Survivorship,growth and reproduction of the non-native <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caprella mutica</Emphasis> Schurin, 1935 (Crustacea: Amphipoda)

Caprella mutica Schurin is an epifaunal amphipod crustacean which originates in north-east Asia and has spread throughout the world, yet very little is known about fundamental aspects of this species biology. This paper examined the survivorship of C. mutica reared under laboratory conditions at 13–14 °C, 14 h light: 10 h dark photoperiod and fed commercial salmon feed, the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis Reumann and Lewin, the macroalgae, Fucus vesiculosus L. and given no additional feed. In addition, growth, maturation and reproduction of C. mutica fed C. fusiformis were assessed. No significant difference in survivorship of C. mutica was observed for the diet types over the experimental period. C. mutica was able to survive for upto 20 days without additional food. Average survival time of males and females fed the diatom, C. fusiformis was 68.8 d (range = 62–73 d) and 82.0 d (range = 76–92 d). Juvenile C. mutica emerged from the brood pouch at a body length of 1.33 mm and moulted at 5.0–11.0 day intervals. Males exhibited faster growth rates than females after Instar VII. Females produced their first brood at Instar VII, 24–26 days post-hatching and with an average body length of 8.5 mm. Each female had an average of two broods sequentially and these were released at 20.2 day intervals. Brood size for a single female increased from 11.3 (±9.9) hatchlings at Instar VII to 25.5 (±11.5) at Instar IX and the maximum number of hatchlings produced by a single female was 82. The results suggest that C. mutica exhibits a number of life-history traits that would potentially enable it to withstand global transportation and to rapidly become established in an introduced region, if environmental conditions are suitable.     

Distribution of the introduced amphipod, Caprella mutica Schurin, 1935 (Amphipoda: Caprellida: Caprellidae) on the west coast of Scotland and a review of its global distribution

Caprella mutica Schurin, 1935 was first described from sub-boreal areas of north–east Asia. In less than 40 years C. mutica has spread throughout the northern hemisphere and the first recorded sighting in the southern hemisphere is reported here. Caprella mutica has been introduced to temperate oceanic coasts between latitudes of 25 and 70 °N. Outside its native range, C. mutica has only been found in areas of human activity, including ports, aquaculture facilities and an oilrig; the species has not yet been found in natural habitats. Shipping and aquaculture transfers are the most likely long distance vectors; recreational boating and drifting weed are the most likely short distance vectors. Temperature and salinity do not explain the small-scale distribution of C. mutica on the west coast of Scotland; globally its annual temperature range is 0–22°C. This suggests that the local scale distribution of C. mutica is potentially limited by the availability of suitable transportation vectors during the dispersal phase rather than by physical environmental factors following release.     

Taxonomic studies on three marine pleurostomatid ciliates, Litonotus bergeri nov. spec., L. blattereri nov. spec. and L. petzi nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida) from North China Sea

The morphology and infraciliature of three pleurostomatid ciliates, Litonotus bergeri nov. spec., L. blattereri nov. spec. and L. petzi nov. spec., collected from mariculture ponds near Qingdao (Tsingtao), China, were investigated using live observations and the protargol impregnation method. These new species are distinguished from their congeners by a combination of characters including the typical distribution of extrusomes, i.e., along entire ventral margin, the number of macronuclear nodules, features and number of somatic kineties, living morphology, number and position of contractile vacuoles and their marine biotopes. Considering the distribution of extrusomes and general morphology, five new combinations are suggested, Litonotus vermiforme (Sauerbrey, 1928) nov. comb. [basionym: Loxophyllum vermiforme Sauerbrey, 1928], Litonotus levigatum (Sauerbrey, 1928) nov. comb. [basionym: Loxophyllum levigatum Sauerbrey, 1928], Litonotus undulatum (Sauerbrey, 1928) nov. comb. [basionym: Loxophyllum undulatum Sauerbrey, 1928], Loxophyllum pictus (Gruber, 1884) nov. comb. [basionym: Litonotus pictus Gruber, 1884] and Loxophyllum trichocystiferus (Foissner, 1984) nov. comb. [basionym: Litonotus trichocystiferus Foissner, 1984].     

角唇隔距兰,中国隔距兰属(兰科)一新记录种

报道了中国兰科(Orchidaceae)隔距兰属(Cleisostoma Blume)一新记录种:角唇隔距兰(C.tricornutum Averyanov)。该种与C.crochetii(Guillaumin)Garay、C.parishii(J.D.Hooker)Garay相近,因其有不分枝的线状花粉团柄、球状的花粉团块和一个先端短喙状的半球形药帽而与C.crochetii(Guillaumin)Garay相区别;因其有松散、罕分枝的花序,长角状的唇瓣侧裂片而与C.parishii(J.D.Hooker)Garay相区别。提供了新记录种的形态描述及图片。     

中国禾本科植物新资料(I)

报道了2种禾本科植物,曲序黄花茅[Anthoxanthum flexuosum（Hook.f.）Veldkamp]在西藏的新分布,外来物种弗吉尼亚须芒草（Andropogon virginicus L.）在江西的归化,并提供了它们详细的形态学描述、图版、分布及生境等信息。此外,还讨论了弗吉尼亚须芒草的潜在入侵危险。     

中国禾本科植物新资料(Ⅱ)

报道了我国境内新发现的2种外来禾草：宽叶臂形草[Brachiaria platyphylla (Munro ex C. Wright) Nash]和车前臂形草[B.plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.],这2物种有时被处理为尾稃草属(Urochloa)的成员。依据小穗第一颖背部具向轴性,第二外稃先端不具小尖头的形态特征,认为他们更接近于国产臂形草属(Brachiaria)的物种,编制了他们与国产近缘物种、属的分类检索表,并讨论了2外来种的潜在入侵风险。     

Standard karyotypes ofAegilops uniaristata,Ae. mutica,Ae. comosa subspeciescomosa andheldreichii (Poaceae)

C-banding patterns and polymorphisms were analyzed in several accessions of the diploidAegilops speciesAe. uniaristata, Ae. mutica, andAe. comosa subsp.comosa and subsp.heldreichii, and standard karyotypes of these species were established. Variation in C-band size and location was observed between different accessions, but did not prevent chromosome identification. One accession ofAe. uniaristata was homozygous for whole-arm translocations involving chromosomes 1N and 5N. The homoeologous relationships of these chromosomes were established by comparison of chromosome morphologies and C-banding patterns to other diploidAegilops species with known chromosome homoeology. In addition, in situ hybridization analysis with a 5S rDNA probe was used to identify homoeologous groups 1 and 5 chromosomes. The present analysis permitted the assignment of allAe. mutica, comosa subsp.comosa, andAe. comosa subsp.heldreichii chromosomes, and three of the sevenAe. uniaristata chromosomes according to their homoeologous groups. The data presented will be useful analyzing genome differentiation in polyploidAegilops species.     

Microdajus tchesunovi sp. n. (Tantulocarida, Microdajidae) - A new crustacean parasite of from the White Sea

A new species of Tantulocarida, Microdajus tchesunovi sp. n., was found on tanaid host, Typhlotanais sp. of the family Nototanaidae, collected from silty sediment in the Kandalaksha Bay in the White Sea. Several tantulus larvae, developing males at different stages of metamorphosis, and early stages of parthenogenetic females were found attached to different sites of their hosts. Ultrastructure of the new species was studied with SEM. Microdajus tchesunovi sp. n. can be easily distinguished from other species of the genus Microdajus Greve by the presence of a pair of longitudinal dorsal lamellae at the anterior end of the cephalon. It is also characterized by the presence of an endopod seta on the sixth thoracopod and the absence of thoracopodal endites. A morphological comparison of species of the family Microdajidae is presented in tabular form.     

New species and new records of pinnotherid crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) from the Yellow Sea

Five species belonging to two genera of pinnotherid crabs are reported from the Yellow Sea. Two are new to science, namely: Sakaina glabra sp. nov. and Sakaina granulata sp. nov.; while three species are recorded for the first time from China: Pinnaxodes majorOrtmann, 1894, Pinnaxodes mutuensisSakai, 1939, and Sakaina japonicaSerène, 1964. Sakaina glabra can be easily distinguished from congeners by lacking a thick rim of pubescence along the anterolateral margin of the carapace. Sakaina granulata closely resembles S. asiatica (Sakai, 1933), but differs mainly in having a row of granule-like denticles along the anterolateral margin of its carapace.     

中国菊科一新归化植物——白花金钮扣

报道了中国菊科一新归化植物——白花金钮扣[Acmella radicans var. debilis (Kunth) R. K. Jansen],并提供了该变种详细的特征描述和彩色照片。该变种原产南美洲和西印度群岛,最近在我国安徽黟县发现一归化居群。野外调查发现,该植物在黟县生长旺盛,成熟时种子结实量大,表现出一定的入侵性。     

中国刺蕊草属(唇形科)植物一新记录种

报道了中国唇形科(Lamiaceae)刺蕊草属一新记录种--香薷状刺蕊草(Pogostemon elsholtzioides Benth.),该种在中国产于西藏墨脱县,凭证标本保存在PE。该种在喜马拉雅地区分布广泛,与特产于云南西北部地区的狭叶刺蕊草(P. dielsianus Dunn)的主要区别为：花萼钟形,长3~3.5 mm,花萼齿长为花萼筒的1/3~1/2,花冠长约4.5 mm。     

Entyloma cosmi sp. nov. on Cosmos bipinnatus (Compositae)

Entyloma species causing white smut disease of Cosmos species have been studied. Two species can be recognized, Entyloma holwayi on C. caudatus and C. sulphureus from North America, and E. cosmi sp. nov. on C. bipinnatus from Japan and Europe.     

Induced defences in an endangered amphibian in response to an introduced snake predator

Introduced species have contributed significantly to the extinction of endemic species on islands. They also create new selection pressures on their prey that may result in modified life history strategies. Introduced viperine snakes (Natrix maura) have been implicated in the decline of the endemic midwife toad of Mallorca (Alytes muletensis). A comparison of A. muletensis tadpoles in natural pools with and without snakes showed that those populations subject to snake predation possessed longer tails with narrower tail fins but deeper tail muscles. Field and laboratory experiments showed that these changes in tail morphology could be induced by chemical and tactile cues from snakes. Populations of tadpoles that were subject to snake predation also displayed clear bimodal size-frequency distributions, with intermediate-sized tadpoles missing from the pools completely. Tadpoles in pools frequented by snakes developed faster in relation to their body size than those in pools without snakes. Variation in morphology between toad populations may therefore be caused by a combination of size-selective predation and tadpole plasticity. The results of this study indicate that the introduction of alien species can result in selection for induced defences, which may facilitate coexistence between predator and prey under certain conditions.     

The Colonisation of Human-made Structures by the Invasive Alga Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides in the North Adriatic Sea (NE Mediterranean)

Human-made structures, such as groynes, breakwaters, seawalls, pier pilings and floating pontoons, are becoming common features of the landscape in urbanised coastal and estuarine areas. Despite this tendency few studies have focused on their ecology or on their potential impacts on natural assemblages of organisms. When artificial structures are introduced in areas with little or no hard substrata, they not only provide novel habitats, which enables the colonisation of sandy areas by hard-bottom dwelling species, but they can also provide suitable habitats for exotic species. Along the north-east coast of Italy, sandy shores are protected from erosion by a line of breakwaters, which runs almost uninterrupted for about 300 km. These structures provide habitat for a variety of macroalgae and invertebrates and also for the invasive green alga Codium fragile ssp. tomentosoides. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate patterns of distribution of this alga on breakwaters in Cesenatico. In particular, we compared the density of thalli, biomass, length and degree of branching of C. fragile ssp. tomentosoides between the landward and the seaward sides of breakwaters, to test the hypothesis that sheltered habitats (landward) represent more suitable habitats than exposed habitats (seaward). In general, the landward side of breakwaters supported greater numbers of thalli of C. fragile ssp. tomentosoides than seaward sides. Thalli grew longer and more branched in sheltered habitats, leading to an overall larger biomass of the alga on the landward side of breakwaters. The presence of sheltered human-made hard substrata in the vicinity of major trading ports and sources of eutrophication could enhance the dispersal of invasive species across regional and geographic scales. Thus, the effects of artificial structures and introduced species on coastal assemblages cannot be evaluated separately, but their synergistic nature should be considered in planning strategies for conservation of biodiversity in coastal habitats.     

The first occurrence of the ctenophore <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mnemiopsis leidyi</Emphasis> in the North Sea

After the discovery of large densities of Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Baltic Sea near Kiel by Javidpour et al. (First record of Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz 1865 in the Baltic Sea, 2006) in October 2006, we investigated the gelatinous zooplankton in the North Sea near Helgoland and recorded Mnemiopsis leidyi for the first time in the North Sea, albeit in much lower densities than those recorded in the Baltic Sea.     

中国合耳菊属(菊科-千里光族)两新记录种

首次报道了红脉合耳菊[Synotis rufinervis(DC.)C.JeffreyY.L.Chen]和须弥合耳菊[S.kunthiana(Wall.ex DC.)C.JeffreyY.L.Chen](菊科-千里光族)在中国的分布记录。两种植物都在中国西藏南部有分布。提供了它们的详细形态描述、形态特征图及其在中国的地理分布,同时报道了两种植物的花药领构型和花药内壁细胞增厚方式。     

灰岩山姜，中国山姜属(姜科)一新记录种

报道了中国姜科山姜属植物1新记录种:灰岩山姜(Alpinia calcicola),并提供形态特征描述、地理分布及彩色图片。凭证标本保存在中国科学院华南植物园标本馆(IBSC)。     

First report of the oriental shrimp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Palaemon macrodactylus</Emphasis> Rathbun, 1902 (Decapoda,Caridea, Palaemonidae) from German waters

The native East Asian shrimp Palaemon macrodactylus has become a common inhabitant of estuaries along the Pacific coast of North America. More recently (documented since 1999), the species has also been colonising European waters and has been reported from Spain, England, Belgium and the Netherlands. In this study, we present a chronology of the reported introductions of this species and provide the first detailed report of its occurrence in German waters. P. macrodactylus was found in the Geeste river mouth (Weser Estuary) as well as in Hooksiel, north of Wilhelmshaven between 2004 and 2005. We assume its presence in other estuarine habitats of the North Sea and predict its introduction into the Baltic Sea.     

中国鸢尾兰属(兰科)二新记录

报道了中国兰科(Orchidaceae)植物二新记录种,即镰叶鸢尾兰(Oberonia falcata King & Pantl.)和坎布里鸢尾兰(O.kanburiensis Seidenf.)。镰叶鸢尾兰茎较长,叶镰曲状,萼片反折,唇瓣中裂片二裂呈锐角,先端尖;坎布里鸢尾兰花瓣及唇瓣边缘流苏状,唇瓣中部缢缩,在中裂片先端最宽。     

中国长足兰属(兰科)一新记录种

报道了中国兰科植物一新记录种,即西蒙长足兰[Pteroceras simondianum(Gagnep.)Aver.],并提供了描述和图片。本种形态与长足兰[P.leopardinum(Par.&Rchb.f.)Seidenf.&Smitin.]相似,但叶明显较宽,偏斜;花淡黄色,略被绛紫色斑块或条纹;子房光滑;花粉块为孔裂等,易于区别。