Revision of the genus Diclidophora Krøyer, 1838 (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae), with the proposal of Macrouridophora n. g.

The present study re-examines the detailed morphology of the type-species, Diclidophora merlangi (Kuhn, in Nordmann, 1832) Krøyer, 1838, and other Diclidophora species parasitic on gadid fishes: D. denticulata (Olsson, 1876) Price, 1943, D. esmarkii (Th. Scott, 1901) Sproston, 1946, D. luscae (van Beneden & Hesse, 1863) Price, 1943, D. minor (Olsson, 1868) Sproston, 1946, D. palmata (Leuckart, 1830) Diesing, 1850, D. phycidis (Parona & Perugia, 1889) Sproston, 1946, D. pollachii (van Beneden & Hesse, 1863) Price, 1943 and the recently described D. micromesisti Suriano & Martorelli, 1984. An amended generic diagnosis of Diclidophora Krøyer, 1838 (synonym Diclidophora Diesing, 1850) is provided, which includes the presence of a prostatic vesicle in the terminal male genitalia and the distal fusion of the median and peripheral sclerites, a₁ and c₁ in the clamp anterior jaw. Macrouridophora n. g. is herein proposed for species previously considered in Diclidophora, which are parasitic on macrourid and morid fishes. The clamp morphology in Macrouridophora n. g. has distinct lamellate extension attachments to peripheral sclerites c₁ and the distal portion of d₁, with no distal fusion between a₁ and c₁ in the anterior jaw. Macrouridophora macruri (Brinkmann, 1942) n. comb. is chosen as the type-species. Nine other species are herein transferred to Macrouridophora n. g.: M. coelorhynchi (Robinson, 1961) n. comb., M. lotella (Machida, 1972) n. comb., M. nezumiae (Munroe, Campbell & Zwerner, 1981) n. comb. and M. tubiformis (Rohde & Williams, 1987) n. comb. are redescribed, based on the re-examination of type or voucher specimens. Macrouridophora attenuata (Mamaev & Zubtschenko, 1979) n. comb., M. caudata (Mamaev & Zubtschenko, 1984) n. comb., M. papilio (Mamaev & Avdeev, 1981) n. comb., M. paracoelorhynchi (Mamaev & Paruchin, 1979) n. comb. and M. physiculi (Mamaev & Avdeev, 1981) n. comb. have adequately described haptoral clamps in the literature. The clamp morphology in Macrouridophora sp. from Lepidorhynchus denticulatus in Australia is also considered. Diclidophora whitsonii Suriano & Martorelli, 1984 is herein transferred to the genus Macruricotyle Mamaev & Ljadov, 1975, as M. whitsonii (Suriano & Martorelli, 1984) n. comb. D. embiotocae Hanson, 1979 is herein considered a species incertae sedis. D. caudospina Khan & Karyakarte, 1983 and D. paddiforma Deo & Karyakarte, 1979 are herein considered species inquirendae. D. aglandulosa Deo, 1977, D. glandulosa Das, 1972, D. minuta Das, 1972 and D. spindale Deo, 1977 are formally dismissed as nomina nuda. The systematic position of Diclidophora Krøyer, 1838 and Macrouridophora n. g. in the subfamily Diclidophorinae Cerfontaine, 1895 (sensu Mamaev, 1976) is discussed.     

Occurrence of leeches (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae) on some marine fishes in Norway

Marine fish from several locations along the west coast of Norway were examined for leeches. Seven leech species were detected, Calliobdella nodulifera (Malm, 1863) from codfish, flatfish and a ray, Calliobdella lophii van Beneden & Hesse, 1863 from Lophius piscatorius L., Platybdella anarrhichae (Diesing, 1859) on Anarhichas lupus L., Platybdella quadrioculata Malm, 1863 on Symphodus melops (L.), Oceanobdella sp. on Zeugopterus punctatus (Bloch), Malmiana brunnea (Johansson, 1896) on Myoxocephalus scorpius (L.) and Malmiana bubali Srivastava, 1966 on Taurulus bubalis (Euphrasen). Calliobdella nodulifera infected unrelated hosts (euryxenic); the others appeared to be host specialists (oio- or stenoxenic). Details on the occurrence of Calliobdella nodulifera on Enchelyopus cimbrius (L.) during 1 year are given, which together with other observations suggest that its life cycle exceeds a year. A brief account on the morphology of “Platybdella” quadrioculata is provided, justifying its transfer to the genus Oceanobdella Caballero, 1956 as O. quadrioculata comb. nov. With the new additions, the Norwegian marine piscicolid fauna contain 12 species. At least ten additional species, known from adjoining areas, also probably occur along the Norwegian coast.     

Molecular data reveal a new species of Seuratascaris Sprent, 1985 (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) from Quasipaa exilispinosa (Liu & Hu) (Amphibia: Anura)

The genus Seuratascaris Sprent, 1985 is a group of obligate nematode parasites of amphibians. In the present study, a new species of Seuratascaris, S. physalis sp. n. was described using light and scanning electron microscopy based on specimens collected from Quasipaa exilispinosa (Liu & Hu) (Amphibia: Anura) in China. The new species differs from S. numidica (Seurat, 1917) by the cuticle of the cervical region distinctly inflated to form a cephalic vesicle-like structure and the absence of single medio-ventral precloacal papilla. The molecular characterization of the nuclear large ribosomal DNA (28S) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2) and 12S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of S. physalis sp. n., together with the 28S, cox2 and 12S of S. numidica are provided for the first time. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of high level of interspecific genetic variation between the two species in the ITS (5.50%), cox1 (13.3%), cox2 (10.6%) and 12S regions (10.5%), which strongly supported that S. physalis sp. n. represented a different species from S. numidica. Angusticaecum ranae Wang, Zhao & Chen, 1978 reported from the frog Quasipaa spinosa (David) (Anura: Dicroglossidae) in China was transferred into the genus Seuratascaris as S. ranae (Wang, Zhao & Chen, 1978) comb. n. based on the morphology of lips and the presence of very short and robust spicules without alae and small numbers of precloacal papillae. The present study provided useful genetic data for molecular identification of species of Seuratascaris and provides the foundation for being able to determine if S. numidica represents a species complex of some sibling species or a single species.     

Eleven new Colobomatus species (Copepoda: Philichthyidae) from marine fishes

A survey of 79 fish species revealed 16 species of Colobomatus of which 11 are new and described below. The first ten new species were from Australian fish and the eleventh from a South African fish.The following species are described: Colobomatus cresseyi n. sp. from the eastern river garfish Hyporhamphus regularis ardelio (Whitley) and the snub-nosed garfish Arrhamphus sclerolepis krefftii (Stein-dachner); C. nanus n. sp. from the trumpeter Pelates quadrilineatus (Bloch); C. lesteri n. sp. from the common silver-belly Gerres ovatus (Günther); C. sewelli n. sp. from the seven-fingers tassel-fish Polynemus heptadactylus Cuvier; C. hispidus n. sp. from the blotched javelin-fish Pomadasys maculatus (Bloch); C. ornatus n. sp. from the whiptail Pentapodus setosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes); C. cribbi n. sp. from the barred-faced spine-cheek Scolopsis taeniopterus (Kuhl & van Hasselt); C. rothae n. sp. from the dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus (Cuvier & Valenciennes) and the bar-tailed flathead P. indicus (L.); C. gietzelae n. sp. from the thread-fin silver-belly Gerres punctatus (Cuvier & Valenciennes); C. creeveyae n. sp. from the white trevally Pseudocarynx dentex (Bloch & Schneider); and C. mackayi n. sp. from an African haemulid, Pomadasys striatus (Gilchrist & Thompson). Colobomatus mylionus Fukui, 1965, is redescribed from the silver bream Acanthopagrus australis (Günther).Details of the mouthparts of C. kyphosus Sekerak, 1970, are given for the first time. This is a relatively plesiomorphic member of the genus (West, unpublished data), and its morphology assists in the interpretation of the appendages of the Australian species.Revised diagnoses for the family Philichthyidae Vogt and the genus Colobomatus hesse, 1873 are given. These incorporate the genus Colobomatoides Essafi & Raibaut, 1980 and the new Colobomatus species described herein respectively.     

Monogenoidean parasites of the gill lamellae of the sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum) (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, with descriptions of four new species of Euryhaliotrema Kritsky & Boeger, 2002 (Dactylogyridae)

Examination of the gill lamellae of three sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum) from the Indian River Lagoon in Florida revealed six species of Monogenoidea: Microcotyle archosargi MacCallum, 1913 (Microcotylidae); Neobenedenia sp. (Capsalidae); and four new species of Euryhaliotrema Kritsky & Boeger, 2002 (Dactylogyridae). The prevalence of all helminths was 100%, except for Neobenedenia sp., which was represented by a single immature specimen. The four new species, Euryhaliotrema carbuncularium n. sp., E. dunlapae n. sp., E. amydrum n. sp. and E. spirulum n. sp., are described and with E. carbunculus (Hargis, 1955) Kritsky & Boeger, 2002 apparently constitute a monophyletic clade of Euryhaliotrema spp. that parasitise sparid hosts in the western hemisphere. The Indian River Lagoon in Florida represents a new locality record for M. archosargi, and the sheepshead is apparently a new host record for a member (Neobenedenia sp.) of the Capsalidae.     

Four closely related but forgotten species of Rhipidocotyle Diesing, 1858 (Digenea: Bucephalidae) in fishes from European seas

The following species of Rhipidocotyle are described: R. minima (Wagener, 1852) from Chelidonichthys gurnardus, C. lastoviza and Aspitrigla cuculus at various localities off the British Isles; R. nicolli n. sp. from A. cuculus off Plymouth, SW England; R. triglae (van Beneden, 1870) from C. lucernus in the Gulf of Marseilles, western Mediterranean; and R. viperae (van Beneden, 1870) from Echiichthys vipera at various localities off the British Isles. The distinguishing features of the species are discussed in detail. A list of the bucephalid species reported from the Mediterranean Sea is appended.     

Taxonomic revision of Microcotyle caudata Goto, 1894 parasitic on gills of sebastids (Scorpaeniformes: Sebastidae), with a description of Microcotyle kasago n. sp. (Monogenea: Microcotylidae) from off Japan

Two species of microcotylid monogeneans, Microcotyle caudata Goto, 1894 and Microcotyle sebastisci Yamaguti, 1958, have been reported from fishes of the Sebastes inermis species complex and Sebastiscus marmoratus (Cuvier) (Scorpaeniformes: Sebastidae). So far, these parasite species have been distinguished by the size of the eggs and the number of testes, but based on morphological evidence including re-examination of the type-specimens and topotypes and molecular analysis, we consider M. sebastisci to be a junior synonym of M. caudata. As a result, M. caudata exhibits a wide host range, seven species from three genera and two families. A new species, Microcotyle kasago n. sp., is described based on material from S. marmoratus and differentiated from other congeners by means of morphological and molecular analysis.

     

A revision of Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931 (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) and description of H. folifer n. sp. from the zonetail butterfly ray Gymnura zonura (Bleeker) (Rajiformes: Gymnuridae)

Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931 was erected for H. abruptus (Southwell, 1911) Perrenoud, 1931 based on the presence of six excretory vessels, a unique feature among the Lecanicephalidea. The genus has since been considered a junior synonym of Cephalobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906 or Lecanicephalum Linton, 1890, or as a genus inquirendum. Based on examination of the syntype series of H. abruptus, this species is redescribed and a lectotype designated. Examination of cestodes from the zonetail butterfly ray Gymnura zonura (Bleeker) from off Indonesian Borneo resulted in the discovery of a second species. Hexacanalis folifer n. sp. is unique among lecanicephalideans in its possession of an ovary that is U-shaped in cross-section and craspedote proglottids with prominent posterior dorso-ventral processes in the form of large lappets. The presence of six excretory vessels, confirmed in both species, supports the validity of Hexacanalis. An additional species, H. pteroplateae (Zaidi & Khan, 1976) n. comb., also from a butterfly ray, G. micrura (Bloch & Schneider) [as Pteroplatea micrura (Bloch & Schneider)], is transferred to this genus from Cephalobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906. A revised diagnosis of Hexacanalis is presented. Seven species of this genus remain species inquirendae. Hexacanalis appears to parasitise species of the Gymnuridae van Hasselt; however, specific identifications of the hosts are in need of re-evaluation. A summary of the cestode parasites of the Gymnuridae is presented.     

Revision of the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera,Braconidae) from Hunan (China), including thirty-six new species and two new genera

The species of the subfamily Opiinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Hunan (Oriental China) are revised and illustrated. Thirty-six new species are described: Apodesmia bruniclypealis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Apodesmia melliclypealis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Areotetes albiferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Areotetes carinuliferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Areotetes striatiferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Coleopioides diversinotum Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Coleopioides postpectalis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Fopius dorsopiferus Li, van Achterberg & Tan, sp. n., Indiopius chenae Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opiognathus aulaciferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opiognathus brevibasalis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius crenuliferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius malarator Li, van Achterberg & Tan, sp. n., Opius monilipalpis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius pachymerus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius songi Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius youi Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Opius zengi Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma acuticlypeata Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma angiclypeata Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma antenervalis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma depressiclypealis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma flavisoma Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma nigrisoma Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma protuberator Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma rugulifera Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Li & van Achterberg,Phaedrotoma striatinota Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Phaedrotoma vermiculifera Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis latipennis Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis longicaudifera Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis maculosa Li, van Achterberg & Tan, sp. n., Rhogadopsis obliqua Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Rhogadopsis sculpturator Li & van Achterberg, sp. n., Utetes longicarinatus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n. and Xynobius notauliferus Li & van Achterberg, sp. n. Areotetes van Achterberg & Li, gen. n. (type species: Areotetes carinuliferus sp. n.) and Coleopioides van Achterberg & Li, gen. n. (type species: Coleopioides postpectalis sp. n. are described. All species are illustrated and keyed. In total 30 species of Opiinae are sequenced and the cladograms are presented. Neopius Gahan, 1917, Opiognathus Fischer, 1972, Opiostomus Fischer, 1972, and Rhogadopsis Brèthes, 1913, are treated as a valid genera based on molecular and morphological differences. Opius vittata Chen & Weng, 2005 (not Opius vittatus Ruschka, 1915), Opius ambiguus Weng & Chen, 2005 (not Wesmael, 1835) and Opius mitis Chen & Weng, 2005 (not Fischer, 1963) are primary homonymsandarerenamed into Phaedrotoma depressa Li & van Achterberg, nom. n., Opius cheni Li & van Achterberg, nom. n. andOpius wengi Li & van Achterberg, nom. n., respectively. Phaedrotoma terga (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n.,Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) and Biosteres pavitita Chen & Weng, 2005, are reported new for Hunan, Opiostomus aureliae (Fischer, 1957) comb. n. is new for China and Hunan; Xynobius maculipennis(Enderlein, 1912) comb. n. is new for Hunan and continental China and Rhogadopsis longuria (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n. is new for Hunan. The following new combinations are given: Apodesmia puncta (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Apodesmia tracta (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Areotetes laevigatus (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma dimidia (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma improcera (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma amputata (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma larga (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma osculas (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma postuma (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma rugulosa (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Phaedrotoma tabularis (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis apii (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis dimidia (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis diutia (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis longuria (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis pratellae(Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis pratensis (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis sculpta (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n., Rhogadopsis sulcifer (Fischer, 1975) comb. n., Rhogadopsis tabidula(Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Xynobius complexus (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Xynobius indagatrix (Weng & Chen, 2005) comb. n., Xynobius multiarculatus (Chen & Weng, 2005) comb. n.The following (sub)genera are synonymised: Snoflakopius Fischer, 1972, Jucundopius Fischer, 1984, Opiotenes Fischer, 1998, and Oetztalotenes Fischer, 1998, with Opiostomus Fischer, 1971; Xynobiotenes Fischer, 1998, with Xynobius Foerster, 1862; Allotypus Foerster, 1862, Lemnaphilopius Fischer, 1972, Agnopius Fischer, 1982, and Cryptognathopius Fischer, 1984, with Apodesmia Foerster, 1862; Nosopoea Foerster, 1862, Tolbia Cameron, 1907, Brachycentrus Szépligeti, 1907, Baeocentrum Schulz, 1911, Hexaulax Cameron, 1910, Coeloreuteus Roman, 1910, Neodiospilus Szépligeti, 1911, Euopius Fischer, 1967, Gerius Fischer, 1972, Grimnirus Fischer, 1972, Hoenirus Fischer, 1972, Mimirus Fischer, 1972, Gastrosema Fischer, 1972, Merotrachys Fischer, 1972, Phlebosema Fischer, 1972, Neoephedrus Samanta, Tamili, Saha & Raychaudhuri, 1983, Adontopius Fischer, 1984, Kainopaeopius Fischer, 1986, Millenniopius Fischer, 1996, and Neotropopius Fischer, 1999, with Phaedrotoma Foerster, 1862.     

Revision of the genus Helastia sensu stricto with description of a new genus (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)

Abstract

Helastia Guenée, 1868 is redefined and redescribed. New Zealand species previously placed in that genus but not congeneric with the type species are reassigned to either the available genera Epyaxa Meyrick, 1883, Asaphodes Meyrick, 1885 and Xanthorhoe Hübner, [1825] or placed in a newly described genus, Gingidiobora. Six Australian species placed in Xanthorhoe are shown to be congeneric with three New Zealand species, previously placed in Helastia and here transferred to Epyaxa.

Eight new species are described in Helastia: Helastia alba n. sp.; H. angusta n. sp.; H. christinae n. sp.; H. cryptica n. sp.; H. mutabilis n. sp.; H. ohauensis n. sp.; H. salmoni n. sp.; H. scissa n. sp. The following new combinations and synonymies are proposed: Asaphodes chlorocapna (Meyrick, 1925) n. comb.; A. citroena (Clark, 1934) n. comb.; A. glaciata (Hudson, 1925) n. comb.; A. ida (Clark, 1926) n. comb; Epyaxa agelasta (Turner, 1904) n. comb.; E. centroneura (Meyrick, 1890) n. comb.;

E. epia (Turner, 1922) n. comb.; E. hyperythra (Lower, 1892) n. comb.; E. lucidata (Walker, 1862) n. comb.; E. sodaliata (Walker, 1862) n. comb.; E. subidaria (Guenée, 1857) n. comb.; E. venipunctata (Walker, 1863) n. comb.; Gingidiobora nebulosa (Philpott, 1917) n. comb.; G. subobscurata (Walker, 1862) n. comb.; Helastia clandestina (Philpott, 1921) n. comb.; H. corcularia (Guenée, 1868) n. comb. (= Larentia infantaria Guenée, 1868 n. syn.); H. expolita (Philpott, 1917) n. comb.; H. siris (Hawthorne, 1897) n. comb.; H. triphragma (Meyrick, 1883) n. comb.     

Identification of a novel species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 from the woylie,Bettongia penicillata Gray (Diprotodontia: Potoroidae) and the genetic characterisation of three Eimeria spp. from other potoroid marsupials

Faecal samples (n = 1,093) collected from the woylie Bettongia penicillata Gray, in south-western Australia were examined for the presence of coccidian parasites. Eimeria sp. oöcysts were detected in 15.2% of samples. Faecal samples obtained from the eastern bettong Bettongia gaimardi (Desmarest) (n = 4) and long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus (Kerr) (n = 12) in Tasmania, were also screened for the presence of Eimeria spp. (prevalence 50% and 41.7%, respectively). Morphological and genetic comparison with other known species of Eimeria indicates that the material identified in woylies is novel. This study aimed to (i) morphologically describe and genetically characterise Eimeria woyliei n. sp. found in woylies; and (ii) genetically characterise Eimeria gaimardi Barker, O’Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, Eimeria potoroi Barker, O’Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, and Eimeria mundayi Barker, O’Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, from other potoroid marsupials. Molecular phylogenetic analyses conducted at the 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) loci revealed that E. woyliei n. sp. was most closely related to Eimeria setonicis Barker, O’Callaghan & Beveridge, 1988, at the 18S rDNA locus, and Eimeria trichosuri O’Callaghan & O’Donoghue, 2001, at the cox1 locus. Eimeria woyliei n. sp. is the sixth species of Eimeria to be formally described from potoroid marsupials.

     

Dramatic phenotypic plasticity within species of Siphomutabilus n. g. (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae) from Indo-Pacific caesionines (Perciformes: Lutjanidae)

A survey of Indo-Pacific lutjanids of the subfamily Caesioninae revealed the presence of Siphodera gurukun Machida, 1910 and two new cryptogonimid taxa from off Heron and Lizard Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia and Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives. A combined morphological and genetic characterisation of these species shows that they form a clade distinct from the type-species of Siphodera Linton, 1910, S. vinaledwardsii (Linton, 1901), and warrants the proposal of a new genus. Here we propose Siphomutabilus n. g. and transfer Siphodera gurukun Machida, 1986 as the type-species, Siphomutabilus gurukun (Machida, 1986) n. comb. Siphodera aegyptensis Hassanine & Gibson, 2005 is transferred to Siphomutabilus as S. aegyptensis (Hassanine & Gibson, 2005) n. comb. based on morphological and ecological similarities. Siphomutabilus raritas n. sp. is described from Caesio cuning (Bloch) off Lizard Island and S. bitesticulatus n. sp. is described from Pterocaesio marri Schultz off Heron Island. The two new species are unique in that they have two testes, making their morphology broadly consistent with that of Metadena Linton, 1910, yet the molecular analyses conducted here indicates that they are unequivocally united with Siphomutabilus gurukun (which has multiple testes) to the exclusion of Metadena lutiani (Yamaguti, 1942), which was sequenced here. The dramatic phenotypic plasticity observed among such closely related species of Siphomutabilus suggests a secondary modification of what is generally considered a robust generic diagnostic character within this and other digenean families, highlighting the need for a combined morphological and molecular diagnostic approach when characterising these taxa. Siphodera Linton, 1910 is amended to include just two species, the type-species S. vinaledwardsii (Linton, 1901) Linton, 1910 and S. cirrhiti Yamaguti, 1970, which are distinguished by their lack of oral spines and multiple testes that are primarily extracaecal. Siphodera ghanensis Fischthal & Thomas, 1968 is considered a species incertae sedis here based on significant morphological and ecological differences compared with species of Siphodera and Siphomutabilus n. g.     

The taxonomy of Tylenchorhynchinae (Nematoda: Tylenchida) with longitudinal lines and ridges

Summary The taxonomy of those Tylenchorynchinae which have longitudinal lines or ridges on the cuticle is discussed. Dolichorhynchus is restricted to species with four incisures in the lateral field, lateral vulval flaps and a terminally notched bursa. D. prophasmis n. sp. is described. Neodolichorhynchus n. g. is erected for those species previously in Dolichorhynchus which have no lateral vulval flaps and a normal bursa, including: N. microphasmis (Loof, 1959) n.comb., N. judithae (Andrássy, 1962) n.comb., N. sulcatus (de Guiran, 1967) n.comb., and N. gladiolatus (Fortuner & Amougou, 1973) n.comb. Tessellus n.g. is proposed for T. claytoni (Steiner, 1937) n.comb. and T. pachys (Thorne & Malek, 1968) n.comb. the only remaining Tylenchorhynchus species with longitudinal cuticular lines. They are characterized by a rounded non-offset lip region, four incisures in the lateral field and a cuticular annulation divided into prominent blocks by deep longitudinal cuticular lines.     

Parapharyngodon osteopili n.sp. (Pharyngodonidae: Oxyuroidea) and a revision of Parapharyngodon and Thelandros

Summary Parapharyngodon osteopili n.sp. is described from the Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis (Hylidae; Anura). Parapharyngodon Chatterji, 1933 and Thelandros Wedl, 1862 are redefined and distinguished on the basis of male and female caudal morphology and egg structure. Parapharyngodon spp. are found in insectivorous reptiles and amphibians whereas Thelandros spp. are essentially parasites of herbivorous and omnivorous reptiles. The following species are transferred to Parapharyngodon from Thelandros and represent new combinations: Parapharyngodon echinatus (Rudolphi, 1819), P. hemidactylus (Patwardhan, 1935), P. khartana (Johnston & Mawson, 1941), P. trachysauri (Johnston & Mawson, 1947), P. californiensis (read & Amrein, 1952), P. meridionalis (chabaud & Brygoo, 1962), P. mabouia (Rao & Hiregaudar, 1962), P. iguanae (Telford, 1965), P. calotis (Johnson, 1966), P. maculatus (Caballero, 1968) and P. garciae (Schmidt & Whittaker, 1975). Thelandros awokoyai (Babero & Okpala, 1962) n.comb., is transferred from Parapharyngodon. P. megaloon (Linstow, 1906) n.comb., P. seurati (Sandground, 1936) Freitas, 1957, P. waltoni (Read & Amrein, 1952) n.comb., P. cameroni (Belle, 1957) n.comb., P. aspiculus Khera, 1961, T. cinctus (Lonstow, 1897) and T. kuntzi Belle, 1957 are considered species inquirendae. ac]19810406     

Isthmiophora Lühe, 1909 and Euparyphium Dietz, 1909 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) re-defined,with comments on their nominal species

The validity of Isthmiophora Lühe, 1909 in relation to Euparyphium Dietz, 1909 is discussed and confirmed. Isthmiophora melis Schrank, 1788) [the type-species] and I. inermis (Fuhrmann, 1904) n. comb. are redescribed, and diagnoses are given for both genera, along with lists of their presently-accepted constituent species which are commented upon where necessary. A similar list of species previously allocated to these genera is also presented with comments on their current status. A key to the species of Isthmiophora is included. New combinations for species previously attributed to Euparyphium are: Isthmiophora inermis (Fuhrmann, 1904) n. comb., I. beaveri (Yamaguti, 1958) n. comb., I. lukjanovi (Chertkova, 1971) n. comb., I. citellicola (Kadenatsii in Skrjabin & Bashkirova, 1956) n. comb., I. hortensis (Asada, 1926) n. comb., Echinostoma pindchi (Khan & Chishti, 1985) n. comb., Echinoparyphium tripathii (Gupta & Gupta, 1982) n. comb., E. hirundonis (Fischthal & Kuntz, 1976) n. comb., and Hypoderaeum longitestis (Verma, 1936) n. comb. Species attributed to Euparyphium which are here considered species inquirendae are: E. lobata Farooq & Yousuf, 1986 sp. inq., E. ochoterenai Cerecero, 1943 sp. inq., E. sobolevi Ryzhikov, 1965 sp. inq., and E. taiwanense Fischthal & Kuntz, 1976 sp. inq.     

New genera,species and records of rhinebothriidean cestodes (Platyhelminthes) parasitic in Australian stingrays (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea)

Collections of rhinebothriidean cestodes (Platyhelminthes) from Australian batoid elasmobranchs revealed the presence of a number of new genera and species. Ruptobothrium louiseuzeti n. g., n sp. is described from the reticulate whipray, Himantura australis Last, Naylor & Manjaji-Matsumoto, from off the Northern Territory and Mixobothrium queenslandense n. g., n sp. is described from the green sawfish, Pristis zijsron Bleeker, from off north-eastern Queensland. Two new species of Rhabdotobothrium Euzet, 1953 are described: Rhabdotobothrium meridionale n. sp. from the southern eagle ray Myliobatis tenuicaudatus Hector from off South Australia and Rhabdotobothrium anoxypristidis n. sp. from the narrow sawfish, Anoxypristis cuspidatus (Latham) from off north Western Australia. A new species of Scalithrium Healy & Reyda, 2016, Scalithrium australiense n. sp., is described from the reticulate whipray, Himantura australis Last, Naylor & Manjaji-Matsumoto, from off northern Western Australia. Scalithrium smitii (Shinde, Deshmukh & Jadhav, 1981) n. comb. is reported from Australian waters for the first time in the black spotted stingray Maculabatis toshi (Whitley) from off northern Western Australia. New host and geographical records are provided for Stillabothrium jeanfortiae Forti, Aprill & Reyda, 2016 from the brown whipray Maculobatis toshi (Whitley) and the black-spotted whipray, Maculabatis cf. astra (Last, Manjaji-Matsumoto & Pogonoski) from Moreton Bay in southern Queensland.

     

Diplectanids infesting the gills of the barramundi Lates calcarifer (Bloch) (Perciformes: Centropomidae), with the proposal of Laticola n. g. (Monogenoidea: Diplectanidae)

Four species of the Monogenoidea, Laticola lingaoensis n. sp., L. latesi (Tripathi, 1957) n. comb. [previously Pseudorhabdosynochus latesi (Tripathi, 1957) Kritsky & Beverley-Burton, 1986], L. paralatesi (Nagibina, 1976) n. comb. [previously Diplectanum paralatesi Nagibina, 1976] and Diplectanum penangi Liang & Leong, 1991, are reported from the gills of Lates calcarifer (Centropomidae) from the South China Sea (new geographical records for L. latesi and D. penangi). Collections from off Bathurst Island, Northern Territory, Australia, represent a new geographic record for L. paralatesi; Chilka Lake, Orissa, India, is established as the type-locality for L. latesi. Laticola n. g. (Diplectanidae) is proposed for species with a spoon-shaped copulatory organ with two to four concentric incomplete ridges in the base. Laticola lingaoensis, the type-species of Laticola, is described, and L. latesi and L. paralatesi are redescribed based on specimens from the South China Sea. Pseudorhabdosynochus monosquamodiscusi Balasuriya & Leong, 1995 and Pseudorhabdosynochus yangjiangenesis Wu & Li, 2005 are considered junior subjective synonyms of L. latesi and L. paralatesi, respectively.     

New species of Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera: Elateridae,Agrypninae, Hemirhipini)

Four new species of Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829 are described: A. cinnamomeus n. sp., A. latlpennls n. sp., A. serlceus n. sp. and A. thoracopunctatus n. sp. Three species removed from Chalcolepldlus Eschscholtz, 1829, are transferred to this genus: A. allcll (Pjatakowa, 1941) n. comb., A. haroldl (Candèze, 1878) n.comb. and A. unlcus (Fleutiaux, 1910) n. comb. The characters of external morphology of these seven species and male and female genitalia, when available, are described and illustrated. An identification key for all species of the genus is included: A. allcll (Pjatakowa, 1941) n. comb., A. calcarlpllosus Casari, 1996, A. cinnamomeus n. sp., A. haroldl (Candèze, 1878) n. comb., A. latlpennls n. sp., A. lusclosus (Hope, 1832), A. melanops Leconte, 1863, A. myops (Fabricius, 1801), A. nobllls Sallé, 1855, A. oculatus (Linnaeus, 1758), A. patrlclus (Candèze, 1857), A. plebejus Candèze, 1874, A. serlceus n. sp., A. thoracopunctatus n. sp., A. tricolor (Olivier, 1790), A. unlcus (Fleutiaux, 1910) n. comb., A. veracruzanus Casari, 1996 and A. zunianus Casey, 1893.     

Two new species of Pupulina van Beneden, 1892 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Caligidae) from mobulid rays off South Africa

The caligid genus Pupulina van Beneden, 1892 currently has three accepted species. Two new species, Pupulina cliffi n. sp. and P. merira n. sp., are described from Mobula kuhlii (Müller & Henle) and M. eregoodootenkee (Bleeker) (Mobulidae) caught along the east coast of South Africa. Pupulina cliffi can be distinguished from all the other species by the absence of posterolateral processes on the genital complex, whereas P. merira has very short, rounded posterolateral processes on the genital complex compared to the three previously known species. Additionally, P. merira is the only species with the abdomen only about two-thirds the length of the genital complex and the caudal rami about the same length as the abdomen. A dichotomous key to distinguish the five species of Pupulina is provided.