The cave population of Chaerilus Simon, 1877 from Palawan,Philippines, and description of a new species (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae)

The study of an important collection of scorpions, belonging to the genus Chaerilus, recently collected from a cave in the Palawan Island, Philippines, allows the clarification of the identity of this population, often misidentified with Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 known from caves in the Gunong Mulu National Park in Sarawak (Borneo). Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. is described from the Puerto Princesa Underground River Cave in Palawan Island based on 14 specimens, males, females, and juveniles. The new species is totally distinct morphologically from Chaerilus chapmani, a true troglobitic species. Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. may also be a true troglobitic element, but with a less marked degree of regression for several characters. Some comments on the ecology of the new species and on regional biogeography of Borneo and Palawan islands are also proposed.     

Zwei neue Arten der GattungSaponaria (Caryophyllaceae) aus Afghanistan und Pakistan

Saponaria stenopetala sp.n. in Eastern Afghanistan is close toS. pachyphylla Rech. f. andS. subrosularis Rech. f.—The nearest allies ofS. makranica sp.n. from Western Pakistan and Southeastern Iran areS. kermanensis Bornm. andS. floribunda (Kar. & Kir.)Boiss.

Flora Iranicae praecursores 36–37. — Praecursores praecurrentes in Pl. Syst. Evol.139, 313–317 (1982).     

Pollination of sevenPlectranthus spp. (Lamiaceae) in southern Natal, South Africa

The genusPlectranthus (Lamiaceae) shows remarkable radiation on the sandstones of southern Natal and northern Transkei in South Africa, where six endemic species occur. Two of these endemic species,P. hilliardiae andP. oribiensis, are included in this study, as well asP. reflexus, for which only limited data are available. The other species that were studied areP. ambiguus, P. ciliatus, P. ecklonii, P. madagascariensis andP. zuluensis. Four of these taxa,P. ambiguus, P. hilliardiae, P. reflexus andP. saccatus var.longitubus, have uniquely long corolla-tubes (20–30mm) and this is related to pollination by nemestrinid flies of the genusStenobasipteron that have proboscides of similar length. Other nemestrinid species of the genusProsoeca have shorter proboscides and pollinate two species ofPlectranthus with shorter corolla-tube lengths (6–15mm). Acrocerid flies, tabanid flies and anthophorid bees are also important visitors to these species. This study on the pollination of seven species of varying corolla-tube lengths shows a correlation between floral tube length and proboscis length of insect visitors, many of which are recorded for the first time as pollinators ofPlectranthus.     

Some monogenean parasites of the generaCalceostoma van Beneden, 1852 andDiplectanum Diesing, 1858 fromArgyrosomus hololepidotus (Lacepède, 1802) (Sciaenidae: Teleostei) in Western Australia

The taxonomy of three species of monogeneans from the gills ofArgyrosomus hololepidotus is detailed.Calceostoma glandulosum is redescribed and compared to previously unpublished morphometric data onC. calceostoma collected from Tunis and the Gulf of Gascogne. Two species of the genusDiplectanum,D. oliveri n. sp. andD. glandulosum n. sp. differ from other closely related diplectanids in a range of morphological characters but most importantly in the different size and morphology of the penis.     

Quantification and characterization of nuclear genomes in commercial red seaweeds (Gracilariales) from the Philippines

Eight species of Gracilariaceae from the Philippines, representing the generaGracilaria, Gracilariopsis andHydropuntia, were investigated to quantify and characterize their nuclear genomes. DNA reassociation kinetics were used to determine nuclear genome organization and complexity in six of these species. Results indicate the presence of three second order components corresponding to fast, intermediate and slow fractions. Repetitive sequences varied from 13–74% and unique DNA ranged from 26–84%. Microspectrophotometry with the DNA-localizing fluorochrome DAPI was used to quantify nuclear DNA contents. Comparisons of mean nuclear DNA (I _f ) values to chicken erythrocytes (RBC) resulted in an estimate of 0.38–0.43 pg/2 C genomes for seven of the species investigated. Preliminary analyses of agar content and quality confirm the economic potential ofGracilaria firma, Gracilaria sp. 2 from Sorsogon andGracilariopsis bailinae. Nuclear genome profiles developed from data for genome size, organization and complexity are compared with data for agar quantity and quality. Gel quality and quantity do not appear to be correlated with either large repetitive fraction DNA or a high degree of genome complexity.Author for correspondence     

Two new species ofPichia isolated from slime fluxes of deciduous trees

Two new homothallic species ofPichia, associated with exudates ofPopulus trichocarpa andSalix sp. have been described.Pichia trehalophila sp.n. was isolated from slime exudates in two widely separatedPopulus trichocarpa trees andPichia salictaria sp.n. was isolated from two exudates ofSalix sp. The latter species was previously present as an unidentified strain ofPichia in the culture collection of the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures and had been isolated from a patient in Germany. The natural habitat ofP. salictaria is considered to be in association with willow trees.     

A cytological study ofPelargonium sect.Eumorpha (Geraniaceae)

The chromosome numbers of seven species ofPelargonium sect.Eumorpha have been determined from material of known wild origin, and karyotypic comparisons have been made. Within the section there is variation in basic chromosome number (x = 4, 8, 9, 11), variation in chromosome size, and two species have polyploid races. The three species with chromosome numbers based on x = 11 have the smallest chromosomes (1.0–1.5 µm); chromosomes are larger (1.0–3.0 µm) in the other species.P. elongatum has the lowest chromosome number in the genus (2n = 8).P. alchemilloides is exceptional in that it has four cytotypes, 2n = 16, 18, 34 and 36, and the form with 2n = 36 has large chromosomes (2.0–5.0 µm). Evidence from a synthesized hybrid suggests thatP. alchemilloides with 2n = 16 may be of polyploid origin. The three species based on x = 11 appear to be more closely related to species from other sections ofPelargonium that have the same basic chromosome number and small chromosome size, rather than to other species of sect.Eumorpha.     

A new scolenaspidid (Osteostraci, Vertebrata) from the Lower Devonian of Podolia, Ukraine

Anew osteostracan genus and species,Victoraspis longicornualis n. gen., n. sp., is described based on material from Rakovets’, present day Ukraine. This new taxon shares characters with the two generaStensiopelta Denison, 1951 andZychaspis Janvier, 1985. A phylogenetic analysis supports the position ofVictoraspis as the sister group to a monophyleticStensiopelta, while the interrelationships of the various species ofZychaspis are poorly resolved. A morphometric analysis is carried out in an attempt to further resolve the taxonomic affinity. This analysis groups all examinedZychaspis species closely together, and further supports the establishment ofVictoraspis as separate genus.      

Observations on gymnoascaceae. IX. A new species of pseudoarachniotus from soil-burial beds

Summary A new species ofPseudoarachniotus P. marginosporus, is described and illustrated. The developmental morphology of this new ascomycete is discussed. On a standard medium such as YpSs,P. marginosporus can be distinguished from other species of the genus by colonial coloration which varies from ochre-rust to very pale yellow at different stages of maturation. The colony ofP. roseus is red, red-orange or orange-yellow;P. citrinus is lemon yellow to brownish yellow in age;P. reticulatus is red orange andP. hyalinosporus is yellowish and usually with a great deal of green pigmentation in the mycelium and in the medium. Furthermore ascospores ofP. marginosporus are oblate, small and thin-walled, measuring 2.2–3.0×4.0–4.4 µ, with a minute elevated rim around the long axis, while ascospores ofP. reticulatus are globose and reticulate, and those ofP. roseus andP. citrinus are large and thick-walled, measuring about 4.4×7.7 µ. Ascospores ofP. hyalinosporus are similar in size and shape to those ofP. marginosporus, but lack a rim or other markings.     

Early Emsian ammonoids from the eastern Anti-Atlas (Morocco) and their succession

From 20 sections in the Tafilalt (eastern Anti-Atlas, Morocco), 13 early Emsian ammonoid species of the families Mimosphinctidae, Mimoceratidae, Teicherticeratidae, Mimagoniatitidae, and Auguritidae have been discovered. The following taxa are newly described:Chebbites n. gen.,Chebbites reisdorfi n. sp.,Chebbites undosus n. sp.,Gracilités maghribensis n. sp., Palaeogoniatitinae n. subfam.,Irdanites n. gen.,Irdanites kaufmanni n. sp.,Irdanites korni n. sp.,Lenzites gesinae n. sp.,Weyeroceras n. gen.,Weyeroceras angustus n. sp. In addition, specimens ofErbenoceras solitarium, Metabactrites formosus, andRuanites obliquecostatus are described and figured from Morocco for the first time. The ammonoid generaConvoluticeras, Erbenoceras, Mimosphinctes, Palaeogoniatites, Talenticeras, andTeicherticeras and the families Mimosphinctidae, Mimoceratidae, Teicherticeratidae, and Mimagoniatitidae are reviewed.Taskanites andLaganites are regarded as subjective junior synonyms ofConvoluticeras. In Morocco, the early Emsian ammonoid succession differs from what can be expected from a phylogenetic point of view. Several species belonging to different families of various phylogenetic stages appear within one stratigraphical unit. In contrast to previous opinions however,Gyroceratites laevis appears stratigraphically earlier thanMimagoniatites fecundus, which agrees in this case with the phylogenetic succession of the taxa. Stratigraphical data from early Emsian ammonoids are still insufficient as basis for a more detailed stratigraphical subdivision of the early Emsian.     

Species ofBertiella (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) in dermopterans and squirrels from South-East Asia

Bertiella elongata (Bourquin, 1905) andB. plastica (Sluiter, 1896) both fromCynocephalus volans (Linnaeus, 1758) andC. variegatus (Audebert, 1799) are redescribed and illustrated. A neotype forB. plastica is designated.B. boholensis Spasskii, 1951 is reduced to synonymy withB. elongata andB. cynocephali Spasskii, 1951 is synonymised withB. plastica. A new species,B. rauschi, is described fromC. volans in the Philippines. It differs from its congeners in having an accessory seminal receptacle and testes which do not extend to the aporal extremity of the medulla.Bertiella musasabi Yamaguti, 1942 is redescribed from a specimen fromPetaurista petaurista (Pallas, 1766) from Taiwan.Indotaenia indica Singh, 1962 andAprostatandrya petauristae Sawada & Kugi, 1979 become synonyms ofB. musasabi. The biogeography of the genus is briefly discussed.     

Three new species of the genusNeopolystoma (Monogenea) from river tortoises in Australia

Summary Neopolystoma kreffti n.sp. from the mouth and pharyngeal cavity ofEmydura krefftii (Pleurodira, Chelidae) in southern Queensland,N. macleayi n.sp. from the cloacal bursa, andN. australis n.sp. from the mouth and pharyngeal cavity ofEmydura sp. in New South Wales are described. The new species differ from other species of the genus mainly in the number and shape of the genital hooks. New locality records ofN. chelodinae fromChelodina longicollis and ofPolystomoides australiensis fromE. krefftii are given. ac]19821026     

New species ofIsospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from passeriform birds of Hawaii

Three new species ofIsospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the faeces of passeriform birds of Hawaii.Isospora lyonensis n. sp. is described from the faeces ofLonchura punctulata (Passeriformes: Estrildidae) and has spherical-subspherical oocysts, 24×23 (21–27×21–26.5), with a thick, bi-layered wall c.1.5 thick. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but three or more polar granules are present. Oocysts ofI. mejiro n. sp. were found in the faeces ofZosterops japonicus (Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) and are spherical to subspherical, 28.5×27 (25–32×25–29.5), with a thick, bi-layered wall c.1.5 thick. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but a large polar granule is present.I. manoaensis n. sp. was also found inZ. japonicus and has spherical-subspherical oocysts, 28×26.5 (25.5–30.5×22.5–29), and a thick, bi-layered wall c.1.5 thick. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule consisting of numerous splinter-like fragments is present. In addition to the above new species, oocysts ofI. brayi Levine, Van Riper & Van Riper, 1980 were also found inZ. japonicus.     

Honeyeater (Meliphagidae) pollination and the floral biology of PolynesianHeliconia (Heliconiaceae)

The primary pollinator of Polynesian heliconias,Heliconia laufao andH. paka, is the Wattled Honeyeater,Foulehaio carunculata. This report is the first documentation of pollination by honeyeaters in the genusHeliconia and the first record ofF. carunculata as a pollinator of a plant species. The Polynesian heliconias bear inflorescences that produce 2–4 hermaphroditic flowers per day for a period of 2–3 months. Each flower secretes abundant nectar (125–184 l) with low sugar concentration (15–18% sucrose-equivalents, weight per weight basis) which is available at anthesis just before dawn. Ninety percent of flower visits occur between anthesis and mid-morning. The honeyeaters perch on inflorescence bracts, and probing of the flower results in pollen deposition on the head and bill from where pollen is transferred between flowers. No statements on compatibility can be made forHeliconia paka; however,Heliconia laufao appears to be self-compatible. Calculations of energetic values of nectar of the Polynesian heliconias and Daily Energy Expenditures ofF. carunculata suggest that populations ofH. laufao andH. paka serve as rich energy resources for their pollinators.     

Chemotaxonomic studies onArachniodes (dryopteridaceae) I. Phloroglucinol derivatives of japanese species

Twelve species ofArachniodes from Japan were examined for phloroglucinol derivatives and glandularity of rhizome and petiole bases. For comparison 3 species ofDryopteris, 1 species ofCtenitis, 4 species ofPolystichum, and 1 species ofAcystopteris were also investigated. Phloroglucinol derivatives were detected for the first time by sensitive TLC in the followingArachniodes, Dryopteris andPolystichum species:A. amabilis, A. dimorphophylla, A. exilis, A. hasseltii, A. maximowiczii, A. miqueliana, A. mutica, A. nipponica, A. okinawensis, A. simplicior incl. var.major, D. hayatae, D. sparsa, andP. tsus-simense. On the other hand,A. pseudo-aristata, A. standishii, P. polyblepharum, P. pseudomakinoi, P. retroso-paleaceum, Ctenitis maximowicziana, andAcystopteris japonica were totally lacking phloroglucinols. The phloroglucinol containing species ofArachniodes andPolystichum contained external glands, whereas those ofDryopteris contained internal and/or external glands. External glands are common inDryopteris sect. Nephrocystis. In taxa lacking phloroglucinols no glands were present. The homologous iso-aspidins BB and AB were detected in ferns for the first time.     

Clipperton Atoll (eastern Pacific): oceanography,geomorphology, reef-building coral ecology and biogeography

Coral reef geomorphology and community composition were investigated in the tropical northeastern Pacific during April 1994. Three areas were surveyed in the Revillagigedo Islands (Mexico), and an intensive study was conducted on Clipperton Atoll (1,300 km SW of Acapulco), including macro-scale surface circulation, sea surface temperature (SST) climatology, geomorphology, coral community structure, zonation, and biogeography. Satellite-tracked drifter buoys from 1979–1993 demonstrated complex patterns of surface circulation with dominantly easterly flow (North Equatorial Counter Current, NECC), but also westerly currents (South Equatorial Current, SEC) that could transport propagules to Clipperton from both central and eastern Pacific regions. The northernmost latitude reached by the NECC is not influenced by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, but easterly flow velocity evidently is accelerated at such times. Maximum NECC flow rates indicate that the eastern Pacific barrier can be bridged in 60 to 120 days. SST anomalies at Clipperton occur during ENSO events and were greater at Clipperton in 1987 than during 1982–1983. Shallow (15–18 m)and deep (50–58 m) terraces are present around most of Clipperton, probably representing Modern and late Pleistocene sea level stands. Although Clipperton is a well developed atoll with high coral cover, the reef-building fauna is depauperate, consisting of only 7 species of scleractinian corals belonging to the generaPocillopora, Porites, Pavona andLeptoseris, and 1 species of hydrocoral in the genusMillepora. The identities of the one Pocilpopora species and one of the twoPorites species are still unknown. Two of the remaining scleractinians (Pavona minuta, Leptoseris scabra) and the hydrocoral (Millepora exaesa), all formerly known from central and western Pacific localities, represent new eastern Pacific records. Scleractinian corals predominate (10–100% cover) over insular shelf depths of 8 to 60m, and crustose coralline algae are dominant (5–40% cover) from 0.5 to 7m. Spur and groove features, constructed of alternating frameworks ofPocillopora andPorites, and veneered with crustose coralline algae, are generally well developed around most atoll exposures. Although crustose coralline algae predominate in the breaker zone (with up to 100% cover), a prominent algal ridge is absent with only a slight buildup (ca. 10 cm) to seaward. Frequent grazing by the pufferfishArothron meleagris results in the removal of large amounts of live tissue and skeleton fromPorites lobata. Acanthaster planci is present, but rare. The grazing of large diadematid sea urchins, (2 species each ofDiadema andEchinothrix) on dead corals cause extensive erosion in some areas. Large numbers of corals on the 15–18 m terrace had recently suffered partial (P. lobata, 60–70% maximum of all colonies sampled) or total (Pocillopora sp., 80% maximum) mortality. The lengths of regenerating knobs and the rates of linear skeletal growth inP. lobata, determined by sclerochronologic analysis, indicated a period of stress during 1987. Massive skeletal growth is significantly higher at intermediate (16–17 m) than shallow (6–8 m) depths with mean extension rates of 1.5 mm yr^–1 inP. lobata and 1.4 mm yr^–1 inP. minuta at intermediate depths. Skeletal growth inP. lobata was depressed during the 1987 El Nifio event at Clipperton. The branching coralPocillopora sp. demonstrated high and similar skeletal growth rates at both shallow (25.4 mm yr^–1) and intermediate (26.5 mm yr^–1) depths. The presence of widely distributed Indo-Pacific zooxanthellate corals at Clipperton and the Revillagigedo Islands indicates that these NE Pacific Islands probably serve as a stepping stone for dispersal into the far eastern Pacific region.     

Kinorhyncha from the stomach of the shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Bate, 1888) from Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Six kinorhynchs were found in the stomachs of the Argentine red shrimp, Pleoticus mulleri (Bate, 1888) from the Argentine coast of Patagonia. Three new species are described: Condyloderes storchi n. sp., Pycnophyes argentinensis n. sp. and P. neuhausi n. sp. A fourth species, Kinorhynchus anomalus Lang, 1953 was previously known only from the coast of Chile. This is the third known record of kinorhynchs documented as a food source. Condyloderes storchi, n. sp. is the fourth new species in this genus. It is distinguished by its paradorsal cuspidate spines on segments 7 and 9, lateral accessory and ventrolateral spines on segments 3, 6, 7, 10 and 11. P. argentinensis, n. sp. has nearly equal sternal width for segments 3–11 (about 7% of the trunk length), episternal plates with three distinct areas along the anterior margin, mid-sternal plate with even margin, mid-dorsal spinose protrusions along the terminal borders of segments 11 and 12, and lateral terminal spines 176 μm long, about 21% of trunk length. P. neuhausi, n. sp.has a prominent posterior elongation of the tergal plate of segment 3, uneven lateral margins of the mid-sternal plate, a maximum sternal width at segment 3, no mid-dorsal spinose processes and mid-ventral thickenings on segments 10–12.     

New species and records of saprophytic ascomycetes (Myxotrichaceae) from decaying logs in the boreal forest

Decayed wood from fallen white spruce (Picea glauca) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) collected in northeastern Alberta, Canada, was the source of new isolates of species in the ascomycete generaGymnostellatospora andPseudogymnoascus. In addition to new reports ofG. japonica, G. frigida andP. roseus, two new species are described.Gymnostellatospora canadensis sp. nov. resemblesG. japonica but differs in producing brown ascomata and in the formation of an arthroconidial anamorph.Gymnostellatospora subnuda sp. nov. is distinct in lacking differentiated peridial hyphae.Gymnostellatospora alpina was not found in decayed wood but is reviewed based on extralimital material. A dichtomous key to the five species ofGymnostellatospora is provided.     

Fishing mortality rates of giant clams (Family Tridacnidae) from the Sulu Archipelago and Southern Palawan,Philippines

Average size frequency distributions of Tridacna squamosa, T. gigas, Hippopus hippopus and H. porcellanus harvested from the Sulu Archipelago and Southern Palawan areas from 1978–1985 were derived from export records and a warehouse inventory of giant clam shells. Average species mortality rates (Z) were estimated and were used to approximate average fishing mortality rates (F) over the period 1978–1985. Crude estimates of exploitation rates (F/Z) indicate that populations of these species are already overexploited. These findings have serious implications in view of the fact that the Sulu Archipelago and Southern Palawan are thought to be the last strongholds of giant clams in Philippine waters.     

A new genus of Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous: the first fossil rove beetles from the Southern Hemisphere

The fossil genus of rove beetles Apticax gen.n . with two new species, A. volans sp.n . and A. solidus sp.n., is described from the Nova Olinda Member of the Crato Formation in north‐eastern Brazil (Aptian–Albian, dated as 125–99.6 Ma old). Both species belong to the clade Staphylininae + Paederinae in the staphylinine group of subfamilies and are the first fossil true Staphylinidae to be described from the entire Southern Hemisphere. Although they resemble Paederinae, the low number of satisfactorily preserved characters do not allow definite placement of either A. volans or A. solidus in any of the subfamilies of Staphylinidae.