Myxomycetes from the Kimberley Region, Western Australia

An account of the Myxomycetes of the Kimberley Region of north Western Australia is presented. It is based on collections obtained mainly from the Napier and Oscar Ranges during the Kimberley Research Project, 1988. The thirty-two collections represent eighteen species, four of which are new records for Australia and twelve new to Western Australia. All but one are new to the Kimberley region, from where only four species were previously known.     

Micropleura australiensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Micropleuridae) from the body cavity of Crocodylus johnsoni in Western Australia

A new nematode species, Micropleura australiensis n. sp., is described on the basis of specimens found in the peritoneal cavity of the Australian freshwater crocodile, Crocodylus johnsoni Krefft, from the Ord River area, Western Australia. The new species is mainly characterized by the length of spicules (0.360-0.366 mm) and gubernaculum (0.096-0.105 mm), the number and arrangement of male caudal papillae (4 preanal and 6 postanal pairs), and the postequatorial vulva. To date, it is the first species of Micropleura reported from Australia. Micropleura trionyxi Agrawal, 1966, and M. lissemysia Chattervati, 1985, are considered junior synonyms of M. indica Khera, 1951.     

New species of Moaciria freitas 1956 (Nematoda: Heterakoidea) from Australian reptiles.

Moaciria sphenomorphi n. sp. is described from the skink Sphenomorphus gracilipes, Moaciria butleri n. sp. from the elapid snake Pseudechis australis (both from Western Australia), and Moaciria etnae n. sp. from the python Liasis childreni from Queensland. These species differ from one another and from M. alvarengai and M. icosiensis principally in the number and disposition of body and caudal papillae, and from M. freitasi in possessing caudal alae. M. butleri and M. etnae also differ from the other species in possessing a conspicuous three-pointed internal lip tooth, and all three new species possess a small median papilla within the posterior rim of the precloacal sucker.     

A new species of the genus Hydrodroma Koch, 1837 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hydrodromidae), with a key to the hitherto known six species of the genus in Australia

The genus Hydrodroma Koch, 1837 in Australia consists of six species, the newly described Hydrodroma meridionalissp. n. included. The new species is described from 45 sampling sites from running waters in Queensland, Victoria, New Southern Wales, Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia. Furthermore, a key for the identification of species of Hydrodroma occurring in Australia is given.     

Monostephanostomum georgianum n. sp. (Digenea: Acanthocolpidae) from Arripis georgianus (Valenciennes) (Perciformes: Arripidae) off Kangaroo Island,South Australia,with comments on Monostephanostomum Kruse, 1979 and Stephanostomum Looss, 1899

Monostephanostomum georgianum n. sp. is described from Arripis georgianus off Kangaroo Island, South Australia. It differs from its congeners by the presence of a short second row of oral spines. M. manteri Kruse, 1979 is reported from A. georgianus off southern Western Australia and Kangaroo Island, South Australia and A. trutta off northern Tasmania. It is considered that the other two species, M. yamagutii Ramadan, 1984 and M. krusei Reimer, 1983, should probably be removed from this genus. Two new combinations are formed, M. gazzae (Shen, 1990) n. comb. (from Stephanostomum) and M. mesospinosum (Madhavi, 1976) n. comb. (from Stephanostomum). A key to the four recognised species of Monostephanostomum is given.     

Molecular characterization of Eimeria species in macropods

A total of 597 faecal samples were collected from western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus), Euros (M. robustus), red kangaroos (M. rufus) in Western Australia and Eastern Grey Kangaroos (M. giganteus) from Victoria and screened for the presence of Eimeria by PCR at the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) locus. The overall prevalence was 24.3% (145/597). At the 18S rRNA locus, sequences were obtained for 25 of the 145 positives. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the macropod-derived Eimeria species grouped in a separate marsupial clade that included Eimeria trichosuri from brushtail possums. At least 6 different clades were identified within the marsupial isolates and many of the genotypes identified are likely to be valid species, however morphological and biological data need to be collected to match sequences to previously characterized Eimeria species or identify if they are new species.     

The taxonomy of the Lampreys Geotria and Mordacia and their distribution in Australia

The taxonomy of the Southern Hemisphere lampreys, Qeotria and Mordacia , is reviewed. Many invalid species have been created within these genera due to a lack of knowledge of the great morphological changes that take place during development. The sequence of changes in the dentition of Mordacia is described in detail.
Geotria is now considered to be monotypic, containing only Q. australis Gray, which is found in Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Caragola is regarded as a synonym of Mordacia , and thus the exclusively South American C. lapicida becomes M. lapicida (Gray). The other Mordacia species, M. mordax (Richardson) and M. praecox Potter, are found only in Australia. All these species are anadromous and parasitic, except M. praecox , which is nonparasitic and never leaves fresh-water.
A comparison of anatomical features indicates that living lampreys (Petromyzonidae) are best separated into three subfamilies: Petromyzoninae to contain all Northern Hemisphere genera, Geotriinae for Geotria , and Mordaciinae for Mordacia.
A record of the Australian rivers in which lampreys have been found, shows that both genera are sympatric in South Australia, western Victoria, and Tasmania, and that only Qeotria is found in Western Australia, and only Mordacia in south-eastern Australia.     

Australian Assassins, Part II: A review of the new assassin spider genus Zephyrarchaea (Araneae, Archaeidae) from southern Australia

The Assassin Spiders of the family Archaeidae from southern Australia are revised, with a new genus (Zephyrarchaeagen. n.) and nine new species described from temperate, mesic habitats in southern Victoria, South Australia and south-western Western Australia: Zephyrarchaea austinisp. n., Zephyrarchaea barrettaesp. n., Zephyrarchaea grayisp. n., Zephyrarchaea janineaesp. n., Zephyrarchaea maraesp. n., Zephyrarchaea markisp. n., Zephyrarchaea melindaesp. n., Zephyrarchaea porchisp. n. and Zephyrarchaea vichickmanisp. n. Specimens of the type species, Zephyrarchaea mainae (Platnick, 1991), comb. n., are redescribed from the Albany region of Western Australia, along with the holotype female of Zephyrarchaea robinsi (Harvey, 2002) comb. n. from the Stirling Range National Park. The previously described species Archaea hickmani Butler, 1929 from Victoria is here recognised as a nomen dubium. A key to species and multi-locus molecular phylogeny complement the species-level taxonomy, with maps, habitat photos, natural history information and conservation assessments provided for all species.     

Mallomonas alphaphora (Chrysophyceae), a new species from Western Australia

A new species ofMallomonas, M. alphaphora (Chrysophyceae), was found in freshwater ponds in the Perth region, Western Australia. It is distinguished from other species ofMallomonas by its very distinctive scale and bristle morphology and is placed in a new section,Alphaphorae, of the genusMallomonas. Dedicated to Prof. DrL. Geitler on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of his birthday.     

Lower Devonian biostratigraphic correlation in Eastern Australia and Western North America

Savage, N. M.: Lower Devonian biostratigraphic correlation in Eastern Australia and Western North America.
Correlation of Lower Devonian marine strata of Eastern Australia and Western North America can be attempted using several fossil groups. In general the faunas are similar, with many species common to both areas. Graptolites occur infrequently, but are of great value because of their precise zonal significance. Several of these graptolites occur in the classic type sequences of Bohemia but are absent from the Rhineland stages. For this reason, and because of the Bohemian affinities of the shelly faunas, the Bohemian stage names are preferable to the Rhenish names for use in Eastern Australia and Western North America. Cono-donts are less precise index fossils than graptolites, but are considerably more abundant and therefore have greater application. Brachiopods are valuable if viewed as assemblages. In terms of the Rhenish stages, most Eastern Australian and Western North American early Lower Devonian formations appear to have been placed too high. Recent evidence from northern Canada throws new light on the problem of correlating Rhenish and Bohemian classic early Lower Devonian stages.     

The genus Thecotheus (Pezizales) in Australia: T. urinamans sp. nov. from urea-treated jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest

The genus Thecotheus is reported in Australia for the first time. A new species, Thecotheus urinamans is described and illustrated and included in a key to all known species of the genus. Critical macro- and micromorphological comparisons are presented to distinguish the new species from several closely related species, particularly the widespread fungus Thecotheus crustaceus. Thecotheus urinamans was growing on rotting, moist, plant litter from an experimental plot treated with urea (ammonia) in the indigenous jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest of Western Australia.     

The genus Unixenus Jones, 1944 (Diplopoda, Penicillata, Polyxenida) in Australia

The penicillate genus Unixenus Jones, 1944 is widespread, with species found in Africa, Madagascar, India and Australia. Each of the two Australian species was originally described from single samples from Western Australia. In this study, collections of Penicillata from museums in all states of Australia were examined to provide further details of the two described species, to revise the diagnoses for both the genus and the species, and to better understand the distribution of the two species in Australia. In addition, two new species Unixenus karajinensissp. n. and Unixenus corticolussp. n. are described.     

A new species of Samolus (Primulaceae) from Western Australia

A new species of Samolus, S. caespitosus is described from Salt Lakes in southern Western Australia.     

Paroster extraordinarius sp. nov., a new groundwater diving beetle from the Flinders Ranges, with notes on other diving beetles from gravels in South Australia (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

The first groundwater (stygobitic) diving beetle is reported from South Australia. Paroster extraordinarius sp. nov. (Dytiscidae: Hydroporini) is described and figured. Its morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequences place it in the hydroporine genus Paroster Sharp. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the new species is imbedded in a clade of stygobitic species from the Yilgarn area of Western Australia. The evolution of this species is discussed and compared with observations on the behaviour and distribution of other dytiscid beetles found in subterranean habitats in South Australia.     

Four new Mouse Spider species (Araneae,Mygalomorphae, Actinopodidae,Missulena) from Western Australia

Four new species of the Mouse Spider genus Missulena Walckenaer, 1805 (family Actinopodidae) are described from Western Australia based on morphological features of adult males. Missulena leniae sp. n.(from the Carnarvon and Yalgoo biogeographic regions), Missulena mainae sp. n. (Carnarvon), Missulena melissae sp. n. (Pilbara) and Missulena pinguipes sp. n. (Mallee) represent a broad spectrum of morphological diversity found in this genus and differ from other congeners by details of the male copulatory bulb, colour patterns, eye sizes, leg morphology and leg spination. Two of the species, M. pinguipes sp. n. and M. mainae sp. n., are characterised by swollen metatarsi of the fourth legs in males, a feature not previously recorded in the family. A key to males of all named Missulena species from Australia is presented and allows their identification based on external morphology.     

Species richness and endemism in the Western Australian flora

Aim Estimates of endemic and non‐endemic native vascular plant species in each of the three Western Australian Botanical Provinces were made by East in 1912 and Beard in 1969. The present paper contains an updated assessment of species endemism in the State. Location Western Australia comprises one third of the continental Australian land mass. It extends from 13° to 35° S and 113° to 129° W. Methods Western Australia is recognized as having three Botanical Provinces (Northern, Eremaean and South‐West) each divided into a number of Botanical Districts. Updated statistics for number of species and species endemism in each Province are based on the Census of Western Australian Plants data base at the Western Australian Herbarium ( Western Australian Herbarium, 1998 onwards). Results The number of known species in Western Australia has risen steadily over the years but reputed endemism has declined in the Northern and Eremaean Provinces where cross‐continental floras are common. Only the isolated South‐West Province retains high rates of endemism (79%). Main conclusions With 5710 native species, the South‐West Province contains about the same number as the California Floristic Province which has a similar area. The Italian mediterranean zone also contains about this number but in a smaller area, while the much smaller Cape Floristic Region has almost twice as many native species. The percentage of endemic species is highest at the Cape, somewhat less in south‐western Australia and less again in California. Italy, at 12.5%, has the lowest value. Apart from Italy, it is usual for endemism to reach high values in the largest plant families. In Western Australia, these mainly include woody sclerophyll shrubs and herbaceous perennials with special adaptations to environmental conditions. While those life forms are prominent in the Cape, that region differs in the great importance of herbaceous families and succulents, both of which are virtually absent from Western Australia. In California and Italy, most endemics are in families of annual, herbaceous perennial and soft shrub plants. It is suggested that the dominant factor shaping the South‐West Province flora is the extreme poverty of the area’s soils, a feature that emphasizes sclerophylly, favours habitat specialization and ensures relatively many local endemic species.     

Revision of the genus Menippus Clark in Australia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae)

Abstract  The genus Menippus is revised for Australia, with six species, three of which are new: M. cynicus Clark, M. darcyi sp. nov. , M. ewani sp. nov. , M. fugitivus (Lea), M. sufi sp. nov. and M. yulensis (Jacoby) comb. nov. (from Diorhabda Weise). Menippus yulensis was described from New Guinea. This species and M. darcyi were formerly confused in Australia with M. fugitivus , which is now considered endemic to Lord Howe Island. The species formerly considered M. fugitivus and protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, New South Wales, is now named M. darcyi . A key is provided for the Australian species of Menippus and a lectotype designated for M. yulensis . The composition of Menippus is discussed and three non-Australian species are transferred to this genus: M. inconspicua (Jacoby) comb. nov. (from Diorhabda Weise); M. laterimaculata (Jacoby) comb. nov. ; and M. marginipennis (Jacoby) comb. nov. (from Galerucella Crotch). A revised checklist of Menippus species is given. The recorded foodplants of Menippus are species of Celtis (Ulmaceae).     

Some nemerteans (Nemertea) from Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Three species of marine nemerteans described and illustrated from Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, include one new genus and two new species: these are the monostiliferous hoplonemerteans Thallasionemertes leucocephala gen. et sp. nov. and Correanemertes polyophthalma sp. nov. A new colour variety of the heteronemertean Micrura callima is also reported, this species previously only being known from Rottnest Island, Western Australia. A key for the field identification of the marine nemerteans recorded from coastal Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef is provided.