New species and records of Charisius Champion from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera,Tenebrionidae, Alleculinae)

The species of the genus Charisius Champion, from Mexico and Central America are reviewed. The flightless genus Narses Champion, with one included species, N. subalatus Champion, is placed in synonymy with the genus Charisius. Four new species are described and illustrated, C. granulatus and C. punctatus (from Guatemala) and C. apterus and C. howdenorum (from Mexico). Charisius subalatus (Champion) is redescribed and illustrated. The species C. interstitialis Champion is placed in synonymy with C. zunilensis Champion. The genus is redescribed to include the four new species and N. subalatus. New distributional records are presented for all other species of the genus and a revised key is presented for identification of all the species of the genus.     

New and little known crickets of the subfamily phalangopsinae (Orthoptera, Gryllidae): 3. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Seychelles

Two new subgenera and eight new species of the subfamily Phalangopsinae are described from Sulawesi, Supiori, Mindoro, Palawan, Sumatra, and Cousin islands. Two former subgenera, Longizacla and Brevizacla, are considered as genera. The new synonymy for a subgenus of the genus Luzonogryllus is established. Diagnostic characters and systematic position of some taxa are discussed.     

Notes on the phylogenetic relationships of planthoppers of the family issidae (Hemiptera,Fulgoroidea) of the Western Palaearctic fauna,with descriptions of two new genera

Seven groups of genera are distinguished in the subtribe Issina Spinola. The new genera Apedalmus gen. n. (the type species Falcidius abruzicus Dlabola, 1983) and Thalassana gen. n. (the type species: Hysteropterum ephialtes Linnavuori, 1971) are erected. The subgenera Acrestia Dlabola, 1980, Montissus Gnezdilov, 2003, and Atticus Gnezdilov, 2003 are upgraded to genera. The subgenus Capititudes Gnezdilov, Drosopoulos et Wilson, 2004 is transferred to the genus Acrestia, and the subgenus Stygiata Emeljanov, 1972 to Celyphoma Emeljanov, 1971. The subtribe Agalmatiina Gnezdilov, 2002 and the subfamily Hysteropterinae Melichar, 1906 are placed in synonymy under Issina Spinola, 1839. Issus reticulatus Herrich-Schäffer, 1835 is designated as the type species of the genus Hysteropterum Amyot et Serville, 1843.     

The genus Phymatolithon (Hapalidiaceae,Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in South Africa,including species previously ascribed to Leptophytum

Of the genera within the coralline algal subfamily Melobesioideae, the genera Leptophytum Adey and Phymatolithon Foslie have probably been the most contentious in recent years. In recent publications, the name Leptophytum was used in quotation marks because South African taxa ascribed to this genus had not been formally transferred to another genus or reduced to synonymy. The status and generic disposition of those species (L. acervatum, L. ferox, L. foveatum) have remained unresolved ever since Düwel and Wegeberg (1996) determined from a study of relevant types and other specimens that Leptophytum Adey was a heterotypic synonym of Phymatolithon Foslie. Based on our study of numerous recently collected specimens and of published data on the relevant types, we have concluded that each of the above species previously ascribed to Leptophytum represents a distinct species of Phymatolithon, and that four species (incl. P. repandum) of Phymatolithon are currently known to occur in South Africa.Here we present detailed illustrated accounts of each of the four species, including: new data on male and female/carposporangial conceptacles; ecological and morphological/anatomical comparisons; and a review of the information on the various features used previously to separate Leptophytum and Phymatolithon. Southern African species ascribed to the genus Phymatolithon may be separated from one another in the field by their growth forms, the substrata on which they are generally found, and the colour of living thalli. A key for identifying southern African specimens in the field is included. Our data support the conclusion that the characters upon which Leptophytum is based are unreliable for generic delimitation from Phymatolithon.     

Afrotropical Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera)

The Afrotropical Cynipoidea are represented by 306 described species and 54 genera in four families: Cynipidae, Figitidae, Liopteridae and Ibaliidae, the latter represented by a single introduced species. Seven of these genera are only represented by undescribed species in the region. Seven new genus-level synonymies, one genus resurrected from synonymy, 54 new combinations, one combination reinstated, and one new replacement name are presented. We provide identification keys to the families, subfamilies and genera of cynipoid wasps occurring in the Afrotropical region (Africa south of the Sahara, including Madagascar and southern Arabian Peninsula). Online interactive Lucid Phoenix and Lucid matrix keys are available at: http://www.waspweb.org/Cynipoidea/Keys/index.htm. An overview of the biology and checklists of species for each genus are provided. This paper constitutes the first contributory chapter to the book on Afrotropical Hymenoptera.     

A convolute diversity of the Auriculariales (Agaricomycetes,Basidiomycota) with sphaeropedunculate basidia

Morphological and DNA data show that effused representatives of the Auriculariales (Basidiomycota) with sphaeropedunculate basidia belong to eleven genera of which seven are dealt with in this study. Among them, Myxarium is the largest genus containing 21 accepted species of which nine are reintroduced below and five are described as new. Protodontia is limited to three species only, P. subgelatinosa (the generic type) and two newly described species from Africa. Protoacia is a new monotypic genus for P. delicata, sp. nov., widely distributed on coniferous hosts in Eurasia. Myxariellum is erected for two new species with smooth hymenophore from northwestern North America while Gelacantha is introduced for G. pura, a new species with hydnoid hymenophore from Caucasus. Our data do not confirm the present synonymy of Sebacina sphaerospora with Tremella glaira, and these species are placed in two separate genera – Hydrophana, gen. nov., and Ofella, gen. nov., respectively. A key to European Myxarium and similar‐looking species is included.     

An Illustrated Key to the Cyst-Forming Genera and Species of Heteroderidae in the Western Hemisphere with Species Morphometrics and Distribution

Diagnoses of the cyst-forming genera of Heteroderidae (viz., Heterodera, Sarisodera, Globodera, Punctodera, Cactodera, and Dolichodera) and distribution and morphometrics of the 34 known cyst species in the Western Hemisphere are presented along with an illustrated key for the identification of these genera and species. The key is based mainly on cysts and larvae, and important morphological and diagnostic features are extensively shown by LM and SEM illustrations. The genus Bidera is placed as a new synonym under the genus Heterodera.     

Redescription of Mymarilla Westwood,new synonymies under Cremnomymar Ogloblin (Hymenoptera,Mymaridae) and discussion of unusual wings

The monotypic genus Mymarilla Westwood is known only from St. Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. The peculiar species M. wollastoni Westwood (Mymaridae) is redescribed and illustrated from non-type material. Mymarilla is compared with Cremnomymar Ogloblinspp. from the Juan Fernández Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Stephanodes Enock is shown to be the most likely sister genus to Mymarilla. Nesopolynema Ogloblin, syn. n., Oncomymar Ogloblin, syn. n., Scolopsopteron Ogloblin, syn. n., are placed in synonymy under Cremnomymar and their species transferred as Cremnomymar caudatum (Ogloblin 1952), comb. n., C. dipteron (Ogloblin 1957), comb. n., and C. kuscheli (Ogloblin 1952), comb. n. Wing shape and wing reductions in Mymaridae are discussed in relation to biogeography, particularly with respect island faunas and to four genera, Cremnomymar, Mymarilla, Parapolynema Fidalgo, and Richteria Girault, some or all of whose species have more or less convex fore wings.     

Ashea megacephala Kim & Ahn (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae), a new gyrophaenine genus and species from Peru

Ashea megacephala, a new Peruvian genus and species is described. The specimens were collected on mushrooms and mushroom-associated trees. This genus can be readily distinguished from the other genera of the subtribe Gyrophaenina by the large head and the three indistinctly articulated labial palpomeres. A key to the known genera of Gyrophaenina is provided. A habitus photograph and illustrations of diagnostic characters are also presented.     

Oletheriostrigula,a new genus for Massarina papulosa (Fungi,Ascomycetes)

A new genus, Oletheriostrigula, is erected for Massarina papulosa. The fungus is redescribed and illustrated, additional synonymy is given, and its relationships within the Ascomycetes are discussed.     

Global Diversity and Phylogeny of Pelagic Shrimps of the Former Genera Sergestes and Sergia (Crustacea,Dendrobranchiata, Sergestidae), with Definition of Eight New Genera

We revise the global diversity of the former genera Sergia and Sergestes which include 71 valid species. The revision is based on examination of more than 37,000 specimens from collections in the Natural History Museum of Denmark and the Museum of Natural History, Paris. We used 72 morphological characters (61 binary, 11 multistate) and Sicyonella antennata as an outgroup for cladistic analysis. There is no support for the genera Sergia and Sergestes as they have been defined until now. We define and diagnose eight genera of the former genus Sergia (Sergia and new genera Gardinerosergia, Phorcosergia, Prehensilosergia, Robustosergia, Scintillosergia, Challengerosergia, and Lucensosergia) and seven genera of the former genus Sergestes (Sergestes, Deosergestes, Eusergestes, Allosergestes, Parasergestes, Neosergestes, and a new genus Cornutosergestes). An identification key is presented for all genera of the family Sergestidae. The phylogeny of Sergestidae is mainly based on three categories of characters related to: (1) general decapod morphology, (2) male copulatory organs, and (3) photophores. Only simultaneous use of all three character types resulted in a resolved tree with minimal Bootstrap support 75 for each clade. Most genera are interzonal mesopelagic migrants, some are benthopelagic (Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia), bathypelagic (Sergia), or epipelagic (Cornutosergestes). Within each of meso- and benthopelagic genera there is one species with panoceanic distribution, while most species ranges are restricted to a single ocean. The genera demonstrate two different strategies expressed both in morphology and behavior: protective (Eusergestes, Sergestes, Cornutosergestes, Prehensilosergia, Scintillosergia, Lucensosergia, Challengerosergia, Gardinerosergia, Robustosergia, Phorcosergia, Sergia) and offensive (Neosergestes, Parasergestes, Allosergestes, Deosergestes).     

A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Mermithidae (Nematoda)

The genera of the insect parasitic nematode family Mermithidae axe reviewed, and 16 of them axe redescribed and illustrated. Information is given on methods of rearing adult mermithid specimens and on host specificity. The four types of merrnithid life cycles axe described in detail. One figure shows the variety of insects parasitized by merrnithids and the location and size of the nematode within the insect. Several mermithid eggs are illustrated, and their usefulness in identification is discussed.Taxonomically, the primary emphasis is on the adult stages of the merrnithJds with larval and egg characteristics supplementaxy. An emended family diagnosis is given. Merrnis subnigrescens is considered a synonym of M. nigrescens, and M. tahitiensis is synonymized with M. mirabilis. Hydromermis contorta is accepted, leaving the genus Paramermis in an uncertain position. Study of the Steiner collections of Limnornermis bathybia indicates that Limnornerrnis is accepted as a valid genus. The adults of Agamermis decaudata are descried and illustrated for the first time. The genus Gastromermis is limited to the long single-spiculed forms, as it is now apparent that five or more genera have ventrally shifted mouth orifices. Amphirnermis tinyi n. sp. is described from damselflies from Louisiana. The genus Lanceimermis is accepted, and three species in this genus are illustrated. The taxon Reesimermis nielseni has been accepted for this important parasite of more than 20 mosquito species. This nematode previously has been referred to as Romanomermis sp. Romanomermis iyengari is transferred to the genus Reesirnermis. Diximermis peterseni n. gen., n. sp., from anopheline mosquitoes, is described and iUustrated. The adults of Agamomermis culicis which parasitize Aedes sollicitans, are described for the first time, and the species placed in a new genus, Perutilimermis. The new genus Neornesornermis is proposed for Mesomermis flumenalis Welch, 1962. Several problems on mermithid morphology and taxonomy are discussed. Type material is established for some of the taxa.     

First phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Oligaphorurini (Collembola: Onychiuridae) inferred from morphological data,with implications for generic classification

Oligaphorurini represent tribe of the subfamily Onychiurinae, which currently comprises 5 genera and 53 species. The present study evaluated the monophyly of Oligaphorurini genera. We investigated phylogenetic relationships among 39 species, representing all extant genera of Oligaphorurini. Both equal- and implied-weighting parsimony analyses were used in phylogenetic reconstruction. The cladistic analyses were based on comprehensive survey of adults’ morphological characters because specimens suitable for molecular studies were not available for the majority taxa. The phylogenetic analysis resulted in the recognition of a monophyletic Chribellphorura, and strongly supported non-monophyly of the previously recognized genera Archaphorura, Dimorphaphorura, Micraphorura, and Oligaphorura. The following new synonymy is recognized: Oligaphorura = Dimorphaphorura syn. nov., = Micraphorura syn. nov., = Archaphorura syn. nov. The general classification of Oligaphorurini is followed by the diagnoses of genera and key to the all known species.     

Morphogenia: a new genus of the Neotropical tribe Jubini (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from the Brazilian Amazon

A new genus and species of the large Neotropical pselaphine tribe Jubini is described from Manaus, Brazil, based on material preserved in the Natural History Museum, London. Morphogenia struhli gen. et sp. n. represents the possible sister taxon of the abundant and speciose genus Barrojuba Park, sharing with it the putatively derived condition of anterolaterally shifted vertexal foveae, producing a smoothly convex vertex devoid of fovea or sulci. However, unlike Barrojuba, Morphogenia retains a plesiomorphic antebasal sulcus on the pronotum in both sexes, and additionally lacks elaborate abdominal fovea-like pockets and teeth on the lateral margins of the pronotum that are typical of Barrojuba. The genus is also unusual among jubine genera in lacking the characteristic V- or Y-shaped gular carina. In contrast to the commonly-collected Barrojuba, specimens of Morphogenia are absent in extensive jubine collections housed in museums in the United States, indicating that the new taxon may be relatively scarce or localised.     

PREDAEA WELDII,A NEW SPECIES OF RHODOPHYTA FROM HAWAII,WITH AN EVALUATION OF THE GENUS1

A new species of Predaea (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) is described from Hawaii. It is compared in important morphological details with other species of the genus, all of which are distributed in the subtropics. Predaea is likewise compared to the genera of Nemastomataceae, and should be included in that family. The genus Yadranella Ercegovic (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) is placed in synonymy with Predaea.     

A revision of the genus Dolichos (Fabaceae,Papilionoideae, Phaseoleae), including Lesotho and Swaziland

A revision of the genus Dolichos in South Africa (Lesotho and Swaziland included) is presented. This legume genus, belonging to the bean tribe Phaseoleae, mainly has an African distribution, extending into Asia. In South Africa it is represented by nine species, two (D. sericeus and D. trilobus) of which extend into Tropical Africa. Dolichos is closely related to the genus Macrotyloma from which it can be distinguished by the short standard appendages, reticulate pollen and the generally purple flowers (standard appendages long, pollen tuberculate or spinulose and flowers yellow or orange in Macrotyloma). It also has affinities with the genera Dipogon and Lablab. The correct nomenclature, as well as complete synonymy, typification and distribution maps of all the species are provided.