Morphometric geographic variation in the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew Crocidura shantungensis (Mammalia,Insectivora) in East Asia

This study investigated geographic variation in the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew, Crocidura shantungensis Miller, 1901, among a number of localities in East Asia, including the Korean Peninsula, Tsushima Island, Cheju Island, and Taiwan, using univariate and multivariate analyses of cranial morphometric characters. Sexual differences were found in Taiwanese shrews, but were not evident in those from Korea or Tsushima. The samples from Taiwan had a larger overall cranial size than those from Korea and Tsushima, and were well separated from the latter two samples in the discriminant analyses. The overall size of the Cheju shrews was also greater, but lay within the variation of those from Taiwan. Crocidura dsinezumi quelpartis Kuroda, 1934, described from Cheju Island, is actually a junior synonym of C. shantungensis, and is not related to C. dsinezumi.     

中国竹飞虱属分类研究(半翅目,蜡蝉总科,飞虱科)

整理记述中国飞虱科竹飞虱属Bambusiphaga Huang et Ding 14种.研究发现丁锦华、黄其林(1979)对该属模式种黑斑竹飞虱B.nigripunctata雄性外生殖器阳茎结构的图示与王金川、丁锦华(1996)在<甘肃飞虱>中对该种阳茎结构的记述及图示不同,通过解剖西北农林科技大学昆虫?骀 博物馆馆藏的该种标本,发现其阳茎结构与王金川、丁锦华(1996)记述及图示的阳茎结构相同,在检查了该种的模式标本后,确认丁锦华、黄其林(1979)图示的雄性外生殖器阳茎结构并非本种.本文对该种雄性外生殖器结构作了重新描记,并绘制了该种成虫及雄性外生殖器鉴别特征图.文中还建立1个新组合:B.bakeri(Muir)nov.comb.及2个新异名:B.membranacea Yang et Yang,1986为B.furca Huang et Ding,1979的异名;B.latispina Qin et Yuan,1999为B.bakeri(Muir,1919)的异名.文中还提供了该属所有中国种类的检索表.     

New synonym and new Japanese record of the ant genus Ponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

A new synonym in the ant genus Ponera , and a new species-record from Japan are reported following faunal surveys of Yakushima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Morphological comparison of type specimens with material collected on Yakushima and mainland Kyushu and Honshu reveals that Ponera yakushimensis Tanaka is a junior synonym of Ponera scabra Wheeler. Analysis of intraspecific variation in P. scabra is reported. Morphological comparison reveals that a recent putative distribution record of P. scabra from Yakushima was based on a misidentification of Ponera alisana Terayama. This is the first Japanese record of P. alisana , which was originally described from Taiwan. Geographic variation between the P. alisana types and specimens collected on Yakushima is discussed. A revised key to Japanese Ponera species is presented.     

Rhantus fengi sp. n. from Xizang, China, and notes on Laccoporus nigritulus (Gschwendtner) (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae)

Rhantus fengisp. n. from Mount Sejila, Xizang, China is described and illustrated. Laccoporus nigritulus (Gschwendtner, 1936) is redescribed and illustrated; Laccoporus viator Balfour-Browne, 1939, syn. n. is established as its junior subjective synonym.     

Song frequency correlates with latitude and individual body size in the cicada <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mogannia formosana</Emphasis> Matsumura (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

Analyses of acoustic variation between and within populations can help to clarify the evolution and diversification of cicada calling songs. In this study, we analyzed the acoustic variation in the calling song of Mogannia formosana within Taiwan and between Taiwan and Green Island to assess the effects of geographic locations. Furthermore, chorusing males in the Green Island population were recorded and collected from the same habitat site during the same time period to investigate the relationship between individual body size and the acoustic features of calling songs. Among populations of M. formosana, we found that most of the acoustic variation in M. formosana calling songs was associated with frequency parameters, in which six frequency parameters changed significantly with latitude on the island of Taiwan. In contrast, temporal parameters, which were associated with principal components corresponding to less acoustic variation than that of the first principal component, were also found to be significant among populations but did not show consistent trends of difference with latitude. However, the geographically isolated Green Island population exhibited the lowest number of short echemes in segment B, which is the diagnostic structure employed to separate M. formosana from other M. species. This finding suggests that the temporal pattern of segment B in the calling songs of M. formosana might be important for both population differentiation and interspecific recognition. In a chorus of the Green Island population, the sound frequency of the last short echeme was found to be significantly correlated with individual body size. The possible role played by sexual selection in shaping sound frequency as a result of its reliable association with body size was discussed. We suggest that, in comparison with temporal elements, the frequency elements of segment B in calling songs of M. formosana in chorus can serve as a more reliable indicator of body size for female mate choice.     

台湾林檎及其近缘种的研究

<正> 《中国植物志》在苹果属糁棱海棠组中曾记载台湾林檎Malus doumeri(Bois.)Chev.和尖嘴林檎M.melliana(Hand.-Mazz.)Rehd.两种。作者依据最近二十多年来增加的野外采集标本和资源开发中新近提出来的问题,检查了过去国内外文献资料,发现我国江西西部和西南部、浙江西南部、广东、广西,湖南东部和东南部、贵州西南部、云南东南部和台湾等地区均有台湾林檎分布并与老挝东北部、越南中部和南部形成连续的分布区。而尖嘴林檎(模式标本采自广东连平)和广西近年来开发利用的“大果山楂”均属于台湾林檎。又     

Genetic consequences of a century of protection: serial founder events and survival of the little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii)

We present the outcome of a century of post-bottleneck isolation of a long-lived species, the little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii, LSK) and demonstrate that profound genetic consequences can result from protecting few individuals in isolation. LSK were saved from extinction by translocation of five birds from South Island, New Zealand to Kapiti Island 100 years ago. The Kapiti population now numbers some 1200 birds and provides founders for new populations. We used 15 microsatellite loci to compare genetic variation among Kapiti LSK and the populations of Red Mercury, Tiritiri Matangi and Long Islands that were founded with birds from Kapiti. Two LSK native to D''Urville Island were also placed on Long Island. We found extremely low genetic variation and signatures of acute and recent genetic bottleneck effects in all four populations, indicating that LSK have survived multiple genetic bottlenecks. The Long Island population appears to have arisen from a single mating pair from Kapiti, suggesting there is no genetic contribution from D''Urville birds among extant LSK. The N_e/N_C ratio of Kapiti Island LSK (0.03) is exceptionally low for terrestrial vertebrates and suggests that genetic diversity might still be eroding in this population, despite its large census size.     

Black-tie dress code: two new species of the genus Toxomerus (Diptera, Syrphidae)

Toxomerus hauseri Mengual sp. n. and Toxomerus picudus Mengual sp. n. are described from Peru and Ecuador respectively. Toxomerus circumcintus (Enderlein, 1938) is treated as a valid species and not considered synonym of Toxomerus marginatus, and Toxomerus ovatus (Hull, 1942) is considered junior synonym of Toxomerus nitidus (Schiner, 1868). An identification key for the Toxomerus species with dark abdomens is given along with diagnoses for each studied species.     

Review of the Palaearctic members of the Lispe tentaculata species-group (Diptera, Muscidae): revised key, synonymy and notes on ecology

The taxonomic reasons for regarding Lispe draperi Séguy, 1933, sp. rev., as a valid species instead of a synonym of Lispe tentaculata (De Geer, 1776) and for treating Lispe quaerens Villeneuve, 1936, syn. n., as a junior synonym of Lispe sericipalpis Stein, 1904 are given. A revised key for the Palaearctic members of the Lispe tentaculata species-group is given. Data on ecology, distribution and feeding preferences are provided.     

New taxonomic data on the genus Ypsolopha Latreille (Lepidoptera,Ypsolophidae) with descriptions of two new species from the Russian Far East

Two new species of the genus Ypsolopha Latreille, 1796 are described from Far East of Russia: Ypsolopha melanofuscella sp. n. and Ypsolopha straminella sp. n. Two new synomymies are proposed: Ypsolopha ulingensis Yang, 1977, a new junior synonym of Ypsolopha costibasella (Caradja, 1939); and Cerostoma falculella Erschoff, 1877, a new junior synonym of Ypsolopha asperella Linnaeus, 1761. The species Ypsolopha costibasella Caradja, 1939, Ypsolopha nigrofasciata Yang, 1977 and Ypsolopha nigrimaculata Byun et Park, 2001 are recorded from Far East of Russia for the first time. The male genitalia of Ypsolopha nigrofasciata are described and illustrated for the first time, diagnostic genital characters are given.     

New synonymy of Proceratium williamsi Tiwari (Hymenoptera,Formicidae)

Proceratium bhutanense De Andrade, 2003, syn. n. is here found to be conspecific with Proceratium williamsi Tiwari, 2000 and accordingly treated as a junior synonym.     

A revision of the genus Mecistostethus Marseul (Histeridae, Histerinae, Exosternini)

We revise the genus Mecistostethus Marseul, sinking the monotypic genus Tarsilister Bruch as a junior synonym. Mecistostethus contains six valid species: Mecistostethus pilifer Marseul, Mecistostethus loretoensis (Bruch), comb. n., Mecistostethus seagorumsp. n., Mecistostethus carltonisp. n., Mecistostethus marseulisp. n., and Mecistostethus flechtmannisp. n. The few existing records show the genus to be widespread in tropical and subtropical South America, from northern Argentina to western Amazonian Ecuador and French Guiana. Only a single host record associates one species with the ant Pachycondyla striata Smith (Formicidae: Ponerinae), but it is possible that related ants host all the species.     

Gondysia preceded Neadysgonia (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Erebinae), a new generic synonymy from southeastern United States

The recently proposed genus Neadysgonia Sullivan, 2010, was preceded in the literature by Gondysia Berio, 1955, a monotypic genus based on specimens without locality labels but presumed to be from Madagascar. The genus Gondysia replaces Neadysgonia and the species Gondysia pertorrida Berio, 1955, becomes a junior synonym of Gondysia consobrina (Guenée, 1852).     

Revision of Tipula (Yamatotipula) stackelbergi Alexander (Diptera, Tipulidae), and a short discussion on subspecies among crane flies

All available type material of Tipula stackelbergi Alexander, Tipula usuriensis Alexander and Tipula subpruinosa Mannheims were examined. Tipula (Yamatotipula) stackelbergistat. rev. is elevated from a subspecies of Tipula (Yamatotipula) pruinosa Wiedemann to a valid species. Two new synonyms are proposed: Tipula usuriensissyn. n. proved to be a junior synonym of. Tipula (Yamatotipula) pruinosa and Tipula subpruinosasyn. n. a junior synonym of Tipula (Yamatotipula) freyana Lackschewitz. Tipula (Yamatotipula) stackelbergi is redescribed, male and female terminalia of Tipula (Yamatotipula) pruinosa are illustrated and discussed. Female terminalia of Tipula (Yamatotipula) freyana are described and illustrated for the first time. A key to both sexes of Tipula (Yamatotipula) stackelbergi and Tipula (Yamatotipula) pruinosa, and a key to females of Tipula (Yamatotipula) chonsaniana, Tipula (Yamatotipula) freyana and Tipula (Yamatotipula) moesta are provided. Subspecies are not uncommon among crane flies, but their ranges and traits are poorly known. An interdisciplinary approach (genetics, ecology, taxonomy) is suggested if subspecific ranks are to be used in tipuloid systematics.     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Mastax Fischer von Waldheim, 1828 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Brachininae) in Korea

A widespread East Asian species, Mastax poecila Schaum, 1863 is recorded in Korea for the first time, to which previous record of M. thermarum egorovi Lafer, 1973 (Paik & Kim, 2006) is assigned. Mastax formosana Dupis, 1912 from Taiwan is proposed as a junior synonym of M. poecila.     

Funaria maryanneae n. sp. and Proleptonchus weischeri n. sp. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from Europe and New Synonyms in Leptonchoidea

Funaria maryanneae n. sp., distinguished by its large size and long prerectum, is described from specimens collected in Bad Sooden, Germany, D. B. R. This nematode was collected also from Fräkmüntegg (Mt. Pilatus), Switzerland. Proleptonchus weischeri n. sp., with short hemispheroid female tail and relatively anterior vulva, is described from specimens collected in Kaufunger Wald near Kassel, Germany, D. B. R. This is the first report of either genus from the continent of Europe. Leptonchus parisii Zullini, 1973, from Chiapas, Mexico, becomes a junior synonym of Funaria obtusa (Thorne, 1939) Goseco, Ferris and Ferris, 1974. Leptonchus acutus Zulliui, 1973 becomes Funaria acuta n. comb., and Funaria rothi Goseco, Ferris and Ferris, 1974 becomes a junior synonym of Funaria acuta.     

Burmoniscus kitadaitoensis Nunomura, 2009 (Crustacea,Isopoda, Oniscidea) from southern Japan,a junior synonym of B. meeusei (Holthuis, 1947)

Re-examination of the holotype of Burmoniscus kitadaitoensis Nunomura, 2009 from Kitadaitojima Island, southern Japan reveals that this species is a junior synonym of B. meeusei (Holthuis, 1947). Partial regions of mitochondrial COI, 12S and 16S rRNA genes, and nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA genes were detected for species identification in the future.     

Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) genetic diversity at Paranaguá Estuarine Complex feeding grounds in Brazil

Sea turtles are marine reptiles that undertake long migrations through their life, with limited information regarding juvenile stages. Feeding grounds (FGs), where they spend most of their lives, are composed by individuals from different natal origins, known as mixed stock populations. The aim of this study was to assess genetic composition, natal origins and demographic history of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC), Brazil, considered a Natural World Heritage site. Tissue samples of stranded animals were collected (n = 60), and 700 bp mitochondrial DNA sequences were generated and compared to shorter sequences from previously published studies. Global exact tests of differentiation revealed significant differences among PEC and the other FGs, except those at the South Atlantic Ocean. Green turtles at PEC present genetic signatures similar to those of nesting females from Ascension Island, Guinea Bissau and Aves Island/Surinam. Population expansion was evidenced to have occurred 20–25 kYA, reinforcing the hypothesis of recovery from Southern Atlantic refugia after the last Glacial Maximum. These results contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of green turtle populations at a protected area by providing knowledge on the dispersion patterns and reinforcing the importance of the interconnectivity between nesting and foraging populations.     

The taxonomic status of Dugesia biblica from Israel and Turkey (Platyhelminthes,Tricladida, Dugesiidae)

The taxonomic status of Dugesia biblica (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Israel and Turkey is problematic due to its morphological similarity with Dugesia sicula since these nominal species present overlapping characters. In this study we analyzed histological preparations of specimens of these two nominal species and also compared mitochondrial COI gene sequences from Israeli populations to the already known haplotype composition of Dugesia sicula. We concluded that these animals belong to the same species and therefore we consider Dugesia biblica to be a junior synonym of Dugesia sicula. This implies that the distribution range of Dugesia sicula is even wider than previously thought, and that the species is present all around the Mediterranean Basin and on many of its islands.