Revision of the Indo‐African Pachycerus Schoenherr, 1823, with a description of four new species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae)

The Indo‐African species of the genus Pachycerus (Curculionidae: Lixinae: Cleonini) are revised. The identification of Cleonus senegalensis Gyllenhal, 1834 is discussed, its holotype rediscovered and the synonymy between C. senegalensis and Ammocleonus hieroglyphicus (Olivier, 1807) is confirmed. A neotype is established for Pachycerus opimus (Gyllenhal, 1834). Lectotypes for Pachycerus vestitus (Fåhraeus, 1834), Pachycerus badeni (Faust, 1888), and Pachycerus sellatus Faust, 1904 are designated. Pachycerus sahelicus sp. nov. (type locality: Senegal, Bambey), Pachycerus hippali sp. nov. (type locality: Saudi Arabia: Jeddah, Taif), Pachycerus barclayi sp. nov. (type locality: southern India: Manapparai), and Pachycerus simonae sp. nov. (type locality: Morocco, Western Sahara, Cap Boujdour) are described. Some remarks on taxonomy and biogeography of the species are added.     

Taxonomic studies of Pterostichus ishikawai Nemoto (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

A macrocephalic pterostichine carabid, Pterostichus ishikawai Nemoto, endemic to the Korean Peninsula, is taxonomically revised based mainly on the membranous parts of the genitalia (male endophallus and female vagina). Two species are separated from P. ishikawai (type locality: Mount Taebaegsan) and newly described: P. ishikawaioides (type locality: Mount Sobaeksan) and P. jiricola (type locality: Mount Jirisan). Since comparative male genital morphology does not support monophyly for these three species, the two novel species should be treated as distinct species, not subspecies of P. ishikawai.     

A combined barcode and morphological approach to the systematics and biogeography of Laurencia pyramidalis and Laurenciella marilzae (Rhodophyta)

In the present study we undertook an integrative approach, using both morphological and molecular data (COI-5P + rbcL), to assess the presence of Laurencia pyramidalis in Lusitanian Macaronesia. We studied type material of L. pyramidalis from the herbarium of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the Netherlands, and designated a lectotype and syntypes. Vegetative and reproductive features of L. pyramidalis were observed and we included a specimen from the type locality in our molecular analyses. We also investigated the geographical distribution of Laurenciella marilzae, a species recently described from the Canary Islands. Barcode sequences (COI-5P and rbcL) were generated for L. pyramidalis from the type locality (Normandy, France), the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, and for L. marilzae from its type locality (Tenerife, Canary Islands), the Azores and Brazil.     

Rhododendrons Of The Irroratum Series

Summary

The discovery of the fern Cystopteris dickieana Sim in Kincardineshire (the type locality of the species) during the mid- nineteenth century, an its supposed extirpation only twelve years after being first brought to public notice is described. The background to its apparent disappearance and subsequent reappearance are examined.     

A new species of Jonesiobryum (Bryopsida: Rhachitheciaceae) from Uganda

Abstract

Jonesiobryum dumboi is described as a new moss species from Uganda. It differs from its congeners by possessing more broadly obovate leaves and a costa that ends well below the apex. The species is only known from the type locality where it was collected on branches in the canopy.     

Arcyria monticola from Hokkaido, northern Japan: its habit, detailed morphology, and comparison with Arcyria imperialis

Arcyria monticola was found in Hokkaido, northern Japan. This is the first record of its locality, except for the type locality. The linearly expanding capillitium with many coils characterizing A. monticola consists of very elastic longitudinal tubes, short lateral tubes, and many small intricate nets. A longitudinal tube coils around a small intricate net, which forms a core. In contrast, A. imperialis, the other known Arcyria species with a linearly expanding capillitium, has neither short lateral tubes nor nets. The microscopic character of the A. imperialis capillitium is also totally different from that of A. monticola.     

Discovery of the genus Skidmorella Johnson (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae) in Japan, with descriptions of two new species

The genus Skidmorella Johnson, previously known only from the South Pacific islands, is discovered in Japan. The type species, Skidmorella magnifica Johnson, is confirmed from Japan as the first record of the species other than the type locality. In addition, two new species, Skidmorella amamiana sp. nov. and Skidmorella quadrisulucia sp. nov., are described from the Ryukyus, Japan. Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Skidmorella and its allies are discussed on the basis of their morphological characters.     

First record of Alucita danunciae (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae) in Peru

ABSTRACT

The little-known Alucita danunciae Vargas, 2011 (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae) is recorded for the first time from Peru, expanding its altitudinal, geographic and host plant ranges. Its larvae were found on fruits of Tecoma fulva arequipensis (Bignoniaceae) at 2900 m elevation in Pocsi, Arequipa, on the western slopes of the Andes of southern Peru. Genetic divergence between the Chilean (type locality) and Peruvian DNA barcode haplotypes was 0.6–0.9% K2P.     

岳麓紫菀（菊科）的分布及其形态学与核型研究

岳麓紫菀（Aster sinianus Hand. Mazz.,菊科紫菀族）为多年生草本,特产于中国湘赣毗邻地区。在对其整个分布区进行野外采集和生境观察时,发现了2个新的分布地点,同时确认其已在模式产地湖南省长沙市岳麓山灭绝。该研究将岳麓紫菀从浏阳市沙市镇回迁至岳麓山,以期恢复模式产地的居群。形态学研究表明,现有文献对该种的描述多处不准确,如对基生叶、株高、茎下部叶、托片和海拔等的记载。基于形态性状,讨论了岳麓紫菀的系统学地位,并首次报道了该种的核型特征：岳麓紫菀为二倍体,核型为2n=2x=16m+2m(SAT),属于1A型。该研究结果为岳麓紫菀的分类地位的修订和物种保护提供了重要的资料。     

pH and Eh on Aldabra Atoll 2. Intertidal photosynthetic microbial communities showing zonation

The taxonomic status of Ephydatia subtilis (Weltner) remains undetermined. Despite extensive collecting in the type locality, Lake Kissimmee, Florida, the species was not found. Stratospongilla penneyi sp. nov. is described utilizing spicular diagnosis, cytochemistry, and scanning electron microscopy. Physicochemical data from the type locality are presented and specific threats to the existence of the species are determined.     

Notes on the systematics and distribution of Palaearctic blues (Lepidoptera,Lycaenidae)

Two new species and one new subspecies of blues are described from Central Asia, namely Polyommatus kuronjerus Korb, sp. n. (type locality: Kyrgyzstan, the Suusamyr valley, 7 km E of Suusamyr, 2800 m), Neolycaena turkomana Korb, sp. n. (type locality: Turkmenia, Badkhyz Nature Reserve, the Kyzyldzhar valley) and Satyrium acaudatum balasagyna Korb, ssp. n. (type locality: Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrghyz Mts., Tatyr, Golubinyi Waterfall, 1200 m). A new location for Plebejidea elvira (Eversmann, 1854) is determined for the Boomskoye valley in the Kyrghyz Mts. This new location is related to the late Pleistocene refuge in the Issyk-Kul valley.     

Systematics of limbless scincid lizards from northern Madagascar: morphology,phylogenetic relationships and implications for classification (Squamata: Scincidae)

We report on the rediscovery of two limbless scincid species, Paracontias rothschildi Mocquard, 1905 and Paracontias minimus (Mocquard, 1906), after more than a century. The two species were found in syntopy in sandy soils of Forêt d’Orangea, Antsiranana Province, northern Madagascar, which probably constitutes the respective type locality and confirms the species’ Malagasy origin. Both taxa are redescribed based on newly collected material, and compared to other Malagasy species. In addition, Paracontias fasika n. sp. is described from the same locality and habitat. We discuss the taxonomy and origin of all three species and provide preliminary data on their natural history. Molecular relationships among seven Paracontias species are compared to external morphological characters formerly used in skink systematics. Our results indicate that morphology in fossorial skinks is well suited to distinguish species, but is of rather limited value to elucidate phylogenetic relationships. Similarities between these skinks in external characters apparently are the result of convergent evolution due to parallel selective pressures.     

Stephanodictyon borneense (Pottiaceae,Bryophyta): new combination,typification and update of distribution

Stephanodictyon borneense was described by Dixon and later combined to Trichostomum by Zander. Until now, it had been considered endemic to Malaysia, known only from the type locality on Lobang, Kinabalu (Sabah state). Here, its taxonomic position is assessed based on morphological data. Our results suggest that the combination into the genus Chionoloma is required. Moreover, typification is performed and its distribution is increased. Stephanodictyon borneense is, therefore, newly reported for South and Central America (Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti and Venezuela), for some Asiatic countries (India, Japan and Nepal) and for Papua New Guinea. Despite these new reports, S. borneense is a rare species with a highly scattered distribution.     

Middle Devonian lycophyte <Emphasis Type="Italic">Protolepidodendron scharianum</Emphasis>: History of study and description of the holotype

The authorship of Protolepidodendron and its type species P. scharianum is discussed in accordance with the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. The age and locality of the holotype are traced. For the first time, the morphology of the holotype and other specimens kept at the National Museum in Prague is described in detail as well as new materials collected in the Barrandien localities (Czech Republic).     

Rediscovery of the “extinct” blind ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)

The blind ground beetle Ishikawatrechus intermedius (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae), called Kadota‐mekurachibigomimushi in Japanese, was first found in 1952 in the cave Ôchi‐dô, Kôchi Prefecture, Japan. However, this cave and a large part of the surrounding hill were destroyed by limestone mining in the 1970s. Because most species of blind ground beetles are restricted to specific caves or cave systems, I. intermedius has been considered endemic to very narrow areas of the cave Ôchi‐dô and the upper hypogean zone around the cave. Therefore, I. intermedius was considered to have become extinct. In this study, during 2011–2015, we collected ten individuals of a blind ground beetle, which appeared to be I. intermedius, from the upper hypogean zone, approximately 0.3–1.0 m below ground, in the southern part of the type locality. A comparison with type specimens indicated that the individuals were indeed I. intermedius. Therefore, we conclude that I. intermedius survives in the upper hypogean zone near the type locality. The results of this study will be useful for quickly establishing conservation measures for threatened or vulnerable species of Trechinae beetles.     

Taxonomic reassessment of Chondrus verrucosus (Rhodophyta,Gigartinales), with a description of Chondrus retortus sp. nov

Phylogenetic and morphological reinvestigation of Chondrus verrucosus Mikami was conducted in the Pacific coast of southeastern Honshu, Japan, including the holotype specimen and samples near the type locality. Two entities were recognized by phylogenetic analyses of plastid rbcL and nuclear EF2 sequences. In morphological analyses, the two entities were distinguished by: (i) thallus size and form, and (ii) cell shape of the medullary layer surrounding young carposporangia: one has larger thalli, is regularly canaliculated, with linear medullary cells (large‐type); the other is smaller, canaliculated with crispation and has roundish medullary cells (small‐type). The large‐type was common in southern to eastern Boso Peninsula including near the type locality; the small‐type was typical in the southwest Boso Peninsula and Sagami Bay. The large‐type was shown to be equivalent to C. verrucosus by examination of the holotype specimen. The small‐type is described as a new species, C. retortus Matsumoto et Shimada.