New Afrotropical species belonging to genera never recorded before for the Afrotropical fauna (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Five remarkable new Afrotropical species belonging to four Old World genera never recorded before for the Afrotropical region (Neophryxe, Calliethilla, Metadrinomyia, Pseudalsomyia) are described and compared with congeners. Existing keys to tropical African tachinid genera are implemented. A brief discussion on the apomorphic support to each genus is provided.     

A review of the genera Gnathochorisis F?rster and Symplecis F?rster of South Korea,with notes on Korean orthocentrines (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Orthocentrinae)

Two genera of Korean Orthocentrinae, Gnathochorisis and Symplecis, are reviewed, and keys to species of these genera are provided here. Two new species, Gnathochorisis fuscipes Humala & Lee, sp. n. and Gnathochorisis koreensis Humala & Lee, sp. n. are described from South Korea. The current state of the taxonomy of Eastern Palaearctic orthocentrines is briefly discussed.     

Afrotropical Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera)

The Afrotropical Cynipoidea are represented by 306 described species and 54 genera in four families: Cynipidae, Figitidae, Liopteridae and Ibaliidae, the latter represented by a single introduced species. Seven of these genera are only represented by undescribed species in the region. Seven new genus-level synonymies, one genus resurrected from synonymy, 54 new combinations, one combination reinstated, and one new replacement name are presented. We provide identification keys to the families, subfamilies and genera of cynipoid wasps occurring in the Afrotropical region (Africa south of the Sahara, including Madagascar and southern Arabian Peninsula). Online interactive Lucid Phoenix and Lucid matrix keys are available at: http://www.waspweb.org/Cynipoidea/Keys/index.htm. An overview of the biology and checklists of species for each genus are provided. This paper constitutes the first contributory chapter to the book on Afrotropical Hymenoptera.     

Identification of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in the Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nemata: Rhabditida)

This paper contains taxonomic keys for the identification of species of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis. Morphometrics of certain life stages are presented in data tables so that the morphometrics of species identified using the keys can be checked in the tables. Additionally, SEM photographs and diagnoses of the families and genera of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae are presented.     

A review of Cunaxidae (Acariformes,Trombidiformes): Histories and diagnoses of subfamilies and genera,keys to world species,and some new locality records

Cunaxidae are predaceous mites found in a variety of habitats. This work provides comprehensive keys to world subfamilies, genera, and species. Diagnoses and historical reviews are provided for subfamilies and genera.Cunaxa boneti, C. denmarki, C. exoterica, C. floridanus, C. lehmanae, C. lukoschusi, C. metzi, C. myabunderensis, C newyorkensis, C. rackae, C. reevesi, and C. reticulatus are moved to Rubroscirus and C. otiosus, C. valentis, and C. rasile are returned to Rubroscirus. Cunaxoides neopectinatus is moved to Pulaeus. Neocunaxoides pradhani and N. gilbertoi are transferred to Scutopalus. Pulaeus minutus and P. subterraneus are moved to Lupaeus. Pseudobonzia bakari, P. malookensis, and P. shamshadi are transferred to Neobonzia. Dactyloscirus bifidus is transferred to Armascirus.Scirula papillata is reported from the Western Hemisphere for the first time. Armascirus ozarkensis, A. primigenius, and Dactyloscirus dolichosetosus are reported from new localities.     

Review of the spore-feeding Idolothripinae from China (Thysanoptera,Phlaeothripidae)

An illustrated key is provided to the 19 genera of the subfamily Idolothripinae from China, and a checklist given to 62 named species, of which six species are newly recorded from China, together with the genus Bolothrips that is represented by two un-named species. A generic diagnosis is given for each genus, along with some discussion of systematic relationship problems and species diversity. Identification keys to species of 11 genera are provided, and Megathrips antennatus Guo, Feng & Duan is considered as a new synonymof Megathrips lativentris (Heeger).     

New species of oribatid mites of the genera Lepidozetes and Scutozetes (Acari,Oribatida, Tegoribatidae) from?Nepal

Two new species of oribatid mites, Lepidozetes acutirostrum sp. n. and Scutozetes clavatosensillus sp. n., are described from Nepal. The genera Lepidozetes and Scutozetes are recorded for the first time for the Oriental region. The identification keys to the known species of these genera are provided.     

Microfungal Contaminants on Mobile Phones of Health Services Vocational School Students in Marmaris,Turkey

In this study, it was aimed to determine microfungi on mobile phones. Totally, 50 mobile phones were used belonging to Health Services Vocational School students. The samples were taken by swabbing the screen and keys of mobile phones using moistened sterile swab sticks. A total of 24 different microfungal species were obtained belonging to Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Geotrichum, Penicillium, Phoma, Rhinocladiella, Scopulariopsis, Trichoderma, and Trichophyton genera. The genera of microfungi most abundant in terms of the number of species on the mobile phones were Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Numerically, Cladosporium was found as the most abundant on the mobile phones. Cladosporium herbarum colonies were highest in number, followed by Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium. When percentages of each species present on the mobile phones were considered, C. herbarum and C. sphaerospermum were the most common. There was a great similarity between the dominant microfungi isolated from mobile phones and dominant microfungi obtained from studies of atmospheric microfungi in Turkey.     

Taxonomic revision of European Apium L. s.l.: Helosciadium W.D.J.Koch restored

European representatives of Apium sensu lato (Apiaceae), and Apium prostratum and Naufraga balearica, were studied with morphological, fruit anatomical, and palynological methods. Morphometric data were compared with phylogenetic results from previous molecular studies. This confirms that most of the European Apium species belong to a separate group corresponding to the previously named genus Helosciadium. All these species had previously been formally named as Helosciadium species, except for the new combination Helosciadium bermejoi, which is formally described here. Molecular studies place Apium prostratum and Naufraga balearica close to Apium graveolens, the type species of Apium. Our morphometric results show similarities of Naufraga with H. bermejoi, but fruit anatomy distinguishes it both from Helosciadium and from A. graveolens/prostratum. The placement of Cyclospermum leptophyllum in a separate genus is confirmed. Diagnostic keys to the genera and Helosciadium species, and an annotated checklist are given.     

A taxonomic guide to the brittle-stars (Echinodermata,Ophiuroidea) from the State of Paraíba continental?shelf,Northeastern Brazil

We provide the first annotated checklist of ophiuroids from the continental shelf of the State of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Identification keys and taxonomic diagnoses for 23 species, belonging to 14 genera and 8 families, are provided. The material is deposited in the Invertebrate Collection Paulo Young, at the Federal University of Paraíba. Ophiopsila hartmeyeri represents the first record for the northeastern region of Brazil, while Ophiolepis impressa, Ophiolepis paucispina, Amphiura stimpsoni, Amphiodia riisei, Ophiactis quinqueradia, Ophiocoma wendtii and Ophionereis olivaceae are new records for the State of Paraíba. The number of species known for the state was increased from 16 to 23, representing approximately 17% of the species known for Brazil and 54% of the species known for northeastern Brazil. The recorded fauna has a large geographical and bathymetrical distribution.     

First report with morphometrics and molecular characterization of phtyonematodes associating mango trees in the tropics of Saudi Arabia

A sum of 218 composite rhizosphere soil samples were collected from around the feeder roots of mango, Mangifera indica growing in Jazan region, the tropical south west corner of Saudi Arabia. Samples were rendered for nematodes extraction using the centrifugal floatation method, and the stylet-bearing nematodes were morphologically identified according to the standardized taxonomical keys. A list of 14 stylet-bearing nematode genera and/or species were found to be associating the roots of mango in this study. Species identification of the most important parasitic nematodes, in this list, was carried-out, based on morphometrics and morphological features. Identification of these species was then molecularly confirmed using the D3 expansion region of 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. These nematodes included; Tylenchorhynchus mediterraneus, Hoplolaimus seinhorsti, Hemicriconemoides strictathecatus, Longidorus latocephalus and Xiphinema elongatum. Some new local nematode-host records in Saudi Arabia were recorded including; Aphelenchus sp., H. strictathecatus, L. latocephalus, and T. mediterraneus. Some new world nematode-host records were also reported including; L. latocephalus and T. mediterraneus.     

A synopsis of gall midges associated with conifers,with description of a new species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kaltenbachiola</Emphasis> Hedicke (Diptera,Cecidomyiidae: Lasiopterinae) from Yakutia,damaging cones of the Siberian spruce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea obovata</Emphasis>)

The world fauna comprises 134 species from 52 genera of gall midges associated with plants of the order Pinales (3 families, 16 genera and 74 species); 14 genera are specific to Pinales. The distribution of genera and species of gall midges over host plant taxa is described. The Holarctic genus Kaltenbachiola comprises four species all developing in the spruce (Picea spp.) cones. Earlier, K. strobi (Winnertz), widely distributed in Europe, was the only species known in the Palaearctic. A new species Kaltenbachiola anastasiae sp. n. is described, which damages cones of Picea obovata in Central Yakutia. The phylogenetic relationships of Kaltenbachiola with close genera specific to Pinales are characterized, and an updated diagnosis of the genus with additional morphometric parameters and keys to the pine-specific genera of the tribe Dasineurini and to species of the genus Kaltenbachiola are given. The host associations and specific traits of biology and distribution of Kaltenbachiola species are considered.     

Molecular and morphological evolution in the Physciaceae (Lecanorales,lichenized Ascomycotina), with special emphasis on the genus Rinodina

Abstract:A phylogenetic hypothesis based on nuclear ITS sequence data is presented for the familyPhysciaceae , based on various representatives of foliose and fruticose groups and a number of species selected from the crustose genera Rinodina and Buellia s.l. The analysis supports the monophyly of the Physcia - and theBuellia -groups. This is in agreement with existing morphological evidence, particularly ascus characters. ThePhyscia group in the analysis includes the genera Anaptychia, Heterodermia, Hyperphyscia,Mobergia , Phaeophyscia, Phaeorrhiza, Physcia, Physconia, Rinodina, andRinodinella , while the Buellia group includes Amandinea, Buellia and Diploicia. The genera Physcia, Phaeophyscia, Phaeorrhiza and Rinodinella were well supported as monophyletic groups. The support for Physconia is low. Rinodina and Buellia are not supported as monophyletic genera. In agreement with ascus and ascospore characters, Buellia lindingeri is placed within the Rinodina group, close to R. lecanorina. The genus Amandinea as currently circumscribed was not supported as a monophyletic group. The analysis confirms results from other lichen families that foliose members have evolved more than once from crustose lichens.Rinodina and Rinodinella species without chemical compounds in their thalli form the sister group toPhaeophyscia , and both groups form a monophyletic assemblage. A more detailed analysis of the Physcia group is presented. Whilst several of the foliose genera were well supported, there is only poor support for traditionally accepted crustose genera. The taxonomic implications of these findings are discussed.     

Phylogenetic reconstruction of character development in Physciaceae

Abstract:A cladistic analysis of the Physciaceae, based on morphological and chemical data, is presented. In the resulting phylogenetic reconstruction two major clades are formed, one containing the foliose genera (Anaptychia, Dirinaria, Heterodermia, Hyperphyscia, Physcia, Phaeophyscia,Physconia , Pyxine) and the fruticose Tornabea, and the other containing the remaining, mainly crustose genera. Rinodina appears as paraphyletic with representatives both at the base of the tree, at the same level as the two major clades and at the base of the crustose clade. Also Mobergia has a basal position. The characters used and their distribution in the phylogenetic trees are discussed as well as their significance for the identification of monophyletic groups. The history of the family is also briefly hinted at and characters of importance for the recognition of new genera are surveyed. Relevant publications and the variation in secondary chemistry are presented in tables.     

Chromosome numbers and generic relationships in subtribe Stephanomeriinae (Compositae: Ichorieae)

Chromosome numbers are reported from over 230 populations representing species in eight genera. First counts are reported for three species ofStephanomeria, five species ofLygodesmia, and one species ofPinaropappus. Base chromosome numbers,x = 6, 7, 8, and 9 are known in the subtribe;x = 9 is found in six of the 12 genera and presumably is the ancestral base number for the subtribe. Two phyletic lines, aMalacothrix line and aStephanomeria line are recognized on morphological grounds. A key to the 12 genera is provided.     

Global Diversity and Phylogeny of Pelagic Shrimps of the Former Genera Sergestes and Sergia (Crustacea,Dendrobranchiata, Sergestidae), with Definition of Eight New Genera

We revise the global diversity of the former genera Sergia and Sergestes which include 71 valid species. The revision is based on examination of more than 37,000 specimens from collections in the Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Museum of Natural History, Paris. We used 72 morphological characters (61 binary, 11 multistate) and Sicyonella antennata as an outgroup for cladistic analysis. There is no support for the genera Sergia and Sergestes as they have been defined until now. We define and diagnose eight genera of the former genus Sergia (Sergia and new genera Gardinerosergia, Phorcosergia, Prehensilosergia, Robustosergia, Scintillosergia, Challengerosergia, and Lucensosergia) and seven genera of the former genus Sergestes (Sergestes, Deosergestes, Eusergestes, Allosergestes, Parasergestes, Neosergestes, and a new genus Cornutosergestes). An identification key is presented for all genera of the family Sergestidae. The phylogeny of Sergestidae is mainly based on three categories of characters related to: (1) general decapod morphology, (2) male copulatory organs, and (3) photophores. Only simultaneous use of all three character types resulted in a resolved tree with minimal Bootstrap support 75 for each clade. Most genera are interzonal mesopelagic migrants, some are benthopelagic (Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia), bathypelagic (Sergia), or epipelagic (Cornutosergestes). Within each of meso- and benthopelagic genera there is one species with panoceanic distribution, while most species ranges are restricted to a single ocean. The genera demonstrate two different strategies expressed both in morphology and behavior: protective (Eusergestes, Sergestes, Cornutosergestes, Prehensilosergia, Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia, Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia, Robustosergia, Phorcosergia, Sergia) and offensive (Neosergestes, Parasergestes, Allosergestes, Deosergestes).