A new species of Rhopalosiphum (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on Chusquea tomentosa (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) from Costa Rica

The new species Rhopalosiphum chusqueae Pérez Hidalgo & Villalobos Muller, is described from apterous viviparous females caught on Chusquea tomentosa in Cerro de la Muerte (Costa Rica). The identity of the species is supported both by the morphological features and by a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA containing the 5' region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) and on the nuclear gene coding for the Elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1α). The taxonomic position of the new species is discussed. An identification key to the Aphidinae species living on plants of Bambusoideae (Poaceae) is presented.     

A brittle star bed from the Miocene of Patagonia, Argentina

Martínez, S., del Río, C.J. & Pérez, D.E. 2010: A brittle star bed from the Miocene of Patagonia, Argentina. Lethaia , Vol. 43, pp. 1–9.
As a consequence of the extremely poor fossil record of brittle stars, every new discovery is important. The Miocene example studied herein involves the recently described species Ophiocrossota kollenbergorum Caviglia, Martínez & del Río recovered from the Chenque Formation of southeastern Argentina. The information used here is derived from unpublished data and a new record from two discrete, thin, monospecific patches. The main taphonomic features of the patches, namely the presence of specimens concordant with bedding planes, (with either aboral or oral side upwards), and the good preservation of the delicate discs (ca. 6 mm wide on average), and the preservation of un-oriented arms complete with fragile tips (not wider than 0.2 mm), point to a suddenly buried census assemblage. Although broken or isolated arms were found, this is attributed to the erosive environmental conditions of the abrasion platform where the studied exposure is located today. Size frequency distributions suggest that both patches were buried at different seasons. Observed densities are 77 and 143 individuals/m², and distances between individuals are random. The arm length/disc diameter ratio indicates that Ophiocrossota kollenbergorum may have been an epifaunal surface dweller. No signs of predation (such as regenerated arms), were identified.     

Redescription and systematic reclassification of the trematode Topsiturvitrema verticalia (Trematoda: Digenea) in a new family

The trematode species Topsiturvitrema verticalia Vélez and Thatcher 1990 is redescribed based on two paratype samples and new material from the small intestine of the bat Myotis levis (Geoffroy), from Bahia Samborombón, Buenos Aires province, Argentina. This species is characterized by the presence of a "rhynchus", that is, an anterior sucker-like attachment organ, by the position of the mouth on the ventral surface (surrounded by the ventral sucker), by two blind digestive structures, by the presence of two false saccular caeca located anteriorly and behind the anterior attachment organ, by the presence of the genital pore in the marginal anterior position of the body, and by the mid-dorsal position of the excretory pore. T. verticalia was originally described as a member of the family Lecithodendriidae (Lühe 1901), however, the presence of "rhynchus" and the position of the mouth opening in the ventral sucker constitute morphological features that preclude its inclusion in this family. On account of this, it is considered necessary to create a new family for the genus Topsiturvitrema Vélez and Thatcher 1990, which is included in a new family, Topsiturvitrematidae fam. nov. Furthermore, the geographic range of the species is expanded from Colombia to Argentina and M. levis is added to the species' host list.     

A new species of Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae) from the Sierra Madre of Chiapas, Mexico, with comments on species relationships

The new species Ceratozamia vovidesii from a Pleistocene floristic refuge in southern Mexico is described and illustrated. It show an affinity with C. matudae Lundell and C. mirandae Vovides, Pérez-Farrera & Iglesias from Chiapas, but it differs from them in leaf, male and female cones, and trunk morphology.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 153 , 393–400.     

Reproductive isolation of a new hybrid species, Senecio eboracensis Abbott & Lowe (Asteraceae)

The nature and extent of reproductive isolation was examined between a new self-compatible hybrid species Senecio eboracensis (2n=40) and its parents, self-incompatible S. squalidus (2n=20) and self-compatible S. vulgaris (2n=40). The triploid F(1) of S. eboracensis x S. squalidus exhibited very low seed set (x=0.63%), and F(2) and F(3) progeny were able to recover nominal levels of fertility (x=23.9 and 9.7%), while F(1) and F(2) offspring of S. eboracensis x S. vulgaris showed reduced seed set (x=63.8 and 58.8%). In both cases, evidence from previous work indicates that reduced fertility is associated with meiotic chromosome mispairing, and is a likely consequence of recombining both parental genomes within this new taxon. No hybrid offspring between S. eboracensis and S. squalidus were found in the wild, and only one such hybrid was recorded among 769 progeny produced by S. eboracensis surrounded by S. squalidus on an experimental plot. Natural crossing between S. eboracensis and S. vulgaris was recorded to be very low (between 0 and 1.46%) in the wild, but rose to 18.3% when individuals of S. eboracensis were surrounded by plants of S. vulgaris. It was concluded that strong breeding barriers exist between the new hybrid species and its two parents. Prezygotic isolation between S. eboracensis and S. vulgaris is likely to be largely due to both species reproducing by predominant self-fertilisation. However, differences recorded for germination, seedling survival, time of flowering and characters associated with pollinator attraction, plus significant clumping of juvenile and adult conspecifics in the wild, probably also contribute to reproductive isolation and ecological differentiation.     

Description of Culicoides (Mataemyia) felippebauerae sp. n., Forcipomyia musae immatures, and occurrence of F. genualis, breeding in banana stems in Brazilian Amazonia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The following three species of Ceratopogonidae were collected breeding in the rhizomatous herb Phenakospermum guyannense Endl., 1833 in the vicinity of Manaus, Brazil, a new species, Culicoides (Mataemyia) felippebauerae Spinelli, Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) genualis (Loew), and F. (Phytohelea) musae Clastrier & Dellécole. C. (M.) felippebauerae is described and illustrated as adult, pupa, and fourth instar larva, the adult compared with the adult of C. barthi Taveres and Souza and larva and pupa with those of C. dicrourus Wirth & Blanton and C. macieli Tavares & Ruiz, the only species with known immatures in the subgenus. The pupa and fourth instar larva of F. (P.) musae are described and illustrated and compared with immatures of F. (P.) edwardsi Saunders.     

Goeppertia mendesiana sp. nov. (Marantaceae) from Bahia,Brazil, with a key to the species of Goeppertia with ornamented leaves in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Goeppertia mendesiana, a new species from the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It resembles G. widgrenii (Körn.) Borchs. & Suárez, but differs from that species by its villose petioles and peduncles (vs glabrous in G. widgrenii) and by the absence of bracteoles and interphylls, a rare feature in the genus. The ecology, distribution and conservation status of the new species is presented, along with a key to the species of Goeppertia with ornamented leaves in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.     

Review of the genus Fontidessus Miller & Spangler, 2008 (Coleoptera,Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae,Bidessini) with description of four new species

The genus Fontidessus Miller & Spangler, 2008 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Bidessini) is reviewed. The genus now includes seven species with three previously described, and four new species described here: F. microphthalmus Miller & Montano, sp. n.; F. bettae Miller & Montano, sp. n.; F. christineae Miller & Montano, sp. n., and F. aquarupe Miller & Montano, sp. n. Each species is diagnosed and described, including the previously known species, based on new specimens and new information. Habitus, male genitalia and other diagnostic features are illustrated for each species. A key to the seven species is provided. Fontidessus species are unique to hygropetric habitats in the Guiana Shield craton of northern South American.     

Revision of the endemic Australian subfamily Trachypetinae Schulz s.l. (including Cercobarconinae Tobias) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract. The subfamily Cercobarconinae is synonymized with the Trachypetinae, the constituent genera ( Trachypetus Guérin de Méneville, Megalohelcon Turner and Cercobarcon Tobias) are rediagnosed and the species are revised and redescribed. Rhamphobarcon Tobias is synonymized with Megalohelcon Turner, R.mosaicus Tobias is synonymized with M.torresensis Turner, M.uptoni Tobias is synonymized with M.ichneumonoides Tobias, and four species are newly described: M.mouldsi, C.bilobatus, C.grossi and C.niger. Relationships within the subfamily are discussed, as are those of the Trachypetinae to other braconid subfamilies. Comments on the biology and distribution of species are provided, along with an illustrated key to genera and species.     

角马蜂贮精囊及精子的形态学观察

昆虫贮精囊和精子的形态多样性是重要的分类和系统发育分析特征之一, 然而在马蜂亚科乃至整个胡蜂科中却鲜有涉及。本文首次解剖了角马蜂Polistes chinensis antennalis Pérez的雄性生殖系统, 着重对其贮精囊的超微结构进行描述, 并简要报道了精子的外部形态。角马蜂的贮精囊由输精管亚前端膨大而成, 有一层发达的柱状上皮细胞贴在基底膜内壁： 细胞核位于柱状细胞基部, 上皮细胞端半部线粒体密集, 顶膜特化成微绒毛。角马蜂精子头长21.4 μm, 体长94 μm, 是已报道胡蜂科精子中长度最短、 相对头长最长的种类。研究结果为胡蜂科昆虫系统发育以及繁殖生理提供理论依据。     

Growth rate and body weight of foundress-reared offspring in a paper wasp, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Polistes chinensis</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera,Vespidae): no influence of food quantity on the first offspring

Summary. Laboratory experiments with Polistes chinensis (Pérez) showed that growth rates and weights of the first-hatched offspring were not different between food-available and food-deficient conditions. In food-deficient colonies, some first-hatched offspring grew quickly, but their dry weights were not different from that of later offspring. The present results suggest that foundresses of P. chinensis may intensively feed some first-hatched larvae to produce the first workers quickly under food-deficient conditions. Since food availability of field foundresses of this species has been estimated as very low, it seems likely that they may produce the first offspring as early as possible by such feeding. On the other hand, heavier offspring were produced when extra food is available, especially in the latter half of the order of emergence. Foundresses of this species may change the amount of prey fed to each larva in response to food availability.     

The ammonite genera Fagesia and Neoptychites (family Vascoceratidae) in the Iberian Trough, Spain

The ammonites assigned to the genera Fagesia Pervinquière, and Neoptychites Kossmat, of the Wiedmann (Tübingen, Germany) and Goy, Carretero and Meléndez (Madrid, Spain) collections obtained from the Iberian Trough have been revised. New mainly lower Turonian specimens of the species Fagesia catinus (Mantell), F. tevesthensis (Peron), F. rudra (Stoliczka), F. superstes (Kossmat), F. pachydiscoides Spath, and Neoptychites cephalotus (Courtiller) have also been presented. In addition we have described one new species: F. mortzestus. Studies of the morphologies and the geographical and stratigraphical distributions of all these species have led to the identification of several phylogenetic relationships between them, and to distinguishing one main phase in the evolution of the family Vascoceratidae Douvillé, characterised by the dominance of Fagesia with Neoptychites.     

The State and Small-Scale Fisheries in Puerto Rico

The State and Small-Scale Fisheries in Puerto Rico . Ricardo Pérez. Gainesville: University of Florida Press, 2005. 218 pp.     

A new species of Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae) from Tabasco and Chiapas, Mexico

Ceratozamia becerrae sp. nov. is described and illustrated. This species from Tabasco and Chiapas has affinity with C. miqueliana H. Wendl. from Veracruz and Chiapas, but differs in morphology and habit of leaves, leaflets, male and female strobili and trunk. Ceratozamia becerrae is considered part of the C. miqueliana species complex that includes C. miqueliana, C. euryphyllidia Vázq.Torres, Sabato & Stevenson and C. zoquorum Pérez-Farrera, Vovides & Iglesias. The geographical range of this species complex is southern Veracruz, Tabasco and northern Chiapas in tropical rain forests.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 146 , 123–128.     

The pterolichoid feather mites (Acarina, Astigmata) of the Megapodiidae (Aves, Galliformes)

The pterolichoid feather mites of megapodes are reviewed. Named taxa are briefly discussed and most are figured. The Pterolichidae (Pterolichinae) are: Ascetohchus Perez & Atyeo, three species; Echinozonus Atyeo & Perez, six species; Pereziella Atyeo, two species; and Phycoferus Atyeo & Perez, two species. New pterolichine taxa, with the type species listed first, include: Botryaspis cordiforma gen. et sp.n. and B. cordata gen. et sp.n.; Cycloprotarsus lineatus gen. et sp.n., C. centralis gen. et sp.n. and C. monacrotrichus gen. et sp.n.; Eurypterolichus gen.n. for Pterolichus navicula comb.n. Trouessart & Neumann and E. coniger gen. et sp.n.; Goniodurus gen.n. for Pterolichus ( Pseudalloptes ) quadratus comb.n. Trouessart and G. bilobatus gen. et sp.n.; Haptepigynus gen.n. for Pterolichus ( Pseudalloptes ) tridentiger comb.n. Trouessart and H. holonotus gen. et sp.n.; Heliaspis ventralis gen. et sp.n.; Leipobius ocellatus gen. et sp.n.; Maleolichus maleo gen. et sp.n.; Mayracarus gen.n. for Pterolichus (P.) tritilobus comb.n. Trouessart; Megapodobius arcuatus gen. et sp.n. and M. striatus gen. et sp.n.; Oxygynurus brevissimus gen. et sp.n., O. longicaulis gen. et sp.n., O. mediocaulis gen. et sp.n. and O. parvicaulis gen. et sp. n.; Prionoturus amembranatus gen. et sp. n.; Talegallobius bidentatus gen. et sp.n.; and Tanysomacarus imperfectus gen. et sp.n. and T. brachymeles gen. et sp.n. A new taxon of the Thoracosathesidae is: Thoracosathes caudiculata sp.n. Keys are provided and host- commensal associations are discussed. All taxa are restricted to the Megapodiidae. Cheylabis fuscina Trouessart is assigned to Pereziella and has as a synonym P. dupilcata Atyeo.     

Taxonomy of Fasciosminthurus (Collembola, Symphypleona, Bourletiellidae), with descriptions of two new European species

The taxonomy of Fasciosminthurus (Collembola, Symphypleona, Bourletiellidae) is reviewed. Two Fasciosminthurus species are redescribed, F. sauteri (Nayrolles & Lienhard, 1990) and F. virgulatus (Skorikow, 1899), and two new species, F. saportae sp. n. and F. pseudovirgulatus sp. n., are described. Fasciosminthurus virgulatus and F. pseudovirgulatus display similar colour patterns. They can be distinguished by presence vs absence of a pair of flecks on the head and chaetotaxy of the third antennal segment. A key to species and comments on taxonomic characters and biogeography are provided. It is proposed that F. virgulatus and F. pseudovirgulatus sp. n. are allopatric sister species.