Smicridea McLachlan (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from northwestern Argentina and Bolivia: new species,redescription, association and new records

Four new species of Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) are described from Argentina and Bolivia. Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) bifida sp. nov., S. (R.) elisae sp. nov. and S. (R.) valeni sp. nov. are described from the male; S. (R.) thermophyla sp. nov. is described as the first species of Smicridea from thermal springs. The larva and pupa of S. (R.) thermophila were associated using the metamorphotype method. New distributional records of S. (R.) dithyra, S. (R.) atrobasis, S. (R.) peruana and S. (R.) pampeana are included. Morphological characters of male S. (R.) peruana that were not mentioned before are included. Illustrations of all taxa named in this paper are included.     

Motile homes: a comparison of the spatial distribution of epibiont communities on Mediterranean sea turtles

Understanding the ecological roles performed by an individual species requires knowledge from a wide range of disciplines; here we analyze the epibiont–host relationship found in marine turtles. During the study we recorded five new species of sea turtle epibiont: Laomedea flexuosa, Caprella fretensis, Hyale nilssoni, Hyale schmidti, Parasinelobus chevreuxi; as part of a total of nine zoological epibionts present on 35 female green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and 100 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in Cyprus. The two most commonly occurring epibionts were acorn barnacles Chelonibia testudinaria and Chelonibia caretta, with larger specimens of both species recorded on loggerhead turtles. We analyzed the spatial distribution of these two barnacle species upon the carapaces of their hosts. Specimens of C. testudinaria situated on the anterior half of the carapace were larger than those located at the posterior. A significantly larger proportion of loggerhead turtles (52.5%) hosted epibionts in comparison to green turtles (30.3%). All non-barnacle epibionts were associated with either posterior algal mats or carapace scars.     

Co-occurrence of three Aristolochia-feeding Papilionids (Archon apollinus,Zerynthia polyxena and Zerynthia cerisy) in Greek Thrace

Comparative studies of co-occurring species using overlapping resources may help in understanding the mechanisms supporting biotic diversity in species-rich regions, such as the Mediterranean region of Europe. Three Papilionidae butterflies, Archon apollinus, Zerynthia cerisy and Zerynthia polyxena, develop on Aristolochia plants and co-occur in Greek Thrace. We used mark–recapture to describe adult demography and dispersal, and searched for eggs and larvae to assess host plants and microhabitat preferences. Adult flight timing followed a sequence from earliest A. apollinus, through Z. polyxena to late Z. cerisy; this was more prominent in 2010 (warm early spring) than in 2011 (cold delayed spring). Population densities were highest for A. apollinus and lowest for Z. cerisy, whereas dispersal ability followed a reverse pattern. Adults of all three species crossed distances > 3 km and used all habitat types present. Four Aristolochia host plants were used at the study locality: small Aristolochia pallida, intermediate Aristolochia rotunda and Aristolochia hirta, and bulky, late-sprouting Aristolochia clematitis. Both A. apollinus and Z. polyxena used all four Aristolochia species, the former preferring Aristolochia rotunda and Aristolochia hirta, the latter Aristolochia rotunda and Aristolochia pallida. Zerynthia cerisy did not use the early-growing Aristolochia pallida while frequently using the late-growing Aristolochia clematitis. Further parameters affecting oviposition were biotope and canopy closure: early A. apollinus tolerated shady sites but late Z. cerisy avoided them. The simultaneous use of several host plants differing in phenology and habitat requirements, combined with rather high dispersal ability, arguably buffers the butterflies’ population dynamics against yearly variation in weather, while allowing efficient occupation of the diverse Mediterranean landscapes. The regional habitat diversity, created during millennia of human activity, is currently threatened by land abandonment, which may diminish the resource base for the studied butterflies.     

Camera traps capture images of predators of Caiman crocodilus yacare eggs (Reptilia: Crocodylia) in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands

Camera traps were set up in forest nests in 2009, 2010 and 2012 to capture images of possible predators eating eggs of the Pantanal caiman, Caiman crocodilus yacare. We monitored 57 caiman nests; 42 nests were opened and the eggs were counted (mean = 25 eggs/nest, SD = 4.3). Females were present and captured at 38 of those nests. The remaining 15 nests were used as controls, and we did not capture the females or open the egg cavities of these nests. Most of the nests had the eggs eaten by predators, in both the disturbed group (38 nests) and the control group (13 nests). The main predators were carnivorous mammals, such as crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), coatis (Nasua nasua) and tayras (Eira barbara), although feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were also photographed eating caiman eggs. The lizard Salvator merianae was photographed eating eggs of two nests.     

Parasites of the Lessepsian invasive fish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin 1789) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Lagocephalus sceleratus, is a Lessepsian invasive fish species introduced into the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. This study investigated it as host of parasites. Out of 41 individuals caught from northern and southern locations of the eastern Aegean Sea, nine were found to host parasites. Gnathia sp. praniza larva, an ectoparasite, was associated with severe damage of the primary and secondary structures of the gills and it was found in one specimen (prevalence 2.4%). Regarding endoparasites, Anisakis type I third-stage larvae were found in two specimens (prevalence 4.9%). In addition, adult nematodes of Hysterothylacium aduncum were found in another six specimens (prevalence 14.6%). Lagocephalus sceleratus is a new host for some indigenous parasites, with low host specificity, in the Mediterranean Sea, providing an additional niche for the success and increase of local populations of these parasites and, to our knowledge, this is the first record of L. sceleratus parasites in this area. Whether these parasites can control the invasion success of L. sceleratus needs to be further investigated. However, the low mean intensity of infection found in this study does not support such control.     

Four new species of Mesomyzostoma (Myzostomida: Annelida)

Mesomyzostoma Remscheid, 1918 currently includes three described species that live in the coelom and/or gonads of comatulid crinoids: Mesomyzostoma reichenspergeri Remscheid, 1918, Mesomyzostoma katoi Okada, 1933 and Mesomyzostoma lanterbecqae Summers and Rouse, 2014 in Summers, Al-Hakim et al. 2014. Here we describe four new species of Mesomyzostoma and assess their phylogenetic relationships using 18S rRNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA sequence data. We also designate a neotype for M. katoi as the original types appear to be lost. We record M. reichenspergeri from the Australian Great Barrier Reef and from northern Papua New Guinea, but samples from the type locality (Aru Islands, Indonesia) and previously recorded host are needed for confirmation. The new species of Mesomyzostoma are one Japanese species: Mesomyzostoma okadai sp. nov., and three Australian species: Mesomyzostoma lobus sp. nov., Mesomyzostoma leukos sp. nov. and Mesomyzostoma botulus sp. nov. The first infects the coelom of crinoid arms and pinnules, and the other three are found in crinoid oral discs. We also record M. leukos sp. nov. and M. botulus sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that M. okadai sp. nov. is the sister group to all other Mesomyzostoma.     

Early life history of the sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionoida)

Managing a rare species can be improved with knowledge of its natural history. The sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) is a freshwater mussel recently listed by the US as federally endangered. We used standard methods to study P. cyphyus brooding behaviour, host fishes in the laboratory and under natural conditions, and glochidial morphology. We monitored a population of P. cyphyus in the Chippewa River, WI during spring and summer 2007–2009 and 2011 and found brooding animals between mid-May and early August. Gravid individuals ranged between 5 and 27 yr (mean age ± 1 s.d. = 13 ± 4 yr). Plethobasus cyphyus brooded glochidia in outer gills, which varied in colour from red, orange, pink, cream, or white. We observed mature glochidia more commonly in individuals with cream or white gills and these glochidia were released in a clear, adhesive, mucus matrix. In laboratory trials we found several minnow and topminnow species (29 spp.) served as productive suitable native hosts. The mean number of juvenile mussels released per cyprinid per day was significantly higher for trials conducted at 22–25°C compared with those at 18–20°C, and 83% of trials conducted at 18–20°C using suitable host species produced no juveniles. Glochidia had a unique outline and shell morphometrics that distinguished P. cyphyus from seven other Chippewa River mussel species that produce similar sized glochidia. Using morphometrics we determined that mimic shiners (Notropis volucellus) were natural hosts for P. cyphyus, round pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia), and Wabash pigtoe (Fusconaia flava). Releasing mucus-bound glochidia has evolved in a variety of mussel species and may be more common than is currently realized. Our data show that P. cyphyus is a cyprinid host specialist, and propagation efforts for this species can be strengthened through improved access to mature glochidia by using females with cream-coloured gills and increased juvenile production through warmer fish holding temperatures.     

Helminths of ten species of Litoria frogs (Anura: Hylidae) from Papua New Guinea

One hundred and ninety-one frogs collected in Papua New Guinea from 10 species of the genus Litoria, namely, L. angiana, L. arfakiana, L. caerulea, L. congenita, L. eurynastes, L. gasconi, L. infrafrenata, L. iris, L. kumae and L. modica, were examined for helminths. Eighteen species of helminths were found: one species of Monogenea, Parapolystoma bulliense; three species of Digenea, Diplodiscus amphichrus, Halipegus zweifeli and Mesocoelium monas; 13 species of Nematoda, gravid specimens of Aplectana macintoshii, Cosmocerca novaeguineae, Falcaustra papuensis, Maxvachonia adamsoni, Maxvachonia flindersi, Maxvachonia ingens, Meteterakis crombiei, Moaciria moraveci, Parathelandros mastigurus, Physalopteroides milnensis, Pseudorictularia dipsarilis, Seuratascaris numidica, and larvae (in cysts) of Abbreviata sp. and, one species of Acanthocephala, Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis. Mean number of helminth species per host species was 3.0 ± 1.4 SD (range 1–5), mean number of helminth species per infected frog was 1.1 ± 0.4 SD (range 1–2), and mean number of helminths per infected host was 33.3 ± 5.8 SD (range 1–36). Twenty-eight new host records and two new locality records are reported. The biogeography of the recovered helminths is discussed.     

Arboreality predicts Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection level in tropical direct-developing frogs

Pathogen-mediated changes in host behaviour can result from hosts altering their habitat preferences. Although infection risk with pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in amphibians is associated with environments favouring its growth, the relationship with microhabitat use has not been examined. Here, we aim to determine if microhabitats used by frogs during their nocturnal activity predict B. dendrobatidis prevalence and infection intensity. Our focal host, Eleutherodactylus coqui, is a habitat generalist that uses multiple habitats from the forest floor to the canopy. We analysed data on B. dendrobatidis occurrence in 157 adults and 122 juveniles at El Yunque National forest in Puerto Rico. We categorized each individual’s nocturnal microhabitat as forest floor, curled palm fronds in the floor, arboreal bromeliads and foliage or tree trunks 50 cm to 2.5 m above ground. We found that frogs on the forest floor had the greatest B. dendrobatidis prevalence (73%), compared with those active in vegetation above ground (55%). Overall, the probability of B. dendrobatidis infection in frogs using microhabitats on the forest floor was twice as great as for those on arboreal substrates. Differences in B. dendrobatidis prevalence and intensity in E. coqui may be explained by specific abiotic conditions of microenvironments (temperature and humidity) affecting both pathogen and host, and by the age-specific ecological requirements of hosts. Adults were found to be most active in microhabitats where individuals had lower infection burdens, suggesting pathogen-modulated habitat choice. This work has important implications for the evolutionary dynamics of enzootic diseases and provides data that may inform potential mitigation strategies against a generalist amphibian pathogen.     

Hybridization of beaked redfish (Sebastes mentella) with small redfish (Sebastes viviparus) and diversification of redfish (Actinopterygii: Scorpaeniformes) in the Irminger Sea

We searched for Sebastes mentella and Sebastes viviparus hybrids in samples of redfish with external traits typical of S. mentella. The samples were collected in the Irminger Sea in 2007 (n = 131) and 2010 (n = 72). Hybrids were identified using MDH-2* locus coding malate dehydrogenase. Both samples contained hybrids (two and one individuals, respectively). The results of our investigations and previously published data show that interspecific hybridization may have a strong impact on the genetic structure of S. mentella in the Irminger Sea, presumably being one of the main reasons for the differentiation of allele frequencies of some genes between samples collected at different depths. This should be taken into consideration in studies of Irminger Sea redfish.     

Gastrointestinal helminths of nine species of Cnemaspis (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Peninsular Malaysia,one species from Cambodia and Thailand and two species from Vietnam

A total of 12 species of Cnemaspis (N = 104) from Southeast Asia were examined for gastrointestinal helminths. Samples consisted of nine species (n = 86) from Peninsular Malaysia: Cnemaspis affinis (n = 4); Cnemaspis baueri (n = 17); Cnemaspis biocellata (n = 12); Cnemaspis grismeri (n = 8); Cnemaspis kumpoli (n = 11); Cnemaspis limi (n = 9): Cnemaspis monachorum (n = 7); Cnemaspis pemanggilensis (n = 10); Cnemaspis peninsularis (n = 8); one species (n = 5) from Cambodia and Thailand, Cnemaspis chanthaburiensis (n = 5); and two species (n = 13) from Vietnam: Cnemaspis nuicamensis (n = 6) and Cnemaspis tucdupensis (n = 7). The aggregate helminth community consisted of one species of Cestoda, Cylindrotaenia malayi and nine species of Nematoda: Bakeria schadi, Meteterakis singaporensis, Parapharyngodon maplestoni, Maxvachonia sp., Physalopteroides sp., Physalopteridae gen. sp., Riticulariidae gen. sp., Seuratoidea gen. sp., Ascaridoidea gen. sp. Meteterakis singaporensis had the largest number of individuals (457) and greatest prevalence (24%). Twenty-eight new host records are reported.     

First record of a non-pollinating fig wasp (Hymenoptera: Sycophaginae) from Dominican amber,with estimation of the size of its host figs

Fig trees and their pollinating fig wasps arose about 75 million years ago in the Cretaceous period. Several other groups of chalcid wasps also utilize figs for larval development, including sycophagines, the putative sister group to pollinating fig wasps. Whereas stone and amber fossil pollinators are known, no fossils representing non-pollinating fig wasp groups have been confirmed previously. Here, we describe the first Sycophaginae from the c.15–20 Ma Dominican amber, Idarnes thanatos sp. nov. Farache, Rasplus, Pereira and Compton, and discuss its relationships within the Idarnes carme species group. Additionally, we use linear regression to compare body size, ovipositor sheaths length, and host fig size data from extant Idarnes species to estimate the size of its host figs. Idarnes thanatos was most likely associated with small to medium sized figs (diameter ≤1.0 cm), that were likely to have been dispersed by birds and primates. The discovery of this close relative of extant non-pollinating fig wasps suggests that early Miocene and modern fig wasp communities may share similar ecological and functional features.     

Little-known and phylogenetically obscure South African estuarine microgastropods (Mollusca: Truncatelloidea) as living animals

Areas of the Knysna estuarine bay in the Western Cape are dominated by three endemic South African truncatelloid microgastropods, temporarily known as ‘Hydrobia’ knysnaensis (Krauss), ‘Assiminea’ capensis (Sowerby) and ‘Assiminea’ globulus Connolly. Although first described 80–170 years ago and present in abundance (up to 100,000 m^?2), they remain surrounded by confusion and still await taxonomic assignment, largely because they appear most atypical members of their groups by virtue of anatomy and/or biogeography and/or habitat. This study contributes in-life perspectives to morphological and phylogenetic analyses known to be on-going. At Knysna, they are syntopic: at least two occurring in >85% and all three in >40% of individual 0.0026 m² samples from their region of dominance. Nevertheless, they tend to greater abundance in divergent microhabitats; ‘A.’ globulus dominating higher tidal levels, and ‘A.’ capensis and ‘Hydrobia’ lower ones; the former especially unvegetated sediment, the latter, if anything, seagrass. Interspecific feeding interactions appear unlikely to be responsible for these patterns, other evidence suggesting that all are maintained below carrying capacity. Field biology of ‘H.’ knysnaensis generally appears equivalent to that of northern-hemisphere intertidal hydrobiids and that of ‘A.’ globulus is typically assimineid, albeit at atypically low shore height. Unlike assimineids, however, ‘A.’ capensis is truly aquatic. The success of these truncatelloids in unusual circumstances may be consequent on the absence from South Africa of other microgastropod groups that fill their niches elsewhere in the southern hemisphere.     

Life history of Subulina octona (Brugüière) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Subulinidae) based on four-year laboratory observations and a comparative histological analysis of egg-retaining and ovoviviparous subulinids

In the present study, we aimed to characterize the life history of the land snail Subulina octona integrating information on life-history traits and morphology. We also compared the histology of the free-oviduct and spermoviduct of ovoviviparous and egg-retaining species of subulinids. We considered as ovoviviparous the species in which the complete embryonic development as well as egg hatching occurs inside the parent’s body and, at the end of this process, the parent releases juveniles instead of eggs. We considered as egg-retaining the species in which a great part of the embryonic development takes place inside the parent’s body and the eggs laid contain well-developed embryos. The results showed that the free-oviduct of both ovoviviparous and egg-retaining species shows a histological arrangement that confers greater strength to its walls and is probably related to egg retention. The wall of the spermoviduct is formed by pseudostratified columnar epithelium, with cell apical processes (probably cilia), and by underlying secretory cells. In gravid egg-retaining snails, the eggshells appear in close contact with the secretory cells of the spermoviduct. This fact suggests that these cells play a role in eggshell formation. The present study is the first account for histological features of S. octona, Allopeas gracile and Allopeas micra. The life history of S. octona is a combination of long lifespan, early sexual maturity, indeterminate growth and egg retention. Egg retention limits the number of young that can be produced in one reproductive event. However, the reproductive strategy adopted by S. octona, associating egg retention and K-strategism, compensates this cost of retaining eggs, because the reproductive success may be enhanced as a result of the higher survival of juveniles and the possibility of performing several reproductive events during the year.     

Ten new species of the subgenus Steganina (Diptera: Drosophilidae: Stegana) from southern China

Ten new species of the subgenus Stegana (Steganina) are described from southern to south-western China: S. (S.) convena sp. nov., S. (S.) cylindrica sp. nov., S. (S.) eurystoma sp. nov., S. (S.) hamata sp. nov., S. (S.) hirticeps sp. nov., S. (S.) latigena sp. nov., S. (S.) planiceps sp. nov., S. (S.) rhomboica sp. nov., S. (S.) setivena sp. nov. and S. (S.) sphaerica sp. nov. They cannot be placed under any established species groups. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D4B6C5A7-3700-4B0C-8355-E4564C2A7296     

A case of biodiversity overestimation in the Balkan Belgrandiella A. J. Wagner, 1927 (Caenogastropoda: Hydrobiidae): molecular divergence not paralleled by high morphological variation

Belgrandiella A. J. Wagner, 1927 is a genus comprising minute snails with conic or turriform shells that are facultative stygobionts, inhabiting subterranean waters and springs. Few specimens or even empty shells of this taxon can be found, so the taxonomy is based mostly on the shell morphology and geographic distribution. Anatomy is known for a few taxa, and its usefulness is restricted. This, coupled with a popular idea that isolation is the first factor shaping divergence and speciation of the spring/cave fauna, resulted in dozens of nominal species of Belgrandiella, known from shells at a given locality. Herein we present shells, anatomy and four molecular markers (nuclear H3, 18S and 28S and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I) in Belgrandiella from 16 localities in Slovenia, northern Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Five sites are type localities of Boleana umbilicata, Belgrandiella kusceri, Belgrandiella krupensis, Belgrandiella zermanica and Belgrandiella robusta, respectively. Considering the shell and geographic distribution, we have determined B. cf. robusta Belgrandiella cf. croatica, Belgrandiella cf. fontinalis, Belgrandiella cf. kuesteri, Belgrandiella cf. pageti and Belgrandiella cf. koprivnensis The shells of all, as well as penes and female reproductive organs of two putative, species have been illustrated. Molecular analysis indicates four distinct clades, most probably of species rank for B. kusceri, B. cf. kuesteri, B. cf. fontinalis and B. cf. koprivnensis. Four nominal species (B. krupensis, B. robusta, B. umbilicata and B. zermanica) and one genus (Boleana) must be synonymised with Belgrandiella kusceri, and there are no more than four valid, biological species in the studied Belgrandiella. The molecular divergence is completely unmirrored by high morphological variability. Hence the level of endemism is markedly overestimated in these snails.