Description of a new species and redescription of two species of the genus Limoniscus Reitter (Coleoptera,Elateridae, Dendrometrinae) from Japan

We presented a revised taxonomy of two allied species, Limoniscus mitokiiKishii, 2004 and L. ogatai (Kishii, 1985), from western Japan. Through this revision, we found a new species, L. spelunca sp. n., from the type series of L. ogatai. The new species is different in its frons, antennae, prosternum, and aedeagus compared with L. mitokii and L. ogatai. We also reviewed the current understanding of Japanese Limoniscus species, and provided a key to the 23 Limoniscus species found in Japan. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:56104650-EAA9-42E9-AFC3-91D7DCA53938.     

Two new species ofInocybe, sectionMarginatae (Agaricales, Cortinariaceae) from Japan

Two new species of the sectionMarginatae are described, namely,Inocybe populea sp. nov. andI. leptoclada sp. nov., from western Japan and eastern Japan, respectively.Inocybe leptoclada is assigned to sectionMarginatae, even though it lacks a marginate bulb.Inocybe populea is placed in the sectionMarginatae because of the presence of a marginate (often indistinct) bulbous base of stipe and the caulocystidia throughout. The discoveries ofI. leptoclada andI. populea provide further evidence that sectionMarginatae and sectionInocybe [=Cortinatae] are poorly defined.     

A new species, Polydactylus siamensis, from Thailand and redescription of P. plebeius (Broussonet, 1782) with designation of a neotype (Perciformes: Polynemidae)

A new species, Polydactylus siamensis, is described on the basis of eight specimens from Thailand. The species is similar to P. plebeius (Broussonet, 1782) in having five pectoral filaments and several dark stripes along the scale rows above and below the lateral line, but differs from the latter in having lower counts of pectoral fin rays (15 vs. 16–18 in P. plebeius), pored lateral line scales (54–58 vs. 60–68), scale rows above and below the lateral line (7 and 10 or 11, respectively vs. 8 or 9 and 12 or 13, respectively) and gill rakers (9 or 10 upper series, 13 or 14 lower and 22–24 total vs. 9–14, 13–18 and 24–32, respectively), and a longer upper jaw (mean 17% [range 16–17%] of standard length vs. 15% [13–16%]). Polydactylus siamensis is currently known only from Bangkok and Songkhla, Gulf of Thailand, and Phuket Island, Andaman Sea, whereas P. plebeius is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. Received: January 12, 2000 / Revised: September 15, 2000 / Accepted: January 12, 2001     

Ericandersonia sagamia, a new genus and species of deep-water eelpouts (Perciformes: Zoarcidae) from Japan

A new genus and species of deep-water zoarcid fish, Ericandersonia sagamia, is described on the basis of four specimens collected from Sagami Bay, Japan, at depths of 880–930 m. This species is placed in the subfamily Gymnelinae and is distinguished from all genera of gymnelines by the following characters: pseudosubmental crest present; frontals partially fused dorsally; parietals meeting in midline; pelvic fins absent; ventral ramus of posttemporal weak; postorbital head pores 5; pectoral-fin rays 14. The phylogenetic analysis (based on 42 morphological characters) indicates that its position is outside the highly modified (= advanced) genera Seleniolycus, Melanostigma, Puzanovia, Nalbantichthys, Opaeophacus, and Andriashevia.     

A new species of the genus Malakichthys (Perciformes: Acropomatidae) from Japan

A new acropomatid, Malakichthys barbatus, is described on the basis of 27 specimens (76.3–180.1 mm SL) collected from Suruga Bay to Tosa Bay, along the southern Pacific coast of Japan. The new species is unique in having numerous pairs of spines on the chin (a pair of spines in other congeners). Although the new species resembles M. elegans in having a slender body (the depth less than 35% SL), the former is further distinguishable from the latter in having a slender first proximal radial of the anal fin with no hollow (broad with a cone-shaped hollow in M. elegans), 43–48 lateral line scales (48–51), modally 21 gill rakers on the lower arm (modally 23), and a dark blotch on the opercle (no remarkable blotch). Received: July 2, 2000 / Revised: September 27, 2000 / Accepted: January 30, 2001     

Description and phylogeny of a new species of Eimeria from double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) near Fort Gaines, Georgia

The renal parasite Eimeria auritusi has caused several mortality events in double-crested cormorants (DCC; Phalacrocorax auritus) in the Midwest and southeastern United States. This parasite has only been detected during large-scale outbreaks, and its presence and prevalence in healthy populations of cormorants is unknown. In this study, 80 DCC were collected from the Chattahoochee River near Fort Gaines, Georgia, and examined for kidney and intestinal coccidia. Eighteen (22.5%) and 56 (70%) of the DCC were positive for E. auritusi and a new species of intestinal Eimeria, respectively. Oocysts of the new intestinal Eimeria species had a thin colorless wall, were ovoid with rare bumps on the outer surface, and measured 17.1 microm +/- 1.5 x 14.7 microm +/- 1.0 (16-18.5 x 13-17), with an average length:width ratio of 1.17 microm (1.03-1.29). A prominent micropyle (4-4.5 microm) was present, and a large oval-to-round polar body (2.5 microm) was located beneath the micropyle. Sporocysts were ovoid and measured 9.6 microm +/- 0.6 x 5.9 microm +/- 0.5 (8.5-10.5 x 5-6.5), with an average length:width ratio of 1.63 (1.3-1.82) with small stieda body present. Amplification and sequencing of a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene indicated that the 2 DCC Eimeria species and 2 Eimeria species from cranes were in a separate group from other Eimeriidae. These data indicate that E. auritusi and this new species of intestinal Eimeria are prevalent in this apparently healthy DCC population. The cause of renal coccidiosis outbreaks in other populations of cormorants is unknown but could be due to crowding or stress during the winter months or some other associated pathogen or immunosuppressor that might predispose individuals to clinical disease.     

A new species of the genusamblyeleotris (pisces: Gobiidae) from Japan

A new shrimp-associated goby,Amblyeleotris melanocephala, is described on the basis of specimens from Okinoshima Island. Kochi Prefecture, and Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The species is distinguished from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: head dark brown, a few yellow spots on pectoral fin base and opercular margin, 13 second dorsal and 13 anal fin soft rays, 20 pectoral fin rays, longitudinal scales 92–101, proportional length of interpelvic connecting membrane relative to longest pelvic fin ray (CM-value) 0.46–0.55, presence of a ventral frenum, midline of nape naked, sides scaled above midpoint between preopercle and opercle.     

The larval head of Nevrorthidae and the phylogeny of Neuroptera (Insecta)

External and internal head structures of larvae of Nevrorthidae were described in detail. The results were compared to conditions found in other representatives of Neuroptera and the other two neuropterid orders. The cladistic analysis supported the monophyly of Neuroptera, Neuroptera exclusive of Nevrorthidae, Hemerobiiformia, and Myrmeleontiformia. Neuroptera exclusive of Nevrorthidae are supported by the formation of an undivided postmentum and the presence of cryptonephric Malpighian tubules. The highly specialized articulation of the neck (Rollengelenk) and the absence of a salivary duct are autapomorphies of Nevrorthidae. Ithonidae and Polystoechotidae form a clade and are the sister group of the remaining Hemerobiiformia, which are characterized by the complete lack of a gula and a terminal filament of the antenna. Within this lineage, a clade comprising Mantispidae, Dilaridae, Berothidae, and Rhachiberothidae is well supported. Larvae of Myrmeleontiformia are characterized by a complex transformation of head structures, with a hypostomal bridge, a small triangular gula, largely reduced maxillary grooves, and anteriorly shifted posterior tentorial grooves. The slender finger‐like mid‐dorsal apodeme is another autapomorphy of the group. Psychopsidae are placed as the sister group of the remaining Myrmeleontiformia, which are characterized by a conspicuous, protruding ocular region (often less distinct or even absent in Nemopteridae). Ascalaphidae are the sister group of Myrmeleontidae. Larvae of both families share the fusion of the tibia and tarsus in the hind leg. The larval characters analysed were not sufficient for full resolution of the myrmeleontiform and hemerobiiform lineages. The position of several families such as Osmylidae, Sisyridae, and Coniopterygidae remains uncertain. The results are in agreement with an aquatic ancestor of Neuroptera and secondarily acquired terrestrial habits within the lineage (Neuroptera exclusive of Nevrorthidae), and another invasion of the aquatic environment by Sisyridae. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 158 , 533–562.     

A new lotic species of the genus Leptocerus Leach (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae) from Japan

A new lotic species of leptocerid caddisfly, Leptocerus fluminalis sp. nov., is described based on adult and immature stages from Japan. The habitat and gut contents of this species are noted.     

Palaumysis pilifera,a new species of cave-dwelling mysid (Crustacea: Mysidacea) from Okinawa,southwestern Japan,with an additional note on P. simonae Bacescu & Iliffe, 1986

A new species of Palaumysis, P. pilifera, the fourth species of the genus, is reported from two submarine caves of Okinawa, southwestern Japan. The new species closely resemble the two species previously reported from the Pacific by possessing a multi-segmented inner flagellum in the antennule, but it differs from them in having the terminal spine of the male fourth pleopod bearing rows of fine setules (or hairs) near midlength, as opposed to a naked spine in the latter two species. The present discovery extends the geographical limit of the genus further north to 26° N in the western North Pacific. Additional information on the colour pattern and ecological feature of P. simonae Bcescu & Iliffe, 1986, are provided on the basis of newly collected material from a submarine cave on Palau.     

Description of a new Pratylenchus species from China(Tylenchida,Pratylenchidae)

Pratylenchus ekrami from maize(Zea mays) roots in Shenyang and luffa(Luffa cylindrica) roots in Dalian, China, are described in this paper. Nematodes from the two areas were identified consistently, and were characterized by a heavy cephalic sclerotization, extending posteriorly up to two body annuli, stylet 11 13 μm long, elongating conoid tail, and becoming thinner from vulva. Males were not found. Pratylenchus ekrami is close to Pratylenchus vulnus, but the most critical characteristics between the two species were the number of lip annuli, stylet size, and shape of stylet knobs. This species is the first reported in China.     

A new species of Alopoglossus lizard (Squamata,Gymnophthalmidae) from the tropical Andes,with a molecular phylogeny of the genus

We describe a new species of Alopoglossus from the Pacific slopes of the Andes in northern Ecuador based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species differs most significantly from all other congeners in having a double longitudinal row of widened gular scales, lanceolate dorsal scales in transverse rows, 29–32 dorsal scales in a transverse row at midbody, and 4 longitudinal rows of ventrals at midbody. It is most similar in morphology to A. festae, the only species of Alopoglossus currently recognized in western Ecuador. We analyze the phylogenetic relationships among species of Alopoglossus based on the mitochondrial gene ND4. Cis-Andean [east of the Andes] and Trans-Andean [west of the Andes] species are nested in two separate clades, suggesting that the uplift of these mountains had an important effect in the diversification of Alopoglossus. In addition, we present an updated key to the species of Alopoglossus.     

Description of three Pristionchus species (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) from Japan that form a cryptic species complex with the model organism P. pacificus

Three new species of Pristionchus (P. exspectatus, P. arcanus, and P. japonicus) are described from Japan. They are morphologically similar, with P. exspectatus and P. arcanus being almost indistinguishable from the model organism P. pacificus. Reproductive isolation, namely the inability to produce interfertile F1 hybrids, separates all species pairs in the species complex. Additionally, all three new species are distinguished from P. pacificus Sommer, Carta, Kim, and Sternberg, 1996 by having a gonochoristic instead of hermaphroditic mode of reproduction. In addition to its reproductive isolation, P. japonicus is distinct from other Pristionchus species by its arrangement of genital papillae. All species in the complex are separated from each other by molecular sequence divergence, as indicated by analysis of 27 nuclear protein-coding genes and unique sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. The identification of a species complex that includes P. pacificus is invaluable for studies of population genetics, speciation, and macroevolution, particularly the evolution of hermaphroditism in the genus.     

Taxonomy and molecular phylogeny of Diatrypaceae (Ascomycota,Xylariales) species from the Brazilian semi-arid region,including four new species

Members of the Diatrypaceae are predominantly saprotrophic on the decaying wood of angiosperms worldwide and the family has received little attention due to its difficult taxonomy. However, the recent detection of several pathogenic species, once considered saprotrophic, associated with the wood of diseased grapevines has increased interest in this family. The diversity of tropical species is less well known and more poorly sampled in phylogenetic studies than temperate species. In the present study, we investigated the diversity of diatrypaceous fungi from three areas in the Brazilian semi-arid region and performed phylogenetic analyses of the family based on the entire internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and partial ß-tubulin gene. Twenty-eight new ITS and 19 new ß-tubulin sequences were generated, representing eight species distributed in five clades. Diatrypella atlantica, Eutypa guttulata, Eutypella cearensis, and Peroneutypa diminutispora are proposed here as new species, while Eutypella microtheca and P. curvispora are new records for Brazil. All eight species are described, illustrated, and discussed.     

A molecular framework for the phylogeny of the Pseudocerotidae (Platyhelminthes,Polycladida)

Systematic relationships within the cotylean family Pseudocerotidae were examined using nucleotide sequences of the D3 expansion segment of the 28S rDNA gene. A previously suggested separation of Pseudoceros and Pseudobiceros based on the number of male reproductive systems was confirmed. Regardless of the algorithm employed, Pseudoceros always formed a monophyletic clade. Pseudobiceros appeared to be paraphyletic; however, a constrained maximum parsimony tree was not significantly longer (2 steps, = 0.05). Additionally, the genera Maiazoon, Phrikoceros and Tytthosoceros were validated as taxonomic entities, and their relationships to other genera within the family were determined. Molecular data also supported species separations based on colour patterns. An intraspecific genetic distance of 1.14% was found for Pseudoceros bifurcus, whereas the intrageneric distance was 3.58%. Genetic distances among genera varied, with the closest distance being 2.048% between Pseudobiceros and Maiazoon, and the largest distance (8.345%) between Pseudoceros and Tytthosoceros.     

A new sexannulate species of Orobdella (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Orobdellidae) from Yakushima Island, Japan

A new sexannulate species of the genus Orobdella Oka, 1895, Orobdella mononokesp. n., is described on the basis of five specimens collected from Yakushima Island, Japan. Orobdella mononokesp. n. differs from other sexannulate Orobdella species in its possessing the following combination of characters: dorsal surface bicolor in life, I-XIII, XXVII and caudal sucker grayish purple, XIV-XXVI amber, male gonopore at XI c11/c12, female gonopore at XIII b2, 8 + 1/2 between gonopores, tubular but bulbous at junction with crop gastroporal duct, epididymides in XV-XIX, and atrial cornua ovate. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear 18S rDNA and histone H3, and mitochondrial COI, tRNA(Cys), tRNA(Met), 12S rDNA, tRNA(Val) and 16S rDNA markers show that Orobdella mononokesp. n. is closely related to Orobdella esulcata Nakano, 2010 from Kyushu, Japan, and two species, Orobdella dolichopharynx Nakano, 2011 and Orobdella shimadae Nakano, 2011, from the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan.