones. Successful development of S. destillatorium progeny was recorded in 48.6% of the cells; 26.5% of the progeny died from parasites: Amobia pelopei (16.0%), Chrysis taczanovskyi (4.3%), and Melittobia acasta (6.2%); 24.9% of the progeny died for unknown causes at the egg (13.0%) or prepupal (11.9%) stage. Nests of 17 other wasp and bee species from the families Pompilidae (2 species), Vespidae (4), Colletidae (1), and Megachilidae (10 species) were found in abandoned nest cells of S. destillatorium. The abundance of S. destillatorium has noticeably decreased in the last ten years, possibly due to immigration of a congener, S. curvatum, which has more diverse trophic links and a significantly higher rate of nesting success.     

Protonephridia in the larvae of the paleonemertean species Carinoma mutabilis (Carinomidae,Nemertea) and Cephalothrix (Procephalothrix) filiformis (Cephalothricidae,Nemertea)

During spiralian development, the first pair of nephridia forms anterior to the mouth. Each organ consists of a few cells, which is characteristic for spiralian larvae. In nemerteans, one of the unambiguously spiralian taxa, so far protonephridia, has been reported only in advanced pilidium larvae, where they likely persist as juvenile and adult nephridia. These organs have not been recorded in larvae of the basally branching nemertean taxa. In search for these organs, we examined the ultrastructure of pelagic planuliform larvae of the palaeonemerteans Carinoma mutabilis and Cephalothrix (Procephalothrix) filiformis. In both species, a pair of protonephridia is located at the level of the stomodaeum. Each protonephridium of C. mutabilis consists of two terminal cells, two duct cells and one nephropore cell, while that of C. filiformis consists of three terminal cells, three duct cells and one nephropore cell. In C. mutabilis and in C. filiformis, all terminal cells contribute to forming a compound filtration structure. In both species, the protonephridia seem to develop subepidermally, since in C. filiformis, the nephropore cells pierce the larval epidermis and in C. mutabilis, the nephropores are initially covered by the binucleated multiciliated trophoblast cells. On the fifth day, these cells degenerate, so that the protonephridium becomes functional. The occurrence of protonephridia in the larvae of both paleonemertean species is in accordance with the hypothesis that a common ancestor of Nemertea and Trochozoa had a larval stage with a pair of protonephridia. This does not contradict previous hypotheses on placing the Nemertea as an ingroup of the Trochozoa or Spiralia (= Lophotrochozoa). Whether these protonephridia are restricted to the larval phase or whether they are transformed into the adult protonephridia, like those of the pilidium larva, remains to be answered.     

Ventilation of the branchial chambers in the amphibious West African freshwater crab,Sudanonautes (Convexonautes) aubryi monodi (Balss, 1929) (Brachyura,Potamonautidae)

The anatomy of the respiratory system of the savanna-zone African freshwater crab, Sudanonautes (Convexonautes) aubryi monodi [Balss, 1929], has been examined and has been found to be adapted for both aerial and aquatic gas exchange. The activities of the scaphognathites and the directions of flow of the ventilatory stream have been recorded in stressed, active and resting specimens during their exposure to a wide range of conditions from deep water to dry land.Ventilation of the branchial chambers during aquatic gas exchange in Sudanonautes kept in deep water is shown to consist of a rapid, predominantly forward water flow similar to that of fully-aquatic species. Ventilation of the branchial chambers during aerial gas exchange in Sudanonautes on land is shown to consist of a relatively slow forward air flow. This flow is continuous in post-operative crabs, pulsatile in active crabs and completely immobile in resting crabs.A second method of ventilation of the branchial chambers during aerial gas exchange is shown to consist of a pulsatile reversed air flow. This occurs (1) when Sudanonautes is kept in very shallow water and active or stressed; (2) when it has recently moved on to land; and (3) when it is completely immersed and exhibiting aerial gas exchange under water. The unusual phenomenon of aerial gas exchange under water is reported here for the first time in any species of crab.Bimodal ventilation of the branchial chambers occurs in stressed or active crabs partly immersed in shallow water. This consists of an alternation between forward water flow and reversed air flow.The morphology of the branchial chambers in Sudanonautes, and observational data on the patterns of ventilation of the branchial chambers, are discussed in relation to those described for other air-breathing decapod crustaceans.     

The oribatid mite subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Acari,Oribatida, Galumnidae) in the Philippines

Five species of the subgenus Galumna (Galumna) (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae) are registered in the Philippine oribatid mite fauna. A new species, Galumna (Galumna) makilingensis sp. n., is described; it is most similar morphologically to Galumna (Galumna) tokyoensis Aoki, 1966, but differs from the latter by the morphology of porose areas Aa and Ap, rostral setae, and length of interlamellar setae. Three species, Galumna (Galumna) crenata Deb & Raychaudhuri, 1975, Galumna (Galumna) cf. exigua Sellnick, 1925 and Galumna (Galumna) khoii Mahunka, 1989, are recorded in the Philippines for the first time. The species Galumna (Galumna) crenata is redescribed. An identification key to the Philippine species of Galumna (Galumna) is given.     

On the Reproductive Diapause in the Predatory Ladybird Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera,Coccinellidae)

Entomological Review - The ability to enter reproductive diapause was experimentally studied in females of the laboratory population of the predatory ladybird Cheilomenes sexmaculata originated...     

The Spring-Run Ecotype of the Steelhead Trout Parasalmo (Oncorhynchus) mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) (Salmonidae,Salmoniformes) in the Kamchatka Peninsula

Russian Journal of Marine Biology - A seasonal spring-run (vernal) ecotype of the Steelhead Trout Parasalmo (Oncorhynchus) mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) has been found in western Kamchatka for the first...     

Cnidae in the sea anemone Sagartiogeton viduatus (Muller, 1776) (Cnidaria,Anthozoa); A comparison to cnidae in the sea anemone Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761) (Cnidaria,Anthozoa)

The cnidom of the sea anemone Sagartiogeton viduatus (Muller, 1776) is described from interference‐contrast light micrographs (LMs) and scanning electron micrographs (SEMs). Special attention is given to nematocyst maturation, including the differentiation of the shaft into proximal and main regions as helical folding of the shaft wall proceeds. Comparisons are made with Metridium senile (Linnaeus, 1761), whose cnidom, with a few exceptions, is closely similar to that of S. viduatus. The two anemones possess b‐ and p‐mastigophores, p‐amastigophores, isorhizas and spirocysts. Although the majority of cnidae in S. viduatus is smaller than corresponding ones in M. senile, they are grouped into the same size classes as those of M. senile, namely small, medium and large. The main differences from M. senile cnidae are the followings: (1) Large acontia p‐amastigophores are the largest nematocysts in S. viduatus. (2) They are noticeably larger than the large acontia b‐mastigophores, and (3) they are separated from the p‐amastigophores of M. senile by the sinusoid pattern of their U‐shaped capsular matrix. (4) The large acontia b‐mastigophores are microbasic and not mesobasic as in M. Senile, and (5) they do not produce darts. (6) Another difference from M. senile is the absence of catch‐tentacle isorhizas.     

Postembryonic development of the ovary in the penicillate diplopod,Eudigraphis nigricans (Miyosi) (Diplopoda,Penicillata)

Postembryonic development of the ovary through the larval stages was studied in a penicillate diplopod, Eudigraphis nigricans. In the first instar larva a single young cell cluster, consisting of about 20 spherical gonial cells and some smaller interstitial cells, exists beneath the alimentary canal in the third body segment. The gonadal epithelium encompasses the upper surface of this young cell cluster by the end of the first instar. The epithelium then extends forward and backward to form a single long sac-like gonad, leaving the young cell cluster on the center of the gonadal floor as a mound-shaped germarium. In an early second-instar larva, very early previtellogenic oocytes accompanied by some interstitial cells appear in the front and rear surfaces of the ovarian germarium. During the period from the third through the seventh (the last) larval instar, some cell clusters containing several previtellogenic oocytes and interstitial cells successively separate forward and backward from the germarium to form a series of paired patch-shaped vitellarial areas on the extending ventral ovarian epithelium. In each vitellarial area, some of the interstitial cells surround the oocytes to form the follicles. In the seventh instar, the ovarian lumen is extremely expanded, and the late previtellogenic oocytes in the vitellarial areas encroach upward into the ovarian lumen. These oocytes floating in the ovarian lumen are still connected with their own vitellarial areas by partial extensions of their follicles. Some phylogenetic implications of the basic characteristics in structure and postembryonic development of the ovary are discussed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.