Diversity of Manota Williston (Diptera,Mycetophilidae) in Ulu Temburong National Park,Brunei

A total of 15 species of Manota Williston, 1896 are recorded from Brunei, based on the investigations in 2013-2014. Thirteen species are recorded from Ulu Temburong National Park and three species from the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Campus in Tungku. Six species are described as new to science: Manota belalongensis sp. n., M. kaspraki sp. n., M. macrothrix sp. n., M. megachaeta sp. n. and M. pileata sp. n. from Ulu Temburong, and M. ricina sp. n. from Tungku. New records of the following species are given: Manota bifida Hippa & Papp, M. bruneiensis Hippa & Ševčík, M. hyboloma Hippa & Ševčík, M. oligochaeta Hippa, M. pappi Hippa, M. perangulata Hippa & Ševčík, M. pollex Hippa, M. procera Hippa and M. simplex Hippa.     

Dependence of Asian honeybee on deciduous woody plants for pollen resource during spring to mid‐summer in northern Japan

Apis cerana japonica Radoszkowski, endemic to Japan, is known to be one of the most important pollinators for wild plants and crops, such as buckwheat, in cool to warm temperate Japan. To determine the degree of dependence of A. cerana japonica on forest resources, we analyzed pollen brought back to nests in a typical “Satoyama” landscape with relatively high deciduous forest coverage in northern Japan. We divided the landscape elements of the study area into three types: deciduous forest, conifer plantation and open land according to landcover digital data, and each pollen taxon was assigned to one of these three types of landscape elements. We collected total pollen loads of 15.75 g (total of colonies A and B) in May (spring), 1.57 g (total of colonies A and C) in June (early summer), 19.03 g (total of colonies A, B and C) in July (mid‐summer) and 45.61 g (total of colonies A, B and D) in September (autumn). Deciduous forests are the most important foraging habitats for A. cerana japonica in the “Satoyama” landscape especially from spring to mid‐summer when mass flowering of tall trees and shrubs species provides rich floral resources for developing bee colonies. On the other hand, the bees frequently foraged from herbaceous plant species in autumn when flowering of tree species reduces and herbaceous plant species have flowering peaks. In turn, the bees provide pollination services to a number of wild flowers blooming in various forest layers ranging from the canopy to the understory layer.     

External diversity is restrained by internal conservatism: New nudibranch mollusc contributes to the cryptic species problem

Cryptic species are an important concept of modern biodiversity studies and a potential basis for immensely increasing the amount of biological diversity worldwide; however, the conceptual grounds of cryptic species still need to be refined. Here, using a remarkable example from marine invertebrates, the case of a species complex of common large‐sized nudibranchs of the genus Dendronotus in European waters is presented, which is relevant for the ongoing cryptic species discussion. Based on extensive sampling in the seas of Northern Hemisphere from United Kingdom to the Sea of Japan, a morphological and molecular framework is constructed for understanding the diversity of European Dendronotus nudibranchs. The present study discovered notable multilevel character diversity within the common Dendronotus “frondosus” species complex. This implies the highest degree of variation of external characters with parallel colour patterns among different species and significantly constrained conservatism of internal characters. The molecular data are congruent with the stable differences in the internal features and confirm the presence of three distinct species in this complex. While two species were already known, the third species is evidently new, based on morphological and molecular evidence and is described here as Dendronotus europaeus sp. n. In the light of multilevel character diversity, the general problem of plausibility of the distinction and practical usage of the terms “cryptic” and “pseudocryptic” species is discussed.     

Redescription of Papilloma luteum and description of a new Praon species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae; Aphidiinae) parasitic on Kurisakia querciphila (Homoptera: Aphididae: Thelaxinae) in Japan,with notes on synonymy and life cycle of P. luteum

Two aphidiine species were found to be associated with a thelaxine aphid, Kurisakia querciphila on Quercus serrata and Q. acutissima in Japan. One of them is identified as Papilloma luteum and redescribed, and the other is described as a new species, Praon kurisakiae. Sinoaphidius zhejiangensis is synonymized with P. luteum. Papilloma luteum aestivated within a unique shaped and black “diapausing mummy”. Aestivating adults of P. luteum emerging from “diapausing mummies” in the autumn were darker and smaller than non‐aestivating ones. The aphidiine parasitoids of Thelaxinae are reviewed; the systematic position of Papilloma and life cycles of K. querciphila and P. luteum are discussed.     

Genetic structure of the beaked whale genus Berardius in the North Pacific,with genetic evidence for a new species

There are two recognized species in the genus Berardius, Baird's and Arnoux's beaked whales. In Japan, whalers have traditionally recognized two forms of Baird's beaked whales, the common “slate‐gray” form and a smaller, rare “black” form. Previous comparison of mtDNA control region sequences from three black specimens to gray specimens around Japan indicated that the two forms comprise different stocks and potentially different species. We have expanded sampling to include control region haplotypes of 178 Baird's beaked whales from across their range in the North Pacific. We identified five additional specimens of the black form from the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea, for a total of eight “black” specimens. The divergence between mtDNA haplotypes of the black and gray forms of Baird's beaked whale was greater than their divergence from the congeneric Arnoux's beaked whale found in the Southern Ocean, and similar to that observed among other congeneric beaked whale species. Taken together, genetic evidence from specimens in Japan and across the North Pacific, combined with evidence of smaller adult body size, indicate presence of an unnamed species of Berardius in the North Pacific.     

The aphid Ceratovacuna nekoashi (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae) and its allied species in Korea,Japan and Taiwan

The aphid Ceratovacuna nekoashi and its allied species have been a taxonomically difficult group. They form peculiar “cat's‐paw” galls (called “Nekoashi” in Japanese) on Styrax trees and also use Microstegium grasses as their secondary hosts. Through sampling aphids from both Styrax galls and Microstegium grasses in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, and sequencing their DNA, we made it clear that four distinct species occur in these regions: C. nekoashi (Sasaki), C. oplismeni (Takahashi), C. orientalis (Takahashi) and C. subtropicana sp. nov. In Korea, C. nekoashi forms galls on both S. japonicus and S. obassia, whereas in Japan the species forms galls on the former but not on the latter; our molecular analyses unequivocally indicated the occurrence of a single species in South Korea and mainland Japan. Aphids of the four species on the secondary host were morphologically discriminated from one another. The identity of the primary‐ and secondary‐host generations was also clarified for each species. All four species were found to produce second‐instar sterile soldiers in their Styrax galls, and first‐instar soldiers were found in colonies of C. subtropicana on the secondary host.     

First report of seed dispersal by ants in Dicentra peregrina (Papaveraceae), an alpine plant in the Japanese Alps

Seed dispersal by ants, known as myrmecochory, is commonly observed among various plant taxa. The seeds of these plants have an elaiosome to attract ants. In Japan, myrmecochory has been well studied in several lowland plant species, but not in highland plant species that grow above the tree line. We investigated whether the seeds of Dicentra peregrina, known as the “queen of the alpine plants” in Japan, are carried by Formica gagatoides ants at 2510 m a.s.l. on Mt Norikura, Kita‐Alps, Japan. We observed F. gagatoides workers picking up D. peregrina seeds by grasping the elaiosome and carrying the seeds into their nests. We inferred from the observed ant behavior and the seed morphology that D. peregrina is a myrmecochorous species.     

Description and ecological traits of a new species of Pitydiplosis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces leaf galls on Pueraria (Fabaceae) in East Asia,with a possible diversification scenario of intraspecific groups

A gall midge that induces thick lenticular galls on leaflets of Pueraria species (Fabaceae) in Japan, mainland China, Taiwan and South Korea is described as Pitydiplosis puerariae sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Tanaostigmodes puerariae (Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmatidae), described earlier from mainland China as an inducer of the lenticular gall, is regarded to be an inquiline. Pitydiplosis puerariae is distinguishable from the only known congener, the Nearctic Pitydiplosis packardi, by the male genitalia with entire aedeagus and with hypoproct that is as long as cerci and bilobed with a U‐shaped emargination. DNA sequencing data indicate the existence of three genetically different intraspecific groups: (i) “YNT‐montana group” induces galls on Pueraria montana on the Yaeyama Islands, Japan and in northern Taiwan; (ii) “CT‐montana group” on P. montana in central Taiwan; (iii) and “JCK‐lobata group” on Pueraria lobata in mainland China, South Korea and Japan north of Okinoerabu Island. A possible diversification scenario of the three groups is hypothesized based on DNA sequencing data and geohistorical information. A distribution gap of the gall midge on five islands between Tokunoshima and Ishigaki Islands, Japan was confirmed by intensive field surveys. Ecological traits and adult behavior of Pity. puerariae are also described. Its possibility as a potential biological control agent against P. lobata seems counter‐indicated.     

Barcodes Reveal 48 New Species of Tetrahymena,Dexiostoma, and Glaucoma: Phylogeny,Ecology, and Biogeography of New and Established Species

Tetrahymena mitochondrial cox1 barcodes and nuclear SSUrRNA sequences are particularly effective at distinguishing among its many cryptic species. In a project to learn more about Tetrahymena natural history, the majority of >1,000 Tetrahymena‐like fresh water isolates were assigned to established Tetrahymena species with the remaining assigned to 37 new species of Tetrahymena, nine new species of Dexiostoma and 12 new species of Glaucoma. Phylogenetically, all but three Tetrahymena species belong to the well‐established “australis” or “borealis” clades; the minority forms a divergent “paravorax” clade. Most Tetrahymena species are micronucleate, but others are exclusively amicronucleate. The self‐splicing intron of the LSUrRNA precursor is absent in Dexiostoma and Glaucoma and was likely acquired subsequent to the “australis/borealis” split; in some instances, its sequence is diagnostic of species. Tetrahymena americanis, T. elliotti, T. gruchyi n. sp., and T. borealis, together accounted for >50% of isolates, consistent with previous findings for established species. The biogeographic range of species found previously in Austria, China, and Pakistan was extended to the Nearctic; some species show evidence of population structure consistent with endemism. Most species were most frequently collected from ponds or lakes, while others, particularly Dexiostoma species, were collected most often from streams or rivers. The results suggest that perhaps hundreds of species remain to be discovered, particularly if collecting is global and includes hosts of parasitic forms.     

A review of the West Palaearctic aphidiines (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) parasitic on Uroleucon spp., with the description of a new species

A review of aphidiine wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitizing the Uroleucon species in the West Palaearctic is presented. Eleven species are keyed and illustrated. In addition, a new hymenopteran parasitoid species: Praon nonveilleri n. sp. from Uroleucon inulicola (Hille Ris Lambers) infesting Inula ensifolia L., is described. The new species is diagnosed and illustrated. It belongs to the “dorsale-yomenaé” species group and was collected from the Djetinja canyon in Serbia and Montenegro. The aphidiines presented in this work were identified from 97 aphid taxons occurring on 236 plant taxons. Furthermore, 361 original parasitoid – host aphid – host plant associations of the species mentioned in the key are presented. Finally, phylogenetic relationships inside the “dorsale-yomenae” species group and related species were reconstructed using cladistic distance methods.     

Taxonomic review of the lace bug genus Omoplax (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) endemic to “Oriental Galapagos” (the Ogasawara Islands,Japan) with the description of its new allied genus and species

In this study, we revise the lace bugs (family Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan (also known as the “Oriental Galapagos”). Three species belonging to two endemic genera are recognized: Acanthomoplax tomokunii gen. et sp. nov. , Omoplax desecta (Horváth, 1912), and O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001. A key to species is provided to facilitate the identification of Ogasawaran lace bugs.     

The polyphyletic origin of the "Cheilostomata" (Bryszoa)

The relative appearance of the parietal muscles in the development of the zooids has been studied in several ctenostomatous and “cheilostomatous” species. A comparison of the different on-togenetical sequences demonstrated that a “cheilostomatous” type of organization of the zooids with a great probability has been achieved in minimum three times independentl and originated from different ctenostomatous sub-grous: the Membranidea from plesiomorgic victorelloids (ancestors of Bulbella with not yet developed peristomial tube), the Inoviceiata (Aetea) from advanced forms of victorelloids with reduced primary parietal muscles (perhaps stcies related to Pottsiella), and Penetrantia from arachnidioid or vesicularioid ancestors (?). Therefore, the classical orders ^α“Ctenostomata” and “Cheilostomata” represent only “stage groups” but no monohyletic systematical units. Because of the new concept and interpretation I propose a new name for the united group: Cteno-Cheilostomata, supra-ord. nov.     

Dermaphis coccidiformis sp. nov. (Hemiptera), an aphid species with asymmetrically sclerotized apterae and “winter alates”

Dermaphis coccidiformis sp. nov. (Hormaphidinae: Nipponaphidini) is described from Japan. Apterous adults of the species were found between winter buds (or between a winter bud and a leaf petiole) of the evergreen oaks Quercus glauca, Q. myrsinifolia and Q. salicina. Their morphology is peculiar in that their tergites are heavily sclerotized only in the part that seems to have been exposed to sunlight. The new species is also peculiar in that nymphs to be alates (sexuparae) were found on the upper surfaces of leaves of the host oak only during winter, from December to March or early April, before the bud break of the oak. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that the new species is closely related to Dermaphis spp., therefore it was placed in the genus. The analysis incidentally indicated that “Dinipponaphis” autumna, a monoecious species forming galls on Distylium racemosum, was included in the clade of the genus Dermaphis, and therefore it was transferred to this genus.     

Mitochondrial gene rearrangements suggest a new genus in the subfamily Cantharinae (Coleoptera)

The Cephalomalthinus semifumatus species group, referred to as the “semifumatus” group henceforth, is interesting because of its heterogeneous morphology resembling either Cephalomalthinus Pic, 1921 or Rhagonycha Eschscholtz, 1830. To elucidate its phylogenetic status, mitochondrial genomes of four species of the “semifumatus” group, 11 Cephalomalthinus species, and 11 Rhagonycha species were sequenced and examined. All analysed mitogenomes were similar with respect to genome size, nucleotide composition, and AT content. Surprisingly, a rearrangement of the trnW-trnC and trnY genes was detected in the “semifumatus” group, presumably caused by tandem duplication and random loss events. Furthermore, genetic distance analyses showed that the proximity of the “semifumatus” group to Cephalomalthinus and to Rhagonycha was comparable to that between the latter two. Moreover, the produced phylogeny strongly supported the monophyly of the “semifumatus” group, and molecular clock analyses dated its divergence from Cephalomalthinus to 32.52 Ma. Thus, the new genus Amphimorphus gen. nov. is suggested to comprise the “semifumatus” group, in which the observed gene rearrangement was a synapomorphy. Moreover, morphological evidence regarding the unique structure of the aedeagus supported this separation. These results indicate that mitochondrial gene rearrangement provide important phylogenetic implications for revising Cephalomalthinus, a speciose genus that is puzzling in the morphology-based taxonomy.     

Ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages associated with a satoyama landscape in Japan: the effects of soil moisture,weed height,and distance from woodlands

Agricultural landscapes generally include not only crop fields but also semi-natural habitats. In Japan, such a mixed rural landscape is called “satoyama.” Although ground beetles are potential predators of pests, the environmental factors that determine their distribution in Japanese rural landscapes have not been fully elucidated. To understand the effects of distance from woodland edges, soil moisture, and weed height on assemblages of carabid beetles, we examined the number of adult beetles in pitfall traps placed in a satoyama landscape in the lowlands of western Honshu, Japan. Our results show that the carabid species could be largely differentiated into woodland, intermediate, and open-land species. The “intermediate species” group includes species that depend on woodland or woodland edges for at least part of their life cycles. Paddy fields must have long provided semi-natural habitats that complement those in natural grasslands and wetlands for open-land beetles that prefer wet conditions. Weeds can also increase the abundance of some intermediate and woodland species; thus, the arrangement of such landscape elements as woodlands and paddies can determine the species richness and abundance of ground beetles in agricultural fields.     

GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION,SYMPATRIC SPECIATION,AND THE ORIGIN OF A DIPLOID SPECIES OF STEPHANOMERIA

Evidence is presented that a geographically peripheral population of the annual Stephanomcria exigua ssp. coronaria (Compositae), a widespread and ecologically diverse species, has recently given rise by a process of sympatric speciation to a diploid species presently designated “Malheurensis.” The new species comprises less than 250 individuals and is found only at a single locality in eastern Oregon where it grows interspersed with its parental population. Stephanomeria exigua ssp. coronaria is an obligate outcrosser and “Malheurensis” is highly self-pollinating. Reproductive isolation is maintained by differences in breeding system, a crossability barrier that reduces seed set following cross-pollination between them, and reduction in hybrid fertility caused by chromosomal structural differences. They are very similar morphologically. Electrophoretic analyses of seven enzyme systems demonstrate that all the alleles but one at the controlling 13 gene loci in “Malheurensis” are identical to alleles in ssp. coronaria. The new species displays certain maladapted features including loss of the specific requirements for seed germination characteristic of the progenitor population of ssp. coronaria. The origin of “Malheurensis” appears to be an exception to the theory of geographical speciation because spatial isolation is not necessary at any time for the origin or establishment of its reproductive isolating barriers. The nature of these barriers plus the genetic homogeneity of the species are compatible with the hypothesis that it derives from a single progenitor individual. Very little genetic change is involved initially in this mode of speciation.     

Festuca rohlenae (Poaceae): A neglected taxon of the Montenegro

Abstract

Festuca porcii var. angustifolia is raised to the rank of a species under the new name F. rohlenae. It is an endemic of SE Dinarides in Montenegro, and it is most similar to the Carpathian F. porcii. Both species have the “broad‐leaved syndrome” and exhibit an intermediacy between “fine‐leaved” and “broad‐leaved” fescues. The comparative morpho‐anatomical data and the distribution map as well as basic ecological information of F. rohlenae are herewith presented.     

Mystery pufferfish create elaborate circular nests at mesophotic depths in Australia

In 2011, the enigma of “mystery circles,” small but complex underwater structures first observed by divers from southern Japan in 1995, was solved when a new species of pufferfish, white-spotted pufferfish (Torquigener albomaculosus Matsuura 2014), was identified as the responsible agent. To date these circles have been described only from Japan, where they are formed on a sandy seafloor in water depths less than 30 m. A survey of oil field infrastructure on the North West Shelf of Western Australia in 2018 using a remotely operated vehicle and hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) recorded a high-resolution video and bathymetric data of 21 circular formations with similar features to those described in Japan. The circles display dimensions and morphology like those described from Japan, but were observed in water depths between 129 and 137 m. The HAUV also recorded high-resolution photographs which captured a Torquigener sp. fish in the immediate vicinity of the circles. An additional circle and Torquigener sp. were observed in images collected by baited remote underwater stereo-video in a nearby location in 129 m depth. These circles are the first to be found in Australia. The pufferfish species responsible cannot be identified from images collected. Such a discovery not only generates intrigue and wonder among scientists and the general public but also provides an insight into the reproductive behaviour and evolution of pufferfish globally.