A revision of the genus Kaszabister Mazur (Histeridae, Histerinae, Exosternini)

We revise the four species of Kaszabister Mazur, 1972, one of which, Kaszabister barrigaisp. n., is described as new. The other species in the genus are Kaszabister rubellus (Erichson, 1834), Kaszabister ferrugineus (Kirsch, 1873) and Kaszabister carinatus (Lewis, 1888). The species are principally known from the subtropics of South America, with one in Central America. Lectotypes are designated for Kaszabister rubellus and Kaszabister ferrugineus, and a key is provided for all the species. Ants of the genus Solenopsis Westwood, mainly Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis saevissima (Smith), are documented as hosts of three of the four species.     

A synoptic review of the genus Thaumaspis Bolívar (Orthoptera,Tettigoniidae, Meconematinae) with the description of a new genus and four new species

Two new species of the new genus Athaumaspis gen. n., Athaumaspis minutus sp. n. and Athaumaspis tibetanus sp. n. from Vietnam and China are described. The subgenus Pseudothaumaspis of Thaumaspis is elevated to generic status and another two new species Pseudothaumaspis bispinosus sp. n. and Pseudothaumaspis furcocercus sp. n. are described, the remaining species of Thaumaspis are reviewed and keyed with the four new species.     

An extraordinary new family of spiders from caves in the Pacific Northwest (Araneae, Trogloraptoridae, new family)

The new spider genus and species Trogloraptor marchingtoni Griswold, Audisio & Ledford is described as the type of the new family Trogloraptoridae. The oblique membranous division of the basal segment of the anterior lateral spinnerets of Trogloraptor suggests that this haplogyne family is the sister group of the other Dysderoidea (Dysderidae, Oonopidae, Orsolobidae and Segestriidae). Trogloraptor is known only from caves and old growth forest understory in the Klamath-Siskiyou region of Oregon and California.     

A taxonomic review of the genus Coleophora Hübner (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) in Korea

Twenty-seven species of the genus Coleophora Hübner (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae) are recognized in the Korean peninsula, including seven species that are new to Korea: C. albicans Zeller, C. falkovitshella Vives, C. honshuella Baldizzone & Oku, C. japonicella Oku, C. kononenkoi Baldizzone & Savenkov, C. rectimarginalis Li, and C. vestianella (Linnaeus). For all known species, bibliographies, collecting localities, distribution, biological information, and some taxonomic notes are provided, with illustrations of the male or the female genitalia.     

A new troglomorphic species of Harmonicon (Araneae,Mygalomorphae, Dipluridae) from Pará, Brazil,with notes on the genus

A new species of Harmonicon F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1896 (Araneae, Dipluridae) is described, from a medium-sized lateritic cave in Parauapebas, Pará, Brazil. The male holotype and only specimen known of H. cerberus sp. n. was found near the entrance of Pequiá cave. This taxon is the fourth species described and the southernmost record for the genus. The new species displays some troglomorphic characteristics, such as reduction and merging of the posterior median and both pairs of lateral eyes and pale yellow to light brown coloration. Both characters are diagnostic when compared to the normal separated eyes and reddish to dark brown of other Harmonicon species. Other diagnostic characteristics are isolated, long, rigid setae distal to the lyra and the shape of the copulatory bulb. This is the second troglomorphic mygalomorph species from Brazil and the first from the Amazonian region.     

Five new species and three new females of the genus Endotricha Zeller from China (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae, Pyralinae)

Five new species of the genus Endotricha Zeller are described from China: Endotricha dentiprocessasp. n., Endotricha unicolorsp. n., Endotricha shafferisp. n., Endotricha convexasp. n. and Endotricha whalleyisp. n. Females of three species are described for the first time: Endotricha hoenei Whalley, 1963, Endotricha luteogrisalis Hampson, 1896 and Endotricha simipunicea Wang & Li, 2005. Photographs of the adults and both male and female genitalia are provided.     

Phantoms of Gondwana?—phylogeny of the spider subfamily Mynogleninae (Araneae: Linyphiidae)

This is the first genus‐level phylogeny of the subfamily Mynogleninae. It is based on 190 morphological characters scored for 44 taxa: 37 mynoglenine taxa (ingroup) representing 15 of the 17 known genera and seven outgroup taxa representing the subfamilies Stemonyphantinae, Linyphiinae (Linyphiini and Micronetini), and Erigoninae, and a representative of the family Pimoidae, the sister‐group to Linyphiidae. No fewer than 147 of the morphological characters used in this study are new and defined for this study, and come mainly from male and female genitalia. Parsimony analysis with equal weights resulted in three most parsimonious trees of length 871. The monophyly of the subfamily Mynogleninae and the genera Novafroneta, Parafroneta, Laminafroneta, Afroneta, Promynoglenes, Metamynoglenes, and Haplinis are supported, whereas Pseudafroneta is paraphyletic. The remaining seven mynoglenine genera are either monotypic or represented by only one taxon. Diagnoses are given for all genera included in the analysis. The evolution of morphological traits is discussed and we summarize the diversity and distribution patterns of the 124 known species of mynoglenines. The preferred topology suggests a single origin of mynoglenines in New Zealand with two dispersal events to Africa, and does not support Gondwana origin.     

Effects of anthropogenic factors on spider communities (Arthropoda: Araneae) in Chréa National park (Blida,Algeria)

Chréa National Park, one of the 11 national parks in Algeria, is natural and diverse but under different pressures: urbanisation, fires caused by the high flux of visitors. Several ecological and systematic studies have been conducted on the Araneae, the most important epigeal fauna, but no attention was given to the anthropogenic parcels of the Park. To assess the effects of urbanisation and fires on the ecology of this fauna, spiders were collected monthly for 2 years, using ‘Pitfall’ traps in three disturbed stations: burned, urbanised and reforested and three natural sites as control. In total, 1,476 specimens were sampled (19 families, 42 genera and 68 species). Zodarion algericum was the dominant species (13.25%), particularly in the burned station. Mann–Whitney U test showed a significant difference between urbanised and nonurbanised sites in contrast to other ones and no significant differences with the control. Our results show that fires transform the forest into a mosaic of habitats, with open gaps of different stages of succession. In addition, the reforestation of cedars without any agricultural practices has no negative effects on the Park. No loss of biodiversity was observed; this would encourage the restoration of the forest to protect its fauna and flora.     

The sensory equipment of a spider – A morphological survey of different types of sensillum in both sexes of Argiope bruennichi (Araneae,Araneidae)

Spiders show a wide range of sensory capabilities as evidenced by behavioural observations. Accordingly, spiders possess diverse sensory structures like mechano-, hygro-, thermo- or chemoreceptive sensilla. As to chemoreceptive structures, only trichoid tip-pore sensilla were found so far that were tested for gustation. That spiders are also able to receive airborne signals is corroborated by numerous behavioural experiments but the responsible structures have not been determined yet. Here, we provide sensilla distribution maps of pedipalps and walking legs of both sexes of the wasp spider Argiope bruennichi whose biology and mating system is well explored. By means of scanning electron microscopy, we scrutinized whether there is in fact only one type of trichoid pore sensillum and if so, if there are deviations in the outer structure of the tip-pore sensilla depending on their position on the body. We also describe the external structure and distribution of slit sense organs, trichobothria and tarsal organs. Our study shows that all four sensillum types occur on pedipalps and walking legs of both sexes. As to chemosensory organs, only tip-pore sensilla were found, suggesting that this sensillum type is used for both gustation and olfaction. The highest numbers of tip-pore sensilla were observed on metatarsi and tarsi of the first two walking legs. Mechanosensitive slit sense organs occur as single slit sensilla in rows along all podomers or as lyriform organs next to the joints. The mechanosensitive trichobothria occur on the basal part of tibiae and metatarsi. Tarsal organs occur on the dorsal side of all tarsi and the male cymbium. The distribution maps of the sensilla are the starting point for further exploration of internal, morphological differences of the sensilla from different regions on the body. Cryptic anatomical differences might be linked to functional differences that can be explored in combination with electrophysiological analyses. Consequently, the maps will help to elucidate the sensory world of spiders.     

Phylogenomics and rapid diversification of the genus Eutrema on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions

Both geographic isolation and polyploidization are assumed to play an important role in driving species diversification. However, this is rarely illustrated through phylogenomic analyses. The genus Eutrema (Brassicaceae), which also includes the salt-resistant species, are distributed mainly in Asia with extensive species diversification in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) and adjacent regions. In this study, we revealed almost fully resolved backbone relationships of the genus with genome re-sequencing data for genomes of 168 individuals from 28 species. Phylogenetic analyses of both plastomes and single-copy nuclear genes from the whole genome recovered six well-supported clades with almost consistent relationships. The first two clades are mainly distributed in central China and central Asia, while the other four in the QTP and adjacent regions. All of them diversified within 12 million years. Within each clade, we recovered numerous conflicts in the interspecific relationships between nuclear and plastome phylogenies, likely suggesting hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting during species diversification. Our estimation of genome size and comparison of the number of the single-copy nuclear genes demonstrated frequent occurrences of polyploids in the genus. Except for an establishment of the backbone phylogeny, our phylogenomic analyses suggest that in addition to strong geographic isolation, polyploidization may have played an important role in species diversification of this genus.     

Expression and biological functions of sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids (SGGLs) in the nervous system—A review

Sulfoglucuronyl carbohydrate linked to neolactotetraose reacts with HNK-1 antibody. The HNK-1 carbohydrate epitope is found in two major glycolipids, several glycoproteins and in some proteoglycans of the nervous system. Most of the HNK-1 reactive glycoproteins so far identified are neural cell adhesion molecules and/or are involved in cell-cell interactions. HNK-1 carbohydrate is highly immunogenic. Several HNK-1-like antibodies, including IgM of some patients with plasma cell abnormalities and having peripheral neuropathy, have been described. This article summarizes published work mainly on sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids, SGGLs and covers: structural requirements of the carbohydrate epitope for binding to HNK-1 and human antibodies, expression of the lipids in various neural areas, stage and region specific developmental expression in CNS and PNS, immunocytochemical localization, loss of expression in Purkinje cell abnormality murine mutations, biosynthetic regulation of expression by a single enzyme N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase, identification of receptor-like carbohydrate binding neural proteins (lectins), and perceived role of the carbohydrate in physiological functions. The latter includes role in: pathogenesis of certain peripheral neuropathies, in migration of neural crest cells, as a ligand in cell-cell adhesion/interaction and as a promoter of neurite outgrowth for motor neurons. Multiple expression of HNK-1 carbohydrate in several molecules and in various neural cell types at specific stages of nervous system development has puzzled investigators as to its specific biological function, but this may also suggest its importance in multiple systems during cell differentiation and migration processes.Special issue dedicated to Dr. Marjorie B. Lees.     

A new genus and eight new species of the subtribe Anillina (Carabidae,Trechinae, Bembidiini) from Mexico,with a cladistic analysis and some notes on?the?evolution of the genus

One new genus and eight new species of anilline carabids are described from southern Mexico. The new genus, Zapotecanillus gen. n., is established for Z. oaxacanus (type species) sp. n., Z. nanus sp. n., Z. iviei sp. n., Z. ixtlanus sp. n., Z. montanus sp. n., and Z. kavanaughi sp. n. from the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca, Z. pecki sp. n. from the Sierra Madre del Sur, and Z. longinoi sp. n. from the Sierra Madre de Chiapas. A taxonomic key for all described species of Zapotecanillus and a cladistic analysis, based on morphological data, are provided. Morphological, behavioral and biogeographical aspects of the speciation in the genus obtained from the resulting cladogram are discussed.     

Larval development and morphogenesis of the sea spider Pycnogonum litorale (Ström, 1762) and the tagmosis of the body of Pantopoda

Aspects of pantopod ontogeny have been known for a long time, but specific information is available for only a few species. Our account of the postembryonic development of Pycnogonum litorale is based on laboratory-reared individuals and SEM studies. We documented particularly all early developmental stages, with emphasis on morphogenetic changes of head structures and appendages. In P. litorale the protonymphal limbs, the chelicerae and two more uniramous legs, degenerate already during the larval phase; only the third one, the ovigers, reappears in male juveniles. Other Pantopoda vary in this aspect from retention of all three protonymphal appendages to their complete reduction, as in P. litorale. Accordingly, the two post-cheliceral larval appendages are separate legs in front of the walking legs in the adults, the ‘parapalps’ and the ‘ovigers’, but they do not occur in all pantopods. The scarcity of studies of the ontogeny of Pantopoda prevents us from a more conclusive picture, but our data are promising to state that additional such studies will increase the usability of ontogenetic data for a phylogenetic analysis of Pantopoda, the crown group of the Pycnogonida. We also discuss the phylogenetic implications of our data in the light of new information from Hox genes and developmental-biological data on body segmentation and tagmosis of the Chelicerata. These suggest the homology of chelicerae and antenn(ul)ae of other euarthropods. Accepting this, we conclude that the adult pycnogonid/pantopod head, the cephalosoma, corresponds to the euarthropod head and that the protonymph with three appendage-bearing segments may represent an even shorter, possibly phylogenetically older larval type than the euarthropod ‘head larva’ bearing four pairs of appendages. In further consequence, the fourth walking legs of Pycnogonida/Pantopoda should correspond to the first opisthosomal appendages, the chilaria, of euchelicerates. This implies that within Pycnogonida the post-prosomal region became compacted during evolution to a single leg-bearing segment plus a tubular end piece. Accordingly, neither the anterior nor the posterior functional boundaries of the walking-leg region correspond to the original tagma borders.     

Onset and demise of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform in the mélange areas of the Zlatibor Mountain (Sirogojno,SW Serbia)

A kilometer-sized block in the Sirogojno carbonate-clastic mélange provides a complete succession of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform evolution. The platform starts its progradation in Early Carnian times over hemipelagic Late Ladinian cherty limestones with fine-grained allodapic limestone intercalations. Shallow-water reef-slope, reefal to back-reef/lagoonal limestones evolved in the Early Carnian. The top of the platform is recrystallized and partly slightly dolomitized, and in parts karstification is visible. After a period of omission caused by uplift, new subsidence started in the early Late Carnian. This is documented by a flooding respectively drowning sequence of the same age, starting with reefal carbonates and rapidly followed by hemipelagic-influenced limestones. The evolution of the onset and the drowning of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform prove a paleogeographic derivation of this block from the outer shelf-area facing the Neotethys Ocean, but still in a shallow-water carbonate platform position transitional to the Hallstatt facies zone. This paleogeographic position is especially confirmed by the new pulse of subsidence in the Late Carnian after a long lasting phase of omission. The evolution of the Wetterstein Carbonate Platform in the Inner Dinarides corresponds to successions known from the Northern Calcareous Alps or the southern Western Carpathians. In the Late Triassic both regions belong to the same northeast–southwest striking shelf area facing the Neotethys Ocean to the east and southeast, respectively.     

The genus Pythium in Taiwan, China (1) — a synoptic review

The genus Pythium,with slightly over 280 described species,has been classified traditionally with other filamentous,coenocytic,sporangia-producing fungi as "Phycomyetes".However,with recent advances in chemical,ultrastructural and molecular studies,Pythium spp.are now considered as "fungus-like organisms" or "pseudo-fungi" and are placed in the Kingdom Chromista or Kingdom Straminopila,distinct from the true fungi of the Kingdom Fungi or Kingdom Mycota.They are widely distributed throughout the world as soil saprophytes or plant pathogens.Because of the warm moist maritime climate,Taiwan,China,is especially rich in Pythium species.To date,48 species of Pythium have been reported from Taiwan,China,with the dominant species being Py.vexans,Py.spinosum,Py.splendens,Py.aphanidermatum,Py.dissotocum and Py.acanthicum.There is no definite geographical distribution of Pythium spp.in Taiwan,China.Twenty nine species of Pythium have proven to be plant pathogens attacking a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants primarily causing pre-and post-emergence seedling damping-off,root rot,stem rot and rotting of fruits,tubers and ginger rhizomes,resulting in serious economic losses.The most important plant pathogenic species include Py.aphanidermatum and Py.Myriotylum,which are most active during the hot and wet summer months;whereas Py.splendens,Py.spinosum,Py.ultimum and Py.irregulare cause the greatest damage in the cool winter.Most Pythium spp.are non-specific pathogens,infecting mainly juvenile or succulent tissues.This review attempts to assess the taxonomic position of the genus Pythium and provide details of the historical development of the study of Pythium as pathogens in Taiwan,China,causing diseases of sugarcane,trees,vegetables,fruits,specialty crops and flowering plants,as well as measures to control these diseases.Of special note is the introduction of the S-H mixture which,when used as soil amendment,effectively controls many soil-borne Pythium diseases during the early stages of plant growth.The diversity of Pythium species in Taiwan,China,is discussed in comparison with the situation in the mainland of China and suggestions are made to fully utilize Pythium spp.as agents for biological control,in industry and medicine.