Chassalia magnificens sp. nov. and C. chrysoclada comb. nov. (Rubiaceae) from central Africa

Chassalia magnificens, a new species from the Albertine Rift in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is described and illustrated. The species is recognised inter alia by its large stipules and montane habitat. Chassalia chrysoclada is a new combination for a widespread, but hitherto overlooked, central African species originally described in the genus Psychotria. Chassalia chrysoclada is related to C. pteropetala (K. Schum.) Cheek but lacks the bicostate twigs and dorsally winged corolla lobes of that species.     

Cylicocyclus asini n. sp. (Nematoda: Cyathostominae) from donkeys Equus asinus in South Africa

Cylicocyclus asini n. sp. is described from the ventral colons of seven domesticated donkeys Equus asinus in South Africa. The specimens are smaller than 11 members of the genus Cylicocyclus, which currently comprises 10 recognised species, one recognised subspecies and two species inquirendae, but is similar in size to the two smaller species, C. ashworthi and C. leptostomum. Additionally, the small size of its buccal capsule places it within the so-called small buccal capsule group, namely C. ashworthi, C. leptostomum, C. nassatus, C. radiatus and C. triramosus. The shape of the oesophagus at the oesophago-intestinal junction is elongate, similar to that of C. leptostomum. The female specimens have a tail length shorter than the vulva to anus distance, similar to three of the smaller Cylicocyclus species, namely C. leptostomum, C. radiatus and C. triramosus. The new species is distinguished from the smaller members of the genus by the presence of a `club-foot' posterior in the female specimens, 40–46 elements in the external leaf-crown and a deep division of the dorsal ray which extends beyond the origin of the externodorsal ray. Similarly, the new species can be separated from the two other members in the genus with a `club-foot' posterior in the females (C. auriculatus and C. gyalocephaloides) by its body length (6.6–8.47 mm) and the presence of a nipple-like dorsal gutter.     

The Powelliphanta gilliesi — traversi — hochstetteri — rossiana — lignaria — superba ring species (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

Abstract

An alternative classification of the New Zealand rhytidid genus Powelliphanta O'Connor, 1945 is presented. P. gilliesi (Smith, 1880) and P. hochstetteri (Pfeiffer, 1862) are recognised as species, and the following subspecies are recognised within hochstetteri: h. superba (Powell, 1930); h. lignaria (Hutton, 1880); h. rossiana (Powell, 1930); h. fiordlandica (Climo, 1971). A model is explained which suggests that all described species and subspecies of Powelliphanta are part of a complex ring species. This developed as a result of glacial disjunction of South Island populations and hybridisation across a Cook Strait land bridge formed during the last Pleistocene glaciation.     

The Protohermes fruhstorferi species group (Megaloptera: Corydalidae: Corydalinae), with description of a new species from Vietnam

A new species group, the Protohermes fruhstorferi group of the dobsonfly genus Protohermes, is recognised. Three species belonging to the new species group are described and illustrated, including one new species from northern Vietnam.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marsdenia</Emphasis> R. Br. (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) from the semi-arid region of Brazil

Two endangered new species of Marsdenia R. Br. (Asclepiadoideae, Apocynaceae) from the semi-arid region of Brazil are described and illustrated: M. breviramosa (south-western Bahia) and M. nana (northern Minas Gerais). They are shrubs closely related to M. zehntneri and, like that species, are also associated with calcareous outcrops. The former can be recognised by linear leaves arranged in small, compact shoots and the latter is a subshrub less than 50 cm high whose flowers are unique because of the adaxially villous corolla and long-rostrate gynostegium.     

A review of the genus Parapoynx Hübner in China (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Acentropinae)

Thirteen species of the genus Parapoynx Hübner (1825) are recognised from China, including P. qujingalis, a new species described herein. A key to the Chinese species is provided. The adults of the new species and the genital structures of all examined species are illustrated.     

A revision of the genus Naroma (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

A key is given to the four species of Naroma now recognised. The species are redescribed and their distribution is listed. The early stages of N.varipes and N.signifera are described by D.G.Sevastopulo.     

Host selection behaviour and specificity of the solitary parasitoid of mealybugs Anagyrus sp. nr. pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera,Encyrtidae)

The host selection behaviour of Anagyrus sp. nr. pseudococci was compared in no-choice tests among five mealybug species of different geographical and phylogenetic origin, including the Mediterranean native host, Planococcus ficus and four exotic mealybug species, one of the same genus, Pl. citri, two Pseudococcus species, Ps. calceolariae and Ps. viburni and a more distant one, Phenacoccus peruvianus. All five studied mealybug species were recognised by the parasitoid as potential hosts and parasitised, but the behavioural pattern of host recognition, host handling and the level of host acceptance of Anagyrus sp. nr. pseudococci significantly varied among the five studied species, indicating a clear preference for the two Planococcus species, Pl. ficus in particular. The results suggest that A. sp. nr. pseudococci has a broader host range and a more generalist behaviour in comparison with other Anagyrus species. Practical implications of the findings are discussed.     

A monograph of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Octoknema</Emphasis> (Octoknemaceae — Olacaceae <Emphasis Type="Italic">s.l.</Emphasis>)

A revision of Octoknema Pierre is provided, based on morphological data gathered from a study of herbarium specimens and observations in the field. Fourteen species of Octoknema are recognised including six new species: O. bakossiensis Gosline & Malécot, O. belingensis Gosline & Malécot, O. chailluensis Malécot & Gosline, O. kivuensis Gosline & Malécot, O. mokoko Gosline & Malécot and O. ogoouensis Malécot & Gosline. Data are given for four additional poorly known taxa (Octoknema species A, B, C and D).     

Chenia zanderi C.Feng & J.Kou (Pottiaceae,Musci), a new species from Yunnan,China

A new species, Chenia zanderi C.Feng & J.Kou, from Xishan Forest Park in Yunnan Province, China is described and illustrated. Particularly distinctive features of the new species are the fragile stems and leaves fragile along their insertions, narrow leaves usually constricted near the middle, broadly rounded leaf apices with a long apiculus, large distal laminal cells with numerous solid and bifurcate papillae, a narrow groove on the distal ventral surface of the costa, and absence of a costal stereid band. A key for the species recognised in Chenia R.H.Zander is also provided.     

A revision of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Podococcus</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arecaceae</Emphasis>)

Summary  A taxonomic revision of the palm genus Podococcus (Arecaceae) is presented. Two species are recognised: P. barteri, a species relatively widespread in a coastal band from Nigeria to the D. R. Congo and P. acaulis, a species previously considered conspecific to P. barteri, almost exclusively confined to Gabon. The taxonomic history, morphology, distribution and conservation status of the genus and each species are discussed     

The species of Pareromene Osthelder (Pyralidae: Crambinae: Diptychophorini) from Malaysia,Indonesia and New Guinea

Eleven new species of Pareromene Osthelder are described. One species from Malaya, D.xanthogramma Meyrick, and one from Indonesia, D.fuscobasella Snellen, are redescribed and transferred from Diptychophora Zeller to Pareromene Osthelder. Four species, the widely distributed P.clytia Bleszynski, and P.lathonia Blesz., and P.ajaxella Blesz., and P.morobella Blesz., both of New Guinea are discussed and redescribed. Notes on the interrelationships of the species are included and the two evolutionary lines, recognised in this region are discussed.     

Biostratigraphy of the Peri-Gondwana Cambrian trilobite fauna (northern Kerman,Iran) and correlation with other countries

Polymeroid trilobite fauna from two stratigraphic sections (Godbondar and Kuhbanan) of the Kuhbanan Formation in northern Kerman (central Iran) were studied and subjected to biostratigraphic analysis. Eleven genera and species are recognised from the latest Early Cambrian and Middle Cambrian Peri-Gondwanian successions of the study sections. The recognised fauna includes Afghanocare lategenatum, Blountia blountia, Iranoleesia sp., Iranoleesia pisiformis, Kermanella kuhbananensis, Kermanella lata lata, Kermanella lata minuta, Kermanella sp., Redlichia chinensis, Redlichia noetlingi and Redlichia sp. Based on trilobite distribution, three trilobite biozones were recognised in the study sections, namely Redlichia noetlingi biozone, Kermanella kuhbananensis biozone and Iranoleesia pisiformis biozone. The age of the study sections is late Early Cambrian to late Middle Cambrian based on the recognised trilobite biozones. The recognised late Early Cambrian trilobite assemblages (especially Redlichia and Kermanella) from northern Kerman are similar to those found from some other parts of Gondwana or Peri-Gondwana terrains (north India, Pakistan, northwestern Kashmir, Tajikistan, South Australia, South China and Afghanistan) and show affinities with fauna found in some other parts of Iran (Alborz, northern Iran; Tabas, eastern Iran; southeast Karman).     

A revision of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gomphostemma</Emphasis> (Lamiaceae) in Sabah and Sarawak

A taxonomic revision of the genus Gomphostemma Wall. ex Benth. in Sabah and Sarawak is presented. Three species, G. microcalyx Prain, G. javanicum (Blume) Benth., and G. curtisii Prain are recognised; one new species, G. hirsutum Walsingham, is described.     

Orthotrichum patens Bruch & Brid. (Bryophyta,Orthotrichaceae) in Suffolk and Derbyshire,another epiphytic moss new to Britain

Orthotrichum patens is reported new to Britain from two sites in the counties of Suffolk and Derbyshire. Previous reports of this species in Britain are thought to be based on O. affine; they date from the nineteenth century at a time when the structure of the stomata was not recognised as significant. Orthotrichum patens is described and illustrated, and its diagnostic characters are discussed. Some comments are included on changes in the epiphytic bryophyte flora in Britain in recent decades.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clinopodium</Emphasis> L. (Lamiaceae) in Bolivia

A species-level review of the genus Clinopodium in Bolivia is presented. Characters used to distinguish taxa are discussed and evaluated with emphasis being given to nutlet characteristics for the first time. Nine species are described, seven from Bolivia, one of which, C. pilosum J. R. I. Wood is described as new. Bystropogon uniflorus Rusby ex Briq. is treated as subsp. uniflorum (Rusby ex Briq.) J. R. I. Wood of C. axillare (Rusby) Harley and its typification is discussed. Three subspecies of C. bolivianum are recognised, one of which subsp. diffusum J. R. I. Wood is described as new. Notes on salient characteristics of each taxon, on intermediate forms and on the distribution of each species are provided, as well as a key to species, maps and illustrations.     

Further notes on Bolivian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Justicia</Emphasis> L. (Acanthaceae)

Two new taxa of Justicia are recognised from Bolivia. Justicia fuentesii J. R. I. Wood is described as a new species. The two isolated populations of Justicia mesetarum Wassh. & J. R. I. Wood can be distinguished by a range of minor morphological differences and are treated as distinct subspecies with subsp. chiquitana J. R. I. Wood described as new. The new taxa are illustrated and mapped.     

A comparison between ITS phylogenetic relationships and morphological species recognition within <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycena</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calodontes</Emphasis> in Northern Europe

The members of Mycena sect. Calodontes (Tricholomataceae s.l., Basidiomycota) are characterised by a collybioid aspect and more or less purplish to reddish colours and a distinct raphanoid odour. In Europe, nine species have been recognised though some of these based on somewhat dubious morphological differences. Historically, most were assigned to Mycena pura. However, since Mycena pura displays one of the most striking colour variabilities within European agarics, many attempts have been made to subdivide it into independent entities, and several forms, varieties and species have been split from Mycena pura s.l. based largely on differences in colouration, gross macromorphology or other phenetic traits. We developed a large sample of ITS sequences of all species of sect. Calodontes known from Europe for which vouchers exist. Furthermore, partial LSU data were developed and additional sequences downloaded from GENBANK to assess the relationship of Calodontes with other Mycena spp. We show that most Calodontes form a monophyletic group including a few North and South American collections, but that this cannot be conclusively shown when an additional North American sequence is added. For all other species than M. pura and M. diosma, we found morphological species recognition to be in agreement with the ITS data. Several significantly different clades can be recognised within the M. pura morphospecies, none of which can be linked to the observed (and described by proxy) colour varieties/forms. Indications of a possible environmental basis of the colour differentiation in the M. pura morphospecies are discussed.