Molecular systematics of the marine gastropod families Trochidae and Calliostomatidae (Mollusca: Superfamily Trochoidea)

This study is the most extensive molecular study of the gastropod families Trochidae and Calliostomatidae published to date, in terms of both numbers of taxa and of gene sequences. As a result of Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of molecular sequence data from one nuclear gene and three mitochondrial genes, we propose dramatic changes to Trochidae family systematics, present the first molecular phylogeny for Calliostomatidae and include the first published sequence data for the enigmatic subfamily Thysanodontinae. Our phylogeny demonstrates that within the family Trochidae there is strong support for three subfamilies new to traditional classifications: Alcyninae subfam. nov., Fossarininae and Chrysostomatinae subfam. nov. As proposed, Alcyninae consists only of the nominotypical genus Alcyna, which is sister to all other trochids. The subfamily Fossarininae, as defined here, includes Fossarina, Broderipia, Synaptocochlea and “Roya” eximia and probably also Clydonochilus and Minopa. The subfamily Chrysostomatinae comprises the genera Chrysostoma and Chlorodiloma. Additional molecular support is also obtained for recently redefined Trochinae, Monodontinae, and Cantharidinae and for the traditionally recognised subfamilies Umboniinae and Stomatellinae. The subfamily Lirulariinae is not supported by the molecular data, but rather is incorporated into Umboniinae. We also demonstrate that the current concept of the subfamily Margaritinae (previously a trochid subfamily, but recently and provisionally assigned to Turbinidae) is not monophyletic. We provide preliminary evidence that whereas Margarella rosea (previously a member of Margaritinae) belongs in the trochid subfamily Cantharidinae, its presumptive congener M. antarctica is not a trochid, but instead clusters with the thysanodontine genus Carinastele. Based on the phylogenetic placement of C. kristelleae, we agree with previous proposals based on morphological data that Thysanodontinae are more closely related to Calliostomatidae than Trochidae. Both Calliostoma and Carinastele are carnivorous and if a sister relationship can be confirmed between Carinastele and Margarella antarctica it might mean that carnivory evolved twice in Trochoidea. The direction of dietary changes was not investigated in this study, but mapping diet onto the phylogeny suggests that true herbivory is predominantly a derived character. The new classification system also means that five trochid subfamilies are predominantly associated with hard substrata, one with soft substrata (Umboniinae) and two with algae and seagrass (Alcyninae and Cantharidinae). There has been a shift back to hard substrata in one umboniine clade. Two of three clades within Calliostomatidae were predominantly associated with hard substrata, but one Japanese clade is associated with sand. The finding of three new, unidentified species from very deep water means that Trochidae, like Calliostomatidae, now includes species found at bathyal depths. More deep-water species may be found as increased sampling leads to the discovery of new species.     

First record and taxonomic description of the genus Thysanoplusia (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae) from Pakistan

Species belonging to genus, Thysanoplusia Fabricius of the subfamily Plusiinae which are polyphagous in nature and pest of vegetables, foods, legumes, fodder, fruits, ornamental plants and cotton crops. Samples were collected from different localities of district Bahawalpur. For collection, comprehensive and comparative surveys were carried out during 2017–18 on taxonomic account of species of the genus Thysanoplusia Fabricius and resulted identified one species Thysanoplusia orichalcea (Fabricius) first time from Pakistan. Morphological characters viz., vertex, frons, labial palpi, antennae, compound eyes, ocelli, proboscis, wing venation, male and female genital characteristics were used for the identification and classification. Dichotomous keys and photographs are also provided. There is hardly any substantial research work on taxonomic studies of subfamily Plusiinae Pakistan. So to fill this gap the present proposal was designed to study the diversity of Noctuid moths from Pakistan and very fruitful results have been obtained.     

Study of Alu sequences at the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) encoding region of man

The hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) encoding region of man is considered rich in Alu sequences; with 49 sequences present within 57 kilobases. Subfamily classification of the Alu sequences and identification of flanking direct repeats has been carried out to detect past rearrangements associated with their insertion into the region. Members of the Alu-J and three Alu-S subfamilies are present, along with the existence of free left arm sequences. Using available data, a comparison is made of the Alu subfamilies present at different gene regions. The heterogeneity in the number of each subfamily present at different genes shows that no one particular subfamily attained saturation in the genome. Several adjacent insertions of Alu sequences are seen at the hprt region. Furthermore two novel sequences are described, there is an incident where one Alu sequence has inserted into the middle poly(A) tract of an existing sequence at the hprt region; while another resulted from an Alu/Alu cross-over event elsewhere in the genome, before insertion into the hprt region. Once inserted, the Alu sequences are rarely subject to loss or rearrangement.     

Chromosome numbers in antlions (Myrmeleontidae) and owlflies (Ascalaphidae) (Insecta,Neuroptera)

A short review of main cytogenetic features of insects belonging to the sister neuropteran families Myrmeleontidae (antlions) and Ascalaphidae (owlflies) is presented, with a particular focus on their chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems. Diploid male chromosome numbers are listed for 37 species, 21 genera from 9 subfamilies of the antlions as well as for seven species and five genera of the owlfly subfamily Ascalaphinae. The list includes data on five species whose karyotypes were studied in the present work. It is shown here that antlions and owlflies share a simple sex chromosome system XY/XX; a similar range of chromosome numbers, 2n = 14-26 and 2n = 18-22 respectively; and a peculiar distant pairing of sex chromosomes in male meiosis. Usually the karyotype is particularly stable within a genus but there are some exceptions in both families (in the genera Palpares and Libelloides respectively). The Myrmeleontidae and Ascalaphidae differ in their modal chromosome numbers. Most antlions exhibit 2n = 14 and 16, and Palparinae are the only subfamily characterized by higher numbers, 2n = 22, 24, and 26. The higher numbers, 2n = 20 and 22, are also found in owlflies. Since the Palparinae represent a basal phylogenetic lineage of the Myrmeleontidae, it is hypothesized that higher chromosome numbers are ancestral for antlions and were inherited from the common ancestor of Myrmeleontidae + Ascalaphidae. They were preserved in the Palparinae (Myrmeleontidae), but changed via chromosomal fusions toward lower numbers in other subfamilies.     

First complete mitochondrial genomes of Ototretinae (Coleoptera,Lampyridae) with evolutionary insights into the gene rearrangement

The subfamily Ototretinae represents an important and unusual lineage of fireflies. Here, we sequenced and annotated three mitogenomes for this subfamily, with two Stenocladius species and one Drilaster species as representatives. The mitogenome of Stenocladius exhibits a rearranged gene order between trnC and trnW caused by transposition, which is a novel finding in Lampyridae. Meanwhile, a long intergenic space (241 to 376 bp) exists between the two rearranged genes, and some remnants (23 bp) of trnW are present within this non-coding region. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses did not recover the monophyly of Ototretinae, in which Drilaster is shown at a basal lineage in Lampyridae, but Stenocladius seems more related to Luciolinae. Therefore, the gene rearrangement in Stenocladius is presumed to result from independent evolutionary events, suggesting that this genus should be placed in a separate lineage. Nevertheless, more representative mitogenomes from different groups are required to verify the present results.     

Phylogeny of the Archiborborinae (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) Based on Combined Morphological and Molecular Analysis

The Archiborborinae is a diverse Neotropical subfamily of Sphaeroceridae, with many undescribed species. The existing generic classification includes three genera consisting of brachypterous species, with all other species placed in the genus Archiborborus. We present the first phylogenetic hypothesis for the subfamily based on morphological, molecular, and combined datasets. Morphological data include 53 characters and cover all valid described taxa (33 species in 4 genera) in the subfamily, as well as 83 undescribed species. Molecular data for five genes (mitochondrial 12S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and cytochrome B, and nuclear alanyl-tRNA synthetase and 28S rDNA) were obtained for 21 ingroup taxa. Data support the separation of the Archiborborinae from the Copromyzinae, with which they were formerly combined. Analyses support consistent groups within the subfamily, but relationships between groups are poorly resolved. The validity of the brachypterous genera Penola Richards and Frutillaria Richards is supported. The former genus Archiborborus Duda is paraphyletic, and will be divided into monophyletic genera on the basis of this work. Aptery and brachyptery have evolved multiple times in the subfamily. Antrops Enderlein, previously including a single brachypterous species, is a senior synonym of Archiborborus.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhipicephalus microplus</Emphasis> (Acarina,Ixodidae) in Angola: evidence of its establishment and expansion

Livestock constitutes a fundamental asset for the livelihood of rural communities in Angola. Rhipicephalus microplus (Acarina, Ixodidae) is considered to be the most important external parasite impacting the cattle industry in the world. The present work used a cross-sectional study on tick species infesting cattle in smallholder and commercial farms, to investigate the presence of R. microplus in Angola. This species was found to be recently established in certain areas of Cuanza-Sul and Benguela provinces. Furthermore, taking the current understanding of the pattern of dispersal of R. microplus into account, it is probable that this species is already present in other areas of the country. Animal movement without the necessary control measures facilitates the dispersal of this tick species. Consequently, R. microplus is causing rapid displacement of the native tick species, Rhipicephalus decoloratus. The presence of R. microplus in Angola constitutes a serious problem and poses a potential threat to the livestock sector as well as being an important risk factor for the sustainability of the livelihood strategies developed by smallholders.     

Genus Leptostichaeus and its position in the taxonomy of fishes (Perciformes: Zoarcoidei, Stichaeidae)

Up to the present, the genus Leptostichaeus has been considered as belonging to subfamily Lumpeninae. A series of characters was analyzed for family and subfamily diagnostics within the group Stichaeidae. It was found that, in combination of all examined characters, the genus Leptostichaeus is either similar to Azygopterus or occupies an intermediate position between the latter and other members of the family Stichaeidae. The genus Leptostichaeus is transferred into the group Azygopterinae, which is revalidated as a subfamily within the family Stichaeidae.     

Description of Phradonoma blabolili sp. n. (Coleoptera,Dermestidae, Megatominae), with notes on the dermestid beetles from Angola

Phradonoma blabolili sp. n. from Angola is described and illustrated. Key to the Afrotropical “Phradonoma nobile species group” to which the newly described species belongs, as well as key to genera of dermestid beetles occurring in Angola is given. List of all species of Dermestidae known to occur in Angola hitherto is provided.     

Distribution and comparative morphology of the cloacal gland in ants (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

The cloacal gland is a paired exocrine structure, which has so far been described only in the formicine species, Camponotus ephippium and Cataglyphis savignyi (Hymenoptera : Formicidae). The gland is formed by 2 clusters of bicellular units with slender duct cells, releasing the glandular secretion through the cloacal membrane. In the present work, a number of ant species, largely of the Formicinae subfamily, have been surveyed for the presence of a cloacal gland. The gland is present in nearly all formicines screened, albeit with a variable development. Cataglyphis, one of the genera with a very prominent cloacal gland, was chosen for a more detailed comparative study. At the ultrastructural level, secretory cells were observed having a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, typical for pheromone-producing glandular cells. The gland is also present in all dolichoderines screened, but in none of the species of the Aneuretinae, Myrmeciinae, Myrmicinae, Nothomyrmeciinae, or Pseudomyrmecinae investigated. This provides tentative evidence that the cloacal gland is a synapomorphy of the Formicinae and Dolichoderinae, giving support for their hypothesized sister group relationship. Up to now, the function of the cloacal gland remains largely enigmatic.     

Zur taxonomischen Gliederung der Familie Porocharaceae (Charophyta)

A revision of the charophyte family Porocharaceae Grambast is given, previously unstudied from the Keuper (Late Triassic) of Germany. The Porocharaceae were divided into three subfamilies. Two of them (Porocharoideae Grambast and Stellatocharoideae Grambast) are conserved; the third (Cuneatocharoideae Wang & Huang) is rejected. The diagnosis of the Stellatocharoideae is emendated. All genera with neck-like or conical apex are now included in this family, that means not only the genera of the rejected subfamily Cuneatocharoideae (Cuneatochara, Latochara, Stenochara), but also the genusStomochara, previously placed in the Porocharoideae. Only three genera (Porochara, Feistiella and the new genusKozurella n. gen.) are now attributed to the Porocharoideae, a subfamily characterized by a flat apex. The genusAuerbachichara Kiselevsky & Saidakovsky is a synonym toStomochara Grambast, the genusVladimiriella Saidakovsky toPorochara MÄDLER. Two additional species ofVladimiriella (V.decora SAIDAKOVSKY andV. karpinskyi Demin are assigned toStenochara Grambast on the basis of their apex-morphology. A new species,Cuneatochara württembergensis n. sp. is described from the Lower Keuper of Southern Germany.     

Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for serodiagnosis of human leptospirosis: specific IgG3/IgG1 isotyping may further inform diagnosis of acute disease

The laborious microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the gold standard serologic test for laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis. We developed EIA based serologic assays using recombinant proteins (rLigA, rLigB, rLipL32) and whole-cell extracts from eight Leptospira serovars as antigen and assessed the diagnostic performance of the new assay within each class, against MAT positive (MAT+) human sera panels from Portugal/PT (n = 143) and Angola/AO (n = 100). We found that a combination of recombinant proteins rLigA, rLigB and rLipL32 correctly identified antigen-specific IgG from patients with clinical and laboratory confirmed leptospirosis (MAT+) with 92% sensitivity and ~ 97% specificity (AUC 0.974) in serum from the provinces of Luanda (LDA) and Huambo (HBO) in Angola. A combination of whole cell extracts of L. interrogans sv Copenhageni (LiC), L. kirschneri Mozdok (LkM), L. borgpetersenii Arborea (LbA) and L. biflexa Patoc (LbP) accurately identified patients with clinical and laboratory confirmed leptospirosis (MAT+) with 100% sensitivity and ~ 98% specificity for all provinces of Angola and Portugal (AUC: 0.997 for AO/LDA/HBO, 1.000 for AO/HLA, 0.999 for PT/AZ and 1.000 for PT/LIS). Interestingly, we found that MAT+ IgG+ serum from Angola had a significantly higher presence of IgD and that IgG3/IgG1 isotypes were significantly increased in the MAT+ IgG+ serum from Portugal. Given that IgM/IgD class and IgG3/IgG1 specific isotypes are produced in the earliest course of infection, immunoglobulin G isotyping may be used to inform diagnosis of acute leptospirosis. The speed, ease of use and accuracy of EIA tests make them excellent alternatives to the laborious and expensive MAT for screening acute infection in areas where circulating serovars of pathogenic Leptospira are well defined.     

New brachiopod subfamily Anechophragmiinae (Strophomenida) from the Ordovician of the Leningrad Region

A new strophomenid subfamily Anechophragmiidae is distinguished based on the peculiarities of cardinalia. The strophomenids of this subfamily lack cardinal process at all developmental stages; their socket ridges accrete and form a high plate, which closes the pedicle opening. Two genera are referred to the subfamily: Anechophragma Neuman, 1976 and Biseptata gen. nov. with new species B. briani sp. nov. from the Ordovician of the Leningrad Region. The shell structure, exterior, endoskeleton and ontogeny of A. rarum and B. briani were studied in detail due to the excellent preservation of the material. Two species are referred to Anechophragma: A. rarum Neuman, 1976 and A. alexandrae (Andreev, 1993).     

Phylogeny of the Amphiliidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes)

The freshwater African catfish family Amphiliidae had been reviewed based on the 73 osteological characters with Diplomystidae, 2 Hypsidoridae, Amblycipitidae, Sisoridae, and Bagridae as out-groups. Because the family position of Leptoglanis (Bagridae/Amphiliidae) is under debate, this genus has been taken as an out-group too. Results of the study indicate that: 1) the Amphiliidae is not a monophyletic group and must now be restricted to the genera Amphilius and Paramphilius; the two subfamilies Amphiliinae and Doumeinae are separated by the sisorids Euchiloglanis (with most of the glyptosternid fishes) and Glyptothorax (with most of the non-glyptosternid fishes); 2) no synapomorphies were found for the subfamily Amphiliinae. 3) The five genera of subfamily Doumeinae constitute a monophyletic group, Andersonia being the sister-group of the four other genera; subfamily Doumeinae + Leptoglanis form the family Doumeidae. The glyptosternids no longer belong to the Sisoridae (family restricted to the non-glyptosternids) and represent the new family Glyptosternidae.     

Comparative study of the structure of the reproductive system of dwarfish males of Glyphina betulae (Linnaeus, 1758) and Anoecia (Anoecia) corni (Fabricius, 1775) (Hemiptera, Aphididae)

The morphology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive system of dwarfish males of the monoecious aphid species Glyphina betulae (subfamily Thelaxinae) and the heteroecious species Anoecia (Anoecia) corni (subfamily Anoeciinae) are described. The testicular follicle of these species has the form of a single sac, the proximal parts of the vasa deferentia are slightly (G. betulae) or strongly (A. (A.) corni) expanded, the accessory glands are sack-shaped, and in G. betulae asymmetric and strongly elongated, whereas the ejaculatory duct is short.In both species only mature spermatozoa have been found within the testicular follicles, i.e. the consecutive stages of spermatogenesis have not been observed in adult males. Our studies also show that the testicular follicle, vasa deferentia, accessory glands and ejaculatory duct are histologically very simple. They are composed of more-or-less flattened epithelium of a secretory type, and thin muscle fibres. The epithelial cells are rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and small vacuoles. The vasa deferentia, especially in G. betulae, are filled with an electron-dense secretion which, as was shown by histochemical staining, contains proteins and polysaccharides. We suggest that the maximum secretory activity of these epithelial cells occurs, as does spermatogenesis, during larval stages, so that the short living adult males are immediately ready for copulation as in other aphids with normal-sized males.     

Taxonomical reappraisal of “ictitheres” (Mammalia,Carnivora) from the Late Miocene of Kenya

In 2003, Werdelin has identified three hyaenid species from the Late Miocene of Kenya (Lothagam Formation), including two “ictitheres” – a newly erected Ictitherium ebu Werdelin, 2003, and Hyaenictitherium cf. parvum. The present article discusses the published evidence on the Kenyan hyaenids and explores additional cranial and postcranial characters useful for differentiation between the true ictitheres (i.e., the genera of the subfamily Ictitheriinae Trouessart, 1897) and some small members of the subfamily Hyaeninae Gray, 1869.     

Molecular phylogeny of black fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaroidea: Sciaridae) and the evolution of larval habitats

The phylogeny of the family Sciaridae is reconstructed, based on maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian analyses of 4809 bp from two mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and two nuclear (18S and 28S) genes for 100 taxa including the outgroup taxa. According to the present phylogenetic analyses, Sciaridae comprise three subfamilies and two genus groups: Sciarinae, Chaetosciara group, Cratyninae, and Pseudolycoriella group + Megalosphyinae. Our molecular results are largely congruent with one of the former hypotheses based on morphological data with respect to the monophyly of genera and subfamilies (Sciarinae, Megalosphyinae, and part of postulated “new subfamily”); however, the subfamily Cratyninae is shown to be polyphyletic, and the genera Bradysia, Corynoptera, Leptosciarella, Lycoriella, and Phytosciara are also recognized as non-monophyletic groups. While the ancestral larval habitat state of the family Sciaridae, based on Bayesian inference, is dead plant material (plant litter + rotten wood), the common ancestors of Phytosciara and Bradysia are inferred to living plants habitat. Therefore, shifts in larval habitats from dead plant material to living plants may have occurred within the Sciaridae at least once. Based on the results, we discuss phylogenetic relationships within the family, and present an evolutionary scenario of development of larval habitats.     

Psednotrichia perennis (Asteraceae,Senecioneae): A new species from the Huila plateau,Angola

The genus Psednotrichia (Asteraceae–Senecioneae) is endemic to Angola and currently consists of two annual species, P. xyridopsis (O. Hoffm.) Anderb. & P. O. Karis, and P. newtonii (O. Hoffm.) Anderb. & P. O. Karis. A perennial member of the genus was collected on a recent field trip to Angola, and is here described as P. perennis N. G. Bergh & B. Nord., sp. nov. A key to the three species is provided.