The genus Macroteleia Westwood in Middle Miocene amber from Peru (Hymenoptera,Platygastridae s.l., Scelioninae)

A new species of the scelionine genus Macroteleia Westwood (Platygastridae s.l., Scelioninae) is described and figured from a female beautifully preserved in Middle Miocene amber from Peru. Macroteleia yaguarum Perrichot & Engel, sp. n., shows a unique combination of characters otherwise seen independently within its congeners. It is most similar to the modern M. surfacei Brues, but differs from it by the non-foveolate notauli, the contiguous punctures of the vertex, and the continuous propodeum. The new species is the first New World fossil of the genus, suggesting a Cretaceous origin for the group and a relatively old age of the South American, tropical African, and Australian faunas, and a younger age of the modern Holarctic faunas.     

Norigondolella n. gen., eine neue obertriassische Conodontengattung

The development of the genus concept for platform-bearing gondolellid conodonts is discussed. The collective genusNeogondolella Bender & Stoppel s. l. must be subdivided into several genera separated mostly by morphological differences of their platform elements. Only for these genera, but not forNeogondolella s. l., differential diagnoses againstGondolella Stauffer & Plummer s. l. can be given.Norigondolella n. gen., species of which were formerly placed intoParagondolella Mosher s. l.,Gondolella Stauffer & Plummer s. l. orNeogondolella Bender & Stoppel s. l., is a typical gondolellid platform conodont genus of topmost Triassic (Norian-Rhaetian) pelagic sediments. It has evolved from Carnian representatives ofParagondolella, but the lower surface of the platform element shows considerable similarities (homoeomorphy) to the Middle Carboniferous to Middle Permian genusMesogondolella Kozur.     

Breeding system diversification and evolution in American Poa supersect. Homalopoa (Poaceae: Poeae: Poinae)

Background and Aims Poa subgenus Poa supersect. Homalopoa has diversified extensively in the Americas. Over half of the species in the supersection are diclinous; most of these are from the New World, while a few are from South-East Asia. Diclinism in Homalopoa can be divided into three main types: gynomonoecism, gynodioecism and dioecism. Here the sampling of species of New World Homalopoa is expanded to date its origin and diversification in North and South America and examine the evolution and origin of the breeding system diversity.Methods A total of 124 specimens were included in the matrix, of which 89 are species of Poa supersect. Homalopoa sections Acutifoliae, Anthochloa, Brizoides, Dasypoa, Dioicopoa, Dissanthelium, Homalopoa sensu lato (s.l.), Madropoa and Tovarochloa, and the informal Punapoa group. Bayesian and parsimony analyses were conducted on the data sets based on four markers: the nuclear ribosomal internal tanscribed spacer (ITS) and external transcribed spacer (ETS), and plastid trnT-L and trnL-F. Dating analyses were performed on a reduced Poa matrix and enlarged Poaceae outgroup to utilize fossils as calibration points. A relaxed Bayesian molecular clock method was used.Key Results Hermaphroditism appears to be pleisiomorphic in the monophyletic Poa supersect. Homalopoa, which is suggested to have originated in Eurasia 8·4–4·2 million years ago (Mya). The ancestor of Poa supersect. Homalopoa radiated throughout the New World in the Late Miocene–Early Pliocene, with major lineages originating during the Pliocene to Pleistocene (5–2 Mya). Breeding systems are linked to geographic areas, showing an evolutionary pattern associated with different habitats. At least three major pathways from hermaphroditism to diclinism are inferred in New World Homalopoa: two leading to dioecism, one via gynodioecism in South America and another directly from hermaphroditism in North America, a result that needs to be checked with a broader sampling of diclinous species in North America. A third pathway leads from hermaphroditism to gynomonoecism in Andean species of South America, with strictly pistillate species evolving in the highest altitudes.Conclusions Divergence dating provides a temporal context to the evolution of breeding systems in New World Poa supersect. Homalopoa. The results are consistent with the infrageneric classification in part; monophyletic sections are confirmed, it is proposed to reclassify species of sect. Acutifoliae, Dasypoa and Homalopoa s.l. and it is acknowledged that revision of the infrageneric taxonomy of the gynomonoecious species is needed.     

Larval development of the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii (Perciformes, Gobioidei, Odontobutidae) and the origin of fish of the suborder Gobioidei

The external morphology and development of skeletal elements is investigated in larvae and fry of one of the most generalized representatives of the suborder Gobioidei—the Amur sleeper Perccottus glenii. It is characterized by an indirect type of development accompanied by the expressed metamorphosis, according to Balon’s classification (1985). Fry of P. glenii are capable of an active mode of life and exogenous feeding almost immediately after hatching which favors a wide distribution of this species. Morphogenesis of previously revealed diagnostic characters of Gobioidei is investigated. New apomorphies are found also indicating to a high separation level of P. glenii from representatives of other suborders of Perciformes. At the same time, it is found that some developmental traits of P. glenii are characteristic of generalized Perciforems. Some advanced characters acquired in parallel with representatives from the group of suborders Blennioidei s. l. also indirectly indicate that P. glenii and, generally, Gobioidei belong to Perciformes. Analysis of special traits of development of the skeleton of P. glenii supports the ideas of Regan (1911) on the origin of Gobioidei from generalized Percoidei. With consideration of advanced characters, general for Gobioidei and the suborders Trachinoidei, Notothenioidei, Zoarcoidei, and Blennioidei of the group Blennioidei s. l., it is assumed that Gobioidei and Blennioidei s. l. stem from the same group or from the related groups of Percoidei.     

A global phylogeny of Stegnogramma ferns (Thelypteridaceae): generic and sectional revision,historical biogeography and evolution of leaf architecture

The thelypteroid fern genus Stegnogramma s.l. contains around 18–35 species and has a global, cross-continental distribution ranging from tropical to temperate regions. Several genera and infrageneric sections have been recognized previously in Stegnogramma s.l., but their phylogenetic relationships are still unclear. In this study, we present a global phylogeny of Stegnogramma s.l. with the most comprehensive sampling to date and aim to pinpoint the phylogenetic positions of biogeographically and taxonomically important taxa. Based on the reconstructed historical biogeography and character evolution, we propose a new (infra)generic classification and discuss the diversification of Stegnogramma s.l. in a biogeographical context. New names or combinations are made for 12 (infra)species, including transferring the monotypic species of Craspedosorus to Leptogramma. Finally, we discuss a possible link between leaf architecture and ecological adaptation, and hypothesize that the increase in leaf dissection and free-vein proportion is an adaptive feature to cool climates in Stegnogramma s.l.     

Remains of palms (Palmae) at archaeological sites in the New World: A review

A review of palm remains recorded at archaeological sites throughout the New World is presented. Remains have been found at 130 sites from the southern United States to southern Uruguay. They are of four kinds: carbonized or dry endocarps or seeds, phytoliths, pollen, and implements. Twenty-nine genera and at least 50 species of palms (i.e., about 9% of all American species) have been recorded. The oldest record dates back to 14,700b.p. for carbonized endocarp fragments of an unidentified palm in Rondônia, Brazil. The use of palms, as recorded from remains, was particularly widespread after 9000b.p. The predominant remains are endocarps ofAcrocomia, Attalea s.l.,Astrocaryum, Bactris, Syagrus, Elaeis, andOenocarpus, all of which are important sources of edible oils or edible fruits and are still widely used by aboriginal peoples. The review supports the hypothesis that human groups have played an important role in the dispersal of some palm species in the neotropics. Humanaided dispersal ofAcrocomia aculeata from South America into Central America, and ofOenocarpus bataua from northwestern Amazonia to other areas, is postulated. Archaeological remains support the hypothesis that pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) was domesticated in the inter-Andean valleys or on the adjacent Pacific lowlands of Colombia and later introduced into the Amazon Basin.     

Echoes of a flood pulse: short-term effects of record flooding of the Illinois River on floodplain lakes under ecological restoration

Until recently, only one native and three apparently introduced Daphnia species were known from New Zealand. We demonstrate that (1) Daphnia in subalpine habitats in southern New Zealand differ morphologically and genetically from the native taxon previously labelled Daphnia carinata to merit species nova status and (2) the name of the latter should revert to D. thomsoni, used by Sars (1894) for Daphnia described from New Zealand mud. We compare some key characteristics and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) sequences of the New Zealand native and other morphologically similar species. Distinctive characteristics of subalpine populations, described as Daphnia tewaipounamu sp. nov., are a wide cephalic shield with lateral flanges curving dorsally via rounded fornices, dorsal cervical depression variably expressed as a ‘step’ in the cephalic shield exuviae and retention of ephippia within shed carapace exoskeletons long after ecdysis. CO1 sequences revealed that D. tewaipounamu sp. nov. belongs to the D. carinata complex but is highly divergent (>14%) from other known members of this complex. New Zealand D. thomsoni is divergent (>15%) from D. carinata s.s. However, it is not endemic to New Zealand, as we confirmed its presence in Tasmania, and some Australian populations are closely related to it.     

New Weevils (Coleoptera,Curculionoidea) from the Eocene of the Green River,United States: Part 1

New genera, Pseudochirotenon gen. nov. (with the type species P. eocaenicus sp. nov.), Archaeoheilus gen. nov. (type species A. scudderi sp. nov.), Primocentron gen. nov. (type species P. wickhami sp. nov.), and Pseudophaops gen. nov. (type species Otiorhynchus perditus Scudder, 1876), and new species, Pseudochirotenon eocaenicus sp. nov., Perapion rasnitsyni sp. nov., Archaeoheilus scudderi sp. nov., A. ovalis sp. nov., Primocentron wickhami sp. nov., and Eudiagogus vossi sp. nov., from the Early–Middle Eocene of the Green River are described. New combinations of names (Apionion evestigatum (Scudder, 1893), comb. nov., Archaeoheilus packardii (Scudder, 1893), comb. nov., A. provectus (Scudder, 1876), comb. nov., A. deleticius (Scudder, 1893), comb. nov., A. lacoei (Scudder, 1893), comb. nov., Pseudophaops perditus (Scudder, 1876), comb. nov.) are established. The first fossil records of the tribe Ecelonerini from the New World and genus Perapion from the Green River Formation are provided.     

A new key for the species of Ateuchus Weber (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) occurring in Mexico,with a description of the first North American inquiline species from a rodent burrow (Rodentia: Geomydae) and new distribution records

The first Ateuchus Weber (Scarabaeinae) species, A. tuza sp. nov., from a rodent burrow from North America is described. Diagnostic characters are presented; photographs of an adult male and illustrations of male genitalia are included. A key for all known Mexican Ateuchus Weber species is provided. Ateuchus hornai (Balthasar) is revalidated. New distribution records from Mexico and Central America are reported.     

The eastern swamp crayfish Gramastacus lacus sp. n. (Decapoda,Parastacidae) a new species of freshwater crayfish from coastal New South Wales,Australia

Gramastacus lacus sp. n., is described from coastal lowlands of the Central and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia. Gramastacus lacus has a restricted distribution in ephemeral habitats, being dependent on regular natural flooding and drying cycles, and burrows for survival during temporary dry cycles. Documented are population distributions in lowland habitats (3–48 m, a.s.l.) from Wamberal Lagoon, north along the coastal strip to Wallis Lake. The species is small, reaching a maximum weight of 7 grams and 21.3 mm OCL, and distinguished by a large male genital papilla, large raised post orbital ridges, laterally compressed carapace and elongated chelae.     

The genus Calycidium Stirt.

Abstract:The lichen genus Calycidium Stirt. (Calycidiaceae,Lecanorales , ‘Caliciales’ s. lat.) contains two species: C. cuneatum Stirt., distributed in Australia (Tasmania) and New Zealand, and C. polycarpum (Colenso) Wedin, comb. nov., distributed in Argentina, Australia (Tasmania), Chile and New Zealand. The morphology, chemistry, ecology and distribution of the two species is discussed, as is the taxonomic position of the genus. Calycidium is reported as new to Argentina.     

Phylogeny and molecular evolution of the rbcL gene of St genome in Elymus sensu lato (Poaceae: Triticeae)

Analysis of the patterns and levels of diversity in duplicate gene not only traces evolutionary history of polyploids, but also provides insight into how the evolutionary process differs between lineages and between homoeologous loci within lineages. Elymus sensu lato is a group of allopolyploid species, which share a common St genome and with the different combinations of H, Y, P, and W genomes. To estimate the evolutionary process of the rbcL gene in species of Elymus s. l. and its putative dioploid relatives, 74 sequences were obtained from 21 species of Elymus s. l. together with 24 diploid taxa representing 19 basic genomes in Triticeae. Phylogeny and sequence diversity pattern analysis suggested that (1) species of Pseudoroegneria (Nevski) Á. Löve might serve as the maternal donor of the species of Elymus s. l; (2) differentiation of St genome were shown in the species of Elymus s. l. following polyploidy event; (3) divergences within the species might associate with geographic diversity and morphological variability; (4) differences in the levels and patterns of nucleotide diversity of the rbcL gene implied that the St genome lineages in the species of Elymus s. l. have differently evolutionary potentials.     

New sharks of the genus Abdounia (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) from the Upper Eocene of the Trans-Ural Region

Two new species of carcharhinid sharks from the Late Eocene deposits (Tavda Formation) of the southern Trans-Urals, Abdounia vassilyevae sp. nov., previously determined as A. aff. beaugei, and A. lata sp. nov., are described. To date, up to five Priabonian species of Abdounia have been recorded. New finds supplement the data on diversity, evolution, and paleobiogeography of Abdounia.     

LICHENICOLOUS FUNGI FROM THE WESTERN PYRENEES,FRANCE AND SPAIN. IV. ASCOMYCETES

Twenty species of lichenicolous ascomycetes are recorded for the western Pyrenees.Capronia hypotrachynaeEtayo & Diederich (onHypotrachynaspecies, also known from the Canary Islands and from Papua New Guinea),Llimoniella pubescensEtayo & Diederich (onLeprariaspecies, also from Scotland and Papua New Guinea),Polycoccum microcarpumDiederich & Etayo (onCladoniaspecies, also from Scotland),Skyttea megalosporaeEtayo & Diederich (onMegalospora tuberculosa),Sphaerellothecium cinerascensEtayo & Diederich (onCladonia parasitica) andS. parmeliaeDiederich & Etayo (onParmelias. str., also from Finland) are described as new.     

Advances in clarifying the phylogenetic relationships of acacias: Relevance for biological control

Biological control of invasive Australian acacias will benefit from recent advances in resolving the phylogenetic relationships of Acacia s.l. and Acacia s.s. (“Australian acacias”) within the subfamily Mimosoideae. Some of the phytophage taxa associated with Acacia s.s. display fidelity to a derived clade within the genus. This derived clade contains most of the Acacia s.s. species that have become problematic around the world. Phytophages that are demonstrably restricted to species within the derived clade pose essentially no risk to species outside Acacia s.s.. In contrast, prospective agents able to develop on species in the basal lineages of Acacia s.s. would require more-expansive testing because Acacia s.s. is closely related to the Ingeae, and then sequentially to the genera Acaciella, Mariosousa and Senegalia. Importantly, Vachellia is distantly related to Acacia s.s., being nested in basal Mimoseae lineages, and is thus less likely to be at risk than previously envisaged. Elucidation of these trends shows the benefits of having a comprehensive knowledge of the phylogeny of plants and phytophages under consideration for biological control.     

Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) of New Guinea: Part II. Hamatina gen. nov., with descriptions of four new species

This is the second part in a series of taxonomic studies on the family Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) of New Guinea. A new genus, Hamatina gen. nov., is described, based on the type species, H. hemitoma (Diakonoff), comb. nov., and four new species are described: H. nabangae sp. nov., H. robdevosi sp. nov., H. jembatana sp. nov., and. iriana sp. nov. A key to four allied genera is given. Adults, heads, labial palpi, wing venations, and the male genitalia are illustrated.     

Examination of the interior of sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) abdomen reveals novel cuticular structures involved in pheromone release: Discovering the manifold

The males of many species of New World Phlebotomines produce volatile terpenoid chemicals, shown in Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. to be sex/aggregation pheromones. Pheromone is produced by secretory cells which surround a cuticular reservoir which collects the pheromone and passes it through a cuticular duct to the surface of the insect. The pheromone then passes through specialised cuticular structures on the abdominal surface prior to evaporation. The shape and distribution of the specialised structures are highly diverse and differ according to species. In this study we used SEM to examine the interior cuticular pheromone collection and transport structures of 3 members of the Lu. longipalpis s.l. species complex and Migonemyia migonei. We found a new structure which we have called the manifold which appears to be a substantial extension of the interior tergal cuticle connected in-line with the cuticular duct and reservoir. The manifold of the Campo Grande member of the complex is longer and wider than the Jacobina member whereas the manifold of the Sobral member was shorter than both other members of the complex. Overall, the secretory apparatus of the Sobral member was smaller than the other two. The manifold of M. migonei was very different to those found in Lu. longipalpis s.l. and was positioned in a pit-like structure within the tergal cuticle. The secretory reservoir was connected by a short duct to the manifold. Differences in the size and shape of the manifold may be related to the chemical structure of the pheromone and may have taxonomic value. Examination of the interior cuticle by SEM may help to locate the secretory apparatus of vector species where pheromonal activity has been inferred from behavioural studies but the external secretory structures or pheromones have not yet been found.