Molaetherium heissigi n. gen., n. sp., an unusual mammal from the Early Oligocene of Germany (Mammalia: Palaeanodonta)

A new genus and species of epoicotheriid,Molaetherium heissigi, is described from the Early Oligocene of Grafenmühle 22, near Pappenheim, Bavaria. It is a tiny, highly fossorial form, closely related to the North American genusEpoicotherium. Asia is considered the center of origin of the suborder Palaeanodonta; from there it dispersed to North America and Europe.     

Sauertylenchus labiodiscus n. gen., n. sp., from Australia (Nematoda:Tylenchorhynchinae)

Sauertylenchus labiodiscus n. gem, n. sp. is described and illustrated from soil around Rhagodia sp. in Australia. It can be distinguished from the most closely related genus Tylenchorhynchus Cobb, 1913 by the distinctly set-off, rounded, lip region with a conspicuous labial disc, and long thin stylet. The face view and spicules of Sauertylenchus labiodiscus are illustrated with scanning electron micrographs. The subfamilies Tylenchorhynchinae and Merlininae ale discussed.     

Paleoleishmania proterus n. gen., n. sp., (Trypanosomatidae: Kinetoplastida) from Cretaceous Burmese amber

A trypanosomatid (Trypanosomatidae: Kinetoplastida) associated with a blood-filled female sand fly in Cretaceous Burmese amber, is described in the new genus and species, Paleoleishmania proterus. The genus Paleoleishmania is established as a collective genus for digenetic fossil trypanosomes associated with sand flies. Amastigotes, promastigotes and paramastigotes are described. Paleoleishmania proterus is the first fossil kinetoplastid and provides a minimum age for the digenetic Trypanosomatidae. Its discovery indicates that vector-borne pathogens had been established by the Early Cretaceous.     

Saetheriella amplicristata gen. n., sp. n., a new Orthocladiinae (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Tennessee

The generic diagnosis of the male imago of a new genus of the subfamily Orthocladiinae (Chironomidae), Saetheriella is given. The genus is characterized by protruding, hairy eyes; antenna with straight, apical seta; antepronotum reduced; squama without setae; Cu₁ distinctly downcurved; and anal point short, triangular, covered with microtrichia and with two strong, lateral setae. The genus is close to Gynnidocladius Sublette & Wirth, Unniella Sæther and Parakiefferiella Thienemann. The distribution of the genera shows evidence of a Gondwanian connection. The male imago of the only included species S. amplicristata sp. n. is described.     

Eremotyle affixa,n. gen., n. sp., eine neue Protococcale (Chlorophycee)

Ohne ZusammenfassungDie Veröffentlichung dieser Untersuchungen fällt zusammen mit der Feier des 70. Geburtstages Prof. Dr.Franz Ruttners. Der Verf. möchte nicht versäumen, mit seinem Glückwunsch dem Jubilar auch seinen herzlichsten Dank auszusprechen: hat er ihm doch zuerst als Student, später als junger Dozent, endlich als Kollege vielerlei Arten von Belehrung, Anregung und Förderung zu verdanken. Mögen diese Zeilen der Erinnerung an manche gemeinsam verlebte Stunden gewidmet sein!     

Monopylocystis visvesvarai n. gen., n. sp. and Sawyeria marylandensis n. gen., n. sp.: two new amitochondrial heterolobosean amoebae from anoxic environments

Two new species of heterolobosean amoebae from anoxic environments, Monopylocystis visvesvarai and Sawyeria marylandensis, are described on the basis of light microscopy, electron microscopy, and their phylogenetic affiliation based on analyses of nuclear small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Both species lack mitochondria but have organelles provisionally interpreted as hydrogenosomes, and neither can tolerate aerobic conditions. As their conditions of culture do not exclude all oxygen, they may be microaerophiles rather than strict anaerobes. Both species have unusual nucleolar morphologies. Monopylocystis visvesvarai, from a marine sediment, has nucleolar material distributed around the nuclear periphery. It is the first non-aerobic heterolobosean protist for which a cyst is known; the cyst is unmineralized and unornamented except for a single, raised, plugged pore. Sawyeria marylandensis, from an iron-rich freshwater stream, has nucleolar material distributed in one or two parietal masses, which persist during mitosis. In phylogenetic analyses of small-subunit rRNA gene sequences, Monopylocystis visvesvarai, Sawyeria marylandensis and Psalteriomonas lanterna converge to form a single clade of non-aerobic (anaerobic/microaerophilic) heteroloboseans.     

Rhizochrysidopsis vorax,n. gen., n. sp.

Zusammenfassung Die Art ist durch eine bedeutende Variation der Zellgröße, damit auch des Chromatophors und des Kerns ausgezeichnet. Mit steigender Zellgröße nimmt die Zahl der kontraktilen Vakuolen von zwei auf mindestens acht zu. — Unter Umständen erfolgt exzessive animalische Ernährung; es werden auch im Vergleich zum Zellkörper sehr große Algenzellen aufgenommen und verdaut.     

Mikadocephalus gracilirostris n. gen., n. sp., a new ichthyosaur from the Grenzbitumenzone (Anisian-Ladinian) of Monte San Giorgio (Switzerland)

An almost complete skull of a new ichthyosaur from the Middle Triassic Grenzbitumenzone Beds of Monte San Giorgio (Kanton Tessin, Switzerland) represents one of the most complete and best preserved finds of a large Triassic ichthyosaur cranium. Its affinites with other Triassic ichthyosaur taxa are discussed and it is demonstrated to represent a new genus and species,Mikadocephalus gracilirostris, which does not fit into any of the currently recognized families of Triassic ichthyosaurs. Remarkable similarities in cranial structure exit to postTriassic ichthyosaurs, with which a number of important apomorphies are shared.     

Neosychnocotyle maggiae, n. gen., n. sp. (Platyhelminthes: Aspidogastrea) from freshwater turtles in northern Australia

Neosychnocotyle maggiae, n. gen., n. sp., (Aspidogastrea) is described from the pig-nosed turtle, Carettochelys insculpta, and reported from the Victoria River red-faced turtle, Emydura victoriae, all from the Daly River, Northern Territory, Australia. Neosychnocotyle n. gen. is differentiated from all aspidogastrean genera but one by the absence of a cirrus sac. The similar Sychnocotyle also lacks a cirrus sac, but Neosychnocotyle n. gen. differs from the former genus by possessing a narrow, tapered anterior end, a ventral disk that covers the posterior end of the body, a genital pore that is displaced anteriorly, and a vas deferens that is less convoluted and less robust. Analysis of ribosomal DNA sequences demonstrates substantial sequence variability between representatives of Sychnocotyle and Neosychnocotyle maggiae, n. gen., n. sp. It is possible that this new parasite may reach sexual maturity only in C. insculpta. This is only the second aspidogastrean species reported from Australian freshwater turtles.     

Pirupalkia queulensis n. gen., n.sp. (Digenea: Callodistomidae) in the fish Cilus montti (Pomadasyidae)

A new genus and species of the subfamily Callodistomidae is described. The new genus is named Pirupalkia queulensis n. gen., and was found in the small intestine of the fish Cilus montti. This new genus, compared with other genus of the subfamily differs principally in the distribution of the vitellaria and location of the uterus.     

Sphinctocystis phyllodoces gen. n., sp. n. (Eugregarinida: Lecudinidae)--a new gregarine from Phyllodoce citrina (Polychaeta: Phyllodocidae)

A new species of aseptate gregarine, Sphinctocystis phyllodoces gen. n., sp. n., from the gut of a polychaete Phyllodoce citrina Malmgren, 1865 from White Sea is described. The electron and light microscopic data on trophozoits are presented. Taxonomy of the described species is discussed. Certain ultrastructural characters are included in generic and specific diagnoses. Order Eugregarinida Leger, 1900; suborder Aseptata Chakravarty, 1960; family Lecudinidae Kamm, 1922. GENUS: Sphinctocystis gen. n. TYPE SPECIES: Sphinctocystis phyllodoces sp. n. DIAGNOSIS: Characters of the family. Free trophozoits elongated, often with several annular constrictions. Anterior end asymmetric, without hooks, not separated from the body, with small apical papilla encircled by smooth area. Epicyte "classical", without additional axial formations at the tops of folds; epicytic folds high, monomorphic in cross sections, finger-shaped, with parallel sidewalls. In the gut of polychaetes. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: The new genus differs from Lecudina by having asymmetric anterior end, developed smooth area around the apical papilla, and monomorphic epicytic folds looking finger-shaped in cross sections. It also differs from Lankesteria by the absence of additional axial formations at the tops of the epicytic folds. It differs from both named genera by presence of annular constrictions on the trophozoit body. Sphinctocystis phyllodoces sp. n. DIAGNOSIS: Characters of the genus. Free trophozoits elongated, large, up to 617 x x 77 um. The average height of epicytic folds 976 nm, thickness 194 nm; there are 6-8 apical filaments and rippled dense structures per fold. Nucleus spherical (ellipsoid after fixation), 24-52 microm along longest axis, localised in anterior third of the body, carries several karyosomes of various size; 25-30 nm thick fibrils (possible fragments of nucleolonema) may be present in karyolymph. Other stages unknown. TYPE SERIES: Microscope preparation with 7 trophozoits, Karacci's haematoxylin stained, is kept in the Zoological museum of the Moscow State University (collection number: Z-1). TYPE HOST: Phyllodoce citrina Malmgren, 1865 (Polychaeta: Phyllodocidae). LOCALISATION: Mid-gut. TYPE LOCALITY: White Sea Biological Station of the Moscow State University, Yeremeyevsky Rapid, Velikaya Salma Strait, Kandalaksha Bay, White Sea.     

Weiria australis gen. n., sp. n., the first fully myrmecoid aleocharine staphylinid from Australia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Aenictoteratini)

Abstract Weiria australis gen. n and sp. n. (type locality Western Australia, Kimberley Region, CALM Site 25/1, Synnot Ck.), a myrmecoid (ant-like body form) aleocharine staphylinid, is described, and habitus and line illustrations are provided for its recognition. The species is tentatively placed in the tribe Aenictoteratini; similarities and differences to tribal characters shared by other members of the Aenictoteratini, and similarities and differences to other aenictoteratine genera are discussed. This is the first fully myrmecoid aleocharine, and the first member of the tribe Aenictoteratini, known from Australia. Association of Weiria gen. n. with the ant genus Aenictus Shuckard is postulated.     

Thaumamermis cosgrovei n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) parasitizing terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscoidea)

Summary A new mermithid nematode, Thaumamermis cosgrovei n. gen., n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda) was found parasitizing two terrestrial isopods (Isopoda: Oniscoidea) in California. The hosts, Armadillidium vulgare (Latr.) (a pillbug) and Porcellio scaber (Latr.) (a sowbug) represent the first cases of isopods attacked by mermithid nematodes. The genus Thaumamermis can be distinguished from all previously described mermithids by the extremely dimorphic spicules, one being short and broad and the other long and filiform. It has been discovered that the nematodes are infected with an iridiovirus which commonly destroys the isopod hosts. ac]19800917     

Description of Distorhabditis poonchiana n. gen., n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) from Jammu and Kashmir,India

Distorhabditis poonchiana n. gen., n. sp. from humus in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is described and illustrated. The new genus is characterized by a small body; slightly setoff labial region; long tubular gymnostom; prominently cuticularized cheilostom; absence of glottoid apparatus; monoprodelphic reproductive system; vulva (V) = 81 to 84; spicules with trifurcated distal ends, simple gubernaculum, peloderan bursa with eight pairs of bursal papillae arranged in 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 arrangement.     

New mites Terraphagus antipodus gen. n., sp. n. and Neohyadesia minor sp. n. (Acarina: Astigmata: Algophagidae) from islands of the Southern Ocean

Mites are a diverse and important component in the soils of the Southern Ocean islands, but for many groups, their taxonomy and biogeography is little studied. This paper reports the Algophagidae, a poorly known family, from the New Zealand region for the first time. The study used soil samples from seabird burrows, brackish algal wrack samples and a museum collection to recover specimens. Terraphagus antipodus gen. n., sp. n. is described from grey petrel Procellaria cinerea burrow soil on the Antipodes Islands, New Zealand. The axillary organ is confined to the dorsum; the epigynal apodeme ends are fused with the ends of coxal apodeme II; seta 2a and ω2 are absent, and the famulus is bilobed. Males have the sternum fused to coxal apodemes II; the tarsal setae of legs I, III and IV of the male are modified for mate guarding. The short stout legs I and II end in huge spines in females as e, d, q, s, wa and hT. From brackish algal wrack, Lake Forsyth/Wairewa, Canterbury, New Zealand, another algophagid Neohyadesia minor sp. n. is described and illustrated. The new species is the smallest known algophagid. A neohyadesid collected in 1961 is newly reported here from Eudyptes sp. penguin rookery mud from North Head, Macquarie Island. These records further extend the known microhabitats of the family to the allochthonous marine seabird nutrient flow into islands in the New Zealand region and make Neohyadesia Hughes and Goodman, 1969 present in all Southern Ocean provinces.     

Rhopalobdella japonica n. gen., n. sp. (Hirudinea, Piscicolidae) from Dasyatis akajei (Chondrichthyes: Dasyatididae) in the northwestern Pacific

A new genus and species of piscicolid leech in the Platybdellinae inhabits the oral cavity of Dasyatis akajei in the northwestern Pacific Ocean near Tanabe, Japan. The genus Rhopalobdella n. gen. is characterized externally by very small oral and caudal suckers and a smooth body that is widest just posterior to the clitellum. Eyespots and ocelli are lacking. The coelom is spacious with large segmental connecting sinuses between dorsal and ventral sinuses. There are 5 pairs of testisacs, an unusually extensive epididymis, and a very large bursa. Conducting tissue is absent. There are 2 pairs of esophageal diverticula and very well developed nephridia. Rhopalobdella japonica n. gen. n. sp. is characterized by a urosome that tapers strongly to the caudal sucker and by a single gonopore; the common oviduct opens into the posterior portion of the bursa. The coelomic and excretory systems resemble Aestabdella, but in other respects the genera are quite different. This is the first marine leech reported from rays in the northwestern Pacific.