Two aberrant karyotypes in the sagebrush lizard ( Sceloporus graciosus ): triploidy and a "supernumerary" oddity

Widespread karyotypic sampling in the lizard Sceloporus graciosus Baird & Girard has confirmed previous reports of chromosomal monotypy. Most individuals throughout the range have a diploid karyotype of 2N = 30 consisting of 12 biarmed macrochromosomes and 18 microchromosomes. A single female karyotyped from the vicinity of Riverside, California, was unmistakably triploid, showing 3N = 45 with 18 macrochromosomes and 27 microchromosomes. This female appeared phenotypically normal but appeared reproductively incompetent. A male from Zion National Park, Utah, showed an extra bivalent in some diakinesis arrays, which apparently represents a supernumerary chromosome.     

Association of Juniperus deppeana (Cupressaceae: Pinales) seeds with Mexican cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus cunicularius; Leporidae: Lagomorpha) latrines

Seed aggregation in latrines of rabbits is a little-studied process that may contribute substantially to seed dispersal and survival. We located Juniperus deppeana trees and the latrines used by the endemic Mexican cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus cunicularius within a 1 ha fragment of J. deppeana-dominated forest and evaluated their patterns of aggregation as microhabitats used by cottontail rabbits to consume the J. deppeana galbulus (fleshy cones) or to deposit their pellets with defecated seeds. Based on mean latrine area, we marked a 2 m × 2 m plot centred on the base of every tree or latrine within the study site. We counted all pellets within each plot and analysed them for the presence of seeds of Juniperus or any other species. We found seeds in 13% of all pellets, mainly those deposited in the latrines. If seeds are scarified by passing through the intestinal tract, seed germination in latrines may increase the probability of survival and establishment. Thus, the community structure and density could change in time as rabbits are changing the places where they place their latrines.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:372FEED4-5DFF-4144-A384-4FB30F480A26     

A character analysis of the North American potter wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae; Eumeninae)

A cladistic analysis of the nearctic genera of Eumeninae is presented. The ground plan states of 43 character systems are discussed, and the first comprehensive cladogram for any significant portion of the subfamily is presented. At least eight of the 26 genera are apparently nonmonophyletic: Zethus, Montezumia, Euodynerus, Odynerus, Pterocheilus, Stenodynerus, Leptochilus and Microdynerus. A key to the nearctic genera accompanies the text.     

Morphometry and chaetotaxy of the nymphs of Ectemnostega (Ectemnostegella) quechua (Bachmann 1961) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Corixidae)

The egg and the five nymphal instars of Ectemnostega quechua are described and illustrated for the first time. The eggs of Ectemnostega have a short stalk, and the shape, size and chorionic structure differ among groups of species. The nymphal characters most useful in identifying instars I–V of Ectemnostega are: body length; number of rostrum sulcations; number of setae on inner surface of protibiotarsus; spines and setae, and spines on posteroventral surface of mesofemur and mesotibia, respectively; setae on posterodorsal surface of mesotibia and mesotarsus; spines and setae on anteroventral surface and setae on posterior surface of metatibia; swimming hairs on anteroventral and posterodorsal surfaces of metatarsus; and the grade of development of wing pads. The nymphs of E. quechua can be easily distinguished from other species of Ectemnostega by the number of spines and setae on the posteroventral surface of mesofemur.     

Description of two new Quadrastichus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) reared from Litchiomyia chinensis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on commercial lychee (Litchi chinensis; Sapindaceae) in Taiwan

ABSTRACT

The lychee gall midge, Litchiomyia chinensis Yang and Luo (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), invaded Taiwan in 2008. This fly induces blister-galls on the leaves of lychee, Litchi chinensis Sonn (Sapindaceae), and causes significant yield losses. At present, its natural enemy complex is largely undocumented; thus, the overall aim of ongoing research is to investigate the natural enemies on L. chinensis in different areas and seasons in Taiwan. We describe two species that parasitise this gall midge: Quadrastichus lasallei, sp. n. and Quadrastichus johnlasallei, sp. n. that demonstrate biocontrol potential of this pest.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A5E93071-D935-4F60-BCF9-225C50389ABF http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:261FC598-03CC-44A1-9379-F665B2DF0AA0     

A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) associated with Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae) from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

ABSTRACT

A new species of Cladochaeta Coquillett, 1900 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is described, C. amorimi nov. sp. based on a series obtained from pupae associated with nymphs of Sphodroscarta trivirgata (Amyot & Serville, 1843) (Auchenorrhyncha: Aphrophoridae) collected on the National Forest of Caxiuanã in the Brazilian Amazon, State of Pará. The new species belong so the dykra species group, being closely related to Cladochaeta erecta Grimaldi & Nguyen, 1999.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:39052AE8-3C55-4C92-A78E-3AB46C9D3C8A     

Description of the immature stages of Sigara (Tropocorixa) santiagiensis (Hungerford, 1928) (Insecta: Heteroptera: Corixidae)

The immature stages of Sigara santiagiensis are described and illustrated for the first time. The eggs of Sigara can be distinguished by the chorionic surface. The main characters separating the five nymphal instars of S. santiagiensis are: body and head lengths; body, head and eye widths; ocular index; numbers of transverse sulcations of the rostrum, setae on the inner surface of protibiotarsus, campaniform sensilla on posterior surface of protrochanter, spines on posteroventral surface of mesotibia and on tibial comb of metaleg, long, slender setae on posterodorsal surface of mesotarsus, spines and swimming hairs on anteroventral and posterodorsal surfaces of metatarsus; and grade of development of the wing pads. The body length, the chaetotaxy of the mesonotum, profemora and metafemora, protibiotarsus, metatibia, metatarsus and urosternites distinguish species or group of species of instars I and V of some of the species of the genus Sigara described up to now.     

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.     

Nesting biology and behavioural ecology of the solitary bee Monoeca haemorrhoidalis (Smith) and its cleptoparasite Protosiris gigas Melo (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Tapinotaspidini; Osirini)

The species Monoeca haemorrhoidalis, the largest species in the genus, occurs in the Atlantic rainforest of southeastern and southern Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the nesting ecology of M. haemorrhoidalis and its interactions with natural enemies. Nest aggregations were studied in an area at the transition between Dense and Mixed Temperate Rainforest, south Brazil. The period of nest construction and cell provisioning started in October and stopped in February. Plant species of the families Orchidaceae, Styracaceae and, mainly, Malpighiaceae, were the most important pollen and floral oil resources that were used in brood cell provisioning. During the nest construction activities, 27 insect species were observed at the nesting sites. The cleptoparasitic bee Protosiris gigas was one of the main causes of M. haemorrhoidalis mortality. Some behavioural and biological data of P. gigas are also reported.     

A limnological reconnaissance of the Falkland Islands; with particular reference to the waterfleas (Arthropoda: Anomopoda)

Forty‐eight freshwater bodies on the Falkland Islands, including 33 lakes and pools, and 12 rivers and streams, were sampled for freshwater invertebrates. This study yielded 129 species of invertebrates (79 Rotifera, 34 Arthropoda, six Platyhelminthes, three Gastrotricha, two Nematoda, two Annelida, two Mollusca, and one Tardigrada) plus two fish species bringing the known Falkland Islands freshwater fauna to more than 170 species. While the presence of fishes, molluscs, amphipods, caddis larvae, waterboatmen, parasitic cercaria, and truly planktonic rotifers make the Falkland Islands fauna markedly richer than any subantarctic, or maritime Antarctic island, it is nevertheless sparse when compared with other temperate and tropical locations.     

Revision of the carpenter bee subgenus Xylocopa (Dasyxylocopa) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The subgenus Xylocopa (Dasyxylocopa) Hurd and Moure is revised, with recognition of three valid species, one of them newly described from the highlands of eastern Brazil. In addition to X. fortuita sp. nov. and the type species X. bimaculata Friese, the subgenus includes X. piligera Maidl n. stat., having X. leucopus Friese as its junior synonym, both names here removed from synonymy under X. bimaculata and for which lectotypes are presently designated. Notes are provided on the nesting habits of X. piligera.

http:/zoobank.org/lsid:zoobank.org:pub:339CE18B-37F2-47F5-881D-A8C9C22E42F5     

Systematics and ecology of the caecilian Crotaphatrema lamottei (Nussbaum) (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Scolecomorphidae)

New observations on Crotaphatrema lamottei are reported based on fieldwork on Mount Oku between 2006 and 2008. This species was encountered by pitfall trapping and digging, but encounter rates were low. Six new specimens of C. lamottei add substantially to the previous hypodigm for the species and genus, and new morphometric and meristic data are presented. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence data supports strongly the monophyly of Crotaphatrema. The genetic and morphological distance between C. lamottei and Crotaphatrema tchabalmbaboensis is small, although there is a clear difference in colour pattern. The Data Deficient IUCN conservation status of all three species of Crotaphatrema is likely to change most readily as a result of better data on distribution.     

Copepods of the genus Colobomatus (Poecilostomatoida: Philichthyidae) from fishes of the family Sillaginidae (Teleostei: Perciformes)

Six species of Colobomatus, five of which are new to science, were found in a survey of 26 species of sillaginid fishes in the Indo-west Pacific. Three of the species are closely related and occur in the head cavities of various species of their hosts. Colobomatus sillaginis West, 1983 is recorded in Sillaginodes punctata and 12 species of Sillago, from around the coast of Australia and in the Gulf of Thailand, representing many new host and locality records. Female C. asiaticus sp. nov. are described from southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf, in three species of Sillago. Female C. arabicus sp. nov. are described from two species of Sillago occurring only in the Persian Gulf. A second intrageneric grouping of three species of Colobomatus inhabits a different microhabitat: tubes of the lateral line scales. Each of these species infects several sillaginid fishes, and in contrast to members of the first species-group they are entirely allopatric with each other. In Australia, female C. fulloonae sp. nov. are described from three species of Sillago in northern waters, and female C. charleah sp. nov. are described from two species of Sillago and Sillaginodes punctata in southern waters. Female C. westi sp. nov. are described from three species of Sillago in the waters of eastern Asia (Japan, Korea and China). Only one male specimen of each of C. arabicus sp. nov., C. charleah sp. nov. and C. westi sp. nov. was found.     

A revision of the species of the Neoserica (sensu lato) vulpes group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericini)

This paper revises the species belonging to the Neoserica (sensu lato) vulpes group and results in one new combination, Neoserica (sensu lato) vulpes (Arrow, 1946) comb. nov., and 24 new species originating mainly from south-western China: N. baishuiensis sp. nov., N. baoshana sp. nov., N. biuncinata sp. nov., N. dundai sp. nov., N. ganhaiziana sp. nov., N. heishuiana sp. nov., N. kereni sp. nov., N. laocaiana sp. nov., N. lateriuncinata sp. nov., N. leiboensis sp. nov., N. luzhouana sp. nov., N. ningyuanensis sp. nov., N. nykli sp. nov., N. parausta sp. nov., N. pseudovulpes sp. nov., N. rubellula sp. nov., N. ruzickai sp. nov., N. shinkaisiensis sp. nov., N. sichuanica sp. nov., N. usta sp. nov., N. weishanensis sp. nov., N. xiaguanensis sp. nov., N. kunmingensis sp. nov. and N. yangjiapingensis sp. nov. A key to species and illustrations of genitalia and habitus of adults are given, including distribution maps of all species.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3FE6CC54-DB3A-4201-A6F9-332E4A397268     

Survival and reproduction of the mussel Xenostrobus securis (Lamarck) (Mollusca; Bivalvia; Mytilidae) in a Western Australian estuary. Pt. II: Reproduction,growth and longevity

Summary

Growth, longevity and breeding characteristics of populations of the mussel Xenostrobus securis in the Swan Estuary are remarkably variable, both between one year and another and between upstream and downstream localities. These characteristics and their variability may be accounted for by the species' physiological responses and limitations to variable salinity conditions. The Swan Estuary is subject to extreme temporal and spatial variations in salinity. Temperature has only a secondary significance on the biology of the mussel in this estuary.

Activity including growth is inhibited at chlorinities below 2‰. This occurs each winter during the discharge period. At Crawley (downstream) the discharge period rarely lasts more than a few weeks in mid winter, but at upstream limits of the estuary (e.g. Barker Bridge) it is highly variable and may last as long as seven months. Consequently the period of no-growth which corresponds to the discharge period varies between downstream and upstream populations and the total annual growth increment varies accordingly. Similarly the duration of the no-growth period and the total annual growth increment varies from year to year at upstream localities.

At Crawley mussels live only one year. At that locality there is almost total mortality of adults soon after spawning. The relationship of the post-reproductive mortality to intensity of reproductive effort is discussed. At Barker Bridge heavy post-reproductive mortality was not observed and animals may live two years or more. This greater longevity at Barker Bridge is considered to have survival advantage for the population which is living in an unstable and inconsistent environment. Downstream conditions are more seasonally regular and the populations there can rely on having optimal conditions each year.

Spawning begins at the downstream end of the estuary in November or December when the chlorinity rises to the critical lower limit for larval development (8 to 9‰. Cl). A wave of spawning moves up the estuary as the summer progresses, following the zone of optimal salinity conditions. It does not reach Barker Bridge until February or March. In 1964 the chlorinity did not reach the lower limit for larval development at Barker Bridge and no spawning or spatfall occurred there.

It is considered that X. securis is physiologically well adapted for persistence in an estuarine environment characterized by variable and unstable salinity conditions.     

Larval development in Phimochirus roseus (Benedict) (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) reared in the laboratory

The zoeal and megalopal stages of Phimochirus roseus (Benedict, 1892) are described and illustrated from material reared under laboratory conditions. Although the vast majority of zoeae of this species pass through only four larval stages before the moult to megalopa, an occasional fifth stage has been observed. Phimochirus roseus differs in a number of morphological attributes from the only other species of Phimochirus whose larvae have been described. However, their shared features are sufficiently characteristic to confirm the distinctiveness of the genus and its general developmental homogeneity.     

New species and records of the Neoserica (sensu stricto) group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericini)

In this paper we examined newly collected specimens of the Neoserica Brenske, 1894 (sensu stricto) species group housed in Chinese collections. Four new species are described from China: Neoserica (s. str.) mengsongensis Liu & Ahrens, sp. nov. (Yunnan Prov.), Neoserica (s. str.) pseudosangangana Liu & Ahrens, sp. nov. (Guizhou Prov.), Neoserica (s. str.) taibaiensis Liu & Ahrens, sp. nov. (Shaanxi Prov.) and Neoserica (s. str.) yongkangensis Liu & Ahrens, sp. nov. (Zhejiang Prov.). Habitus and the male genitalia are illustrated. Additionally, we provide new distribution records, an updated distribution map and an updated key to the species of the Neoserica (sensu stricto) group.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A3C6B300-EAC3-445E-8B14-E1DBB7BBFB7F     

Chinese psyllids in the genus Cacopsylla (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea) associated with Spiraea (Rosaceae)

The Chinese Cacopsylla species associated with Spiraea are revised. Three new species (Cacopsylla falcata sp. nov., C. nocturna sp. nov. and C. qilianensis sp. nov.) are described, and two [C. hyalinonemae Li and Yang, 1989 and C. spiraeicola (Li, 2011) comb. nov.] are redescribed. A new combination is also proposed for Cacopsylla tetrotaenialis (Li and Yang, 1989) comb. nov. Among the five species, C. falcata and C. qilianensis are affirmed to develop on Spiraea, as fifth instar immatures were found. The host plants of the other species remain uncertain. Based on morphological grounds, it is suggested that C. falcata and C. nocturna are closely related, but that the five species associated with Spiraea do not constitute a monophyletic group.     

Size criteria for the distinction between Cylindroiulus londinensis (Leach) and Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus (Wood) (Diplopoda: Julidae)

Ring number, body height and live weight are given for each stadium and sex of two Cylindroiulus species often confused in the literature. In each stadium there is no overlap between the height and weight of the two species, which makes it possible to identify specimens using size criteria alone. According to data from different places in Europe, intraspecific variation is not substantial enough to fill the size gap between the two species.     

Feeding by the Great Basin spadefoot toad ( Spea intermontana ) (Anura: Pelobatidae)

The present study analyzed the stomach contents of 65 Great Basin spadefoot toads, Spea intermontana (Cope), collected in an area of irrigation runoff in south central Washington State. Toads were collected by pitfall trapping. Traps were maintained for 1 year beginning in April 2002. Toads consumed at least 56 different arthropod taxa belonging to the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, Trichoptera, Collembola, and Araneae. Ants and darkling beetles were among the most common prey. Feeding appeared to be very generalized with the toads accepting almost anything they could capture and subdue.