On the cicada genus Nipponosemia Kato,with description of one new species from China (Hemiptera,?Cicadidae)

The cicada genus Nipponosemia Kato is reviewed. Four species are illustrated, photographed and described, including three known species and one new species. A key to all species of this genusis presented, and information on the biology of Nipponosemia are provided. The systematic status of the tribe Cicadatrini and biogeography of Nipponosemia are discussed.     

A Review of the Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Species Complex with the Description of a New Species from Chile and Argentina

Copitarsia gibberosa n. sp. is described from Chile and Argentina. Morphological characters are discussed to differentiate it from Copitarsia decolora (Guenée), Copitarsia incommoda (Walker), and Copitarsia corruda (Pogue & Simmons). Copitarsia corruda has its status revised based on CO1 and morphology. Copitarsia paraturbata Castillo & Angulo is a new synonym of C. incommoda based on morphology. Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva is a new synonym of C. decolora based on morphology. A review of recent literature revealed a misunderstanding of the complex of species related to C. decolora, and these papers are evaluated and species are identified. Host plant utilization is discussed between C. decolora and C. corruda. Adults and male and female genitalia are illustrated to differentiate between the species in the C. decolora species complex. Keys to male and females based on genitalic morphology are given. Distribution maps of collected specimens are provided.     

On the Identity of the Genus Crassolabium (Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae)

The identity and taxonomy of the genus Crassolabium are discussed based on examination of material of C. australe, its type species and its comparison with Iberian species of close genera. The existence of refractive masses (thickenings) at the inner core of lateral lips, the most distinctive diagnostic feature of Crassolabium, is considered to be of minor taxonomical significance because of its interspecific and even intraspecific variability. It is concluded that Crassolabium and Thonus are identical, and a reversal of precedence among both genera is suggested. Crassolabium australe is re-described, and some comments are provided on C. robustum, the second species in the genus.     

Systematics and evolution of the genus Clathrobaculus Cossmann, 1912 (Gastropoda, Mathildidae)

The morphology and ontogeny of Jurassic gastropods those have been included in the genera Clathrobaculus Cossmann, 1912 and Gordenella Gründel, 1990 are discussed. Based on the ontogenetic research of their shells, several types of ontogeny are established in the species of these genera. The suggestion is made that the genus Gordenella should be considered as a junior synonym of Clathrobaculus within the family Mathildidae. The protoconchs of Clathrobaculus species are studied to reveal their morphological variability and a number of distinguishing characters in which they differ from the protoconchs of other mathildid genera. Four species of Clathrobaculus, of which two are new (C. medidilatatus and C. inconstantiplicatus), are described from the Jurassic deposits of the European part of Russia. The composition of C. fahrenkohli (Rouillier, 1846) and C. krantzi (Rouillier, 1849) is emended, and the protoconchs of these species and of the species C. inconstantiplicatus are described for the first time.     

Phylogeny and infrageneric classification of Correa Andrews (Rutaceae) on the basis of nuclear and chloroplast DNA

This paper presents phylogenies of the small but ecologically and horticulturally important Australian genus Correa (Rutaceae). Consensus phylogenies generated using parsimony were congruent with their counterparts generated by Bayesian analysis, although usually less well resolved. The phylogeny generated from the second internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA supported the monophyly of Correa and identified two well supported clades (one comprising C. lawrenceana and C. baeuerlenii and the other containing all other species of the genus). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on the combined trnL-trnF spacer and the trnK intron (including the matK gene) regions of chloroplast DNA also supported the monophyly of Correa and of the C. lawrenceana/C. baeuerlenii clade, but the topology among the other species differed markedly from that in the ITS-based phylogeny. The major clades identified in the chloroplast phylogenies seemed to follow geographic patterns rather than species boundaries, with different samples of C. glabra bearing chloroplast genotypes from different clades. These patterns are likely to be because of independent evolution of the chloroplast and nuclear genomes, and are typical of cases of introgressive hybridisation among species or incomplete lineage sorting of chloroplast genomes leading to incongruence between chloroplast and nuclear phylogenies. Thus, the phylogenies based on nuclear DNA should reflect species relations better than the chloroplast phylogeny in Correa, and we propose a new subgeneric classification of the genus on the basis of the ITS-based phylogeny and morphology. Correa subgenus Persistens Othman, Duretto and G.J. Jord., containing C. lawrenceana and C. baeuerlenii, is formally described.     

Resurrection of the genus Yezoterpnosia Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadini) based on a new definition of the genus Terpnosia Distant

The genus Terpnosia Distant is newly defined. Terpnosia elegans (Kirby) stat. rev. is resurrected from junior synonymy with Terpnosia psecas (Walker). Seven species are now considered to belong to Terpnosia sensu stricto, including two species currently placed in this genus: T. psecas (Walker) and T. elegans (Kirby) stat. rev. Five species are transferred from Pomponia Stål to Terpnosia: T. polei (Henry) comb. nov., T. lactea (Distant) comb. nov., T. similis (Schmidt) comb. nov., T. simusa (Boulard) comb. nov., and T. graecina (Distant) comb. nov. Yezoterpnosia Matsumura stat. rev. is resurrected from junior synonymy with Terpnosia. Six species formerly in the genus Terpnosia are transferred to Yezoterpnosia: Y. nigricosta (De Motschulsky), Y. ichangensis (Liu) comb. nov., Y. shaanxiensis (Sanborn) comb. nov., Y. vacua (Olivier) comb. nov., Y. obscura (Kato) comb. nov., and Y. fuscoapicalis (Kato) comb. nov. Terpnosia is placed in the subtribe Psithyristriina of the tribe Cicadini, and Yezoterpnosia is placed in the subtribe Leptopsaltriina of Cicadini. Terpnosiina syn. nov. is synonymized with Psithyristriina.     

The Diversity of Coolia spp. (Dinophyceae Ostreopsidaceae) in the Central Great Barrier Reef Region

Background

Dinoflagellates are important primary producers, crucial in marine food webs. Toxic strains, however, are the main causative agents of non-bacterial seafood poisoning, a major concern for public health worldwide. Despite their importance, taxonomic uncertainty within many genera of dinoflagellates is still high. The genus Coolia includes potentially harmful species and the diversity within the genus is just starting to become apparent.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In the current study, cultures were established from strains of Coolia spp. isolated from the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Cultures were identified based on thecal plate morphology and analyses of sequences (18S, ITS and 28S) from the nuclear rRNA operon. We report that the central GBR harbors a high diversity of Coolia species, including two species known to be capable of toxin production (C. tropicalis and C. malayensis), as well as the non-toxic C. canariensis. The strain of C. canariensis isolated from the GBR may in fact be a cryptic species, closely related but nevertheless phylogenetically distinct from the strain on which the holotype of C. canariensis was based. We also found evidence of the occurrence of a cryptic species morphologically very similar to both C. malayensis and C. monotis. The consequences of taxonomic confusion within the genus are discussed.

Conclusion/Significance

The central GBR region harbors a previously unreported high diversity of Coolia spp., including two species known to potentially produce toxins. The presence of a cryptic species of unknown toxicity highlights the importance of cryptic diversity within dinoflagellates.     

Morphological and phylogenetic studies of Cytospora (Valsaceae,Diaporthales) isolates from Chinese scholar tree,with description of a new species

Cytospora species are the most serious and widespread pathogens associated with canker disease on multiple plants. In this study, three species, i.e., Cytospora sophoricola, C. chrysosperma, and C. sophorae, which were isolated from Sophora in China, are described and illustrated based on their morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses. Cytospora sophoricola was distinguished clearly by its larger disc, multiple ostioles, cystic and multiple locules, and specific cultural characteristics, i.e., protruding fruiting bodies. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis showed that it did not cluster with any known species of Cytospora, so it is described as a new species. Cytospora sophorae is a previously reported species from Sophora, which is redescribed based on new isolates and additional observations. Another species was identified as C. chrysosperma, which is reported for the first time on Sophora, so Papilionaceae is shown to be a new host family for C. chrysosperma. The morphological affinities of these species with related taxa are discussed, while the phylogenetic relationships of these species with other fungus in the genus Cytospora were elucidated based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA region sequences.     

Interactions among bethylid parasitoid species attacking the coffee berry borer,Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The question of whether biological control is most likely achieved by deploying single or multiple species of biological control agents is much debated. While utilizing several natural enemies may enhance control, there is also the potential for disruptive inter-specific interactions. Such interactions may be studied in the laboratory by focusing on the details of the interactions themselves and attempting to infer population level consequences from their sum, or by focusing more directly on the overall effects on natural enemy populations: we term these approaches ‘reductionist’ and ‘holistic.’ Here we conduct a holistic laboratory study on interactions between three species of parasitoid wasps that are parasitoids of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae): Cephalonomia stephanoderis Betrem, C. hyalinipennis Ashmead and Prorops nasuta Waterston (all Hymenoptera: Bethylidae). We find evidence for both intra- and inter-specific resource competition. Interactions between C. stephanoderis and P. nasuta, both indigenous to Africa, appear to be approximately symmetrical, while C. hyalinipennis, naturally found in the coffee plantations of Chiapas, Mexico, may exert a disruptive influence. C. hyalinipennis also has a low population growth rate. We now consider it to be a detrimental invader of the Mexican coffee agro-ecosystem that should not be encouraged by augmentative release or introduced into other regions. Overall, the most successful species, in terms of both emergence and female production, was P. nasuta. We compare these results with those from prior reductionist and holistic studies, and with observations on patterns of establishment of these bethylid species in the field. Given that it is increasingly clear that disruptive inter-specific interactions are generally common when multiple species are deployed in biological control, screening of potential agents should consider such interactions alongside the more ‘traditional’ focus on host specificity.     

The species of the genus Platycheirus Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 (Diptera,Syrphidae) from Taiwan,with a discussion on intersex specimens

Following an international Diptera expedition in 2016, two new species of Platycheirus Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 were found in Taiwan. A total of three species from three different species groups are now known from Taiwan. The two new species, Platycheirus ferrumitarsis sp. n. and Platycheirus perpes sp. n., are described and their respective placement within the peltatus and ambiguus species groups is discussed. The other species, Platycheirus formosanus Shiraki, 1930, is illustrated and its placement is discussed. It is argued that P. nigritus Huo, Ren & Zheng 2007 should be considered a nomen dubium as it is discussed to be described based on an intersex specimen.     

Further observations on the ecology of Chthamalus depressus (Poli)

An account is given of the forms of Chthamalus depressus (Poli). An extreme hypobiotic form common in caves is described; it is shown that all forms may be found in very restricted localities (even on a single boulder) according to different micro-habitats. Some biometrical data on the species and regressions of the several variables are given; they indicate that thickness tends to increase with exposure.The effect of exposure on growth-form is considered and compared with similar data on the laying down of the shell in molluscs. Thickening of the shell is believed to be due to withdrawal of the mantle tissue under wave action. The effect of light on the penetration of algae is discussed; animals growing in darkness have no endolithic algae. Erosion is considered to be due to mechanical forces acting on shells much weakened by endolithic algae.The changes on transplantation to Scotland have been observed, and measurements of the growth rate made; growth is slow, but somewhat greater under conditions of total immersion.The reproductive and moulting cycles, fertility, and general behaviour have been determined and the results compared with similar data on C. stellatus (Poli).The results are discussed in relation to the ecology of C. depressus and, in particular, relative to possible competition with C. stellatus.     

Solution properties of Cu(II)-sarcosinehydroxamic acid

Species distribution and relevant stability constants of species present in aqueous solutions of Cu(II) with bidentate sarcosinehydroxamic acid (CH₃NHCH₂CONHOHHl) have been obtained by analytical potentiometry at 25 °C and I = 0.1 M (NaClO₄). Together with ESR of frozen solutions measurements, these results show the existence of four different complex copper(II) species, one of which as a dimeric one. The solution electronic spectra are also reported. The structure of the complexes are discussed and conclusions are drawn based on absorption and ESR spectra.     

Lopingian (Late Permian) brachiopods around the Wuchiapingian-Changhsingian boundary at the Meishan Sections C and D, Changxing, South China

The strata below the defined Wuchiapingian-Changhsingian boundary GSSP are mostly covered and obscured by faulting at the Meishan Section D. Therefore, it is very difficult to collect fossils there. After an intensive excavation at Meishan Section C, a diverse fauna based on high-resolution biostratigraphy comprising brachiopods, ammonoids, conodonts, fusulinids and small foraminifers were found. Among these fossils, brachiopods are the most dominant. Eleven species of 10 genera based on more than 1300 specimens are identified. This brachiopod fauna is of late Wuchiapingian-Changhsingian of Lopingian (Late Permian) in age as well constrained by the associated ammonoid Pseudogastrioceras sp., Jinjiangoceras and Konglingites sp., the fusulinid Palaeofusulina and the conodont lineage from C. longicuspidata to C. wangi. In terms of the changes of brachiopod fauna composition around Wuchiapingian-Changhsingian boundary, it clearly indicates a continuous transgression from the upper part of the Lungtan Formation to the lower part of the Changhsing Formation. A new species, Neochonetes (Huangichonetes) meishanensis, is described and some other species are discussed based on the new collection from Meishan Sections C and D.     

Genetic diversity of two endemic and endangered Plantago species

Plantago algarbiensis and Plantago almogravensis are two endangered and endemic species from Portugal. Due to the rarity and endangered nature of these species as well as the lack of molecular data, their genetic variation was evaluated using ISSR and RAPD markers. P. algarbiensis species showed higher genetic variability (73.9% of polymorphism) than P. almogravensis (61.2%). The two species revealed a high level of genetic diversity, with a Nei's genetic diversity of 0.1965 and 0.2309 and a Shannon's diversity index of 0.2975 and 0.3520, for P. almogravensis and P. algarbiensis, respectively. A low level of genetic differentiation was observed (Gst = 0.1873) among the species. However, the cluster and PCA analyses, based on genetic similarity, revealed two main, clearly separate clusters, which directly corresponded to the plants isolated from each species. In situ and ex situ measures should be applied in order to preserve both species but, based on these results, P. almogravensis population should be a priority for conservation.     

Taxonomy and distribution of termite fauna (Isoptera) in Riyadh Province,the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,with an updated list of termite species on the Arabian Peninsula

The present study shows an updated synoptic list of the 30 known Isoptera of the Arabian Peninsula which are classified under four families and nine genera. Twenty-seven species are hitherto known from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The present inventory of the termites of Riyadh Province (KSA) indicated three species, Anacanthotermes ochraceous (Burmeister 1839), Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux, 1902 and a rare species, Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann 1902). We present an illustrated key to species based on the soldier caste. Anacanthotermes ochraceous, and P. hypostoma are widely distributed Palearctic species whereas C. heimi seems rare and is a new record for KSA. Distribution maps for the three species are provided based on recently collected material and literature records and remarks on species habitat preference are given.     

贡山三尖杉的新名称(Cephalotaxus talonensis Cheng et Feng ex S.G.Lu et X.D.Lang)及分类地位

提议贡山三尖杉的新名称Cephalotaxus talonensis Cheng et Feng ex S.G.Lu et X.D.Lang替代不合法的旧名称Cephalotaxus lanceolata K.M.Feng in Cheng et al.(晚出同名)。对比贡山三尖杉和三尖杉Cephalotaxus fortunei Hooker的模式标本和自然生长状态下的叶片形态,支持将贡山三尖杉处理为种的等级,不赞同Silba(1990)将贡山三尖杉降为三尖杉的变种［Cephalotaxus fortunei Hooker var. lanceolata(Feng) Silba］。文中提供4幅参照图片。     

Comparative mitochondrial genomics and phylogenetics among species of the Oriental dobsonfly genus Neoneuromus van der Weele, 1909 (Megaloptera: Corydalidae)

The dobsonfly genus Neoneuromus van der Weele, 1909 represents one of the megalopteran lineages with large body-size, and comprises 13 species all endemic to the Oriental region. In the present study, the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of 12 species of this genus were determined and analyzed for the first time. The mitogenome of the genus-type, Neoneuromus fenestralis (McLachlan, 1869), as a representative of these congeneric species, is herein described in detail. All of the mitogenomes of Neoneuromus are composed of 37 encoded genes and a control region. The evolutionary rates of the protein coding genes (PCGs) of the 13 species of Neoneuromus as well as different genera of Corydalinae are estimated. All the transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) have the typical clover-leaf secondary structure except trnS1 (AGN). Interspecific relationships within Neoneuromus were reconstructed based on different datasets generated from mitogenomic sequences. Our results indicate that tRNA and ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) of Neoneuromus species contribute phylogenetic signal when being concatenated with the PCGs, thus should be kept during phylogenetic analysis. The results sheds light on understanding the evolution of these aquatic and predatory insects.     

Systematics of the Neotropical genus Catharylla Zeller (Lepidoptera,Pyralidae s. l., Crambinae)

The Neotropical genus Catharylla Zeller, 1863 (type species: Crambus tenellus Zeller, 1839) is redescribed. Catharylla contiguella Zeller, 1872, C. interrupta Zeller, 1866 and Myelois sericina Zeller, 1881, included by Munroe (1995) in Catharylla, are moved to Argyria Hübner. Catharylla paulella Schaus, 1922 and C. tenellus (Zeller, 1839) are redescribed. Six new species are described by Léger and Landry: C. bijuga, C. chelicerata, C. coronata, C. gigantea, C. mayrabonillae and C. serrabonita. The phylogenetic relationships were investigated using morphological as well as molecular data (COI, wingless, EF-1α genes). The median and subterminal transverse lines of the forewing as well as the short anterior and posterior apophyses of the female genitalia are characteristic of the genus. The monophyly of Catharylla was recovered in all phylogenetic analyses of the molecular and the combined datasets, with three morphological apomorphies highlighted. Phylogenetic analyses of the morphology of the two sexes recovered three separate species groups within Catharylla: the chelicerata, the mayrabonillae, and the tenellus species groups. The possible position of Micrelephas Schaus, 1922 as sister to Catharylla, based on both morphological and molecular data, and the status of tribe Argyriini are discussed. The biogeographical data indicate that the chelicerata species group is restricted to the Guyanas and the Amazonian regions whereas the tenellus group is restricted to the Atlantic Forest in the South-Eastern part of Brazil. The mayrabonillae group is widespread from Costa Rica to South Bolivia with an allopatric distribution of the two species. COI barcode sequences indicate relatively strong divergence within C. bijuga, C. mayrabonillae, C. serrabonita and C. tenellus.