Subterranean species of the ant genus Crematogaster in Asia (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Three Crematogaster ant species, C. (Orthocrema) javanica Menozzi, C. (O.) myops Forel and C. (O.) masukoi sp. nov., share reduced compound eyes which characterizes them among Asian species of the subgenus Orthocrema. The new species is described based on material from Borneo. It can be distinguished from C. javanica and C. myops by its smooth surface of clypeus and acutely produced subpetiolar process. Reduced compound eyes and yellowish body suggest that these three species are subterranean.     

Second species in the Australian ant genus Peronomyrmex Viehmeyer (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

A second species of the rare Australian ant genus Peronomyrmex is described from Victoria. This new species, P. bartoni , represents only the third time the genus has been collected, the previous records being the holotype of P. overbecki Viehmeyer from north-eastern New South Wales and a collection, subsequently lost, from northern Queensland.     

Comparative ultrastructure of ant spermatozoa (Formicidae: Hymenoptera)

Mature spermatozoa from spermathecae of founding queens were obtained from 5 species of ants, representing the major subfamilies Myrmicinae (Acromyrmex versicolor, Crematogaster sp.) and Dolichoderinae (Tapinoma sessile, Conomyrma insana, Conomyrma wheeleri). The ultrastructure of ant spermatozoa has many features in common with that of higher insects and is similar to that of other Hymenoptera. Structural similarities to spermatozoa of other Hymenoptera include an acrosome containing an internal rod that extends into the nucleus, two elongate mitochondrial derivatives, a centriolar adjunct, and an axonemal arrangement of 9 + 9 + 2 that includes well-developed coarse, or accessory, tubules. Spermatozoa obtained from A. versicolor, a species that is known to store and utilize viable sperm from this supply for over 10 years, show greater development of the mitochondrial derivatives than do the other species. The most distinctive feature of ant spermatozoa in comparison to other Hymenoptera is the large size of the centriolar adjunct relative to the other organelles. The centriolar adjunct is located posterior to the nucleus, anterior to the mitochondrial derivatives, and opposite the axoneme.     

Microsatellites for the Neotropical ant,Camponotus leydigi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are dominant social insects that play important ecological roles in terrestrial ecosystems. Camponotus leydigi (Forel) is widely distributed in the Neotropical region and is frequently found in the Brazilian cerrado savanna interacting with plants and other insects. Field observations indicate that C. leydigi has a polydomous nesting habit, but little is known about the genetic relationship among workers. In this study, we identify the first nine microsatellite loci for C. leydigi that will allow further investigation on its genetic diversity. We used a microsatellite-enriched library method. According to this method, repetitive sequences are captured with (CT)₈ and (GT)₈ biotin-linked probes, with subsequent recovery by streptavidin magnetic-coated beads. We observed that eight loci were polymorphic. The mean (± standard error) observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.55 ± 0.23 and 0.73 ± 0.28, respectively. The rarified allelic richness ranged from 1 to 5.32. The polymorphism contents were similar to diversity estimates found in markers previously developed for other Camponotus ants. These markers will be useful for future studies on population genetics and ecology of Camponotus ants in cerrado, including nesting ecology, colony structure, dispersal and conservation.     

Then there were five: a reexamination of the ant genus Paratrechina (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

The ant genus Paratrechina is reexamined based on the discovery of two new species from Madagascar (P. ankarana sp. n. and P. antsingy sp. n.). Paratrechina kohli, a species known from central Africa, is transferred to Paratrechina from Prenolepis based on a new morphological interpretation of the genus and an updated morphological diagnosis of the genus is provided. This means that other than the widespread P. longicornis, whose origins remain uncertain, all Paratrechina are restricted either to the Afrotropical or Malagasy regions. It would also appear that of the five Paratrechina species now known, three are from dry forest habitats. With this reexamination of the genus, the possible origins of P. longicornis are discussed. A key to the genera of the Prenolepis genus-group is provided, as is a key to the workers of Paratrechina. In addition, we also designate a lectotype for Paratrechina kohli.     

Revision of the dolichoderine ant genus Turneria (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract. The Australasian ant genus Turneria is revised. T.bidentata Forel, T.dahlii Forel and T.pacifica Mann are redescribed and a lectotype designated for T.bidentata. T.frenchi Forel is transferred to Stigmacros (comb.n.), and T.butteli Forel is transferred to Iridomyrmex (comb.n.). Three new species, T.arbusta, T.collina and T.postomma, are described from Papua New Guinea. Males of the genus are described for the first time. A key to the workers of recognized species and a distribution map are provided. The group is analysed cladistically and the resulting species relationships are discussed, along with a comment on the use of polymorphic characters.     

Lenomyrmex, an enigmatic new ant genus from the Neotropical Region (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

Abstract. We describe a new myrmicine ant genus, Lenomyrmex , with four new species: L. mandibularis (type species) and L. foveolatus from Colombia, L. wardi from Ecuador and Colombia, and L. costatus from Panama. The new taxon is clearly distinguished from other myrmicine ants by the following combination of characters: (1) mandibles elongate-triangular, with crenulate masticatory margin three times longer than basal margin, and bearing a series of ten to twenty minute peg-like denticles that arise along and immediately behind the masticatory margin; (2) frontal lobes poorly expanded laterally, partly covering the antennal fossae; (3) large and deep antennal fossae; (4) antennal scrobes absent; (5) eyes protuberant; (6) petiole pedunculate, with poorly defined node and with an anteroventral subpetiolar process pointed anteriorly. The affinities of this new taxon within Myrmicinae remain unclear and the observed characters do not permit it to be included satisfactorily in any of the known tribes or genus groups of the subfamily.     

A new record ant species of the genus Cardiocondyla Emery from China(Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

An ant species, Cardiocondyla gibbosa Kuznetzov-Ugamsky, 1927, is newly recorded from China. The specimens were collected from Shule County of Kashgar, Xinjiang(39°14′N, 76° 22′E; elev. 1 248 m). All the specimens are kept in Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University. A key based on worker caste to known species of Cardiocondyla from China is provided.     

中国海胆蚁属分类研究（膜翅目：蚁科）

记录中国海胆蚁属Echinopla蚂蚁3种,即乞拉朋海胆蚁E.cherapunjiensis、条纹海胆蚁E.striat和侧毛海胆蚁E.lateropilosa,后者为中国新记录种.提供了工蚁形态描述、测量数据、地理分布和高清彩图,编制了工蚁分种检索表.     

Secostruma, a new subterranean tetramoriine ant genus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract. Secostruma , a very specialized new subterranean ant recovered from a soil-core sample taken in Sabah, East Malaysia, is described for the first time. Its most striking adaptations and their possible functions are discussed, and its affinities investigated. Analysis of its main features and comparison with two possible parent-groups leads to the conclusion that Secostruma is a member of the Tetramorium-group of genera.     

Sperm ultrastructure of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Decapoda: Brachyura)

This study describes the morphology of the sperm cell of Maja brachydactyla, with emphasis on localizing actin and tubulin. The spermatozoon of M. brachydactyla is similar in appearance and organization to other brachyuran spermatozoa. The spermatozoon is a globular cell composed of a central acrosome, which is surrounded by a thin layer of cytoplasm and a cup‐shaped nucleus with four radiating lateral arms. The acrosome is a subspheroidal vesicle composed of three concentric zones surrounded by a capsule. The acrosome is apically covered by an operculum. The perforatorium penetrates the center of the acrosome and has granular material partially composed of actin. The cytoplasm contains one centriole in the subacrosomal region. A cytoplasmic ring encircles the acrosome in the subapical region of the cell and contains the structures‐organelles complex (SO‐complex), which is composed of a membrane system, mitochondria with few cristae, and microtubules. In the nucleus, slightly condensed chromatin extends along the lateral arms, in which no microtubules have been observed. Chromatin fibers aggregate in certain areas and are often associated with the SO‐complex. During the acrosomal reaction, the acrosome could provide support for the penetration of the sperm nucleus, the SO‐complex could serve as an anchor point for chromatin, and the lateral arms could play an important role triggering the acrosomal reaction, while slightly decondensed chromatin may be necessary for the deformation of the nucleus. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Revision of the dolichoderine ant genus Axinidris Hymenoptera: Formicidae

Abstract. The Afrotropical ant genus Axinidris is revised. The pre viously known species A.acholli Weber is redescribed, as are A.tridens Arnold and A.denticulatum Wheeler, species newly transferred to Axinidris . Lectotypes are also designated for these species. Ten new species bidens, ghanensis, hylekoites, kakamegensis, kinoin, murielae, nigripes, occidentalis, palligastrion and parvus are described. The queen and male of the genus are described for the first time. A key for the separation of workers is presented, and the known biology and distribution are summarized.     

Agonistic relationships among sympatric mediterranean ant species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The potential aggressiveness of nine ant species belonging to the same community was estimated by means of two laboratory approaches: individual confrontations and group confrontations. Interspecific aggressiveness was not directly related to size of species in individual tests, although in group tests mortality of smaller ants increased with increasing size difference between the opponents. Tempo was related to the defense strategy of species (low-tempo species used immobility as a mechanism to avoid attacks, while high-tempo species tended to escape when coming into contact with more aggressive ones), but not with their potential aggressiveness: the most aggressive ants in individual and group tests were both low-tempo and high-tempo species when only these two categories were considered. No specific level of aggression was related to the subfamily to which the species belong (both myrmicines and formicines dominated in individual and group tests) or to the degree of taxonomic similarity between species.     

A new viviparous acoel Childia vivipara sp. nov. with observations on the developing embryos, sperm ultrastructure, body wall and stylet musculatures

A free‐living viviparous acoel, Childia vivipara sp. nov., from the Gullmar fjord of the Swedish coast is described. The new species is assigned to the taxon Childia based on histological, ultrastructural and molecular sequence similarities. All available molecular markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and histone H3) and several morphological characters, obtained using transmission electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy of whole mount specimen stained with TRITC‐labelled phalloidin, support the placement of C. vivipara in the taxon Childia. Childia vivipara and other Childia species share the following morphological synapomorphies: well‐developed copulatory organs built of tightly packed stylet needles, proximal part of the stylet inserted into the seminal vesicle, reversed body‐wall musculature, absence of ventral diagonal muscles, presence of dorsal diagonal muscles, and presence of ventral straight longitudinal muscles between frontal pore and mouth, 9 + 1 sperm axoneme structure, six distal sperm cytoplasmic microtubules, and extensive overlap of axonemes and nucleus. The new species can be easily distinguished from other Childia species by its viviparous mode of reproduction and single curved stylet. Observations on late embryonic development based on the oldest developing embryos are discussed.     

Sperm ultrastructure in Bathypolypus bairdii and B. sponsalis (Cephalopoda: Octopoda)

A morphological comparison of the spermatozoa of the octopods Bathypolypus bairdii and B. sponsalis has been carried out by electron microscopy. Although the mature spermatozoon of B. bairdii is longer and thinner than that of B. sponsalis, its general ultrastructure is similar except for some minor differences. Their characteristic acrosomes, described here for the first time, consist of a periodically banded cone surrounded by a double helix whose arrangement has been defined by a numeric expression. The plasma membrane of sponsalis that surrounds the acrosome has many projections filled with abundant granular cytoplasm, which appears as a star‐shaped acrosome in cross‐section. The mitochondrial sheath contains 9–11 mitochondria in bairdii but only 9 in sponsalis. A comparison with other Octopodidae shows that the nucleus of both species is the largest ever seen. Our results support the capability of sperm morphology to discriminate between species and could even discern at higher taxonomic levels. J. Morphol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.