Genetic cohesion of Eresus walckenaeri (Araneae, Eresidae) in the eastern Mediterranean

The eresid spider genus Eresus is morphologically and ecologically conservative. At least three species occur in Europe. However, deep genetic divergence among geographical samples within two species, E. cinnaberinus and E. sandaliatus , may suggest more cryptic species. In the present study we investigate the genetic cohesion of the third species, Eresus walckenaeri , throughout its eastern Mediterranean distribution range, relative to the E. cinnaberinus–E. sandaliatus species complex. Eresus walckenaeri specimens were monophyletic. Genetic discreteness of E. walckenaeri in a region of sympatry with its sister species in Greece provides evidence for species integrity of E. walckenaeri within the European Eresus species complex. Eresus walckenaeri exhibited high concordance between geographical location and mtDNA genealogy. Two major phylogeographical clades were found in the Greek–Turkish and Syrian–Israel parts of the investigated area, respectively (∼6.5% sequence divergence). Concordance between geography and genetic divergence was further observed between Aegean island samples and their corresponding Greek and Turkish mainland samples, suggesting regional subdivision with gradual but potentially high dispersal propensity. Monophyly and limited regional distribution indicate Mediterranean endemic origin.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 86 , 1–9.     

Revision of the Neotropical genus Chimarrhodella Lestage (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae)

Abstract. A revision and phylogenetic analysis of the Neotropical genus Chimarrhodella Lestage is presented. Four described species are recognized, C.galeata (Martynov), C.peruviana (Ross), C.ulmeri (Ross) and C.nigra Flint. In addition, five new species are described, C.costaricensis sp.n. (Costa Rica), C.tapanti sp.n. (Costa Rica), C.flinti sp.n. (Venezuela), C.pilcopata , sp.n. (Peru) and C.tobagoensis sp.n. (Tobago). These species are organized into two monophyletic species groups, designated here the Galeata Group and the Peruviana Group. The Galeata Group is characterized by having male genitalia with tergum X possessing well developed lateral lobes bearing sclerotized, spine-like processes and includes C.galeata, C.costaricensis, C.flinti, C.pilcopata and C.tapanti. The Peruviana Group is characterized by having male genitalia with tergum X only slightly divided apically, tergum IX bearing hook-like processes posteriorly, and female genitalia with segment VIII much elongated in comparison to the Galeata Group and includes C.peruviana, C.nigra, C.tobagoensis and C.ulmeri. Records of the genus from Costa Rica and Tobago represent significant extensions of the known range for the genus, previously unknown north of Panama. A key to males and known females and a species-level phylogenetic analysis are included.     

Korotnevella hemistylolepis n. sp. and Korotnevella monacantholepis n. sp. (Paramoebidae), two new scale-covered mesohaline amoebae

Two new species of Korotnevella Goodkov, 1988, Korotnevella hemistylolepis n. sp. and Korotnevella monacantholepis n. sp., are described from mesohaline ecosystems. The amoebae are characterized on the basis of light and electron microscopy with special emphasis on the structure of the basket scales, which have species-specific architecture. The two new species are the second and third ones recovered from environments other than freshwater. In terms of scale morphology they most closely resemble a freshwater species, Korotnevella bulla (Schaeffer, 1926) Goodkov, 1988. Two genus names, Dactylamoeba Korotnev, 1880 and Korotnevella Goodkov, 1988, are in current use. The latter name is preferred, pending rediscovery and characterization of Dactylamoeba elongata Korotnev, 1880, the type species of the genus. Korotnevella species can be divided into three groups on the basis of scale morphology, suggesting that the genus may not be monophyletic. A key to species is provided.     

Eriorhynchidae, a new family of Prostigmata (Acarina), with a cladistic analysis of eupodoid species of Australia and New Zealand

A new family of eupodine Prostigmata, Eriorhynchidae fam.n. , is established to accommodate Eriorhynchus gen.n. , and five species from Australia: E.australicus (Womersley), E.hades sp.n. , E.ramosus sp.n. , E.walteri sp.n. and E.womersleyi sp.n. The new family is unique in the possession of 15–34 setae on the gnathosomatic base, a naso-prodorsal process with 9–28 setae and a palp tibia with 6 or 7 setae. A key to the families of Eupodoidea is provided. A cladistic analysis of twenty-seven eupodoid species from Australia and New Zealand is presented. Results indicate that the genus Eriorhynchus gen.n. (thus Eriorhynchidae) is monophyletic, and the Australian and New Zealand species of Halotydeus Berlese, Penthaleus C. L. Koch, Rhagidia Thorell and Stereotydeus Berlese form separate monophyletic goups, while the Penthaleidae are not monophyletic. The new family Eriorhynchidae is a sister group to a clade consisting of Penthaleus and Chromotydaeus quartus Qin & Halliday.     

A taxonomic revision of the Hilara maura-group (Diptera: Empididae) in Europe

Abstract. The European species of the Hilara maura-group are revised. Three species are described as new to science, namely, H.nitidorella sp.n., H.discalis sp.n. (both temperate Central and Western Europe) and H.mauroides sp.n. (Caucasus, male only). A further five species, H.hybrida Collin, H.femorella Zetterstedt, H.sulcitarsis Strobl, H.tyrolensis Strobl and H.bartaki Straka are redescribed, and H.eumera Loew, 1873 becomes a new synonym of H.nitidula Zetterstedt, 1838. Seven lectotypes are designated. All IS European species are keyed, the main differential characters are illustrated, and additional data on biology and distribution are given. The Hilara maura-group is recognized as a monophyletic group within the genus, characterized by a set of apomorphous characters, and the hypothetical phylogenetic relationships of the species, classified into four natural complexes, are demonstrated.     

Cucujus tulliae sp. n. - an endemic Mediterranean saproxylic beetle from genus Cucujus Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera, Cucujidae), and keys for identification of adults and larvae native to Europe

Cucujus tulliaesp. n. is described as a new member of genus Cucujus Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera, Cucujidae), which enumerates at present eleven species distributed in Eurasia and northern America. This saproxylic beetle is the first Cucujus species known only from Mediterranean and it is probably endemic to Calabria (Italy). The species was found especially in old-growth mountain forests of high conservation value (i.e. national parks) dominated by Calabrian pine (Pinus laricio calabrica). We hypothesize that Cucujus tulliae sp. n. probably evolved from isolated populations of Cucujus haematodes Erichson, 1845. The species is thus relictual and of high conservation value, corresponding at least to endangered (EN) category with respect to recent IUCN criterion. Cucujus tulliae sp. n. is here compared with two species native to Europe - Cucujus haematodes and Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763) and with the Caucasian Cucujus haematodes caucasicus Motschulsky, 1845, which is confirmed as a valid subspecies. The male genitalia of this Caucasian form have been examined and illustrated for the first time. A comprehensive key to adults and larvae of European species is provided.     

Diversity of the Southeast Asian leaf turtle genus Cyclemys: how many leaves on its tree of life?

In the present study, we use mtDNA sequence data (cyt b gene) in combination with nuclear DNA sequences (C-mos, Rag2 genes, R35 intron), nuclear genomic fingerprints (ISSR) and morphological data to reveal species diversity within the Southeast Asian leaf turtle genus Cyclemys , a morphologically difficult group comprising cryptic species. Two morphologically distinct major groupings exist, a yellow-bellied species group with three taxa ( Cyclemys atripons , C. dentata , C. pulchristriata ) and a dark-bellied species group. The latter contains besides the morphologically variable C. oldhamii three additional new species ( C. enigmatica n. sp., C. fusca n. sp., C. gemeli n. sp.). According to mtDNA data, C. fusca and C. gemeli constitute with high support the sister group of a clade comprising all other species, indicating that the dark-bellied species are not monophyletic, despite morphological similarity. mtDNA sequences of C. enigmatica , being highly distinct in nuclear genomic markers, do not differ from the sympatric C. dentata , suggesting that the original mitochondrial genome of C. enigmatica was lost due to introgressive hybridization. Morphological discrimination of Cyclemys species is possible using multivariate methods. However, gross morphology of most dark-bellied species on the one hand and of C. atripons and C. pulchristriata on the other is so similar that reliable species determination is only possible when genetic markers are used. The high diversity within Cyclemys requires revision of the IUCN Red List Categories for leaf turtles because the former assessment was based on the wrong assumption that in the entire range of the genus occurs only a single species.     

Auf Exkursion in Südmähren

South Moravia in the south of the Czech Republic is a region of high faunistic diversity. This is due to both, the geologically diverse landscape, e. g. in the area of the cross‐border Thayatal National Park, and the fact that there the Hercynian woodland of Western Europe meets the Pannonian steppe of Southeast Europe. During ten one‐week zoological excursions with biology students of the University of Duisburg‐Essen between 2009 and 2018, a whole string of fascinating animal species of this area could be observed or caught and was subsequently discussed. The main focus was on the avifauna, with many different breeding species like corn bunting, black stork, Eurasian hoopoe, European bee‐eater or kingfisher and great reed warbler. A second emphasis was on the herpetofauna. European green lizard and Aesculapian snake are locally abundant and well observable, European tree frog, fire salamander and European fire‐bellied toad can also be found. One of the most remarkable mammals is the European ground squirrel. Among the invertebrates there are also charismatic species like the spiders Philaeus chrysops and Eresus moravicus or the bush cricket Saga pedo. In this article many species are discussed in the context of their habitats, complemented by a list of all vertebrates successfully determined during the excursions.     

The giant cryptic amphipod species of the subterranean genus Niphargus (Crustacea,Amphipoda)

Amphipods from the genus Niphargus represent an important part of the Western Palearctic subterranean fauna. The genus is morphologically diverse, comprising several distinct ecomorphs bound to microhabitats in the subterranean environment. The most impressive among them are “lake giants,” a series of massive, large‐bodied species. These range from morphologically distinct to morphologically cryptic taxa. We analysed the taxonomic structure of the Niphargus arbiter–Niphargus salonitanus species complex, belonging to “lake giants” from the Dinaric Karst (West Balkans), and assessed their phylogenetic, morphological and ecological diversity. Multilocus phylogeny suggested that the complex is monophyletic and nested within other cave lake ecomorphs. Unilocus and multilocus coalescence species delimitations indicated that the complex totals nine species. These species substantially overlap in morphology and cannot be unambiguously told apart without the use of molecular markers. An analysis of splitting events within a palaeogeological context, and modelling of environmental characteristics on the phylogeny unveiled a complex history of diversification. Part of this diversification might have been influenced by ecological divergence along the altitudinal gradient reaching from the Adriatic coast to inland Dinaric mountain chains and Poljes. Other splits coincide with the marine regression–transgression cycles during Pliocene. We describe Niphargus alpheus sp. n., Niphargus anchialinus sp. n., Niphargus antipodes sp. n., Niphargus arethusa sp. n., Niphargus doli sp. n., Niphargus fjakae sp. n. and Niphargus pincinovae sp. n., and by doing so hope to prompt their further research.     

Assessment of monophyly of species-groups within Afrotropical Empidini (Diptera: Empididae: Empidinae), with a cladistic analysis of the Empis setitarsus-group

Abstract.  The Afrotropical Empidini are reviewed from a phylogenetic point of view. Seven monophyletic groups are recognized within the tribe, namely Empis ( Coptophlebia ) bivittata , E. ( C ) chrysocera , E. ( C ) hyalea , E. ( C ) namwamba , E. ( C ) poecilosoma , E. ( Disneyempis ) and E. setitarsus . Their monophyly is assessed by comparison with the remaining Empidini. The E. setitarsus -group is cladistically analysed to study the evolution of the length of vein M1 by optimization on the cladogram, and the status of subgenus Coptophlebia Bezzi is discussed. A key to the seven Afrotropical species-groups of Empidini is provided, genus Rhamphomyia is no longer recognized for the Afrotropical Region, and four new species belonging to the E. setitarsus -group, namely E. cinerarius sp.n., E. pseudosetitarsus sp.n., E. spinosa sp.n and E. spungaberaensis sp.n., are described and included in a key to all known species of this group.     

Revision of the genus Pseudabris Fairmaire (Coleoptera,Meloidae), an endemic to the Tibetan Plateau,with biogeographical comments

The mylabrine genus Pseudabris is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and includes seven species with overlapping or disjunct ranges. The genus is revised: three new species, P. brevipilosa sp.n., P. latimaculata sp.n., P. regularis sp.n., are described and illustrated, and a key to the species is provided. Molecular evidence supports the placement of Pseudabris within the tribe Mylabrini. Results of a morphology‐based cladistic analysis support the existence of two lineages, one centred mainly on the south central plateau, and the second in the eastern area. Faunistics and bionomics of the genus are summarized, focusing on phenology, elevation, habitat preference and host plants. The endemism of the Tibetan Plateau is discussed, with a special focus on the genus Pseudabris.     

New species and new genus of Pseudohaploporinae (Digenea): Pseudohaploporus pusitestis sp. n. and Parahaploporus elegantus n. g., sp. n. (Digenea: Pseudohaploporinae) from Vietnamese mullet fish

Two new species of Pseudohaploporinae, Pseudohaploporus pusitestis sp. n. and Parahaploporus elegantus n. g., sp. n., are described from intestines of the Vietnamese mullet fish Moolgarda seheli and Osteomugil cunnesius, respectively. Pseudohaploporus pusitestis sp. n. differs from two known Pseudohaploporus species, P. vietnamensis and P. planiliza, by the absence of a diverticulate hermaphroditic duct and muscular sphincters at the proximal end of the hermaphroditic sac. Metrically, P. pusitestis sp. n. is close to P. vietnamensis and differs from this species and from P. planilizum by lower maximum sizes of most parameters. Parahaploporus elegantus n. g., sp. differs from representatives of Pseudohaploporus by the presence of a single testis and the armament of hermaphroditic duct and is morphologically close to trematodes of the genus Haploporus. However, P. elegantus n. g differs from all known Haploporus species from mugilids of the Indo-West Pacific by the structure of the armament of the hermaphroditic duct and also by size of body, organs and eggs. The validity of designating two new species and a new genus of trematodes is supported by ITS and 28S rDNA sequence data. Phylogenetic reconstructions showed that the new trematodes belong to the Pseudohaploporinae, which formed a well-supported cluster within the monophyletic Haploporidae.     

Phylogenetic relationships and evolution in Chrysosplenium (Saxifragaceae) based on matK sequence data

Chrysosplenium (Saxifragaceae) consists of 57 species widely distributed in temperate and arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with two species restricted to the southern part of South America. Species relationships within the genus are highly problematic. The genus has traditionally been divided into two groups, sometimes recognized as sections (Oppositifolia and Alternifolia), based on leaf arrangement, or, alternatively, into 17 series. Based on morphological features, Hara suggested that the genus originated in South America and then subsequently migrated to the Northern Hemisphere. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences of the chloroplast gene matK for species of Chrysosplenium to elucidate relationships, test Hara's biogeographic hypothesis for the genus, and examine chromosomal and gynoecial diversification. These analyses revealed that both sections Oppositifolia and Alternifolia are monophyletic and form two large sister clades. Hence, leaf arrangement is a good indicator of relationships within this genus. Hara's series Pilosa and Macrostemon are each also monophyletic; however, series Oppositifolia, Alternifolia, and Nepalensia are clearly not monophyletic. MacClade reconstructions suggest that the genus arose in Eastern Asia, rather than in South America, with several independent migration events from Asia to the New World. In one well-defined subclade, species from eastern and western North America form a discrete clade, with Old World species as their sister group, suggesting that the eastern and western North American taxa diverged following migration to that continent. The South American species forms a clade with species from eastern Asia; this disjunction may be the result of ancient long-distance dispersal. Character mapping demonstrated that gynoecial diversification is dynamic, with reversals from inferior to half-inferior ovaries, as well as to ovaries that appear superior. Chromosomal evolution also appears to be labile with several independent origins of n = 12 (from an original number of n = 11) and multiple episodes of aneuploidy.     

Taxonomic position of the cricket genus Eneopteroides Chopard, 1956 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea,Podoscirtidae), with descriptions of two new species

The cricket genus Eneopteroides Chopard, 1956 is transferred from the Eneopteridae to the Podoscirtidae owing to characters in external morphology and male genitalia. One species initially described in the genus Aphonomorphus Rehn, 1903, A. bicolor Hebard, 1928b, is transferred to Eneopteroides and two new species from western Amazonia are described, E. loretensis n. sp. and E. cordobensis n. sp.     

中国哎猎蝽属厘订（半翅目：猎蝽科：盗猎蝽亚科）

本文作者对中国的哎猎蝽属EctomocorisMayr进行了订正。 此属国内以前记述共4种。通过研究发现黑哎猎蝽E.atrox(Stal)实际上包括另一个种——小黑哎猎蝽E.maldonadoi,新种;我们观察的黑哎猪蝽的所有中国标本均比爪哇产的选模标本体大色深,二者雌虫生殖节的构造亦有一定差异,但其色斑型相似;前者是否应作为一亚种或新种尚需研究东南亚一带的大宗标本。二星哎猎蝽E.biguttulusStal与产菲律宾的模式标本在色斑的大小及形状上稍有差异,其地理变异及种群分化有待进一步研究。黑缘哎猎蝽E.erebus Distant,1904是马达加斯加产E.erebus(Distant),1903的同名,故而给前者以新名E.distanti Cai et Lu。“黄斑哎猎蝽”E.flavomaculatusStal为E.yayeyamae(Mats.)的错误鉴定,真正的E.flavomaculatusStal目前还没有在我国发现;由于其中文名称系据E.flavomaculaus的种名而来,所以作者建议E.yayeyamae(Mats.)的中名为“亚哎猎蝽”,这样中文名称不仅是根据其种名的第一个音节的发音,而且还意味着其在亚洲的分布。 根据亚哎猎蝽E.yayeyamae(Mats.)阳茎的特殊结构,建立了双臂哎猎蝽亚属Biarmocoris Cai et Lu,亚属名以其内阳茎体有两个臂状骨化结构而得。 文中为4种哎猎蝽E.atrox(Stal),E.biguttulus Stal,E.erebus(Distant)     

New Late Triassic gastropods from the wallowa Terrane (Idaho) and their biogeographic significance

Summary Two characteristic new species and one new genus are described from the Late Triassic of Idaho (Wallowa Terrane):Brochidiella idahoensis n. gen., n. sp. andPtychostoma ornata n. sp.Brochidiella is only known from western North America.Ptychostoma is present in the Carnian of the European Alps (Tethys) and is widespread in the western part of the North American continent (Panthalassa). Late Triassic gastropod faunas from the accreted terranes of North America are poorly known but hold a great potential for future palaeobiogeographic reconstructions.     

FOUR NEW SPECIES OF TAMBJA BURN, 1962 (NUDIBRANCHIA: POLYCERIDAE) FROM THE INDO-PACIFIC

The genus Tambja previously included 24 described species. Fournew species, T. tentaculata n. sp., T. gabrielae n. sp., T.zulu n. sp. and Tambja victoriae n. sp., from the Indo-Pacificare described. Tambja tentaculata n. sp., from Guam, is theonly known species in the genus with well developed, dorsolaterallygrooved, oral tentacles. Its inner lateral teeth have a bifidinner cusp with two long, sharp denticles. The oral tentaclesof T. tentaculata are more typical of Roboastra species, whilethe shape of the inner lateral teeth is more typical of Tambja.Nevertheless, the arrangement of the two cusps of the innerlateral teeth and the presence of a rachidian tooth withoutdenticles and with a central notch at the anterior edge, typicalof the species of the genus Tambja, suggest the placement withinthis genus. Tambja gabrielae n. sp., from Indonesia and PapuaNew Guinea, has dark green to dark brown ground colour withbright yellow patches scattered on the body. Tambja zulu n.sp. from Durban, South Africa, is characterized by a black groundcolour with slender yellow longitudinal lines. Tambja victoriaen. sp. is a new species from Papua New Guinea and Australiathat has frequently been misidentified as Roboastra arika, characterizedby its blue body colour and yellow lines. The four species aredistinguishable based on differences in body coloration, ofcharacters of the radula and of the reproductive system. Anoverview on distinguishing features of all known Indo-PacificTambja species is presented. (Received 21 June 2004; accepted 20 January 2005)     

Description of a new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the western Derby eland Taurotragus derbianus derbianus Gray (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Senegal

Examination of faecal samples from semi-captive western Derby elands Taurotragus derbianus derbianus Gray, in the Bandia and Fathala Reserves of Senegal, revealed the presence of o?cysts of the genus Eimeria Schneider, 1875 that we considered to represent a new species, Eimeria derbiani n. sp. The new species possesses nearly ellipsoidal o?cysts (length/width ratio 1.3) with a bi-layered wall and an average size of 27.6 × 21.5 μm. E. derbiani possesses a micropyle covered by a micropylar cap and ovoidal, single-layered sporocysts with an average size of 14.9 × 7.7 μm, each with a Stieda body. Sporozoites of E. derbiani possess a large refractile body and a nucleus. Sporulation lasted for 2 days at 23°C. The new species is differentiated from the two species parasitising Taurotragus oryx Pallas, E. canna Triffitt, 1924 and E. triffittae Yakimoff, 1934.