The role of olfactory cues in mother–pup,groupmate, and sex recognition of lesser flat‐headed bats,Tylonycteris pachypus

Tylonycteris pachypus is a gregarious bat species with tens of individuals in a colony. The mechanisms by which mother bats recognize their pups and adult bats recognize each other are not clear. We hypothesized that such recognition is achieved by chemical discrimination and performed experiments to test the hypothesis. Results showed that mother bats were much more attracted to the scent from their own pups. For adult bats, females were attracted to the scent from both male and female groupmates but had a higher preference to the scent from female than from male groupmates. Male bats were much more attracted to the scent from male groupmates while showed no preference to the scent from female groupmates. Within a group, both female and male bats had no difference in preference to the scent from the same or opposite sex. These results suggest that mother–pup and groupmate recognition of T. pachypus can be achieved by olfactory cues.     

On the Lathrobium fauna of the Emei Shan,Sichuan, China (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Paederinae)

Six species of Lathrobium Gravenhorst, 1802 from the Emei Shan, Sichuan, are described and illustrated: Lathrobium iunctum Assing & Peng sp. n., Lathrobium coniunctum Assing & Peng sp. n., Lathrobium conexum Assing & Peng sp. n., Lathrobium ensigerum Assing & Peng sp. n., Lathrobium hastatum Assing & Peng sp. n., and Lathrobium bisinuatum Assing & Peng sp. n. Based on their primary and secondary sexual characters, they represent two distinct lineages, each of them comprising three species. A key to the species recorded from the Emei Shan is provided.     

Long‐term changes in occurrence,relative abundance,and reproductive fitness of bat species in relation to arrival of White‐nose Syndrome in West Virginia,USA

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans which has resulted in the deaths of millions of bats across eastern North America. To date, hibernacula counts have been the predominant means of tracking the spread and impact of this disease on bat populations. However, an understanding of the impacts of WNS on demographic parameters outside the winter season is critical to conservation and recovery of bat populations impacted by this disease. We used long‐term monitoring data to examine WNS‐related impacts to summer populations in West Virginia, where WNS has been documented since 2009. Using capture data from 290 mist‐net sites surveyed from 2003 to 2019 on the Monongahela National Forest, we estimated temporal patterns in presence and relative abundance for each bat species. For species that exhibited a population‐level response to WNS, we investigated post‐WNS changes in adult female reproductive state and body mass. Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat), M. septentrionalis (northern long‐eared bat), and Perimyotis subflavus (tri‐colored bat) all showed significant decreases in presence and relative abundance during and following the introduction of WNS, while Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat) and Lasiurus borealis (eastern red bat) responded positively during the WNS invasion. Probability of being reproductively active was not significantly different for any species, though a shift to earlier reproduction was estimated for E. fuscus and M. septentrionalis. For some species, body mass appeared to be influenced by the WNS invasion, but the response differed by species and reproductive state. Results suggest that continued long‐term monitoring studies, additional research into impacts of this disease on the fitness of WNS survivors, and a focus on providing optimal nonwintering habitat may be valuable strategies for assessing and promoting recovery of WNS‐affected bat populations.     

Morphology,Oviposition, and Embryogenesis in an Australian Population of Acrobeloides nanus

A population of Acrobeloides nanus in Australia is described and illustrated, based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Embryogenesis from egg laying to hatching is followed over a wide range of temperatures. At 15 C, hatching occurs in about 125 hours and at 35 and 37.5 C after about 40 hours. At 40 C, egg development ceases early in cleavage. The capacity of A. nanus to develop over such a range of temperatures, and its anhydrobiotic capabilities, are discussed in relation to its survival and wide distribution in Australia.     

Review of the Palaearctic Acomopterella Zaitzev (Diptera,Sciaroidea, Mycetophilidae)

The distribution of Acomopterella species in the Palaearctic region has been re-examined in this study, using recently collected material. The European species was found to be distributed in the eastern Palaearctic as well. A second Palaearctic species from Honshu (Japan) is herein described. The morphology of adult specimens was studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The shape of functional specialized setae on mid tibiae in Acomopterella and seven further fungus gnat genera is described and the suitability of this character for systematic studies is discussed. Details of a “hind tibial organ” are described.The position of Acomopterella in the tribe Gnoristini is briefly discussed. Acomopterella is found to be more closely related to Speolepta Edwards, 1925, than to any other recent genus.     

A new species of Callispa Baly (Coleoptera,Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae,Callispini) infesting coconut?palm ( Cocos nucifera L.) in India

Callispa keram sp. n. infesting coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) in Kerala, India is described and illustrated. Livistona chinensis R.Br. and Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman are reported as additional host plants.     

A new species of Xorides Latreille (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Xoridinae) parasitizing Pterolophia alternata (Coleoptera,Cerambycidae) in? Robinia?pseudoacacia

A new species is described, Xorides benxicus Sheng, sp. n., reared from the cerambycid twig-boring pest of Robinia pseudoacacia Linnaeus, Pterolophia alternata Gressitt, 1938, in Benxi County, Liaoning Province, China. A key is given to the species similar to Xorides benxicus Sheng, namely Xorides asiasius Sheng & Hilszczański, 2009, Xorides cinnabarius Sheng & Hilszczański, 2009 and Xorides sapporensis (Uchida, 1928).     

Rivers,not refugia,drove diversification in arboreal,sub‐Saharan African snakes

The relative roles of rivers versus refugia in shaping the high levels of species diversity in tropical rainforests have been widely debated for decades. Only recently has it become possible to take an integrative approach to test predictions derived from these hypotheses using genomic sequencing and paleo‐species distribution modeling. Herein, we tested the predictions of the classic river, refuge, and river‐refuge hypotheses on diversification in the arboreal sub‐Saharan African snake genus Toxicodryas. We used dated phylogeographic inferences, population clustering analyses, demographic model selection, and paleo‐distribution modeling to conduct a phylogenomic and historical demographic analysis of this genus. Our results revealed significant population genetic structure within both Toxicodryas species, corresponding geographically to river barriers and divergence times from the mid‐Miocene to Pliocene. Our demographic analyses supported the interpretation that rivers are indications of strong barriers to gene flow among populations since their divergence. Additionally, we found no support for a major contraction of suitable habitat during the last glacial maximum, allowing us to reject both the refuge and river‐refuge hypotheses in favor of the river‐barrier hypothesis. Based on conservative interpretations of our species delimitation analyses with the Sanger and ddRAD data sets, two new cryptic species are identified from east‐central Africa. This study highlights the complexity of diversification dynamics in the African tropics and the advantages of integrative approaches to studying speciation in tropical regions.     

Variation in male‐built nest volume with nesting‐support quality,colony, and egg production in whiskered terns

Nest building can represent an energetically costly activity for a variety of animal taxa. Besides, the determinants of within‐species variation in the design of nests, notably with respect to natural and sexual selection, are still insufficiently documented. Based on an observational study, we examined the influence of nesting conditions (nesting‐support quality, colony, laying date, and year) on male‐built nest volume and also its potential role as a postmating sexually selected display in the whiskered tern Chlidonias hybrida. This tern species is a monogamous colonial bird with obligate biparental care breeding on aquatic vegetation. Hence, large nesting platforms are expected to be a selective advantage because they would better withstand adverse environmental conditions and provide a secure structure for eggs. Nest size may also serve as a postmating sexual trait, and variation in egg production would be positively associated with nest size. We found that nest volume was adjusted to different environmental cues. A positive relationship was found between nest volume and nesting‐support quality, indicating that the leaf density of white waterlily is essential for nest stability. Variation in nest volume was not correlated to colony size but varied among colonies and years. Male‐built nest volume was also positively associated with mean egg volume per clutch but not with clutch size. The fitness consequences of building a large nest are yet to be studied, and additional investigations are recommended to better understand whether the activity of males early during breeding season (e.g., nest building and courtship feeding performance) really serves as postmating sexually selected signals.     

A revision of the continental species of Copa Simon, 1885 (Araneae,Corinnidae) in the Afrotropical Region

The cryptic ground-dwelling castianeirine genus Copa Simon, 1885 (Araneae: Corinnidae) is revised in the continental Afrotropical Region. The type species of the genus, Copa flavoplumosa Simon, 1885, is redescribed and considered a senior synonym of Copa benina Strand, 1916 syn. n. and Copa benina nigra Lessert, 1933 syn. n. It is widespread throughout the Afrotropical Region but has not been introduced to any of the associated regional islands. A new species, Copa kei sp. n., is described from South Africa. Copa agelenina Simon, 1910, originally described from a subadult female from southern Botswana, is considered a nomen dubium. Copa flavoplumosa is a characteristic species of leaf litter spider assemblages and is particularly prevalent in savanna habitats on the continent, but also occurs in various forest types, grasslands, fynbos and semi-arid Nama Karoo habitats. In contrast, Copa kei sp. n. has only been recorded from Afromontane and coastal forests in south-eastern South Africa.     

Four new species of Unixenus Jones, 1944 (Diplopoda,Penicillata, Polyxenida) from Australia

Unixenus carnarvonensis sp. n., Unixenus corringlensis sp. n., Unixenus barrabaensis sp. n. and Unixenus myallensis sp. n. are described from Australia. A revised diagnosis of Unixenus karajinensis and new details on the distribution of the species are given. A key is presented to 10 of all 11 currently known species of the genus.     

Six new species of Agrilus Curtis, 1825 (Coleoptera,Buprestidae, Agrilinae) from the Oriental Region related to the emerald ash borer, A. planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 and synonymy of Sarawakita Obenberger, 1924

Six new species of Agrilus Curtis, 1825 with affinities to the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888, are described from the Oriental Region: Agrilus crepuscularis sp. n. (Malaysia); Agrilus pseudolubopetri sp. n. (Laos); Agrilus sapphirinus sp. n.(Laos); Agrilus seramensis sp. n.(Indonesia); Agrilus spineus sp. n. (Malaysia); and Agrilus tomentipennis sp. n. (Laos). The genus Sarawakita Obenberger, 1924 syn. nov. is considered a junior synonym of Agrilus.     

Trimethylamine modulates dauer formation,neurodegeneration, and lifespan through tyra‐3/daf‐11 signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans

In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, signals derived from bacteria in the diet, the animal''s major nutrient source, can modulate both behavior and healthspan. Here we describe a dual role for trimethylamine (TMA), a human gut flora metabolite, which acts as a nutrient signal and a neurotoxin. TMA and its associated metabolites are produced by the human gut microbiome and have been suggested to serve as risk biomarkers for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We demonstrate that the tyramine receptor TYRA‐3, a conserved G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), is required to sense TMA and mediate its responses. TMA activates guanylyl cyclase DAF‐11 signaling through TYRA‐3 in amphid neurons (ASK) and ciliated neurons (BAG) to mediate food‐sensing behavior. Bacterial mutants deficient in TMA production enhance dauer formation, extend lifespan, and are less preferred as a food source. Increased levels of TMA lead to neural damage in models of Parkinson''s disease and shorten lifespan. Our results reveal conserved signaling pathways modulated by TMA in C. elegans that are likely to be relevant for its effects in mammalian systems.     

Characterization of the SARS‐CoV‐2 E Protein: Sequence,Structure, Viroporin,and Inhibitors

The COVID‐19 epidemic is one of the most influential epidemics in history. Understanding the impact of coronaviruses (CoVs) on host cells is very important for disease treatment. The SARS‐CoV‐2 envelope (E) protein is a small structural protein involved in many aspects of the viral life cycle. The E protein promotes the packaging and reproduction of the virus, and deletion of this protein weakens or even abolishes the virulence. This review aims to establish new knowledge by combining recent advances in the study of the SARS‐CoV‐2 E protein and by comparing it with the SARS‐CoV E protein. The E protein amino acid sequence, structure, self‐assembly characteristics, viroporin mechanisms and inhibitors are summarized and analyzed herein. Although the mechanisms of the SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV E proteins are similar in many respects, specific studies on the SARS‐CoV‐2 E protein, for both monomers and oligomers, are still lacking. A comprehensive understanding of this protein should prompt further studies on the design and characterization of effective targeted therapeutic measures.     

Redescription of Heterodea zeae,the Corn Cyst Nematode,with SEM Observations

Heterodera zeae, the corn cyst nematode, is redescribed and illustrated with comparative details and measurements of females, cysts, and larvae from Maryland, USA; and India. Scanning electron micrographs o f specimens from the United States are also presented. Revised measurements for the larval stylet and new diadnostic characters, especially in the cyst cone, for H. zeae are given. The relationship of H. zeae to close species is discussed.     

A synergy of activity,stability, and inhibitor‐interaction of HIV‐1 protease mutants evolved under drug‐pressure

A clinically‐relevant, drug‐resistant mutant of HIV‐1 protease (PR), termed Flap+_(I54V) and containing L10I, G48V, I54V and V82A mutations, is known to produce significant changes in the entropy and enthalpy balance of drug‐PR interactions, compared to wild‐type PR. A similar mutant, Flap+_(I54A), which evolves from Flap+_(I54V) and contains the single change at residue 54 relative to Flap+_(I54V), does not. Yet, how Flap+_(I54A) behaves in solution is not known. To understand the molecular basis of V54A evolution, we compared nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and enzymatic assay data from four PR proteins: PR (pWT), Flap+_(I54V), Flap+_(I54A), and Flap+_(I54), a control mutant that contains only L10I, G48V and V82A mutations. Our data consistently show that selection to the smaller side chain at residue 54, not only decreases inhibitor affinity, but also restores the catalytic activity.     

Morphometrics,Illustration, and Histopathology of Sphaeronema rumicis on Cottonwood in Utah

The morphology of a population of Sphaeronema rumicis Kir''yanova found on cottonwood in Utah is illustrated by light and scanning electron micrographs, as well as by drawings. This is the first report of males of S. rumicis, a species also not known previously to occur in North America. S. rumicis females on cottonwood in the United States were smaller than those found by Kir''yanova on sorrel in the USSR. Females and second-stage juveniles (J2) from the United States had slightly shorter stylets than did females and J2 from the USSR. Males were vermiform and had degenerate esophagi. On secondary cottonwood roots S. rumicis induces formation of a syncytium originating from proliferated pericyclic cells. Thick outer walls, wall protuberances, absence of cell wall ingrowths, dense cytoplasm, and hypertrophied nuclei were the main characteristics of syncytia observed in S. rumicis-infected cottonwood roots.     

Cochylis Treitschke in China: one new species and five new records (Lepidoptera,Tortricidae, Cochylini)

Six species of Cochylis Treitschke, 1829 are recorded for China. Among them, Cochylis triangula sp. n. is described as new; Cochylis atricapitana (Stephens, 1852), Cochylis discerta Razowski, 1970, Cochylis dubitana (Hübner, [1799]), Cochylis faustana (Kennel, 1919) and Cochylis posterana hyrcana (Toll, 1948) are recorded for the first time for China. The female of Cochylis discerta Razowski, 1970 is described for the first time. Adults and genitaliaare illustrated, a key is given for the identification of Chinese species based on male genitalia.