DISTRIBUTION AND SYSTEMATICS OF BATRACHOSPERMUM(BATRACHOSPERMALES,RHODOPHYTA) IN NORTH AMERICA. 6. SECTION TURFOSA1

Twenty-one populations of Batrachospermum section Turfosa from North America were compared to nine type and two historically important specimens using multivariate morphometrics and image analysis. The protologues of six other infrageneric taxa were also compared. From this analysis, six species are recognized worldwide: B, de-sikacharyi Sankaran, B. gombakense Kumano et Ratnasabapathy, B. keratophytum Bory de Saint-Vincent [syn. B. vagum var. keratophytum (Bory de Saint-Vincent) Sirodot, B. gulbenkianum Reis, and B. suevorum Kützing nom. Meg.], B. sinense Jao, B. turfosum Bory de Saint-Vincent [syn. B. vagum (Roth) C. Agardh and B. vagum var. undulato-pedicellatum Kumano et Watanabe], and B. vogesiacum F. G. Schultz ex Skuja [syn. B. vagum var. flagelliforme Sirodot, B. flagelliforme (Sirodot) Necchi], These species are distinguished on the basis of carposporophyte-bearing branch cortication, secondary fascicle development, monoecy or dioecy, presence of spermatangia on involucral filaments and monosporangia, and dimensions of trichogynes and carposporangia. Peripheral cortication has been previously used to separate species in this section, but we observed that this feature is quite widespread in the section. Presence of indeterminate gonimoblast filaments has been reported for some taxa in section Turfosa, but no such structures were seen in any of the specimens examined. Only B. keratophytum has been collected in North America, ranging from southwestern Greenland (64°N) to Louisiana (30° N).     

DISTRIBUTION AND SYSTEMATICS OF THE FRESHWATER GENUS SIRODOTIA(BATRACHOSPERMALES,RHODOPHYTA) IN NORTH AMERICA1

Multivariate morphometrics and image analysis were used to determine the number of well-delineated infrageneric taxa of Sirodotia in North America. Three groupings were distinguished from 25 populations examined from Newfoundland and Quebec in the north to central Mexico in the south. These groupings were statistically related to 10 type specimens, and the following species were recognized: Sirodotia huillensis (Welwitsch ex W. et G. S. West) Skuja (syn. S. ateleia Skuja), S. suecica Kylin (syn. S. acuminata Skuja ex Flint and S. fennica Skuja), and S. tenuissima (Collins) Skuja ex Flint. These species are differentiated on the basis of whorl shape and degree of separation at maturity (S. suecica, rounded and appressed; S. huillensis and S. tenuissima, truncated apex and separated), the density of spermatangia (S. huillensis, dense clusters; S. suecica and S. tenuissima, sparsely aggregated), and the mode of germination of the gonimoblast initial (S. suecica and S. tenuissima, from the nonprotuberant side of the fertilized carpogonium; S. huillensis from the protuberant side). Sirodotia huillensis was found only in the desert-chaparral, whereas S. suecica and S. tenuissima occurred from south-temperate to boreal regions in cool (temperature 8–18° C), low ion (specific conductance 10–99 μS · cm^?1), and mildly acidic to neutral (pH 5.7–7.3) waters.     

Biogeography and systematics of Hildenbrandia (Rhodophyta,Hildenbrandiales) in North America: inferences from morphometrics and rbcL and 18S rRNA gene sequence analyses

Morphometric analysis and phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the rbcL chloroplast gene (which codes for the large subunit of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase enzyme) and the nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene were carried out on 26 specimens of marine and freshwater Hildenbrandia from North America. Nineteen marine specimens were collected from Alaska to Costa Rica on the Pacific coast and from Newfoundland to Connecticut on the Atlantic coast. Seven freshwater samples were collected from Texas, Costa Rica, St Lucia and Puerto Rico. Three groups of samples were distinguished by morphometric analysis: one containing all freshwater samples (H. angolensis Welwitsch ex West et West), one consisting of a marine sample with parallel tetrasporangial divisions (H. occidentalis Setchell ex Gardner) and one group with non-parallel tetrasporangial divisions (H. rubra (Sommerfelt) Meneghini. These groupings were partially incongruent with those obtained by analyses of the molecular data. Parsimony and distance analyses of the rbcL gene resulted in trees in which Atlantic and Pacific clades were largely resolved. However, an Alaskan sample was included in the Atlantic group, which may indicate a trans-Arctic invasion event. The freshwater samples were paraphyletic for the rbcL gene, among the marine collections, which supports the concept of multiple invasions establishing the freshwater populations in North America. The 18S rRNA gene sequence data indicate that the freshwater samples are monophyletic with the exception of the unresolved position of the H. occidentalis sample. The freshwater samples form a monophyletic clade when multiple outgroups are used. The rbcL data appear to be mutationally saturated above approximately 17% divergence, which makes interpretation of phylogenetic signal among distant groups difficult. This may be a result of the asexual reproduction of the alga.     

Distribution and systematics of the freshwater red algal family Thoreaceae in North America

North American populations and type specimens of Thorea and Nemalionopsis were compared using multivariate morphometrics and image analysis. We continue to recognise the separation of the two genera based on spore-bearing branch-to-assimilatory filament length ratio and assimilatory filament density (≤0·3 and loose for Thorea and ≥0·6 and compressed for Nemalionopsis, respectively). Four species of Thorea were distinguished worldwide: T. hispida (syn. T. andina, T. lehmannii, T. ramosissima), T. violacea (syn. T. bachmannii, T. brodensis, T. gaudichaudii, T. okadae, T. prowsei and T. riekei), T. clavata and T. zollingeri. The former two species have variable branched, non-clavate assimilatory filaments, whereas the latter two have unbranched, clavate assimilatory filaments. Thorea hispida has copious secondary branches while T. violacea is sparsely branched. Thorea clavata is differentiated from T. zollingeri by having fewer monosporangia per cluster. Two of these species were found in North America: T. hispida in Mexico, Grenada and Jamaica, and T. violacea in Texas and Mexico. Two species of Nemalionopsis were differentiated: N. shawii with long assimilatory filaments composed of barrel-shaped cells and n. tortuosa (syn. N. shawii f. caroliniana) with short assimilatory filaments having cylindrical cells. Only N. tortuosa has been collected on the continent, from Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina.     

中国丝瓜藓属直蒴组的分类学研究

采用经典分类学研究方法,对河北师范大学植物标本馆(HBNU)等国内多个标本馆保存的中国丝瓜藓属直蒴组(Pohlia Hedw.section Cacodon Lindb.ex Broth.)及其近缘类群植物标本共计130余号进行了分类学分析鉴定,并对所确定的中国产直蒴组物种的芽胞大小、形状及叶原基数量和长度等形态学特征进行比较分析,以期为中国丝瓜藓属直蒴组的分类学研究提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)经鉴定中国丝瓜藓属直蒴组植物共有8种——夭命丝瓜藓[Pohlia annotina(Hedw.)Lindb.]、糙枝丝瓜藓[P.camptotrachela(Ren.Card.)Broth.]、林地丝瓜藓[P.drummondii(Müll.Hal.)Andr.]、疣齿丝瓜藓[P.flexuosa Harv.]、纤毛丝瓜藓[P.hisae T.J.Kop.et J.X.Luo]、异芽丝瓜藓[P.leucostoma(BoschSande Lac.)M.Fleisch.]、念珠丝瓜藓[P.lutescens(Limpr.)H.Lindb.]和卵蒴丝瓜藓[P.proligera(Kindb.ex Breidl.)Lindb.ex Arnell]。(2)中国丝瓜藓属直蒴组植物的重要鉴别特征是在假根或叶腋处生有芽胞,而且芽胞形状以及叶原基形状和数量在直蒴组中存在差异,如念珠丝瓜藓具有假根生芽胞,而疣齿丝瓜藓具有两型芽胞。(3)对所鉴定的中国丝瓜藓属直蒴组8种植物的识别特征、生境及其与相近种的关系进行了详细描述,并绘制了形态特征墨线图。     

Intraindividual variability in Sinonamuropteridae forewing venation (Grylloblattida; Late Carboniferous): taxonomic and nomenclatural implications

The family Sinonamuropteridae has been erected for nine fossil insect species from the Late Carboniferous Tupo Formation (Ningxia, China), each represented by a single isolated forewing. The family has been assigned to the order Diaphanopterodea (extinct palaeopteran order). We investigated the forewing venation pattern and its variability in this family based on an abundant collection from the same locality. Based on new data on Chelopterum peregrinum Carpenter, 1950 (Grylloblattida; Lower Permian; Wellington Formation, U.S.A.) and the new material, we demonstrate that the nine sinonamuropteridaean species form a single one: Sinonamuropteris ningxiaensis Peng et al., 2005 . The following genera are considered as synonyms of Sinonamuropteris: Separatonerva Peng et al., 2005 syn.n. , Combonerva Peng et al., 2005 syn.n. and Tectonerva Peng et al., 2005 syn.n. The following species (all with Peng et al., 2005 , as their authority) are considered as synonyms of S. ningxiaensis: Separatonerva longa syn.n. , Separatonerva qilianshanensis syn.n. , Combonerva granulata syn.n. , Combonerva huangheensis syn.n. , Tectonerva longovata syn.n. , Sinonamuropsis zhongweiensis syn.n. , Sinonamuropsis rugoverrucosa syn.n. , Sinonamuropsis xiaheyanensis syn.n. The family must be assigned to the neopteran order Grylloblattida.     

MORPHOMETRY OF BATRACHOSPERMUM POPULATIONS INTERMEDIATE BETWEEN B. BORYANUM AND B. ECTOCARPUM (RHODOPHYTA)1

Batrachospermum plants collected as part of a comprehensive study of New England streams were found to be intermediate between B. boryanum Sirdt. find B. ectocarpum Sirdt. Sixty-four specimens from ten Rhode Island streams were examined for several characteristics in replicates of two to four hundred. The size ranges obtained were then compared with previous published data for B. boryanum and B. ectocarpum from Europe, Asia and North America. The Rhode Inland populations and individuals exhibited as much or even more variability as that reported for both species combined throughout the world. Therefore, it appears that there is no definite basis for separation of these taxa and it is proposed that they be merged under the name B. boryanum. This combined species ran be distinguished from other species of the section Batrachospermum by compressed mature lateral whorls, little secondary fascicle formation, curved distal branching, terminal hairs on a small proportion of branches, predominantly dioecious state, sessile trichogynes and carposporophytes in outer portions of lateral whorls.     

A NEW SPECIES OF VOLVOX SECT. MERRILLOSPHAERA (VOLVOCACEAE,CHLOROPHYCEAE) FROM TEXAS1

Smith (1944) divided the familiar genus Volvox L. into four sections, placing seven species that lacked cytoplasmic bridges between adult cells in the section Merrillosphaera. Herein, we describe a new member of the section Merrillosphaera originating from Texas (USA): Volvox ovalis Pocock ex Nozaki et A. W. Coleman sp. nov. Asexual spheroids of V. ovalis are ovoid or elliptical, with a monolayer of 1,000–2,000 somatic cells that are not linked by cytoplasmic bridges, an expanded anterior region, and 8–12 gonidia in the posterior region. Visibly asymmetric cleavage divisions do not occur in V. ovalis embryos as they do Volvox carteri F. Stein, Volvox obversus (W. Shaw) Printz, and Volvox africanus G. S. West, so the gonidia of the next generation are not yet recognizable in V. ovalis embryos prior to inversion. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the five chloroplast genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear rDNA indicated that V. ovalis is closely related to Volvox spermatosphaera Powers ( Powers 1908 , as “spermatosphara”) and/or Volvox tertius Art. Mey.; however, V. ovalis can be distinguished from V. spermatosphaera by its larger gonidia, and from V. tertius by visible differences in gonidial chloroplast morphology.     

Biocontrol of grey mould by Ulocladium atrum applied at different flower and fruit stages of strawberry

Grey mould is an important disease ofstrawberries resulting from flower and fruitinfection by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Thesaprophytic fungus Ulocladium atrumPreuss is a promising biological controlagent for control of B. cinerea instrawberry and other crops. The objective ofthis research was to determine the efficacy ofU. atrum to control grey mould by asingle application of a spore suspension (2 ×10⁶ conidia/ml) at different flowerand fruit development stages. Four experimentswere carried out in 1999, two under natural andtwo under enhanced inoculum levels of B.cinerea. In each experiment, flowers and youngfruits in six distinct stages of developmentwere sprayed with either water or U.atrum suspension. U. atrum suppressedB. cinerea sporulation on petals by 15 to54%. One to four days after spraying, U.atrum was present on less than 30% of stamensand did not affect the incidence of B.cinerea on these flower parts. The efficacy ofthe U. atrum sprays in controlling greymould was low to moderate, and resulted onaverage in a reduction of 21% in diseaseincidence on ripe fruits. Low control efficacywas probably due to poor coverage with orcolonisation of stamens by U. atrumspores, and a relatively low level ofsuppression of the colonisation of flower partsby B. cinerea. Significant reductions ofgrey mould in comparison to the control(p 0.10; on average 41% reduction) werefound most frequently when the antagonist wasintroduced at late flowering or early fruitstages. Therefore, these are the most suitablestages to apply U. atrum. Further studiesare needed to improve the spray coverage andpersistence of U. atrum inoculum.     

HOST SPECIFICITY IN THE RED ALGAL PARASITES BOSTRYCHIOCOLAX AUSTRALIS AND DAWSONIOCOLAX BOSTRYCHIAE (CHOREOCOLACACEAE,RHODOPHYTA)1

The determinants of host specificity, which are poorly understood in red algal parasites, were studied in the red algal parasites Bostrychiocolax australis Zuccarello et West and Dawsoniocolax bostrychiae (Joly et Yamaguishi-Tomita) Joly et Yamaguishi-Tomita. Culture studies were performed to determine host range, sites of host resistance, and genetics of transmission of resistance. Both species parasitize Bostrychia radicans (Montagne) Montagne, whereas Bostrychiocolax australis also parasitizes Bostrychia moritziana (Sonder ex Kützing) J. Agardh and Stictosiphonia kelanensis (Grunow ex Post) R. J. King et Puttock. Isolates of B. radicans resistant to both parasites were found worldwide, often within the same population as susceptible isolates. On resistant Bostrychia species and isolates, specificity was manifested at three stages: 1) host penetration, in which the spore germ peg failed to penetrate the host cuticle/wall; 2) parasite–host cell fusion, in which the fusion cell died and the parasite died; and 3) growth, in which parasites grew but soon died; parasites rarely reproduced and infections did not continue in culture. Resistance to parasite infection was usually transmitted as a dominant trait and did not segregate as a single locus during meiosis. In certain crosses, transmission of resistance was non-mendelian.     

Identifying the chromosomes of the A- and C-genome diploid Brassica species B. rapa (syn. campestris) and B. oleracea in their amphidiploid B. napus

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is an amphidiploid species that originated from a spontaneous hybridisation of Brassica rapa L. (syn. campestris) and Brassica oleracea L., and contains the complete diploid chromosome sets of both parental genomes. The metaphase chromosomes of the highly homoeologous A genome of B. rapa and the C genome of B. oleracea cannot be reliably distinguished in B. napus because of their morphological similarity. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with 5S and 25S ribosomal DNA probes to prometaphase chromosomes, in combination with DAPI staining, allows more dependable identification of Brassica chromosomes. By comparing rDNA hybridisation and DAPI staining patterns from B. rapa and B. oleracea prometaphase chromosomes with those from B. napus, we were able to identify the putative homologues of B. napus chromosomes in the diploid chromosome sets of B. rapa and B. oleracea, respectively. In some cases, differences were observed between the rDNA hybridisation patterns of chromosomes in the diploid species and their putative homologue in B. napus, indicating locus losses or alterations in rDNA copy number. The ability to reliably identify A and C genome chromosomes in B. napus is discussed with respect to evolutionary and breeding aspects. Received: 13 July 2001 / Accepted: 23 August 2001     

Genetic characterisation by isoenzyme markers of North American and Australasian isolates of species of Sarcocystis (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) from mice,sheep, goats and cattle

The technique of isoenzyme (enzyme isotype) electrophoresis was used to compare genetic profiles of extracts of zoites of sarcocysts from North America and Australasia. The species examined were Sarcocystis muris (Railliet, 1886) from mice, S. gigantea (Railliet, 1886) (syn. S. ovifelis Heydorn et al., 1975) from sheep, S. capracanis Fischer, 1979 from goats and S. cruzi (Hasselmann, 1923) (syn. S. bovicanis Heydorn et al., 1975) from cattle. Sarcocysts from the four host animals had different alleles at almost all loci studied. This was not affected by having a common definitive host. Extracts of two cat-borne Sarcocystis species shared alleles at only 3 out of 16 loci, while two dog-borne Sarcocystis species had different alleles at 8 out of 16 loci. The extent of genetic divergence among sarcocysts confirmed the existance of distinct species in each host sampled. By contrast, the isolates from the United States of America and Australasia for any particular host were essentially identical, sharing at least one allele at every locus tested. ac]19860908     

Rove beetles of the subtribe Scopaeina Mulsant & Rey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in the West Palaearctic: Phylogeny, biogeography and species catalogue

A cladistic analysis of the West Palaearctic Scopaeina Mulsant & Rey, 1878 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae: Paederinae) is presented along with bionomic and biogeographic information. A total of 76 morphological characters were coded for the 88 currently known West Palaearctic species, except for S. bifossicapitata (Outerelo & Oromi, 1987). Results show that Scopaeina comprises two well-supported monophyletic groups in the West Palaearctic, Micranops Cameron, 1913 and Scopaeus Erichson, 1840, which are considered to represent distinct genera. Phylogenetic relationships to Orus Casey, 1884, distributed in North and South America, are briefly discussed. Whereas Micranops is only represented by M. pilicornis (Baudi, 1869) in the region under study, 87 species of Scopaeus are currently known from the West Palaearctic. Within Scopaeus, the cladistic analysis yielded many well-supported monophyletic species groups, most of which are restricted to the West Palaearctic. However, except for Hyperscopaeus Coiffait, 1984, they are not in agreement with the widely used subgeneric concept sensu Coiffait (1952–1984). The following polyphyletic subgenera are consequently synonymized: Alloscopaeus Coiffait, 1968, Anomoscopaeus Coiffait, 1968, Geoscopaeus Coiffait, 1960, and Hyposcopaeus Coiffait, 1960 synn. n. = Scopaeus Erichson, 1840. Nivorus Herman, 1965, and Microscopaeus Coiffait, 1981 synn. n. = Micranops Cameron, 1913. The monotypical genus Coecoscopaeus Coiffait, 1984, established for C. coecus (Peyerimhoff, 1906), is excluded from Scopaeina. Scopaeus mitratus perroti Ochs, 1953 is raised to species rank, and S. nigellus Wollaston, 1864, formerly a synonym of S. minimus Erichson, 1939, is revalidated. Finally, we present a catalogue of species and synonyms of West Palaearctic Scopaeina along with distributional data and five new synonymies of species group names: S. bordei Peyerimhoff, 1914 syn. n. = S. portai Luze, 1910; S. tassiliensis Jarrige, 1958, S. mauretanicus Coiffait, 1960 synn. n. = S. crassipes Wollaston, 1867; S. saoudiensis Coiffait, 1981 = S. sinaicus Coiffait, 1970; S. mateui Coiffait, 1953 syn. n. = S. didymus Erichson, 1840. A lectotype is designated for S. didymus Erichson, 1840.See also Electronic Supplement (Parts 13) at http://www.senckenberg.de/odes/02-02.htm     

Phylogeny and biogeography of Thyridosmylus (Neuroptera: Osmylidae)

The first phylogenetic analysis of the genus Thyridosmylus Krüger is presented. All species from China were scored in a morphological analysis, along with extralimital species from India (Thyridosmylus pustulatus Kimmins) and Madagascar (Thyridosmylus marmoratus Fraser), and were compared with out‐group exemplars from Spilosmylus Kolbe, Thaumatosmylus Krüger and Osmylus Latreille. A monophyletic Thyridosmylus sister to Spilosmylus is confirmed based on this analysis, with the Malagasy Thyridosmylus marmoratus as sister to the Oriental Thyridosmylus species. Based on the results of this analysis, the biogeography of world Thyridosmylus is discussed. It is proposed that the genus originated in Gondwana no later than the Late Cretaceous (88 Ma) before the break‐up of the Madagascar–India continent. A new species, Thyridosmylus paralangii sp.n., is described from Guangxi Province, whereas two species [Thyridosmylus langii (McLachlan) and Thyridosmylus perspicillaris minor Kimmins] are recorded from China for the first time. Four synonyms are identified: Thyridosmylus laetus Yang et al. syn.n. , Thyridosmylus similaminor Yang syn.n. , Thyridosmylus vulgatus Yang syn.n. and Thyridosmylus mimoroides Yang syn.n. A key to the species of the world is provided.     

Microscopic analysis and seasonality of gemma production in the freshwater red alga Hildenbrandia angolensis (Hildenbrandiales, Rhodophyta)

The development and release of the unique vegetative propagules of the freshwater encrusting alga Hildenbrandia angolensis Welwitsch ex West et West, gemmae, were studied using several different microscopic and histochemical techniques. In addition, the seasonality of gemma production was monitored bimonthly over a 12‐month period in two spring‐fed streams in Texas, USA. Gemmae differentiate within the thallus and are subsequently released from the surface of the crust. Release of the gemmae most likely occurs by digestion of surrounding cells, as suggested by the presence of starch granules and lipid globules in the region between the released gemma and the thallus. The initial separation of the gemmae from the thallus occurs from the sides of the gemma or the bottom, or possibly simultaneously. Contrary to previous studies, we have observed that gemma production occurs endogenously within the thallus of freshwater Hildenbrandia, rather than on the surface of the crust in raised structures. Histochemical tests and electron microscopic examination indicate that the cells of the gemmae contain a large amount of floridean starch. The starch granules frequently form rings surrounding the nuclei of both gemma and thallus cells; a feature infrequently reported for florideophyte red algae. Our seasonality investigations indicate that large fluctuations in gemma production occur over 1 year, but at least some gemma production continues year‐round in the streams examined.     

Revision and phylogeny of Syrphetodes (Coleoptera: Ulodidae): implications for biogeography,alpinization and conservation

The genus Syrphetodes Broun is revised to include a total of 13 species. Most of the species are restricted in their distributions, are rarely collected and have been attributed conservation status in New Zealand. Eleven species are described as new: three from Northland (S. relictus sp.n ., Te Paki; S. insularis sp.n. , Three Kings Islands; S. magnus sp.n. , Hokianga), one from the central North Island (S. obtusus sp.n. ), one from Central Otago (S. nunni sp.n. , Waikaia Bush), and seven from the southern Alps (S. cirrhopogon sp.n. , Aspiring National Park; S. occiduus sp.n. , Westland; S. melanopogon sp.n. , Mt Dewar, Paparoa Range; S. defectus sp.n. , northern Paparoa Range; S. marrisi sp.n. , Mt Domett, Northwest Nelson; S. carinatus sp.n. , Victoria Range). Eleven synonymies are proposed: S. crenatus Broun (= S. dorsalis Broun, syn.n .), S. marginatus Pascoe (= S. bullatus Sharp, syn.n. ; S. sylvius Broun, syn.n. ; S. cordipennis Broun, syn.n. ; S. punctatus Broun, syn.n. ; S. simplex Broun, syn.n. ; S. nodosalis Broun, syn.n. ; S. truncatus Broun, syn.n. ; S. variegatus Broun, syn.n. ; S. pensus Broun, syn.n. ; S. thoracicus Broun, syn.n. ). The phylogenetic relationships among the species were reconstructed using morphological (25 adult characters) and DNA sequence (nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) data. A morphological analysis rooted with Trachyderastes resulted in a split between lowland and high‐altitude species and a well‐supported group from Northland. Molecular trees rooted with representatives of Trachyderastes Kaszab (New Caledonia), Meryx Latrielle (Australia), Ulodes Erichson (Australia) and three New Zealand genera (Arthopus Sharp, Brouniphylax Strand, Exohadrus Broun) resulted in the following tree: ((Ulodes, Brouniphylax) (Exohadrus, Arthopus)) (Syrphetodes (Meryx, Trachyderastes)). Species relationships within Syrphetodes included a strongly supported northern North Island clade and an alpine clade either as sister taxon to S. crenatus and S. marginatus or sister remaining lowland lineages. Combined phylogenetic analyses also showed paritial congruence with separate partitions. The distributions of the lowland species, in particular those from the North Island, correspond to islands that existed in the Pliocene. The alpine, black‐coloured lineage, found above the treeline, is monophyletic based on several characters (e.g. lack of abdominal flanges and reduced scalation) and, in some reconstructions, the tan‐coloured S. cirrhopogon is sister taxon to the remaining black‐coloured species. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:697E68E8‐EE90‐46C1‐A009‐78A794E0EF4F .     

A new notion on the heteropterofauna (Insecta: Hemiptera,Heteroptera) from the Pliocene of Willershausen (N Germany)

Mainly based on collections from Willershausen (Lower Saxony, North Germany), the Pliocene Heteroptera fauna of West Europe is briefly revised. The present compilation includes a checklist with taxonomic and systematic corrections ofJordan’s (1967, 1969) type materials. Naucoroid water bugs of the family Aphelocheiridae are distinguished and the extinct species of the genusAphelocheirus are redescribed. The new genusWillershausenia n.gen. (type species:Nabis strausi Jordan, 1969) is defined and transferred to the coreoid family Alydidae.      

Application of RAPD-PCR for Virulence Type Analysis within Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum

A collection of 24 isolates of Verticillium dahliae, 11 isolates of V. longisporum and one isolate of V. albo‐atrum originating from different host plants and geographical regions was tested for genetic variability by random amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction (RAPD–PCR). Based on nine primers, the three Verticillium species could be clearly differentiated. Likewise, this analysis provided a distinct separation of vegetative compatibility groups (VCG) 2B, 4A and 4B of V. dahliae by specific DNA banding patterns. Additionally, V. longisporum was found to segregate into two subgroups with only 88% similarity. This molecular‐genetic approach was used for the analysis of randomly selected Verticillium isolates from a field with high intensity of oilseed rape cultivation (33% in crop rotation). RAPD‐PCR analysis revealed that 95 of 100 isolates tested belonged to V. longisporum and 5 to VCG 2B of V. dahliae. This study demonstrates an adaptation of Verticillium soil populations to a specific cropping history.