Aralichus porrectus (Mégnin & Trouessart) and related feather mite species (Acarina,Pterolichidae) from parrots of the genus Brotogeris Vigors (Aves,Psittacidae)

A species complex of the large genus Aralichus Gaud (Pterolichoidea, Pterolichidae) is restricted to Central and South American parrots of the genus Brotogeris Vigors. Aralichus porrectus (Mégnin & Trouessart) from Brotogeris jugularis (Müller) is redescribed, and five new species are described: A. chrysopteri from B. chrysopterus (L.), A. cyanopterae from B. cyanoptera (Salvadori), A. crassisetosus and A. sanctithomae from B. sanctithomae (Müller), and A. tiricae from B. tirica (Gmelin). Hostcommensal relationships are discussed.     

三种常见实蝇的形态学、生物学和生态学比较

对瓜实蝇Bactrocera (Tetradacus) minax (Enderlein)、桔小实蝇Bactrocera (Bactrocera) dorsalis (Hendel)和桔大实蝇Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) cucurbitae (Coquillett)的形态学、生物学、生态学等方面进行了比较和分析,包括三种实蝇在国内外的分布情况,对寄主选择的差异,各种虫态的形态特征,发育历期和生活史,并对它们的危害状况和防治方法分别作了介绍,可为3种实蝇的鉴定和防治提供参考.     

Trans-bis(benzo(1,3)-thiazole)bis(N,N-dimethylformamide)bis(N-thiocyanato)-cobalt(II): spectroscopy,thermal analysis and crystal structure

Disolution of Co(bzt)₂(NCS)₂ (bzt = benzo 1,3- thiazole) in dimethyl formamide (dmf) produces Co(bzt)₂(NCS)₂(dmf)₂. The stoichionmetry of the complex has been established by a combination of chemical (C, H, N) and thermal analysis. The comlex has an octahedral structure with pairs of ligands in trans configuration as well as a CoN₄O₂ coordination sphere with CoN distances of 2.185(2) Å (bzt); 2.082(2) Å (NCS) and CoN(dmf) of 2.118(2) Å. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra are consistent with this arrangement.     

Revision of the subgenus Ceratitis (Pardalaspis) Bezzi, 1918 (Diptera, Tephritidae, Ceratitini)

Abstract. The fruit fly genus Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprises several important pest species attacking a wide range of unrelated fruits. In this paper the subgenus Ceratitis ( Pardalaspis ) Bezzi is revised. Ten species are recognized of which five are described as new: C.(P.)hamata sp.n., C.(P.)munroi sp.n., C.(P.)serrata sp.n., C.(P.)semipunctata sp.n. and C.(P.)zairensis sp.n. A key to both sexes is provided. All species are restricted to the Afrotropical Region and distributional and known host plant data are given.     

Seven species of Fainalges Gaud and Berla (Analgoidea, Xolalgidae) from Aratinga holochlora (Sclater) (Aves, Psittacidae)

The greatest number of feather mite Congeners occurring on a single host are members of the genus Fainalges Gaud & Berla (Acarina, Xolalgidae), associates of New World parrots. For the green conure, Aratinga holochlora (Sclater) (Aves, Psittacidae), there are six new and one previously known Fainalges species; these will be (re) described herein. The new species are: F. bilobatus, F. latistriatus, F. spiculatus, F. stettenheimi, F. tanythrix, F. vulgaris ; the redescribed species is F. longissimus Mejía-González & Pérez. Additionally, the developmental series for each species is (re)described. The microhabitats of the two most abundant species, F. bilobatus and F. vulgaris , are established. Fainalges brevissimus Mejía-González & Pérez is considered as a junior synonym of F. intermedius (Trouessart).     

First description of the female of Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) gracilior (Chen, 1975) (Diptera,Sarcophagidae)

Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) gracilior (Chen, 1975) is documented from specimens collected in Hubei Province, China, using morphological characters and wing interference patterns (WIPs). The female of S. (S.) gracilior is described for the first time, the male is redescribed, and both sexes are photographed. The distribution of the species is updated.     

Lamellicorn Beetles (Coleoptera,Scarabaeoidea) of Manchuria (China): Fauna,Ecology, and Zoogeography

The species composition and taxonomic structure of lamellicorn beetles of Northeast China are considered. A total of 317 species from 86 genera, 42 tribes, 18 subfamilies, and 6 families are known to occur in the fauna of Manchuria. Seven species are recorded from China for the first time: Trox scaber (Linnaeus, 1767), Glyptotrox ineptus (Balthasar, 1931), Aegialia (Psammoporus) kamtschatica Motschulsky, 1860, Aphodius (Acrossus) superatratus Nomura et Nakane, 1951, Aphodius (Chilothorax) grafi Reitter, 1901, Maladera spissigrada (Brenske, 1897), and Valgus hemipterus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758); in addition, 18 species are recorded as new to the fauna of Manchuria. Among 177, 219, 208 and 226 species recorded from the Manchurian part of Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, 20, 29, 14 and 19 species are new to the region, respectively. The ecological and zoogeographical features of Scarabaeoidea in Manchuria are analyzed. Data on the trophic structure, phenology, and distribution of all the taxa are presented.     

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.     

Specific phosphorylase from Euglena gracilis splits diadenosine 5',5''-P(1),P(4)-tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) and diadenosine 5',5''-P(1),P(3)-triphosphate (Ap(3)A)

1. Phosphorolytic cleavage of Ap(4),A was demonstrated in cell-free extracts from two protozoan organisms, Euglena gracilis and Acanthamoeba castellanii. 2. A specific dinucleoside oligophosphate (DNOP) alpha, beta-phosphorylase which degrades substrates with formation of corresponding nucleoside 5'-diphosphate (NDP) as one of the reaction products was purified 625-fold from Euglena gracilis cells. 3. In addition to Ap(4)A, the phosphorylase degrades AP(3)A, Ap(5)A, Gp(4)G and one of phosphonate analogs, ApppCH(2)pA. The K(m) values for Ap(4), A and Ap(3) A are 27 and 25 micron, and relative velocities 100 and 14, respectively. The K(m) for phosphate is 0.5 mM. 4. Some anions (arsenate, chromate, molybdate and vanadate) can substitute for phosphate in the catalyzed reactions and in their presence the DNOPs yield corresponding nucleoside 5'-monophosphate as one of the reactions' product. The enzyme supports also an anion-dependent dephosphorylation of NDPs. 5. Molecular weight of the native Euglena phosphorylase is 30,000. Optimum pH for its activity is at 8.0 Divalent metal cations are essential for the phosphorolysis of DNOPs but are not for the NDP dephosphorylation mentioned.     

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...     

The stabilizing contribution of thymine in duplexes of (dA)24 with (dU)24, (dT)24, (dU12-dT12), (dU-dT)12, (dU2-dT2)6, or (dU3-dT3)4: nearest neighbor and next-nearest neighbor effects

Ultraviolet melting curves are used to determine the effect of the pyrimidine 5-methyl group on the stability of duplexes of (dA)(24) with (dU)(24), (dT)(24), (dU(12)-dT(12)), (dU-dT)(12), (dU(2)-dT(2))(6), and (dU(3)-dT(3))(4). Substitution of a T for a U results in an increase in stability, which is attributed to an increase in strength of dipole-induced dipole and dispersion (van der Waals) interactions. Significant additional enhancement occurs when two T residues are adjacent. A further increase in the number of adjacent T's has a relatively slight effect on T(m). The sequence effect appears to be largely attributable to an increment in dispersion forces.The CD spectra of the duplexes are all closely similar except in the region between 260 and 290 nm. A band near 272 nm associated with the presence of U in the spectrum of (dA)(24).(dU)(24) decreases in intensity when T's are incorporated in the pyrimidine strand. The band is completely replaced in the spectrum of (dA)(24).(dT)(24) with a new maximum at 282 nm and a minimum at 268 nm, both of lower magnitude. The emergence of the two new bands is correlated with the presence of adjacent T's once more, and only two adjacent T's appear necessary for a major part of the change to occur. The degree of cation release on thermal dissociation of the oligomer dimers ranges from Deltai = 0.14 to 0.16, about the same or slightly less than values reported for polynucleotide duplexes and less than predicted from theoretical calculations.     

A revision of the Zenometridae (new rank) (Echinodermata, Crinoidea, Comatulidina)

Three genera of unstalked crinoids, Zenometra , Sarametra and Psathyrometra , formerly included in the subfamily Zenometrinae of the family Antedonidae, are removed and placed in a distinct family, the Zenometridae. Diagnostic features include a cavernous centrodorsal cavity, a complete basal circlet with a large central lumen and cirrus sockets with a concave fulcral bowl around the lumen. Sarametra nicobarica is synonymized under S. triserialis , which is redescribed in detail. Psathyrometra is redefined and includes only the species P. fragilis , P. congesta and P. bigradata , which are redescribed. P. erythrizon is synonymized under P. fragilis . The four other species formerly included in Psathyrometra are removed to Athrypsometra gen. n., retained in the Antedonidae. The other genera formerly included in the Zenometrinae are considered incertae sedis in the family Antedonidae pending detailed re-examination. Cladistic analysis using the antedonids, Poliometra prolixa (a former zenometrine) and Florometra serratissima , and the thalassometrid, Oceanometra annandalei , as outgroups produces the following tree: ( O. annandalei (( F. serratissima / P. prolixa )((( P. fragilis / P. congesta ) P. bigradata ) ( S. triserialis / Z. columnaris )))).     

Late Carnian (Tuvalian,Tropites dilleri zone) ostracods (Crustacea) from the Mufara Formation (Monte Scalpello,Central-Eastern Sicily,Italy)

Ostracod association from the Upper Triassic (Tropites dilleri zone of the Carnian stage) of the sedimentary succession (Mufara Formation) exposed along the east side of Monte Scalpello (Catenanuova, central eastern Sicily) has been studied for the first time. The specimens, silicified, are rare but well preserved and often consist of complete carapaces. They belong to eight families: Healdiidae, Cavellinidae, Bairdiidae, Acratiidae, Bythocyprididae, Pontocyprididae, Judahellidae, Glorianellidae. Twenty-three taxa have been listed; the family Bairdiidae is the most represented among all the others with fifteen species. Four species are new: Bairdia scaliae n. sp., Acratia maugerii n. sp., “Anchistrocheles” gemmellaroi n. sp. and Judahella? montanarii n. sp. Other species are left in open nomenclature because of the lack of specimens.     

Rediscovery of Bembidion (Lymnaeum) nigropiceum (Marsham) (= puritanum Hayward) in Massachusetts, with remarks on biology and habitat (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Bembidiini)

Bembidion (Lymnaeum) nigropiceum (Marsham) (=puritanum Hayward), a European species introduced into Massachusetts but presumed not to have become established, has been rediscovered during the Boston Harbor Islands All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory undertaken by the Museum of Comparative Zoology and the National Park Service. A summary is presented of treatment of this species in North America. Data on specimens collected are presented, along with observations on habitat and biology. Some speculations are presented about its highly specialized habitat in the gravel pushed up by high tide, which may act as a food-trapping sieve. A few words are included about future actions needed to resolve questions of distribution and behavior.     

Laccaria (Agaricomycetes,Basidiomycota) from Tibet (Xizang Autonomous Region,China)

Species of Laccaria are described from the eastern Himalayas, in the Xizang Autonomous Region of China, more commonly known as Tibet. Specimens were collected during several expeditions over a 12-year time span. Nuclear ribosomal internally transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2 including and 5.8S (ITS) as well as the 5' end of the large subunit (28S) sequence data were generated for 22 specimens from Tibet and analyzed in a dataset of 115 Laccaria samples. The results documented seven species from this region, five of which represent currently undescribed species. The taxonomy of Tibetan Laccaria is discussed, five new species are proposed, and an artificial key that includes extralimital species from Asia is provided.     

Stereo-structural prediction and IR-characteristic band assignment of amorphous protonated forms of homodipeptides (L)-Phe-(L)-Phe, (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp, (L)-Tyr-(L)-Tyr and the neutral - (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp. Ab initio approximation and solid-state linear-polarized IR-spectroscopy

Stereo-structures of protonated (L)-phenylalanine ((L)-Phe), (L)-tyrosine ((L)-Tyr) and (L)-tryptophan ((L)-Trp) containing homodipeptides ((L)-Tyr-(L)-Tyr, (L)-Phe-(L)-Phe, (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp) are carried out by ab initio calculations. The obtained data in gas phase are compared with experimental ones, received by linear-dichroic infrared (IR-LD) spectroscopy of solids, oriented as suspension in nematic mesophase. An observation of a good correlation between theoretical and spectroscopic geometry parameters established and illustrated the possibilities of this complex study approach for the prediction of the stereo-structures in compounds in solid state. The protonation leads to little variance in the bond lengths and angles, expecting the COO(-) fragment, where a distortion of equalized COO(-) bond lengths, stabilizing a C=O double bond and C-O(H) one is established. Significant deviations of the dihedral angles as a result of the protonation are obtained in the skeletal aliphatic and amide- fragments. In (L)-Tyr-(L)-Tyr and (L)-Phe-(L)-Phe, a deviation of O=C-N-H torsion angle about 10-14(0) is predicted. The calculations show a trans-amide configuration in (L)-Trp-(L)-Trp and a cis-one after its protonation.     

Six New Species of the Genus Thinodromus Kraatz, 1857, Closely Related to Thinodromus (Amisammus) ripicola (Cameron, 1941) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae)

Entomological Review - The following six new species of the genus Thinodromus Kraatz, 1857, closely related to Th. (Amisammus) ripicola (Cameron, 1941) and Th. (A.) latus Gildenkov, 2003, are...     

REDESCRIPTIONS OF PLACOBDELLA STUHLMANNI (BLANCHARD, 1897) AND PLACOBDELLA GAROUI (HARDING, 1932) (HIRUDINEA: GLOSSIPHONIIDAE)

SUMMARY

The two African leeches Placobdella stuhlmanni (Blanchard, 1897) and Placobdella garoui (Harding, 1932) are redescribed and figured because of the confusion that exists in the literature with regard to the specific identities of the two taxa. During a survey of the freshwater leeches of the Republic of South Africa and South West Africa, material was obtained which made possible a thorough study of the two species. Not only did this clear up existing discrepancies but the research also added much new information concerning the two leeches. Certain aspects of their biology are considered for the first time.