Redescriptions of two echinostomes from birds in Paraguay,with comments on Drepanocephalus Dietz, 1909 and Paryphostomum Dietz, 1909 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae)

Two species of echinostomatid trematodes from Paraguayan birds are redescribed: these are Drepanocephalus spathans Dietz, 1909 from Phalacrocorax olivaceus and Paryphostomum segregatum Dietz, 1909 from Coragyps atratus. The genera Drepanocephalus Dietz, 1909 and Paryphostomum Dietz, 1909 are redefined and the species previously assigned to them reviewed. Paryphostomum mexicanum (Lamothe-Argumedo &; Pérez-Ponce de León, 1989) n. comb. and P. parvicephalum (Rietschel &; Werding, 1978) n. comb. are transferred from Drepanocephalus to Paryphostomum. A key to the species of Paryphostomum is presented, and the nominal species of Echinostoma Rudolphi, 1809, Nephrostomum Dietz, 1909 and Artyfechinostomum Lane, 1915 previously ascribed to this genus are commented upon. New combinations for species previously attributed to Paryphostomum are: Echinostoma pentalobum (Verma, 1936) n. comb.; E. baiyangdienense (Ku, Pan, Chiu, Li &; Chu, 1973) n. comb.; Nephrostomum dollfusi (Agarwal, 1959) n. comb.; and Artyfechinostomum neotoma (Jain, 1953) n. comb. Species attributed to Paryphostomum which are here considered species inquirendae are: Paryphostomum (Lepustomum) mehrii Jain, 1953 sp. inq.; P. fragosum (Dietz, 1909) sp. inq.; P. horai Baugh, 1950 sp. inq.; P. huaccaci Ibáñez, 1974 sp. inq.; P. agrawali Gupta &; Singh, 1986 sp. inq.; P. siddiqui Gupta &; Singh, 1986 sp. inq.; P. durgensis Sapre, 1969 sp. inq.; and P. globorchum Oshmarin, 1970 sp. inq.     

Life-cycle,delimitation and redescription of Echinostoma revolutum (Froelich, 1802) (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae)

The life-cycle of Echinostoma revolutum (Froelich, 1802) Dietz, 1909 has been completed experimentally beginning with infected snails collected at the type-locality, near Erlangen, Germany. Based on the specimens obtained, each stage of the life-cycle has been redescribed. Important taxonomic features are discussed and hitherto unknown characteristics are described. Synonyms for E. revolutum are: Fasciola revoluta Froelich, 1802; Echinostoma paraulum Dietz, 1909; E. audyi Lie & Umathevy, 1965; and E. ivaniosi Mohandas, 1973. Adults and larvae described as E. revolutum in other works are found to be identical with Echinostoma echinatum (Zeder, 1803), E. trivolvis (Cort, 1914), E. jurini (Skvortsov, 1924), E. caproni Richard, 1964, Moliniella anceps (Molin, 1859), Echinochasmus beleocephalus (Linstow, 1873) and other echinostome species. For nearly a century, incorrect morphological, biological, life-cycle and host information has been attributed to E. revolutum, and at times these data have contributed to the diagnoses of the species. Occasionally, authors actually working with E. revolutum have ascribed their results to other species. Based on extensive experimental life-cycle studies beginning with infected snails from type-localities, it is shown that (1) the first intermediate host is a lymnaeid snail; (2) the second intermediate hosts are various pulmonate and prosobranch snails, mussels, frogs and freshwater turtles; (3) the final hosts are birds; (4) E. revolutum cercariae and adults have 37 collar spines; (5) the species occurs only in Europe and Asia; (6) Cercaria echinata Siebold, 1937, Echinostoma echinatum (Zeder, 1803) and E. jurini (Skvortsov, 1924) are the closely related 37-spined allies in Europe; and (7) species specific characteristics are expressed only in the larvae and the host-parasite relationships. The adults of E. revolutum cannot be identified using morphological criteria and it is proposed that worms with 37 collar spines belonging to the genus Echinostoma and occurring in naturally infected birds in Europe and Asia be referred to an “E. revolutum group.”     

Do flocks of great cormorants and goosanders avoid spatial overlap in foraging habitat during the non-breeding season?

Species distribution, ecology, and behaviour are shaped, amongst other things, by interspecific, antagonistic interactions, and this phenomenon is particularly noticeable among predators. We studied the spatial co-distribution of two top piscivorous bird species foraging on inland waters outside breeding season. We considered the hypothesis that goosanders, Mergus merganser, and great cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo, avoid foraging in close proximity to each other. Data collected on five river-reservoir systems in the Western Carpathians (Poland and Slovakia) during two periods (2014–2015 and 2015–2016) showed that goosander numbers reduced significantly and their foraging areas changed when large flocks of cormorants arrived and began foraging. We also found that inter-flock distances were greatest between flocks of goosanders and cormorants, suggesting that the former species avoided the waters occupied by the latter. Distribution of flocks of both species was additionally determined by the location of foraging place in river-reservoir system, weather, and presence of other piscivorous birds (e.g. grebes) and raptors (e.g. eagles). Together with the results of research in adjacent Bohemia, this study suggests that competition between cormorants and goosanders may arise when bodies of water suitable for piscivorous foraging are scattered and limited in number, as in the mountainous areas of Central Europe.     

Environmental determinants of Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) distribution in small man-made waterbodies – a case study of gravel pits in southwest France

In the Midi-Pyrénées region (southwest France), the increasing number of gravel pits has allowed the wintering of numerous species of waterbirds such as Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). The debate about cormorant predation on fish stock has been sufficiently strong to have resulted in reductions in cormorant numbers by control shooting. In this context, cormorants were studied during winters 1996/1997 and 1997/1998 at two gravel pit sites in the Garonne floodplain. Human disturbances and fish densities were found to be the main parameters determining the abundance of fishing cormorants. This work will help to prompt further research and the development of a management strategy for this species.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Neocosmocercella fisherae</Emphasis> n. sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae), a parasite of the large intestine of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllomedusa bicolor</Emphasis> (Boddaert) (Anura: Phyllomedusidae) from the Brazilian Amazon

Neocosmocercella fisherae n. sp. is the first nematode species found parasitising Phyllomedusa bicolor from the Brazilian Amazon Region. The new species has a triangular oral opening, with bi-lobed lips, and is distinguished from N. bakeri (triangular oral opening with simple lips), and from N. paraguayensis (hexagonal oral opening with bi-lobed lips). Additionally, the new species has ciliated cephalic papillae, which are absent in the other species of the genus. The reduced uterine sac and the presence of a single egg in the uterus in females are the main morphological characters that differentiate the new species from its congeners N. bakeri (8–10 eggs) and N. paraguayensis (10 eggs, based on the allotype). Additionally, the new species differs from the other two species of the genus by morphometric characters such as the size of spicules and gubernaculum in males and the vagina in females. Until now, phyllomedusid anurans are the only known hosts for the nematodes of this genus. The present work describes the third species of the genus and the first species of nematode parasitising P. bicolor.     

A revision of the chigger mite genus Paratrombicula Goff & Whitaker, 1984 (Acari: Trombiculidae), with the description of two new species

The monotypic chigger mite genus Paratrombicula Goff & Whitaker, 1984 is expanded to include five species. Two new species of chiggers, parasitising iguanid lizards in Chile, Paratrombicula chilensis n. sp. and P. goffi n. sp., are described, and two species, P. neuquenensis (Goff & Gettinger, 1995) n. comb. and Paratrombicula plaumanni (Brennan & Jones, 1964) n. comb., are transferred to this genus from Parasecia Loomis, 1966 and Neotrombicula Hirst, 1925, respectively. A key to the species of Paratrombicula is presented.     

Redescription of Echinostoma trivolvis (Cort, 1914) (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) with a discussion on its identity

The life-cycle of Echinostoma trivolvis (Cort, 1914) has been completed experimentally and the validity and identity of this species are discussed. Synonyms for cercariae and adults of E. trivolvis are as follows: Cercaria trivolvis Cort, 1914, C. trisolenata Faust, 1917, C. acanthostoma Faust, 1918, C. complexa Faust, 1919; Distoma echinatum Zeder, 1803, of Leidy (1888, 1904) and Hassall (1896); E. echinatum (Zeder, 1803) of Hassall (1896), Stiles & Hassall (1895), Barker & Laughlin (1911), Barker (1916) and Swales (1933); E. revolutum (Frölich, 1802) Dietz, 1909 of Johnson (1920), Fallis (1934), Beaver (1937) and Fried & co-workers (1968–1989); E. armigerum Barker & Irvine, 1915; E. coalitum Barker & Beaver, 1915; E. callawayensis Barker & Noll, 1915; E. paraulum Dietz, 1909 of Miller (1937); E. multispinosum Vigueras, 1944; and Echinoparyphium contiguum Barker & Bastron, 1915. The first intermediate host is the planorbid snail Helisoma trivolvis. Second intermediate hosts are various pulmonate and prosobranch snails, mussels, planarians, fishes, frogs, tadpoles and freshwater turtles. Final hosts are various birds and mammals. E. trivolvis occurs only in North America.     

The Abundance and Distribution of the Great Cormorant, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalacrocorax carbo carbo</Emphasis> (Linnaeus, 1758), in Peter the Great Bay,Sea of Japan

The recent data on the breeding abundance and distribution of the great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnaeus, 1758), on the Peter the Great Bay coast, Sea of Japan, are provided. A total of 1715 inhabited nests have been recorded, including 1255 nests on Furugelm Island and 460 nests on Lisii Island.     

A revision of Patagifer Dietz, 1909 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) and a key to its species

Patagifer Dietz, 1909 is revised and a key to the species is presented. P. oweni n. sp. is described from Threskiornis molucca (Cuvier) in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and distinguished from the related P. chandrapuri Srivastava, 1952 by: the shape of the pair of large angle spines (cudgel-shaped vs sub-rectangular); pointed (vs rod-shaped) marginal spines; a smaller body and internal organs; more anteriorly located testes; and larger eggs. The new species differs from P. brygooi Richard, 1964 in its larger body, head collar, suckers, pharynx and eggs, longer oesophagus and testes, the latter being also more elongate and more anteriorly located, and a different number of collar spines (61-62 vs 59). P. bilobus (Rudolphi, 1819) (the type-species), P. parvispinosus Yamaguti, 1933, P. chandrapuri and P. vioscai Lumsden, 1962 are redescribed on the basis of museum and newly collected material. The variations in the number and size of the collar spines and other metrical characters of P. bilobus are studied in two different host species from Europe, Plegadis falcinellus and Platalea leucorodia. Other species considered valid are: Patagifer consimilis Dietz, 1909, P. acuminatus Johnston, 1917, P. fraternus Johnston, 1917, P. wesleyi Verma, 1936, P. brygooi and P. toki Onda, Imai & Ishii, 1983. P. plegadisi Sakla, Monib & Mandour, 1988 and P. simarai Nigam, 1944 are considered synonyms of P. bilobus, and P. sarai Saksena, 1957 is placed in synonymy with P. chandrapuri. Forms considered dubious are: P. bilobus of Machida et al. (Jpn J Parasitol 15:339, 1966) and Machida (Bull Natl Sci Mus Tokyo 11:157-160, 1968), P. simerai [sic] of Mehra (The fauna of India and adjacent countries. Platyhelminthes, 1980), P. skrjabini Hilmy, 1949 sp. inq. and P. srivastavai Peter, 1954 sp. inq. Lists of the records and hosts of the 11 valid species are included.     

Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)

We examined the genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) across their range in the United States and Canada. Sequences of the mitochondrial control region were analyzed for 248 cormorants from 23 breeding sites. Variation was also examined at eight microsatellite loci for 409 cormorants from the same sites. The mitochondrial and microsatellite data provided strong evidence that the Alaskan subspecies (P. a. cincinnatus) is genetically divergent from other populations in North America (net sequence divergence = 5.85 %; Φ_ST for mitochondrial control region = 0.708; F_ST for microsatellite loci = 0.052). Historical records, contemporary population estimates, and field observations are consistent with recognition of the Alaskan subspecies as distinct and potentially of conservation interest. Our data also indicated the presence of another divergent lineage, associated with the southwestern portion of the species range, as evidenced by highly unique haplotypes sampled in southern California. In contrast, there was little support for recognition of subspecies within the conterminous U.S. and Canada. Rather than genetically distinct regions corresponding to the putative subspecies [P. a. albociliatus (Pacific), P. a. auritus (Interior and North Atlantic), and P. a. floridanus (Southeast)], we observed a distribution of genetic variation consistent with a pattern of isolation by distance. This pattern implies that genetic differences across the range are due to geographic distance, rather than discrete subspecific breaks. Although three of the four traditional subspecies were not genetically distinct, possible demographic separation, habitat differences, and documented declines at some colonies within the regions, suggests that the Pacific and possibly North Atlantic portions of the breeding range may warrant differential consideration from the Interior and Southeast breeding regions.     

The seasonal trophic link between Great Cormorant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phalacrocorax carbo</Emphasis> and ayu <Emphasis Type="Italic">Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis</Emphasis> reared for mass release

The feeding ecology of Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) during the breeding season in the Kano River basin, central Japan, was examined to clarify the trophic relationship between the cormorants and ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) reared for mass release in the river. The ayu was most frequently found in stomachs of cormorants culled during the breeding season, despite relatively poor catch in the year-round fish fauna research in the watershed. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of some ayu individuals extracted from the stomachs of the culled cormorants were similar to the isotopic values of ayu caught in the watershed, whereas the other stomach-content ayu showed peculiarly high nitrogen isotopic values, clearly distinct from the values of the ayu caught in the watershed, and overlapped with the values of mass-release ayu. Furthermore, isotopic values of past diets inferred by the isotope analysis of livers of the culled cormorants were closer to the values of the mass-release ayu, relative to the past diet values inferred by the analysis of the cormorant muscles. This suggests that the food supply from the mass-release ayu had increased in the breeding season, since the isotopic turnover rate is faster in livers than in muscles. The huge number of formula-fed ayu released in the watershed create an anthropogenic food chain which is assumed to significantly support the breeding of the cormorants.     

Parasite assemblages of Double-crested Cormorants as indicators of host populations and migration behavior

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is culled in many states because of the real and presumed damages it inflicts on farmed and recreational fisheries and other ecosystem services. Resident cormorant colonies breeding in the southeastern United States are protected in some areas, so it is important to distinguish these from co-occurring but unprotected migratory cormorants. Migratory P. auritus are likely to contain helminthic parasite communities that differ from those of non-migratory, resident birds, because they will encounter a wider variety of habitats and intermediate host communities during migrations. Here, we document five distinct assemblages of helminth parasites collected from 218 P. auritus culled from 11 sites in Alabama, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Vermont. The assemblages of P. auritus parasites are distinct among many sampling locations and can be used to correctly predict where a host cormorant has been feeding. We provide evidence for mixing of cormorants at a regional scale using discriminant analysis, which suggests there is a single population of migratory cormorants. Furthermore, our models strongly differentiate between migratory and resident P. auritus in the southeastern United States. In conjunction with species-by species latitudinal and longitudinal trends, our models could serve as effective tools for managers interested in both the population control of migratory cormorants and the conservation of non-migratory, resident birds. Finally, parasite counts per host are notoriously variable with many zeros and a few large numbers, leading many researchers to use simple prevalence in their analyses. We show that an intermediate level of data resolution, using species occurrence ranks within individual hosts, behaves well statistically and provides the greatest discrimination among distinct host groupings.     

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo [L]) populations and patterns of abundance at breeding and feeding sites in Northern Ireland,with particular reference to Lough Neagh

Breeding cormorants, Phalacrocorax carbo, in Northern Ireland remain seasonally dependent on a coastal environment where they can be censused with accuracy, but numbers in other habitats and at other times of the year are less certain. This study establishes the long term and regional patterns of abundance at breeding and feeding localities, which might in turn be related to diet.Birds were regularly observed and counted at a variety of feeding sites, and some aspects of their breeding success and fledgling diet evaluated at the largest N.Ireland breeding colony.Numbers of breeding birds increased dramatically over a period of eight years but recently show signs of declining. There is likely to be a dynamic relationship between populations of a tapeworm (Ligula intestinalis L.), the numbers of roach (Rutilus rutilus [L.]) and cormorant populations feeding at Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. While roach are not a major component in the diet of fledglings, the large numbers of cormorants feeding at the perimeter of L. Neagh suggest that changes in roach populations will affect birds most acutely during or following the winter. We suggest that this might result in a reduction in the proportion of the population volunteering to breed in the subsequent season, but require further data. The longer term effects of one fish species on cormorant populations are unlikely to be critical, since these birds are highly opportunist.In other habitats cormorant numbers are either very stable (estuary) or variable (river) depending on the seasonal and annual availability of their prey. There is no evidence for a systematic seasonal shift in habitat, as suggested by other studies.     

Imminent extinction of the guanay cormorant on the Atlantic South American coast: a conservation concern?

Guanay cormorants Phalacrocorax bougainvilli aredistributed mostly on the Pacific coast of Peru and northern Chile. A smallpopulation of around 50 pairs was described on the Patagonian Atlantic coast inthe late 1960s. Further records have revealed a progressive decrease of thispopulation. During 1999 we looked for guanay cormorants at those Atlanticcolonies where the species was recorded in the past. Only four individuals weredetected in one colony (Punta Lobería), and all of them were mated withking cormorants P. albiventer. In addition, we recordedhybrids between guanay and king cormorants mated with pure king and imperialcormorants P. atriceps. Causes of the population declineare unknown. Since guanay cormorants inhabiting the Atlantic coast could be agenetically differentiated population, we emphasize the need for molecularstudies. If genetic polymorphism is detected, the capture of remnant individualsin order to constitute a genetic stock should be considered.     

A review of mites of the subfamily Picobiinae Johnston & Kethley, 1973 (Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) from North American birds

The fauna of ectoparasitic mites of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acari: Syringophilidae) associated with birds of the North America is revised. A new genus, Charadriineopicobia n. g. is proposed for two quill mite species, Ch. calidris n. sp. from Calidris alba (Pallas) (Charadriiformes: Scolopacidae) and Ch. leucophaeus (Skoracki, Hendricks & Spicer, 2010) n. comb. from Leucophaeus atricilla Linnaeus (Charadriiformes: Laridae). The new genus differs from the closely related Neopicobia Skoracki, 2011 by the presence of one pair of setae in pseudanal series and by clearly discernible chambers in each lateral branch of the peritremes, in both sexes. Additionally, a new species of Picobia Haller, 1878, P. hylocichlae n. sp., parasitising Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin) (Passeriformes: Turdidae), is described. The species of picobiine mites presently recorded from North America are summarised.     

Further studies on Contracaecum spasskii Mozgovoi, 1950 and C. rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (sensu lato) (Ascaridida: Anisakidae) from piscivorous birds in China

Contracaecum spasskii Mozgovoi, 1950, collected from the great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus (Linnaeus) (Podicipediformes: Podicipedidae), is redescribed using both light and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy. Contracaecum spasskii differs from its congeners by having marked transverse cuticular annulations, the length of the oesophagus and spicules, the ratio between the intestinal caecum and the ventricular appendix, the number and arrangement of male caudal papillae, and especially by the particular morphology of the lips and interlabia. Some previously unreported morphological features of C. spasskii are also revealed and others corrected. Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (sensu lato) is also redescribed based on the specimens collected from the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (Blumenbach) (Pelecaniformes: Phalacrocoracidae) from China. Based on the geographical perspective, the present Chinese material may represent the species C. rudolphii B.     

A revision of the Afrotropical spider genus Cambalida Simon, 1909 (Araneae,Corinnidae)

The non-mimetic Afrotropical spider genus Cambalida Simon, 1909, placed within a subfamily of predominantly ant-mimicking spiders (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae), is revised. Three species are transferred from Castianeira Keyserling, 1879 to Cambalida: Cambalida deminuta (Simon, 1909), comb. n., Cambalida fulvipes (Simon, 1896), comb. n. and Cambalida loricifera (Simon, 1885), comb. n.. A fourth species, Cambalida fagei (Caporiacco, 1939), comb. n., is transferred from Brachyphaea Simon, 1895 to Cambalida. Two species, Castianeira depygata Strand, 1916, syn. n. and Cambalida mestrali Lessert, 1921, syn. n., are considered junior synonyms of Cambalida fulvipes. The males of Cambalida deminuta and Cambalida loricifera are redescribed and their unknown females are described for the first time. The female and male of Cambalida fulvipes and Cambalida coriacea Simon, 1909 are also redescribed. The type material of the type species of the genus, Cambalida insulana Simon, 1909 from Pagalu (Annobon) Island, is lost, and only immature specimens have been subsequently collected from a nearby island. The species is regarded as a nomen dubium until fresh adult material can be collected. A replacement name, Cambalida simoni nom. n. is proposed for Cambalida fulvipes Simon, 1909, the latter being a secondary junior homonym of Cambalida fulvipes (Simon, 1896). The type material of this species is also lost and it is too considered nomen dubium. The following new species are described: Cambalida compressa sp. n. from West Africa, Cambalida dippenaarae sp. n. from southern Africa, Cambalida griswoldi sp. n. and Cambalida lineata sp. n. from Madagascar, and Cambalida unica sp. n. from Cameroon. Notes are provided on the biology of each species and the distribution of the genus in the Afrotropical Region.