Redescription of Diaphanosoma celebensis Stingelin, 1900 (Crustacea,Cladocera)

A rare species, Diaphanosoma celebensis (Stingelin, 1900) is redescribed from type material and material from the South of Vietnam. In comparative morphological aspect it is close to D. volzi, but it is relatively less specialized. D. celebensis is known from single locations in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam. It probably also occurs in Malaysia. The size frequency and sex structure of a population from Vietnam is described.     

Two new species of oribatid mites of the family Galumnidae (Acari,Oribatida) from Vietnam

Two new species of oribatid mites of the family Galumnidae, Allogalumna monodactyla sp. n. and Galumna (Galumna) paracalcicola sp. n., are described from dark loamy soil under crown of Ficus sp. in southern Vietnam. Allogalumna monodactyla sp. n. is the first identified member of Allogalumna recorded for Vietnam. The identification keys to the species of Allogalumna from the Oriental region and species of Galumna (Galumna) from Vietnam and the calcicola-group are given.     

A review of the genus Pimpla Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) from Vietnam with descriptions of two new species

The ichneumonid wasp genus Pimpla Fabricius, 1804 is reviewed for the first time from Vietnam. Two new species are described: Pimpla lexuanhuei sp. nov. from Phu Tho Province and Pimpla chuyansinensis sp. nov. from Dak Lak Province. Five further species are recorded as new for Vietnam: P. bilineata (Cameron), P. cameronii Dalla Torre, P. ereba Cameron, P. flavipalpis Cameron, and P. laothoe Cameron. Pimpla instigator (Fabricius, 1793), a junior synonym of P. rufipes (Miller, 1759), previously recorded from Vietnam, was re-identified as P. laothoe and therefore is excluded from the ichneumonid fauna of Vietnam. A key to all ten species listed in this paper is also compiled.     

A list of oribatid mites (Acari,Oribatida) of Vietnam

A species list of identified oribatid mite taxa (Acari, Oribatida) in the fauna of Vietnam is provided. During 1967–2015, a total of 535 species/subspecies from 222 genera and 81 families was registered. Of these, 194 species/subspecies were described as new for science from Vietnam.     

Lower Emsian biostratigraphy and event stratigraphy of Ha Giang Province,northern Vietnam

A new species of rugose coral, Sanidophyllum dubium n. sp., and the typical Emsian (Early Devonian) rugose coral Xystriphylloides nobilis are described from the Mia Le Formation in northern Vietnam. The lower Emsian index conodonts ranging from the Polygnathus excavatus zone to the P. nothoperbonus zone are illustrated. The biostratigraphic correlation between northern Vietnam and South China shows that the Mia Le Formation in northern Vietnam is early Emsian in age, and its upper part can be correlated with the lower part of the Shizhou Member of the Yukiang Formation in Liujing, Guangxi and its equivalents in South China. Based on the study of the lower Emsian biostratigraphic sequence, the disappearance of Xystriphylloides nobilis fauna in the overlying bed of the uppermost Mia Le Formation and the extinction of the “tonkinensis fauna” (sensu lato) in the interval between the basal Si Phai Formation and the uppermost Mia Le Formation demonstrate the influence of the Yujiang Event in northern Vietnam.     

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Lymnaeid Snails and Their Potential Role in Transmission of Fasciola spp. in Vietnam

Freshwater snails of the family Lymnaeidae play an important role in the transmission of fascioliasis worldwide. In Vietnam, 2 common lymnaeid species, Lymnaea swinhoei and Lymnaea viridis, can be recognized on the basis of morphology, and a third species, Lymnaea sp., is known to exist. Recent studies have raised controversy about their role in transmission of Fasciola spp. because of confusion in identification of the snail hosts. The aim of this study is, therefore, to clarify the identities of lymnaeid snails in Vietnam by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. The molecular analyses using the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA clearly showed that lymnaeids in Vietnam include 3 species, Austropeplea viridis (morphologically identified as L. viridis), Radix auricularia (morphologically identified as L. swinhoei) and Radix rubiginosa (morphologically identified as Lymnaea sp.). R. rubiginosa is a new record for Vietnam. Among them, only A. viridis was found to be infected with Fasciola spp. These results provide a new insight into lymnaeid snails in Vietnam. Identification of lymnaeid snails in Vietnam and their role in the liver fluke transmission should be further investigated.     

Genus Paraploactis in the fauna of Vietnam with a discussion of systematics of the P. kagoshimensis-complex (Scorpaeniformes: Aploactinidae)

Material on the genus Paraploactis from the fauna of Vietnam is revised. Two species, P. obbesi and P. hongkongiensis, are registered in the fauna of Vietnam; the latter species is described in Vietnam for the first time. The adult and juvenile exemplars from three nominal species of the P. kagoshimensis-complex are described in detail, and new characters valuable for identification of the species within the complex are revealed. The possibility of an occurrence of a species related to P. hongkongiensis in the Gulf of Siam is proposed. This species differs from P. hongkongiensis in the degrees of development of the interorbital crests, interorbital hollow, and teeth spot on the vomer, as well as patterns of the structure of the postcranial skeleton, and several other features. The genus Paraploactis is found in the Gulf of Siam for the first time.     

Paragonimus and Paragonimiasis in Vietnam: an Update

Paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by infection with lung flukes of the genus Paragonimus. In Vietnam, research on Paragonimus and paragonimiasis has been conducted in northern and central regions of the country. Using a combination of morphological and molecular methods, 7 Paragonimus species, namely P. heterotremus, P. westermani, P. skrjabini, P. vietnamensis, P. proliferus, P. bangkokenis and P. harinasutai, have been identified in Vietnam. Of these, the first 3, P. heterotremus, P. westermani and P. skrjabini, are known to infect humans in other countries. However, in Vietnam, only P. heterotremus, found in some northern provinces, has been shown to infect humans. Even nowadays, local people in some northern provinces, such as Lai Chau and Yen Bai, are still suffering from P. heterotremus infection. In some provinces of central Vietnam, the prevalence and infection intensity of P. westermani metacercariae in freshwater crabs (the second intermediate hosts) are extremely high, but human cases have not been reported. Likewise, although P. skrjabini was found in Thanh Hoa Province, its pathogenicity to humans in Vietnam still remains uncertain. The results of molecular phylogenetic analyses of Vietnamese Paragonimus species provides new insights on the phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Paragonimus. Comprehensive molecular epidemiological and geobiological studies on the genus in Vietnam and adjacent countries are needed to clarify the biodiversity and public health significance of the lung flukes.     

Evidence of a complex phylogeographic structure in the Indomalayan pencil-tailed tree mouse Chiropodomys gliroides (Rodentia: Muridae) in eastern Indochina

The paper presents the first phylogeography of the Indomalayan pencil-tailed tree mouse, Chiropodomys gliroides, an arboreal rodent widely distributed in SE Asia. Fifty four specimens of C. gliroides, sampled throughout eastern Indochina (Vietnam and Laos), have been sequenced for the mitochondrial (cytb and control region) and nuclear (IRBP) genes. The results have revealed the existence of two highly divergent allopatric lineages showing a genetic divergence of 12% cytb and occurring in different regions of Vietnam. The northern lineage occurs in northern and central Vietnam, central Laos and the highlands of southern Vietnam, and the southern lineage occurs in lowlands of southern Vietnam. In the south, representatives of both lineages were collected at the distance of less than 130 km from each other. The occurrence of both genetic lineages in southern Vietnam seems to testify for an important role of Dalat Plateau as a possible refuge for small mammals. Yet, our results do not support the assignment of Chiropodomys neither to the Micromys division of Murinae, nor to a close phylogenetic link between Chiropodomys and Hapalomys.     

Fauna of anemonefishes (Pomacentridae,Amphiprioninae) and their host sea anemones (Cnidaria,Actiniaria) on reefs of Phu Quy,Con Son,and An Thoi Islands (South China Sea,South Vietnam,and Gulf of Thailand) and a review of these groups from the coastal waters of Vietnam

A full species composition of anemonefishes (Pomacentridae, Amphiprioninae) and their host sea anemones (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) from reefs of Phu Quy and Con Son Islands (off South Vietnam) and An Thoi Islands (northeastern Gulf of Thailand) is presented for the first time. A comparison of the faunas of anemonefishes and their host sea anemones is conducted in the coastal waters of Vietnam and adjacent waters. The presence of intermittent ranges of the anemonefishes in the coastal waters of Vietnam is demonstrated. For example, the ranges of two species, Amphiprion clarkii and A. frenatus, include the coastal waters of Vietnam, excluding the Gulf of Thailand, where they are not found even at the eastern border of the gulf. A. perideraion is absent in the Gulf of Tonkin, but it is distributed to the south along the entire coastal zone of Vietnam, including the Gulf of Thailand. In the coastal waters of Vietnam, A. sandaracinos is distributed only between the Gulf of Tonkin and Gulf of Thailand. A. polymnus is reliably indicated in the coastal waters of Vietnam between 12°50′ and 9°54′ N, but, most likely, its range is continuous along the entire Vietnamese coast. The richness of species composition of host sea anemones decreases (from nine to three species) in the southern direction, from Central Vietnam to the eastern border of the Gulf of Thailand.     

Notes on planthoppers of the tribe Hemisphaeriini (Homoptera, Fulgoroidea, Issidae) from Vietnam with a description of a new genus and a new species

A new genus and a new species of the tribe Hemisphaeriini Melichar of the family Issidae Spinola are described from Northern Vietnam. Lectotype of Hemisphaerius interclusus Noualhier, 1896 is designated. New data on the distribution and ecology of H. interclusus and H. hippocrepis Constant et Pham, 2011 in Southern Vietnam are provided.     

Reproductive features of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Upeneus margarethae</Emphasis> (Mullidae), a species recorded in the coastal zone of Vietnam for the first time

The species Upeneus margarethae described recently from the western Indian Ocean is recorded in the coastal zone of Vietnam for the first time. The reproductive features of the representatives of the species from southern Central Vietnam (Nha Trang Bay), Central Vietnam (Da Nang), and North Vietnam (Ha Long Bay) are studied. Based on the analysis of maturity stages of female’s ovaries and gonadosomatic index, the fishes spawn over the entire year in Central Vietnam, but the spawning interruption is observed in North Vietnam during a winter season. In Nha Trang Bay, 50% of females reach sexual maturity at the body length (FL) 9.8 cm. Based on histological structure of ovaries and frequency distribution of oocyte diameter before the spawning, the oogenesis is continuous. Anomalous oocyte structure is registered in 20% of the females. Egg morphology is described for 3 h after activation of ovulated oocytes. A comparison of reproductive parameters in U. margarethae and U. tragula is conducted.     

Molecular surveillance of malaria in the Central Highlands,Vietnam

Vietnam achieved outstanding success against malaria in the last few decades. The mortality and morbidity of malaria in Vietnam have decreased remarkably in recent years, but malaria is still a major public health concern in the country, particularly in the Central Highlands region. In this study, molecular analyses of malaria parasites in the Central Highlands were performed to understand the population structure and genetic diversity of the parasites circulating in the region. Plasmodium falciparum (68.7%) and P. vivax (27.4%) along with mixed infections with P. falciparum/P. vivax (3.9%) were detected in 230 blood samples from patients with malaria. Allele-specific nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analyses of pfmsp-1, pfama-1, pvcsp, and pvmsp-1 revealed complex genetic makeup in P. falciparum and P. vivax populations of Vietnam. Substantial multiplicity of infection (MOI) was also identified, suggesting significant genetic diversity and polymorphism of P. falciparum and P. vivax populations in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. These results provide fundamental insight into the current patterns of dispersion and genetic nature of malaria parasites as well as for the development of malaria elimination strategies in the endemic region.     

Amphibian Pathogens in Southeast Asian Frog Trade

Amphibian trade is known to facilitate the geographic spread of pathogens. Here we assess the health of amphibians traded in Southeast Asia for food or as pets, focusing on Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), ranavirus and general clinical condition. Samples were collected from 2,389 individual animals at 51 sites in Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore for Bd screening, and 74 animals in Cambodia and Vietnam for ranavirus screening. Bd was found in one frog (n = 347) in Cambodia and 13 in Singapore (n = 419). No Bd was found in Lao PDR (n = 1,126) or Vietnam (n = 497), and no ranavirus was found in Cambodia (n = 70) or Vietnam (n = 4). Mild to severe dermatological lesions were observed in all East Asian bullfrogs Hoplobatrachus rugolosus (n = 497) sampled in farms in Vietnam. Histologic lesions consistent with sepsis were found within the lesions of three frogs and bacterial sepsis in two (n = 4); one had Gram-negative bacilli and one had acid-fast organisms consistent with mycobacterium sp. These results confirm that Bd is currently rare in amphibian trade in Southeast Asia. The presence of Mycobacterium-associated disease in farmed H. rugolosus is a cause for concern, as it may have public health implications and indicates the need for improved biosecurity in amphibian farming and trade.     

Discovery of the genus Formosiepyris Terayama, (Hymenoptera,Bethylidae) in Vietnam,with a description of a new species

Formosiepyris vietnamensis sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is described based on material collected from Da Lat, southern Vietnam. This is the first record of Formosiepyris Terayama from Vietnam. The new species can be distinguished from other Formosiepyris species by a narrow and rounded clypeus; a mandible with three teeth; a second metasomal tergite having small, sparsely distributed punctures and smooth interspaces, except for anterior 2/5, which is microreticulate; and a head length : width aspect ratio of 10 : 11. A key to the Oriental species of Formosiepyris is provided.     

One new species of the genus Belisana Thorell, 1898 (Araneae,Pholcidae) from northern Vietnam

One new species Belisana denticulata sp. n. (♂) is reported from northern Vietnam based on material collected by fogging the forest canopy. This species resembles Belisana scharffi Huber, 2005, but can be distinguished by relatively long distance between proximal parts of proximo-lateral apophysis and distal apophysis on male chelicerae, by presence of a nearly saddle-shaped prolateral sclerite on procursus, and by different shape of retrolateral membranous flap on procursus. Type specimens are deposited in the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology in Hanoi.     

The genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 in Vietnam (Scorpiones; Chaerilidae): A possible case of a vicariant species

A new species of the genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 is described from a cave in Dien Bien District, West of Dien Bien Phu city in northern Vietnam. The new species is morphologically similar to other Chaerilus species distributed only in the south of Vietnam and Cambodia and suggests a case of a vicariant species between northern and southern populations in the Southeast Asian peninsula.     

Bones and genes: resolution problems in three Vietnamese species of Crocidura (Mammalia,Soricomorpha, Soricidae) and the description of?an?additional new species

Recent investigations of Southeast Asian white toothed shrews belonging to the genus Crocidura have revealed discrepancies between the results of morphological and molecular studies. The following study concerns three species of Crocidura occurring in Vietnam, namely Crocidura attenuata, Crocidura tanakae and Crocidura wuchihensis, and an undescribed fourth species revealed by molecular analysis. For many years Crocidura attenuata has been known to occur in Vietnam but, until very recently, the morphologically similar and comparably sized Crocidura tanakae was believed to be restricted to Taiwan. Following several molecular studies over the last few years, this species is now believed to be considerably more widespread and recognised as occuring also in Vietnam. The results of one of these recent molecular studies also revealed the presence of an undescribed species of Crocidura, similar in size and morphology to Crocidura wuchihensis, which is herein described. Data are provided on geographical variation in Vietnam and the problems of defining morphologically similar yet molecularly disparate species are discussed.     

An annotated checklist of sea snakes of Vietnam, with notes on a new record of the yellow-lipped sea krait, Laticauda colubrina (Schneider, 1799) (Laticaudidae, Hydrophiidae)

The yellow-lipped sea krait, Laticauda colubrina (Schneider, 1799), is recorded in the waters of Vietnam for the second time. The morphological characteristics of this species are described. Identification keys, a checklist, and distribution data for sea snakes of Vietnam are provided, proceeding from museum collections and extensive analysis of the available literature. Thalassophis anomalus P. Schmidt, 1852 and Leioselasma melanocephala (Gray, 1849) are registered for the first time for Vietnamese waters.