On the Synonymy of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae, Oxytelinae)

Entomological Review - The type material of several synonyms of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) is revised. Both Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) striatipennis (Eppelsheim, 1894) and...     

On the Knowledge of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis (Reitter, 1894) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

Entomological Review - The type and other extensive material of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and some of its synonyms was examined. Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis...     

First description of the female of Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) gracilior (Chen, 1975) (Diptera,Sarcophagidae)

Sarcophaga (Sarcorohdendorfia) gracilior (Chen, 1975) is documented from specimens collected in Hubei Province, China, using morphological characters and wing interference patterns (WIPs). The female of S. (S.) gracilior is described for the first time, the male is redescribed, and both sexes are photographed. The distribution of the species is updated.     

A revision of the Zenometridae (new rank) (Echinodermata, Crinoidea, Comatulidina)

Three genera of unstalked crinoids, Zenometra , Sarametra and Psathyrometra , formerly included in the subfamily Zenometrinae of the family Antedonidae, are removed and placed in a distinct family, the Zenometridae. Diagnostic features include a cavernous centrodorsal cavity, a complete basal circlet with a large central lumen and cirrus sockets with a concave fulcral bowl around the lumen. Sarametra nicobarica is synonymized under S. triserialis , which is redescribed in detail. Psathyrometra is redefined and includes only the species P. fragilis , P. congesta and P. bigradata , which are redescribed. P. erythrizon is synonymized under P. fragilis . The four other species formerly included in Psathyrometra are removed to Athrypsometra gen. n., retained in the Antedonidae. The other genera formerly included in the Zenometrinae are considered incertae sedis in the family Antedonidae pending detailed re-examination. Cladistic analysis using the antedonids, Poliometra prolixa (a former zenometrine) and Florometra serratissima , and the thalassometrid, Oceanometra annandalei , as outgroups produces the following tree: ( O. annandalei (( F. serratissima / P. prolixa )((( P. fragilis / P. congesta ) P. bigradata ) ( S. triserialis / Z. columnaris )))).     

Vitellogenesis of the digenean Plagiorchis elegans (Rudolphi, 1802) (Plagiorchioidea,Plagiorchiidae)

The ultrastructural organization of vitellogenesis of Plagiorchis elegans (Rudolphi, 1802), experimentally obtained from the golden hamster Mesocricetus auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), is described using transmission electron microscopy. This study is the first ultrastructural study of vitellogenesis in a member of the superfamily Plagiorchioidea. The four stages usually observed during vitellogenesis are described: stage I, cytoplasm of the vitellocytes mainly filled with ribosomes and few mitochondria; stage II, beginning of the synthetic activity; stage III, active synthesis of the shell globule clusters; stage IV, vitellocytes are filled with shell globule clusters and contain several lipid droplets, and glycogen granules are grouped around clusters and droplets. Vitellogenesis in P. elegans is compared with that of other Digenea. The differences among P. elegans and previously studied digeneans include, but are not limited to the occurrence of dense coiled endoplasmic reticulum saccules and the concentration of glycogen in the mesenchyme, which may be considered as a fifth stage of maturation of the vitelline glands. This peculiarity was not observed in all trematodes, which clearly indicates differences in the vitellogenesis in various digenean lineages at different stages of maturation of their vitelline cells.     

Revision of the subgenus Ceratitis (Pardalaspis) Bezzi, 1918 (Diptera, Tephritidae, Ceratitini)

Abstract. The fruit fly genus Ceratitis (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprises several important pest species attacking a wide range of unrelated fruits. In this paper the subgenus Ceratitis ( Pardalaspis ) Bezzi is revised. Ten species are recognized of which five are described as new: C.(P.)hamata sp.n., C.(P.)munroi sp.n., C.(P.)serrata sp.n., C.(P.)semipunctata sp.n. and C.(P.)zairensis sp.n. A key to both sexes is provided. All species are restricted to the Afrotropical Region and distributional and known host plant data are given.     

Description of the male of Sclerocypris tuberculata (Methuen, 1910) (Crustacea,Ostracoda, Megalocypridinae)

The male of Sclerocypris tuberculata (Methuen), thus far unknown, is here described. Relying on the morphology of the copulatory appendages and of the prehensile palps, it appears that this taxon belongs to a separate species group, together with S. zelaznyi and perhaps also S. sarsi. There are some interesting sexual dimorphic characters in the valve morphology: males have shorter valves with a dorsal margin which runs nearly parallel to the ventral one (more elongated valves with sloping dorsal margin in females) and there is lobe-like projection of the valve margin on the ventro-caudal corner of the LV in females which is lacking in the male. Furthermore, the female genital region has a very aberrant morphology, and all specimens from the present collection possess the tuberculated and noded valves.     

Ultrastructure of the protonephridium in Prostoma graecense (Bohmig) (Rhynchocoela, Enopla, Hoplonemertini)

Fine structure studies show that (1) the terminal cell is an elongated thin-walled and fenestrated basket with a multiciliary flame. Many short curved microvilli are confined to the cell lumen, while longer straight microvilli project from the cell's apical end into the proximal part of the protonephri-dial capillary, forming a sheath around the flame. The filtration area consists of slits between narrow cytoplasmic bars and is entirely confined to the terminal cell, which consequently is defined as a flame bulb, not closely similar to those of other phyla. (2) The protonephridial capillary is short and narrow, with few scattered cilia and luminal microvilli. (3) The coiled tubule is thick-walled, with several ciliated cells very rich in glycogen. The luminal border shows specializations probably concerned with modifying the ultrafiltrate.     

The parasitoid complex (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) of the leafminer Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata) (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from the Middle Volga Basin

In the Middle Volga Basin, Phyllonorycter issikii, an invasive species new to Europe, is attacked by many native parasitoids of the family Eulophidae (the percentages of infestation are given in parentheses): Sympiesis gordius (42), Minotetrastichus frontalis (20), Chrysocharis laomedon (11), Pnigalio soemius (10), S. sericeicornis (8), Apanteles sp. (4), Hissopus geniculatus (4), Entedon sp. (0.4), Aprostocetus sp., Cirrospilus lyncus, C. diallus, C. viticola, and Pteromalidae (0.2). Six species of parasitoids: Aprostocetus sp., C. lyncus (Walker 1838), C. diallus (Walker 1838), C. viticola (Rondani 1877), H. geniculatus (Hartig 1838), and Apanteles sp. (Braconidae), are recorded for the first time. The number of ectoparasitoids is 5.5 times that of endoparasitoids. The second generation of Ph. issikii is reduced by 22% due to parasitoids, and its propagation rate also decreases. However, the climate warming may level the pressure of parasitoids and promote development of the third generation in Ph. issikii.     

Fossil remains of Macaca sylvanus florentina (Cocchi, 1872) (Primates, Cercopithecidae) from the Early Pleistocene of Quibas (Murcia, Spain)

The macaque material from the Early Pleistocene site of Quibas (Albanilla, Murcia, Spain), including dentognathic remains, isolated teeth and some postcranial bone fragments, is described. Both metrically and morphologically, this sample must be attributed to Macaca sylvanus (the Barbary macaque). This species is currently distributed through North Africa and Gibraltar, but was much more widely distributed during the Plio-Pleistocene, being represented by several European fossil subspecies. Metrical comparisons of dental size and proportions between extant M. s. sylvanus and fossil Macaca sylvanus florentina from the type locality and other Italian sites are undertaken, in order to classify the remains from Quibas at the subspecies level. The results show that the Quibas sample not only fits the range of variation of M. s. florentina from the type locality, but also differs from the extant Barbary macaque condition in several regards. This permits us to formally attribute the material from Quibas to M. s. florentina. The material described in this paper therefore significantly improves the knowledge of this fossil taxon, particularly regarding the upper dentition, and further confirms the taxonomic distinctiveness of this extinct taxon at the subspecies rank. Taken as a whole, M. s. florentina largely overlaps in dental dimensions with M. s. sylvanus, but differs from the latter by displaying (on average): (1) absolutely longer upper molars (especially M¹ and M³); (2) relatively wider upper molars (especially M¹ and M²); (3) longer M³ as compared with the M²; (4) absolutely longer M₁ and M₃; and (5) relatively narrower M₃.     

Nesting ecology of the wasp Sceliphron destillatorium (Illiger, 1807) (Hymenoptera,Sphecidae) in the Crimea

The nests of Sceliphron destillatorium in the Crimea were mainly built in attic spaces of houses and in various uninhabited buildings, and consisted of 3–39 (on average 16.5) cells. Twelve species of spiders from 11 genera of 4 families with predomination of Araneidae and Oxyopidae were recorded as prey. One nest cell contained 4–13 (on average 7.9) spiders, mostly adult ones. Successful development of S. destillatorium progeny was recorded in 48.6% of the cells; 26.5% of the progeny died from parasites: Amobia pelopei (16.0%), Chrysis taczanovskyi (4.3%), and Melittobia acasta (6.2%); 24.9% of the progeny died for unknown causes at the egg (13.0%) or prepupal (11.9%) stage. Nests of 17 other wasp and bee species from the families Pompilidae (2 species), Vespidae (4), Colletidae (1), and Megachilidae (10 species) were found in abandoned nest cells of S. destillatorium. The abundance of S. destillatorium has noticeably decreased in the last ten years, possibly due to immigration of a congener, S. curvatum, which has more diverse trophic links and a significantly higher rate of nesting success.     

Genetic variation in the soil phthiracarid mite, Steganacarus (S.) magnus (Nicolet, 1855) (Acarida, Oribatida) (Notulae Oribatologicae XL)

Genetic divergence and variability at 14 enzyme loci were examined in and between Italian populations of two edaphic Oribatid (Acarida, Oribatida) species, Steganacarus (Steganacarus) magnus (8 populations) and S. (S.) hirsutus (1 population). The seven populations belonging to S. (S.) magnus can be divided into two groups according to their phenotype, form anomala (A) (MON, ARG, AST, CDO) and form magna (M) (MAL, MAM, RIF) while another can be considered as hybrid between the two preceding groups (ZOC). Genetic identity (I) values between the S. (S.) magnus populations in spite of their morphological differences ranged from 0.977 to 1.000 showing the great genetic similarity of simple local populations while those of S. (S.) hirsutus indicated two distinct morphological species. The genetic distances between all the populations examined were very low despite the ecological differences and geographical distances between the collecting sites. Genetic variability estimates in all the populations of both species were very low when compared to those reported for most arthropods. Some explanatory considerations are suggested.     

Feather mites (Acarina) of the parakeet, Melopsittacus undulatus (Shaw) (Aves: Psittacidae)

The parakeet (or budgerigar) has been transported to many regions of the world. Two species of feather mites, Protolichus lunula (Robin) (Pterolichoidea: Pterolichidae) and Dubininia melopsittaci n. sp. (Analgoidea: Xolalgidae), are specific to this host; from distribution records, these ectoparasites probably have been distributed worldwide with their hosts.     

Molecular-Mechanical studies of the mismatched base analogs of d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2:d(CGTGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGAGAATTCGCG)2, d(CGCGAATTCACG)2, d(CGCGAATTCTCG)2, and d(CGCAGAATTCGCG)·d(CGCGAATTCGCG)

Molecular-mechanical simulations have been carried out on “mismatched base” analogs of the DNA double-helical structure d(CGCGAATTCGCG)₂, in which the base pairs CG at the 3 and 10 positions have been replaced by CA, AG, TC, and TG base pairs, as well as an insertion analog in which an extra adenine has been incorporated into one strand of the above structure between bases 3 and 4. The results of these simulations (calculated relative stabilities, structures, and nmr ring-current shifts) have been compared with calorimetric and nmr data. The calculated relative stabilities of the double-helical parent dodecamer and the various “wobble” base pairs qualitatively correlate with the experimental melting temperatures. The base-pairing structure for the GT wobble pair is in agreement with that previously determined from nmr experiments. For the GA base pair, the structure with both bases anti has a slightly more favorable energy from base pairing and stacking than a structure with non-Watson-Crick H-bonding with adenine syn, in agreement with nmr experiments. The CA wobble base is calculated to favor an adenine 6NH₂ …? cytosine N3 H-bond over cytosine 4NH₂ …? adenine N1, again, in agreement with nmr experiments. There is no definitive experimental data on the TC base pair, but the existence of (somewhat long and weak) H-bonds involving cytosine 4NH₂ …? thymine 4CO and cytosine N3 …? thymine HN3 seems reasonable. We find a structure in which the extra adenine base of the insertion analogs sits “inside” the double helix.     

Protozoan Infections (Haemogregarines, Trypanosomes) of the Blood of the Gadoid Fish, Melanogrammus aeglefinus (Haddock) and Gaidropsaurus cimbrius (Four-Bearded Rockling)

Parasitic protozoans, identified as Haemogregarina aeglefini (Henry), were found in erythrocytes of two gadiform fish, Melanogrammus aeglefinus (haddock) and Gaidropsaurus cimbrius (four-bearded rockling). The latter species also harboured trypanosomes in its blood plasma, and a kind of intracellular parasite-like inclusions in macrophages of the spleen, the pronephros and the liver. Most specimens of Gaidropsaurus cimbrius had leeches ( Callobdella nodulifera ) attached to the skin. A remarkable abundance of blood leucocytes noted in Gaidropsaurus cimbrius may be a response to haematozoan infections.     

Review of the subgenus Polyphylla (Granida) from continental Asia (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae)

A review of Polyphylla Harris, 1841, species belonging to the subgenus Granida Motschulsky, 1861, from continental Asia is presented. One new species is described from Thailand: Polyphylla (Granida) simonisp. n.Polyphylla (Granida) nikodymi de Wailly, 1993, is recorded from Thailand for the first time. Polyphylla (Granida) minor Nomura, 1977, is recorded from Yunnan (China) for the first time. The previously unknown female of Polyphylla (Granida) phongsali Zídek, 2006, is described.     

Cytogenetics of the Brazilian Bolitoglossa paraensis (Unterstein, 1930) salamanders (Caudata,Plethodontidae)

Plethodontid salamanders of genus Bolitoglossa constitute the largest and most diverse group of salamanders, including around 20% of living caudate species. Recent studies have indicated the occurrence of five recognized species in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. We present here the first cytogenetic data of a Brazilian salamander, which may prove to be a useful by contribution to the cytotaxonomy of the genus. Specimens were collected near the “type” locality (Utinga, Belém, PA, Brazil). Chromosomal preparations from duodenal epithelial cells and testes were subjected to Giemsa staining, C-banding and DAPI/CMA₃ fluorochrome staining. All specimens showed a karyotype with 13 bi-armed chromosome pairs (2n = 26). Nucleolar Organizer Regions, evidenced by CMA₃, were located distally on the long arm of pair 7 (7q). DAPI+ heterochromatin was predominantly centromeric, with some small pericentromeric bands. Although the C-banding patterns of other Bolitoglossa species are so far unknown, cytogenetic studies conducted in other Plethodontid salamanders have demonstrated that pericentromeric heterochromatin is a useful cytological marker for identifying interspecific homeologies. Species diversification is usually accompanied by chromosomal changes. Therefore, the cytogenetic characterization of Bolitoglossa populations from the middle and western Brazilian Amazon Basin could identify differences which may lead to the identification of new species.     

The Spring-Run Ecotype of the Steelhead Trout Parasalmo (Oncorhynchus) mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) (Salmonidae,Salmoniformes) in the Kamchatka Peninsula

Russian Journal of Marine Biology - A seasonal spring-run (vernal) ecotype of the Steelhead Trout Parasalmo (Oncorhynchus) mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) has been found in western Kamchatka for the first...