Contribution to the taxonomy of Gryllus Linnaeus, 1758 in South America: Part I: Redescription of Gryllus argentinus Saussure, 1874 (Orthoptera,Grylloidea, Gryllidae)

The genus Gryllus includes 82 described species that occur in America from Canada to Argentina as well as in several areas of Africa, Europe and Asia. There are 12 species in South America, which were described in the nineteenth century based on a small number of samples and inconsistent characters such as body coloration and external morphology. The aim of this article is to redescribe Gryllus argentinus Saussure, 1874 collected in the urban areas of Pelotas, Capão do Leão and Rio Grande, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, highlighting phallic sclerites, calling song and body morphometry. We designate the lectotype male, provide a combination of diagnostic characteristics and discuss the taxonomic situation of South American Gryllus species.     

A contribution to the rust flora (Uredinales) on Aizoaceae in southern Africa

Rust fungi on Aizoaceae in southern Africa have been examined and reported based on 27 specimens collected during a biodiversity study and previously collected herbarium specimens. Eight species including five new species have been recognized, and they are described in detail and illustrated. Together with two additional species in literature, ten species of rust fungi are now recognized on Aizoaceae in southern Africa. Part 223 in the series “Studies in Heterobasidiomycetes” from the Botanical Institute, University of Tübingen.     

A conservation assessment of the freshwater crabs of southern Africa (Brachyura: Potamonautidae)

Recent taxonomic revisions of the freshwater crabs of southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe) allow accurate depictions of their diversity, distribution patterns and conservation status. The southern African region is home to nineteen species of freshwater crabs all belonging to the genus Potamonautes (family Potamonautidae). These crabs show high levels of species endemism (84%) to the southern African region and to the country of South Africa (74%). The conservation status of each species is assessed using the IUCN (2003) Red List criteria, based on detailed compilations of the majority of known specimens. The results indicate that one species should be considered vulnerable, fifteen species least concern and three species data deficient. The results have been utilized by the IUCN for Red Lists, and may prove useful when developing a conservation strategy for southern Africa’s endemic freshwater crab fauna.     

Record of Blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner, 1864) in the Eerste River catchment,Western Cape province,South Africa

Oreochromis aureus was imported from Israel into South Africa in 1959 but data on its current status in South Africa are lacking. Genomic DNA was extracted and the COI gene amplified at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity. The identity of the sequences and specimens was determined using the Barcode of Life Data Systems and GenBank. Morphological and genetic assessment demonstrated that 11 specimens collected from two farm dams in the Eerste River System, Western Cape province, were Oreochromis aureus. A MaxEnt model compiled using global distribution, rainfall and temperature data predicted that large areas of southern Africa were climatically suitable for this species, indicating considerable invasion debt in southern Africa. As a result, surveys to assess for the extent of the invasion in South Africa and eradication of existing populations, if feasible, are recommended management actions.     

First record of the brown lanternshark,Etmopterus unicolor, from the waters around New Zealand, and comparison with the southern lanternshark,E. granulosus

Specimens of the brown lanternshark,Etmopterus unicolor, reported here for the first time from the waters around New Zealand, were caught on bottom longlines. This study compares morphometeric and meristic characters of New Zealand and Japanese specimens ofE. unicolor and New Zealand specimens of the southern lanternshark,E. granulosus. E. unicolor andE. granulosus are clearly distinguishable by the height of the first dorsal fin, number of spiral valves, number of vertebrae, and shape of the dermal denticles and teeth.     

Two new species of Acutogordius (Nematomorpha), with a brief review of literature data of this genus

We describe two new species of the nematomorph genus Acutogordius, A. sulawensis from Sulawesi and A. protectus from Madagascar. For comparative reasons, the other known species are briefly described and discussed. The genus Acutogordius now comprises nine species regarded as valid. They are distributed on the entire southern hemisphere, from South and Central America over Africa and South‐east Asia to Australia. The three male specimens of Acutogordius protectus differ in the shape of a cuticular structure, the postcloacal crescent, which has implications for the potential of this character as a taxonomic tool.     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Otoptera (Phaseoleae, Fabaceae) in southern Africa

A taxonomic study of the genus Otoptera (tribe Phaseoleae) is presented. This distinct genus consists of two species, O. burchellii in southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe) and O. madagascariensis endemic to Madagascar. The two species differ in the shape and size of leaflets, size and orientation of the spur located at the base of the wing petal, and also by size of the pod. A key to the two species is provided. This study focuses mainly on the southern African O. burchellii DC., which is described and illustrated. The species name is lectotypified and the known geographical distribution is recorded for the first time.     

Geometric craniometric analysis of sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic variation: A case study based on two geographically disparate species, Aethomys ineptus from southern Africa and Arvicanthis niloticus from Sudan (Rodentia: Muridae)

Non-geographic morphometric variation, particularly at the level of sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic (age-related) variation, has been documented in rodents, and useful for establishing whether to analyse sexes separately or together, and for selecting adult specimens for subsequent data recording and analysis. However, such studies have largely been based on traditional morphometric analyses of linear measurements that mainly focus on overall size, rather than shape-related morphometric variation. Unit-free, landmark/outline-based geometric morphometric analyses are considered to offer a more appropriate tool for assessing shape-related morphometric variation. In this study, we used geometric cranial morphometric analysis to assess the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism and age variation within the Tete veld rat, Aethomys ineptus (Thomas and Wroughton, 1908) from southern Africa and the African Nile rat, Arvicanthis niloticus (Desmarest, 1822) from Sudan. The results obtained were in turn compared with previously published results based on independent geometric and traditional cranial morphometric data from the same sampled populations examined in the present study. While our geometric morphometric results detected statistically significant sexual dimorphism in cranial shape within Ar. niloticus only, previously published results based on traditional morphometric data failed to detect significant sexual dimorphism within this species. However, similar to previously published traditional morphometric data, our geometric morphometric results detected statistically significant age-related variation in cranial shape and size within both Ae. ineptus and Ar. niloticus, with individuals of age classes 5 and 6 being considered to represent adult specimens. Our results highlight the importance of carefully evaluating both size- and shape-related non-geographic morphometric variation prior to the analysis of geographic variation and the delineation of species. Erroneous conclusions of non-geographic variation may have implications in the interpretation of geographic and evolutionary processes that may be responsible for morphological differences at both the inter- and intra-specific levels.     

Intraspecific Variation in the Vocalizations and Hand Pad Morphology of Southern Lesser Bush Babies (Galago moholi): A Comparison with G. senegalensis

Previous studies have shown the taxonomic value of vocal repertoires and hand (volar) pad characteristics in the classification of cryptic nocturnal primates such as bush babies. However, no study included quantitative comparisons within the geographical range of any one species. We investigated levels of intraspecific variation in calls and hand pad characteristics of the southern lesser bush baby (Galago moholi), using the northern lesser bush baby (Galago senegalensis) for interspecific comparisons. Examination of calls recorded from different regions along a transect of 1500 km across southern Africa revealed low levels of intraspecific variation in Galago moholi, whereas comparisons with homologous call-types in G. senegalensis revealed them to be significantly different. Volar pad measurements across the ranges of both species also showed low levels of intraspecific variation and relatively high interspecific variation. These findings demonstrate that vocal and volar pad characteristics can be used as consistent measures of difference between species that look almost identical. These methods provide a practical means of distinguishing between cryptic species, whether in the field, in captivity, or, in the case of volar pads, of preserved specimens.     

Morphological and genetic variation indicate cryptic species within Lamarck's little sea star, Parvulastra (=Patiriella) exigua

The asterinid sea star Parvulastra exigua (Lamarck) is a common member of temperate intertidal marine communities from geographically widespread sites around the southern hemisphere. Individuals from Australian populations lay benthic egg masses (through orally directed gonopores) from which nonplanktonic offspring hatch and metamorphose without a dispersing planktonic larval phase. Scattered reports in the taxonomic literature refer to a similar form in southern Africa with aborally directed gonopores (and possibly broadcast spawning of planktonic eggs and larvae); such differences would be consistent with cryptic species variation. Surveys of morphology and mtDNA sequences have revealed cryptic species diversity in other asterinid genera. Here we summarize the taxonomic history of Lamarck's "Astérie exigu?" and survey morphological variation (the location of the gonopores) for evidence that some P. exigua populations include cryptic species with a different mode of reproduction. We found strong evidence for multiple species in the form of two phenotypes and modes of reproduction (oral and aboral gonopore locations) in populations from southern Africa and islands in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Both modes of reproduction have broad geographic ranges. These results are consistent with previously published genetic data that indicate multiple species in African and island (but not Australian) populations.     

新疆阿尔泰山南麓平茶渍属地衣3个中国新记录种

平茶渍属(Aspicilia)是地衣型真菌的重要类群之一。该类真菌在干旱、半干旱地区尤为丰富,因此在地处半干旱区的新疆,其分布也极其多样。该研究对采自新疆阿尔泰山南麓可可托海风景区的平茶渍属地衣标本,从形态解剖、化学显色反应及薄层层析法和生境等多个角度进行了综合分析,发现中国新记录种3个,分别为博伊金平茶渍(Aspicilia boykinii)、烟色平茶渍(A.fumosa)和斯氏平茶渍(A.sipeana)。提供了这3个新记录种的外部宏观形态和内部解剖结构彩色图。     

New specimens of the avian taxa <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eurotrochilus</Emphasis> (Trochilidae) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Palaeotodus</Emphasis> (Todidae) from the early Oligocene of Germany

We describe new specimens of stem group representatives of Trochilidae (hummingbirds) and Todidae (todies) from the Rupelian of Frauenweiler in southern Germany. The hummingbird fossil constitutes the fourth record of Eurotrochilus inexpectatus. It consists only of wing and pectoral girdle elements, but shows the previously unknown crista deltopectoralis of the humerus, whose shape differs from modern hummingbirds. The carpometacarpus bears a well-developed processus intermetacarpalis, which is a further synapomorphy of Eurotrochilus and crown group Trochilidae. The disarticulated partial skeleton of the tody allows a definitive taxonomic assignment of the Frauenweiler species to Palaeotodus itardiensis Mourer-Chauviré, and likewise exhibits so far unknown osteological details, including the morphologies of the quadrate and scapula. We further comment on the exceptional taphonomy and preservation of avian fossils from the Frauenweiler clay pit, where terrestrial birds are represented only by small to very small species, whose skeletons are always strongly disarticulated.     

Two Invaders Instead of One: The True Identity of Species under the Name Ceracis cucullatus (Coleoptera: Ciidae)

The Neotropical obligate fungivorous beetle Ceracis cucullatus (Mellié) has attracted attention of coleopterists due to the increasing number of records of populations in Africa. Although its disjunct populations have been interpreted as a cohesive taxonomic unity, previous comparisons between African and Neotropical specimens revealed differences in their external morphology, causing uncertainty about the true unity of the species. Here, we compare the external morphology of specimens named Cer. cucullatus from several localities of the Neotropical, Palearctic, Afrotropical, Afrotemperate and Oriental regions. As results, we reverse three previous junior synonymies of Cer. cucullatus, proposing Cer. lamellatus (Pic) and Cer. tabellifer (Mellié), both reinstated status and new combinations, as separate species. We also propose Enn. bilamellatum Pic as a new synonym of Cer. tabellifer. In face of these taxonomic changes, we identify Cer. tabellifer as the actual invasive species on African lands, instead of Cer. cucullatus as was previously accepted. Then, through historical records gathered from scientific collections and literature, and through examination of recently collected specimens from South Africa and Brazil, we provide data on host fungi and geographic distribution of Cer. tabellifer. Based on these data, we discuss possible explanations to the successful invasion of Cer. tabellifer in Africa and elsewhere and its potential threat to native faunas of ciids. This study helps to fulfil an old gap in the literature on biological invasions, with considerably more studies on predatory species, disease vectors or potential pests of agricultural crops, than on non-pest fungivorous organisms.     

Taxonomic status of southern South American Conepatus (Carnivora: Mephitidae)

Despite recent taxonomic evaluations of Mephitidae and North American hog‐nosed skunks, southern South American species of Conepatus have not been thoroughly examined in a systematic context. Conepatus chinga and Conepatus humboldtii were described more than 150 years ago, based on external characters such as hair coloration and size. Although historically recognized as valid species, to date no detailed systematic analysis has been performed for either of these taxa. Herein, we evaluated the taxonomic status of C. chinga and C. humboldtii within the southern part of South America using geometric morphometrics of the skull and mandible, mitochondrial DNA analysis using the cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase c subunit I genes, and also control region and pelage pattern variation. We failed to find morphological (skull shape and pelage coloration patterns) or molecular differences between these two species; thus, we considered that the specimens assigned to C. chinga and C. humboldtii belong to the same species. Our results indicate that environmental variation seems to be responsible for shape and size variation in Conepatus skulls from southern South America. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

NEW RECORD OF THE MARINE RED ALGA CUBICULOSPORUM (GIGARTINALES) FROM THE SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF1

Cubiculosporum koronicarpis Kraft (Cubiculosporaceae, Gigartinales), known previously only from the type locality (southeastern Luzon, Philippines), has been collected at North West Island on the southern Great Barrier Reef. The habitat, distribution and taxonomic status of the species are discussed, and habit features of the new specimens are illustrated.     

Pterygodermatites variabilis n. sp. (Nematoda: Rictularioidea) from the Indian gerbils of Pakistan

Pterygodermatites variabilis n. sp. (Nematoda: Rictulalarioidea) from the Indian gerbils Tatera indica collected from Sind and Baluchistan Provinces of Pakistan is described and compared with closely related species of the genus recovered from small mammalian hosts. The new species is characterised by a combination of the following characters: it possesses a regular crown of 26 and 14–38 denticles in male and female specimens respectively, 40–47 pairs of pre-vulvar spines, and a variable position of the vulva in specimens collected from different localities: it also differs in the size of the spicules and gubernaculum.     

Taxonomy of the proterosuchid archosauriforms (Diapsida: Archosauromorpha) from the earliest Triassic of South Africa,and implications for the early archosauriform radiation

Proterosuchidae is one of the first clades of Archosauriformes (archosaurs and closely related species) to appear in the fossil record, with the richest sample of the group coming from the Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone (earliest Triassic) of South Africa. Four nominal proterosuchid species were described from South Africa during the twentieth century (Proterosuchus fergusi, Chasmatosaurus vanhoepeni, Chasmatosaurus alexanderi and Elaphrosuchus rubidgei), but interpretations of their taxonomy have been widely disparate. The most recent taxonomic revision concluded that P. fergusi is the only valid species and that the other nominal species are junior subjective synonyms of this taxon. This proposal was based on the interpretation that anatomical differences between the nominal species could be explained as a result of ontogenetic changes and/or post‐mortem deformation. The recent discoveries of multiple new South African proterosuchid specimens provide an impetus to revisit their taxonomy. Based upon a comprehensive re‐examination of all known specimens, as well as examination of other proterosuchid taxa in collections worldwide, we conclude that the holotype of Proterosuchus fergusi is undiagnostic. As a result, we propose a neotype (RC 846) for the species. ‘Chasmatosaurus vanhoepeni’ and ‘Elaphrosuchus rubidgei’ are considered subjective junior synonyms of P. fergusi. ‘Chasmatosaurus’ alexanderi is considered a valid species, for which we propose the new combination P. alexanderi comb. nov. A third species, P. goweri sp. nov., is erected on the basis of a single specimen (NMQR 880). All three species recognized here are taxonomically distinct from a previously described archosauriform maxilla from the lower Lystrosaurus AZ. As a result, we recognize a minimum of four archosauriform species following the Permo‐Triassic mass extinction in South Africa. Our results suggest a greater species richness of earliest Triassic archosauriforms than previously appreciated, but that archosauriform morphological disparity remained low and did not expand until the late Early Triassic – early Mid‐Triassic.