Four new species of southern African octocorals (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea), with a further diagnostic revision of the genus Alcyonium Linnaeus, 1758

Four new species of soft corals are described from the shallow sublittoral of southern Africa. Three of the species are referable to the genus Alcyonium Linnaeus, 1758 (family Alcyoniidae), although two of these possess growth forms that are atypical for most members of the genus. A revised diagnosis of the genus is therefore included. A new species in the family Nephtheidae is also described, this being referable to the genus Capnella Gray, 1869. All four species are from the region between the Cape of Good Hope Peninsula and the eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This is the region of the Agulhas Bank, an austroafrican biogeographic region that shows a high incidence of endemism with respect to the marine invertebrate fauna.     

Molecular phylogenetic evidence supports a new family of octocorals and a new genus of Alcyoniidae (Octocorallia,Alcyonacea)

Molecular phylogenetic evidence indicates that the octocoral family Alcyoniidae is highly polyphyletic, with genera distributed across Octocorallia in more than 10 separate clades. Most alcyoniid taxa belong to the large and poorly resolved Holaxonia–Alcyoniina clade of octocorals, but members of at least four genera of Alcyoniidae fall outside of that group. As a first step towards revision of the family, we describe a new genus, Parasphaerasclera gen. n., and family, Parasphaerascleridae fam. n., of Alcyonacea to accommodate species of Eleutherobia Pütter, 1900 and Alcyonium Linnaeus, 1758 that have digitiform to digitate or lobate growth forms, completely lack sclerites in the polyps, and have radiates or spheroidal sclerites in the colony surface and interior. Parasphaerascleridae fam. n. constitutes a well-supported clade that is phylogenetically distinct from all other octocoral taxa. We also describe a new genus of Alcyoniidae, Sphaerasclera gen. n., for a species of Eleutherobia with a unique capitate growth form. Sphaerasclera gen. n. is a member of the Anthomastus–Corallium clade of octocorals, but is morphologically and genetically distinct from Anthomastus Verrill, 1878 and Paraminabea Williams & Alderslade, 1999, two similar but dimorphic genera of Alcyoniidae that are its sister taxa. In addition, we have re-assigned two species of Eleutherobia that have clavate to capitate growth forms, polyp sclerites arranged to form a collaret and points, and spindles in the colony interior to Alcyonium, a move that is supported by both morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence.     

A new subfamily, two new genera and three new species of Aclerdidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from southern Africa, with a phylogenetic analysis of relationships

Abstract A new aclerdid genus, Lecanaclerda Hodgson & Millar, closely related to Aclerda but with fully developed legs and antennae, is introduced for a new new species, L. macropoda Hodgson & Millar, for which the male and female are described. In addition, genus Rhodesaclerda McConnell is revised and all known stages of existing species, R. combreticola McConnell and R. halli McConnell, are redescribed. The crawler, second-instar female, pupa and the adult male and female of a new species, R. insleyae Hodgson & Millar, from South Africa are also described. Another new genus, Kwazulaclerda Hodgson & Millar, close to Rhodesaclerda , is introduced and the crawler, second-instar female, second-instar male, pupa and adult male and female of the new species K. loranthi Hodgson & Millar from Kwazulu-Natal are described. A phylogenetic analysis based on adult macropterous male characters was undertaken to look at the relationships of these species with other Coccoidea. It is concluded that Lecanaclerda is closely related to Aclerda , Kwazulaclerda is closely related to Rhodesaclerda , Kwazulaclerda and Rhodesaclerda belong to Aclerdidae, and Aclerdidae should be split into two subfamilies, Rhodesaclerdinae Hodgson & Millar (to include Rhodesaclerda and Kwazulaclerda ) and Aclerdinae Cockerell (to include Aclerda , Lecanaclerda and Nipponaclerda ). These two subfamilies are diagnosed and a key is given for the separation of the genera now included in Aclerdidae. The relationships of Aclerdidae and Coccidae are discussed.     

A new species of a phyllophorid holothurian from southern Africa

A new species of a phyllophorid holothurian, Neothyonidium arthroprocessum, is described from the shallow waters of False Bay, South Africa. The new species is distinct from other phyllophorids in possessing peculiar narrow transverse slits in the body wall, a calcareous ring with joined posterior processes to the radial plates, and short thick perforated rods as body wall deposits. The diagnosis of the genus Neothyonidium is amended to accommodate the new species.     

A new genus and species of a dendrochirotid holothurian from Southern Africa

A new genus and species of a dendrochirotid holothurian, Pawsonellus africanus , from shallow waters off the east coast of Southern Africa, are described. The new genus is compared with several genera within the family Cucumariidae and it is concluded that it is not closely related to any of them. Although its body wall spicules strongly resemble those of Panningia hyndmani (Thompson), notably the typical form described by Madsen (1942), there are several features which suggest that the two species are not congeneric.     

Five new species of the genus Liparia (Fabaceae) from South Africa

Schutte, A.L. 1995. Five new species of the genus Liparia (Fabaceae) from South Africa. - Nord. J. Bot. 15: 149–156. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
Five distinct new species of the genus Liparia are described, namely L. bonaespei, L. confusa, L. congesta, L. rafnioides and L. triata . These species are, like many of the species included in the recently enlarged generic concept of Liparia , also localized, and are all endemic to the Cape Province of South Africa.     

Paraquimperia Africana n. sp (Nematoda : Quimperiidae), a new intestinal parasite of the eel Anguilla mossambica Peters, in South Africa

A new seuratoid nematode of the family Quimperiidae, Paraquimperia africana n. sp., is described from the small intestine of the longfin eel, Anguilla mossambica Peters, from the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The new species is characterized mainly by the presence of a ventral sucker in mature males, short spicules (147-171 microm), the number and arrangement of caudal papillae, the postesophageal position of the excretory pore, and by the slender female tail. In this new species, a variability in the number (3-5 pairs) of subventral preanal papillae was observed. Paraquimperia africana is the first representative of the genus in Africa. In view of recent reports, Paraquimperia aditum (Mueller, 1934) is considered a junior synonym of Paraquimperia tenerrima (Linstow, 1878). Paraquimperia xenentodonia Gupta and Bakshi, 1984 is considered a species inquirenda.     

Stentorceps, a remarkable new genus of eucoilid (Hymenoptera) from Africa

Abstract. Stentorceps tubicen , a new genus and species of Eucoilidae from East Africa, is described and illustrated. The genus is characterized by the possession of large protrusions on the face, features previously unknown in the family. The genus is compared with other eucoilids and its systematic position is discussed.     

Trachyandra triquetra (Asphodelaceae), a new species from the Horn of Africa

The new species Trachyandra triquetra , from shady limestone rocks in north-eastem Somalia, is described and illustrated. This apparently narrow endemic is the only member of this mainly South African genus in eastern and north-eastem tropical Africa except for the widespread T. saltii .     

A review of the alderfly genus Leptosialis Esben-Petersen (Megaloptera, Sialidae) with description of a new species from South Africa

The monotypic South African alderfly genus Leptosialis Esben-Petersen, 1920 is reviewed and Leptosialis africana Esben-Petersen, 1920 is redescribed. In the process a new species of alderfly Leptosialis necopinatasp. n. from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa is recognised and described. Within Sialidae the new species most closely resembles Leptosialis africana. A key to the two species of Leptosialis using both adult and larval characters is provided.     

Acaulonopsis,a new moss genus of the Pottiaceae from Western Cape Province of South Africa,and comments on Vrolijkheidia

Abstract

A new genus, Acaulonopsis (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta), including two new species, A. fynbosensis and A. eureka, is described from the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Together with the similarly much reduced pottiaceous genus Acaulon, Acaulonopsis is unique in the family with a very short seta and spherical capsule, which lacks the apiculus found in other genera. The new genus is also distinguished by short plant stature, and a total of about five ovate leaves that clasp closely the capsules in nearly spherical leaf bases. Continuing bryological study of the fynbos region has recently resulted in a number of startling discoveries of bryophytes new to science and distinct at the genus level. A new combination is made for the South African endemic genus Vrolijkheidia (Pottiaceae) with discussion of its dimorphic habitus.     

Lopholaena festiva, a new species from the Transvaal, South Africa (Asteraceae)

A new species of Lopholaena, L. festiva , is described from the northern Transvaal, South Africa. It's affinities are discussed. A distribution map is presented. The tribal disposition of the genus Lopholaena is reviewed.     

Phylogeny of the radula-less dorids (Mollusca, Nudibranchia), with the description of a new genus and a new family

This paper studies the phylogenetic relationships of the nudibranch dorids that lack a radula. Numerous specimens belonging to 29 different species, representing all genera of this group and other related taxa, were examined anatomically. Details of the foregut were examined with SEM. From this anatomical study a total of 62 characters were considered. These characters have been polarized using the genus Berthella as the outgroup. Eight species of dorids with a radula and the genus Armina have been also included in the analysis for comparative purposes. The phylogeny obtained supports the hypothesis that the radula has been lost once in the Doridina and that the radula-less dorids are a monophyletic group. Cryptobranchia is monophyletic when the radula-less dorids are included. The new genus Mandelia , introduced on the basis of a new species from South Africa, is the sister group of the rest of the radula-less dorids, and is described as a new family, Mandeliidae. The radula-less dorids (currently placed in a separate superfamily) actually constitute an internal branch of other cryptobranch dorids. Phyllidia has no synapomorphies that distinguish if from Fryeria , which has one autoapomorphy, the ventral position of the anus. Therefore, both genera are regarded as synonyms. The evolution of several characters among the radula-less dorids is discussed, and the present phylogeny is compared with prior studies.     

Abrocomaphthirus hoplai, a new genus and species of sucking louse from Chile and its relevance to zoogeography

Both sexes of Abrocomaphthirus hoplai, new genus and new species (Anoplura: Polyplacidae), are described and illustrated. The endemic Chilean chinchilla rat Abrocoma bennetti Waterhouse (Rodentia: Abrocomidae) is the type host. The definition of the family Polyplacidae is amended to accommodate the new genus. Polyplax longa (Werneck), also referred to in the literature as Neohaematopinus longus Werneck, is reassigned to Abrocomaphthirus. The host of A. longus comb.n., is Abrocoma cinerea Thomas, another chinchilla rat, which inhabits parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The erection of Abrocomaphthirus as a distinct genus has important zoogeographical and evolutionary implications. The tenuous anomaly of P. longa being the sole native representative of the genus Polyplax in South America, possibly with African affinities, is now refuted. Instead, partial colonization of the neotropics by native species of both Polyplax and Neohaematopinus appears to have been relatively recent and from North America. The phylogenetic affinities of Abrocomaphthirus are unknown, but it appears to be closely related to other, more ancient, native South American polyplacid louse genera, such as Cuyana, Eulinognathus, Galeophthirus, and Lagidiophthirus. Arguments are presented in support of an ancestral zoogeographical link to Africa for these louse genera.     

A new genus and three new species of cockroaches (Blattaria: Dictyoptera) from Africa

A new genus Princisaria belonging to family Blaberidae is described from Africa. A key to the African genera of the subfamily Laxatinae is given. Three new species, P. carvalhoi, P. ugandana and P. curta are described.     

Williamsocoris, a new genus of Schizopteridae (Heteroptera) from Argentina

A new genus and species, Williamsocoris ornatus (Schizopteridae: Hypselosomatinae), is described from Argentina. This is the first record of the subfamily in South America. The particular structures of the rostrum of this new taxon are unique in the family.     

Filibryum (Hypnaceae), a new moss genus with a new species from East Asia

Filibryum, a new genus of the family Hypnaceae, is described to include three species from East Asia. Filibryum ogatae and F. yakoushimae are transferred to it from the genus Glossadelphus, while F. deguchianum is a newly described species. The genus is distinguished by the absence of a central strand in the stem, prorate leaf cells, and heteroblastic and deciduous stem leaves. Molecular data suggest that the genus is closely related to Taxiphyllum and the phylogenetic position of the new genus in the Hypnaceae is supported by an approximately unbiased (AU) test.