New species of Echinoderes (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida) from Spitsbergen,with additional information about known Arctic species

The kinorhynch fauna in two Arctic fjords at Spitsbergen was explored and eight species of Echinoderes were recorded, of which three are new to science and described herein. Echinoderes daenerysae sp. nov. is recognized by middorsal spines on segments 6 and 8 only, lateroventral spines on segments 6–9, laterodorsal and ventrolateral tubes on segment 2, lateroventral tubes on segment 5, lateral accessory tubes on segment 8, laterodorsal tubes on segment 9 and small laterodorsal tubes on segment 10. Echinoderes rhaegali sp. nov. has middorsal spines on segments 4, 6 and 8, lateroventral spines on segments 6–9, sublateral and ventrolateral tubes on segment 2, lateroventral tubes on segment 5, lateral accessory tubes on segment 8 and laterodorsal tubes on segment 10 in males. Echinoderes drogoni sp. nov. has middorsal spines on segments 4–8, lateroventral spines on segments 6–9, lateral accessory tubes on segment 5, glandular cell outlets type 2 in subdorsal, laterodorsal, sublateral and ventromedial positions on segments 2, in midlateral positions on segment 5, in sublateral positions on segment 8 and in subdorsal positions on segment 10; segment 11 has divided tergal plates. Moreover, types of other Arctic Echinoderes, including E. angustus, E. aquilonius, E. eximus, E. peterseni, E. svetlanae and E. tubilak, were re-examined and new information on glandular cell outlets type 2 is provided. Our results suggest that Arctic Echinoderes species have a circum-Artic distribution. Morphological analysis indicates that the occurrence of tubes may show intraspecific variation.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CBE29FE8-9233-4E3C-9757-FF9576B06C74     

Meristoderes gen. nov., a new kinorhynch genus, with the description of two new species and their implications for echinoderid phylogeny (Kinorhyncha: Cyclorhagida, Echinoderidae)

A new kinorhynch genus, Meristoderes gen. nov., and two new species from Spain and the Solomon Islands, respectively, are described. The new genus is distinguished from all other genera by the first segment consisting of a closed cuticular ring, and the second segment having partial tergosternal junctions, and a superficial midventral fold. This is a new cuticular configuration that may shed light into the phylogenetic relationships of echinoderid kinorhynchs. Meristoderes macracanthus gen. et sp. nov. from the Mediterranean coast of Spain is recognised by the presence of middorsal spines on segments 4, 6 and 8, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8, one pair of laterodorsal tubules on segment 10. Meristoderes galatheae sp. nov. from the Solomon Islands is recognized by having a middorsal spine on segment 4 only, ventrolateral tubules on segment 2, lateroventral tubules on segment 5, lateroventral spines on segments 6-9, lateral accessory tubules on segment 8 and subdorsal tubules on segment 10. Both species have a pattern of paraventral perforation site clusters on segments 3-9, with conspicuously long bracteate hairs from the posteriormost perforations sites on the segments 3-7 and 3-6, respectively.The new genus Meristoderes gen. nov. is included into the family Echinoderidae Bütschli, 1876 and appears closely related with the genera Cephalorhyncha Adrianov, 1999 and Echinoderes Claparède, 1863. The new information it provides is discussed to clarify the internal phylogeny of Echinoderidae. The terminology for cuticular characters in the overlapping area between consecutive segments is also standardized.     

Taxonomy and molecular systematics of three oligotrich (s.l.) ciliates including descriptions of two new species,Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov. and Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. (Protozoa,Ciliophora)

In this study we investigated the morphology of three oligotrich (s.l.) ciliates, Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov., Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum Tsai et al., 2015 and Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. Strombidium guangdongense sp. nov. is characterized by its elongate obconical to obovoidal body shape and widely spaced dikinetids in the girdle and ventral kineties. Another new species, Strombidinopsis sinicum sp. nov. is diagnosed by its small size and semi-globular body shape without mineral envelopes. Some additional morphological data of the recently described species Cyrtostrombidium paralongisomum Tsai et al., 2015, such as the endoral membrane, are supplied based on our population. We also analysed the molecular phylogeny of each species based on small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence data. The monophyly of Cyrtostrombidium is supported by our phylogenetic analyses, but the monophyly of Strombidinopsis and of the family Strombidinopsidae are both rejected by AU tests. In addition, Strombidium species have a tail branch separately from one another in phylogenetic trees, whereas strombidiids with a pigment spot group together, suggesting the latter character is a synapomorphy for this group of strombidiids.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:35FE2AFD-A582-4885-BD01-48901E4C76C4

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E9D4A497-DAD6-4AA0-A044-A5A1D2C1A057     

Description of Megastygarctides sezginii sp. nov. (Tardigrada: Arthrotardigrada: Stygarctidae) from the Turkish Black Sea coast and a key to the genus Megastygarctides

In this paper, Megastygarctides sezginii sp. nov., a new marine species from the Black Sea (Turkey), is described. Morphological and morphometric studies have revealed that M. sezginii sp. nov. is most similar to M. setoloso Morgan & O’Reilly, 1988, but differs from it through the presence of two types of fibrils, a lack of cuticle granulation, the presence of three lateral projections with fibrils, leg fibrils arranged in transverse stripes and the presence of clumps of fibrils near the clavae. In the studied environment, the new species is frequently found in summer and almost absent in winter. Additionally, a taxonomic key for all Megastygarctides species is presented.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:53AA1D57-8700-4A18-9099-1CDDBAEB4D3A     

A new species of Polydrusus (Polydrusus) Germar (Coleoptera:Curculionidae) from the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Polydrusus (s. str.) akreanus sp. n. is a new record of Curculionidae found in Iraqi Kurdistan. The new species is described, illustrated and compared with Polydrusus (s. str.) kadleci Borovec & Germann, 2013 known from Turkey and Iran, which is morphologically similar to the new species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9FDC3C5B-6854-4DEF-BDF6-EE6809F82DEE     

Quinquelaophonte Aurantius sp. nov., a new harpacticoid species (Copepoda: Harpacticoida: Laophontidae: Quinquelaophonte) from New Zealand

The new species Quinquelaophonte aurantius sp.nov. is described, based on specimens collected in Portobello Bay, New Zealand. The species is distinguishable for having long fine setules in the anal operculum distal edge, a breadth ratio of caudal rami length above 3.5, and a rudimentary antenna abexopodal spine. This new species differentiates from Q. parasigmoides and Q. wellsi on the following autapomorphs; short spine-like outer seta in segment 2 of females P3 endopod and the partial reduction of setae in spines from male P3 and P4, longer V-shaped caudal rami, an almost non-existent terminal portion of the antenna exopod with short lateral setae. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate the position of Quinquelaophonte within the family Laophontidae.

Publication LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D5E5EB23-8348-446D-9606-EA8B27EC0EDC

LSID for Q. aurantius: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:834C4218-209B-4B70-8AD5-35512B5FCB29     

Early Miocene rodents of Gökler (Kazan Basin,Central Anatolia,Turkey)

Abstract

The rich and relatively diverse fossil mammalian assemblage from Gökler is of special importance for understanding of faunal evolution in Central Anatolia. Large mammals were not recovered, but insectivores and rodents are abundant. The assemblage of rodents is studied in detail and comprises mainly diversified cricetids. Dormice are abundant, but are represented by only one species. Squirrels are represented only by few specimens and also beaver remains were identified. Spanocricetodon sinuosus is referred to a new genus Latocricetodon nov. gen that is tentatively assigned to the Pseudocricetodontinae. Newly named species are Cricetodon goklerensis sp. nov., Democricetodon haltmari sp. nov., Eumyarion lukasi sp. nov. and Glirudinus matusi sp. nov. The rodent assemblage is assigned to local zone C which is correlated to the European biounit MN2 (early Miocene). Our biochronological assessment is supported by radiometric dating from two volcanic ash layers.

Latocricetodon

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:3414DB1E-0C5E-4154-BE5E-02A9ED183B1A

Cricetodon goklerensis

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1B658872-6C10-4355-B87C-3E6277AF4EDA

Democricetodon haltmari

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:9B13F956-7F8C-406A-9970-1F5E999E54C6

Eumyarion lukasi

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:34DED87E-855F-4969-AB84-10BED5C572BF

Glirudinus matusi

LSID http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:798ECB9A-E3B5-4C38-B5B3-FEB17AF734FE     

Mesozoic diversity of relict subfamily Kempyninae (Neuroptera: Osmylidae)

A new genus and two new species of Kempyninae (Osmylidae), Ponomarenkius excellens gen. et sp. nov. and Arbusella magna sp. nov., are described from the Middle-Upper Jurassic of Daohugou (China). The finding demonstrates that extant kempynins, a typical Gondwanan group, are overshadowed by their Mesozoic relatives in taxonomic diversity and variety of wing venation. Striped patterns of both newly described species are an example of cryptic and disruptive coloration, possibly pinnate leaf mimesis. Eyespot patterns of Arbusella magna sp. nov. can be explained as a result of sexual selection. The abundance and distribution of the Mesozoic kempynins are discussed.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CF33DEB4-0A69-407D-B1B2-1EC6537E4095     

Three new ground wētā species and a redescription of Hemiandrus maculifrons

Taxonomy lies at the heart of species conservation, yet many large New Zealand orthopterans remain undescribed. Among New Zealand’s anostostomatid wētā, Hemiandrus (ground wētā) is the most speciose genus but also the most poorly characterised and thus most in need of taxonomic and ecological work. Here we redescribe H. maculifrons and describe two new species of ground wētā previously encompassed by the specific name Hemiandrus maculifrons: Hemiandrus luna sp. nov. and H. brucei sp. nov. We also describe a morphologically similar and related species, Hemiandrus nox sp. nov.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:71EA0879-A2F9-46B2-A105-E97A9AB25061

http://zoobank.org/References/71EA0879-A2F9-46B2-A105-E97A9AB25061     

An intertidal balanomorph Hexaminius venerai sp. nov. (Austrobalanidae) colonizing a log of Podocarpoxylon from the La Meseta Formation (Eocene), Seymour Island,Antarctica: a glimpse of Antarctic antiquity

Abstract

The sessile barnacle Hexaminius venerai sp. nov. (Tetraclitoidea: Austrobalanidae) is described from the middle Eocene La Meseta Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. Hexaminius venerai sp. nov. is the earliest known record of the genus in the Antarctic, the first occurrence of Hexaminius from outside Australian waters and the first record of a fossil cirripede attached to the substrate from the Antarctic. Exceptional preservation of more than 200 specimens, some of which retain opercula within the shell, is discussed. In life, the cirripedes were attached to a tree trunk tentatively identified as Podocarpoxylon, a South Hemisphere conifer. Hexaminius venerai sp. nov. is a survivor of an early phase in balanid radiation, prior to the development of strong radially-interlocked parietes.https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EAA2EB5C-BC57-41FA-93A0-046AF5FD59EB     

A remarkable new opsiine leafhopper genus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Southern China,with notes on its phylogenetic position

A remarkable new genus of tribe Opsiini (Deltocephalinae), Yinformibus gen. nov. including Yinformibus menglaensis sp. nov. is described from Yunnan of China. The new genus is placed in the tribe Opsiini based on male adults having a pair of aedeagal shafts, each with its own gonopore. Partial 28S rDNA and Histone H3 sequences are provided for the new species, and a phylogenetic analysis based on these markers for Deltocephalinae retrieved from GenBank suggests Opsiini is monophyletic and supports the placement of Yinformibus gen. nov. in Opsiini. The molecular results placed the new genus in a clade comprising Hishimonus Ishihara, Opsius Fieber, and an undescribed genus from Zambia. Additionally, we also analysed the relationships of Yinformibus gen. nov. with other genera based on morphology.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:85C23AC3-8B19-4F29-9F55-BFC392242B51     

Alarista succina gen. et sp. nov. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) in Dominican amber

Alarista succina gen. et sp. nov. (Poaceae) is described from a single floret preserved in amber of Tertiary age originating from the Dominican Republic. The new genus is characterised by (1) a narrow-winged lemma awn, (2) numerous (as many as 17) lemma nerves, (3) a lengthy rachilla internode (implying a lax spikelet), (4) sinuous-margined long cells, (5) silica cells arranged transversely, (6) stomatal subsidiaries low domed and (7) papillae. The epidermal features are characteristic of the abaxial leaf blade surface of members of the Bambusoideae and the fossil is placed in this group.

htp://zoobank.org/033FCBF4-CD61-4C85-97E4-8418C9ABA5E6     

The first Tanyderidae (Diptera) from Lower Cretaceous Álava amber (Spain)

A new genus and species, Espanoderus barbarae gen. et sp. nov., belonging to the family Tanyderidae (Diptera, Nematocera), is described from Lower Cretaceous amber of Spain (Álava amber). The new genus is the smallest member of Tanyderinae and the first member of the family from the Álava amber. The position of the new genus in a phylogenetic tree of Tanyderidae is presented.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EC3284BA-C07F-48AC-8AF5-4F9D2EF4EA6C     

Phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus Pseudaeginella (Amphipoda: Caprellidae), with the description of a new species from Brazil

The genus Pseudaeginella is analysed herein by cladistic methods based on a morphological data matrix of 49 characters × 18 terminal taxa. Based on the results, we comment on the phylogenetic position of Paradeutella within Pseudaeginella, and we propose Pseudaeginella multispinosa comb. nov. and Pseudaeginella tanzaniensis comb. nov. Pseudaeginella freirei sp. nov. is described from the Abrolhos Bank, north-eastern Brazil. We provide an updated key to the Pseudaeginella species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F573E845-822E-41D6-8F58-FE54C5653A53     

Fissuroderes, a new genus of Kinorhyncha (Cyclorhagida) from the deep sea and continental shelf of New Zealand and from the continental shelf of Costa Rica

Specimens of Kinorhyncha collected by RV Sonne from the continental shelf off the coast of Costa Rica and from the deep sea East of New Zealand as well as by RV Kaharoa in the Firth of Thames are identified as five new species of a new genus Fissuroderes gen. nov. which is distinguished from all other kinorhynch genera by a ring-like cuticle in the first trunk segment and a cuticle with midventral and lateral articulations resulting in two sternal plates and one tergal plate in segments 2-10. Fissuroderes higginsi sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other species of Fissuroderes by a laterodorsal spine in segment 2 and the lack of a lateroventral spine in segment 8. Fissuroderes rangi sp. nov. is recognized from all other species by the lack of a ventrolateral spine in segment 2, the lack of a lateroventral spine in segment 5, an extremely elongate spinose tergal extension of segment 11 and a prominent midventral spinose process of the sternal plates in segment 11. Fissuroderes papai sp. nov. is identified by the short spinose process of the sternal plate of segment 11. Only Fissuroderes thermoi sp. nov. possesses bilobed sternal plates in segment 11 and a short conical tergal extension. Fissuroderes novaezealandia sp. nov. differs from F. higginsi sp. nov. in the lack of a laterodorsal spine in segment 2, the lack of an accessory spine in a lateral position in segment 8, the lack of a sublateral spine in segment 10, the existence of a lateroventral spine in segment 8 and in the lack of a subdorsal type 2-gland cell outlet in segment 2. The former species differs from F. papai sp. nov. in the lack of a lateroventral spine in segment 8, the lack of longitudinal indentations in the posterior part of the trunk cuticle of each segment and in the existence of an elongate spinose tergal extension of segment 11 and of many fine hairs on the surface of the cuticle. Fissuroderes is included into the Echinoderidae which is suggested to enclose also the genera Echinoderes and Cephalorhyncha. Echinoderes nybakkeni Higgins, 1988 is now combined as Cephalorhyncha nybakkeni (Higgins, 1988) comb. nov.     

Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of freshwater mussel,Potamilus streckersoni sp. nov. (Bivalvia: Unionidae): implications for conservation and management

Inaccurate systematics confound our ability to determine evolutionary processes that have led to the diversification of many taxa. The North American freshwater mussel tribe Lampsilini is one of the better-studied groups in Unionidae, however, many supraspecific relationships between lampsiline genera remain unresolved. Two genera previously hypothesized to be non-monophyletic that have been largely overlooked are Leptodea and Potamilus. We set out to resolve supraspecific relationships in Lampsilini and test the monophyly of Leptodea and Potamilus by integrating molecular, morphological, and life history data. Our molecular matrix consisted of four loci: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), and 28S ribosomal RNA. Secondly, we performed both traditional and Fourier shape morphometric analyses to evaluate morphological differences and finally, we compared our results with available life history data. Molecular data supported the paraphyly of both Leptodea and Potamilus, but nodal support was insufficient to make any conclusions regarding generic-level assignments at this time. In contrast, inference from our integrative taxonomic assessment depicts significant support for the recognition of a new species, Potamilus streckersoni sp. nov., the Brazos Heelsplitter. Our data show clear separation of three taxonomic entities in the P. ohiensis species complex: P. amphichaenus, P. ohiensis, and P. streckersoni sp. nov.; all molecularly, geographically, and morphologically diagnosable. Our findings have profound implications for unionid taxonomy and will aid stakeholders in establishing effective conservation and management strategies.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:502647C0-418B-4CC4-85A8-BD89FC3F674F     

Integrative taxonomy reveals the exceptional species diversity of Eudonia (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Tibet,China

The genus Eudonia is rarely recorded in Tibet despite having a wide occurrence in the plateau. In the taxonomy of the genus, the morphological characters are insufficient to delimit the closely related congeners due to the subtly interspecific differences and conspicuously intraspecific variability. In this study, the Tibetan species are studied with an integrative approach using molecular data and morphological characters. It is found that the number of Eudonia species in Tibet accounts for about 20% of the total species previously catalogued for the genus in China. Five species are described as new to science: Eudonia galonglaensis Li, sp. nov., E. varians Li, sp. nov., E. triangulata Li, sp. nov., E. angusta Li, sp. nov., and E. bomiensis Li, sp. nov. The potential distribution of Chinese Eudonia is predicted and illustrated using MaxEnt and DIVA-GIS. The results reveal the exceptionally high species diversity of Eudonia in Tibet for the first time, demonstrate that the integrative morphological and molecular approach is highly effective for resolving the difficult-to-distinguish morphologies, and predict the region of China to the south of 35°N and to the east of 95°E as having potentially high Eudonia species diversity.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EA3C5D21-9674-46E4-838D-48D5A098314B     

Pseudobithynia guldeni sp. n., a new gastropod species from the Mediterranean region of Turkey (Gastropoda: Truncatelloidea)

A new Bithyniidae species Pseudobithynia guldeni sp.n. is described from the Mediter-ranean region of Turkey based on shell and male genitalia morphology. An identification key for the species of Pseudobithynia of Turkey is given.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FA659D77-5B02-4C2F-9A6D-D61E676778E1