Eukaryote Culturomics of the Gut Reveals New Species

The repertoire of microeukaryotes in the human gut has been poorly explored, mainly in individuals living in northern hemisphere countries. We further explored this repertoire using PCR-sequencing and culture in seven individuals living in four tropical countries. A total of 41 microeukaryotes including 38 different fungal species and three protists were detected. Four fungal species, Davidiella tassiana, Davidiella sp., Corticiaceae sp., and Penicillium sp., were uniquely detected by culture; 27 fungal species were uniquely detected using PCR-sequencing and Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Trichosporon asahii, Clavispora lusitaniae, Debaryomyces hansenii, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia sp. were detected using both molecular and culture methods. Fourteen microeukaryotes were shared by the seven individuals, whereas 27 species were found in only one individual, including 11 species in Amazonia, nine species in Polynesia, five species in India, and two species in Senegal. These data support a worldwide distribution of Malassezia sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp. in the gut mycobiome. Here, 13 fungal species and two protists, Stentor roeseli and Vorticella campanula, were observed for first time in the human gut. This study revealed a previously unsuspected diversity in the repertoire of human gut microeukaryotes, suggesting spots for further exploring this repertoire.     

Integrative revision of the giant pill-millipede genus Sphaeromimus from Madagascar,with the description of seven new species (Diplopoda,Sphaerotheriida, Arthrosphaeridae)

The Malagasy giant pill-millipede genus Sphaeromimus de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902 is revised. Seven new species, S. titanus sp. n., S. vatovavy sp. n., S. lavasoa sp. n., S. andohahela sp. n., S. ivohibe sp. n., S. saintelucei sp. n., and S. andrahomana sp. n. were discovered, in one case with the help of sequence data, in the rainforests of southeastern Madagascar. The species are described using light- and scanning electron microscopy. A key to all 10 species of the genus is presented. All but one (S. andohahela) of the newly discovered species are microendemics each occurring in isolated forest fragments. The mitochondrial COI barcoding gene was amplified and sequenced for 18 Sphaeromimus specimens, and a dataset containing COI sequences of 28 specimens representing all Sphaeromimus species (except S. vatovavy) was analyzed. All species are genetically monophyletic. Interspecific uncorrected genetic distances were moderate (4–10%) to high (18–25%), whereas intraspecific variation is low (0–3.5%). Sequence data allowed the correct identification of three colour morphs of S. musicus, as well as the identity of a cave specimen, which although aberrant in its morphology and colouration, was genetically identical to the holotype of S. andrahoma.     

Pseudo-nitzschia simulans sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae), the first domoic acid producer from Chinese waters

The genus Pseudo-nitzschia has attracted attention because of production of the toxin, domoic acid (DA), causing Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). Pseudo-nitzschia blooms occur frequently in Chinese coastal waters, and DA has been detected in several marine organisms, but so far no Pseudo-nitzschia strains from Chinese waters have been shown to produce DA. In this study, monoclonal Pseudo-nitzschia strains were established from Chinese coastal waters and examined using light microscopy, electron microscopy and molecular markers. Five strains, sharing distinct morphological and molecular features differentiating them from other Pseudo-nitzschia species, represent a new species, Pseudo-nitzschia simulans sp. nov. Morphologically, the taxon belongs to the P. pseudodelicatissima group, cells possessing a central nodule and each stria comprising one row of poroids. The new species is characterized by the poroid structure, which typically comprises two sectors, each sector located near opposite margins of the poroid. The production of DA was examined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analyses of cells in stationary growth phase. Domoic acid was detected in one of the five strains, with concentrations around 1.05–1.54 fg cell⁻¹. This is the first toxigenic diatom species reported from Chinese waters.     

Actinobacterial community and diversity in rhizosphere soils of Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lec assessed by RT-PCR and PCR-DGGE

The actinobacterial community in rhizospheres of eaglewood (Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lec) was analyzed using culture-independent methods of RT-PCR and PCR DGGE of 16S rRNA gene. We conducted the experiments to investigate the difference in diversity and community structure of actinobacteria with respect to sampling sites and seasons and to determine effect of plant species on selection of rhizosphere community from different sampling sites. Total genomic DNA and RNA were extracted from rhizosphere soils collected from two plantations in Phetchabun province and one plantation in each Nakhonnayok province, Rayong province and Chiang Mai province of Thailand during dry and rainy seasons. The UPGMA dendrogram generated from DGGE fingerprints showed that the actinobacterial community was separated corresponding to sampling sites, suggesting sampling sites effect. The shift in community and diversity between two seasons was detected in all sampling sites. RNA-based analyses showed that several actinobacterial groups appeared to be ubiquitous but different in metabolic activity in different environments. Species diversity (S) and simple indexes (I) indicate the increase in species diversity of actinobacteria from all sampling sites in rainy season. Cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments obtained from DGGE bands revealed that 14 of 40 dominant species of actinobacteria in the rhizospheres of this plant belonged to uncultured actinobacteria. Besides the uncultured actinobacteria, Nocardioides sp., Streptomyces sp., Mycobacterium sp., Rhodococcus sp. and Actinoplanes sp. were indentified and frequently found more than other genera.     

Fatty acids and sterols of selected hyphochytriomycetes and chytridiomycetes

The fatty acids and sterols of eight Chytridiomycetes and two Hyphochytriomycetes, and fatty acids of the OomycetePythium gracile, were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. In addition to the fatty acids anticipated for fungi, the two Hyphochytriomycetes (Hyphochytrium catenoides andRhizidiomyces apophysatus) and four of the Chytridiomycetes (Catenaria anguillulae, Blastocladiella emersonii, Monoblepharella sp., andAllomyces macrogynus) contained arachidonic acid as a major fatty acid of the polar lipid fraction, and this fatty acid was detected as a minor component ofRhizophlyctis rosea andSpizellomyces punctatum. Eicosapentaenoic acid constituted 4.6% of the polar lipid fatty acids inMonoblepharella sp., and trace amounts were detected in several other species. Both the gamma (ω-6) and alpha (ω-3) isomers of linolenic acid were detected in all of the species analyzed. Cholesterol was the predominant (≥73%) sterol ofB. emersonii, R. rosea, A. macrogynus, andChytridium confervae, and a minor (<12%) component ofC. anguillulae, andH. catenoides. The major sterols of the other species included lanosterol (C. anguillulae, 45%), stigmasta-5,22-dien-3β-ol (H. catenoides, 51%), 24-ethyl-cholesterol (S. punctatum, 38%;H. catenoides, 17%;Monoblepharella sp., 70%; andR. apophysatus, 84%), 24-methyl-cholesterol (H. catenoides, 23%;R. apophysatus, 14%;S. punctatum, 53%), and 24-methylene cholesterol (Rhizophydium sphaerotheca, 51%). Neither ergosterol nor fucosterol was detected in any of the species studied.     

A taxonomic review of the Neoserica (sensu lato) abnormis group (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae, Sericini)

The present paper revises the species belonging to the Neoserica (sensu lato) abnormis group, so far known only with two nominal species. Twenty new species are herein described from Indochina and southern China: N. abnormoides sp. n. (Vietnam, China), N. allolaotica sp. n., N. namthaensis sp. n., N. simplicissima sp. n. (Laos), N. thailandensis sp. n. (Thailand), N. alloputaoana sp. n., N. kanphantensis sp. n., N. natmatoungensis sp. n., N. putaoana sp. n., N. taunggyiana sp. n. (Myanmar), N. lamellosa sp. n., N. tonkinea sp. n. (Vietnam), N. bairailingshanica sp. n., N. euyunnanica sp. n., N. huangi sp. n., N. jiangxiensis sp. n., N. trifida sp. n., N. yaoi sp. n., N. yingjiangensis sp. n. (China), N. cardamomensis sp. n. (Indochina and southern China). One new combination is established: Neoserica ponderosa Arrow, 1946, comb. n. The lectotypes of Neoserica abnormis Moser, 1908 and the taxonomically uncertain N. inclinata Brenske, 1898, which very likely also belongs to this species group, are designated herein. A key to the species and to species groups is given, the genitalia of all species including their habitus are illustrated. Maps of species distribution are included.     

The Caprellidea (Crustacea, Amphipoda) from Western Australia and Northern Territory, Australia

The caprellidean fauna of Western Australia and Northern Territory, Australia, is investigated here. The study reports 26 species in 19 genera. Six new species (Aciconula australiensis n. sp., Caprella traudlae n. sp., Pseudaeginella vaderi n. sp., Orthoprotella nana n. sp., Pseudoprotella soela n. sp. and Pseudoprotomima grandimana n. sp.) are described as new for Science. Lateral view figures of all the species, together with a key to species level, are also provided.     

Review of the western palaearctic Ichneumon-flies of the genus Rhorus Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae: Ctenopelmatinae). II. The species of the punctus,longicornis, chrysopygus,and substitutor groups,the species with the black metasoma and some others

The Western Palaearctic species of Rhorus with the black metasoma and all the species of 4 speciesgroups (the punctus, longicornis, chrysopygus, and substitutor) are revised. Fourteen new species from the Western Palaearctic Region (mainly from Europe) are described: Rh. arkhyz sp. n., Rh. avacha sp. n., Rh. boreator sp. n., Rh. brevigena sp. n., Rh. gauldi sp. n., Rh. humalai sp. n., Rh. jussilai sp. n., Rh. laricis sp. n., Rh. olenek sp. n., Rh. pristiphorae sp. n., Rh. romani sp. n., Rh. suecicus sp. n., Rh. ucrainicus sp. n., and Rh. xanthopygus sp. n. A key to 40 species is given.     

A taxonomic review of the Neoserica (sensu lato) septemlamellata group (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae, Sericini)

In the present paper the species belonging to the Neoserica (sensu lato) septemlamellata group, that included so far only four known species, are revised. Here we describe eleven new species originating mainly from Indochina and Southern China: N. daweishanica sp. n., N. gaoligongshanica sp. n., N. guangpingensis sp. n., N. igori sp. n., N. jiulongensis sp. n., N. plurilamellata sp. n., N. weishanica sp. n., N. yanzigouensis sp. n. (China) N. sapaensis sp. n. (China, Vietnam), N. bansongchana sp. n., N. takakuwai sp. n. (Laos). The lectotypes of Neoserica septemlamellata Brenske, 1898 and N. septemfoliata Moser, 1915 are designated. Keys to the species and species groups are given, the genitalia of all species and their habitus are illustrated and distribution maps are included.     

Shedding Light on the Microbial Community of the Macropod Foregut Using 454-Amplicon Pyrosequencing

Twenty macropods from five locations in Queensland, Australia, grazing on a variety of native pastures were surveyed and the bacterial community of the foregut was examined using 454-amplicon pyrosequencing. Specifically, the V3/V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was examined. A total of 5040 OTUs were identified in the data set (post filtering). Thirty-two OTUs were identified as ‘shared’ OTUS (i.e. present in all samples) belonging to either Firmicutes or Bacteroidetes (Clostridiales/Bacteroidales). These phyla predominated the general microbial community in all macropods. Genera represented within the shared OTUs included: unclassified Ruminococcaceae, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Clostridiales, Peptococcus sp. Coprococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Blautia sp., Ruminoccocus sp., Eubacterium sp., Dorea sp., Oscillospira sp. and Butyrivibrio sp. The composition of the bacterial community of the foregut samples of each the host species (Macropus rufus, Macropus giganteus and Macropus robustus) was significantly different allowing differentiation between the host species based on alpha and beta diversity measures. Specifically, eleven dominant OTUs that separated the three host species were identified and classified as: unclassified Ruminococcaceae, unclassified Bacteroidales, Prevotella spp. and a Syntrophococcus sucromutans. Putative reductive acetogens and fibrolytic bacteria were also identified in samples. Future work will investigate the presence and role of fibrolytics and acetogens in these ecosystems. Ideally, the isolation and characterization of these organisms will be used for enhanced feed efficiency in cattle, methane mitigation and potentially for other industries such as the biofuel industry.     

Six new species of Philiris R?ber, 1891 (Lepidoptera,Lycaenidae) from Papua New Guinea

Six new species of the large lycaenid genus Philiris Röber, 1891 (Philiris petriei sp. n., Philiris bubalisatina sp. n., Philiris baiteta sp. n., Philiris radicala sp. n., Philiris hindenburgensis sp. n. and Philiris parsonsi sp. n.), from Papua New Guinea, are described and illustrated, as are the early stages of the former taxon, with Litsea sp. near callophyllantha K. Schum (Lauraceae) recorded as the larval food plant. The holotypes of all but the latter are deposited in the ANIC, with that of P. parsonsi located in the BMNH. The external facies and male genitalia of all new species are compared in detail to putative known related species, and the types of these, in nearly all cases, are also illustrated.     

Revision of the Neotropical bark mantis genus Liturgusa Saussure, 1869 (Insecta,Mantodea, Liturgusini)

The praying mantis genus Liturgusa Saussure, 1869 occurs only in Central and South America and represents the most diverse genus of Neotropical Liturgusini (Ehrmann 2002). The genus includes bark dwelling species, which live entirely on the trunks and branches of trees and run extremely fast. All species included within the genus Liturgusa are comprehensively revised with a distribution stretching from central Mexico, the island of Dominica to the southeastern regions of Brazil and southern Bolivia. All known species are redescribed to meet the standards of the new treatment of the genus (11 species). Three new genera are described including Fuga gen. n., Velox gen. n., and Corticomantis gen. n. for species previously included in Liturgusa as well as Hagiomantis. Liturgusa mesopoda Westwood, 1889 is moved to within the previously described genus Hagiomantis Audinet Serville, 1838. A total of 19 species are newly described within Liturgusa, Fuga, and Velox including L. algorei sp. n., L. bororum sp. n., L. cameroni sp. n., L. cura sp. n., L. dominica sp. n., L. fossetti sp. n., L. kirtlandi sp. n., L. krattorum sp. n., L. manausensis sp. n., L. maroni sp. n., L. milleri sp. n., L. neblina sp. n., L. purus sp. n., L. stiewei sp. n., L. tessae sp. n., L. trinidadensis sp. n., L. zoae sp. n., F. grimaldii sp. n., and V. wielandi sp. n. Four species names are synonymized: Liturgusa peruviana Giglio-Tos, 1914, syn. n. = Liturgusa nubeculosa Gerstaecker, 1889 and Hagiomantis parva Piza, 1966, syn. n., Liturgusa sinvalnetoi Piza, 1982, syn. n., and Liturgusa parva Giglio-Tos, 1914, syn. n. = Mantis annulipes Audinet Serville, 1838. Lectotypes are designated for the following two species: Liturgusa maya Saussure & Zehntner, 1894 and Fuga annulipes (Audinet Serville, 1838). A male neotype is designated for Liturgusa guyanensis La Greca, 1939. Males for eight species are described for the first time including Liturgusa cayennensis Saussure, 1869, Liturgusa lichenalis Gerstaecker, 1889, Liturgusa guyanensis La Greca, 1939, Liturgusa maya Saussure & Zehntner, 1894, Liturgusa nubeculosa Gerstaecker, 1889, Fuga annulipes (Audinet Serville, 1838), Corticomantis atricoxata (Beier, 1931), and Hagiomantis mesopoda (Westwood, 1889). The female of Fuga fluminensis (Piza, 1965) is described for the first time. Complete bibliographic histories are provided for previously described species. The spelling confusion surrounding Liturgusa/Liturgousa is resolved. Full habitus images for males and females are provided for nearly all species. Habitus and label images of type specimens are provided when possible. Diagnostic illustrations of the head and pronotum for males and females are provided for all species when possible. Illustrations of male genital structures are provided for all species for which males are known. Measurement data, including ranges and averages, are provided for males and females of all species. Combined male and female genus and species level dichotomous keys are provided with a Spanish translation. A complete table of all examined specimens lists label data, museum codes, repositories, and other specimen specific information. A KML file with all georeferenced locality records is downloadable from mantodearesearch.com for viewing in Google Earth. Natural history information is provided for species observed by the author.     

The Ammonia Oxidizing and Denitrifying Prokaryotes Associated with Sponges from Different Sea Areas

Marine sponges have been suggested to play an important role in the marine nitrogen cycling. However, the role of sponge microbes in the nitrogen transformation remains limited, especially on the bacterial ammonia oxidization and denitrification. Hence, in the present study, using functional genes (amoA, nirS, nirK, and nxrA) involved in ammonia oxidization and denitrification and 16S rRNA genes for specific bacterial groups as markers, phylogenetically diverse prokaryotes including bacteria and archaea, which may be involved in the ammonia oxidization and denitrification processes in sponges, were revealed in seven sponge species. Ammonia oxidizers were found in all species, whereas three sponges (Placospongia sp., Acanthella sp., and Pericharax heteroraphis) harbor only ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), two sponges (Spirastrellidae diplastrella and Mycale fibrexilis) host only ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), while the remaining two sponges (Haliclona sp. and Lamellomorpha sp.) harbor both AOB and AOA. S. diplastrella and Lamellomorpha sp. also harbor denitrifying bacteria. Nitrite reductase gene nirK was detected only in Lamellomorpha sp. with higher phylogenetic diversity than nirS gene observed only in S. diplastrella. The detected functional genes related to the ammonia oxidization and nitrite reduction in deep-sea and shallow-water sponges highlighted the potential ecological roles of prokaryotes in sponge-related nitrogen transformation.     

Palaearctic species of the ichneumon-fly genus Campodorus Förster (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae): III. Species with long-haired ovipositor sheath, species with entirely rufous hind tibia, and species with white-banded tibiae

A complex of about 40 Palaearctic species of the genus Campodorus with long haired ovipositor sheath and with entirely rufous or white-banded hind tibia is considered and keyed. Twenty-one new species are described. The species with the pale rufous hind tibia have black hind coxa and trochanters, most of them also have rather long genae and scabrous mesopleura. The majority of these species are distributed in subarctic Siberia: C. yakutator sp. n., C. minutor sp. n., C. arctor sp. n., C. atripes sp. n., C. pequenitor sp. n., C. mordax sp. n., C. lucidator sp. n., C. subarctor sp. n., C. nikandrovskii sp. n., and C. genator sp. n. C. suomi sp. n. is described from northern Finland, C. labytnangi sp. n., from Kola Peninsula, the Polar Ural, and Transbaikalia, and only C. gallicator sp. n., from France (? Alps). The species with a white band on the hind tibia are mostly boreal; most of them have red coxae and trochanters (except for C. sakhalinator sp. n. and C. taigator sp. n.), rather short genae, and granulate mesopleura. In this group, eight new species are described: C. atrofemorator sp. n., C. barbator sp. n., C. sakhalinator sp. n. (all from the southern part of the Russian Far East), C. taigator sp. n. (southern Siberian), C. ciliator sp. n., C. melanopygus sp. n., C. marginator sp. n., and C. boreator sp. n. (European-Siberian).     

Diversity and Persistence of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi and Their Effect on Nursery-Inoculated Pinus pinaster in a Post-fire Plantation in Northern Portugal

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) play an important role in forest ecosystems, often mitigating stress factors and increasing seedling performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a nursery inoculation on Pinus pinaster growth and on the fungal communities established when reforesting burned areas. Inoculated P. pinaster saplings showed 1.5-fold higher stem height than the non-inoculated controls after a 5 year growth period, suggesting that fungal inoculation could potentiate tree growth in the field. Ordination analysis revealed the presence of different ECMF communities on both plots. Among the nursery-inoculated fungi, Laccaria sp., Rhizopogon sp., Suillus bovinus and Pisolithus sp. were detected on inoculated Pinus saplings on both sampling periods, indicating that they persisted after field establishment. Other fungi were also detected in the inoculated plants. Phialocephala sp. was found on the first assessment, while Terfezia sp. was detected on both sampling periods. Laccaria sp. and Rhizopogon sp. were identified in the control saplings, belonging however to different species than those found in the inoculated plot. Inocybe sp., Thelephora sp. and Paxillus involutus were present on both sampling periods in the non-inoculated plots. The results suggest that ECMF inoculation at nursery stage can benefit plant growth after transplantation to a post-fire site and that the inoculated fungi can persist in the field. This approach has great potential as a biotechnological tool to aid in the reforestation of burned areas.     

Taxonomy of the genus Peyerimhoffia Kieffer from Mainland China,with a description of seven new species (Diptera,Sciaridae)

The taxonomy of the genus Peyerimhoffia Kieffer in China was studied. Eight species were recognized, including seven new species that are herein described and illustrated: P. hamata sp. n., P. obesa sp. n., P. sparsula sp. n., P. longiprojecta sp. n., P. brachypodua sp. n., P. yunnana sp. n., and P. shennongjiana sp. n. In addition, P. vagabunda (Winnertz, 1867) is reported for the first time from China. A key to these Chinese species is provided.