A review of the Tandanicolinae (=Monodhelminthinae) (Digenea: Fellodistomidae), with a description of Prosogonarium angelae n. sp.

The Tandanicolinae is reviewed, redefined and considered a subfamily of the Fellodistomidae. The Monodhelminthinae Dollfus, 1937, Mehratrematinae Srivastava, 1939, Prosogonariinae Mehra, 1963 and Buckleytrematinae Yamaguti, 1971 are synonyms of the Tandanicolinae. Genera included in the Tandanicolinae are Tandanicola, Monodhelmis, Buckleytrema and Prosogonarium. Burnellus and Mehratrema are made new synonyms of Monodhelmis. The composition of each genus is reviewed. Monodhelmis arii Yamaguti, 1952, Mehratrema arii Gu & Shen, 1979, Mehratrema dollfusi Srivastava, 1939, Monodhelmis philippinensis Velasquez, 1961, Mehratrema polynemusinis Chauhan, 1943 and Mehratrema skrjabini Karyakarte, 1969 are considered synonyms of Monodhelmis torpedinis. Monodhelmis elongatus Bilqees, 1970 is considered a species inquirenda. Prosogonarium angelae n. sp. is described from Euristhmus lepturus from Moreton Bay, Queensland. It is distinguished by the number and distribution of the vitelline follicles and the extent of the caeca. New records are given for Monodhelmis torpedinis from Arius graeffei and E. lepturus, M. trichofurcata from Tandanus tandanus, and Buckleytrema indica from A. graeffei, all from southern Queensland. Buckleytrema indica is redescribed and B. postacetabulorchis is synonymised with that species. Relationships within the Tandanicolinae were considered by cladistic analysis.     

Hemibranchiate sphaeromatids (Crustacea: Isopoda) from Queensland, Australia, with a world-wide review of the genera discussed

All known Queensland species of the isopod family Sphaeromatidae, subfamily Sphaeromatinae (= hemibranchs), are discussed. The following new taxa are erected: Calcipila cornuta, gen. nov., sp. nov. ; Cymodoce tribullis, sp. nov. ; Cymodoce bipapilla, sp. nov. ; Paracilicaea aspera, sp. nov. ; Cilicaeopsis glebosa, sp. nov. ; Cilicaeopsis furculata, sp. nov. ; Cilicaea calcarifera, sp. nov. ; Zuzara curtispina, sp. nov. ; Zuzara digitata, sp. nov. ; and Clianella brucei, sp. nov. Exosphaeroma intermedium Baker is transferred to the genus Sphaeroma Latreille. The genus Dynoides Barnard is reviewed and its current synonymy is contested. With several new records, this brings the total number of sphaeromatid species known from Queensland to 49, 24 of which are in the subfamily Sphaeromatinae. A checklist of all sphaeromatid species occurring in Queensland waters is given. From the rest of Australia: Cymodoce tuberculata Haswell is given the replacement name Cymodoce haswelli, nom. nov. ; Cymodoce granulata Miers is made a junior synonym of Cerceis trispinosa (Haswell) (subfamily Dynameninae); Zuzara diadema Leach, Z. dicantha (Milne Edwards) and Z. Integra Haswell are made junior synonyms of Z. semipunctata Leach; Cilicaeopsis dakini Tattersall is tentatively transferred to the genus Paracilicaea Stebbing. The genera discussed are reviewed world-wide and among the non-Australian species: Exosphaeroma papillae Bayliff is transferred to the genus Sphaeroma; Sphaeroma irakiensis Ahmed is made a junior synonym of Sphaeroma annandalei annandalei Stebbing; Cymodoce richardsoniae Nobili is shown to be distinct from Cymodoce truncata Leach; Cymodoce eupyga Nobili is transferred to the genus Paracilicaea; Dynoides amblysinus Pillai, Dynoides castroi Loyola e Silva and Exosphaeroma globicaudum (Dana) are transferred to the genus Clianella Boone; Dynoides brasiliensis (Loyola e Silva; and Sphaeroma savignn Milne Edwards sensu Dana, 1853 are declared to be conspecific with Clianella castroi. The name Sorrentosphaera Verhoeff is made a junior synonym of Dynamene Leach (subfamily Dynameninae.     

Drift variances of FSTand GST statistics obtained from a finite number of isolated populations

Approximate formulas for the mean and variance of the F_STor G_ST statistic in a finite number of isolated populations are developed under the effect of random genetic drift. Computer simulation has shown that the approximate formulas give a fairly accurate result unless the initial frequency of one of the alleles involved is close to 1 and t/2N is large, where N is the effective size of a subpopulation and t is the number of generations. It is shown that when the number of subpopulations (s) is small, the mean of F_STor G_ST depends on the initial gene frequencies as well as on s. When the initial frequencies of all alleles are nearly equal to each other and the number of subpopulations is large, the distribution of F_ST in the early generations is bell-shaped. In this case Lewontin and Krakauer's k parameter is approximately 2 or less. However, if one of the initial allele frequencies is close to 1, the distribution is skewed and leptokurtic, and the k parameter often becomes larger than 2 in later generations. Thus, even under pure random genetic drift, Lewontin and Krakauer's test of selective neutrality of polymorphic genes in terms of F_ST is not always valid. It is also shown that Jacquard's approximate formula for k generally gives an overestimate.     

Notes on the little known moss Fissidens firmus Mitt. (Fissidentaceae)

Abstract

Fissidens firmus is revised, described, illustrated and a distribution is provided. It is compared to Fissidens hollianus, Fissidens pseudofirmus, Fissidens sedgwickii and Fissidens touwii. It is provisionally distinguished from F. firmus sensu auct. Fissidens multiflorus is reduced to F. hollianus. Lectotypes are designated for Fissidens multiflorus and Fissidens giesenhagenii. The collection that was reported from India as F. firmus appears to be F. hollianus. Thus, the present Western Ghats collection is effectively the first Indian record of F. firmus.     

Systematic revision of the catfish genusSilurus,with description of a new species from Thailand and Burma

On the basis of external morphology and anatomy, 17 scpeies of the genusSilurus Linnaeus including a new species,S. torrentis from Thailand and Burma, are recognized as valid.S. bedfordi Regan is synonymized withS. asotus, andS. goae Haig is transferred to the genusOmpok. From an anatomical study of 12 species, the diagnostic feature of the genusParasilurus Bleeker is revealed to be invalid, and the genus is synonymized withSilurus. From the phylogenetic analysis, the genusSilurus is divided into two major species groups, thecochinchinensis group which is disributed mainly in Southeast Asia, and theglanis group which is further separated into three subgroups occurring separately in East Asia and Europe. The pattern of distribution and relationships between ontogeny and phytogeny in the genusSilurus are briefly discussed.     

Echidnopsis thulinii sp. nov. (Apocynaceae–Asclepiadoideae) with a review of the infrageneric classification of the genus

Echidnopsis thulinii M. G. Gilbert is described from northern Somalia. The infrageneric classification of Echidnopsis Hook. f. is reviewed in the light of recently published molecular phylogenies. The new species belongs to E. sect. Echidnopsis and a key to the species of this section is provided. A lectotype, supported by an epitype, is designated for E. virchowii K. Schum. Echidnopsis sect. Profundicoronata Bruyns is included within sect. Vadosicoronata Bruyns and two new sections recognised: E. sect. Pseudopectinaria (Lavranos) M. G. Gilbert, based on the genus Pseudopectinaria Lavranos, and E. sect. Sobolifera M. G. Gilbert. A key is given to the sections of Echidnopsis.     

Morphometric and molecular (RAPD) analysis of six <Emphasis Type="Italic">Serapias</Emphasis> taxa from Croatia

The morphometric analyses and genetic variability assessed by RAPD markers have been used to analyse relations among six Serapias taxa from Croatia (S. istriaca, S. pulae originally described as hybrid, S. ionica, S. vomeracea, S. lingua and S. cordigera). S. istriaca distributed in southern Istria and the island of Lošinj and S. pulae stenoendemic taxon distributed only in southern Istria S. ionica is endemic to the Ionian and Dalmatian islands, while the remaining taxa are more widely distributed. The obtained results shows that the endemic S. istriaca is a well characterised taxon, that S. pulae is a hybrid between S. istriaca and S. lingua and that the hybrid is morphologically and genetically more similar to S. lingua than the second parental species S. istriaca. The division into the subsections Steno-, Medio- and Platypetalae is founded based on the floral morphology while the division into the sections Serapias and Bilamellaria is not evident in the quantitative morphological and genetic analyses. Furthermore, considerable genetic resemblance between S. vomeracea and S. ionica was established.     

A new tribe, Epistomentini, of Buprestidae (Coleoptera) with a redefinition of the tribe Chrysochroini

A new tribe Epistomentini is designated to include Epistomentis Solier, Cyria Solier (with which Cyrioides Carter and Xenocyria Obenberger are synonymized), Diadoxus Thomson, Cyrioxus Hoschek, and a new genus and species Araucariana queenslandica, which is described. The tribe Chrysochroini is redefined, and Epidelus Deyrolle, Cyalithus Thomson, Cyalithoides Fisher and Chrysopistus Thery are transferred to it from the Chalcophorini. Chalcophoropsis Thomson is transferred from the Chrysochroini to the Chalcophorini. A reassessment of the value of some characters used in the higher classification of the Buprestidae is given.     

Phylogenetic relationships within Diplotaxini Kirby (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Melolonthinae) with emphasis on Liogenys Guérin‐Méneville

Diplotaxini Kirby is one of the 29 tribes of Melolonthinae with Nearctic, Neotropical, Paleartic, Afrotropical and Oriental distribution. According to the current classification, Diplotaxini is composed of 706 species described in 21 genera. Neotropical Diplotaxini comprise 94 species, of which 78 are members of Liogenys Guérin Méneville, the largest Neotropical genus. Until now, no phylogenetic studies on Diplotaxini have tested whether the tribe is natural or artificial. This study tested the relationships among Diplotaxini genera, created hypotheses for better defining them, and assessed the monophyly of Liogenys. Cladistic analyses using 167 adult morphological characters were performed. The 83 included taxa represent three subfamilies of Melolonthidae, four tribes of Melolonthinae, and most genera of Diplotaxini, with emphasis on Liogenys. The data were analysed using parsimony under equal and implied weights. In both analyses, the traditional concept of Diplotaxini is shown to be a polyphyletic assemblage. Empecta Erichson and Clypeasta Fairmaire are closely related to Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus) and Pseudoliogenys Moser close to Myloxenoides Martínez (Tanyproctini). Pachrodema Blanchard is identified as the sister group of Liogenys. The monophyly of both Pacuvia Curtis and Homalochilus Blanchard is confirmed and the paraphyly of Diplotaxis Kirby is suggested. The analyses strongly supported the polyphyly of Liogenys. To render this genus monophyletic, we transferred L. ferrugata Mannerheim (related to M. melolontha) to Phyllophaga Harris, and L. micropyga Burmeister to Diplotaxis, forming Diplotaxis micropyga (Burmeister, 1855) comb.n. ; and included Homoliogenys tarsalis (Moser) and Hilarianus anguliceps Blanchard in Liogenys. As H. anguliceps is syn. junior of Liogenys punctaticollis, Hilarianus is synonymized with Liogenys. Hilarianus ovalis and Hilarianus rufinus are here assigned to Manonychus, and Hilarianus uniformis and Hilarianus suboblongus to Blepharotoma, forming: Blepharotoma uniformis comb.n. , Blepharotoma suboblongus comb.n. , Manonychus ovalis comb.n. and Manonychus rufinus comb.n.     

Convergence to Normality of the Asymptotic Quasi‐Score Function on a Linear Model

The asymptotic quasi‐likelihood method is considered for the model y_t = f_t(θ) + M_t, t = 0,1, …,T where f_tθ) is a linear predictable process of the parameter of interest θ, M_t is a martingale difference, and the nature of E(M_t² | ℱ_t–1) is unknown. This paper is concerned with the limiting distribution of the asymptotic quasi‐score function of such a model. Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing of θ is derived from the limiting distribution. Comparison is made between the estimates obtained through this method and those obtained through the least squares method.     

The genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) in Sicily

An update on the taxonomy and geographic distribution of the genus Thymus in Sicily is given. This study is based on literature, herbarium and field investigations. In total, five taxa belonging to Thymus sect. Serpyllum (Th.richardii subsp. nitidus, Th.longicaulis and Th.praecox subsp. parvulus) and Th. sect. Hyphodromi (Th.spinulosus and Th.paronychioides) occur in Sicily. For each one, information about taxonomy, habitat, phenology, chromosome number and distribution are provided. Furthermore, the name Thymus pedicillatus Lojac. is here typified. Finally, an analytical key for the identification of the studied taxa is proposed.     

The Madagascan click-beetle genus Crepicardus (Elateridae) and its relationship to the Pyrophorinae

The genus Crepicardus is endemic to Madagascar. Ten species are here recognized and redescribed; a key for their identification is given. The genus falls into three distinct species groups and one unassigned species: the klugii-group (klugii Castelnau, madagscariensis Fleutiaux, cribricollis Fleutiaux), the candezei-group (candezei Fairmaire stat.rev ., raffrayi Fairmaire, niger Candèze, puncticollis Fleutiaux), the trisulcatus-group (trisulcatus Candèze, mocquerysi Fleutiaux) and fleutiauxi Girard. Crepicardus costicollis (Castelnau) is again placed as a junior synonym of C.klugii (Castelnau) and candezei Fairmaire restored to specific status. Lectotypes are designated for klugii Castelnau, costicollis Castelnau, candezei Fairmaire, raffrayi Fairmaire, niger Candèze and mocquerysi Fleutiaux. On the basis of adult characters Crepicardus is here assigned to the Pyrophorinae sensu Stibick (1979) and its systematic position is discussed in relation to the widespread Pyrophorinae.     

Succession in zooplankton and hydrophytes of a seasonal water on the west coast of South Africa

Paramesochra mielkei sp.n. is described and figured from the interstices of subtidal sandy sediments off the SW Dutch coast. Kunz' (1981) phylogenetic scheme of the Paramesochridae Lang, 1948 is re-examined and it is suggested that the family comprises two phyletic lines which originated early in paramesochrid evolution. Translation into Linnean hierarchies implies the establishment of two new sub-families. Within the primitive Diarthrodellinae subfam. n., Tisbisoma Bozic, 1964 is ancestral to Diarthrodella Klie, 1949 s.l. and Rossopsyllus Soyer, 1975. Remanea Klie, 1929 is transferred to the Paramesochrinae subfam. n. which comprises the genera of both the Scottopsyllus- and the Paramesochra-group. The aberrant genus Caligopsyllus Kunz, 1975, standing close to Apodopsyllus, is removed from the Paramesochra-group. P. brevifurca Galhano, 1970 is splitted into two subspecies and replaced in the genus Paramesochra. An attempt is made to assess the phyletic interrelationships of the Paramesochra-species and the resulting cladogram splits the genus into four species-groups. P. mielkei sp.n. is referred to the dubia-group and seems to be closely related to P. borealis Geddes, 1981. Finally, an amended diagnosis and a revised key to the species of the genus Paramesochra are presented.     

Pollen morphology of the genera Polygonum s. str. and Polygonella (Polygoneae: Polygonaceae)

The pollen of 30 taxa (27 species, one subspecies and two varieties) in two genera, viz Polygonum s. str. and Polygonella was investigated with LM and SEM, and some selected taxa with TEM. In all genera investigated the pollen is prolate to spheroidal, and the aperture is mostly tricolporate, rarely panto-hexacolporate (especially Polygonum section Polygonum). The exine sculpturing pattern is the most variable feature. Three types of exine can be recognized. Type 1 (Avicularia-Type, sensu Hedberg) - All species of section Polygonum and section Tephis share the smooth tectate exine with spinules, sometimes the surface is more or less rough (Polygonum afromontanum in section Tephis). Type 2 (Pseudomollia-Type, sensu Hong) - Pollen of Polygonum molliaeforme (section Pseudomollia) has the exine, which is verrucose on both poles and nearby the mesocolpium, and mostly psilate around the ectoaperture. Type 3 (Duravia-Type, sensu Hedberg) - Pollen grains of Polygonum section Duravia and Polygonella have the exine which is semitectate-reticulate at the mesocolpium and the poles, and rugulate/reticulate or sometimes foveolate with microspinules around the ectoapertures. The pollen grains in four taxa (viz Polygonum section Pseudomollia, P. section Duravia and genus Polygonella) have a well-marked dimorphism of the ektexine, which is considered to be a synapomorphic condition. The differences of pollen grain between the genus Polygonella and Polygonum section Duravia are almost non existent and clearly interrelated. It is therefore postulated that the similarity in pollen of both taxa is not the result of convergency, but is interpreted as a homology. It is noteworthy that the pollen of Polygonum molliaeforme (section Pseudomollia) appears as intermediate between the Avicularia-type and the Duravia-type, and is well supported the value of separated section for its own. Additionally, in TEM, some exine ultrastructures (e.g. columellae, foot layer, endexine) appear to be valuable characters for comparison between/among taxa. The systematic potentialities of the pollen data of the studied taxa at various systematic levels are also discussed.