On the new goby,Ctenogobius veliensis (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the South-West coast of India

Summary

Ctenogobius veliensis, a new species of gobiid fish is described from the South-West coast of India. The characters of the fish conform to those of the genus Ctenogobius Gill but differ markedly from those of other recorded species of the genus. Apart from the usual, external morphological, morphometric and metistic characters, several other features such as the cephalic-lateralis system, skeletal features and morphology of the alimentary canal are also studied and have been found to be of significance for identifying the species. The fish shows distinct sexual dimorphism in many features.     

The food of Riccardoella limacum (Schrank) — Acari-Trombidiformes and its relationship with pulmonate molluscs

Summary

Knowledge of the anatomy and contents of the alimentary canal of R. limacum was obtained by using transverse and longitudinal sections of adult mites. Histological and histochemical techniques revealed the absence of slug mucus and the presence of slug amoebocytes in the gut caeca of the mite. The evidence available supports the contention that the slug mite is a blood feeder and obtains this food by producing a feeding tube or ‘stylostome’ in the tissues of its host.     

Anatomy of the alimentary canal of Parandania boecki (Stebbing, 1888) (Crustacea,Amphipoda, Stegocephalidae) from the Antarctic Ocean

The alimentary canal of Parandania boecki (Stebbing, 1888) has been investigated. Examination of gut contents shows that this species feeds on Cnidaria. The oesophagus, stomach and midgut are adapted to ingest and store large masses of soft food. The opening of the oesophagus is closed by a labral operculum and ‘double gate’ — like narrowings at the stomach entrance. The foregut is extremely enlarged and the funnel region is reduced. The midgut very probably is not connected to the foregut, and the resorption of food takes place only in the midgut caeca. The midgut forms a shallow, crescentic cavity over the midgut caeca.     

Revision of the genus Pseudodiphascon (Tardigrada,Macrobiotidae), with the erection of three new genera

A flexible but non-annulated buccal tube was used to erect the subgenus Pseudodiphascon, later raised to genus level (type species Macrobiotus inflexus). However, the presence of a flexible (but non-annulated) buccal tube in the holotype and paratype is due to the moulting simplex stage of both animals. Therefore Macrobiotus inflexus must be considered species dubia. The other species to date attributed to Pseudodiphascon differ from the type species of the genus in the presence of a pharyngeal tube that appears annulated. Because of this and other characters, they do not conform to the definition of Pseudodiphascon and cannot be attributed to this genus, which must be considered genus dubium. The characters of the claws and of the buccal—pharyngeal apparatuses led us to describe three new genera: Biserovus gen. n.: claws without a differentiated basal portion, annulated pharyngeal tube, peribuccal lamellae present; Minilentus gen. n.: claws of ‘hufelandi type’, annulated pharyngeal tube, peribuccal lamellae absent; Insuetifurca gen. n.: claws of modified' hufelandi type, annulated pharyngeal tube, peribuccal lamellae present, stylet furcae of a peculiar shape. Pseudodiphascon diphasconides lacks annulation in the buccal tube and is transferred to the genus Minibiotus.     

The alimentary canal and nervous system of Curculionoidea (Coleoptera): gross morphology and systematic significance

The alimentary canal and central nervous system are described and illustrated for 208 species of weevils (Curculionoidea, representing 140 genera and eight families, and the results are compared with the published data on related species.

The phylogenetic importance of the alimentary canal and central nervous system of adult Curculionoidea is discussed. The alimentary canal and nervous system of the genera Car, Cylas, Eurhynchus, and Antliarhinus are described and the systematic position of these genera discussed. It is concluded that, on the basis of internal characters, Car, previously considered to belong to the Attelabidae, is better placed in the Apionidae; Cylas, now placed in the Brentidae, may be allied to both Brentidae and Apionidae; and both Eurhynchus and Antliarhinus are primitive apionids.     

Book reviews

Summary

Five early ontogenic stages of Scomberomorus lineolatus (C. &; V.) ranging in standard length from 18·4 mm to 99·5 mm are described.

Direct comparison of these early stages with those of S. commerson (Lac.) showed differences in the number of gill rakers, the length of preopercular spines and the position of the anal fin in relation to the second dorsal fin. In the case of S. guttatus (Bl. &; Schn.) the gill rakers are of the same number as in S. lineolatus but the preopercular spines decrease in size from above with the upper two subequal in size and none projects beyond the operculum.

In the earlier stages, S. lineolatus could be easily distinguished from S. guttatus by the absence of the bluish green coloration characteristic of S. guttatus. In later stages when the coloration has developed in both the species the only marked difference between the two is in the nature of the bent portion of the lateral line which is wavy in S. lineolatus and straight in S. guttatus.

The number of vertebrae is 46 in S. lineolatus; 42–45 with 43·9 as mean in S. commerson and 47–52 with 49·7 as mean in S. guttatus.     

A new heteromorphic deutonymph (Hypopus) of a sarcoptiform mite parasitic under the skin of a toucan

Summary

A study of the form and functioning of Philine angasi and Philine auriformis. Philine angasi feeds on the bivalve Chione stutchburyi by extrusion of the buccal bulb. The radula is degenerate and plays no part in the ingestion of food. Philine auriformis ingests Nucula hartvigiana, the buccal bulb acting as a suction pump. The buccal bulb is not eversible and the buccal mass carries the prey from the buccal cavity to the oesophagus. The feeding and form of these species are compared with that of Philine aperta. It is shown that the musculature of the buccal region is modified to suit the different feeding methods.     

Four new species of the Diphascon nobilei group (Eutardigrada,Hypsibiidae)

The existence of a group of species similar to Diphascon (Diphascon) nobilei is shown. These species have some common characteristics: a well‐evident drop‐shaped thickening between the buccal tube and the pharyngeal tube, pharyngeal bulb, more or less elongate, with three rod‐shaped macroplacoids and microplacoid, claws of the hind legs different from those of the first three pairs of legs in having a very wide basal portion and indented basal margin, basal spurs also present on the external claws and, in some cases, also on the internal claws of the first three pairs of legs. Four new species of this group are described: Diphascon (D.) serratum, D. (D.) nelsonae, D. (D.) platyungue, and D. (D.) hydrophilum. They differ from one another in the dimensions and shape of the claws; in some cases the difference also affects the value of the ptd index relative to the insertion point of the stylet supports, the buccal and the pharyngeal tube length or the macroplacoid length.     

VI.—Revision of the species of Hyrax,founded on the specimens in the British Museum

Summary

Spirocamallanus olseni, previously known only from Madagascar in lutjanids and a remora, also infects the lutjanid, Lutjanus fulviflamma, in the Gulf of Elat; it becomes the second member of the genus reported from the Red Sea. Procamallanus elatensis sp. nov. from two siganid fishes becomes the second known Red Sea species in that genus, but appears most related to two other species from signaids. It can be characterized by having a distinct ledge in the buccal capsule anterior to the basal ring and an excretory pore anterior to the nerve ring. In the male, a gubernaculum and three pre-cloacal plus five post-cloacal papillae are present and the spicules have blunt tips with a crook and a ratio of 1:2·4 to 3·3. In the female, the vulva occurs 33 to 45% of the body length from the anterior end.     

XIII.—The recent voles of the Microtus nivalis group

Summary

The study of the flora of the alimentary canal of D. frischii reveals the presence of bacteria E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus and unspeciated members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The presence of the members of Enterobacteriaceae in the flora indicates the possibilities of gastro-intestinal disorders in the human population and its public health importance has been stressed.     

Contributions of Walter G. Ridewood to systematic comparative anatomy,especially of the osteology of “lower” vertebrates

Walter George Ridewood (1867–1921), an English comparative anatomist, was influential for many reasons, including his methods for preparing anatomical specimens and the factual results of his studies, as well as through his approach toward systematic comparative anatomy. Ridewood was not limited to expertise in any particular taxonomic group, but rather researched and published on many groups and anatomical systems, most notably on the hyoid apparatus of basal anurans, the skull of basal teleostean fishes, the gill morphology of lamellibranch molluscs, and the morphology and taxonomy of the pterobranch Cephalodiscus. In this paper, we describe Ridewood's life, and discuss his influence, particularly in regards to the systematic osteology of teleostean fishes. We provide a partially annotated list of Ridewood's published works.     

Observations on the “tenuis group” (Eutardigrada,Macrobiotidae) and description of a new Macrobiotus species

A new species of the tardigrade genus Macrobiotus is described. The species, designated M. ciprianoi n. sp., was isolated from a mixture of Provence broom leaf litter and mosses, and from rock mosses collected in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid (Spain). Given that Macrobiotus ciprianoi n. sp. shares several characters to members of the “tenuis group”, we assessed the taxonomic homogeneity of the group. The new species differs from those of the “tenuis group” according to a unique set of characters related with claw shape, features of the buccal‐pharyngeal apparatus, and egg morphology. Our analysis of holotypes and/or paratypes of “tenuis group” species and other Macrobiotus species with similar characters (M. bondavallii and M. caelicola) reflects the heterogeneity of this group of species as currently described.     

Revision of the isopod crustacean genus Mothocya Costa,in Hope, 1851 (Cymothoidae: Flabellifera), parasitic on marine fishes

The genus Mothocya is fully revised. Irona Schioedte and Meinert is placed in synonymy with Mothocya. All named species but one, including 18 new species, are described and figured in detail. A further eight undescribed species are listed. With one exception Mothocya species are all gill parasites found principally on atherinomorph fishes of the families Hemiramphidae, Belonidae, and Atherinidae. Brief accounts are given of the biogeography, biology and host-parasite interaction of the species of Mothocya. Keys to the species are provided for the different major biogeographic regions.     

The functional morphology of the feeding and grooming appendages of Ebalia tuberosa (Pennant) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Leucosiidae)

Summary

Ebalia tuberosa feeds mainly on small invertebrates but will also scavenge. The morphology of the feeding and grooming appendages is described paying particular attention to the structure and distribution of the setae. The movements of the various appendages during feeding are analysed. The mouthparts function in manipulating, grasping and cutting the food; in forming setal screens which prevent food from falling out of the mouth region; in creating water currents to waft away rejected material; and in cleaning each other. Setal structure is correlated with function. Those appendages which manipulate the food are armed with cuspidate and serrate setae while those which hold the food string steady during cutting carry plumodenticulate setae. Plumodenticulate and serrulate setae of various types make up two buccal setal screens, one transverse and the other longitudinal. The rejection current is generated by the flagella of the exopodites of the 1st and 2nd maxillipeds which bear long plumose setae. The main cleaning appendages are the 3rd maxillipeds whose distal segments bear serrate setae. In addition, various appendages bear fields of plumodenticulate setae which brush and clean adjacent surfaces during the normal feeding movements of the mouthparts.     

Life History of Western Ghats endemic and threatened Anuran – Matheran leaping frog, (Indirana leithii) with notes on its feeding preferences

The species Indirana leithii (Anura: Ranixalidae) is endemic to the northern Western Ghats of India and is distributed between latitudes 16°N and 21°N in this region. The tadpoles of this species have been previously studied for their morphology and feeding behaviour; however, their natural history is still not completely understood. In the current study, we provide information about the mating behaviour, egg laying and metamorphosis of the species. We observed that the species possesses reproductive mode number 19 as these frogs lay eggs inside the natural cavities of vertical rock surfaces near streams and waterfalls and their tadpoles are adapted for adhering to the wet rock surface, where they feed on algae (including diatoms) growing in seepage on the rocks. Interestingly, there is no audible calling or territory guarding involved during the courtship behaviour. This has been observed for the first time in any Indian anuran. We also provide data on food preferences of adults and tadpoles.     

Diplecogaster tonstricula,a new species of cleaning clingfish (Teleostei: Gobiesocidae) from the Canary Islands and Senegal,eastern Atlantic Ocean,with a review of the Diplecogaster-ctenocrypta species-group

The Diplecogaster-ctenocrypta species-group is reviewed; it comprises two species. The clingfish Diplecogaster ctenocrypta from the Canary Islands is redescribed. The new species Diplecogaster tonstricula, a facultative cleaner of other teleosts, is described on the basis of eight specimens and colour photos from Senegal and the Canary Islands, eastern Atlantic Ocean. The species is small, apparently not exceeding 23 mm total length; it is characterised by having nine dorsal-fin rays, eight anal-fin rays, 24–25 pectoral-fin rays, 14–15 principal caudal-fin rays, 13–16 rakers on third gill arch, pelvic disc without lateral papillae in region A, disc region B with two rows of weak papillae, interorbital distance 4.1–4.6 in head length, distance between disc and anus 14–17% of SL, head and body with 10–13 narrow vertical brownish bars, cheek with a white ocellus surrounded by black, and with a small black spot in the middle. The new species is compared with other species of the genus; a key to the six known species of the eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea and South African genus Diplecogaster is presented. A checklist is provided for the species of Diplecogaster and their synonyms.     

Comparative morphology of scales of four teleost fishes from Sudan and Yemen

The scale morphology of four teleost fishes, Barbus arabicus, B. exolatus, Labeo niloticus (Cyprinidae), and Lates niloticus (Centropomidae), was studied using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The considerable variation in scale shape on different parts of the body makes it difficult to nominate a typical scale for particular species to be used in taxonomic studies. However, some character states of the inter‐radial denticles, cteni, and the focus area appear to be good taxonomic criteria.     

XC.—The Malacostraca: Their origin,relationships and Phylogeny

Abstract

This paper is based on the morphology of certain Cambrian Trilobites. These are much the most primitive Arthropods known, much more so than any Crustacea. Trilobites constitute the most primitive Arthropod Class, and they alone suggest the stages of origin of the Arthropod—the prot-Arthropod with simple eyes and the deut-Arthropod with compound. Both Trilobites and Crustacea are derived from the deut-Arthropod. The organs of Crustacea are derived through those of these stages and from those of the Polychaet; and the head is claimed as the equivalent of the head of the Trilobite and of the prosoma of the Chelicerate without the pre-genital segment. The apparent reduction of segments in the head of Crustacea and other Arthropods is attributed to the reduction of their appendages under cover of the labrum and their incorporation within the alimentary canal. The tagmata and subtagmata and the nomomerism exhibited by the Malacostraca are derived from an ancestral periodicity in the segmentation, which exists still in the Polynoidae among Polychaets, and is exhibited also by the Olenellidae among Cambrian Trilobites. The segmentation of the Malacostraca is claimed also to be the same fundamentally as that of the Scorpions and Eurypterids among the Chelicerates, excepting only that these have lost their analite or telson     

A comparative study of the gill area relationships in some talitrid amphipods

The total gill area and gill distribution of seven talitrid species taken from a variety of habitats have been studied. In the sandhoppers, Talitrus and Talorchestia, and in the landhopper, Arcitalitrus dorrieni, the greatest gill area is invested in the posterior gills (G6) whereas in the beachflea, Orchestia spp., G2 has the greatest area. Gills 3, 4 and 5 are characteristically small and G7 is consistently absent in all the species studied. Gill structure and deployment patterns are, in general, quite conservative within the Talitridae. The gills of A. dorrieni are, however, complex in shape and are more convoluted than in the other species studied.

Gill area/body dry weight relationships were established for each species and are compared with previously published data. The Talitridae show a reduction in total gill area compared with most aquatic amphipods. It was observed, however, that the slopes of the calculated regression lines were significantly different between the sandhopper and beachflea genera studied. The reduction in gill area within the Talitridae is discussed in relation to their colonization of land.     

Histology of the alimentary canal of the mature larva of Prodenia litura Fabr. (Lepidoptera)

Summary

The histology of the alimentary canal of the mature larva of Prodenia litura Fabr. is described in detail. The status of the oesophageal and stomodaeal valves, structure and morphological relationship of the mesenteric cells and the structure and formation of the peritrophic membrane are discussed. The oesophageal epithelium is deeply compressed by the intruding muscules and the chitinous intima bears prominent spines thus forming a valve. The structure and function of this valve is quite different from that of the stomodaeal valve. The interstitial cells give rise to two different forms of mesenteric cells, viz. the columnar and goblet cells. There are clusters of unspecified cells at the anterior end of the mesenteron. The role of these cells appears to be secreting chitin which helps in forming the peritrophic membrane.