Phlebotomines of the Isle of Cyprus. III. Species inventory

Three surveys on canine leishmaniasis were carried out in Cyprus (1993, 1998 and 1999) emphasise the presence of eleven species of phlebotomine sandflies: Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi, P. (Paraphlebotomus) alexandri, P. (Pa.) jacusieli (first mention in Cyprus), P. (Pa.) sergenti, P. (Larroussius) galilaeus, P. (L.) tobbi, P. (Transphlebotomus) economidesi, P. (T.) mascittii, Sergentomyia (Sergentomyia) azizi (its specific statute is validated by the authors), S. (S.) fallax et S. (S.) minuta. P. (Adlerius) kyreniae was not caught during the surveys. The authors propose hypothesis of settlement of the island by phlebotomine sandflies according this species inventory. A first migration period took probably place during the Miocene time and a second one during the Pleistocene time.     

Phylogenetic analysis of Phlebotomus species belonging to the subgenus Larroussius (Diptera, psychodidae) by ITS2 rDNA sequences

In the genealogy of Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae), morphological analyses have indicated that the subgenus Larroussius is a monophyletic group which is most closely related to the subgenera Transphlebotomus and Adlerius. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the relationships among six representative species of the subgenus Larroussius and one species representatitive of the Phlebotomus subgenus, assessing sequences of the Second Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS2) of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Three of the species (P. perniciosus, P. ariasi and P. perfiliewi perfiliewi) were collected in different parts of the Mediterranean area. The trees estimated from parsimony and neighbour-joining analyses supported the monophyly of the Larroussius subgenus inferred from the morphological analysis. According to our data, P. ariasi may be a sister group to the rest of the Larroussius subgenus, although additional sequence data are needed to confirm this observation. Our results suggest that P. perniciosus and P. longicuspis are distinct species, in spite of the fact that there are only slight morphological differences. The strict congruence between the phylogeny of the Larroussius subgenus inferred from the ITS2 sequences and that based on morphological studies further confirmed the ability of the spacer sequence to identify recently-derived affiliations.     

Redescriptions of Phallodrilus parthenopaeus Pierantoni and P. obscurus Cook (Oligochaeta, Tubificidae)

The type species of Phallodrilus Pierantoni, 1902, P. parthenopaeus Pierantoni, 1902; is redescribed on the basis of new material from W Scotland. The species is characterized by its specific spermathecal and penial setae, its very slender atria, and its long spermathecal ducts. Sexually fully mature specimens of P. obscurus Cook, 1969 are described for the first time, on the basis of material from New Jersey (E USA). The new material shows that this species possesses 5 to 9 penial setae in each ventral bundle of segment XI, and that its atria are coated with a relatively thick musculature.     

宽带蕨属（水龙骨科）的系统学研究

对喜马拉雅和横断山地区特有的水龙骨科的宽带蕨属Platygyria Ching&S.K.Wu植物进行了形态学、分类学、生态和植物地理学的观察与分析,探讨了该属植物的系统位置、亲缘关系和生态适应性,推测宽带蕨属是随着喜马拉雅山脉的隆升,由瓦韦属Lepisorus（J.Sm.）Ching网眼瓦韦群植物适应高寒生态环境演化而来的新生类群。确定宽带蕨属有5种,即川西宽带蕨P.soulieana（Christ）X.C.Zhang&Q.R.Liu、多变宽带蕨P.variabilis Ching&S.K.Wu、耳基宽带     

Parvicapsula bicornis n. sp. and P. limandae n. sp. (Myxozoa, Parvicapsulidae) in Pleuronectidae (Teleostei, Heterosomata) from Denmark

Two species of Parvicapsula were found in the kidney tubules and the urinary bladder of 2 pleuronectid fish from the northern Oresund, Denmark. The coelozoic, spherical, disporic trophozoites of both species are 10 to 12 pm in diameter. The myxospores of both species are elongate, asymmetrical and slightly curved, and have spherical polar capsules. Parvicapsula bicornis n. sp. (6-8 x 5-6 microm, polar capsule 2.5 microm in diameter) occurs in Pleuronectes platessa. The polar capsules of P. bicornis are arranged symmetrically on either side of the longitudinal axis and its spores differ from other species of Parvicapsula in having two 2-3 microm long posterior processes of different length. Parvicapsula limandae n. sp. (8-11 x 4-5 pm, polar capsule 1.6 microm in diameter) is found in Limanda limanda. The polar capsules are arranged along the longitudinal axis. It differs from Parvicapsula unicornis Kabata, 1962, recorded from L. limanda, in the arrangement of the polar capsules and in the absence of a posterior horn-like projection. The phylogenetic relationship between P. bicornis n. sp., P. limandae n. sp. and other Parvicapsula spp. was examined with their partial small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) sequences. P. limandae n. sp. and P. asymmetrica appear to be closely related, while P. bicornis n. sp. and P. minibicornis are the most divergent members of the genus.     

Karualona n.gen. (Anomopoda: Chydoridae), with a description of two new species,and a key to all known species

The species group of Alona karua is raised to generic rank and named Karualona. The genus is defined on the basis of a number of characters of the body and its appendages. Tentative new microcharacters are introduced, related to the type and length of selected setae of P1, P2, P3 and P4. Two new species are described, one from the island of Socotra and one from Mexico. A key to the five currently recognized species is given.     

Description of three Pristionchus species (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) from Japan that form a cryptic species complex with the model organism P. pacificus

Three new species of Pristionchus (P. exspectatus, P. arcanus, and P. japonicus) are described from Japan. They are morphologically similar, with P. exspectatus and P. arcanus being almost indistinguishable from the model organism P. pacificus. Reproductive isolation, namely the inability to produce interfertile F1 hybrids, separates all species pairs in the species complex. Additionally, all three new species are distinguished from P. pacificus Sommer, Carta, Kim, and Sternberg, 1996 by having a gonochoristic instead of hermaphroditic mode of reproduction. In addition to its reproductive isolation, P. japonicus is distinct from other Pristionchus species by its arrangement of genital papillae. All species in the complex are separated from each other by molecular sequence divergence, as indicated by analysis of 27 nuclear protein-coding genes and unique sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The identification of a species complex that includes P. pacificus is invaluable for studies of population genetics, speciation, and macroevolution, particularly the evolution of hermaphroditism in the genus.     

Biosystematics of the genus Piperia Rydb. (Orchidaceae)

Piperia is a North American segregate of Habenaria consisting of 5 taxa (4 species and 1 subspecies). The genus is defined and differentiated from other North American genera of the Habenaria alliance by its morphology and pollination mechanism. All taxa have n = 21 chromosomes. Thin-layer chromatography of fresh leaf extracts and a morphological assessment revealed discrete, but variable, taxa. All species are partially interfertile; however, a high degree of sympatry suggests these species are reproductively isolated. One new combination is proposed: P. elongata subsp. michaelii.     

Song modification in the Orthoptera I. Proclamation songs of Platycleis spp. (Tettigoniidae)

Orthopteran song terminology is briefly reviewed taking into account new proposals concerning the term ‘chirp’ by Broughton (1976). The song of Platycleis intermedia is analysed in detail. Synchronous or unison singing between conspecifics of this species is maintained, despite ambient temperature differences, by the individual at the lower temperature instantaneously extending its echeme interval. The normal songs of P.afinis, P.falx, P.sabulosa and P.albopunctata are described and compared with each other and with the song of P.intermedia. The songs of all five species are similar at the syllable level but different at the echeme level. It appears to be these similarities and differences that are responsible for song modification on the part of P.intermedia when it hears the song of one of the other four species.     

Potentilla jiaozishanensis sp. nov. (sect. Leptostylae,Rosaceae) from southwest China

Potentilla jiaozishanensis, a distinct new species of Rosaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is closely related to P. stenophylla var. stenophylla but clearly differs from the latter by its bidentate leaflets, lanceolate epicalyx‐segments that are longer than the sepals, villose ovaries and achenes. Moreover, the pollen grains of P. jiaozishanensis are markedly different from those of P. stenophylla var. stenophylla in size and shape. The newly described species is endemic to the Jiaozishan Mountains, southwest China.     

Pentagonia zhangduensis nov. spec. (Lobosea, Arcellinida), a new freshwater species from China

The morphology of a new testate amoeba Pentagonia zhangduensis nov. spec. was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species was discovered in the sediments of Lake Zhangdu, Hubei Province, China. The low coefficients of variation and normal size frequency distribution suggest that P. zhangduensis is a size-monomorphic species. P. zhangduensis differs from the one other species in this genus (P. maroccana), by its larger size and its quadrangular cross section with two parallel longitudinal ridges on each of the two flattened sides of the test.     

Civettictis braini nov. sp. (Mammalia: Carnivora), a new viverrid from the hominin-bearing site of Kromdraai (Gauteng,South Africa)

A new Plio-Pleistocene viverrid species is described based on two newly discovered maxillae (KW 10141 and KW 10383) from the recent excavations at the hominin-bearing site of Kromdraai (Gauteng, South Africa). This major site allows us to address the conundrum of Paranthropus and Homo origins in South Africa and presents a highly diverse carnivore spectrum (at least 22 species) including herpestids and viverrids. Civettictis braini nov. sp. is a viverrid species comparable in size to the extant African civet Civettictis civetta (Schreber, 1776). However C. braini nov. sp. differs significantly from the extant species in its dental proportions. Its canine and three premolars (P1–P3) are relatively robust, while its carnassials (P4) and two molars (M1, M2) are extremely reduced. This new species supplements our knowledge on carnivore taxonomic diversity and paleoecology in Southern Africa about 2 millions of years ago.     

AGLAOTHAMNION HALLIAE COMB. NOV. AND A. COLLINSII SP. NOV. (CERAMIALES, RHODOPHYTA): RESOLUTION OF NOMENCLATURAL AND TAXONOMIC CONFUSION

Specimens from the exsiccatae Phycotheca BorealiAmericana number 698 are shown to represent two distinct species. One of them, formerly known as Callithamnion halliae, is transferred to Aglaothamnion on the basis of its uninucleate cells. The specimens exhibit distichous branching and are ecorticate. A lectotype is proposed for one of the P.B.-A. #698 specimens displaying these characters . Aglaothamnion halliae ( Collins) comb. nov. is an earlier name for Aglaothamnion westbrookiae Rueness et L'Hardy-Halos. The second species, together with specimens of P.B.-A. #1896, has radial branching and corticated axes and is described herein as a new species , Aglaothamnion collinsii. The binomial Aglaothamnion boergesenii ( Aponte et Ballantine ) L'Hardy-Halos et Rueness in Aponte, Ballantine, et J. Norris is validated. A key to the tropical and warm-temperate western Atlantic species of Aglaothamnion is presented .     

Pseudorhabdosynochus argus n. sp. (Monogenea: Diplectanidae) from Cephalopholis argus, P. minutus n. sp. and Diplectanum nanus n. sp. from C. sonnerati and other monogeneans from Cephalopholis spp. (Perciformes: Serranidae) off Australia and New Caledonia

Monogeneans from three species of Cephalopholis, namely C. argus, C. sonnerati and C. boenak, are described from fish caught off New Caledonia, South Pacific, with comparisons with material from off Queensland, Australia. Pseudorhabdosynochus argus n. sp. from C. argus is present off New Caledonia and Australia; it is characterised by its male quadriloculate organ with very elongate cone, and its sclerotised vagina with anterior trumpet, coiled primary canal and distal part with two chambers and an accessory part. C. boenak has no monogeneans off New Caledonia, but off Australia it harbours Pseudorhabdosynochus sp., a new species which is morphologically related to P. argus. P. minutus n. sp. from C. sonnerati is characterised by its minute body and a sclerotised vagina with two spherical chambers. Diplectanum nanus n. sp. from C. sonnerati is characterised by its very small funnel-shaped male copulatory organ and minute body. A new species, Haliotrema sp. from C. sonnerati is characterised by a very elongate tubular penis; it is distinct from H. cromileptis Young, 1968 (redescribed herein from specimens collected from Cromileptes altivelis off New Caledonia). The species described here include the first members of Pseudorhabdosynochus and the first diplectanids described from species of Cephalopholis. There is no evidence for a clade of Pseudorhabdosynochus species specific to members of Cephalopholis, since the species described here share similarities with other species from Epinephelus. However, it is suggested that the gill structure of Cephalopholis spp. imposes selection toward small body sizes for monogeneans.     

Taxonomic revision of Prosopocoilus gracilis(Saunders,1854) and its allied species from China(Coleoptera:Lucanidae)

Prosopocoilns gracilis(Saunders,1854) and its seven allied species from China are revised.Lectotype,paralectotypes of P.gracilis(Saunders,1854) and P.denticulatus(Boileau,1901) are designated.The doubtful species,P.piceipennis(Westwood,1855) is evidently confirmed as a valid species with verification of its type depository.Two highly similar species,P.crenulidens(Fairmaire,1895) and P.denticulatus(Boileau,1901) are compared in detail for correcting longstanding wrong diagnoses of them.P.similis Schenk,2009 is illustrated with male genitalia firstly.Two recently-published species,P.andreasi Schenk,2009 and P.katsurai Fujita,2010 are treated as new junior synonyms.All the five valid species in this paper are redescribed,with illustrations of adult(including type)habitus,male and female genitalia if they are available.A key to large males is provided for identifying them briefly.     

Cryptosporidium hominis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) from Homo sapiens

The structure and infectivity of the oocysts of a new species of Cryptosporidium from the feces of humans are described. Oocysts are structurally indistinguishable from those of Cryptosporidium parvum. Oocysts of the new species are passed fully sporulated, lack sporocysts. and measure 4.4-5.4 microm (mean = 4.86) x 4.4-5.9 microm (mean = 5.2 microm) with a length to width ratio 1.0-1.09 (mean 1.07) (n = 100). Oocysts were not infectious for ARC Swiss mice, nude mice. Wistar rat pups, puppies, kittens or calves, but were infectious to neonatal gnotobiotic pigs. Pathogenicity studies in the gnotobiotic pig model revealed significant differences in parasite-associated lesion distribution (P = 0.005 to P = 0.02) and intensity of infection (P = 0.04) between C. parvum and this newly described species from humans. In vitro cultivation studies have also revealed growth differences between the two species. Multi-locus analysis of numerous unlinked loci, including a preliminary sequence scan of the entire genome demonstrated this species to be distinct from C. parvum and also demonstrated a lack of recombination, providing further support for its species status. Based on biological and molecular data, this Cryptosporidium infecting the intestine of humans is proposed to be a new species Cryptosporidium hominis n. sp.     

Progamotaenia capricorniensis sp. nov. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) from wallabies (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) from Queensland, Australia

Progamotaenia capricorniensis sp. nov. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) is described from the wallabies Macropus dorsalis (Gray, 1837) and Petrogale assimilis Ramsay, 1877 from Queensland, Australia. The new species is characterised by a fimbriated velum composed of 26-32 digitiform to triangular projections on each side of the proglottis, paired uteri and 140-190 testes distributed in a single band across the medulla. Minor variation occurs in the distribution of the testes. The above characters distinguish the new species from its most closely related congeners P. lagorchestis (Lewis, 1914), P. proterogyna (Fuhrmann, 1932), P. spearei Beveridge, 1980 and P. villosa (Lewis, 1914). P. capricorniensis appears to exhibit a highly disjunct distribution within its usual host, M. dorsalis.     

Prosorhynchoides gracilescens (Rudolphi, 1819) (Digenea: Bucephalidae) from Lophius piscatorius L. is a species complex: a redescription of this species (sensu stricto) from the western Mediterranean and the description of P. borealis n. sp. from the northern North-East Atlantic

The bucephalid digenean Prosorhynchoides gracilescens (Rudolphi, 1819) is a common intestinal parasite of the angler fish Lophius piscatorius in European marine waters. Detailed studies of new material collected off the coasts of both Marseilles and Corsica in the western Mediterranean, and comparison with museum material from the northern North-East Atlantic, indicated that the accepted concept of this species comprises two distinct taxa. The Mediterranean form occurs in relatively small numbers and has small eggs, a large rhynchus and a vitelline distribution that finishes well short of the rhynchus, whereas the NE Atlantic form, which comprises the majority of records, occurs often in large numbers, has larger eggs, a relatively smaller rhynchus and a vitelline distribution that tends to reach the rhynchus. Since the type-material is from the Mediterranean and resembles the Mediterranean form, there was little option but to consider the latter as P. gracilescens (sensu stricto) and to describe the NE Atlantic form as a new species, for which the name P. borealis n. sp. is coined to reflect its northerly distribution. Both species are described and figured in detail, and a table and illustration of the diagnostic features are presented. In addition, some discussion is included on the distribution of these two species and whether P. gracilescens (s. str.) might be a relict species, and on non-European records of P. gracilescens (sensu lato).