New species of the Hygrobates salamandrarum-group (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae) from Southeast Asia

Two new water mite species of the genus Hygrobates Koch, 1837 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae) were found to live parasitic on newts of the genus Paramesotriton Chang, 1935 (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) from Vietnam and Laos: Hygrobates forcipifer sp. nov. and H. ancistrophorus sp. nov. The H. salamandrarum-group is defined, that now includes three species from Southeast Asia. Males and females of both new species are described, as well as larvae and deutonymphs of the Vietnamese species. These data provide the first record of males, nymphs and larvae of the species-group. The systematic position of the group, as well as the parasite-host association and the lifecycle of the species are discussed. Furthermore, the character states of the striking mouthparts, particularly modified as an adaptation for penetrating the amphibian skin, the genital skeleton and the larval morphology are examined.     

Description and Larval Heteromorphism of Hoplolaimus concaudajuvencus,n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolain-lidae)

Hoplolaimus concaudajuvencus n. sp., of the genus Hoplolaimus Daday, 1905, characterized by larval heteromorphism, is described and illustrated as recovered from ryegrass/bermudagrass golf green turf in Florida. Females and males are closely related to H. galeatus (Cobb, 1913) Thorne, 1935, but have longer stylets with more definitely tulip-shaped stylet knobs which anteriorly tend to close upon the stylet shaft more than in H. galeatus. First and second-stage larvae have a conically-pointed tail unlike any known species of the genus. Subsequent stages, including females, have rounded tails essentially similar to other species of the genus and males possess the typical hopolaimid tail and bursa. The first molt was found to occur within the egg.     

Brachylaima lignieuhadrae n. sp. (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae) from land snails of the genus Euhadra in Japan

Land snails of the genus Euhadra (Gastropoda: Bradybaenidae) are indigenous to the Japanese Archipelago. The larvae of an unknown species, tentatively named as Brachylaima sp. B (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae), have been found from Euhadra brandtii sapporo in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. In this study, a large-scale snail survey covering a wide area of Japan was conducted to confirm the larval parasite from members of Euhadra and related genera. Sporocysts with cercariae were found only from Eu. brandtii sapporo in Hokkaido and Euhadra callizona in central Honshu at low prevalence (1.0–9.6%). The metacercariae were detected widely from 6 species of Euhadra and the related genera at high prevalence (7.1–100%). A molecular identification by DNA barcoding demonstrated almost all of the larvae to be Brachylaima sp. B. Adult worms experimentally raised from the metacercariae were morphologically most similar to Brachylaima ezohelicis in Hokkaido, but could be differentiated by the microstructure of the tegumental surface. We propose Brachylaima lignieuhadrae n. sp. for the unknown species, based on the morphology, DNA profile, host specificity, and geographic distribution. Phylogeography of the new species suggests a possibility that migratory birds serve as the definitive hosts.     

Antlions (Neuroptera,Myrmeleontidae) from ornithological traps on the Curonian Spit: A three-species community containing a new species

A mixed antlion community is recorded at the “Fringilla” Research Station, “Rybachii” Biological Station, Curonian Spit, Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad Province, Russia; the adults were captured using ornithological traps and the larvae were found on sand dunes around. The ratio of the larval numbers in the mixed colonies of Myrmeleon tschernovi sp. n., Myrmeleon formicarius L., and Euroleon nostras (Geoffr.) is 100: 3: 2. The new species is described, the other two are recorded in Kaliningrad Province for the first time. Morphologically, Myrmeleon tschernovi sp. n. is similar to Myrmeleon bore (Tjed.), being its neighbor in the Baltic Region and occupying its econiche. The most characteristic distinctions between these species are found in the male genitalia and in the larval head chaetotaxy and color pattern.     

Competition–colonization dynamics of spore‐feeding beetles on the long‐lived bracket fungi Ganoderma in New Zealand native forest

We investigated the competition–colonization dynamics of three species of spore‐feeding beetles on wood‐decaying bracket fungi, Ganoderma spp., in New Zealand. One beetle species (Holopsis sp. 1) was a pore‐tube specialist hypothesized to be superior in exploitative competition; the other two (Zearagytodes maculifer and Holopsis sp. 2) were surface grazers. We surveyed beetle abundance, daily spore release per square centimetre, pore surface area, and environmental variables over 30 patches (sporocarps) monthly for one year. We constructed a competitive‐interaction web by fitting models to the cross‐sectional resource–multiconsumer data. We compared flight behaviour and the associated physiological traits of beetles in wind tunnel experiments, and morphological characters. An examination of the competition–colonization dynamics found (1) the competitive equivalence of Holopsis sp. 1 to Z. maculifer and superiority to Holopsis sp. 2; (2) a reduced population persistence time of Z. maculifer that results from the dominance of Holopsis sp. 1; (3) the dominance of Z. maculifer and Holopsis sp. 1 in larger patches and that of Holopsis sp. 2 in smaller patches; (4) a greater spatial extent of population synchrony in Z. maculifer than in the Holopsis spp.; and (5) more frequent departures (takeoffs) of Z. maculifer than of Holopsis spp., concordant with its greater development of flight muscles and longer hindwing. These beetles may coexist through two types of spatial niche partitioning, each of which explains the pairwise coexistence of competitors but not the coexistence of the three species: Z. maculifer can evade competition with Holopsis sp. 1 by flying frequently or strongly to colonize distant patches, whereas Holopsis sp. 2 can dominate only in smaller and newly emergent patches until the arrival of Holopsis sp. 1.     

Biology of Xylobiont larvae of limoniid flies of the genus Gnophomyia (Diptera, Limoniidae) with description of immature stages

New data on the larval and pupal morphology and the life history of limoniid flies (G. lugubris (Zett.), G. acheron Al., and G. viridipennis (Gimmerthal)) of the genus Gnophomyia are presented. Larvae of all the species are phloeophages and inhabit tree bark. Keys to larvae and pupae of these species are given.     

Early life history stages of peacock flounder Bothus lunatus (Bothidae) from the western and central tropical Atlantic

Previously unknown larvae and poorly studied metamorphic and postmetamorphic stages of development of peacock flounder Bothus lunatus (Bothidae) with a length of 5.4 to 39.5 mm from the western and central tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean are described, and their identification is substantiated. Small-and medium-sized larvae of this species (with a length of nearly 10 mm) at stages of pre-and postflexion, like all larvae of the genus Bothus at the corresponding stages of development, have a strongly flattened from the sides, moderately deep, and almost pigment-free transparent body; bear a long anterior ray in the dorsal fin; and have single melanophores in the end part of the body. They differ from larvae of other Atlantic species of the genus known at early stages of development in the shape of the anterior head profile, namely in the presence of a deep notch in front of the eyes. With growth, their body assumes a rounded shape. During metamorphosis of larval B. lunatus, the right eye shifts to the left side of the head through a slit formed during the separation of the origin of dorsal fin base from the cranium. This specific feature distinguishes them from larvae of the remaining species of the genus in which, during metamorphosis, the right eye passes to the left side through the hole in the head.     

Early Miocene (Ottnangian) Mollusca of the Western Paratethys—ontogenetic strategies and palaeo-environments

Early ontogenetic shells of 25 species of brackish water and freshwater molluscs from the Ottnangian (Lower Miocene) Oncophora Beds (Lower Bavaria, South Germany) and Kirchberg Formation (Upper Bavaria, South Germany) are described for the first time. Taxonomic implications are discussed. The investigated bivalves (Cardiidae and Dreissenidae) were characterised by an indirect development with inclusion of a planktonic veliger stage. Among the gastropods only three species of the genus CtyrokiaSchlickum, 1965 were characterised by veliger larvae, all the other gastropod species were direct developers, which hatched as crawling young. The species Agapilia schlickumi nov. sp. (Neritidae), Nematurella pseudozilchi nov. sp. and Nematurella strauchi nov. sp. (Hydrobiidae) are introduced. Our study revealed the co-occurrence of 10 molluscan species in the Oncophora Basin of Lower Bavaria and the Kirchberg Basin of Upper Bavaria and thus indicates similar oligohaline to mesohaline coastal swamp milieus for both depositional environments. The presence of planktonic larval development in gastropods indicates a connection to the open sea.     

An unknown species of Leucochloridium (Trematoda: Leucochloridiidae) from northern Honshu,Japan

Pulsating broodsacs of Leucochloridium sp. (Trematoda: Leucochloridiidae) were found from amber snails (Succinea lauta) in Iwate, the northern part of Honshu, Japan. A pattern with red-brown vertical stripes was characteristic of the broodsac. Very similar broodsacs were already detected from Okinawa Islands, the southern archipelago of Japan, and tentatively identified as Leucochloridium cf. passeri. A phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) showed that Leucochloridium sp. is different at species level from L. cf. passeri and that both species are related to Leucochloridium vogtianum from Europe. In this study the definitive identification of larval Leucochloridium sp. was impossible, but the resulting phylogeny confirmed that at least 4 species of Leucochloridium are distributed in Japan, depending on locality and climate. The DNA barcode generated in this study will be useful in detecting the adult stage of Leucochloridium sp. from birds.     

Multiple nuclear and mitochondrial genotyping identifies emperors and large-eye breams (Teleostei: Lethrinidae) from New Caledonia and reveals new large-eye bream species

Species identification is fundamental to address questions about community ecology, biodiversity, conservation and resource management, at any life history stage. Current studies on fish larval ecology of tropical species are hampered by the lack of reliable and effective tools for identifying larvae at the species level. Emperors and large-eye breams comprise fish species from the perciform fish family Lethrinidae. They inhabit coastal and coral-reef habitats of the tropical Indo-Pacific, and they are important fishery resources. Their taxonomy is considered difficult and identification to species is often problematic. Lethrinidae larvae and juveniles can be identified on the basis of meristic counts at the sub-family level, but no further. In this study, we developed a set of polymorphic PCR markers (size polymorphisms at the intron regions from 4/5 nuclear protein-coding genes and single-strand conformation polymorphism of a 205-bp fragment at the mitochondrial 16S rRNA locus), to characterize 341 specimens from 21 Lethrinidae species from New Caledonia (southwestern tropical Pacific). A genetic data-bank was constructed using the genotypes screened from the multiple gene loci of adult or sub-adult specimens used as references for these species. The 16S rRNA gene fragment was able to differentiate species for the genus Lethrinus, but it provided little diagnostic resolution among different species within the genus Gymnocranius. A combination of the 16S rRNA marker and 4 nuclear markers developed herein allowed to sort out species within Gymnocranius spp. from New Caledonia. Using genotype distributions at nuclear loci to test for reproductive isolation, we found that three apparently undescribed large-eye bream species may exist, provisionally referred to as Gymnocranius sp. A, sp. B and sp. C. Subsequent genotyping of 137 Lethrinidae larvae collected from the bays of the Noumea peninsula, New Caledonia, found a total of three species (Lethrinus genivittatus, Lethrinus olivaceus and Gymnocranius sp. A).     

Description of a new soldier-fly species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Adoxomyia</Emphasis> Kertész, 1907 (Diptera,Stratiomyidae), based on adults and larva from Azerbaijan

A new species of the soldier-fly genus Adoxomyia Kertesz, 1907, A. variabilis sp. n., is described from Azerbaijan. The larvae were found in the Astragalus roots damaged by larvae of the buprestid genus Sphenoptera. The adults (males and females) are proved to belong to a species closely related to A. transcaucasica Nartshuk, 2004 but differing in the structure and coloration of the antennae, in the pubescence of the eye of the female, in details of the pubescence of the head in the male, and in the structure of the male genitalia. Differences of the adults and the larva from those of the closely related species are listed.     

Morphology and phylogeny of four marine or brackish water spirotrich ciliates (Protozoa,Ciliophora) from China,with descriptions of two new species

In this study, we investigated the morphology and molecular phylogeny of four marine or brackish spirotrichean ciliates found in China, namely: Caryotricha sinica sp. nov., Prodiscocephalus orientalis sp. nov., P. cf. borrori, and Certesia quadrinucleata. Caryotricha sinica is characterized by its small size, seven cirral rows extending posteriorly to about 65% of the cell length, and four transverse cirri. Prodiscocephalus orientalis differs from its congeners mainly by the number of cirri in the “head” region and on the ventral side. The SSU rDNA sequence of P. cf. borrori differs from that of other population of P. borrori by ca. 40 bp. Consequently, the nominal species P. borrori is considered to be a species-complex. New data are provided for Certesia quadrinucleata. The Chinese population of C. quadrinucleata, for example, has fewer left marginal cirri than the other populations for which such data are available. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data show that the genus Caryotricha is monophyletic. All typical “discocephalids” with a discoid “head” form a strongly supported clade that is sister to the unstable uronychiids + pseudoamphisiellids clade within the Euplotia. The genus Certesia forms a sister group to the Euplotes clade, also within the Euplotia assemblage.     

A taxonomic study of Whitehead's torrent frog,Meristogenys whiteheadi,with descriptions of two new species (Amphibia: Ranidae)

The genus Meristogenys (Anura: Ranidae), endemic to Borneo, presents serious taxonomic problems despite being one of the commonest frogs in the mountainous regions of this island. We investigated molecular and morphological variations in Meristogenys whiteheadi (Boulenger, 1887) using larval and adult specimens from Sabah and Sarawak (Malaysia). We found three allopatric lineages in this species. We regard each of these as a distinct species because they are separated by a large genetic distance, and do not form any monophyletic group. Their morphological characters indicate that the distributional range of M. whiteheadi s.s. is divided into two disjunct areas: Mt Kinabalu (northern Sabah) and northern Sarawak. The two other lineages occupy ranges between those of M. whiteheadi, and represent undescribed cryptic species. One of these, Meristogenys stigmachilus sp. nov. , collected from the northern part of the Crocker Range, is distinguished from M. whiteheadi by black spots on the upper lip and dark dots scattered on the back. A second undescribed species, Meristogenys stenocephalus sp. nov. , was collected mainly from the southern part of the Crocker Range, and is characterized by the large body size of males and a relatively narrow head. Meristogenys stenocephalus sp. nov. also differs from M. stigmachilus sp. nov. and M. whiteheadi in larval morphology, but larvae of the latter two cannot be differentiated morphologically. We discuss relative tibia length, a diagnostic specific characteristic in the genus Meristogenys, and the relationships between body size and sexual size dimorphism in this genus. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 161 , 157–183.     

Divisispiculimermis mirus n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) Parasitizing Midges in Córdoba,Argentina

Divisispiculimermis mirus n. gen., n. sp., a mermithid parasitizing larvae of Chironomus sp. in the Cajón o Grande Stream, Córdoba, Argentina, is described. The new genus differs from all other mermithid genera in having paired spicules which are separated and divided into proximal and distal sectors. The other diagnostic characters of the genus are medium size, nematodes with the cuticle appearing smooth (lacking cross fibers under the light microscope); head separated from the rest of the body by a slight constriction at the level of the amphids, six cephalic papillae, mouth papillae absent, mouth opening posterior to level of cephalic papillae; six hypodermal chords at midbody; weakly S-shaped vagina; postparasitic juvenile with a tail appendage.     

A new record of monogeneric family Vietnamellidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from India

A new record of monogeneric family Vietnamellidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) is established for India with Vietnamella sp. A described based on the larvae from Arunachal Pradesh, India. This species can be distinguished from other known species of this genus in the larval stage by the following combination of characters: (i) outer pair of projections in head large and stout, triangular, cone-shaped with serrated spines; (ii) posterolateral angles of abdominal terga 2–9 extended into sharp projections; (iii) caudal filaments pale yellowish brown with dense lateral setae on inner and outer margins of middle part; (iv) femora of mid- and hind-legs broader; and (v) second segment of the maxillary palpi shorter than first segment.     

First data on the larval morphology and biology of two Palaearctic species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allognosta</Emphasis> Osten-Sacken, 1883 (Diptera,Stratiomyidae)

Data on the morphology and ecology of the immature stages of two Palaearctic species of the genus Allognosta Osten-Sacken, 1883 (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) are given. The sides of the abdominal segments in the larvae of this genus are divided into two sections: the anterior one is shorter and with a conical projection, while the posterior one is more massive and paddle-shaped. The larvae inhabit the humus soil layer and the fruit bodies of polyporus fungi.