Redescription of Valdivianemertes valdiviae (Bürger, 1909) (Nemertea: Hoplonemertea: Cratenemertidae) and designation of neotype

A century ago Bürger described the species Drepanophorus valdiviae from a single specimen taken from 155 m off the southern tip of Africa by the research vessel Valdivia during the German Deep Sea Expedition. Stiasny-Wijnhoff in 1923 Stiasny-Wijnhoff, G. 1923. On Brinkmann's system of the Nemertea Enopla and Siboganemertes weberi n. g. n. sp. Q J Microsc Sci., 67: 627–669.  [Google Scholar] transferred this species along with Amphiporus stannii (sensu Bürger 1895 Bürger, O. 1895. Die Nemertinen des Golfes von Neapel und der angrenzenden Meeres-Abschnitte. Fauna und Flora des Golfes von Neapel, 22: 1–743.  [Google Scholar]) to a new genus Valdivianemertes but did not mention a family affiliation. In 1993 Crandall transferred this genus to the family Cratenemertidae. During the Spanish Antarctic Expedition BENTART 2003, carried out on board the RV Hespérides, we found one specimen identified with certainty as Valdivianemertes valdiviae, at 602 m depth in the Bellingshausen Sea (Antarctica). As there is no extant holotype, we here redescribe this species from this new specimen and designate it the neotype of this species; photomicrographs of the different regions of the body and the proboscis structure are provided for the first time.     

Earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) of Sao Tomé

During a soil zoology expedition to Sao Tomé Island, among other members of the soil fauna, earthworms were collected. During this collecting trip some 170 earthworm specimens belonging to 18 species were gathered of which two, Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) coeruleoviridis and Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) zicsii, proved to be new to science. In addition, a small sample from the same locality was also examined and Dichogaster (Dichogaster) thomeana Cognetti, 1910 Cognetti de Martiis, L. 1910. Lombrichi raccolti dal Cav. Leonardo Fea nelle Isole del Capo Verde e nel Golfo di Guinea.. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova, 4: 79–118.  [Google Scholar] was removed from synonymy of Dichogaster (Dichogaster) greeffi Michaelsen, 1902 Michaelsen, W. 1902. Neue Oligochaeten und neue Fundorte alt‐bekannter.. Mitteilungen aus dem Naturhistorischen Museum in Hamburg, 19: 3–53.  [Google Scholar].     

Phoretic behaviour of Attacobius attarum (Roewer, 1935) (Araneae: Corinnidae: Corinninae) dispersion not associated with predation?

Attacobius attarum spiders exhibit a phoretic behaviour on the winged sexual of Atta leaf-cutting ants during their mating flight. However, it is unclear if this behaviour is for dispersion or to facilitate the predation of ants in the new colonies. A nest of Atta sexdens was monitored on the day of the mating flight, and the winged ants, as well as the spiders, were collected. The results obtained corroborate the hypothesis that phoretic behaviour is commonly used for dispersion of the spider A. attarum, predominantly females. Of these spiders, 64 individuals of A. attarium were collected, of which 62 were females (96.9%) and two were males (3.1%). Regarding the winged leaf-cutting ants sampled, 378 females and 361 males were collected, totaling 739 individuals. Of these, 64 individuals (8.7%) had a spider attached to its back for phoretic dispersal and none was observed on the queens after the nuptial flight. In our study, A. attarum females perform phoretic dispersal into the environment on winged leaf-cutting ants but do not settle in the new nests.     

Female-limited polymorphism and its significance in Appias (Catophaga) nero corazonae Schröder and Treadaway, 1989 (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Diagnostic characters are presented for Appias nero corazonae, a pierid butterfly from the Sulu Archipelago, Philippines, that exhibits female-limited polymorphism. The potential significance of A. n. corazonae for genetic investigations into Darwinian transference, the hypothetical process whereby bright colouration first evolves in the males of a species and is later ‘transferred’ to the females, is discussed.     

Comment on Psonis et al. (2015): ‘Evaluation of the taxonomy of Helix cincta (Muller, 1774) and Helix nucula (Mousson, 1854); insights using mitochondrial DNA sequence data’

A recently published paper on some Helix species from the East Mediterranean basin is briefly reviewed. Parts of the results of the authors of that study are erroneous because they are based on a misinterpretation of some of the taxa involved. An analysis of the actually studied taxa is presented, and the essential consequences for nomenclature and phylogeny are discussed.     

Does the river blenny Salaria fluviatilis (Asso, 1801) (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) still survive on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus?

The river blenny (Salaria fluviatilis) is rarely mentioned in the natural history literature of Cyprus. This has led to doubts about its existence there. Mistakes with mismatched fish collections have occurred in the past, so it is worth asking whether the recorded specimens are actually from Cyprus and whether the species survives there today. Archived correspondence from the original specimen collector confirms that the record of S. fluviatilis on Cyprus is genuine, yet our extensive surveys there during the last 4 years have failed to locate the fish. A review of the species’ Mediterranean island distribution shows that it exists on 10 islands that are either close to the mainland or are relatively very large in areal extent. Although the mystery of S. fluviatilis survival on Cyprus lingers, efforts must be made to survey all potential habitats and consider planning a re-introduction project if the population is confirmed as extinct.     

Current status of the non-indigenous molluscs in Chile,with the first record of Otala punctata (Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in the country and new records for Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) and Deroceras laeve (Müller, 1774)

A new introduced species, Otala punctata (Müller, 1774) and new records in Chile for Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) and Deroceras laeve (Müller, 1774) are documented based on surveys carried out in northern and central areas of the country. The presence and distribution of these alien species are complemented with a comprehensive compilation of all 34 non-indigenous species of marine, freshwater and terrestrial Mollusca in Chile; until 1999, only 16 alien species were known in Chile. Most of these alien species are found exclusively in transformed habitats, few exist in natural environments. The mechanism of introduction for the majority of these non-indigenous species is unknown; however, horticultural development, urban and suburban transformation of original natural habitats, and the aquarium trade are the most likely pathways of introduction. The highest threat of alien species is direct competition and predation of native molluscs, especially the small native land gastropods. Education and continuous field surveys are vital to detect and prevent their propagation as well as to avoid introduction of additional alien taxa.     

Non-invasive genetic study and population monitoring of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) (Mammalia: Ursidae) in Kastoria region – Greece

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Greece is considered endangered but little is known about the genetic status and the exact size of local populations. Non-invasive genetic sampling was used in this study to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the brown bear population in the Kastoria region (northwest Macedonia, Greece) and to estimate its population size. Estimation of demographic parameters was based on innovative, well-evaluated methods that can provide estimates from a single sampling session. DNA was extracted from hairs, scat and blood samples and subsequent amplification of 10 microsatellite loci allowed the identification of a minimum number of 75 living bears in the study area while the mark–recapture-based analysis resulted in a point estimation of 219 individuals. Relatively high diversity values, lack of heterozygosity deficiency as well as estimated effective population size, support the Kastoria bear population having good conservation status.     

Mysidacés (Crustacea) de Kerguelen,Crozet et Bouvet (Océan Austral) récoltés par la Japonaise,le Marion-Dufresne (1972–82) et dans des contenus stomacaux d'oiseaux

This study deals with the Mysidacea (Crustacea) collected during the cruises organized by T.A.A.F. (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises), between 1972 and 1982, in the subantarctic part of the Southern Ocean, off Bouvet, Marion, Prince Edward, Crozet, Kerguelen and Heard Islands. In spite of the large numbers of samples taken between the littoral and 2000 m, with various bottom sampling gears, only 8 species were caught. At the Kerguelen islands, the genus Mysidetes, with 2 species including M. morbihanensis n. sp., was the main constituent of the benthic littoral mysidacean fauna, while Boreomysis inermis was the main bathyal species. The analysis of stomach contents of birds indicates that some bathypelagic mysidacean species ascend to the surface layer.     

Feeding ecology of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and the Neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) in Jaú National Park,Amazon, Brazil

This study compares the diets of the giant otter and the Neotropical otter, two Lutrinae species which feed mainly on fish. The study was carried out through the analyses of faecal samples collected between 2006 and 2008 (82 giant otter and 75 Neotropical otter) in the Jaú National Park. The giant otter feeds mainly on Cichlidae, Erythrinidae and Characidae, while the Neotropical otter consumes Doradidae, Loricariidae and Cichlidae. The two otter species had low diet similarity (Pianka’s Index = 0.16). The giant otter consumed larger fish than the Neotropical otter, which probably explores shallow river parts in search of small catfish. Prey other than fish were more frequent in the diet of the Neotropical otter, whereas giant otters ate a greater diversity of fish families. Increasing knowledge of the feeding habits and interactions of these two top-order predators is vital to determine appropriate protection and management policies.     

Radiolarians from the British North‐Polar Expedition (1875–1876): re‐examination of the H. B. Brady (1878) collection

The earliest report on radiolarians from the Arctic Ocean (north of the Arctic Circle) was provided by H. B. Brady (1878 Brady, H. B. 1878. On the reticularian and radiolarian Rhizopoda (Foraminifera and Polycystina) of the North‐Polar Expedition of 1875–76.. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Series 5, 1: 425–440. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). He documented the occurrences of 10 genera from soundings in northern Baffin Bay and north of Greenland, but he did not illustrate any specimens in his report. We have re‐examined Brady's original slide collection, housed at the Natural History Museum, London (NHM), in order to refine his radiolarian identifications to species level. We have identified 11 radiolarian taxa in his slides, but some are definitely more characteristic of tropical oceans rather than high northern latitudes. We conclude that this is most likely due to sample contamination or misidentification of samples. Therefore, the actual occurrence of tropically affiliated radiolarians recorded from the Arctic is uncertain and should be regarded with suspicion.     

Review of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L. 1758) (Actinopterygii: Acipenseridae) feeding habits in the River Danube, 1694–852 river km

The aim of this work is to present the variation in the sterlet’s (Acipenser ruthenus L. 1758) diet along the course of the River Danube, from 1694 to 852 river km. The diet of sterlet mostly comprised 12 bottom fauna taxa. Sterlet in the Danube feed mainly on larvae of Trichoptera, Chironomidae (Diptera) and Gammaridae (Amphipoda), with a reduction in food composition variability close to the Djerdap I dam and in the reservoir between the two dams. The other components of the diet were Corophium sp., Asselus sp., Mollusca, Oligochaeta, Annelida, Insecta, Nematoda and Hirudinea. The organisms typical of lithorheophilic and psammorheophilic biocoenoses play a considerable role in the diet of the sterlet. Composition of bottom fauna as food items varies due to changes in environmental conditions induced mainly by the construction of two dams: Djerdap I (943 river km, 1970) and Djerdap II (863 river km, 1984).     

Protozoan ciliate epibionts on the freshwater apple snail Pomacea figulina (Spix, 1827) (Gastropoda,Ampullariidae) in an urban stream of south‐east Brazil

The objective of this study was to record and analyze the prevalence of ciliated protozoa associated with prosobranchian snails of the species Pomacea figulina collected from an urban stream in south‐eastern Brazil. Four collections were carried out between December, 2005, and March, 2006, from which 23 snails and 10 ‘empty’ shells were obtained. The shells and opercula were scraped over Petri dishes and the ciliates were observed using bright field and phase contrast microscopy. Seven species of ciliates were recorded on the snails of P. figulina. Of the 23 snails analyzed, 82.60% (n = 19) were infested with at least one species of ciliate. No ciliates were found on the ‘empty’ shells and opercula. The results are discussed in terms of ecological aspects involved in this association.     

Crab‐associated amphipods from the Falkland Islands (Crustacea,Peracarida)

Four species of associated amphipods were collected from the lithodid crab Paralomis granulosa in the Falkland Islands: Jassa kjetilanna n. sp. (Ischyroceridae), Gammaropsis monodi (Schellenberg, 1931 Schellenberg, A. 1931. Gammariden und Caprelliden des Magellangebietes, Südgeorgiens und der Westantarktis.. Further Zoological Results of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition 1901–1903, 2: 1–290.  [Google Scholar]) (Photidae), Aora karibu n. sp. (Aoridae), and Paramoera falklandica n. sp. (Eusiridae s.l.). The Gammaropsis was also found on the majid crab Eurypodius latreillei, where it seemed to be the only associate. A survey of all amphipod associations involving lithodid crabs is provided.     

Orb‐web spiders (Araneae: Araneomorphae; Orbiculariae) captured by hunting‐wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in an area of Atlantic Forest in south‐eastern Brazil

Members of two hunting‐wasp families, Pompilidae and Sphecidae, are among the major predators of orb‐web spiders. In this study, we collected paralysed spiders from natural nests and trap‐nests provisioned by sphecids in an area of Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and compared these data with the composition of species collected by visual searching during one year. Prey preferences were analysed based on the relative abundance of spider species, their size and web characteristics. We also compiled a list of orb‐weavers captured by four sphecid genera reported in 40 other studies. A large number of prey was obtained from natural nests of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) albonigrum in Parque Estadual Intervales, especially species of Eustala, Parawixia, and Araneus (Araneidae). Other prey, stored in trap‐nests by T. lactitarse and unidentified hunting‐wasp species, included Nephila (Tetragnathidae), Parawixia, Ocrepeira, Mecynogea, Acacesia (Araneidae), and other spider species that were less abundant. All the species that were heavily preyed upon had a relatively lower abundance in our samples of prey availability. The range of body sizes of spiders captured by Trypoxylon in our study area include the size of some abundant orb‐weavers always absent in their nests. These results indicate that factors other than abundance in the field and the spider's size influence prey selection or susceptibility to attack.     

A study of Platyplectrus Ferrière (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in mainland China

This paper reviews the Chinese species of Platyplectrus Ferrière. Twelve valid species are recognized from mainland China and a key to species is provided. Trichoplectrus Erdös (1951 Erdös, J, 1951. "Eulophidae novae. Acta Biologica". 1951, Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 2(1–3), 169–237. [Google Scholar]) is newly synonymized with Metaplectrus Ferrière (1941 Ferrière, C, 1941. New species of Euplectrini (Hym. Chalcidoidea) from Europe, Africa and Asia, Bulletin of Entomological Research 32 (1941), pp. 17–48.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) and three new combinations are proposed: Metaplectrus szepligetii (Erdös) from Platyplectrus, Platyplectrus bussy (Crawford) from Euplectrus and P. politus (Lin) from Metaplectrus. Four species of Platyplectrus were known previously from China: P. politus (Lin), P. odontogaster (Lin), P. papillata Lin and P. medius Zhu and Huang. Six species, P. bussyi (Crawford), P. laeviscuta (Thomson), P. natadae Ferrière, P. orthocraspedae Ferrière, P. pannonica (Erdös) and P. viridiceps (Ferrière) are newly recorded from China and re-described. Five new species, P. pulcher, P. setulosus, P. peculiaris, P. obtusiclavatus and P. variflagellum are described and compared with related species. Several species are also newly recorded from other regions: P. orthocraspedae Ferrière from the Afrotropical region, P. bussyi (Crawford) and P. laeviscuta (Thomson) from the Australian/Pacific region, P. laeviscuta (Thomson) from the Oriental region and P. viridiceps from the Palearctic region.