Body mass estimation for †Cyonasua (Procyonidae,Carnivora) and related taxa based on postcranial skeleton

Procyonidae were the first northern placental carnivorans that reached the Neotropics. They are represented by two extinct genera: ?Cyonasua and ?Chapalmalania (late Miocene – early Pleistocene). Postcranial elements are only known for ?Cyonasua and related taxa (?Parahyaenodon argentinus and ?Tetraprothomo argentinus). To obtain highly reliable allometric equations for body mass estimations of fossil procyonids, we performed least squares regressions (multiple and bivariate lineal models) using 51 postcranial linear measurements. The extant sample included 124 taxa corresponding to nine families of Carnivora, with body mass data from the literature. We obtained about 63 equations from diverse combinations of postcranial measurements; 14 of them were selected using several reliability indexes as criteria. Our results show that body masses calculated for ?Cyonasua range between 12.63 and 28.45 kg, ?P. argentinus was estimated at 14.41 kg, while ?T. argentinus at 25.31 kg. Thus, the body mass of ?Cyonasua would have been at least twice as high as the mean of the extant procyonid Procyon cancrivorus. ?Cyonasua was probably able to fend off predators and quite capable of climbing slowly on thick-enough branches. Other palaeoecological and palaeobiological inferences are discussed.     

New species in the fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) from the islands in the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)

Three new species of Dryopteris, D. cicatricata J.P. Roux and D. caperata J.P. Roux from São Tomé and D. aurantiaca J.P. Roux from Annobón are described. All three taxa appear to be local endemics. A key to the Dryopteris species occurring on the islands in the Gulf of Guinea is provided.     

A review of Diplosmittia Sæther,with the description of four new Neotropical species (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Palms are considered key species in tropical forests and represent a source of food for the community of frugivores in times of scarcity. Palms have also been used as a model to investigate how the processes of dispersal and seed predation are affected by fragmentation and alteration of tropical forests. This study examines the dispersal and seed predation of Syagrus romanzoffiana in two insular environments of different sizes (1500 ha and 50 ha) and faunal compositions, both located in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. We recorded 13 species of animals considered consumers and dispersers of fruits and seeds of S. romanzoffiana at the larger study area (Peri Lagoon Municipal Park, Santa Catarina Island) and five species on Campeche Island. In these areas, the rates of dispersal were high (Peri 57.5% to 75.5% and Campeche 81.5% to 93.0%, based on the removal experiments). In the smaller area, despite the low faunal richness, the coatis (Nasua nasua), introduced in the island were important seed dispersers. Only in Peri occurred predation by rodents (rates of 4%) due to the presence of agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) and there was no post-dispersal predation by insects. The greatest loss of seeds (52% in both locations, based on sampling of seeds accumulated under parent plants) were caused by predation of Revena rubiginosa (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), of which oviposition occurs in the pre-dispersal phase. Besides this factor, about 40% of the seeds showed up without endosperm. However, high seed production seems to compensate for these losses, with significant seedling stock of S. romanzoffiana in both areas.

Palmeiras são consideradas espécies-chave em florestas tropicais representando fonte de alimento para a comunidade de frugívoros em épocas de escassez. Palmeiras também têm sido usadas como modelo de estudo na avaliação de como os processos de dispersão e predação de sementes são afetados pela fragmentação e alteração das florestas tropicais. Este estudo examina a dispersão e predação das sementes de Syagrus romanzoffiana em dois ambientes insulares de diferentes tamanhos (1500ha e 50ha) e composições faunísticas, ambos localizados em área de Mata Atlântica no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram registradas 13 espécies de animais considerados consumidores e dispersores dos frutos e sementes de S. romanzoffiana na maior área estudada (Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri, Ilha de Santa Catarina) e cinco espécies na Ilha do Campeche. Nestas áreas, as taxas de dispersão foram altas (Peri 57,5% a 75,5% e Campeche 81,5% a 93,0%, com base em experimentos de remoção). Na menor área, apesar da baixa riqueza faunística, os quatis (Nasua nasua), introduzidos nessa ilha, foram importantes dispersores das sementes. Somente ocorreu predação por roedores no Peri (taxas de 4%) devido à presença de cotias (Dasyprocta azarae) e não houve predação pós-dispersão causada por insetos. A maior perda de sementes (52% em ambas as localidades, com base em amostragem de sementes acumuladas sob plantas-mãe) foi causada por predação de larvas de Revena rubiginosa (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), cuja oviposição ocorre na fase de pré-dispersão. Além deste fator, cerca de 40% das sementes mostravam-se sem endosperma. Contudo, a alta produção de sementes parece compensar essas perdas, havendo expressivo estoque de plântulas de S. romanzoffiana em ambas as áreas.     

Silene demirizii sp. nov. and S.marschallii subsp. anamasi subsp. nov. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey

Two new taxa of Silene L. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey, Silene demirizii K. Y?ld?z & Ç?rp?c? sp. nov. and Silene marschallii C. A. Meyer subsp. anamasi K. Y?ld?z & Dadand? subsp. nov. are described and illustrated. Their taxonomic positions are discussed and they are compared with allied taxa. The distributions of the new and closely related species are mapped. Pollen grain and seed coat ultrastructure of the new and allied taxa were examined by SEM.     

Three new legumes endemic to the Marañón Valley,Perú

Two new species of legume, Caesalpinia celendiniana and Mimosa lamolina and one new variety, Caesalpinia pluviosa var. maraniona, from the inter-Andean Río Mara?ón Valley in northern Perú are described and illustrated. These add to the already impressive tally of endemics known from the seasonally dry tropical forests of the Río Mara?ón Valley, which apparently far exceeds the endemic plant diversity from other nearby inter-Andean dry valleys in Perú and southern Ecuador.     

Evolution ofPeperomia (Piperaceae) in the Juan Fernandez Islands,Chile

Four species ofPeperomia (Piperaceae) occur in the Juan Fernandez Islands, Chile:P. berteroana, P. margaritifera, P. skottsbergii, andP. fernandeziana. The last species is found also in continental Chile, whereas the other three are endemic to the archipelago.Peperomia margaritifera is found only on the older island of Masatierra, whereasP. skottsbergii is confined to the younger island of Masafuera, andP. berteroana occurs on both islands. Phenetic analyses of mainland taxa suggest thatP. fernandeziana belongs to subg.Sphaerocarpidium whereas the endemic taxa form their own subg.Tildenidium connecting to subg.Tildenia. Cladistic analyses indicate thatP. margaritifera is the most primitive species in the archipelago and thatP. berteroana is the most derived, especially patristically. Chromosomally, the four species are all n = 22, which may be tetraploid on a base of x = 11. Sulfated flavones occur only inP. berteroana andP. skottsbergii, which are otherwise unknown for the family. Dispersal of propagules to the islands from the continent and between islands is believed to have been accomplished by birds.     

A new longirostrine dyrosaurid (Crocodylomorpha,Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Paleocene of north‐eastern Colombia: biogeographic and behavioural implications for New‐World Dyrosauridae

Abstract: Fossils of dyrosaurid crocodyliforms are limited in South America, with only three previously diagnosed taxa including the short‐snouted Cerrejonisuchus improcerus from the Paleocene Cerrejón Formation of north‐eastern Colombia. Here we describe a second dyrosaurid from the Cerrejón Formation, Acherontisuchus guajiraensis gen. et sp. nov., based on three partial mandibles, maxillary fragments, teeth, and referred postcrania. The mandible has a reduced seventh alveolus and laterally depressed retroarticular process, both diagnostic characteristics of Dyrosauridae. Acherontisuchus guajiraensis is distinct among known dyrosaurids in having a unique combination of craniomandibular characteristics, and postcranial morphology that suggests it may have occupied a more placid, fluvial habitat than most known Old‐World dyrosaurids. Results from a cladistic analysis of Dyrosauridae, using 82 primarily cranial and mandibular characters, support an unresolved relationship between A. guajiraensis and a combination of New‐ and Old‐World dyrosaurids including Hyposaurus rogersii, Congosaurus bequaerti, Atlantosuchus coupatezi, Guarinisuchus munizi, Rhabdognathus keiniensis and Rhabdognathus aslerensis. Our results are consistent with an African origin for Dyrosauridae with multiple dispersals into the New World during the Late Cretaceous and a transition from marine habitats in ancestral taxa to more fluvial habitats in more derived taxa.     

How does Reynoutria invasion fit the various theories of invasibility?

Questions: 1. How does species richness of recipient communities affect Reynoutria invasion? 2. How does Reynoutria invasion change host community structure? 3. Are there any differences in habitat preferences among three closely related Reynoutria taxa? 4. How does the genetic structure of Reynoutria populations change along the course of a river? Location: River Jizera basin, north Bohemia, Czech Republic. Methods: Nine 0.25 km² plots were chosen along the river. Within each plot all main habitat types were determined and sampled using the Braun‐Blanquet scale to determine the invasibility of various communities. The patches invaded by Reynoutria taxa and surrounding Reynoutria‐free vegetation in the same habitat type were sampled as relevé pairs to compare the composition of invaded and non‐invaded vegetation. In addition, to characterize the genetic structure of Reynoutria populations along the river, 30 samples from different clones were collected. Results and conclusions: 1. The species richness of communities has no influence on the success of Reynoutria invasion in the area studied. The combination of environmental conditions and propagule spread is more important to the invasion success than the number of species in the host community. 2. Reynoutria invasion greatly reduces species diversity. 3. R. japonica invaded more habitat types than R. sachalinensis and R.×bohemica. The hybrid R.×bohemica outcompetes the parental taxa at sites where both taxa co‐occur. 4. Isozyme analysis revealed phenotype variability in the hybrid in contrast to the parental taxa. Different hybrid phenotypes are distributed randomly on the middle and lower reaches of the River Jizera; one of them dominates and the other three occur occasionally. This pattern supports the hypothesis that sexual reproduction occasionally occurs within Reynoutria taxa.     

Taxonomic revision of the genusPinguicula L. in the Iberian Peninsula

In this paper, the genusPinguicula is revised in the Iberian Peninsula. The taxa studied areP. vulgaris, P. nevadensis, P. grandiflora subsp.grandiflora, P. dertosensis, P. vallisneriifolia, P. longifolia subsp.longifolia, P. mundi, P. alpina andP. lusitanica. Five taxa are endemic to the area studied (P. nevadensis, P. dertosensis, P. vallisneriifolia, P. longifolia subsp.longifolia andP. mundi). Two of them are confined to restricted areas:P. nevadensis is endemic to the Sierra Nevada (S Spain) andP. longifolia subsp.longifolia is endemic to the central Pyrenees (N Spain). Taxonomical, nomenclatural, morphological, chromosomal, biogeographical and ecological data are reported for each taxon. A new combination is proposed:Pinguicula Sect.Longifolia (Casper) G. Blanca, M. Ruíz-Rejón etR. Zamora.     

Diet of Physalaemus cf. cicada (Leptodactylidae) and Bufo granulosus (Bufonidae) in a semideciduous forest.

We determined the diet of the two most abundant anuran species which occur in the litter of a semideciduous forest (Len?óis, Bahia, Brazil), Physalaemus cf. cicada and Bufo granulosus in the dry and rainy seasons. Pitfall traps were used to collect anuran and invertebrate fauna, which showed the availability of prey in the environment. Physalaemus cf. cicada was present in both seasons and Bufo granulosus only in the rainy season. Both species fed mainly on Isoptera and Formicidae. However, there is a difference between the rainy and dry seasons concerning the diet of P. cf. cicada. During the rainy season P. cf. cicada consumed less Isoptera and more Formicidae than in the dry season. In the volumetric sense, Orthoptera was the most important alimentary category for P. cf. cicada and B. granulosus. The Jacobs electivity index indicated that Physalaemus cf. cicada and Bufo granulosus were specialists in Isoptera.     

Allopatric distribution,ecology and conservation status of the Pilosella alpicola group (Asteraceae)

The Pilosella alpicola group comprises four morphologically distinct and geographically vicariant alpine taxa. We performed a thorough herbarium revision and literature survey to infer their distributional pattern(s). Pilosella alpicola s.s. occurs in the Alps in two disjunct areas: the Swiss Valais Alps and the Italian Dolomites. Historical records come also from the Austrian Alps (Gurktaler Alps and Hohe Tauern) and from one site from the Alpes Maritimes (Col de Larche), but the localities have not been recently confirmed. Pilosella rhodopea, a Balkan subendemic taxon, is quite widespread in Bulgaria (Stara planina Mts, Rila Mts and Pirin Mts), but is more rare in Albania, Greece and Macedonia. Interestingly, this species has also been recorded at two isolated sites in the Romanian southern Carpathians (the C?p??înii and Cozia Mts). This occurrence underlines the floristic affinities of this part of the Carpathians to the Balkan flora. Only two localities of P. serbica, based on voucher specimens, have been recorded so far; Kopaonik Mts in Serbia and the Prokletije Mts in Montenegro. The records from other ranges are related to P. rhodopea. Pilosella ullepitschii, the detailed distribution of which has already been published, is a Carpathian endemic with its core area of distribution in the western Carpathians (Slovakia and Poland). Three isolated localities are also known in the eastern Carpathians (Nemira Mts) and one locality in the southern Carpathians (Bucegi Mts). The possible causes of disjunctions between and within species ranges are briefly discussed. Based on the distributional data, population sizes and ecology, we evaluate the conservation status of the P. alpicola taxa and propose their inclusion in national Red Lists.     

Nectaropolliniferous Sources Used by Trigona (Tetragonisca) Angustula in Chiapas,Southern México

The nectaropolliniferous flora used by Trigona (Tetragonisca) angustula (Apidae, Meliponinae), was studied by melissopalinological analysis at Chiapas, southern Mexico, in two zones with different altitudes and vegetation (Santa Teresita and Unión Juárez). In both areas monthly samples of honey, pollen, and larval feed were taking for a full year, from a nest established expressly for the purpose. A total of 105 plant species were identified at Santa Teresita, of which only 28 taxa were present in percentages higher than 10; of these, seven taxa are nectariferous, ten nectaropolliniferous and eleven polliniferous sources, of which four taxa are found exclusively in larval food. The values of niche size (H') at Santa Teresita indicated less diversity and availability of sources, in comparison with Unión Juárez, where the evenness values (J') have a tendency toward heterogeneity. At Unión Juárez, a total of 127 plant species were registered of which only 30 taxa were present in frequencies higher than 10%; of these ten species are nectariferous, five taxa are nectaropolliniferous, and 15 species are polliniferous, and of the last category three taxa are found exclusively in brood cells. At Unión Juárez the values of niche size (H') for the three sources are higher than at Santa Teresita, and the evenness (J') values are homogeneous, and showed tendency toward evenness, indicating more diversity and availability in this area.     

Eine neue Triplectides‐Art (Leptoceridae,Trichoptera) aus dem brasilianischen Amazonasgebiet,ihre Metamorphosestadien und Bemerkungen zu ihrer Biologie∗

Resumo

Uma espécie nova do género Triplectides, T. egleri n. sp. (Triplectidinae, Leptoceridae, Trichoptera) na fase da larva, da ninfa (? e ?) e do adulto (? e ?) é descrita. Além disso uma descrição detalhada dos casulos da larva e da ninfa é dada. As larvas e as ninfas das Triplectidinae, provávelmente as da espécie descrita, pertençem aos insetos aquáticos mais communs nos igarapés da Amazônia. O tamanho enorme dos casulos (Fig. 30), que attinguem 15 cms, deve ser acentuado (relação larva : casulo como 1:10). Algumas informaç[otilde]es são dadas sobre o biótopo e a biologia das larvas. Elas alimentam‐se de pau. O seu instinto de construir moradias permete, depois duma perda do casulo de pau, de fazer casulos auxiliares de gr[otilde]es de areia.     

Two new species of Protium from French Guiana. Studies in neotropical Burseraceae VIII

Revision of Protium in French Guiana has revealed two new species. Protium gallicum is related to P. aracouchini (Aubl.) Marchand and P. elegans Engl., although its fruits resemble those of P. plagiocarpium Bénoist. Protium inodorum, which also occurs in northern Pará, Brazil, is related to P. pallidum Cuatrec. and P. cuneatum Swart; it is known only from flowers and very young fruits. Even in relatively well-known regions of tropical forest, botanical exploration continues to yield new taxa.     

Curcuma pygmaea sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from Vietnam and notes on two related species C. parviflora and C. thorelii.

Curcuma pygmaea?korni?k. & ?ída f. (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Vietnam, is described and illustrated. Notes on its closest allies in Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis, C. parviflora Wall. and C. thorelii Gagnep., are provided and a lectotype of C. thorelii is designated.     

Curcuma pygmaea sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from Vietnam and notes on two related species C. parviflora and C. thorelii.

Curcuma pygmaea?korni?k. & ?ída f. (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Vietnam, is described and illustrated. Notes on its closest allies in Curcuma subgenus Hitcheniopsis, C. parviflora Wall. and C. thorelii Gagnep., are provided and a lectotype of C. thorelii is designated.     

Phylogenetic relationships of three genera in Anacardiaceae: Bonetiella, Pseudosmodingium, and Smodingium

Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between and characterize the morphological variation among three genera of Anacardiaceae:Bonetiella, Pseudosmodingium, andSmodingium. The first two genera are endemic to Mexico and the third to South Africa.Bonetiella andSmodingium are monotypic.Pseudosmodingium has eight species, six extant and two fossil, and all were included in the analyses. Fifty-six anatomical characters for leaves, wood, and fruit, as well as morphological characters, were considered. Our results indicate thatSmodingium is not closely related toPseudosmodingium andBonetiella, and that these last two genera are sister taxa.Pseudosmodingium is a monophyletic group and the two fossil species are related to species from the same geographical area of central Mexico where they were found. Fruit anatomical characters were significant at the generic level, while leaf anatomical characters were important at the species level inPseudosmodingium.

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Resumen  En este trabajo se llevaron a cabo análisis filogenéticos para determinar las relaciones filogenéticas así como caracterizar la variación morfológica de tres géneros de Anacardiaceae:Bonetiella, Pseudosmodingium ySmodingium. Los dos primeros son endémicos a México y el terceroo a Sudáfrica.Bonetiella ySmodingium son monotípicos.Pseudosmodingium incluye ocho especies, dos fósiles y el resto vivientes, y todas fueron consideradas en los análisis. Se consideraron 56 caracteres tanto anatómicos como morfológicos de hojas, madera y frutos. Nuestros resultados indican queSmodingium no está cercanamente relacionado aPseudosmodingium yBonetiella, y que estos dos últimos géneros son taxa hermanos.Pseudosmodingium es un grupo monofilético y las dos especies fósiles están relacionadas a especies que crecen en las mismas áreas geográficas del centro de México, donde fueron descubiertas. Los caracteres anatómicos del fruto fueron significativos a nivel genérico, mientras que los de hoja fueron importantes a nivel de especies enPseudosmodingium.

     

Radiation of the Oriental phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Abstract The historical biogeography of phlebotomine sand fly taxa Hertigia, Warileya, Phlebotomus (Idiophlebotomus), P. (Spelaeophlebotomus), P. (Anaphlebotomus), and P. (Euphlebotomus) and the Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) argentipes species complex was investigated using phylogenetic inference from comparative genital morphology, distribution of ancestral taxa, fossil evidence and geological age. Idiophlebotomus and Euphlebotomus occur in the Oriental region with one species from northeast Australia, whereas Anaphlebotomus occurs both in the Afro‐tropical and Oriental regions. These disjunct distribution patterns across the Oriental region and the present day distribution are likely to be vicariance due to break of Gondwanaland. Fossil records, extant taxa distribution, phylogenetic analysis of the Old World Phlebotominae and paleogeography suggest that ancestors of Idiophlebotomus and Euphlebotomus originated apparently in the Cimmerian continent of northern margin of Gondwanaland in the early Permian (290 million years ago, MYA) and subsequently radiated in the Mesozoic by tectonic vicariance. The Phlebotomus argentipes species complex occurs in the South and South‐east Asian countries and transmits the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leishmaniasis (Kala‐azar) in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. The phylogeography of P. argentipes was caused through vicariance followed by dispersal events from 5O MYA (the Eocene) until the Recent era.     

Avian remains from the Upper Pleistocene (MIS3) site of Aguilón P-7, south of the Ebro River,Spain

Aves are represented by abundant fossil remains in Quaternary sites. Birds are well adapted to the environment they inhabit, so they make very good paleoenvironmental indicators for Quaternary sites. Here we analyse the avian remains from the Late Pleistocene (probably MIS3) site of Aguilón P-7 (AGP-7). The Pleistocene sediments fill up a shallow cave, which is located in the Zaragozan part of the Iberian Range, 55 km south of the city of Zaragoza. We have for the first time provided a taxonomic and taphonomic study of the avian assemblage of AGP-7, as well as a preliminary paleoenvironmental analysis based on these data. Nine avian taxa have been identified: Galliformes indet., Lagopus sp., Aquila chrysaetos, Gyps fulvus, Passeridae indet., Anthus sp., Prunella modularis,Sturnus cf. unicolor and Corvus monedula. The taphonomic analysis did not provide conclusive information. However, it suggests an accumulation of uneaten food remains by diurnal birds of prey. The identified taxa currently inhabit the Iberian Peninsula, populating woodland environments with rocky areas. They are found in areas with an oceanic climate, in contrast to the Mediterranean climate that now prevails in Aguilón.