TELYCHIAN (LLANDOVERY, SILURIAN) BIVALVES FROM SPAIN

Abstract:  Twenty species of bivalves (14 new) and 14 genera (six new) are described from two localities in the Silurian, upper Telychian, Oktavites spiralis Biozone of Spain: Cardavia cathleenae gen. et sp. nov., C. hafi sp. nov . , C. stefani sp. nov.; Copenychia franta gen. et sp. nov., C. pristina sp. nov.; Stolidotus marco sp. nov.; Telycardia malinka gen. et sp. nov.; Silurinka vetula gen. et sp. nov.; Bolsopteria lentilka gen. et sp. nov.; Nennapteria ibericola gen. et sp. nov., N. ollicula sp. nov.; Actinopteria dakryodes sp. nov., A. isabelae sp. nov. and Dceruska hispanica sp. nov. They comprise two closely related communities, the Copenychia-Cardavia-Actinopteria Community and the Dceruska-Copenychia-Stolidotus Community, which belong to the Snoopyia Community Group. The occurrence of Dceruska Barrande, 1881, Dualina Barrande, 1881, Patrocardia Barrande, 1881, Silurinka , gen. nov., Slava Barrande, 1881 and Stolidotus Hede, 1915 in the Telychian of the Central Iberian Domain, Spain, supports palaeogeographical relationships with other Lower Silurian regions of north Gondwanan and Perunican Europe: the Carnic Alps (Austria), the Montagne Noire (France), Sardinia (Italy) and the Prague Basin (Bohemia), and also to Avalonia: the Welsh Borderland (Great Britain) and Baltica–Skåne (Sweden). These genera together with the new genera Cardavia, Copenychia (the earliest known representatives of the Silurian family Cardiolidae), Telycardia (the oldest known representative of the family Praecardiidae) and Silurinka belong to a Bohemian type of bivalve. Bolsopteria lentilka is closely related to Bolsopteria elliptica (Hind, 1910) from the Aeronian (middle Llandovery) of Scotland.     

Fungal keratitis in the State of Paraná-Brazil: clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic findings

Fungal keratites is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Brazil, and causes high morbidity. Usually, it is preceded by underlying conditions like ocular trauma or immunosuppression. The diagnosis is confirmed by the demonstration of the etiologic agent in the clinical specimen. Data were analysed from 49 patients with fungal keratitis observed in Ophthalmologic Division of Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Parana, from 1983 to 1997. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture and/ or direct examination. Of the cases studied, 22% were diagnosed only by direct examination; 50% by isolation in culture and 26% by the association of the both methods. The most prevalent etiologic agents were: Fusarium sp. (32%), Aspergillus sp. (16,5%) and Penicillium sp. (10%).     

SKULL MORPHOLOGY AND PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF A NEW DIMINUTIVE BALAENID FROM THE LOWER PLIOCENE OF BELGIUM

Abstract:  A new small balaenid is described and compared to all fossil and living balaenid taxa. The specimen represents a new genus and species and is named Balaenella brachyrhynus . It was discovered in the Lower Pliocene of Kallo (north-west Antwerp, Belgium) and adds new information on the diversity and evolution of Balaenidae. Based on both comparative morphology and phylogenetic analysis, Balaenella brachyrhynus is morphologically closer to the genus Balaena , including the living Greenland Bowhead whale ( B. mysticetus ), and two Pliocene species ( B. montalionis and B. ricei ) from central Italy and the eastern USA. Balaenella brachyrhynus has very short nasals, a short rostrum relative to the total skull length and a horizontal supraoccipital. A cladistic treatment of 81 morphological character states scored for 10 balaenids and nine non-balaenid cetaceans revealed that the other small balaenids generally included in the genus Balaenula (including Balaenula astensis, B. balaenopsis and a Pliocene Balaenula sp. from Japan) are closer to the living genus Eubalaena (the Right whale). As the new skull is so different from the nominal Balaenula species, and as it is more closely related to Balaena than to Eubalaena , it is concluded that a small body size was a common condition in different Balaenidae clades.     

NEW FOSSIL LACEWINGS AND ANTLIONS (INSECTA, NEUROPTERA) FROM THE LOWER CRETACEOUS CRATO FORMATION OF BRAZIL

Abstract:  Remarkable new fossil taxa of Neuroptera from the laminated limestone of the Crato Formation, north-east Brazil, are described: Nuddsia longiantennata gen. et sp. nov. (Osmylidae, Gumillinae), the first fossil record of this family from South America, Parapalaeoleon magnus gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeoleontidae), and Triangulochrysopa formosa sp. nov. (Mesochrysopidae). A diagnosis of Gumillinae is provided; Epiosmylidae is considered to be a synonym of this subfamily. A revised diagnosis of Palaeoleontidae is provided, based on a new interpretation of venational characters evident on the exceptionally well-preserved specimen of P. magnus ; vein homologies are determined and the fusion of MP and CuA is discussed. The genus Triangulochrysopa has been known previously only from the Lower Cretaceous of Las Hoyas, Spain.     

Evaluation of the biological control of the pink wax scale Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (Hom., Coccidae) with the introduced parasitoid Anicetus beneficus Ishii & Yasumatsu (Hym., Encyrtidae) in the Central province of Papua New Guinea

Abstract:  In order to evaluate the possibility of a classical biological control of the pink wax scale Ceroplastes rubens (Hom., Coccidae) with the parasitoid Anicetus beneficus (Hym., Encyrtidae), endemic parasitoids were collected (2000/2001) in three provinces in Papua New Guinea and parasitization levels were determined. Eight hymenopteran parasitoid species were identified: Aprostocetus sp. (Eulophidae), Coccophagus sp. (Aphelenidae), five Encyrtidae: Cheiloneurus sp., Coccidocnotus sp., Diversinervus sp., Metaphycus sp., Microterys sp. and Moranila sp. (Pteromalidae). Levels of parasitization were low, varying between 1.4 and 2.8%. A. beneficus was imported from Australia and 1100 specimens were released in spring 2002 at two locations with mango infested by C. rubens (Laloki and Tahira) in the Central Province . A. beneficus did establish at both sites. Six months after release, parasitization levels of C. rubens had increased from 2.8 to 5.9% (P  =  0.05) at Laloki and from 1.8 to 22.2% (P  =  0.01) at Tahira, with A. beneficus being the most frequent parasitoid (69% of all parasitoids). Workers of the ant genus Tapinoma (Dolichoderinae) were frequently collected from infested trees at Laloki, but were not present at Tahira. It is assumed that their presence is at least partly responsible for the lower degree of parasitization and number of A. beneficus at this site. The necessity of further studies is stressed.     

A thermotolerant and high acetic acid-producing bacterium Acetobacter sp. I14–2

A thermotolerant bacterium with high production of acetic acid was isolated from spoiled banana in Taiwan. The isolate, I14–2 ,was considered to be an Acetobacter sp. according to phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics. Optimal cultural conditions for Acetobacter sp. I14–2 to produce acetic acid were studied under cultivation in a medium containing 2 mg l⁻¹ acetic acid and 5% ethanol at 30 °C. Acetic acid productivity by Acetobacter sp. I14–2 was almost two and three times the amount produced by Acet. aceti IFO3283 and Acetobacter sp. CCRC 12326, respectively. The isolate retained 22% residual acetic acid-producing activity after 3 d incubation in a medium containing 8% ethanol, and produced acetic acid in a medium containing 10 g l⁻¹ acetic acid. This bacterium is thermotolerant and retained 97% and 68% of acetic acid-producing activity after 3 d incubation at 35 °C and 37 °C, respectively, compared with that when incubated at 30 °C.     

New spiders in Upper Cretaceous amber from New Jersey in the American Museum of Natural History (Arthropoda: Araneae)

The oldest described fossils of the extant spider family Araneidae (Araneinae; gen. et sp. indet.), the extant genus Orchestina (Oonopidae; O. sp. indet.) and the new fossil genus Palaeosegestria (Segestriidae; P. lutzzii gen. et sp. nov.) are presented from Upper Cretaceous amber of New Jersey. The known fossil range of the extant family Araneidae is extended approximately 50 myr from the previously oldest described araneid from the Middle Eocene oil shales of the Messel pit in Hesse, Germany. The fossil range of the extant genus Orchestina is also extended 50 myr from the previously oldest described specimen in Eocene Baltic amber.     

TWO NEW PARROTS (PSITTACIFORMES) FROM THE LOWER EOCENE FUR FORMATION OF DENMARK

Abstract:  Two new fossil psittaciform birds from the Lower Eocene 'Mo Clay' (Fur Formation) of Denmark ( c . 54 Ma) are described. An unnamed specimen is assigned to the extinct avian family of stem-group parrots, Pseudasturidae (genus and species incertae sedis ), while a second ( Mopsitta tanta gen. et sp. nov.) is the largest fossil parrot yet known. Both specimens are the first fossil records of these birds from Denmark. Although the phylogenetic position of Mopsitta is unclear (it is classified as family incertae sedis ), this form is phylogenetically closer to Recent Pstittacidae than to other known Palaeogene psittaciforms and may, therefore, represent the oldest known crown-group parrot.     

Natural enemies of Paropsis atomaria Olivier (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in south-eastern Queensland eucalypt plantations

Abstract  A field survey for natural enemies of Paropsis atomaria was conducted at two south-eastern Queensland Eucalyptus cloeziana plantation sites during 2004–2005. Primary egg and larval parasitoids and associated hyperparasitoids were identified to genus or species, and parasitism rates were determined throughout the season. Predators were identified to family level but their impact was not quantified. P. atomaria adults were also examined as potential hosts for parasitic mites and nematodes. An undescribed species of Neopolycystus (Pteromalidae) was the major primary egg parasitoid species reared from egg batches, parasitising half of all egg batches collected. Three hyperparasitoid species ( Baeoanusia albifunicle (Encyrtidae), Neblatticida sp. (Encyrtidae) and Aphaneromella sp. (Platygasteridae) were present, representing around one-quarter to one-third of all emergent wasps; this is the first host association record for Neopolycystus–B. albifunicle. In contrast to populations of P. atomaria from the Australian Capital Territory, primary larval parasitism was very low, around 1%, and attributable only to the tachinid flies Anagonia sp. and Paropsivora sp. However, the presence of the sit-and-wait larval hyperparasitoid, Perilampus sp. (Perilampidae) was high, emerging from around 17% of tachinid pupae, with planidia infesting a further 40% of unparasitised hosts. Three species of podapolipid mites parasitised sexually mature P. atomaria adults, while no nematodes were found in this study. Spiders were the most common predators and their abundance was positively correlated with P. atomaria adult and egg numbers. Although natural enemy species composition was identical between our two study sites, significant differences in abundance and frequency were found between sites.     

Revision of the fruit fly genus Capparimyia (Diptera, Tephritidae)

Capparimyia Bezzi is revised and eight species recognized, of which four are new: C. aenigma sp. nov., C. maerua sp. nov., C. mirabilis sp. nov., and C. spatulata sp. nov. A lectotype is designated for C. bipustulata (Bezzi, 1923), C. savastani (Martelli) and C. melanaspis (Bezzi). Capparimyia aristata nom. nov. is proposed as a replacement name for Pardalaspis (now Capparimyia ) bipustulata Bezzi, 1924 (preoccupied Bezzi, 1923). All species are described or re-described, with illustrations of mesonotal and wing patterns and male and female terminalia. A key to species is provided. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus are analysed cladistically and considered vis-à-vis the relationships between the host plants. Distribution patterns are discussed.     

Revision of Rogneda Uljanin, 1870 (Rhabditophora, Eukalyptorhynchia, Polycystididae) with the description of seven new species

A morphological and taxonomical account of the taxon Rogneda is given. A new interpretation of the stylet morphology is presented and a new terminology pertaining to these hard parts is proposed. All known species are discussed and additional information is provided when necessary. Seven new species are described. Five of these are from the Mediterranean: R. colpaerti sp. nov. , R. licyae sp. nov. , R. schaereri sp. nov. , R. valckei sp. nov. and R. vangronsveldi sp. nov . R. verveckeni sp. nov . is from the Atlantic coast of Spain (Galicia). The seventh, R. martensi sp. nov. , is from Indonesia and is the first species of Rogneda to be found outside the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean. All new species can be recognized based on the morphology of the stylets in the male system. A discussion on the similarities and differences of the 22 species is provided, resulting in the grouping of the species into seven morphological groups: the capulata -group, the falcata -group, the hibernica -group, the polyrhabdota -group, the steueri -group, the tripalmata -group and the westbladi -group. R. minuta cannot be placed into any of these groups and therefore stands alone within the taxon. An identification key is provided to facilitate further study of the taxon Rogneda .  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 153 , 1–28.     

Description of a new species of Mesochaetopterus (Annelida, Polychaeta, Chaetopteridae), with redescription of Mesochaetopterus xerecus and an approach to the phylogeny of the family

Mesochaetopterus rogeri sp. nov. , a new large chaetopterid polychaete from the Mediterranean Sea, is described. The analyses of partial sequences from the nuclear 18S rRNA (643 bp) and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (577 bp) genes of representative individuals of all known chaetopterid genera indicated the initial assignment of the new species into Mesochaetopterus . These analyses also supported the monophyly of the family and revealed two well-supported clades: Chaetopterus/Mesochaetopterus and Spiochaetopterus/Phyllochaetopterus . Mesochaetopterus rogeri sp. nov. is close to Mesochaetopterus xerecus , which is redescribed here from newly collected material. Mesochaetopterus rogeri sp. nov. was characterized as follows: (1) two long tentacles with dorsal transversal black bands of alternating widths (sometimes with two additional longitudinal light-brown bands); (2) region A with nine chaetigers (up to 12), with 13–19 modified chaetae in the fourth chaetiger; (3) region B with three flat segments, with accessory feeding organs in the second and third segments; (4) sandy straight tubes, 2.5-m long or more, vertically embedded in the sand. In the Bay of Blanes, M. rogeri sp. nov. occurs between 6- and 9-m deep (but also up to 30-m deep), in a patchy distribution (< 1 individual m⁻²), with maximum densities in April/June (likely to be the result of recruitment events), and minimum densities in September/November (likely to be a behavioural response to increasing sediment dynamics). Although it was originally thought that M. rogeri sp. nov. could be an introduced species, we argue that it is probably a native of the Mediterranean that has been overlooked by scientists up to now.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 152 , 201–225.     

Discovery of Trunk Coelomoducts in Hemichordata

Histological examination of a specimen of a deep-sea enteropneusts that belongs to a yet undescribed species (Torquaratoridae gen. sp.) revealed numerous trunk coelomoducts. They open into the genital wing coelom as a typical funnels; short ducts communicate with environment through pores located on the outer side of the genital wings. Total number of coelomoducts in a specimen is estimated at several thousand. Trunk coelomoducts have not been found earlier in any member of the phylum. We believe that the release of the male gonad products occurs through coelomoducts of Torquaratoridae gen. sp.     

Optimization of 2D-PAGE protocols for proteomic analysis of two nonaxenic toxin-producing freshwater cyanobacteria: Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Raphidiopsis sp.

Aims:  To optimize a protocol for the extraction and an in-depth analysis of the soluble protein fraction of two nonaxenic toxin-producing cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (hepatotoxin-producing), and Raphidiopsis sp. (neurotoxin-producing), using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE).
Methods and Results:  The soluble protein fractions from strains of C. raciborskii and Raphidiosis sp. with different toxicity phenotypes were analysed by 2D-PAGE. Specific protocols were optimized specifically for each strain. Between 500 and 700 sharp protein spots were distinguished in a single 4–7 pH range 2D-PAGE for each cyanobacterium. Comparison of the protein maps of C. raciborskii CS-505 (a cylindrospermopsin-producing strain) and Raphidiopsis sp. D9 (saxitoxin-producing strain) against the nontoxic C. raciborskii strain CS-509 revealed many unique proteins in each protein map. We confirmed that the resolved proteins were cyanobacterial by identifying three randomly chosen protein spots from a Raphidiopsis sp. strain D9 2D-PAGE, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS).
Conclusions:  The 2D-PAGE conditions presented here provide a robust protocol for proteomic studies in two CYN- and STX-producing model organisms, C. raciborskii and Raphidiopsis sp.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  We present the first protocols for proteomic analyses of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii and Raphidiopsis sp.     

Molecular phylogeny of Camponotus ants in Korea

The molecular phylogeny of 12 species of Camponotus ants in Korea was examined using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers as inputs for an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and cluster analysis to describe the relationships between species. For comparison, morphometric data (based on 10 morphological characters) were also gathered for phylogenetic analysis. Assessments of similarity between species were made, and the results of these assessments are compared for the molecular and morphological data sets. In the morphometric analysis, the following groups were identified: (i) C. atrox, C. kiusuensis, C. japonicus and C. concavus (93% similarity); (ii) C. sp. 1 (be diverging at 80% similarity); (iii) C. jejuensis, C. sp. 3, C. itoi, C. nawai and C. tokioensis (94.5% similarity); and (iv) C. nipponensis and C. quadrinotatus (94.5% similarity). Formica fusca was 73.5% similar to the 12 Camponotus species studied here. The group comprising C. nawai and C. tokioensis had the highest similarity index (97.36%), followed by the group comprising C. jejuensis and C. sp. 3 (95%), then C. atrox and C. kiusuensis (94.5%), and then C. nipponensis and C. quadrinotatus (93.5%). In the molecular analysis the following groups were identified: (i) C. atrox and C. jejuensis (30% similarity); (ii) C. concavus, C. japonicus and C. itoi (25% similarity); (iii) C. kiusuensis, C. nawai, C. sp. 3, C. nipponensis, C. quadrinotatus and C. sp. 1 (24% similarity); and (iv) C. tokioensis (be diverging at 23% similarity). The most closely related group in the molecular analysis was C. nawai and C. sp. 3 (75% similarity), followed by C. concavus and C. japonicus (50.5% similarity), then C. atrox and C. jejuensis (30%), and then C. quadrinotatus and C. sp. 1. Camponotus tokioensis was the least closely related to other species among the 12 species studied. Although C. jejuensis and C. tokioensis were found to be 93.6% similar on the basis of morphometric data, molecular data indicated only 23% similarity, the lowest similarity index between any two species considered here. Camponotus jejuensis has marked morphological similarities to C. tokioensis, but on the basis of molecular data gathered in the present study, we refute the proposal that they are synonyms or sister species.     

Effects of different protein and carbohydrate levels on growth performance and feed utilisation of brook trout,Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814), at two temperatures

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimum dietary protein requirement of brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, at 15 and 19°C. Twelve iso‐energetic (22 MJ · kg^?1) and iso‐lipidic (23%) diets (36–58% protein at 2% increments) were prepared. Fish (29.45 ± 3.25 g · fish^?1) were fed 2% of body weight per day, divided into two equal rations. The specific growth rate (SGR, % · day^?1), feed efficiency ratio (FER), productive protein value (PPV), productive lipid value (PLV) and productive energy value (PEV), apparent digestibility of diet (AD_DM) and protein (AD_CP) were significantly higher at optimum temperature (15°C). Increasing PPV with increasing dietary carbohydrate and with decreasing dietary protein content was due to the protein‐sparing effect of carbohydrates. A piecewise regression (broken line) model between the SGR and digestible dietary protein level revealed that the digestible dietary protein requirement of brook trout was 44 and 40% at 15 and 19°C, respectively. When PPV (digestible protein retention basis) was modelled with a broken line, the digestible protein requirement of brook trout was 39 and 35% at 15 and 19°C, respectively. A reduction in dietary protein content balanced by increased gelatinised carbohydrate might be useful for improving the protein utilization efficiency for growth at 15 and 19°C; however, the growth and feed efficiency was lower at the elevated temperature.     

东江下游惠州河段鱼类群落组成变化特征

2007～2010年先后5次对东江下游惠州(剑潭)河段鱼类群落进行调查,共采集到鱼类69种,分属于8目20科58属,主要以鲤科(39种)、鲿科(7种)、鳅科(5种)为主.鲮(Cirrhina molitorella)、鲨(Hemiculter leucisculus)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)、赤眼鳟(Sq...     

Polychaete meets octopus: symbiotic relationship between Spathochaeta octopodis gen. et sp. nov. (Annelida: Chrysopetalidae) and Octopus sp. (Mollusca: Octopodidae)

Marine annelids in the subfamily Calamyzinae (family Chrysopetalidae) are either symbiotic or free-living forms that have been mainly reported from deep-sea chemosynthetic systems. Symbiotic calamyzines mainly live in the mantle cavity of bivalves in hydrothermal vents or cold seeps, but one species is also found to be inserted into the epidermis of polychaetes. We found a single specimen of calamyzine polychaete on the body surface of Octopus sp. collected in the Sea of Kumano (Japan), which represents the first known record of symbiotic association between polychaetes and octopuses. We described the specimen as Spathochaeta octopodis gen. et sp. nov. Spathochaeta gen. nov. can be discriminated from other genera in Calamyzinae by the presence of spatula-shaped notochaetae and dorsal chaetal lobes. We also provided the phylogenetic position of S. octopodis gen. et sp. nov. within Chrysopetalidae based on four gene markers (COI, 16S, 18S, H3). www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A8FB15C1-31A7-4487-966B-13F10E19A373.     

Taxonomic revision of the tribe Hymenodictyeae (Rubiaceae, Cinchonoideae)

The palaeotropical tribe Hymenodictyeae Razafim. & B. Bremer, belonging to the otherwise predominantly Neotropical subfamily Cinchonoideae  s.s. (coffee family or Rubiaceae), is revised here. The tribe as presently circumscribed contains two genera, Hymenodictyon Wall. and Paracorynanthe Capuron ex J.-F. Leroy, and is distinct from the other Cinchonoideae tribes with capsular fruits in having stipules bearing large, deciduous colleters on the margins, valvate corolla aestivation, and lenticellate capsular fruits that contain elongate, bilaterally flattened, and accrescent placentae. We recognize 22 Hymenodictyon species, including four new species ( H. antakaranensis sp. nov. , H. epiphyticum sp. nov. , H. madagascaricum sp. nov. , and H. tsingy sp. nov. ), and the two described species of Paracorynanthe . Hymenodictyon is distinguished from its sister genus, Paracorynanthe , by simple or compound spicate, racemose or thyrsoid inflorescences and corolla lobes without any appendages, rather than compound umbelliform inflorescences and corolla lobes prolonged by ciliate appendages. A full taxonomic treatment, keys, and distribution maps of all recognized Hymenodictyon and Paracorynanthe species are provided. Five lectotypes and one neotype are designated. Finally, six Hymenodictyon species are illustrated for the first time.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 152 , 331–386.     

Systematics and phylogeny of the cane rats (Rodentia: Thryonomyidae)

The family Thryonomyidae is known from the Eocene up to the present. Today, this group comprises just two closely related species, which are restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. However, various thryonomyids have been recorded in strata of Miocene age, when the group spread out of Africa eastward to southern Asia (Pakistan). A systematic revision and a cladistic analysis shows that 20 species can be referred to this family: Thryonomys swinderianus (Temninck), T. gregorianus (Thomas), Paraphiomys pigotti Andrews, P. occidentalis Lavocat, P. simonsi Wood, P. hopwoodi Lavocat, P. shipmani Denys et Jaeger, P. australis Mein, Pickford et Senut, P. roessneri Mein, Pickford et Senut, P. afarensis Geraads, Paraphiomys sp. nov. from Saudi Arabia López-Antoñanzas et Sen , P. renelavocati sp. nov. , Neosciuromys africanus Stromer, Apodecter stromeri Hopwood, Paraulacodus indicus Hinton, Paraulacodus johanesi Jaeger, Michaux et Sabatier, Gaudeamus aegyptius Wood, Epiphiomys coryndoni Lavocat, Kochalia geespei (de Bruijn et Hussain), Paraphiomys sp. nov. from Saudi Arabia, and Paraphiomys orangeus Mein et Pickford. The unresolved basal position of Sacaresia moyaeponsi with respect to Metaphiomys schaubi and the clade comprising the above-cited species, suggest that this taxon should not be allocated to the family Thryonomyidae. A phylogenetic definition of the family Thryonomyidae is proposed as an outcome of the phylogenetic analysis: Epiphiomys corindoni , Thryonomys swinderianus , their most recent common ancestor and all its descendants (node-based taxon).  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 142 , 423–444.