A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichodina</Emphasis> Ehrenberg, 1830 (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) infecting farmed <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clarias gariepinus</Emphasis> (Burchell) (Siluriformes: Clariidae) in Cuba

A new species of Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1830 collected from the skin and fins of farmed North African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) fingerlings, is described. The new species can be distinguished from other trichodinids by the characteristics of the adhesive disc, especially by the great number of denticles. Trichodina merciae n. sp. is morphologically similar to T. renicola (Mueller, 1931) and T. marplatensis Martorelli, Marcotegui & Alda, 2008, in the number of denticles, but differs in the morphometric data, denticle morphology, environment and location. Trichodina merciae n. sp. has broad sickle-shaped blades and thin, straight rays, while T. marplatensis has broad club-shaped blades and wide S-shaped rays. Besides, denticle length, blade length, ray length, width of central part and denticle span of the new species are greater than T. marplatensis. However, the diameter of denticle ring and the diameter of the central area in T. marplatensis is larger than the ones in T. merciae n. sp. This is the first record of freshwater ectoparasite trichodinid with an average number of denticles greater than 50.     

<Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Anthopleura</Emphasis> and the phylogeny of Actinioidea (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Actiniaria)

Members of the sea anemone genus Anthopleura are familiar constituents of rocky intertidal communities. Despite its familiarity and the number of studies that use its members to understand ecological or biological phenomena, the diversity and phylogeny of this group are poorly understood. Many of the taxonomic and phylogenetic problems stem from problems with the documentation and interpretation of acrorhagi and verrucae, the two features that are used to recognize members of Anthopleura. These anatomical features have a broad distribution within the superfamily Actinioidea, and their occurrence and exclusivity are not clear. We use DNA sequences from the nucleus and mitochondrion and cladistic analysis of verrucae and acrorhagi to test the monophyly of Anthopleura and to evaluate the pattern of distribution of acrorhagi and verrucae. We find that Anthopleura is paraphyletic: although species of the genus cluster together, some groups also include members of genera like Bunodosoma, Aulactinia, Oulactis, and Actinia. This paraphyly is explained in part by the discovery that acrorhagi and verrucae are pleisiomorphic for the subset of Actinioidea studied.     

Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eckhardites</Emphasis> Mitta (Cardioceratidae,Ammonoidea) from the Lower Callovian of the subboreal Jurassic

The genus Eckhardites Mitta 1999, with the type species Macrocephalites pavlowi Smorodina, 1928 is discussed and its diagnosis and assignment to the family Cardioceratidae are substantiated. Eckhardites is compared to the genus Macrocephalites Zittel (family Sphaeroceratidae), to which some workers presently assign the type species of Eckhardites. Three species of Eckhardites are recorded from the basal Callovian elatmae Zone of the Russian Platform, one of which (E. menzeli (Mönnig)) was originally described from the synchronous beds in Germany. A new species E. dietli sp. nov. is described.     

The species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lentaria</Emphasis> (Gomphales,Basidiomycota) from China based on morphological and molecular evidence

Lentaria Corner is a widespread basidiomycetous genus composed of 17 known species. Most members of this genus are lignicolous and play important roles as decomposers in forest ecosystems. Lentaria specimens collected from China were studied using morphological and molecular methods. Five species were recognized, two of which, L. bambusina and L. uncispora, were described as new species. In addition, L. patouillardii was confirmed to be a new record from China. The remaining two species, L. byssiseda and L. surculus, were previously found in China. The two new species were described in detail, illustrated with line drawings and photographs, and compared with similar species. The other three species were redescribed to clarify their morphological characters and distribution patterns. Phylogeny of this genus was analyzed based on internal transcribed spacer sequences. Additionally, a key to Lentaria species in China is provided. Holotypes of the two new species are deposited in the Mycological Herbarium of Hunan Normal University.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Scalaspira</Emphasis> (Gastropoda) from the Paleogene of the Transcaspian Region

The composition and distribution of the species of the genus Scalaspira Conrad, 1862 in the Eocene-Oligocene of western Kazakhstan are revised. Following Tembrock we assign this genus to Buccinidae and synonymize Aquilofusus Kautsky, 1925 with it. The stratigraphic interval studied contains at least eight species. Three species are new: S. alexeevi (Middle? and Upper Eocene, Chegan Formation), S. korobkovi, and S. kumsuatensis (Upper Oligocene, Karatomak Beds).     

End of an enigma: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aenigmopteris</Emphasis> belongs in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectaria</Emphasis> (Tectariaceae: Polypodiopsida)

The phylogenetic affinities of the fern genus Aenigmopteris have been the subject of considerable disagreement, but until now, no molecular data were available from the genus. Based on the analysis of three chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL, rps16-matK, and trnL-F) we demonstrate that Aenigmopteris dubia (the type species of the genus) and A. elegans are closely related and deeply imbedded in Tectaria. The other three species of genus are morphologically very similar; we therefore transfer all five known species into Tectaria. Detailed morphological comparison further shows that previously proposed diagnostic characters of Aenigmopteris fall within the range of variation of a broadly circumscribed Tectaria.     

Fingerprinting by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and barcoding by three plastidic markers in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Wolffiella</Emphasis> Hegelm

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting and three different plastidic DNA regions (rpl16, rps16, atpF-atpH) were used to investigate species identity in the genus Wolffiella. For this purpose, clones (67 in total) belonging to all ten species were selected. Almost all the species were represented by more than one clone. The fingerprinting technique, AFLP, clearly distinguished the species, W. caudata, W. gladiata, W. neotropica, W. rotunda, and W. welwitschii. Apart from confirming the molecular identity of these five species, the plastidic markers could delineate two additional species, W. hyalina and W. denticulata, although the conclusion concerning the latter is restricted by the availability of only one clone. The efficiency of the plastid-derived markers in identifying the number of species-specific clusters followed the sequence rps16 > rpl16 > atpF-atpH. The species W. lingulata, W. oblonga, and W. repanda could not be identified by any of the molecular methods presented here, but could be strictly defined on a morphological basis. In several clones, high amounts of genetic admixtures between different species were detected. Further, simulation studies demonstrated that these clones are genetic hybrids. This might be one of the obstacles in molecular identification of species in the genus Wolffiella.     

Revision of the taxonomic status of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gloeoporus</Emphasis> (Polyporales,Basidiomycota) reveals two new species

Gloeoporus Mont. is characterized by an easily separated gelatinous hymenophore and a continuous hymenium over the pore mouth. Recent molecular taxonomic and phylogenetic research showed that morphological grouping of Gloeoporus is polyphyletic. The lack of comprehensive phylogenetic studies of Gloeoporus exacerbates confusion in determining the taxonomic position of the genus. To delimit the genus Gloeoporus, we performed multi-locus phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), and the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). The phylogenetic analyses revealed that current delimitation of Gloeoporus is not monophyletic. Gloeoporus s.s. includes mostly clamped species lacking cystidia. Some species of Gloeoporus featuring simple septa and cystidia are proposed to be renamed to Meruliopsis. Two new species of Gloeoporus were also observed and they are named Gloeoporus africanus and Gloeoporus orientalis.     

Species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthosaura</Emphasis> gray, 1831 (Agamidae: Sauria,Reptilia) of Vietnam: Results of molecular and morphological study

On the basis of morphological and molecular data, taxonomic diversity of the agamid genus Acanthosaura in Vietnam is discussed. This genus is represented in Vietnam by four species of two complexes, A. capra and A. lepidogaster. DNA analysis and the absence of reliable finds suggest to exclude A. crucigera and A. armata from the faunal list of Vietnam. The recently described species A. nataliae Orlov, Nguyen and Nguyen, 2006 of the A. capra complex is considered. Two species are recognized in the A. lepidogaster complex, one of which, A. coronata Günther, 1861, Smith (1935) regarded as a synonym of A. lepidogaster (Cuvier, 1829).     

A new species of the leaf-beetle genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptocephalus</Emphasis> Geoffroy (Coleoptera,Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae) from Southeastern Kazakhstan

A new species of the genus Cryptocephalus is described from the Malaysary Mountains (Southeastern Kazakhstan). The new species belongs to the subgenus Asionus and is closest to the group of species with a deep impression on the male anal (V) sternite (C. halophilus, C. impressipygus and C. mniczechi). Cryptocephalus malaysaryensis sp. n. clearly differs in the structure of the aedeagus and abdominal sternite V of the male.     

Free-living nematodes of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alaimella</Emphasis> Cobb 1920 (Nematoda: Leptolaimidae): A description of <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. macramphis</Emphasis> sp. n. from the White Sea and a revision of the genus

Alaimella cincta Cobb 1920 and Alaimella macramphis sp. n. are described and illustrated. Both the species were first recorded for the White Sea in northern Russia. A. cincta occurs in the shells of the agglutinated foraminiferan Reophax curtus, as well as freely in bottom sediments. A. macramphis sp. n. is described from a single male sampled from bottom sediments. A. macramphis sp. n. is distinguished from two previously known species of Alaimella (A. cincta Cobb 1920 and A. truncate Cobb 1920) by having a longer body, longer cephalic setae, and a wide amphid equal to the respective body diameter. The new species also differs from A. truncate by the distinct striation of the cuticular annulations. The Alaimella species are additionally characterized by having a posterior glandular widening of the esophagus. An emended diagnosis of the genus Alaimella Cobb 1920 and a key for species identification are provided.     

Leaf anatomy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acrocomia</Emphasis> (Arecaceae): an additional contribution to the taxonomic resolution of a genus with great economic potential

Acrocomia is one of the most complex genera to understand in the Neotropical Arecaceae, and there is no consensus on the number of species in the genus. A comparative study of leaf anatomy was conducted on seven species of Acrocomia: one with a wide distribution in the Americas (A. aculeata), five endemic to different regions of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay (A. emensis, A. glaucescens, A. hassleri, A. intumescens and A. totai) and one endemic to Cuba (A. crispa). Characters that unify the species of Acrocomia include the following: epidermis covered with cuticle, hypodermis on both sides of the leaflets, non-vascular fiber bundles, and primary and secondary vascular bundles. The shape of the leaflet margin, the distribution of the primary vascular bundles and fiber bundles, the number of idioblasts with raphides and the size of the vascular bundles, along with other characteristics, were used to distinguish these species in Acrocomia.     

Taxonomy and phylogeny of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptocoryneum</Emphasis> (Pleosporales,Dothideomycetes)

Species of Cryptocoryneum were taxonomically reassessed on the basis of morphological observations and the results of molecular phylogenetic analysis. Eighteen isolates of Cryptocoryneum species, namely two strains from Africa, three from Europe, and 13 from Japan, were phylogenetically analysed using sequences of nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the partial sequence of the translation elongation factor 1α gene (TEF1). The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Cryptocoryneum species formed a monophyletic clade and were closely related to Lophiotrema (Lophiotremataceae) and Aquasubmersa (incertae sedis) in the Pleosporales (Dothideomycetes). We examined holotype specimens of C. fasciculatum, C. hysterioides, and Torula uniformis and concluded that these species are conspecific, with C. hysterioides having priority. Although C. hysterioides has long been regarded as a synonym of C. condensatum, we consider C. hysterioides to be a distinct species within the genus. We found several cryptic species that were morphologically similar to C. condensatum sensu lato, but that could be separated on the basis of conidial size and the number of conidial arms and conidial septa, characters that seem to be informative for species delimitation within Cryptocoryneum. A total of seven new species, namely C. akitaense, C. brevicondensatum, C. congregatum, C. japonicum, C. longicondensatum, C. paracondensatum, and C. pseudorilstonei, are described and illustrated. A key to species accepted in Cryptocoryneum is provided.     

Contribution to the study of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lemniscomys</Emphasis> (Rodentia: Muridae). Morphometric and molecular approaches

A total of 204 specimens belonging to eight species of the genus Lemniscomys were examined with standard morphometric measurements. Our results show that the seven Sub-Saharan species seem to follow a latitudinal gradient from the Center to the South of the African continent. The only North African species L. barbarus looks close to L. griselda and L. rosalia. We also applied a molecular analysis through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method for the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. For the purpose of constructing a phylogenetic tree with Maximum Likelihood method, we extracted eight sequences from the GenBank library; seven belonging to the genus Lemniscomys and one to the genus Arvicanthis used as outgroup. We managed to identify a region comprised of 458 nucleotides of which 388 were common for all species and 70 were variable. The phylogenetic tree shows us that the sister group L. bellieri and L. macculus, is the most basal, while L. striatus and L. rosalia appears to be close to the sister group L. barbarus and L. zebra. We also noticed a difference between morphometric and molecular results; the latter are more in agreement with pelage patterns subdivision between Lemniscomys species. These differences can be explained by a high rate of phenotypic evolution that can surpass the molecular counterpart as in the case of the genus Gerbillus.     

Stem anatomy of neotropical <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioscorea</Emphasis> L. (Dioscoreaceae) and its importance to the systematics of the genus

We anatomically characterized the aerial stems of the genus Dioscorea and evaluated the use of these anatomical characteristics to better understand the taxonomy, systematics, and diversity of the component species in the neotropics. Fragments of the aerial stems of 23 species were collected for anatomical analyses utilizing conventional cytohistological techniques. Stem anatomy did not support the subgenera and neotropical sections of Dioscorea, although D. sect. Monadelpha demonstrated similar anatomical characteristics with the representatives analyzed in the present work, supporting the possible monophyletism of that section. Some New World species demonstrated characteristics described earlier for Old World species, such as two phloem units internal to the large-diameter vessels. New characters to the vascularization of new world species are described, as a single ring of vascular bundles, intercalating common and cauline bundles. Tylosoids and actinocytic stomata were the first time reported in Dioscorea, and the vascular patterns are revisited with a systematic approach.     

ITS rDNA sequence comparisons resolve phylogenetic relationships in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Orostachys</Emphasis> subsection <Emphasis Type="Italic">Appendiculatae</Emphasis> (Crassulaceae)

Orostachys (Crassulaceae) is a small genus of succulent plants having a predominantly East Asian distribution. Recent DNA sequence comparisons revealed polyphyletic nature of the genus and found distant relationship between its infrageneric taxa. Here we present the first molecular phylogeny of Orostachys subsection Appendiculatae based on a large number of ITS rDNA sequences representing most currently recognized members of the subsection and utilizing secondary structure information. Ribosomal spacer was a highly informative marker and provided a phylogenetic signal sufficient to resolve relationships at different scales, from affinities between species to a fine geographic structure in broadly sampled species. It was also conservative enough to allow unambiguous alignment and construction of consensus secondary structure models for ITS1 and ITS2. These models displayed a number of molecular synapomorphies defining most lineages established in our analyses. We revealed a major split in the subsection placing three species, O. spinosa, O. japonica and O. chanetii, into a strongly supported clade to the exclusion of O. thyrsiflora. Phenotypically distinct monotypic genus Meterostachys was also resolved as a part of the subsection’s clade and showed affinity to O. thyrsiflora. Our data suggested that morphology-based species concept for O. thyrsiflora requires reassessment.