Taxonomic status, redescription, and surface ultrastructure of Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis n. comb. (Digenea: Heterophyidae)

Pygidiopsis pindoramensis Travassos, 1928, is redescribed from the holotype and specimens obtained from experimental infections of hamsters with metacercariae of the naturally infected poeciliids Poecilia vivipara and Phalloptychus januarius from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Travassos, 1928) n. comb. is proposed, based on the presence of a solid, tapering muscular posterior prolongation of the oral sucker and Ascocotyle (Phagicola) mollienisicola (Sogandares-Bernal and Bridgman, 1960) is synonymized with A. (P.) pindoramensis because of the identical morphology and measurements of adults and metacercariae, similar spectrum of fish intermediate hosts (poeciliids), and the same site of infection of the metacercariae. Trematodes designated as Pygidiopsis pindoramensis, previously reported from Argentina and Mexico, represent another species of Pygidiopsis Looss, 1907, because they possess circumoral spines and their oral sucker is devoid of the posterior muscular prolongation. Data on the surface morphology of metacercariae and adults of A. (P.) pindoramensis are inferred from scanning electron microscopy observations.     

Rhopalotrema (Digenea: Didymozoidae), a new genus from Australian platycephalid fishes

Rhopalotrema n. g. is erected to accommodate two new species of didymozoid collected from platycephalid fishes from South-east Queensland, Australia and is assigned to the subfamily Didymozoinae. Rhopalotrema elusiva n. sp. is described from the fins of Platycephalus fuscus and R. pterygionastes n. sp. is described from the fins of P. indicus. The new genus is similar to Neometadidymozoon, but is distinguished from it by the structure of the testes, which are convoluted and extend from near the anterior end of the hindbody to a point only a short distance into the forebody. The two new species are distinguished from each other by their size and the size and shape of the oral sucker and pharynx.     

Chalcinotrema thatcheri n. sp. (Digenea: Haploporidae) from Brazilian freshwater fishes,a redescription of C. ruedasueltensis Thatcher, 1978 and comments on the validity of the genus

Chalcinotrema thatcheri n. sp. from the intestine of Schizodon knerii is described. It is most closely related in general morphology to C. salobrensis Freitas, 1947 and C. ruedasueltensis Thatcher, 1978, from which it differs, respectively, in: testis-size, the distribution of the vitelline follicles and the distance between the gonads; and body-size, egg-size, the extent of the caeca and the shape of the seminal vesicle. The holotype of C. ruedasueltensis is redescribed with original figures. Chalcinotrema Freitas, 1947, is considered a good genus distinct from Carassotrema Park, 1938, on the basis of the presence of uterine loops between the ovary and testis and its totally different geographical distribution. Carassotrema tilapiae Nasir & Gomez, 1976 is transferred to the former genus as Chalcinotrema tilapiae (Nasir & Gomez, 1976) n. comb.     

Taxonomic revision of the East Asian genus Scleropteroides Colonnelli, 1979 (Coleoptera,Curculionidae, Ceutorhynchinae)

The genus Scleropteroides Colonnelli, 1979 (Ceutorhynchinae: Scleropterini) was revised on the basis of detailed morphological observations. The genus was redefined to include three species from East Asia: S. hypocrita (Hustache, 1916) is redescribed and recorded from northeastern China and northern Korea for the first time; S. horridulus (Voss, 1958) is redescribed with new records from southern Korea; S. insularis Voss, 1971 was moved from synonymy with S. hypocrita to that with S. horridulus (syn. n.), and S. longiprocessus Huang & Yoshitake, sp. n. is described as new, sympatric with S. hypocrita in Japan. All the species are associated with woody Rubus species (Rosaceae). A key to species, habitus photographs, illustrations of important characters, and distribution maps are provided for each species.     

Taxonomic status of cestodes of the genus Paracaryophyllaeus Kulakowskaja, 1961 (Caryophyllidea: Caryophyllaeidae)

A taxonomic revision of cestodes of the genus Paracaryophyllaeus Kulakowskaja, 1961, parasites of cobitid fishes, has been performed. Three species (Paracaryophyllaeus gotoi (Motomura, 1927), P. kulakowskae sp. n., and P. misgurni sp. n.) are considered valid species; two are described as new species. P. dubininorum Kulakowskaja, 1961 is a young synonym of P. gotoi. The taxonomic status for P. gotoi sensu Scholz, 1989, P. gotoi sensu Scholz et al., 2001, and Paracaryophyllaeus sp. 1 and Paracaryophyllaeus sp. 2 (described in present work) needs specification.     

Holotype redescription of Mimobdella japonica (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Erpobdelliformes) and taxonomic status of the genus Mimobdella

Mimobdella japonica Blanchard, 1897, the type species of the genus Mimobdella Blanchard, 1897, is redescribed based on the holotype. This species is characterized by the following characteristics: mid-body somites novem-annulate, two post-anal annuli, male gonopore in XI/XII, female gonopore in XII/XIII, 9 annuli (one full somite) between gonopores, strepsilaematous pharynx and three myognaths with stylets, possessing post-crop caeca in pairs, ovisacs reaching to XXI a2. The genus Mimobdella is placed under the family Salifidae, not Gastrostomobdellidae or Erpobdellidae, according to its possessing three myognaths bearing pharyngeal stylets.     

Spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis in Didymocystis wedli Ariola, 1902 (Didymozoidae, Digenea).

The ultrastructure of the male reproductive system of Didymocystis wedli was studied for the first time, demonstrating spermiogenesis and spermatogenesis at different cell stages. The spermatozoa morphology was compared with that of other Digenea species. It was observed that the different cells of the spermatogenesis process follow the classic pattern reported for the majority of the parasitic platyhelminthes. During spermiogenesis, rootlet fibers, electrondense bodies and median cytoplasmic process were not observed. The mature spermatozoa of D. wedli were filiform, presenting nucleus, mitochondrion and two 9+1 axonemes, with a biflagellate distal extremity.     

Ultrastructural Observations on the Spermatozoon,Oocyte and Fertilization Process in Gonapodasmius,a Gonochoristic Trematode (Trematoda: Digenea: Didymozoidae)

Observations were performed in the uterus of a female Gonapodasmius sp., a gonochoristic didymozoid Trematode. The oocyte is a round cell 6 μm in diameter, which shows a ‘nucleolus-like cytoplasmic body’ and cortical granules. The spermatozoon is filiform, mobile and about 50 μm long. There is no acrosome. The anterior tip of the spermatozoon contains two centrioles made up of singlets and cortical microtubules with associated glycocalyx. The centrioles are continued as two axonemes of the classical 9 + ‘1’ pattern of flatworms, accompanied by a mitochondrion and a short row of cortical longitudinal microtubules. It is the posterior part of the sperm cell which contains the nucleus. At the outset of fertilization, the anterior part of the spermatozoon coils around the oocyte and penetrates it by lateral fusion. The posterior region of the spermatozoon, with the nucleus, is the last part to enter the oocyte, after passing through a perforation in the forming eggshell. The whole spermatozoon thus penetrates the female cell.     

Taxonomic revision of three species of the genus Genarchopsis (Digenea: Hemiuroidea: Derogenidae) in Japan by molecular phylogenetic analyses

The taxonomic status of three nominal species of Genarchopsis (G. goppo Ozaki, 1925; G. gigi Yamaguti 1939; and G. fellicola Shimazu, 1995) (Digenea: Hemiuroidea: Derogenidae) was investigated by molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial sequences of the genomic ITS-1 region and the mitochondrial COI. The analyzed samples were divided into four groups: Lake Biwa, West Japan, Central Japan and G. fellicola. The Lake Biwa group, a sister taxon to the other three groups, was interpreted as G. gigi, so we concluded that G. gigi is valid; thus, this species is resurrected taxonomically. The specimens from the type host caught near the type locality of G. goppo were included in the West Japan group, so this group was regarded as G. goppo sensu stricto. Because the phylogenetic position of the Central Japan group could not be confirmed, it was identified tentatively as G. goppo, even though this species thus becomes paraphyletic. The taxonomic validity of G. fellicola was reconfirmed. The divergence time of G. gigi is discussed in relation to the geological history of Lake Biwa and the origin of host species.     

A molecular phylogeny of the genus Ichthyocotylurus (Digenea, Strigeidae)

Three nucleotide data sets, two nuclear (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2, ITS1 and ITS2) and one mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, CO1), were analysed using distance matrix and maximum likelihood methods to determine the inter-relationships amongst the four species attributed to the genus Ichthyocotylurus Odening, 1969. Sequence data obtained from all gene loci investigated supported the position of Ichthyocotylurus variegatus as a species discrete from Ichthyocotylurus platycephalus. Phylogenetic analyses yielded congruent trees, with I. variegatus isolates comprising a common clade to which I. platycephalus constitutes a sister taxon. Ichthyocotylurus erraticus and Ichthyocotylurus pileatus were found to demonstrate a similarly close inter-specific relationship. The greatest intra-generic divergence occurred in the CO1 region (16% variability), with resultant disparities in three to eight encoded amino acids. PCR amplification yielded multiple ITS1 products for all Ichthyocotylurus spp. Analyses of equivalent-sized amplicons showed 5.4% intra-generic variation and several point mutations between I. variegatus isolates from different geographical localities and from different piscine hosts. The ITS2 locus was extremely conserved, with less than 1% variation between species. No intra-specific variation was recorded for any CO1 or ITS2 sequences.     

A redescription ofLepidauchen stenostoma Nicoll, 1913 (Digenea), and a reassessment of the status of the genusLepidauchen Nicoll, 1913

The genusLepidauchen is discussed and defined. It is removed from the family Lepocreadiidae and placed in the family Acanthocolpidae based mainly on its possession of a uterine seminal receptacle. The type, and only valid species,L. stenostoma, is redescribed using material fromLabrus merula from Corsica. Material fromCoris julis andSymphodus tinca from the western Mediterranean off Marseille,L. merula from the western Mediterranean off Valencia,Diplodus annularis andLithognathus mormyrus from the Adriatic Sea off Montenegro, andArchosargus unimaculatus from Venezuela was also examined. Other nominal species are discussed, but none are considered valid within this genus.     

Report of Didymocystis wedli Ariola, 1902 (Digenea; Didymozoidae) from Thunnus albacares in Brazil.

Didymocystis wedli a parasite from the gills of Thunnus albacares from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, is described by use of light and scanning electron microscopy. This is the first report of this species in Brazil and South America. New data are presented on the surface topography as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy.     

Taxonomic study of Ascocotyle (Phagicola) longa Ransom, 1920 (Digenea: Heterophyidae) and related taxa

Species of Ascocotyle Looss, 1899 (subgenus Phagicola Faust, 1920) (Digenea: Heterophyidae) related to A. (P.) longa Ransom, 1920, i.e. those with a bipartite gonotyl and a single crown of 16 circumoral spines, were revised on the basis of examination of type and voucher specimens. The species A. (P.) arnaldoi Travassos, 1929, A. (P.) byrdi (Robinson, 1956) and A. (P.) longicollis (Kuntz & Chandler, 1956), all possessing 16 circumoral spines, are synonymised with A. (P.) longa. A. (P.) ascolonga Witenberg, 1929, the types of which were not available, is provisionally retained as a valid species despite its close similarity to A. (P.) longa (identical number of circumoral spines and morphology of the ventrogenital sac). It differs from A. (P.) longa in the presence of uterine loops posterior to the testes and intestinal caeca ending anterior to the ovary (versus the pretesticular uterus and intestinal caeca reaching to the posterior margin of the ovary in A. (P.) longa). A. (P.) inglei (Hutton & Sogandares-Bernal, 1959), found only once in a single specimen, is also tentatively considered a valid species because it differs in number of circumoral spines (19), slightly larger eggs (23–26×13–16 m) and the distribution of refractile bodies of the gonotyl arranged in four separate groups from A. (P.) longa and A. (P.) ascolonga (16 circumoral spines; eggs 15–20×–12 m; refractile bodies in two groups).     

Taxonomic notes on the genus Piper (Piperaceae)

Sixteen lectotypifications of Asian Piper species are provided. Piper argyrites, P. baccatum, P. leptostachyum, P. majusculum, P. peepuloides, P. quinqueangulatum and P. sulcatum are accepted as species and many new synonyms are proposed. Useful diagnostic characters are described and geographical distribution data of each species are provided.     

A review of the genus Parahemiurus Vaz & Pereira, 1930 (Digenea: Hemiuridae)

The genus Parahemiurus Vaz & Pereira, 1930 (syn.: Daniella Sahai & Srivastava, 1977) is defined, its major morphological characters discussed and a key to species given. The species P. merus (Linton, 1910) (syns: P. parahemiurus Vaz & Pereira, 1930, P. sardiniae Yamaguti, 1934, P. seriolae Yamaguti, 1934, P. platichthyi Lloyd, 1938, P. atherinae Yamaguti, 1938, P. harengulae Yamaguti, 1938, P. noblei King, 1962) and P. anchoviae Pereira & Vaz, 1930 are described. Other species recognized are P. clupeae Yamaguti, 1953, P. [originally Daniella] madrasensis (Sahai & Srivastava, 1977) n. comb. (syns: P. dussumieriai Hafeezullah, 1981, P. indicus Ahmad, 1981), P. ecuadori Manter, 1940, P. engraulisi Gupta & Jahan, 1977 (syns: P. cameroni Gupta & Ahmad, 1977, P. puriensis Ahmad, 1981, P. simhai Gupta & Gupta, 1978, P. tricanthusi Gupta & Puri, 1984) and P. yanamense Hafeezullah, 1980. Forms considered species inquirendae are P. arripidis Lebedev, 1971, P. clupeae of King (1964), P. dogieli Skrjabin & Guschanskaya, 1953, P. pseudosciaenae Shen, 1985 and P. trachichthodi Lebedev, 1968. Host and locality information is given in detail for all species. The complete life-cycle is not known, but metacercariae are reported in chaetognaths and teleosts. The definitive hosts of Parahemiurus spp. most frequently reported belong in the families Clupeidae and Carangidae and the genus is most commonly reported in temperate and subtropical waters.     

On a species composition of the genus Copiatestes Crowcroft, 1948 (Digenea: Syncoeliidae)

The genus Corpiatestes Crowcroft, 1948 is revised. It is shown that Corpiatestes filiferus (Leuckart, in Sars, 1885), Syncoelium cypseluri Yamaguti, 1970 and S. regulaci Villarreal and Dailey, 1993 are junior synonyms of the type species C. thyrsitae Crowcroft, 1948. The genus Copiatestes is monotypical.