Origin and diversification of the clawed lobster genus Metanephrops (Crustacea: Decapoda: Nephropidae)

A phylogenetic analysis of all 17 extant species of the clawed lobster genus Metanephrops based on mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase I, and nuclear histone H3 gene sequences supports the morphological groupings of two of the traditional groups of the genus (the binghami and japonicus groups) but refutes monophyly of the other two groups (the arafurensis and thomsoni groups). The results in general support a recent morphology-based cladistic analysis of this genus except that this study suggests M. neptunus to be a basal rather than a derived species as indicated in the morphological analysis. This species is genetically diverse over its geographical range. Moreover, the two color forms of M. thomsoni are genetically distinct, most likely representing different species. The molecular phylogeny and current distribution pattern of the extant species, together with the fossil record, suggest that the genus originated in the Antarctica in the Cretaceous, followed by diversification and dispersal along the continental shelf of different continents as a result of the vicariant events associated with the breakup of the Southern Temperate Gondwana since Late Cretaceous.     

Phylogeny of the dragonfly genus Sympetrum (Odonata: Libellulidae)

The libellulid dragonfly genus Sympetrum has been recognized since 1833, but lacks any morphological synapomorphies to unite the taxon. Previous researchers have disagreed over which species belong in Sympetrum, bringing the monophyly of the genus into question. We use DNA sequence data from 6 genetic loci (16S, tRNA-valine, 12S, elongation factor 1 alpha, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and the second internal transcribed spacer region) and 25 morphological characters (mainly genitalic) to test the monophyly of Sympetrum with Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses. Under Bayesian inference, all Sympetrum species included in this study form a clade, which also contains the Hawaiian monotypic genus Nesogonia, often considered a close relative of Sympetrum. Phylogenetic analyses also reveal at least six strongly supported clades (treated as species groups) within Sympetrum, but relationships between these species groups remain unresolved or unsupported. Although the relationships between Sympetrum species groups remain unresolved, several species groups include taxa from multiple biogeographic regions/continents, and the species group sister to the rest of Sympetrum contains migratory species from the New World and Africa. This pattern suggests a complex biogeographic history in Sympetrum shaped by vicariance and dispersal. Preliminary estimates of the divergence dates of Sympetrum species groups outline a rapid radiation of the groups approximately 32-38 million years ago, possibly influenced by cooling and drying climates of the late Eocene and early Oligocene.     

Metastevia (Compositae: Eupatorieae): A new genus from Mexico

A new genus and species from Mexico,Metastevia hintonii, is described. The genus, considered to be closely related to and derived fromStevia, differs in seven morphological features from all known species ofStevia. The reasons for recognizing the new genus are discussed in detail.     

真藓属（Bryum Hedw.）蒴齿形态特征及其分类学意义

通过光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜观察了中国产真藓属（Bryum Hedw.）12种植物蒴齿的形态特征。结果显示,根据真藓属齿片的曲向可以分为近直立、齿片伸入齿条间和齿片向外反曲等3种类型。根据齿毛的有无,也可分为3个类群。同时利用STATISTICA 6.0统计软件对12种真藓属植物进行聚类分析及主成分分析。研究结果显示,齿片的曲向类型、齿毛是否发育等形态特征可作为真藓属植物种间的分类依据,为藓类植物蒴齿形态特征与分类和系统进化关系的研究提供了新的资料。     

Revision of genus Melamphaes (Melamphaidae): Part 4. Multi-raker species: M. ebelingi, M. occlusus sp. nova, and M. nikolayi sp. nova

In the fourth part of the revision of the genus Melamphaes (Melamphaidae) multi-raker species (20 and more rakers at the first gill arch, rarely 19??in M. ebelingi) with eight soft rays in the ventral fin are considered. In this species, temporal spine is absent, there are 15 rays in the pectoral fin, and there are 11 to 12 abdominal vertebrae. M. ebelingi inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A new catch of this rare species in the northeastern part of the ocean is reported. The new species M. occlusus is described from one specimen from the subtropical part of the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean. Still another new species, M. nikolayi, is described from one specimen from the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean (subtropical waters). A table for identification of 15 multi-raker species of the genus Melamphaes is provided.     

Eocene Lagomorpha (Mammalia) of Asia: 2. Strenulagus and Gobiolagus (Strenulagidae)

Two species of early lagomorph, Strenulagus solaris sp. nov. (Monogolia, Khaychin-Ula 2 and 3 localities, Middle Eocene) and Gobiolagus hekkeri (Kyrgyzstan, Andarak 2 locality, terminal Lower Eocene), are described. A revision of Romanolagus hekkeri Shevyreva from the Andarak 2 locality has shown that it belongs to the genus Gobiolagus; consequently, the monotypic genus Romanolagus Shevyreva, 1995 is a junior synonym of Gobiolagus Burke, 1941. The diagnoses and species compositions of the genera Strenulagus and Gobiolagus are revised. Zaissanolagus gromovi Erbajeva from the Lower Oligocene of eastern Kazakhstan is shown to be the latest representative of the genus Gobiolagus and the family Strenulagidae.     

Contributions to the study of fossil snipe flies (Diptera: Rhagionidae): The genus Protorhagio

Three new species of the snipe fly genus Protorhagio, viz. P. karataviensis sp. nov., P. ponomarenkoi sp. nov., and P. ruptus sp. nov., are described from the Middle-Upper Jurassic Karabastau Formation in Kazakhstan. The type species of the genus, P. capitatus, is redescribed. A key is provided to all known species of Protorhagio.     

Grammatonotus ambiortus sp. nova: A new species of callanthiids (perciformes) from the western tropical pacific

A new species of the genus Grammatonotus from the western part of the Pacific Ocean (the region of the Hawaiian Islands) is described. From all previously known species of this genus, G. ambiortus sp. nova differs in multiserial teeth and the absence of canine teeth on praemaxillaria. The structure of its caudal skeleton is also different from most species (except G. macrophthalmus from the Kyusyu-Palau Ridge); moreover it is differentiated by a large eye.     

Description of Muscotabanus gen. nov. and Muscotabanus rafaeli sp. nov. (Diptera: Tabanidae: Diachlorini) from Amazon Basin,Brazil

A new genus of Tabanidae mimetic of flies is described: Muscotabanus new genus, Muscotabanus rafaeli new species, based on 12 females collected in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. It is presented a discussion for separating the new genus from Diachlorini species which resemblance with sarcophagids flies. It is characterised by striped thorax, banded abdomen, long slender palpus subequal antenna length, labella predominantly membranous, except for a narrow sclerotised plate, basicosta bare, wing hyaline and stigma brown.     

Morphology,microhabitats and geographical variation of Kuhnia spp. (Monogenea: Polyopisthocotylea)

Kuhnia scombri and K. sprostonae are the only species of the genus recognized as valid. Hosts are scombrid fishes and possibly the genus Scomber only. Examination of many populations from localities in the Atlantic and Pacific showed much geographical variation. Variation is greatest in K. sprostonae, with a distinctly different population on S. scombrus in the North Atlantic. There are intermediate stages in all characters between different populations of both species (except possibly K. sprostonae in the North Atlantic). Some populations within each species have different microhabitats on the gills and pseudobranchs. Differences between parasite populations correspond to some degree to those of host populations, but at least some of the differences are non-adaptive.     

Two New Species of the Genus Xistra Bolivar (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from China

Two new species of the tetrigid genus Xistra Bolivar from China, namely Xistra oculata Li, Deng et Zheng n. sp. and Xistra brachynota Li, Deng et Zheng n. sp. are described. An updated key to all known species of the genus is given.     

Pachyseris inattesa sp. n. (Cnidaria,Anthozoa, Scleractinia): a new reef coral species from the Red Sea and its phylogenetic relationships

A new scleractinian coral species, Pachyseris inattesa sp. n., is described from the Red Sea. Despite a superficial resemblance with some species in the agariciid genus Leptoseris with which it has been previously confused, P. inattesa sp. n. has micro-morphological characters typical of the genus Pachyseris. This genus, once part of the Agariciidae, is comprised of five extant species and is widely distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. It is currently incertae sedis as a result of recent molecular analysis and appears to be closely related to the Euphylliidae. A molecular phylogenetic reconstruction including P. inattesa sp. n., the genus type species P. rugosa, and P. speciosa, all present in the Red Sea, was performed using the mitochondrial intergenic spacer between COI and 16S-rRNA. The results confirm that P. inattesa sp. n. is a monophyletic lineage closely related to the other Pachyseris species examined.     

First record of Cotesia scotti () (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae) comb. nov. parasitising Spodoptera cosmioides (Walk, 1858) and Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Brazil

This is the first report of Cotesia scotti (Valerio and Whitfield) comb. nov. in Brazil, attacking larvae of the black armyworm, Spodoptera cosmioides, and the southern armyworm, S. eridania. The moth larvae were found respectively, infesting a protected cropping of organic tomato in Hidrolândia, Goiás, Brazil, and a transgenic soybean crop in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. Biological, molecular and morphological characters were used to confirm the identity of the specimens. Parasitoid identification presented a challenge since the species has most diagnostic characters of the genus Cotesia Cameron, but few in the poorly defined genus Parapanteles Ashmead. Based on morphological and molecular evidence, we transfer Parapanteles scotti to the genus Cotesia. The new combination is discussed by comparison with morphologically similar species and available molecular data.     

Phylogeny of the Archiborborinae (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae) Based on Combined Morphological and Molecular Analysis

The Archiborborinae is a diverse Neotropical subfamily of Sphaeroceridae, with many undescribed species. The existing generic classification includes three genera consisting of brachypterous species, with all other species placed in the genus Archiborborus. We present the first phylogenetic hypothesis for the subfamily based on morphological, molecular, and combined datasets. Morphological data include 53 characters and cover all valid described taxa (33 species in 4 genera) in the subfamily, as well as 83 undescribed species. Molecular data for five genes (mitochondrial 12S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, and cytochrome B, and nuclear alanyl-tRNA synthetase and 28S rDNA) were obtained for 21 ingroup taxa. Data support the separation of the Archiborborinae from the Copromyzinae, with which they were formerly combined. Analyses support consistent groups within the subfamily, but relationships between groups are poorly resolved. The validity of the brachypterous genera Penola Richards and Frutillaria Richards is supported. The former genus Archiborborus Duda is paraphyletic, and will be divided into monophyletic genera on the basis of this work. Aptery and brachyptery have evolved multiple times in the subfamily. Antrops Enderlein, previously including a single brachypterous species, is a senior synonym of Archiborborus.     

Redescription of Hemiclepsis quadrata (Moore, 1939) n. comb. (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae)

Hemiclepsis quadrata, which is the only representative of the genus so far reported in Africa, is redescribed. Illustrations showing the diagnostic features of the taxon are provided for the first time. A thorough study of the holotype and one of the paratypes, as well as additional specimens, revealed that Moore overlooked certain important taxonomic features when he described the leech as a Batracobdella species. The transfer of this species to the genus Hemiclepsis is based on the following features exhibited by this leech: dilated head region, three pairs of eyes, central proboscis pore, ten pairs of crop caeca and small genital atria.     

New Species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tenuisvalvae</Emphasis> (Duverger) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Feeding on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Parthenolecanium perlatum</Emphasis> (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Citrus Crop

A new species of Hyperaspidini, Tenuisvalvae quadripunctata sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The genus is now represented by 11 species, all native of South America, and the new taxon is integrated into the existing key to species of the genus. Ecological data for T. quadripunctata sp. nov. and a list with prey and host plants to the species of the genus Tenuisvalvae are provided.     

Dorsipes caspius n. sp. (Acari: Podapolipidae), a subelytral parasite of Pterostichus caspius (Menetries) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) with notes on host range of the genus and the distribution of the platysmae group

The ectoparasitic mite Dorsipes caspius n. sp. (Heterostigmata: Podapolipidae) belonging to the platysmae species group collected from the beneath elytra of Pterostichus (Lyrothorax) caspius (Menetries) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in northern Iran, is described. This is the first record of species of the platysmae group from the Middle East. Keys to adult and larval female stages of world species of the platysmae group are provided. The host range of all species of the genus and the distribution of all representatives of the group are discussed.     

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.