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.     

Taxonomic notes on New Zealand species of Tortula

Abstract

T. bealeyensis R. Br. ter, is reduced to synonymy with T. anderssonii Ångstr. and T. paehyneura Dix. to synonymy with Barbula ealobolax C. Müll.B. calobolax and B. calobolax var. angustinervia C. Müll. are transferred to the genus Willia. T. petriei Broth. is reduced to a subspecies of T. arenae (Besch.) Broth. Differences between this taxon and the ssp. arenae are outlined and T. arenae ssp. arenae is reported for the first time from the Auckland Islands. A lectotype is chosen for T. rubra Mitt, and T. subantaretiea Sainsb. is reduced to a variety of T. rubra. New Zealand plants referred to T. serrulata Hook. et Grev. are more correctly assigned to T. serrata Dix., which is endemic to New Zealand.     

New species of Euptyctima (Acari,Oribatida) from New Zealand

Abstract

Oribotritia contortula n. sp., O. contraria n. sp., O. teretis n. sp., Rhysotritia bifurcata n. sp., Microtritia contraria n. sp., M. glabrata n. sp., Hoplophthiracarus bisulcus n. sp., Austrophthiracarus pulchellus n. sp., and Notophthiracarus claviger n. sp. are described from New Zealand.

The genera of Oribotritia Jacot, Rhysotritia Märkel & Meyer, Hoplophthiracarus Jacot, and Austrophthiracarus Balogh & Mahunka are new records for New Zealand.     

Review of the Capitellidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) from the Eastern Tropical Pacific region, with notes on selected species

The main objective of this work is to contribute to the taxonomic knowledge of the species of Capitellidae reported for the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This catalogue includes the original name of each species, new names, synonymies, type localities, the museum or institution where the type material is deposited, revision of the material reported for the region by different authors, new examined material, previous reports from other regions of the world, and comments on systematics and distributions. The catalogue lists 43 species in 19 genera. Of these, 6 species were erroneously recorded for the region (Decamastus gracilis Hartman, 1963; Decamastus nudus Thomassin, 1970; Mastobranchus variabilis Edwing, 1984; Notomastus aberans Day, 1957; Notomastus americanus Day, 1973; Notomastus latericeus Sars, 1851) and 5 species are found here to be questionable records for the Eastern Tropical Pacific (Capitella capitata (Fabricius, 1780); Dasybranchus glabrus Moore, 1909; Decamastus lumbricoides Grube, 1878; Notomastus lineatus Claparède, 1870 and Notomastus tenuis Moore, 1909).     

Isozyme analysis of Galaxias species (Teleostei: Galaxiidae) from the Taieri River, South Island, New Zealand: a species complex revealed

We examined genetic differentiation among 23 samples of non-migratory river galaxias from 17 streams in the Taieri River system, South Island, New Zealand. Four major genetic types were found, two of which occur in narrow sympatry in one location. These were compared with topotypical material representing Galaxias anomalus from the Clutha system (Otago) and G. vulgaris from the Waimakariri system (Canterbury) in order to establish identity. Morphological examination of these four major genetic types revealed consistent concomitant differences. The results suggest that there are at least three species of river galaxias in the Taieri system: G. anomalus, G. vulgaris and at least one previously undescribed species. We propose that the genetic structuring and subsequent speciation of this group has been promoted by the absence of the marine juvenile phase that is found in five other members of the genus native to New Zealand. This structuring may be exacerbated by population fragmentation over the last century owing to the negative influence of introduced trout. The phylogenetic diversity within the river system mirrors the diverse flora and invertebrate fauna of the region, and has conservation implications that parallel those resulting from our improved knowledge of the New Zealand herpetofauna through the application of genetic analysis.     

New species of Halacaridae (Acari) from New Zealand

Abstract

Seven new taxa of marine mites (Halacaridae) are described from the marine littoral zone of northern and southern New Zealand: Agauopsis novaezelandiae, A. luxtoni, Halacarellus lubricus, Copidognathus lubricus, Simognathus glaber, S. glareus, and Rhombognathus novaezelandicus. A list of halacarid species known from New Zealand waters is added.     

Palynology of South Pacific Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) with notes on some Hawaiian taxa

Pollen of 34 accessions (23 species, one putative hybrid) of South Pacific and Hawaiian Cyrtandra was investigated by SEM. Most pollen grains are isopolar, 3-colpate, spheroidal in equatorial view, and circular in polar view. Only C. kamooloaensis (Hawaii) exhibits suboblate pollen grains. Average equatorial diameters range from 9 to 16mum. In general, colpi are long and tapering. Colpus membranes show granular elements which decrease in size from the equatorial to the polar regions. Most taxa exhibit a microreticulate mesocolpial exine pattern, in some cases with a tendency to reticulate or fossulate pattern. Lumina size varies within the mesocolpial region of single grains, average lumina diameter is either similar throughout grains or decreases towards the colpial borders or the apocolpial region. C. kamooloaensis exhibits the smallest lumina reported for Hawaiian Cyrtandra so far. In some species, distinct free-standing columellae are present. Except for a fine granular ornamentation of shallow grooves on the muri of the Samoan C. richii supratectal elements are lacking. Pollen of South Pacific Cyrtandra does not provide characters directly suitable for generic subdivisions. There is no obvious correlation between morphologically defined species groups and exine types, but some evidence for parallel evolution of these types. Nearly related taxa (e.g., the C. cymosa group of Gillett 1973) show considerable palynological differences. Variation within some currently accepted species is more prominent than between taxa clearly belonging to different evolutionary lines. This could reflect deficiencies in species delimitation.     

An unusual species of spoon-wing lacewing (Neuroptera: Nemopteridae) from South Africa, with notes on its biology

Abstract. An unusual species of spoon-wing lacewing, Palmipenna aeoleoptera sp.n., is described from Namaqualand, South Africa. This small species is similar to its three congeners in general body morphology and genitalic features. Its hindwings, however, differ dramatically from known insect hindwing form. These conspicuously pigmented wings with their relatively huge surface area are hypothesized to have dual aerodynamic and semaphore functions when used by males in gliding flight during mate attraction.     

New Bythinella (Gastropoda,Bythinellidae) species from western Turkey

Bythinella anatolica sp. n., Bythinella istanbulensis sp. n., Bythinella magdalenae sp. n., and Bythinella wilkei sp. n. from western Turkey are described herein. Illustrations of the shell and genitalia of the newly described taxa, together with comparisons with previously known Bythinella taxa and a key to the species from western Turkey, are also provided.     

Systematics of the Neotropical genus Catharylla Zeller (Lepidoptera,Pyralidae s. l., Crambinae)

The Neotropical genus Catharylla Zeller, 1863 (type species: Crambus tenellus Zeller, 1839) is redescribed. Catharylla contiguella Zeller, 1872, C. interrupta Zeller, 1866 and Myelois sericina Zeller, 1881, included by Munroe (1995) in Catharylla, are moved to Argyria Hübner. Catharylla paulella Schaus, 1922 and C. tenellus (Zeller, 1839) are redescribed. Six new species are described by Léger and Landry: C. bijuga, C. chelicerata, C. coronata, C. gigantea, C. mayrabonillae and C. serrabonita. The phylogenetic relationships were investigated using morphological as well as molecular data (COI, wingless, EF-1α genes). The median and subterminal transverse lines of the forewing as well as the short anterior and posterior apophyses of the female genitalia are characteristic of the genus. The monophyly of Catharylla was recovered in all phylogenetic analyses of the molecular and the combined datasets, with three morphological apomorphies highlighted. Phylogenetic analyses of the morphology of the two sexes recovered three separate species groups within Catharylla: the chelicerata, the mayrabonillae, and the tenellus species groups. The possible position of Micrelephas Schaus, 1922 as sister to Catharylla, based on both morphological and molecular data, and the status of tribe Argyriini are discussed. The biogeographical data indicate that the chelicerata species group is restricted to the Guyanas and the Amazonian regions whereas the tenellus group is restricted to the Atlantic Forest in the South-Eastern part of Brazil. The mayrabonillae group is widespread from Costa Rica to South Bolivia with an allopatric distribution of the two species. COI barcode sequences indicate relatively strong divergence within C. bijuga, C. mayrabonillae, C. serrabonita and C. tenellus.     

Limnichthys polyactis,a new species of blennioid fish from New Zealand,with notes on the taxonomy and distribution of other Creediidae (including Limnichthyidae)

Abstract

Limnichthys polyactis n.sp., from the North Island of New Zealand, differs from its nearest relative, the more widespread L. rendahli Parrott, in having a shorter preanal distance (the origin of the anal fin precedes the origin of the dorsal fin, as in the other four species of Limnichthys), fewer cirri along the lower jaw, a shorter snout, and fewer vertebrae. The deepest known occurrence of L. polyactis is 6 m, compared to at least 165 m for L. rendahli. It is suggested that the families Creediidae and Limnichthyidae be combined, the former name having precedence. Notes are given on the taxonomy and distribution of the 13 recognised species, and characters for their separation are keyed.     

New species ofRelbunium (Rubiaceae) from Brazil,with notes on flavonoid and peroxidase patterns

Three new species ofRelbunium, R. humilioides, R. catarinense, andR. longipedunculatum (Rubiaceae), endemic in the southern states of Brazil, are described. Flavonoid patterns from two-dimensional thin layer chromatography and peroxidase patterns from gel electrophoresis are presented for two of them. The relationships of the new species, their taxonomic position, and their evolutionary significance within the genus are discussed.The Systematics and Evolution of the GenusRelbunium (Rubiaceae), I.     

New species of Thinobius Kiesenwetter, 1844 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Argentina with ecological notes

Thinobius andinus sp. nov. from Argentina is described and illustrated, detailed information on its ecology is provided and a key to species of Thinobius from south-western South America is given. This species was collected from high elevation stream areas of the Mendoza River watershed. It belongs to pollution-sensitive species, and it was mainly found in clear, low-salinity cold waters pertaining to high elevation streams with riparian vegetation. Lectotype is designated for Thinobius pulchripennis Bernhauer, 1923.     

New species of the genus Cyamops Melander from New Zealand (Diptera, Periscelididae, Stenomicrinae)

Two new species of the genus Cyamops (Diptera: Periscelididae), the first from New Zealand, are described. The two newly described species are: Cyamops alessandrae and Cyamops crosbyi. A key to the genera of the subfamily Stenomicrinae and to the species of Cyamops from the Australasian/Oceanian Region and detailed illustrations of structures of the male terminalia are provided.     

New fan worm genera and species (Polychaeta, Sabellidae, Fabriciinae) from the western Pacific, and cladistic relationships among genera

Five new species are described from among the genera Fabriciola Friedrich, 1939 (one species from Okinawa), Novafabricia Fitzhugh, 1990 (two species from Australia and Papua New Guinea, respectively), and two new monotypic genera, Brifacia gen. n. (Australia), and Pseudoaugeneriella gen. n. (Okinawa). All species are known only from the intertidal. Fabriciola rubra sp. n. is a member of the species complex with red peristomial and pygidial eyes, inferior thoracic flagellate setae, and abdominal pin-head setae. Novafabricia labrus sp. n., and N. exiguus sp. n., are distinguished from other species based on the distribution of inferior thoracic pseudospatulate setae. Brifacia metastellaris sp. n., resembles Fabricia stellaris (Müller, 1774) with regard to anterior peristomial ring collar construction and distribution of pseudospatulate setae, but differs in having abdominal uncini with relatively short manubria. Pseudoaugeneriella unirama sp. n., most closely resembles species of Augeneriella Banse, 1956 in general form, but has unbranched vascularized ventral filamentous appendages. Revised keys to fabriciin genera and selected species are provided. Cladistic relationships of these new genera and species to other Fabriciinae are examined and the status of some characters are reviewed. Whereas previous analyses have supported a monophyletic Augeneriella on the basis of branched, vascularized ventral filamentous appendages, present results show Augeneriella paraphyletic relative to Fabricia Blainville, 1828, Novafabricia, Fabricinuda Fitzhugh, 1990 Parafabricia Fitzhugh, 1992 and Brifacia. Similarly, some topologies show Novafabricia, which has only been defined by the presence of poorly developed dorsal lips, to be paraphyletic relative to Fabricia, Fabricinuda, Parafabricia, and Brifacia. The cladistic analyses do, however, support recognition of Brifacia and Pseudoaugeneriella. With the addition of Brifacia, the presence of unbranched, vascularized appendages is plesiomorphic for the Fabriciinae, which has not been previously hypothesized.     

New genera and species of Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) from New Zealand

Abstract

New genera Isothraulus, Arachnocolus, and Penniketellus are established for three species of leptophlebiid mayfly from New Zealand. Each genus is monotypic and endemic to New Zealand. Isothraulus and Arachnocolus are known only from the northern North Island, and Penniketellus is known only from the Arthur's Pass area of the central South Island. The male and female imago, nymph, and egg of Isothraulus abditus n.sp., the male imago, male subimago, and nymph of Arachnocolus phillipsi n.sp., and the male and female imago, female subimago, and egg of Penniketellus insolitus n.sp. are described. The relationships of each genus and the ecology of nymphs of each species are discussed.     

Taxonomic and biological notes on a species of Iphitime (Polychaeta, Eunicida) associated with Pagurus prideaux from western Norway

On the basis of 658 specimens collected over an 11 year period, the symbiotic eunicid polychaete, Iphitime paguri Fage & Legendre, 1934, is redescribed, and its biology in its presumed preferred host, Pagurus prideaux Leach, 1815, is outlined. The main ecological part is based on sampling of Pagurus on five occasions throughout a year in Raunefjorden, southwest of Bergen. Iphitime paguri turned out to have a strong sexual dimorphism, both in outer appearance and in the morphology of the jaws. Both juveniles and mature individuals of both genders are described. The infestation rate of Pagurus prideaux was very high (as opposed to the low reported infestation rate in Pagurus bernhardus, generally regarded as the host of this species) and the symbiotic polychaetes turned out to have a distinct pattern of host utilization in different life stages. Ripe males and females were, at certain times of the year, generally found more or less intertwined in the apex of the gastropod shell inhabited by its host. Small larval stages were found in the same place. Intermediate size groups were found in the gill chamber and in a sulcus on the carapax of the pagurid host.     

A wingless alpine stonefly from New Zealand,and further information on genus Holcoperla (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae)

Abstract

Holcoperla magna n.sp. is described and figured from material collected on Headlong Peak, Mt Aspiring National Park. New information is given on H. angularis (Wisely) and H. jacksoni McLellan, and the 3 species are compared. Larvae designated as type specimens of H. angularis are shown to be Apteryoperla monticola Wisely.