Unidirectional mating-type switching confers self-fertility to Thielaviopsis cerberus,the only homothallic species in the genus

Sexual reproduction is ubiquitous in nature, and nowhere is this more so than in the fungi. Heterothallic behaviour is observed when there is a strict requirement of contact between two individuals of opposite mating type for sexual reproduction to occur. In contrast, a homothallic species can complete the entire sexual cycle in isolation, although several genetic mechanisms underpin this self-fertility. These can be inferred by characterising the structure and gene-content of the mating-type locus, which contains genes that are involved in the regulation of sexual reproduction. In this study, the genetic basis of homothallism in Thielaviopsis cerberus was investigated, the only known self-fertile species within this genus. Using genome sequencing and conventional molecular techniques, two versions of the mating-type locus were identified in this species. This is typical of species that have a unidirectional mating-type switching reproductive strategy. The first version was a self-fertile locus that contained four known mating-type genes, while the second was a self-sterile version with a single mating-type gene. The conversion from a self-fertile to a self-sterile locus is likely mediated by a homologous recombination event at two direct repeats present in the self-fertile locus, resulting in the deletion of three mating-type genes and one of the repeats. Both locus versions were present in isolates that were self-fertile, while self-sterility was caused by the presence of only a switched locus. This study provides a clear example of the architectural fluidity in the mating-type loci that is common among even closely related fungal species.     

Mortierella oedorhiza,a new species forming a dichotomously branched rhizoid at the sporangiophore base

A new species, Mortierella oedorhiza, is described as a fungus forming a dichotomously branched rhizoid with a bulbil-like mass of hyphae at the base of the sporangiophore. The species is morphologically and phylogenetically similar to M. rostafinskii, which has rarely been reported. A trace of a columella on dehiscence of the sporangium and a dichotomously branched rhizoid are distinguishing characteristics of this species compared with M. rostafinskii.     

Mortierella thereuopodae,a new species with verticillate large sporangiophores,inhabiting fecal pellets of Scutigeromorpha

A new species, Mortierella thereuopodae, is described for a fungus sporulating on fecal pellets of the centipede Thereuopoda clunifera (Chilopoda). The species produces large cymosely to verticillately branched sporangiophores on well-developed rhizoids with the formation of chlamydospore clusters.     

Two new species of the genus Teredorus Hancock, 1906 (Orthoptera,Tetrigidae) from China,with a key to the species of the genus

Taxonomy of a tetrigid genus Teredorus Hancock is reviewed. Two new species, Teredorus parvipulvillussp. n. and Teredorus hunanensissp. n. are described from China and an updated identification key to all known species of the genus is given, as well as brief comments on phylogenetic relationships, biology and ecology.     

Aspergillus takadae,a novel heterothallic species of Aspergillus section Fumigati isolated from soil in China

Aspergillus takadae is characterized by its heterothallic reproduction, pale yellow cleistothecia, broadly lenticular ascospores with two short equatorial crests and smooth convex surfaces, and broadly ellipsoidal to ovate conidia with a smooth wall. The validation of these novel species is supported further by the analyses of the β-tubulin, calmodulin, actin, and RPB2 sequences. In addition, the phylogenetic tree and DDBJ accession numbers of all the species of Aspergillus section Fumigati are presented. We report on the crossing of A. takadae species and the result of crossing A. takadae with a closely related species, A. spathulatus.     

Molecular organization of mating type loci in heterothallic, homothallic, and asexual Gibberella/Fusarium species

Mating type (MAT) genes were cloned from three members of the Gibberella/Fusarium complex that differ in reproductive mode: heterothallic G. fujikuroi, homothallic G. zeae, and asexual F. oxysporum. The G. fujikuroi MAT locus organization is typical of other heterothallic pyrenomycetes characterized to date; i.e., there are three genes at MAT1-1 and one at MAT1-2. G. zeae has homologues of all four genes encoded by the two G. fujikuroi MAT idiomorphs, tightly linked on the same chromosome, interspersed with sequences unique to G. zeae. Field isolates of F. oxysporum, although asexual, have either the MAT1-1 or the MAT1-2 genes found in sexual species and these genes are highly similar to those of heterothallic G. fujikuroi. RT-PCR analysis proved that the F. oxysporum MAT genes are expressed and that all putative introns found in each of the four MAT genes in G. fujikuroi and F. oxysporum are removed. Apparent failure of F. oxysporum to reproduce sexually could not be attributed to mutations in the MAT genes themselves.     

New Chinese record of the genus Spinonychiurus (Collembola,Onychiuridae), with the description of a new species

A new collembolan species is described, Spinonychiurus sinensis sp. n., which has seven chaetae in the distal row of the tibiotarsi. It is placed in the genus Spinonychiurus due to two important characters: the two subsegments on Abd. III sternum and the absence of d0 on the head. This is the first report of the genus Spinonychiurus in China. The diagnosis of Spinonychiurus is broadened and the key to the world species is provided.     

A new genus and species of the subtribe Leptopsaltriina (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Leptopsaltriini) from Vietnam,with a key to the genera of Leptopsaltriina

Vietanna Lee & Pham, gen. nov. and Vietanna hanoiensis Pham & Lee, sp. nov. are described based on a cicada specimen from Hanoi, Vietnam and placed in the subtribe Leptopsaltriina Moulton, 1923 of the tribe Leptopsaltriini Moulton, 1923 in the subfamily Cicadinae Latreille, 1802 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae). This new genus is morphologically similar to Tanna Distant, 1905 but distinguished from Tanna by the timbal cover exposing the inner part of timbal, the male abdominal epipleurite 3 with a distinct oblique linear fold, the male abdominal sternites without tubercle-like projections, and the aedeagus bifurcate at the apex. A key to the genera of Leptopsaltriina is provided.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3B9CBC95-B54A-4BDE-A488-0DEAB69114BD.     

A new species of the genus Chlorencoelia (Helotiales) from China

Chlorencoelia collections from different regions of China were examined. A new species is discovered and named as C. macrospora. The most significant features to distinguish the new species from any other known species of the genus are its very large acsi and ascospores. Three of the five known species of the genus are found from China.     

Further revision of the genus Megalopsalis (Opiliones,Neopilionidae), with the description of seven new species

The Australian harvestmen genus Megalopsalis (Neopilionidae: Enantiobuninae) is recognised as a senior synonym of the genera Spinicrus and Hypomegalopsalis, and seven new species are described in Megalopsalis: Megalopsalis suffugiens, Megalopsalis walpolensis, Megalopsalis caeruleomontium, Megalopsalis atrocidiana, Megalopsalis coronata, Megalopsalis puerilis and Megalopsalis sublucens. A morphological phylogenetic analysis of the Enantiobuninae is also conducted including the new species. Monophyly of Neopilionidae and Enantiobuninae including ‘Monoscutidae’ is corroborated, with the Australasian taxa as a possible sister clade to the South American Thrasychirus.     

A new species and three new combinations in Cyphellophora, with a note on the taxonomic affinities of the genus, and its relation to Kumbhamaya and Pseudomicrodochium.

Cyphellophora guyanensis sp. nov., isolated from leaf litter in French Guyana, is described and illustrated. This fungus is characterized by ampulliform to flask-shaped phialides, with a conspicuous, funnel-shaped collarette, and nearly straight to falcate or slightly sigmoid, (2−)3–6 septate conidia. Cyphellophora guyanensis is compared to the other Cyphellophora species, and the latter genus is compared to Kumbhamaya and Pseudomicrodochium. Kumbhamaya indica, P. fusarioides, and P. suttonii are transferred to Cyphellophora. The phylogenetic relationships of Cyphellophora with other genera of ascomycetes and related mitosporic fungi were inferred from the analysis of the partial nuclear ribosomal DNA SSU sequences data. The analysis supports a placement of Cyphellophora in Chaetothyriales, and probably in the Herpotrichiellaceae This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Allolarinus,a new genus and species of Lixini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae) from Congo

A new weevil genus, Allolarinus n. gen., with type species, Allolarinus demeyeri n. sp., is described from Congo in the tribe Lixini. The illustrations and diagnostic characteristics of this genus have been presented in a table and figure plates. This new genus is related to Larinus Dejean in terms of the type of elytra and general shape of the prothorax but clearly differs from Larinus with respect to its tooth-bearing femora and granulose pronotum. The trapezoidal short-neck prothorax and general shape of the elytra of this new genus are similar to those of Larinus; the granulose pronotum to that of Lixomorphus Faust; the dentate femora to that of Holcolixus Voss, Erilixus Voss, and Sublarinus Petri; while the existing cubito-anal vein on metathoracic wings to those of Allolixus Voss.     

One new species of the genus Savarna Huber, 2005 (Araneae,Pholcidae) from southern Thailand

One new species Savarna kraburiensis sp. n. (♂♀) is reported from southern Thailand.     

Two new species of the genus Endelus Deyrolle, 1864 from China (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

The genus Endelus Deyrolle, 1864 belongs to the subfamily Agrilinae, tribe Aphanisticini. Two new species, E. (E.) violaceithorax sp. n. from Hainan Island and E. (E.) wangi sp. n. from Guangxi and Yunnan, are herein described and illustrated. A key to separate species of the subgenus Endelus Deyrolle, 1864 from China is provided.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CF144204-86FB-401D-AF75-B740CCD020DC.     

Microfungi on the Pandanaceae: a revision of the hyphomycete genus Balaniopsis with two new species

During research into microfungi that inhabit decaying parts of the monocotyledonous family Pandanaceae, three species of Balaniopsis were collected. One is Balaniopsis africana as originally described and illustrated by Kiffer as Balanium africanum. The second species is conspecific with the specimen treated as Balaniopsis africana by Kirk, but is introduced here as a new species, Balaniopsis kirkii. The third, Balaniopsis dendroidea, is a new species from Australia. Received: March 21, 2001 / Accepted: October 8, 2001     

A new genus and species of Tullbergiidae (Collembola) from the Pacific Mexican coast

The new genus Mexicaphorura, and its type species Mexicaphorura guerrerensissp. n. are described from marine littoral sand. The new genus is similar to Sensilatullbergia Thibaud & Ndiaye, 2006 in having very big sensilla on sensorial organ of antennal segment III, but of different shape, the kind of postantennal organ, with simple vesicles in Mexicaphorura versus composed vesicles in Sensilatullbergia and formulae of the pseudocelli.     

A new lichen-forming fungus,Orientophila corticola,from South Korea,with a key to the genus

Orientophila corticola is described as a new lichen-forming fungus from South Korea. The new species is distinguishable from other Orientophila species by the substrate preference to tree barks and the habitat specificity to inland areas. Molecular analyses applying internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) sequences clearly classify O. corticola as a distinct species in the genus Orientophila. A surrogate key is provided to assist in the identification of all 13 taxa in the genus Orientophila.     

Description of a new species of the genus Anochetus Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Orchid Island,Taiwan

A trap-jaw ant Anochetus lanyuensis sp. nov., belonging to the graeffei species group Brown, 1978, is described on the basis of worker and gyne castes from Orchid Island (Lanyu), Taiwan. A. lanyuensis sp. nov. is easily distinguishable from the other species in the graeffei species group by the large size of its eye, longitudinal striae on the pronotal disc, and concave dorsal margin of the petiolar node in the frontal view.