First European record of Paramecium septaurelia and the discovery of new European habitats of P. pentaurelia and P. sexaurelia in Russia (Astrakhan and Volgograd regions)

The presence of several species of the P. aurelia complex was revealed in the studied regions. In the Volgograd region P. primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. triaurelia, and P. novaurelia were recorded. In the Astrakhan Nature Reserve P. primaurelia, P. pentaurelia, P. sexaurelia, and P. septaurelia were identified. Among these species, P. septaurelia was recorded for the first time in Europe, known before only from the territory of the USA, P. pentaurelia and P. sexaurelia are species rare in Europe. The studied regions are very rich in species of the P. aurelia complex and worthy of future studies.     

Paramecium aurelia species complex in the catchment area of the River Raba mountain course (the Carpathians)

In the water bodies of the Beskid Wyspowy Mts three species of the Paramecium aurelia complex have been found, i.e. P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia and P. novaurelia. P. tetraurelia, which in Europe is a very rare species, was for the first time recorded in this region of the Carpathians.     

Speciation in Pararge (Satyrinae: Nymphalidae) butterflies – North Africa is the source of ancestral populations of all Pararge species

Abstract.  The genus Pararge comprises three species: P. aegeria , distributed in Europe and North Africa; P. xiphia , endemic to Madeira; and P. xiphioides , endemic to the Canary Islands. Two subspecies are recognized in P. aegeria , P. a. tircis and P. a. aegeria , distributed in northern and southern Europe, respectively. In the 1970s, P. aegeria appeared on Madeira. However, despite the status of P. aegeria as a model species in ecological studies, the evolutionary history of Pararge remains unknown. We studied the phylogenetic relationships of the three Pararge species, using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I and the nuclear gene wingless to infer modes and times of speciation. On the basis of our analyses, Pararge forms a strongly supported monophyletic group, with the DNA haplotypes of the three species also forming well-supported monophyletic groups. We found that P. xiphia diverged first from the common ancestor a maximum of five million years ago, with P. xiphioides and P. aegeria being sister species that diverged a maximum of three million years ago. The two subspecies, P. a. tircis and P. a. aegeria , were not distinguishable on the basis of DNA haplotypes; instead, our data clearly distinguished between European specimens and those from North Africa. Madeiran P. aegeria has North African haplotypes and thus originated from there rather than from Europe. We hypothesize that the Mediterranean Sea forms a strong barrier to dispersal for Pararge butterflies, and has done so for approximately the past one million years.     

Mitochondrial phylogeography of the long-eared bats (Plecotus) in the Mediterranean Palaearctic and Atlantic Islands

Long-eared bats of the genus Plecotus are widespread and common over most of the western Palaearctic. Based on recent molecular evidence, they proved to represent a complex of several cryptic species, with three new species being described from Europe in 2002. Evolutionary relationships among the different lineages are still fragmentary because of the limited geographic coverage of previous studies. Here we analyze Plecotus mitochondrial DNA sequences from the entire Mediterranean region and Atlantic Islands. Phylogenetic reconstructions group these western Palaearctic Plecotus into two major clades which split at least 5 Myr ago and that are each subdivided into further subgroups. An 'auritus group' includes the traditional P. auritus species and its sister taxon P. macrobullaris (=P. alpinus) plus related specimens from the Middle East. P. auritus and P. macrobullaris have broadly overlapping distributions in Europe, although the latter is apparently more restricted to mountain ranges. The other major clade, the 'austriacus group,' includes the European species P. austriacus and at least two other related taxa from North Africa (including P. teneriffae from the Canary Islands), the Balkans and Anatolia (P. kolombatovici). The sister species of this 'austriacus group' is P. balensis, an Ethiopian endemic. Phylogenetic reconstructions further suggest that P. austriacus reached Madeira during its relatively recent westward expansion through Europe, while the Canary Islands were colonized by a North African ancestor. Although colonization of the two groups of Atlantic Islands by Plecotus bats followed very distinct routes, neither involved lineages from the 'auritus group.' Furthermore, the Strait of Gibraltar perfectly segregates the distinct lineages, which confirms its key role as a geographic barrier. This study also stresses the biogeographical importance of the Mediterranean region, and particularly of North Africa, in understanding the evolution of the western Palaearctic biotas.     

Combining climatic projections and dispersal ability: a method for estimating the responses of sandfly vector species to climate change

BACKGROUND: In the Old World, sandfly species of the genus Phlebotomus are known vectors of Leishmania, Bartonella and several viruses. Recent sandfly catches and autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis hint on spreading tendencies of the vectors towards Central Europe. However, studies addressing potential future distribution of sandflies in the light of a changing European climate are missing. METHODOLOGY: Here, we modelled bioclimatic envelopes using MaxEnt for five species with proven or assumed vector competence for Leishmania infantum, which are either predominantly located in (south-) western (Phlebotomus ariasi, P. mascittii and P. perniciosus) or south-eastern Europe (P. neglectus and P. perfiliewi). The determined bioclimatic envelopes were transferred to two climate change scenarios (A1B and B1) for Central Europe (Austria, Germany and Switzerland) using data of the regional climate model COSMO-CLM. We detected the most likely way of natural dispersal ("least-cost path") for each species and hence determined the accessibility of potential future climatically suitable habitats by integrating landscape features, projected changes in climatic suitability and wind speed. RESULTS AND RELEVANCE: Results indicate that the Central European climate will become increasingly suitable especially for those vector species with a current south-western focus of distribution. In general, the highest suitability of Central Europe is projected for all species in the second half of the 21st century, except for P. perfiliewi. Nevertheless, we show that sandflies will hardly be able to occupy their climatically suitable habitats entirely, due to their limited natural dispersal ability. A northward spread of species with south-eastern focus of distribution may be constrained but not completely avoided by the Alps. Our results can be used to install specific monitoring systems to the projected risk zones of potential sandfly establishment. This is urgently needed for adaptation and coping strategies against the emerging spread of sandfly-borne diseases.     

rbcL sequences reveal multiple cryptic introductions of the Japanese red alga Polysiphonia harveyi

In Europe, the last 20 years have seen a spectacular increase in accidental introductions of marine species, but it has recently been suggested that both the actual number of invaders and their impacts have been seriously underestimated because of the prevalence of sibling species in marine habitats. The red alga Polysiphonia harveyi is regarded as an alien in the British Isles and Atlantic Europe, having appeared in various locations there during the past 170 years. Similar or conspecific populations are known from Atlantic North America and Japan. To choose between three competing hypotheses concerning the origin of P. harveyi in Europe, we employed rbcL sequence analysis in conjunction with karyological and interbreeding data for samples and isolates of P. harveyi and various congeners from the Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. All cultured isolates of P. harveyi were completely interfertile, and there was no evidence of polyploidy or aneuploidy. Thus, this biological species is both morphologically and genetically variable: intraspecific rbcL divergences of up to 2.1% are high even for red algae. Seven rbcL haplotypes were identified. The four most divergent haplotypes were observed in Japanese samples from Hokkaido and south-central Honshu, which are linked by hypothetical 'missing' haplotypes that may be located in northern Honshu. These data are consistent with Japan being the centre of diversity and origin for P. harveyi. Two non-Japanese lineages were linked to Hokkaido and Honshu, respectively. A single haplotype was found in all North Atlantic and Mediterranean accessions, except for North Carolina, where the haplotype found was the same as that invading in New Zealand and California. The introduction of P. harveyi into New Zealand has gone unnoticed because P. strictissima is a morphologically indistinguishable native sibling species. The sequence divergence between them is 4-5%, greater than between some morphologically distinct red algal species. Two different types of cryptic invasions of P. harveyi have therefore occurred. In addition to its introduction as a cryptic sibling species in New Zealand, P. harveyi has been introduced at least twice into the North Atlantic from presumed different source populations. These two introductions are genetically and probably also physiologically divergent but completely interfertile.     

Molecular data confirm the validity of the Portuguese blenny (Parablennius ruber, Valenciennes, 1836) and its presence in Western Europe

DNA sequence analysis confirms the distinction between Parablennius ruber and Parablennius gattorugine , simultaneously validating the presence of the former species in Western Europe where it has been reported for >150 years. A possible scenario involving speciation of P. ruber at the Azores and subsequent transport of larvae to Europe, a process that may be still occurring nowadays, could explain this pattern of occurrence.     

Polygala webbiana (Polygalaceae), the first record for Europe and a synopsis of Polygala subgen. Chamaebuxus

Polygala subgen. Chamaebuxus comprises five perennial species, distributed in Europe and northwestern Africa. Polygala webbiana was hitherto thought to be endemic to Morocco. In this paper, we report the first known population of this species in Europe, present in the province of Málaga (Spain). Detailed pictures of the flower, fruit, and seed are presented, as well as a map of the whole distribution. Moreover, a key to identify the species of Polygala subgen. Chamaebuxus is provided. The names P. chamaebuxus and P. vayredae are lectotypified.     

Some suggestions on the geographical origin of the central, west and north European synanthropic species of Papaver L

KADEREIT, J. W., 1990. Some suggestions on the geographical origin of the central, west and north European synanthropic species of Papaver L . Papaver rhoeas, P. dubium subsp. dubium and subsp. lecoqii, P. argemone subsp. argemone and P. hybridum are considered to be introduced in central, western and northern Europe. An analysis of the geographical distribution of the closest relatives of these five taxa leads to hypotheses on their geographical origin. It is suggested that P. rhoeas originates from the eastern border of the Mediterranean, where it might have differentiated only under human influence. The origin of P. dubium subsp. lecoqii is suggested to lie in S.E. Europe or west Anatolia, and that of subsp. dubium in S.E. central Europe. Papaver argemone subsp. argemone might have differentiated from two related subspecies in west Anatolia. No suggestions can be made with respect to P. hybridum , which is taxonomically isolated. The assumptions necessary for hypotheses on the geographical origin of synanthropically widespread taxa are briefly discussed.     

Cytogeographic Study of the Genus Paris

The Genus Paris L., distributed in Europe and Asia, is one of the genera of Trilliaceae. There are currently 19 recognized species. The karyological study indicates that basic number of the Paris species is X=5, and here are two kinds of the basic karyotypes: tropical type (K2n=2x=10=6m+4t), and temperate type (K2n=2x=10=6m+4st, or 6m+ 2st+2t). The species (13) with the tropical karyotype are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions in Asia; the others with the temperate karyotype (6 species) occur in the temperate area of Eurasia. In the genus Paris, there are two peripheral species, which both have temperate karyotypes: tetraploid P. quadrifolia, in the western part of the overall range of the genus (Europe), and octaploid P. japonica, limited in the eastern part (Japan). All the species having tropical karyotypes are diploid. Among them, the more primitive ones such as P. dunniana, P. vietnamensis are concentrated in South China and the north of the Indo-China Peninsula. Examination of the geographical distribution of the species in the light of the karyological data has led the authors to propose: Paris originated in the tropical area between 18°N and 23°27’N in Asia. 14 species, which together make up 74% of the total (with 10 different karyotypes), occur in the area from the Qionglei Mountains to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. With the greatest density of species in the area and their remarkable differences in chromosome ploidy and karyotypes, this region is without doubt the centre of modern distribution and differentiation of Paris.     

Six new species of Protodrilus (Annelida, Polychaeta) from Europe and New Zealand, with a concise presentation of the genus

Protodrilus haurakiensis sp.n., P. jouinae sp.n., P. jägersteni sp.n., P. submersus sp.n. and P. litoralis sp.n. from New Zealand and P. gracilis sp.n. from Europe are described. Protodrilus jägcrsteni, P. submersus and P. litoralis are sibling species. Sperm dimorphism in all species investigated by the author is recorded for the first time in polychaetes. Two of the three so-called 'ecological forms' of P. hypoleucus and P. adhaerens are classified as variations of the type species without a particular taxonomic rank. In a table the partly actualized data of all 30 known Protodrilus species are presented, 8 of which are very insufficiently described. Synonyms in Protodrilus and similarities between P. rubropharyngeus Jägersten and P. flavocapitatus Uljanin are mentioned.     

Glacial history and colonization of Europe by the blue tit Parus caeruleus

Mitochondrial control region sequences from European populations of the blue tit Parus caeruleus were used to reveal the Pleistocene history and the post-glacial recolonization of Europe by the species. The southern subspecies, P. c. ogliastrae was found to represent a stable population with isolation-by-distance structure harboring a lot of genetic variation, and the northern subspecies P. c. caeruleus a recently bottlenecked and expanded population. We suggest that after the last Ice Ages, the subspecies have colonized Europe from two different southern refuges following previously proposed general recolonization routes from the Balkans to northern and Central Europe, and from the Iberian Peninsula north- and eastwards. The two subspecies form a wide secondary contact zone extending from southern Spain to southern France.     

The holarctic complex Potentilla fruticosa (Rosaceae)

Potentilla fruticosa L. (Rosaceae) is a complex of large morphological, karyological, geographical and ecological amplitudes. A survey of the distribution of the morphological variation is given and the underlying reasons discussed. Migration paths are also discussed. In southeast central Asia there is a complex in need of further investigation. Outside this area two species should be recognized, a diploid and hermaphrodite species, P. floribunda Pursh, in N America, S Europe and Siberia and a tetraploid and dioecious species, P. fruticosa L., in N Europe and Siberia.     

Aspects of the ecology of Patella spp. on the Portuguese coast

Three species of the genus Patella were studied on the Portuguese coast as a specific contribution to the COST 647 programme. With little prior information existing, this paper presents new basic data on the geographical distribution, relative abundance, habitats, size-structure of populations, and reproductive cycles of P. depressa Pennant, 1777, P. aspera Roding, 1798, and P. vulgata L. 1758. Comparisons with N.W. Europe provide evidence of distinct latitudinal trends in the population dynamics and reproductive biology of these species.     

Preference and performance of the sawfly Diprion pini on host and non-host plants of the genus Pinus

The sawfly, Diprion pini L., is a pest of Pinus in Europe and is mainly found on P. sylvestris L. and P. nigra laricio Poiret. The relative importance of female oviposition capacity and behaviour, egg development, and larval survival on a new host plant was measured on 11 pine species. Five were natural host plants and six non-host plants, five of which are not indigenous to Europe. Oviposition choice tests showed that females discriminated between the pine species. Egg and larval development also differed between pine species. However, the female choice was not linked with hatching rate and larval development. Results of biological tests clearly indicated that there were different response patterns of D. pini life stages in relation to pine species, and these patterns were the same with insects of four different origins. We discuss the importance of each potential barrier to colonisation of a new host.     

Biology and Host Range of Phytomyza vitalbae and its Establishment for the Biological Control of Clematis vitalba in New Zealand

Phytomyza vitalbae Kaltenbach (Diptera: Agromyzidae) creates mines in leaves of Clematis vitalba , a significant environmental weed in New Zealand. Studies in Europe found that most leaves had one mine, but some had many; heavy mining deformed leaves and reduced photosynthetic area.; P. vitalbae was multi-voltine; fecundity averaged 521 eggs per female; and larval parasitism was high. Together, these biological characteristics suggested it had the capacity to produce large populations in the absence of parasitism. P. vitalbae has been recorded on other Clematis species in Europe, and experimental determination of host range confirmed this species was narrowly oligophagous, but posed no significant risk to New Zealand native plants. Results suggested mines might be produced in some exotic Clematis species growing in New Zealand, but only where flies fed on C. vitalba before ovipositing. P. vitalbae was released from quarantine in New Zealand in 1996. It is considered to be established at 20 of the 29 release sites, and populations have grown rapidly at those sites. The fly spread 5 km within 15 months at one site. Three parasitoids have been reared from P. vitalbae mines since its release in New Zealand, but it is uncertain whether parasitism will adversely affect leafminer populations.     

Population History and Pathways of Spread of the Plant Pathogen Phytophthora plurivora

Human activity has been shown to considerably affect the spread of dangerous pests and pathogens worldwide. Therefore, strict regulations of international trade exist for particularly harmful pathogenic organisms. Phytophthora plurivora, which is not subject to regulations, is a plant pathogen frequently found on a broad range of host species, both in natural and artificial environments. It is supposed to be native to Europe while resident populations are also present in the US. We characterized a hierarchical sample of isolates from Europe and the US and conducted coalescent-, migration, and population genetic analysis of sequence and microsatellite data, to determine the pathways of spread and the demographic history of this pathogen. We found P. plurivora populations to be moderately diverse but not geographically structured. High levels of gene flow were observed within Europe and unidirectional from Europe to the US. Coalescent analyses revealed a signal of a recent expansion of the global P. plurivora population. Our study shows that P. plurivora has most likely been spread around the world by nursery trade of diseased plant material. In particular, P. plurivora was introduced into the US from Europe. International trade has allowed the pathogen to colonize new environments and/or hosts, resulting in population growth.     

Redescription of Petasiger exaeretus Dietz, 1909 and P. phalacrocoracis (Yamaguti, 1939) (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae), parasites of cormorants

Two echinostome trematodes of the genus Petasiger, P. exaeretus Dietz, 1909 and P. phalacrocoracis (Yamaguti, 1939), parasitising cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), were found in Phalacrocorax carbo L. from the Czech Republic. Both taxa are redescribed and literary data on their occurence in cormorants are reviewed. The species P. exaeretus appears to be a rather rare species, hitherto recorded in Phalacrocorax carbo in Europe, Kirghizia and Azerbaidzhan. P. baschkirovi Ablassov & Iksanov, 1959 is synonymized with P. exaeretus. P. phalacrocoracis (syn. P. hospitale (Mendheim, 1940) and P. exaeretus auct. nec Dietz, 1909), which has previously been misidentified and erroneously designated as P. exaeretus, appears to be the commonest species of the genus, parasitising cormorants in the Palaearctic Region (Europe, CIS [USSR], Japan) and in Australia. Differential diagnoses of both the above mentioned species are presented.     

Description of Paranoplocephala yoccozi n. sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) from the snow vole Chionomys nivalis in France, with a review of anoplocephaud cestodes of snow voles in Europe

We describe Paranoplocephala yoccozi n. sp. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) from the snow vole Chionomys nivalis in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, French Alps, compare it with several related species from rodents, and review the anoplocephalid cestodes of snow voles in Europe. Paranoplocephala yoccozi n. sp. is primarily distinguished from the related species by its large scolex of characteristic shape, robust neck region, and the structure of the cirrus sac, vitellarium and vagina. We show that the anoplocephalid cestodes of snow voles in Europe, representing the genera Anoplocephaloides and Paranoplocephala, include at least seven species. This fauna consists primarily of species that snow voles share with other voles inhabiting the high-mountain areas. Some of the species, including P. yoccozi n. sp., appear to have a very localized distribution, which is assumed to be a consequence of the historical fragmentation of snow vole populations.