A new species of Litarachna (Acari,Hydrachnidia, Pontarachnidae) from a Caribbean mesophotic coral ecosystem

New records of pontarachnid mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico are presented. Litarachna lopezae sp. n., from substrata collected from Bajo de Sico, a mesophotic coral reef ecosystem in Mona Passage off Puerto Rico, is described as new to science. The new species was collected from nearly 70 m depth, the greatest depth from which pontarachnid mites have been found until now. In addition, a Litarachna sp. was also found in association with the tube of the polychaete Sabellastarte magnifica (Shaw, 1800) at the shallow waters of north Puerto Rico.     

A new species of Newportia Gervais, 1847 from Puerto Rico,with a revised key to the species of the genus (Chilopoda,Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae)

A new species of the centipede genus Newportia, Newportia stoevi sp. n., is described from Rio Encantado Cave, Puerto Rico. It differs from all congeners by having sternites distinctly margined laterally and ultimate legs bearing 4 spinous processes on both prefemur and femur, and 2 on tibia. The value of some terms used in the taxonomy of the genus have been analyzed and an amended identification key to the species of Newportia is provided.     

A review of the net-winged midges (Diptera: Blephariceridae) of the West Indies,with description of a new species from Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT

The Caribbean blepharicerid fauna comprises three described species: Paltostoma palominoi Hogue and Garces, 1990, found in eastern Cuba; P. agyrocincta Curran, 1927, widespread in Puerto Rico; and P. schineri Williston, 1896, which occupies most major islands of the Lesser Antilles. In this paper, we describe P. portoricensis Hogue and Courtney, sp. n., a second species from Puerto Rico. We also provide keys to adults, pupae, and larvae of known Caribbean species, re-describe P. argyrocincta and P. schineri, and present a brief discussion of the bionomics and phylogenetic affinities of the net-winged midge fauna.     

Genetic analysis of a novel invasion of Puerto Rico by an exotic constricting snake

The tropical island Puerto Rico is potentially vulnerable to invasion by some species of exotic snakes; however, until now no established populations had been reported. Here we report and genetically characterize the nascent invasion of Puerto Rico by an exotic constricting snake of the family Boidae (Boa constrictor) using mtDNA and microsatellite data. Over 150 individual B. constrictor have been removed from Mayagüez municipality since May 2011, and our results from the genetic analysis of 32 individuals suggest that this population was recently founded by individuals of one subspecies from a genetic lineage common to zoo and breeding collections, but that the potential propagule pool consists of two subspecies. We also suggest that anthropogenic long-distance dispersal within the island of Puerto Rico may be occurring from the established population, with implications for further establishment across the island. This study represents the first report of the naturalization of an invasive species of boid snake in Puerto Rico and will be important in determining mitigation strategies for this invasion as well as providing a basis for comparison to other on-going studies of invasive snakes.     

A revision of the Puerto Rican species of lepanthes (Orchidaceae)

Six species of the orchid speciesLepanthes are described as new. A seventh species,L. sanguined, previously known only from Jamaica, is reported from Puerto Rico. The current misspelling ofL. selenitepala, the only species of the genus previously reported from Puerto Rico, is corrected. A key to the eight Puerto Rican species ofLepanthes is presented, and the value of several interesting taxonomic characters is discussed. The possibility of apogamy in this genus is raised, and detailed biosystematic investigations are indicated as necessary for a complete understanding of the group.     

Effects of invasive Green Iguanas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Iguana iguana</Emphasis>) on seed germination and seed dispersal potential in southeastern Puerto Rico

Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) are invasive in Puerto Rico due to a variety of negative economic effects, yet we know very little about their ecological impacts. Because they are herbivorous, defecate intact seeds, move through the forest, and have long gut-passage times, Green Iguanas may affect seed germination and seed dispersal. In summer 2013, a total of 258 Green Iguana scat samples were collected at the Humacao Natural Reserve in southeastern Puerto Rico. Seeds extracted from scat and collected from fruit were planted under common garden conditions using experimental treatments designed to tease apart the effects of feces, fruit, and ingestion on seed germination. Green Iguanas decreased the time for seeds to germinate in Ficus spp. by removing fruit pulp, but had no effect on germination of native Annona glabra seeds. For non-native P. pterocarpus and Pterocarpus spp., Green Iguanas produced conflicting results, decreasing the percentage of seeds germinating, but at the same time, reducing the time for seeds to germinate. Green Iguanas likely disperse most seeds beyond the canopies of parental tree at our site. Government and economic resources are being used to eradicate Green Iguana populations in Puerto Rico, but the lack of consistent effects of Green Iguanas on seed germination for the plant species consumed at our site complicates generalizing about their ecological effects and developing management plans that minimize negative effects for native plant communities. We recommend additional studies that target both species of particular concern, such as threatened native or invasive species, as well as studies of sensitive habitats in Puerto Rico.     

The marine Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) of the barrier reef ecosystems at Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, and other parts of the Caribbean Sea, with descriptions of twenty-seven new species and revision of Heterodrilus, Thalassodrilides and Smithsonidrilus

Fifty-nine species of Tubifieidae are recorded from Belize on the Caribbean side of Central America. Twenty-five are new to science: Ainudrilus geminus sp.n., Heronidrilus gravidus sp.n., Heterodrilus flexuosus sp.n., H. ranus sp.n., H. modestus sp.n., Coralliodrilus rugosus sp.n., C. randyi sp.n., Phallodrilus compactus sp. n., P. singularis sp.n., P. vicinus sp.n., P. nasutus sp.n., P. bipartitus sp.n., Inanidrilus reginae sp.n., Olavius finitimus sp.n., O. vacuus sp.n., O. (Olavius) pravus sp.n., Bathydrilus vetustus sp.n., B. egenus sp.n., Thalassodrilides bruneti sp.n., Limnodriloides anxius sp.n., L. major sp.n., L. sacculus sp.n., L. adversus sp.n., Smithsonidrilus appositus sp.n., S. involutus sp.n. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Heterodrilus Pierantoni, 1902, Thalassodrilides Brinkhurst & Baker, 1979, and Marcusaedrilus Righi & Kanner, 1979, are paraphyletic taxa as previously defined. They are therefore revised to include also apomorphic species earlier attributed to separate genera; in so doing, Marcusaedrilus becomes a junior synonym of Smithsonidrilus Brinkhurst, 1966. Smithsonidrilus pauper sp.n. (Peru), and S. multiglandularis sp.n. (Florida and Puerto Rico) are also described, and Limnodriloides claviger Erséus, 1982 is regarded as a synonym of L. pierantonii (Hrabě, 1971).     

A new species of Omicrus Sharp (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from Puerto Rico and its larva, the first known larva of Omicrini

A remarkable new species of bromeliadicolous Hydrophilidae, Omicrus ingens sp.n., is described from Puerto Rico. Notes on the habitat and occurrence of the species are given. Larvae found in association with adult beetles are assigned to the same species and described as such. It is the first known larva of the sphaeridiine tribe Omicrini. Comparative notes are given to other hydrophilid larvae, particularly Sphaeridiinae, and preliminary keys to larvae are presented for known subfamilies of Hydrophilidae and known tribes of Sphaeridiinae.     

New microsatellite markers for the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius sensu stricto reveal the genetic structure of US and Puerto Rican populations

The ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius has been introduced to many areas around the world as a source of inoculum for pine plantations. However, little is known about the genetic structure of fungal populations in their introduced habitats. To study the genetics of exotic P. tinctorius populations, we developed and employed seven new microsatellite markers and compared samples from Puerto Rico (exotic range) and the eastern United States (native range). Bayesian cluster analysis, neighbor joining analysis and F_ST values all strongly separated Puerto Rican populations from North American populations. Consistent with a founder effect, populations from Puerto Rico had reduced allelic richness when compared to samples from the United States. The genetic structure of P. tinctorius populations in Puerto Rico is weak to modest and is not correlated with geographic distance reflecting anthropogenic movement of inoculum with forestry practices.     

A taxonomic review of the Neoserica (sensu lato) septemlamellata group (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae, Sericini)

In the present paper the species belonging to the Neoserica (sensu lato) septemlamellata group, that included so far only four known species, are revised. Here we describe eleven new species originating mainly from Indochina and Southern China: N. daweishanica sp. n., N. gaoligongshanica sp. n., N. guangpingensis sp. n., N. igori sp. n., N. jiulongensis sp. n., N. plurilamellata sp. n., N. weishanica sp. n., N. yanzigouensis sp. n. (China) N. sapaensis sp. n. (China, Vietnam), N. bansongchana sp. n., N. takakuwai sp. n. (Laos). The lectotypes of Neoserica septemlamellata Brenske, 1898 and N. septemfoliata Moser, 1915 are designated. Keys to the species and species groups are given, the genitalia of all species and their habitus are illustrated and distribution maps are included.     

Revision of the Chinese Cleptes (Hymenoptera,Chrysididae) with description of new species

The genus Cleptes Latreille, 1802 from China is revised and illustrated for the first time. Seventeen species of Cleptes are recorded. Nine species are new to science, Cleptes albonotatus sp. n., Cleptes eburnecoxis sp. n., Cleptes flavolineatus sp. n., Cleptes helanshanus sp. n., Cleptes niger sp. n., Cleptes shengi sp. n., Cleptes sinensis sp. n., Cleptes tibetensis sp. n., and Cleptes villosus sp. n.,and two species are reported as new to China, Cleptes metallicorpus Ha, Lee & Kim, 2011, and Cleptes seoulensis Tsuneki, 1959.     

A revision of the genus Arenivaga (Rehn) (Blattodea,Corydiidae), with descriptions of new species and key to the males of the genus

The cockroach genus Arenivaga is revised. Forty-eight Arenivaga species are recognized with nine previously known species and 39 described as new including the following: A. pagana sp. n., A. grandiscanyonensis sp. n., A. haringtoni sp. n., A. hopkinsorum sp. n., A. umbratilis sp. n., A. tenax sp. n., A. impensa sp. n., A. trypheros sp. n., A. darwini sp. n., A. nalepae sp. n., A. sequoia sp. n., A. mckittrickae sp. n., A. gaiophanes sp. n., A. belli sp. n., A. estelleae sp. n., A. delicata sp. n., A. mortisvallisensis sp. n., A. milleri sp. n., A. pratchetti sp. n., A. gumperzae sp. n., A. rothi sp. n., A. ricei sp. n., A. adamsi sp. n., A. nicklei sp. n., A. akanthikos sp. n., A. moctezuma sp. n., A. paradoxa sp. n., A. apaeninsula sp. n., A. hebardi sp. n., A. dnopheros sp. n., A. aquila sp. n., A. florilega sp. n., A. galeana sp. n., A. gurneyi sp. n., A. pumila sp. n., A. hypogaios sp. n., A. diaphana sp. n., A. nocturna sp. n., A. alichenas sp. n. All species are described or redescribed, major morphological features are illustrated, distributions are characterized, and the biology of the species is reviewed. A neotype series is designated for A. investigata Friauf & Edney.     

Review of the western palaearctic Ichneumon-flies of the genus Rhorus Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae: Ctenopelmatinae). II. The species of the punctus,longicornis, chrysopygus,and substitutor groups,the species with the black metasoma and some others

The Western Palaearctic species of Rhorus with the black metasoma and all the species of 4 speciesgroups (the punctus, longicornis, chrysopygus, and substitutor) are revised. Fourteen new species from the Western Palaearctic Region (mainly from Europe) are described: Rh. arkhyz sp. n., Rh. avacha sp. n., Rh. boreator sp. n., Rh. brevigena sp. n., Rh. gauldi sp. n., Rh. humalai sp. n., Rh. jussilai sp. n., Rh. laricis sp. n., Rh. olenek sp. n., Rh. pristiphorae sp. n., Rh. romani sp. n., Rh. suecicus sp. n., Rh. ucrainicus sp. n., and Rh. xanthopygus sp. n. A key to 40 species is given.     

A taxonomic review of the Neoserica (sensu lato) abnormis group (Coleoptera,Scarabaeidae, Sericini)

The present paper revises the species belonging to the Neoserica (sensu lato) abnormis group, so far known only with two nominal species. Twenty new species are herein described from Indochina and southern China: N. abnormoides sp. n. (Vietnam, China), N. allolaotica sp. n., N. namthaensis sp. n., N. simplicissima sp. n. (Laos), N. thailandensis sp. n. (Thailand), N. alloputaoana sp. n., N. kanphantensis sp. n., N. natmatoungensis sp. n., N. putaoana sp. n., N. taunggyiana sp. n. (Myanmar), N. lamellosa sp. n., N. tonkinea sp. n. (Vietnam), N. bairailingshanica sp. n., N. euyunnanica sp. n., N. huangi sp. n., N. jiangxiensis sp. n., N. trifida sp. n., N. yaoi sp. n., N. yingjiangensis sp. n. (China), N. cardamomensis sp. n. (Indochina and southern China). One new combination is established: Neoserica ponderosa Arrow, 1946, comb. n. The lectotypes of Neoserica abnormis Moser, 1908 and the taxonomically uncertain N. inclinata Brenske, 1898, which very likely also belongs to this species group, are designated herein. A key to the species and to species groups is given, the genitalia of all species including their habitus are illustrated. Maps of species distribution are included.     

Palaearctic species of the ichneumon-fly genus Campodorus Förster (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae): III. Species with long-haired ovipositor sheath, species with entirely rufous hind tibia, and species with white-banded tibiae

A complex of about 40 Palaearctic species of the genus Campodorus with long haired ovipositor sheath and with entirely rufous or white-banded hind tibia is considered and keyed. Twenty-one new species are described. The species with the pale rufous hind tibia have black hind coxa and trochanters, most of them also have rather long genae and scabrous mesopleura. The majority of these species are distributed in subarctic Siberia: C. yakutator sp. n., C. minutor sp. n., C. arctor sp. n., C. atripes sp. n., C. pequenitor sp. n., C. mordax sp. n., C. lucidator sp. n., C. subarctor sp. n., C. nikandrovskii sp. n., and C. genator sp. n. C. suomi sp. n. is described from northern Finland, C. labytnangi sp. n., from Kola Peninsula, the Polar Ural, and Transbaikalia, and only C. gallicator sp. n., from France (? Alps). The species with a white band on the hind tibia are mostly boreal; most of them have red coxae and trochanters (except for C. sakhalinator sp. n. and C. taigator sp. n.), rather short genae, and granulate mesopleura. In this group, eight new species are described: C. atrofemorator sp. n., C. barbator sp. n., C. sakhalinator sp. n. (all from the southern part of the Russian Far East), C. taigator sp. n. (southern Siberian), C. ciliator sp. n., C. melanopygus sp. n., C. marginator sp. n., and C. boreator sp. n. (European-Siberian).     

Meloidogyne mayaguensis n. sp. (Meloidogynidae), a Root-knot Nematode from Puerto Rico

Meloidogyne mayaguensis n. sp. is described and illustrated from specimens obtained from galled roots of eggplant, Solanum melongena L., from Puerto Rico. The perineal pattern of females is round to ovoid with fine, widely spaced striae. It has occasional breaks of striation laterally and a circular tail tip area lacking striae. The stylet, 15.8 μm long, has reniform knobs that merge gradually with the stylet shaft. Males have a high, rectangular, smooth head region, not set off from the body contour. The labial disc is continuous with the medial lips which do not slope posteriorly. The styler, 22.9 μm long, has large rounded backward sloping knobs; the shaft is of uneven diameter. Mean body length of second-stage juveniles is 453.6 μm. The truncate head region is not annulated, and the rounded, slightly raised labial disc and the crescentic medial lips form dumbbell-shaped lip structures. The stylet, 11.6 μm long, has rounded, posteriorly sloping knobs. The slender tail, 54.4 μm long, gradually tapers to a bluntly pointed tip. Tomato, tobacco, pepper, and watermelon are good hosts; cotton and peanut are not hosts. M. mayaguensis n. sp. reproduces by mitotic parthenogenesis and has a somatic chromosome number of 2n = 44-45. The enzyme patterns are unique among Meloidogyne species.     

A review of the genus Strigivenifera Hering, 1937 (Lepidoptera, Chrysopolomidae) with a description of ten new species

Twelve species are considered within the Afrotropical genus Strigivenifera Hering, 1937, and ten of them are described as new ones: S. eborea sp. n.,S. livingstonei sp. n., S. marina sp. n., S. tanja sp. n., S. ocellaris sp. n., S. cruisa sp. n., S. bartschi sp. n., S. oris sp. n., S. tatooifera sp. n., and S. neo sp. n. The species S. albidiscalis (Hampson, 1910) is raised from synonymy with S. venata (Aurivillius, 1895) and considered as a separate species.