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.     

Six new species of palaeonemerteans (Nemertea) from Hong Kong

One new genus and six new species of palaeonemerteans are described and illustrated from Hong Kong and the New Territories; these are Hubrechtella sinimarinus sp. nov. and Parahubrechtia jillae gen. et sp. nov. in the Hubrechtidae, and Callinera bergendali sp. nov., Carinina sinensis sp. nov., Tubulanus hylbomi sp. nov. and Tubulanus longivasculus sp. nov. in the Tubulanidae. These bring the known number of pa-laeonemertean species from Hong Kong to 11; a key to these species, based primarily upon features distinguishable in the living animals, is provided.     

中国香港细蜉属三新种记述(蜉蝣目:细蜉科)

记述了采自中国香港的细蜉科Caenidae,细蜉属Caenis3新种：点刻细蜉Caenis aspera sp.nov.、双突细蜉Caenis bicornis sp.nov.和光滑细蜉Caenis lubrica sp.nov.。模式标本均保存在中国广州华南农业大学昆虫学系昆虫标本室。     

香港潜蝇科(双翅目)的分类研究

报道了香港22种潜蝇科昆虫,其中包括5新种、6个中国大陆新记录种。新种模式标本分藏于下列两处： Melanagromyza squamifera sp. nov., Ophiomyia imparispina sp. nov., Phytomyza redunca sp. nov.的模式标本保存于日本东京自然博物馆; Melanagromyza dipetala sp. nov., Ophiomyia vasta sp. nov.的模式标本保存于美国夏威夷比肖普博物馆。     

Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) carrying Rickettsia felis and Bartonella species in Hong Kong

Fleas are commonly recorded on stray as well as domestic dogs and cats in Hong Kong. Fleas can be a major cause of pruritus in dogs and cats and also vectors of potentially zoonotic bacteria in the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella. Morphological examination of 174 fleas from dogs and cats living in Hong Kong revealed only cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) genotyping of 20 randomly selected specimens, revealed three cox1 haplotypes (HK-h1 to HK-h3). The most common haplotype was HK-h1 with 17 specimens (17/20, 85%). HK-h1 was identical to cox1 sequences of fleas in Thailand and Fiji. HK-h1 and HK-h2 form a distinct cat flea cox1 clade previously recognized as the Clade 3. HK-h3 forms a new Clade 6. A multiplex Bartonella and Rickettsia real-time PCR of DNA from 20 C. felis found Bartonella and Rickettsia DNA in three (15%) and ten (50%) C. felis, respectively. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of R. felis, B. clarridgeiae and Bartonella henselae. This is the first reported study of that kind in Hong Kong, and further work is required to expand the survey of companion animals in the geographical region. The sampling of fleas on domestic cats and dogs in Hong Kong revealed them to be exclusively infested by the cat flea and to be harbouring pathogens of zoonotic potential.     

New records or species of Dictyochaeta,Endophragmiella and Ramichloridium from submerged wood in Hong Kong freshwater streams

Endophragmiella triseptata sp. nov. and Ramichloridium lignicola sp. nov. are described from submerged wood collected from freshwater habitats from Hong Kong. A collection of Dictyochaeta subfuscospora presenting some unusual features is reported, while Dictyochaeta vittata is a new record for Hong Kong.     

Morphological studies on two marine colepid ciliates from Qingdao, China, Nolandia orientalis spec. nov. and Pinacocoleps similis (Kahl, 1933) comb. nov. (Ciliophora, Colepidae)

Recent studies have revealed that the “lower” marine ciliates are far more diverse than previously suspected. During a survey on the ciliate fauna in coastal waters of Qingdao, northern China, we have isolated about 30 new or poorly known taxa. In the present study two colepid species are investigated, Nolandia orientalis spec. nov. and Pinacocoleps similis (Kahl, 1933) comb. nov. (basionym: Coleps similis Kahl, 1933). Their morphology and infraciliature are documented based on living observations and silver impregnations. The new species Nolandia orientalis differs from the type species N. nolandi mainly in the structure of tier plates. The structure of the tier plates was also the basis for transferring Coleps similis Kahl, 1933 to the genus Pinacocoleps and for three further new combinations: Pinacocoleps heteracanthus (Noland, 1937) comb. nov. (basionym: Coleps heteracanthus Noland, 1937), P. spiralis (Noland, 1937) comb. nov. (basionym Coleps spiralis Noland, 1937) and Pinacocoleps arenarius (Bock, 1952) comb. nov. (basionym: Coleps arenarius Bock, 1952).     

Acetobacter oryzifermentans sp. nov., isolated from Korean traditional vinegar and reclassification of the type strains of Acetobacter pasteurianus subsp. ascendens (Henneberg 1898) and Acetobacter pasteurianus subsp. paradoxus (Frateur 1950) as Acetobacter ascendens sp. nov., comb. nov.

Twelve Acetobacter pasteurianus-related strains with publicly available genomes in GenBank shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (>99.59%), but average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values and multilocus sequence- and genome-based relatedness analyses suggested that they were divided into four different phylogenetic lineages. Relatedness analyses based on multilocus sequences, 1,194 core genes and whole-cell MALDI-TOF profiles supported that strains LMG 1590^T and LMG 1591 (previously classified as the type strains of A. pasteurianus subsp. ascendens and paradoxus, respectively) and strain SLV-7^T do not belong to A. pasteurianus. Strain SLV-7^T, isolated from Korean traditional vinegar, shared low ANI (<91.0%) and in silico DDH (44.2%) values with all other Acetobacter type strains analyzed in this study, indicating that strain SLV-7^T represents a new Acetobacter species. The phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses confirmed these results and therefore a new species named Acetobacter oryzifermentans sp. nov. is proposed with SLV-7^T (= KACC 19301^T = JCM 31096^T) as the type strain. Strains LMG 1590^T and LMG 1591 shared high ANI (99.4%) and in silico DDH (96.0%) values between them, but shared low ANI (<92.3%) and in silico DDH (<49.0%) values with other type strains analyzed in this study, indicating that strains LMG 1590^T and LMG 1591 should be reclassified into a new single species that should be named Acetobacter ascendens sp. nov., comb. nov., with LMD 51.1^T (= LMG 1590^T = NCCB 51001^T) as its type strain.     

Caecothrombium deharvengi sp. nov. (Acari: Actinotrichida: Eutrombidiidae) from Vietnam, with a proposal of Caecothrombiinae subfam. nov.

Caecothrombium deharvengi sp. nov. from a cave in Vietnam is described based on adults. A new subfamily Caecothrombiinae is created in order to accommodate eyeless mites of the genus Caecothrombium André, 1945 and the genus Bruyantella Southcott, 1991 (newly synonymized with the latter). A revised diagnosis of Caecothrombium is given and a key to Caecothrombiinae is provided. Larvae and deutonymphs of the newly described species remain unknown.     

Siamspinops, a new selenopid spider genus from Southeast Asia (Arachnida, Araneae)

Examination of a collection of selenopid spiders from Southeast Asia resulted in recognition of a new genus, Siamspinops gen. nov., which is erected to accommodate four new Southeast Asian species. Siamspinops spinosissimus sp. nov. (the type species; the male and female are described), S. spinosus sp. nov. (female) and S. allospinosus sp. nov. (female) are recorded from Thailand, S. spinescens sp. nov. (female) from the Malay Peninsula.     

香港茜草科植物新记录

查阅馆藏植物标本,有3种茜草科植物：丹草（Hedyotis herbacea）、小耳草（H.pumila）和蕴璋耳草（Scleromitrion koanum）为香港新记录。这些资料为香港的生物多样性工作提供了基础数据。     

Rectogerochammina eugubina nov. gen., nov. sp., a new agglutinated foraminifer from the Upper Cretaceous of Gubbio, Italy

We describe the new agglutinated foraminiferal genus and species Rectogerochammina eugubina nov. gen., nov. sp. from the Upper Cretaceous Scaglia Rossa Formation of the Umbria-Marche Basin in Italy. The genus differs from Gerochammina (Neagu, 1990) in the presence of a terminal uniserial part.     

Meristoderes gen. nov., a new kinorhynch genus, with the description of two new species and their implications for echinoderid phylogeny (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida, Echinoderidae)

A new kinorhynch genus, Meristoderes gen. nov., and two new species from Spain and the Solomon Islands, respectively, are described. The new genus is distinguished from all other genera by the first segment consisting of a closed cuticular ring, and the second segment having partial tergosternal junctions, and a superficial midventral fold. This is a new cuticular configuration that may shed light into the phylogenetic relationships of echinoderid kinorhynchs. Meristoderes macracanthus gen. et sp. nov. from the Mediterranean coast of Spain is recognised by the presence of middorsal spines on segments 4, 6 and 8, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8, one pair of laterodorsal tubules on segment 10. Meristoderes galatheae sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands is recognized by having a middorsal spine on segment 4 only, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8 and subdorsal tubules on segment 10. Both species have a pattern of paraventral perforation site clusters on segments 3-9, with conspicuously long bracteate hairs from the posteriormost perforations sites on the segments 3-7 and 3-6, respectively.The new genus Meristoderes gen. nov. is included into the family Echinoderidae Bütschli, 1876 and appears closely related with the genera Cephalorhyncha Adrianov, 1999 and Echinoderes Claparède, 1863. The new information it provides is discussed to clarify the internal phylogeny of Echinoderidae. The terminology for cuticular characters in the overlapping area between consecutive segments is also standardized.     

Growth, secondary production and gonad development of two co-existing amphioxus species (Branchiostoma belcheri and B. malayanum) in subtropical Hong Kong

The present study investigated the growth, secondary production and gonad development of two co-existing amphioxus species Branchiostoma belcheri and B. malayanum in subtropical Hong Kong from June 2005 to June 2006. Based on the modal progression analysis, amphioxus populations were decomposed into separate cohorts. The von Bertalanffy growth models were also estimated according to the size incremental data. From the growth models, the size ranges of one, two and three-year-old B. belcheri were estimated to be 5-28 mm, 28-38 mm and 38-45 mm BL, respectively; while the one and two-year-old B. malayanum were estimated to be 7-30 mm and 30-35 mm BL, respectively. The secondary production was calculated at 1.15 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 DW or 0.63 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 AFDW for B. belcheri with density 424 ind m^− 2, and 0.51 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 DW or 0.40 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 AFDW for B. malayanum with density 121 ind m^− 2. The production to biomass ratio (P/B) was 1.13 for B. belcheri and 0.98 for B. malayanum. Changes in the gonad length index indicated that B. belcheri spawned mainly in June and July, while B. malayanum mainly in April and August. As compared with B. belcheri, B. malayanum was characterized by rapid growth, shorter life span, early maturity and lower population density. Such differences in population dynamics may allow both species to share a similar habitat and co-exist in subtropical waters of Hong Kong.     

Description of Scutovertex pileatus sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Scutoverticidae) and molecular phylogenetic investigation of congeneric species in Austria

The oribatid mite Scutovertex pileatus sp. nov. is described on the basis of adult individuals originating from southern Austria (Carinthia). The new species shows the typical habitus of Scutovertex and is distinguished by the cerotegument and cuticle forming irregular nodules and bars over the entire body; the rostrum with two visor-like projections, with the ventral projection larger and arched ventrally; short lamellar setae; two pairs of converging ridges between the lamellae; small notogastral setae that are not broadened distally; and a sclerotized rib across the mentum. Furthermore, DNA sequences of the COI gene (region 2, 567 bp) of S. pileatus were compared with those of S. minutus, S. sculptus, using Cymbaeremaeus cymba as the outgroup. Molecular data unambiguously support the discreteness of all three species by placing them reciprocally monophyletic, as well as by large genetic divergences. Interspecific distances among C. cymba, S. minutus, S. pileatus and S. sculptus amounted to 13.7-29.9%.     

A revision of post-war collections of Hong Kong Sematophyllaceae

Abstract

Six genera and 11 species of Sematophyllaceae are confirmed for the Hong Kong moss flora based on recent collections. One genus, Brotherella, and three species, Brotherella erythrocaulis, lsocladiella surcularis and Taxithelium instratum, are new to Hong Kong. Taxithelium batanense is a new synonym of T. oblongifolium. Sematophyllum japonicum, S. pulchellum and S. subhumile are treated as a species complex awaiting further revision. The report of Trichosteleum mammosum from Hong Kong needs confirmation.     

A mid-Cretaceous ambrosia fungus, Paleoambrosia entomophila gen. nov. et sp. nov. (Ascomycota: Ophiostomatales) in Burmese (Myanmar) amber,and evidence for a femoral mycangium

An ambrosia fungus is described from filamentous sporodochia adjacent to a wood–boring ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Yeast-like propagules and hyphal fragments of Paleoambrosia entomophila gen. nov. et sp. nov. occur in glandular sac mycangia located inside the femur of the beetle. This is the first record of a fossil ambrosia fungus, showing that symbiotic associations between wood–boring insects and ectosymbiotic fungi date back some 100 million years ago. The present finding moves the origin of fungus-growing by insects from the Oligocene to the mid-Cretaceous and suggests a Gondwanan origin.     

Scinderella scopuliformis nov. gen., nov. sp. (Dasycladales, green algae) from the middle Triassic of Croatia

Scinderella scopuliformis nov. gen., nov. sp. is identified in the Anisian (Middle Triassic) reef limestones from the Belski dol quarry (Ivanš?ica Mt., NW Croatia). The new alga is characterised by claviform thallus, curved in the basal part, and very narrow central cavity. Thallus is often disintegrated into fragments. Laterals swell from a thin basal part, and have uniform (rarely slightly increasing) diameter along most of their length. Distally, they are flattened and probably touch each other, forming an irregular cortex. Laterals are arranged densely in close whorls and oblique to the longitudinal axis. Euspondyl arrangement is readily visible in the proximal part of the laterals, but distally, the arrangement seems more or less irregular, i.e. ruffled (Lat. scindere = ruffle, dishevel) and resembling a broom (Lat. scopulae = small broom; forma = form, shape).