A preliminary checklist of the ants (Hymenoptera,?Formicidae) of Andorra

Within the last decade, checklists of the ant fauna of several European countries have been published or updated. Nevertheless, no ant checklists have hitherto been published for the principality of Andorra, a small landlocked country located in the eastern part of the Pyrenees. This work presents a critical list of the ant species of Andorra based on a review of the literature and on the biological material we collected during several field campaigns conducted in Andorra since the year 2005. Seventy-five species belonging to 21 genera of Formicidae were recorded. Nine species were recorded for the first time in Andorra: Aphaenogaster gibbosa (Latreille, 1798), Camponotus lateralis (Olivier, 1792), Camponotus piceus (Leach, 1825), Formica exsecta Nylander, 1846, Lasius piliferus Seifert, 1992, Tapinoma madeirense Forel, 1895, Temnothorax lichtensteini (Bondroit, 1918), Temnothorax niger (Forel, 1894), Temnothorax nigriceps (Mayr, 1855). The most speciose genera were Formica Linnaeus, 1758 and Temnothorax Forel, 1890 with 14 and 12 species, respectively. The ant fauna of Andorra is mostly dominated by Central European species (some are typical cold climate specialists); however species belonging to the Mediterranean ant fauna were also found. This can be explained by the particular geographic situation of Andorra which is characterized by a high mountain Mediterranean climate.     

On the surrogate value of red-listed butterflies for butterflies and grasshoppers: a case study in Grammos site of Natura 2000, Greece

We tested the surrogate value of butterflies, red-listed butterflies and grasshoppers for each other in terms of diversity patterns congruence and complementarity at a site in the NATURA 2000 network. Grammos Mountain is proposed as a new Prime Butterfly Area for Greece: it supports a total of 56 grasshopper species and 112 butterfly species, 24 of which are of European conservation concern (SPEC) and two of Prime Butterflies Area Project. We found a strong congruence in the species richness patterns of SPEC butterflies, butterflies and grasshoppers, because three common ecological factors influenced them: number of flower heads, altitude, and cover of low trees or bushes (Redundancy Analysis, CANOCO). Each complementarity network maintained quite well the species richness of the other two target groups (<18% average species loss). SPEC butterflies were the best surrogate group overall and therefore we propose that they should be monitored on a permanent basis.     

A checklist of the bryophytes of Andorra

A checklist of 137 liverwort and 445 moss species is established for Andorra based on a review of the literature and a long-term floristic survey. Five moss species, Barbula amplexifolia, Ditrichum zonatum, Grimmia donniana, Pohlia bulbifera, and P. lutescens, are new to the Iberian Peninsula. Another 7 liverwort and 156 moss species are new to Andorra. For each species, the distribution at the scale of 1?km² and altitudinal range are documented, resulting in an improved assessment of the frequency and distribution of 101 moss species previously reported from a single record. Haplomitrium hookeri and Scapania verrucosa, which are the two Regionally Extinct species of the Spanish Red List of liverworts, occur in Andorra, which hosts between 23 and 37% of the species listed as Critically Rare, Endangered, or Vulnerable in the Spanish Red List of bryophytes. Therefore, it appears that Andorra is a key area for the conservation of the high-altitude flora of the Iberian Peninsula.     

Forces driving the composition of butterfly assemblages in Andorra

Despite the impact that human presence has on the area, Andorra in the eastern Pyrenees still harbours a rich butterfly fauna and is a potentially excellent area for studying the effects of global change on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to identify and understand the factors that are inducing observed patterns of butterfly richness in Andorra. We used data collected between 2006 and 2010 from six transects of the Andorran Butterfly Monitoring Scheme that lie at heights from 1,000 to 2,400 m a.s.l. These transects are divided into 44 discrete sections and during the study period 18,603 individuals belonging to 126 butterfly species were recorded. The effects of elevation and habitat composition on species richness and abundance were analyzed, as was the presence of spatial structure in the butterfly assemblages. We found a clear tendency for species richness to decrease as elevation increased and also identified a major faunal turnover. Habitat composition seems to have little effect on species richness and butterfly abundance. A spatial structure was observed in the dataset, with a positive spatial autocorrelation at section scale that reflects a clear effect of altitudinal gradient on species assemblages. Finally, a cluster analysis enabled us to define two main faunistic groups, corresponding to lower (generally in closed habitats) and higher sites (generally in subalpine meadows and grasslands). We thus conclude that the elevation gradient is the principal factor driving butterfly distribution and abundance in Andorra.     

Aquatic microinvertebrate abundance and species diversity in peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

Peat bogs are regarded as extreme environments due to their low pH and low nutrient concentration, and thus hold a unique biota adapted to these particular conditions. The island of Tierra del Fuego encompasses the southernmost extensive peat bog area in the world, and is therefore particularly interesting from a biogeographical viewpoint. Within the same peat bog, different environment types can be identified: clear ponds, vegetated ponds and Sphagnum patches. In this study we compare the abundance, richness and species diversity of microinvertebrates (Copepoda, Cladocera and Rotifera) in these three types of environments from two peat bogs (Andorra and Rancho Hambre). Out of the 29 taxa recorded, 19 were common to both peat bogs, including four cladocerans endemic to Southern Patagonia and three rotifers endemic to Fuegian peat bogs. The rotifers were the dominant group in all environment types from Rancho Hambre, while in Andorra the Sphagnum moss was dominated by copepods, particularly harpacticoids. The results revealed that the environment type rather than peat bog was the key factor at explaining differences in species richness and diversity among microinvertebrate communities. This study highlights the importance of Sphagnum moss as a low diversity extreme environment which supports highly endemic species.     

Ecological and cultural pressure on marriage seasonality in the Principality of Andorra

The Principality of Andorra is a small European state located in the central Pyrenees. Since the Middle Ages, it has retained political independence from its two neighbouring countries, France and Spain. Until recently, Andorra maintained a relative stable population and was dependent upon agriculture and livestock. Since 1940, however, a marked change in these conditions has given rise to an explosive increase in the size of the population and traditional systems of production have been replaced by tourism, commerce and service industries. These changes have influenced the model of nuptial seasonality. Based on data from 10,188 marriage certificates covering a period from 1606 to 1960, nuptial seasonality was assessed by estimating Henry's seasonality coefficient. Temporal and geographic changes in the seasonality model were assessed using linear regression analysis and analysis of variance. In addition, the Uh index--an estimate of the intensity of the seasonality model--is proposed to assess changes in the different seasonality models. The results indicate a relaxation of seasonality over time and in those parishes in which substantial demographic and socioeconomic change has occurred in recent years, suggesting a strong dependence of seasonality on the system of production.     

The role of SPECs, small Cdc42-binding proteins, in F-actin accumulation at the immunological synapse

SPEC1 and SPEC2 are structurally similar Cdc42-binding proteins of 79 and 84 amino acid residues, respectively. We investigated the role of SPEC2 in T cell function due to its high mRNA expression in lymphocytes. Western blot analysis revealed abundant SPEC2 protein in lymphocytes, which in glutathione S-transferase-capture experiments specifically interacted with only GTP-bound Cdc42. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed that the SPEC2 protein was diffusely localized in the cytoplasm and at the cell membrane in unstimulated Jurkat T cells and Raji B cells. Recruitment of SPEC2 within Jurkat T cells to the antigen-presenting cell interface occurred following incubation with staphylococcal enterotoxin E superantigen-loaded B cells and colocalized there with F-actin and Cdc42. T cell receptor (TCR) activation studies using anti-CD3 antibody-coated polystyrene beads showed that SPEC2 was recruited to the site of bead contact, which was not observed with anti-major histocompatibility complex antibody-coated beads. Accumulation of SPEC2 following TCR engagement occurred as early as 5 min, before obvious F-actin accumulation. Biochemical studies with Jurkat T cells demonstrated that N-terminal cysteine residues in SPEC2 were palmitoylated. Overexpression studies of the related SPEC1 showed that it also was recruited to the activated TCR. Mutational analysis revealed that localization of SPEC1 to the TCR required two N-terminal cysteine residues. Furthermore, a SPEC1 Cdc42 Rac-interacting binding mutant, containing an intact N terminus but defective in Cdc42 binding, completely blocked F-actin accumulation at the activated TCR. Taken together these results suggest that SPECs may play important roles in Cdc42-mediated F-actin accumulation at the immunological synapse.     

Regional hotspots of butterfly diversity in a protected area: Are they indicators of unique assemblages and areas with more species of conservation concern?

The implementation of biodiversity studies to set conservation priorities assumes that the different criteria used in prioritisation are correlated. Based on butterfly data, we examined whether high total diversity (species density and richness), unique species assemblages, and high numbers of different categories of Species of European Conservation Concern (SPEC) were co-located in the same habitats in the Picos de Europa National Park, Spain. Species density (number of species per sample) declined with elevation and was significantly higher in Genista shrublands on southern slopes (Southern Genista shrubland). We found unique species assemblages for Southern Genista shrublands, heathlands, mown meadows and subalpine meadows, whereas Genista shrubland on northern slopes (Northern Genista shrubland) and pastures were occupied by more habitat generalist species. We also found an effect of elevation on species composition. Species with global distributions concentrated in Europe (SPECs 4b) tended to be associated with Southern Genista shrubland, whereas species with global distributions restricted to Europe (SPECs 4a) were associated with higher elevations. Thus, we suggest a higher conservation value for butterfly assemblages located both on Southern Genista shrublands and at high elevations as they contain unique assemblages with a higher number of SPECs. By comparing our data with a previous study on carabid beetles, we found a low coincidence between butterflies and beetles for habitats with high species diversity and unique assemblages. Our study suggests that preserving areas in the landscape supporting higher butterfly diversity only partially preserves those species of greater conservation concern, and that butterflies cannot be used as a reliable indicator of other priority taxa for conservation, such as carabid beetles.     

中国块菌要览及其保护策略

截至目前报道的中国块菌有28种,其中黑块菌4种,白块菌24种.具有重要经济价值和生态价值的黑块菌类有印度块菌复合种和中国夏块菌,其中印度块菌复合种与欧洲法国黑孢块菌属于姊妹类群,中国夏块菌与欧洲夏块菌也是姊妹类群.虽然欧洲意大利白块菌在中国尚未找到、波氏块菌在中国的存在尚待最终确认,但是,最近的更多白块菌新种的发现,说...     

Predicting plant invasiveness from native range size: clues from the Kashmir Himalaya

Aims In view of the growing interest in modelling the potential spread of invasive species, prediction of plant invasiveness on the basis of native range size holds considerable promise. Our objective was to use a simple model to evaluate whether a wider native range predisposes plant species to become invasive in non-native regions and to easily identify potential invaders on this basis. The Kashmir Himalayan alien flora, of which a large proportion is native to Europe, was used to test this model.Methods The Kashmir Himalayan alien flora comprises 436 species of vascular plants at different stages of invasion. We focussed on plant species at two critical invasion stages (sensu Colautti and MacIsaac 2004), i.e. Stage II (species that are just at the earliest phase of introduction) and Stage V (species that are widespread and dominant in the invaded region and are thus considered invasive). We used the territorial distribution in Europe (number of countries) as a surrogate for the native range size of plants of European origin.Important findings Using a subset of 88 species, for which information on the native European range was available, we showed that a large proportion (68%) of Stage II species growing in the Kashmir Valley had a relatively restricted European range (present in ≤20 countries); on the other hand, 77% of Stage V species had an extensive native range (present in>20 countries). We consequently hypothesized that 14 Kashmir Himalayan Stage II species of European origin that are distributed in>20 European countries are at risk of becoming future invaders in Kashmir. On the other hand, those Kashmir Himalayan Stage II species of European origin distributed in ≤20 European countries are less likely to become invasive. Although this analysis is quite simple, the data suggest that a wider native range is a good predictor of plant invasiveness and could be used as a simple and low-cost early warning tool in predicting potential invasive species.     

Preliminary list of horse flies (Diptera, Tabanidae) of Serbia

Thirty six species of horse flies (Tabanidae) were previously known from Serbia (Europe). The present faunistic study of horse flies (Tabanidae) has resulted in the recording of the 4 new species Atylotus fulvus (Meigen, 1804); Tabanus miki Brauer in Brauer and Bergenstamm, 1880; Tabanus unifasciatus Loew, 1858; and Heptatoma pellucens (Fabricius, 1776), in the fauna of Serbia. The genus Heptatoma Meigen, 1803 is cited for the first time in the fauna of Serbia. 40 species are currently known from Serbia, belonging to nine genera. The fauna can be considered relatively poorly studied. Most of the species belong to the Boreal-Eurasian type of fauna 23, followed by the South European group with 8 species, the Mediterranean group with 6 species, European group with 2 species and Central European group with 1 species.     

Inbreeding,isonymy, and kin-structured migration in the principality of Andorra

Andorra, one of the smallest countries in Europe, is geographically very isolated. Located in the Central Pyrenees, it is surrounded by high mountains. This paper investigates the endogamous levels and relationships between demographic or geographical variation and inbreeding coefficients calculated through isonymic methods. Our results suggest that political and geographical frontiers are not significant enough to pose effective genetic barriers. The overall inbreeding coefficient average (0.0031) is moderate with respect to other populations in the same region. Temporal and geographical variations of total inbreeding and their components are explained in relation to changes in population size and intensity, and to origin and destination of migrant collectives. Although the spatial distribution of the population of Andorra is the main contributing factor to inbreeding, the kin-structured composition of immigrant collectives is another fundamental factor that helps to explain the levels and variation of inbreeding.     

Extraction and analysis of lipophilic brevetoxins from the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevis

Efficient extraction and accurate analysis of lipophilic brevetoxins (PbTxs), produced by the harmful algal bloom (HAB) species Karenia brevis, are essential when assessing the toxicological potential of this dinoflagellate. One of the most commonly used brevetoxin extraction methodologies employs C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE). In this study, C18 SPEC discs were tested for extraction of spiked PbTx-3 in seawater and naturally produced brevetoxins from K. brevis. Quantification of brevetoxin in the extracts was determined using four independent methods: receptor binding assay (RBA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), neuroblastoma (N2A) cytotoxicity assay, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). In addition to quantification of the brevetoxin concentration, LC/MS analysis provided identification of individual congeners and each of their hydrolyzed products. SPEC disc extractions prepared from sonicated cultures of non-brevetoxin-producing Karenia mikimotoi cultures spiked with PbTx-3 yielded extraction efficiencies of 108, 99, and 125% as determined by the RBA, RIA, and N2A cytotoxicity assay, respectively. In SPEC disc extracts of brevetoxin-producing K. brevis (isolate SP3) cultures, LC/MS analysis yielded the highest total concentrations, possibly due to the concurrent detection of hydrolytic brevetoxin congeners that accounted for up to 20% of the congener profile. Relative to the brevetoxin concentration as determined by LC/MS, the RBA, RIA, and N2A cytotoxicity assay detected 73, 83, and 51% of the total brevetoxin concentration. Stability experiments demonstrated that brevetoxins remain stable on the SPEC discs for at least 30 days, making this extraction method suitable for shipboard collections.     

How did pygmy shrews colonize Ireland? Clues from a phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences.

There is a long-standing debate as to how Ireland attained its present fauna; we help to inform this debate with a molecular study of one species. A 1110 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was sequenced in 74 specimens of the pygmy shrew, Sorex minutus, collected from throughout its western Palaearctic range. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences revealed several well-supported lineages. Most of the 65 haplotypes belonged to a northern lineage, which ranged from Britain in the west to Lake Baikal in the east. The other lineages were largely limited to Iberia, Italy and the Balkans. One exception, however, was a lineage found in both Ireland and Andorra. This affinity, and the large difference between the mitochondrial sequences of Irish and British individuals, suggest that pygmy shrews did not colonize Ireland via a land connection from Britain, as has been previously supposed, but instead were introduced by boat from southwest continental Europe. All the Irish pygmy shrews analysed were identical or very similar in cytochrome b sequence, suggesting an extreme founding event.     

Biochemical characterization of distinct regions of SPEC molecules and their role in phagocytosis

Cdc42 signaling pathways play important roles in immune cell polarization and cytoskeletal changes. Although the small Cdc42-binding proteins SPEC1 and SPEC2 play a role in F-actin accumulation in activated T lymphocytes, little is known about their precise activities in other cell types. Here, we mapped the Cdc42-binding activity of SPEC1 to the CRIB sequence and a downstream alpha helical region. Biochemical studies revealed that SPEC1 did not interact with a Rac1 switch-of-function mutant capable of inducing Cdc42-like filopodia, potentially eliminating a role for SPECs in this process. A phosphoinositide-binding region was identified within a basic region N-terminal to the CRIB sequence of SPEC1. Using an anti-SPEC2 antibody, we found that endogenous SPEC2 colocalized with Cdc42 at the phagocytic cup of macrophages internalizing zymosan A particles prior to significant F-actin accumulation. Overexpression studies of the related SPEC1 protein induced marked macrophage contraction and prevented particle binding and phagocytosis. Although a Cdc42-binding mutant of SPEC1 still caused macrophage contraction, mutations within the N-terminal cysteines and phosphoinositide-binding region reversed macrophage contraction but still resulted in impaired phagocytosis. These results identify three distinct structural and functional regions within SPECs and demonstrate their likely role in early contractile events in phagocytosis.     

SPECs, small binding proteins for Cdc42

The Rho GTPase, Cdc42, regulates a wide variety of cellular activities including actin polymerization, focal complex assembly, and kinase signaling. We have identified a new family of very small Cdc42-binding proteins, designated SPECs (for Small Protein Effector of Cdc42), that modulates these regulatory activities. The two human members, SPEC1 and SPEC2, encode proteins of 79 and 84 amino acids, respectively. Both contain a conserved N-terminal region and a centrally located CRIB (Cdc42/Rac Interactive Binding) domain. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we found that both SPECs interact strongly with Cdc42, weakly with Rac1, and not at all with RhoA. Transfection analysis revealed that SPEC1 inhibited Cdc42-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in COS1 cells in a manner that required an intact CRIB domain. Immunofluorescence experiments in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts demonstrated that both SPEC1 and SPEC2 showed a cortical localization and induced the formation of cell surface membrane blebs, which was not dependent on Cdc42 activity. Cotransfection experiments demonstrated that SPEC1 altered Cdc42-induced cell shape changes both in COS1 cells and in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and that this alteration required an intact CRIB domain. These results suggest that SPECs act as novel scaffold molecules to coordinate and/or mediate Cdc42 signaling activities.     

First report of Neospora caninum abortion in a beef cow-calf herd from Andorra, Europe

Neospora caninum-associated abortion was diagnosed in a 7-mo gestational age beef cow fetus from Andorra. The fetus had a multifocal necrotizing encephalitis and nonpurulent multifocal myocarditis. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of N. caninum DNA by polymerase chain reaction and tachyzoites by specific staining with N. caninum polyclonal antibodies in the fetal brain. The dam of the aborted fetus had serum N. caninum antibodies at the time of abortion but not 2 mo before abortion took place. This is the first report of N. caninum abortion in Andorra and the first confirmed N. caninum abortion in an acutely infected cow.     

Determining high value areas for steppe birds in Spain: hot spots,complementarity and the efficiency of protected areas

We have examined the distribution of 26 species of steppe birds in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands within a grid of 5,070 10 × 10 km grid cells. The most valuable areas for steppe birds have been identified by selecting the upper 5% of the 10 × 10 km grid cells after a simple ranking based on the following criteria: species-richness, richness of rare species, rarity index, species vulnerability at Spanish, European and Global levels, and using an index combining the previous criteria. We have also used a heuristic algorithm to select those areas which offered most complementarity. The results have been analysed on a national scale and have been compared with those obtained by species assessments in previous status summaries. Finally, we have performed an analysis of the coverage afforded to locations which are valuable for steppe species by Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) and Special Protected Areas (SPAs), and an evaluation of the potential effects of temporal changes in species’ threat-status. The combined index was the most reliable criterion for defining hotspots, encompassing 15% of the species’ distributions within 5% of the total area considered. This index showed a high level of geographical concordance with the other criteria (nearly 70% of the selected grid cells coincided). Analysis of complementarity delivered poorer results than simple rank-scoring. The analysis of the efficiency of NPA network showed a very low coverage (less than 2%) of the hotspots selected according to the Combined Index. Coverage of the SPA network was higher (nearly 45%), although it diminished (to <35%) when only steppe-defined SPAs were included. The geographical concordance between high-value areas selected using current status summaries and those chosen using earlier ones was low for European threat status (53.4%), intermediate (63.2%) for Spanish threat status and high for SPEC status (78.1%). The Combined Index showed a high level of geographical concordance between the old and new data (76.6%). We conclude that automatic scoring methods (identifying hotspots) are useful for selecting valuable areas and for analysing the efficiency of the network of protected natural spaces, as well as for examining the potential effects of status changes on hotspot definition. Furthermore, the Spanish SPA network does not cover the most important areas for steppe birds adequately.