Life history traits determine the differential vulnerability of native and invasive apple snails (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomacea</Emphasis> spp.) to a shared juvenile-stage predator

The vulnerability of gastropods to their predators varies with life history traits such as morphology, body size, behavior, and growth rates as well as predator size. A recent study suggested that the invasive apple snail, Pomacea maculata, was considerably more vulnerable to crayfish predators than the native Florida apple snail, P. paludosa. The difference was hypothesized to be caused by the relatively small hatchling size of P. maculata. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of feeding assays designed to quantify maximum feeding rates and selective foraging of crayfish on apple snails. The rate at which crayfish killed individual P. maculata (i.e., kill rates) decreased with snail size, and kill rates on both species increased with crayfish size. Kill rates on juvenile P. maculata were higher than kill rates on size-matched hatchling P. paludosa, and crayfish fed selectively on P. maculata when offered mixed groups of size-matched snails. Further analyses revealed that hatchling P. paludosa possess shells 1.8× heavier than size-matched P. maculata suggesting differences in vulnerability to crayfish were consistent with interspecific differences in shell defenses. Differences in hatchling size and defensive traits in combination make crayfish kill rates on hatchling P. maculata approximately 15.4× faster than on hatchling P. paludosa, but the relative contribution of hatchling size to differences in apple snail vulnerability was >3× greater than the contribution of defensive traits.     

Four new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paradiscogaster</Emphasis> Yamaguti, 1934 (Digenea: Faustulidae) from batfishes (Perciformes: Ephippidae) on the Great Barrier Reef,Australia

Examination of three species of batfishes (Teleostei: Epphippidae) from off Lizard and Heron Islands on the Great Barrier Reef led to the discovery of specimens of the trematode genus Paradiscogaster Yamaguti, 1934 (Digenea: Faustulidae). Morphological analysis demonstrated that the new specimens represented four morphotypes which we interpret to be new species: Paradiscogaster martini n. sp., P. vichovae n. sp. and P. brayi n. sp. from Platax orbicularis (Forsskål) and P. pinnatus (Linnaeus) off Lizard Island, and P. nitschkei n. sp. from P. teira (Forsskål) off Heron Island. Published material was re-examined and the specimens identified as P. chaetodontis okinawensis Yamaguti, 1971 from P. pinnatus from Okinawa, Japan, actually represent the new species P. brayi n. sp., demonstrating that some species of Paradiscogaster have wide geographical distributions. ITS2 rDNA data for the four morphotypes differ by 4–39 base pairs confirming the delineation of the four species proposed. A feature of this study is the recognition of Platax spp. as an important host group for Paradiscogaster, with the new species placing them as the second richest host group for these parasites after the Chaetodontidae.     

A review of fur-mites of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dubininetta</Emphasis> Fain &amp; Lukoschus, 1978 (Acariformes: Listrophoridae), ectoparasites of moles (Soricomorpha: Talpidae)

The fur mite genus Dubininetta Fain & Lukoschus, 1978 (Acariformes: Listrophoridae) represented by ectoparasites of moles (Soricomorpha: Talpidae) is revised. An amended diagnosis of this genus is provided. Two new species are described from moles in Vietnam: Dubininetta euroscaptor n. sp. from Euroscaptor parvidens (Miller) and Dubininetta abramovi n. sp. from Euroscaptor subanura Kawada, Son & Can. The insufficiently described D. taiwanensis (Fain & Lukoschus, 1978) from Mogera insularis (Swinhoe) (type-host) is redescribed based on the type-specimens and numerous newly collected in the Russian Far East specimens from Mogera robusta Nehring. The host ranges are considered for all species of Dubininetta. A key to the five species presently known in this genus is provided.     

Two for one: inadvertent introduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euglandina</Emphasis> species during failed bio-control efforts in Hawaii

The introduction of the predatory land snail, Euglandina rosea (Férrusac, 1821) from Florida to Hawaii to control the giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822) is among the most publicized biological control cases gone awry. Following preliminary genetic analyses that revealed a second, possibly undescribed Euglandina species was probably introduced to Hawaii, we used an integrative systematic approach combining both genetic and morphological assessments to examine the taxonomic status of the snail referred to as E. rosea in Hawaii. Genetic and morphological analyses support the interpretation that two Euglandina species were introduced to and have become established in Hawaii and can be readily distinguished based on morphological differences. This finding has significant ramifications for understanding both historical and contemporary biocontrol as it suggests that: (1) other species may have been inadvertently introduced through bio-control programs, (2) inadequate understanding of the taxonomy of bio-control agents has obscured our ability to effectively study their ecological impacts, and (3) while the US has no comprehensive regulatory framework for importing biological control agents, one is urgently needed. This also has wide-ranging implications for conservation efforts throughout the tropics because Euglandina from Oahu, Hawaii were released on other Hawaiian Islands, New Guinea, Okinawa, Palau Islands, Philippines, India, Bonin Islands and Bermuda for use in biological control programs that led to catastrophic loss of endemic land snail diversity.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudodelphis eleginopsis</Emphasis> n. sp. (Nematoda: Guyanemidae), a new tissue-dwelling parasite of the Patagonian blennie <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eleginops maclovinus</Emphasis> (Cuvier) (Perciformes: Eleginopsidae) in Argentina,with notes on related forms

Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, a new nematode parasite, Pseudodelphis eleginopsis n. sp. (Dracunculoidea: Guyanemidae), is described from tissues behind the gills of the Patagonian blennie Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier) (Perciformes: Eleginopsidae) off the Atlantic coast (San Matías and San José Gulfs) of Patagonia, Argentina. The new species is mainly characterised by the length of the body (males 10–13 mm, larvigerous females 31–59 mm), the number (14) and arrangement of cephalic papillae, the absence of a buccal capsule, the muscular to glandular oesophagus length ratio (1:3–4) of larvigerous females, the length of the spicules (48–63 µm) and the number (7 pairs) and arrangement of the caudal papillae in the male. Pseudodelphis eleginopsis n. sp. is the first species of this genus described from a marine fish in the Atlantic Ocean and the first known dracunculoid parasitising the fish host belonging to the family Eleginopsidae. As revealed by the examination of very young females of the new species, the female genital tract of Pseudodelphis spp. is monodelphic. The genus Syngnathinema Moravec, Spangenberg & Frasca, 2001 is considered a junior synonym of Pseudodelphis Adamson & Roth, 1990 and, consequently, S. californiense and S. chitwoodi are transferred to Pseudodelphis as P. californiensis (Moravec, Spangenberg & Frasca, 2001) n. comb. and P. chitwoodi (Moravec & Kuchta, 2013) n. comb., respectively. Two dracunculoid species, Pseudodelphis limnicola Brugni & Viozzi, 2006 and the previously established Philonema percichthydis Moravec, Urawa & Coria, 1997, both described from the same freshwater host species, Percichthys trucha (Valenciennes), in the same region (Patagonia), are considered to be identical; therefore, the valid name of this species is Pseudodelphis percichthydis n. comb. and P. limnicola becomes its junior synonym. A key to the species of Pseudodelphis is provided.     

Morphology and molecules reveal the alien <Emphasis Type="Italic">Posthodiplostomum centrarchi</Emphasis> Hoffman, 1958 as the third species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Posthodiplostomum</Emphasis> Dubois, 1936 (Digenea: Diplostomidae) in Europe

Metacercariae of two species of Posthodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 (Digenea: Diplostomidae) were subjected to morphological and molecular studies: P. brevicaudatum (von Nordmann, 1832) from Gasterosteus aculeatus (L.) (Gasterosteiformes: Gasterosteidae), Bulgaria (morphology, cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and Perca fluviatilis L. (Perciformes: Percidae), Czech Republic (morphology, cox1, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S); and P. centrarchi Hoffman, 1958 from Lepomis gibbosus (L.) (Perciformes: Centrarchidae), Bulgaria (morphology, cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and Slovakia (cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). In addition, cercariae of P. cuticola (von Nordmann, 1832) from Planorbis planorbis (L.) (Mollusca: Planorbidae), Lithuania (morphology and cox1) and metacercariae of Ornithodiplostomum scardinii (Schulman in Dubinin, 1952) from Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), Czech Republic, were examined (morphology, cox1, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and 28S). These represent the first molecular data for species of Posthodiplostomum and Ornithodiplostomum Dubois, 1936 from the Palaearctic. Phylogenetic analyses based on cox1 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, using O. scardinii as the outgroup and including the three newly-sequenced Posthodiplostomum spp. from Europe and eight published unidentified (presumably species-level) lineages of Posthodiplostomum from Canada confirmed the distinct status of the three European species (contrary to the generally accepted opinion that only P. brevicaudatum and P. cuticola occur in the Palaearctic). The subspecies Posthodiplostomum minimum centrarchi Hoffmann, 1958, originally described from North America, is elevated to the species level as Posthodiplostomum centrarchi Hoffman, 1958. The undescribed “Posthodiplostomum sp. 3” of Locke et al. (2010) from centrarchid fishes in Canada has identical sequences with the European isolates of P. centrarchi and is recognised as belonging to the same species. The latter parasite, occurring in the alien pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus in Europe, is also supposed to be alien for this continent. It is speculated that it colonised Europe long ago and is currently widespread (recorded in Bulgaria, Slovakia and Spain); based on the cox1 sequence of an adult digenean isolate from the Ebro Delta, Spain, only the grey heron (Ardea cinerea L.) (Ciconiiformes: Ardeidae) is known to be its definitive host in Europe.     

The musculoskeletal system of male genitalia in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Curetis bulis</Emphasis> Westwood, 1851 (Lepidoptera,Lycaenidae: Curetinae) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralaxita damajanti</Emphasis> (C. Felder et R. Felder, 1860) (Lepidoptera,Riodinidae: Nemeobiinae)

The muscles of the male genitalia were studied for the first time in two species endemic to the Oriental zoogeographical region, namely Curetis bulis from the subfamily Curetinae (Lycaenidae) and Paralaxita damajanti from the tribe Abisarini (Riodinidae). Both taxa possess a common plan of musculature reflected in the positions of muscles m1, m2(10), m5(7), m7(6), m21, and m28. Two new autapomorphies of Curetis bulis were discovered: the splitting of m4 into two muscles and a shift of the attachment site of one of these muscles onto the dorsal area of the anellus. Apomorphic differences in the position of the genital muscles were found between Paralaxita damajanti and the previously studied Polycaena tamerlana from the family Riodinidae. A new synapomorphy between the latter two species, namely splitting of the aedeagus protractors m6(5), was also found.     

The Psilostomidae Looss, 1900 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">sensu stricto</Emphasis>) (Digenea: Echinostomatoidea): description of three new genera and a key to the genera of the family

Three new psilostomid genera, Byrdtrema n. g., Longisaccus n. g. and Macracetabulum n. g., each with a single species, are described from ducks, Aix sponsa (L.) and Bucephala albeola (L.) in North America. Byrdtrema n. g. and Macracetabulum n. g. possess a bipartite seminal vesicle and share this character with four psilostomid genera, Grysoma Byrd, Bogitsh & Maples, 1961, Neopsilotrema Kudlai, Pulis, Kostadinova & Tkach, 2016, Psilostomum Looss, 1899 and Psilotornus Byrd & Prestwood, 1969. Byrdtrema n. g. differs from Macracetabulum n. g. in the shape of the body (elongate vs elongate-oval); the position of the ventral sucker (in first third of body vs just pre-equatorial); the shorter forebody; as well as in the smaller size of the eggs in relation to body length. Both new genera differ from (i) Grysoma by the nature of the vitellarium (large, compact follicles with small vitelline cells vs weakly defined follicles with large vitelline cells, respectively) and the smaller size of the eggs in relation to body length; (ii) Psilostomum in the posterior extend of the cirrus-sac in relation to ventral sucker (slightly posterior vs more posterior), the location of the genital pore (at the level of oesophagus vs just postbifurcal), the shorter length of uterine and longer post-testicular fields in relation to body length, and the anterior limits of vitellarium (at the level of ventral sucker vs posterior to ventral sucker); (iii) Psilotornus by the presence of a muscular pharynx (vs absent or rudimentary) and the location of the cirrus-sac (antero-dorsal to ventral sucker or more posterior vs entirely anterior to ventral sucker) and ovary (in hindbody vs in forebody). Byrdtrema n. g. differs from Neopsilotrema in the shape of the body (elongate vs subspherical to elongate-oval) and ventral sucker (elongate-oval vs subspherical to transversely oval), the shorter forebody and smaller eggs in relation to body length. Macracetabulum n. g. differs from Neopsilotrema by the shape of the ventral sucker (elongate-oval vs subspherical to transversely oval), the anterior limits of vitellarium (level of middle of ventral sucker vs level of intestinal bifurcation or anterior testis); and the slightly smaller size of eggs in relation to body length. Among the psilostomid genera, Longisaccus n. g. shows close affinities to Psilochasmus Lühe, 1909 in the presence of the long cirrus-sac and tubular internal seminal vesicle but can be clearly distinguished from the latter by the absence of the retractile tail-like process. In combination with molecular data, the above differences justify the recognition of three new genera. A key to the genera of the Psilostomidae is provided.     

A review of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thinodromus lunatus</Emphasis> species-group (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

The Thinodromus lunatus species group is revised. The following new species are described: Thinodromus (s. str.) cattiensis sp. n. from Vietnam, Thinodromus (s. str.) forsteri sp. n. from southern Thailand, Thinodromus (s. str.) himalayensis sp. n. from Nepal and northern India, Thinodromus (s. str.) inconspicuus sp. n. from southern China, Thailand, and Vietnam, and Thinodromus (s. str.) spotus sp. n. from southern China. The following new synonymy is established: Thinodromus (s. str.) deceptor (Sharp, 1889) = Thinodromus (s. str.) gravelyi (Bernhauer, 1926), syn. n.; = Thinodromus (s. str.) reitterianus (Bernhauer, 1938), syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Trogophloeus lunatus Motschulsky, 1857, Trogophloeus pustulatus Bernhauer, 1904, Trogophloeus socius Bernhauer, 1904, Trogophloeus sumatrensis Bernhauer, 1915, Trogophloeus lewisi Cameron, 1919, Trogophloeus gravelyi Bernhauer, 1926, Trogophloeus reitterianus Bernhauer, 1938, and Trogophloeus unipustulatus Cameron, 1941. A key is presented to all the species of the Thinodromus lunatus group.     

Revision of the carabid genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meroctenus</Emphasis> Gemminger et Harold,with a new status of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xenodochus</Emphasis> Andrewes (Coleoptera,Carabidae: Harpalini)

Originally described as a monotypical genus with unclear taxonomic position from Sudan, Meroctenus Gemminger et Harold, 1868 is treated as a polytypical genus of the Selenophori genus group with two subgenera: Meroctenus s. str. and Xenodochus Andrewes, 1941, stat. n. (the latter was previously considered a distinct genus). Within Meroctenus, two species are recognized: M. (Meroctenus) crenulatus Chaudoir, 1843 (type species) and M. (M.) mediocris (Andrewes, 1936), comb, n., transferred to Meroctenus s. str. from Xenodochus. A new subspecies M. (M.) crenulatus orientalis subsp. n. is described from Pakistan. Diagnoses of the genus Meroctenus in new interpretation as well as of its two subgenera are discussed, and a taxonomic review of the subgenus Meroctenus s. str. with a key to the species and subspecies is provided. The following synonymy is proposed: Meroctenus Gemminger et Harold, 1868 = Paregaploa Müller, 1947, syn. n.; Meroctenus crenulatus (Chaudoir, 1843) = Egaploa (Paregaploa) conviva Müller, 1947, syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Ctenomerus crenulatus Chaudoir, 1843 and Xenodus mediocris Andrewes, 1936.     

Selection and Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus thuringiensis</Emphasis> (Berliner) (Eubacteriales: Bacillaceae) Strains for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ecdytolopha aurantiana</Emphasis> (Lima) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Control

The citrus fruit borer, Ecdytolopha aurantiana (Lima, 1927) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is responsible for major losses to the citrus industry because it causes rot and drop of fruits. The current study aimed to select and characterize Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner, 1911) strains toxic to E. aurantiana. For this purpose, 47 B. thuringiensis strains were evaluated in selective bioassays using first instar larvae of E. aurantiana. The lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the most toxic strains was estimated, and the strains were characterized by morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. Of the 47 strains tested, 10 caused mortality above 85% and showed mean lethal concentrations between 1.05E+7 and 1.54E+8 spores mL^?1. The lowest LC₅₀ values were obtained for the HD-1 standard strain and the BR145, BR83, BR52, and BR09 strains. The protein profile showed the presence of Cry proteins of 60, 65, 70, 80, and 130 kDa. The molecular characterization showed the presence of cry1, cry2, cry3, and cry11 genes. The morphological analysis identified three different crystalline inclusions: bipyramidal, round, and cuboidal. The cry1 and cry2 genes were the most frequent among the B. thuringiensis strains evaluated and encode Cry proteins toxic to insects of the order Lepidoptera, which agree with the toxicity results obtained by the selective bioassays against E. aurantiana. The results showed four different B. thuringiensis strains toxic to E. aurantiana at the same level as the HD-1 standard strain, and these strains have biotechnological potential for E. aurantiana control through the production of transgenic plants or the formulation of biopesticides.     

Isolation,characterization and virulence of bacteria from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ostrinia nubilalis</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Isolation, characterization and virulence of the culturable bacteria from entire tissues of larval Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were studied to obtain new microbes for biological control. A total of 16 bacteria were isolated from living and dead larvae collected from different maize fields in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. The bacterial microbiota of O. nubilalis were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (On1), Brevundimonas aurantiaca (On2), Chryseobacterium formosense (On3), Acinetobacter sp. (On4), Microbacterium thalassium (On5), Bacillus megaterium (On6), Serratia sp. (On7), Ochrobactrum sp. (On8), Variovorax paradoxus (On9), Corynebacterium glutamicum (On10), Paenibacillus sp. (On11), Alcaligenes faecalis (On12), Microbacterium testaceum (On13), Leucobacter sp. (On14), Leucobacter sp. (On15) and Serratia marcescens (On16) based on their morphological and biochemical characteristics. A partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene was also determined to confirm strain identification. The highest insecticidal activities were obtained from P. aeruginosa On1 (80%), Serratia sp. On7 (60%), V. paradoxus On9 (50%) and S. marcescens On16 (50%) against larvae 14 days after treatment (p < 0.05). Also, the highest activity from previously isolated Bacillus species was observed from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis Xd3 with 80% mortality within the same period (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that P. aeruginosa On1, Serratia sp. On7, V. paradoxus On9, S. marcescens On16 and B. thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis Xd3 show potential for biocontrol of O. nubilalis.     

A new species of the jewel-beetle subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acmaeodera</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ptychomus</Emphasis>) Marseul, 1866 from Oman (Coleoptera,Buprestidae: Polycestinae: Acmaeoderini)

A new species of buprestid beetles, Acmaeodera (Ptychomus) koshtali sp. n. (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Polycestinae) from Oman is described, illustrated, and compared with the closely related species A. (P.) arabica Gory, 1840 and A. (P.) sancta Théry, 1926 which are also recorded from the Arabian Peninsula.     

Interspecific Agonistic Behavior of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrotermes gilvus</Emphasis> (Isoptera: Termitidae): Implication on Termite Baiting in the Philippines

The study investigated interspecific agonistic behavior of Macrotermes gilvus Hagen (Isoptera: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) against three economically important subterranean termites in the Philippines, viz., Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann, Nasutitermes luzonicus Oshima and Microcerotermes losbanosensis Oshima. Termite-termite interactions after a 1:1 pairing experiment showed that M. gilvus workers and soldiers were highly aggressive against C. gestroi, N. luzonicus and M. losbanosensis leading to severe injury or death of the opponent termite species in a short period of time. The levels of agonism were caste and species specific. Worker termites of M. gilvus showed an equally aggressive behavior as soldiers contributing to the high mortality of opponent species used in this study. It is likely that the highly aggressive behavior of M. gilvus limits foraging activity of C. gestroi, N. luzonicus and M. losbanosensis around in-ground bait stations contributing to the low success of termite baits containing chitin synthesis inhibitors in the Philippines.     

Two new gonad-infecting species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Philometra</Emphasis> Costa, 1845 (Nematoda: Philometridae) from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trachinus</Emphasis> spp. (Osteichthyes: Trachinidae) in the Gulf of Hammamet,Tunisia

Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, two new gonad-infecting species of Philometra Costa, 1845, P. draco n. sp. and P. radiata n. sp. (Nematoda: Philometridae), are described from the marine perciform fishes Trachinus draco (Linnaeus) and T. radiatus (Linnaeus) (both Trachinidae), respectively, in the Gulf of Hammamet, off the northeastern coast of Tunisia. Philometra draco n. sp. and P. radiata n. sp. can be separated from other gonad-infecting species of this genus by the structures associated to the gubernaculum (e.g. dorsal protuberance, smooth field separating the dorsolateral longitudinal parts), as well as by the length of the body, spicules and gubernaculum. Philometra radiata n. sp. can be distinguished from P. draco n. sp. in having the dorsal side of the gubernaculum distal end provided with a median longitudinal smooth field demarcated by two dorsolateral lamellate parts. These two new species are the first philometrid species described from fishes of the family Trachinidae.     

Revision of the shield-bug genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Holcostethus</Emphasis> Fieber and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peribalus</Emphasis> Mulsant et Rey (Heteroptera,Pentatomidae) of the Palaearctic Region

A complex of the heteropteran genera centering around Peribalus Mulsant et Rey and Holcostethus Fieber is considered. The genus Dryadocoris Kirkaldy reveals no relationship with the above genera and is believed to represent a separate clade of the family Pentatomidae. The genera Peribalus and Holcostethus are revised. The former includes three subgenera: Peribalus s. str. with two species, Asioperibalus subgen. n. (type species Cimex inclusus Dohrn) with six species, and Tianocoris subgen. n. (type species Holcostethus manifestus Kiritshenko) with two species. Holcostethus embraces two subgenera: Holcostethus s. str. and the monotypic Enigmocoris subgen. n. (type species H. fissiceps Horváth). Two new species are described: Peribalus tianshanicus sp. n. from the Tien Shan Mts. and P. przewalskii sp. n. from the northern part of China (Huan He River). P. capitatus Jakovlev and P. vernalis (Wolff) are downgraded to subspecies of P. strictus (F.). P. ovatus Jakovlev is synonymized with P. inclusus (Dohrn). Two new monotypic genera related to the revised complex of genera are established, Paraholcostethus gen. n. (type species Peribalus breviceps Horváth) and Himalayastethus gen. n. (type species H. pilosus sp. n. from Kashmir). A key to, and morphometric characters for all the taxa considered are provided. The key characters, including both male and female genitalia, are illustrated, and distributional maps are given.     

Notes on the Occurrence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oligonychus milleri</Emphasis> (McGregor) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oligonychus ununguis</Emphasis> (Jacobi) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Brazil

We verified infestation of Oligonychus milleri (McGregor) on plantations of Pinus caribaea (Pinaceae) and of Oligonychus ununguis (Jacobi) on plantations of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis (Myrtaceae) in State of Rondônia, Northern region of Brazil. This represents the first record of O. milleri in Brazil. Oligonychus ununguis was recorded previously, on cypress. The damage caused by these two spider mites in the plantations is described herein.     

Distribution and ecological relations among the alien crab, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Percnon gibbesi</Emphasis> (H. Milne-Edwards 1853) and autochthonous species,in and out of an SW Mediterranean MPA

The distribution of the allochthonous crab Percnon gibbesi and its relationships with other benthic invertebrate species was assessed inside the marine reserve of Cabo de Palos—Islas Hormigas (Mediterranean sea, Spain) and neighbouring non-protected sites. Although a significant spatial variability was detected at finer spatial scale, there was no influence of protection measures or insularity on the abundance of P. gibbesi. The presence of small holes, encrusting algae and low slope favour the colonization success of this crustacean, and the spatial distribution of these habitat features could explain the observed pattern. The abundance of P. gibbesi was similar to that of native crab species; however, a non-significant negative relationship between the abundance of P. gibbesi and native crabs (Pachygrapsus marmoratus and Eriphia verrucosa), urchins (Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus) and a snail (Phorcus turbinatus) was observed. This work highlights the importance of monitoring alien crab population densities taking structural habitat and other potentially influential factors into account and the likely effect of this alien species on the native ones.     

Chemical and molecular identification of the invasive termite <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zootermopsis nevadensis</Emphasis> (Isoptera: Archotermopsidae) in Japan

Numerous termite species have been introduced outside their native ranges by human transport, and some have become invasive. The dampwood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis (Hagen), which is native to western North America, has been introduced to and become established in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Zootermopsis nevadensis is subdivided into two subspecies based on cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) phenotypes: Z. nevadensis nevadensis and Z. nevadensis nuttingi (Haverty and Thorne). Here, we identified Z. nevadensis in Japan as hybrids between the two subspecies. Chemical analysis showed the presence of 7,15-dimethylhenicosane and 5,17-dimethylhenicosane in the CHCs of Z. nevadensis in Japan, corresponding to the CHC phenotype of Z. n. nevadensis. Conversely, all mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of Z. nevadensis in Japan were identical to sequences from Z. n. nuttingi and hybrids between the two subspecies from a native hybrid zone in California, USA. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that Z. nevadensis in Japan formed a clade with Z. n. nuttingi and hybrids between the two subspecies. Our results show discordance between the chemical and genetic features of Z. nevadensis in Japan, indicating that individuals of Z. nevadensis in Japan are hybrids between the two subspecies.