Perapion connexum (Schilsky, 1902) (Coleoptera, Apionidae) in Central Europe, a case of plant expansion chase

Perapion connexum (Schilsky) is recorded for the first time from Hungary and Kyrgyzstan, and new distribution data from Ukraine and Russia are provided. Preliminary placements of this weevil in faunal checklists for Poland and Slovakia are here documented with detailed data. Its occurrence in Austria based on older evidence, is discussed. The neophytic and invasive in Central Europe sorrel Rumex confertus Willd. is confirmed to be its unique host plant in Poland. Morphology of the newcoming weevil is described and illustrated, and the key to all Central European species of Perapion is presented.     

Morphology and taxonomy of some rare chlorococcalean algae (Chlorophyta)

The morphologies of 15 rare chlorococcalean algae, i.e. three species of the Characiaceae [Hydrianum crassiapex Korshikov, H. viride (Scherffel) H. Ettl, Characiellopsis skujae (Fott) Komárek], four taxa of the genus Pediastrum Meyen [Pediastrum privum (Printz) E. Hegewald, P. duplex Meyen var. rugulosum Raciborski, P. angulosum (Ehrenberg) ex Meneghini, Pediastrum biradiatum Meyen], a radiococcalean alga Phacomyxa sphagnicola Skuja, Pseudodictyosphaerium fluviatile (Hindák) Hindák from the Dictyosphaeriaceae, three representatives of the family Oocystaceae (Amphikrikos minutissimus Korshikov, Gloeotaenium loitlesbergianum Hansgirg, Chlorolobion obtusum Korshikov) and three species of the genus Scenedesmus Meyen (S. ginzbergeri Kammerer, S. incrassatulus Bohlin, S. parisiensis Deflandre), are documented by drawings and micrographs and their taxonomy is discussed. Of these, Hydrianum viride, Pediastrum duplex var. rugulosum, Scenedesmus ginzbergeri and S. parisiensis are recorded for the first time in Slovakia. Presented at the International Symposium Biology and Taxonomy of Green Algae V, Smolenice, June 26–29, 2007, Slovakia.     

New distributional data and an updated and commented list of Czech and Slovak Sarcophagidae (Diptera)

Based on a revision of large recent collections housed by Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Masaryk University, Brno, and in the private collection of Yu. Verves (Kyiv, Ukraine), new distributional data and an updated and commented list of Czech and Slovak Sarcophagidae are presented. The following six species are firstly recorded from the Czech Republic: Macronychia (s. str.) substriginervis Verves & Khrokalo, 2006, Paragusia multipunctata (Rondani, 1859), Oebalia praeclusa (Pandellé, 1895), Nyctia lugubris (Macquart, 1843), Blaesoxipha dupuisi Léonide & Léonide, 1973, and B. grylloctona Loew, 1861. As a result, 143 species of the family Sarcophagidae are currently known from the Czech Republic (109 from Bohemia and 129 from Moravia), and 131 species are known from Slovakia.     

Rare and new desmids (Desmidiaceae, Chlorophyta) from Japan

A number of rare or unknown desmid species were revealed in samples collected from a range of aquatic habitats in Japan. In the present paper we describe one new species of the family Desmidiaceae, Staurastrum tsukubicum sp. nov. and report the presence in Japan of two species, Staurastrum levanderi Grönbl. and Cos-marium dilatatum Lütkem. in Järnefelt et Grönblad, previously found only in Europe. One taxon, Euastrum englerii Schmidle var. madagascariense Bourr. et Manguin, is renamed as Euastrum biverrucosum nom. nov. et stat. nov. The morphology of these taxa was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy and their taxonomic affinities are discussed.     

Polyphasic evaluation of Xanthidium antilopaeum and Xanthidium cristatum (Zygnematophyceae,Streptophyta) species complex

We investigated twenty‐six strains of Xanthidium antilopaeum Kütz. and seven strains of X. cristatum Ralfs isolated from various European localities or obtained from public culture collections. A combination of molecular, geometric morphometric, and morphological data were used to reveal the patterns of the phylogenetic and morphological differentiation of these taxonomically very compli‐cated desmid taxa. The molecular data based on trnG^ucc and ITS rDNA sequences illustrated the monophyly of both the complexes, which indicated that their traditional morphology‐based discriminative criteria, such as the different number of spines, may generally continue to be considered relevant. The single exception was X. antilopaeum var. basiornatum B. Eichler et Raciborski, which was positioned outside the X. antilopaeum/cristatum clade. The independent status of this taxon was also confirmed on the basis of the geometric morphometric data, so that we concluded that it probably represents a separate species. Within X. cristatum complex, the traditional varieties X. cristatum var. cristatum Ralfs, X. cristatum var. uncinatum Ralfs, and X. cristatum var. scrobiculatum Scott et Grönblad turned out to be separate taxa. Conversely, X. cristatum var. bituberculatum Lowe lacked any taxonomical value. Our data on X. antilopaeum illustrated extensive phylogenetic as well as phenotypic variability within this species complex. However, our data did not result in any unambiguous pattern that would allow sound taxonomic classification. Finally, we also found out that the morphologically peculiar Staurastrum tumidum Ralfs belongs to the genus Xanthidium based on the combined rbcL + cox III data set. Consequently, this species was formally transferred to this genus.     

中国珍珠茅属(莎草科)植物省级分布新记录

报道了莎草科珍珠茅属5种植物在我国4个省区分布的新记录,其中福建分布的新记录为光果珍珠茅,广西分布的新记录为越南珍珠茅,江西分布的新记录为小型珍珠茅和高秆珍珠茅,云南分布的新记录为石果珍珠茅。     

First records of soil ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from classes Prostomea, Nassophorea, Spirotrichea, and Colpodea in Slovakia

In total, seven ciliate species were recorded in leaf-litter, moss and soil from a variety of sites in Slovakia for the first time: Chilophrya terricola Foissner, 1984; Holostichides typicus (Song et Wilbert, 1988) Eigner, 1994; Keronella gracilis Wiackowski, 1985; Notoxoma parabryophryides Foissner, 1993; Parafurgasonia sorex (Penard, 1922) Foissner et Adam, 1981; Paragonostomum multinucleatum Foissner, Agatha et Berger, 2002, and Territricha stramenticola Berger et Foissner, 1988. The paper deals with their distribution, ecology, and comparison with similar species. The shape and nuclear variants of Paragonostomum multinucleatum are presented and populations of P. multinucleatum and T. stramenticola are morphometrically characterized.     

A 28S rDNA-based phylogeny of the nematode family Acuariidae (Spirurida) parasitic in vertebrates

The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of nematodes of the family Acuariidae using partial large subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA (28S) sequences of 15 genera represented by 18 species. The results confirmed the monophyly of the family Acuariidae and supported its close relationship with nematodes of the family Cystidicolidae. Two major clades were revealed within Acuariidae, one represented by nematodes of the subfamily Schistorophinae and another composed of members of the subfamilies Acuariinae and Seuratiinae. The collarette was shown to be a structure that arose several times within the clade Acuariinae–Seuratiinae. As a result, we suggest the suppression of the subfamily Seuratiinae and inclusion of its genera within the subfamily Acuariinae. Morphological characters, host ranges and life cycles of the taxa included in the analyses are discussed as well as the possible relationships of remaining acuariid genera within the revealed subclades. Additionally, we propose an amended generic diagnosis of Syncuaria Gilbert, 1927 to accommodate Syncuaria sagittata (Rudolphi, 1809) n. comb. and Syncuaria longevaginata (Molin, 1860) Skrjabin, Sobolev, & Ivashkin, 1965. New host and geographic records are also presented.     

Some new taxa of desmids from the Andaman Islands,India

Two new species, five new varieties and five new forms belonging to the desmid genera Closterium Nitzsch, Pleurotaenium Naeg., Euastridium W. & W., Micrasterias Agardh, Cosmarium Corda and Staurastrum Meyen from the Andaman Islands are described.     

Use of desmids to assess the natural conservation value of a Hungarian oxbow (Malom-Tisza,NE-Hungary)

A method recently proposed by Coesel that uses the desmid flora to assess the conservation value of aquatic habitats was applied to an alkaline and hypertrophic oxbow of the Upper Tisza river (NE Hungary). According to the macrophyte community the oxbow contains two distinct habitats, both of which provide suitable conditions for the development of a rich desmid flora. High temporal and spatial differences in the algal flora were observed in periphyton and plankton samples taken in June and August 2004. The sample of Utricularia vulgaris periphyton collected in August was characterised by the most species-rich desmid flora. The conservation value of this sample was the maximum according to Coesel’s method. The latter also proved to be useful for the assessment of the conservation value of plankton net samples taken from among the macrophytes. The use of modified rarity value calculations as recently proposed by Fehér did not significantly affect the conservation value, but different enumeration methods to quantify the floristic diversity did result in different conservation values. We found that Coesel’s desmid based method is a useful tool for assessing the conservation value of the studied oxbow. Based our results the Coesel method’s applicability and usefulness depended on (i) the sampling location (open water or macrophytic region) samples were taken from open water or from macrophytic region; and (ii) species enumeration procedures (up to 400 specimens counted, or whole droplets counted). Presented at the International Symposium Biology and Taxonomy of Green Algae V, Smolenice, June 26–29, 2007, Slovakia.     

贵州省竹类植物分布新资料(I)

【目的】摸清贵州竹类资源本底,以补充和丰富贵州现有竹类资料,为后续竹产业的规划发展提供一定的依据。【方法】以“面”“点”结合的方式进行野外调查,标本的采集和鉴定,以及相关资料的查阅,整理出此前从未有分布记录的属和种。【结果】发现了贵州省竹类植物新纪录的1个属和6个种,即[/思]簩竹属（Schizostachyum）、[/思]簩竹（S. pseudolima McClure）、鸡窦簕竹（Bambusa funghomii McClure）、龙山玉山竹(Yushania longshanensis D. Z. Li & X. Y. Ye)、滑竹（Y. polytricha Hsueh et Yi）、少枝玉山竹（Y. pauciramificans Yi）和抱鸡竹（Y. punctulata Yi）,现予以报道。【结论】这些新纪录属和种在贵州的发现扩展了其分布范围,同时丰富了贵州竹类植物的多样性。     

值得注意的中国植物(续)

续报道了大戟科等 8个分类单位。大果留萼木 ( Blachia andamanica)为广东和海南的新记录 ;崖州留萼木 ( B.jatrophifolia)的新异名为 B.yaihsienensis;黄毛果巴豆 ( Croton lachynocarpusvar.kwangsiensis)是降级新组合 ;黄蓉花 ( Dalechampia bidentata)分布至云南西南部 ,D. bidentata var. yunnanensis为其新异名 ;海人树 ( Suriana maritima) ,广东省的东沙群岛才有 ,台湾不产 ;锥序丁公藤 ( Erycibe subspicata)其分布东缘在贵州西南部 ;头花小牵牛 ( Jacquemontia tamnifolia) ,广东的归化杂草 ;松下草 ( Petrosavissinii) ,广东新记录     

中国菌食性蓟马一新纪录种和一新组合以及两新同物异名(缨翅目,管蓟马科,灵管蓟马亚科)

记述了中国1新纪录种,暗秘管蓟马Cryptothripsnigripes Reuter;1新组合,暗角多饰管蓟马Compsothrips terebronus (Han& Gui) comb.nov.,以及此种的新同物异名C.furvus Reyes syn.nov.,而且此种首次报道分布于泰国;暗足岛管蓟马Nesothrips atropoda Duan et al.是亚洲广布种短颈岛管蓟马N.brevicollis(Bagnall)的新同物异名.研究标本来自中国科学院动物研究所国家动物博物馆,内蒙古包头段半锁标本收藏以及澳大利亚国家昆虫标本馆.     

中国水云科藻类的新记录

本文报道了中国分布的水云科(褐藻门)藻类3个新记录种,即束枝水云弯枝变种;笔头状水云;石鳖费氏藻。     

云南蕨类植物小志

根据ＰＹＵ（云南大学蕨类植物标本室）保存的标本,报道云南蕨类植物若干新资料,内容为：３新种,２新变种,中国分布新记录２种,云南分布新记录１属３种,１个种的新组合名称,另１个种的属、科位置的订正及其新组合名称。     

The relationship between Spirogyra (Zygnematophyceae, Streptophyta) filament type groups and environmental conditions in Central Europe

Species identification of the common filamentous green alga Spirogyra is mainly based on the conjugation process and zygospores. However, this genus is mostly found in its vegetative stage, which complicates studies on the ecological demands for individual species. We therefore used a different approach by assessing the relationship between vegetative Spirogyra filament type groups (morphotypes) and environmental conditions (mainly ions, nutrients, light supply and water temperature). Sampling was done at 133 sites in Central Europe and in total 333 different filament types were classified. Spirogyra was found at pH values between 6.2 and 9.1, while total alkalinity ranged from 0.6 to 7.9 mequiv l⁻¹. The genus is colonizing habitats with a specific conductivity between 75 and 1500 μS cm⁻¹. Total phosphorus amounts varied between 1 and 2240 μg l⁻¹ with a median value of 34 μg l⁻¹, indicating meso- to eutrophic conditions as optimal growth range. Filament type grouping by means of cluster analysis was based on cell cross walls (plane or replicate), average cell widths and average chloroplast numbers and resulted in 10 groups with plane cross walls and three with replicate cross walls. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed nutrients to be the key factor for morphotype occurrence: filaments with increased cell widths preferred elevated nutrient conditions. Other environmental variables (ions, buffer capacity, light supply and water temperature) had no significant effects on morphotype occurrence.     

广西种子植物新资料

报道了广西种子植物分布新记录3种:剪红纱花、头花水玉簪、大柱莓草,其中霉草科和喜荫草属分别为广西新记录科和新记录属;以及原来被认为在广西已经灭绝的广西重点保护植物胡豆莲也被重新发现。     

Semi‐dry grasslands along a climatic gradient across Central Europe: Vegetation classification with validation

Question: What is the variation in species composition of Central European semi‐dry grasslands? Can we apply a training‐and‐test validation approach for identifying phytosociological associations which are floristically well defined in a broad geographic comparison; can we separate them from earlier described associations with only a local validity? Location: A 1200 km long transect running along a gradient of increasing continentality from central Germany via Czech Republic, Slovakia, NE Austria, Hungary to NW Romania. Methods: Relevés with > 25% cover of Brachypodium pin‐natum and/or Bromus erectus were geographically selected from a larger database. They were randomly split into two data sets, TRAINING and TEST, each with 422 relevés. Cluster analysis was performed for each data set on scores from significant principal coordinates. Different partitions of the TRAINING data set were validated on the TEST data set, using a new method based on the comparison of % frequencies of species occurrence in clusters. Clusters were characterized by statistically defined groups of diagnostic species and values of climatic variables. Results: Species composition changed along the NW‐SE gradient and valid clusters were geographically well separated. Optimal partition level was at 11 clusters, six being valid: two clusters Germany and the Czech Republic corresponded to the Bromion erecti; two clusters from the Czech Republic and Hungary to the Cirsio‐Brachypodion, and two clusters were transitional between these two alliances. Conclusion: The training‐and‐test validation method used in this paper proved to be efficient for discriminating between robust clusters, which are appropriate candidates for inclusion in the national or regional syntaxonomic overviews, and weak clusters, which are specific to the particular classification of the given data set.     

广州蕨类植物增补(续)

报道了广州蕨类植物新记录种13种,隶属于10科11属.其中姬蕨科为广州新记录科.