Bumblebees of the Azores (Apidae: Bombus)

Bombus terrestris and Bombus pratorum were found for the first time in the Azores in 2005. Until then Bombus ruderatus was the only bumblebee species known from this group of nine mid-Atlantic islands. The identity of B. terrestris was confirmed by DNA barcoding.     

Genetic and morphometric variation in the potamonautid river crab Potamonautes parvispina (Decapoda: Potamonautidae) from two Western Cape rivers,South Africa

Patterns of genetic and morphometric variation amongst five populations of Potamonautes parvispina from two rivers in the Western Cape, were examined. Genetic variation at 14 loci was investigated using protein gel electrophoresis. The results showed that the populations were genetically invariant within and between the two drainage systems. Discriminant functions analyses of seven carapace variables demonstrated regional differentiation between the population groups in the two drainage systems. Other morphometric characters exhibited a significant degree of variation within drainage systems. Morphometric data were highly variable and were discordant with the genetic data, which suggests that environmental factors may be responsible for the large degree of phenotypic plasticity. Results from the present study are discussed in terms of widespread gene flow and recent population divergence.     

Mitochondrial DNA genetic variation and phylogeography of the recently described vole species Proedromys liangshanensis Liu,Sun, Zeng and Zhao, 2007 (Rodentia: Arvicolinae)

A vole species, Proedromys liangshanensis Liu, Sun, Zeng and Zhao, 2007 Liu, SY, Sun, ZY, Zeng, ZY and Zhao, EM. 2007. A new vole (Cricetidae: Arvicolinae: proedromys) from the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan province. China. J Mammal., 88(5): 1170–1178.  [Google Scholar] (Rodentia: Arvicolinae), which is endemic to the Liangshan Mountains, Sichuan, China, was reported in 2007. The species is restricted to a narrow range because of its weak dispersal ability and habitat specificity, and only lives in fir and spruce forests with abundant grass. In this study, the genetic diversity and phylogeographical structure of 42 P. liangshanensis were examined based on analysis of a partial mitochondrial DNA control region. The results revealed low genetic diversity in the P. liangshanensis populations. Twelve nucleotide haplotypes were defined in the 42 collected individuals, and were divided into two major phylogenetic clades, which were obviously related to geographic pattern. Estimates of gene flow (Nm?=?0.09) also revealed a genetic divergence between the Jinyang and Meigu populations. Species-specific traits, habitat specificity and geographic events contributed to the genetic divergence of the new vole. ?These authors contributed equally to this work.      

Genetic variation of woodrats ( Neotoma cinerea ) and deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) on montane habitat islands in the Great Basin

Seventeen loci were examined for polymorphism in four populations of Neotoma cinerea and Peromyscus maniculatus on isolated mountain ranges in the Great Basin, one population of each in the Sierra Nevada, and one of each in the Rocky Mountains. All Peromyscus populations had higher levels of heterozygosity than syntopic Neotoma populations.     

Ant fauna (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen): zoogeography,distribution and description of a new species

The animal fauna of the Socotra Archipelago is influenced by three biogeographical regions, the Afrotropical, the Oriental and the Palaearctic. Consequently, the Archipelago shares faunal elements of these three regions in addition to unique endemic taxa. The ant fauna of Socotra Island was studied and is reviewed based on literature and newly collected material. In total, 28 species, belonging to 10 genera and four subfamilies, were collected from the main island. Eighteen of these (64%) are successful invasive species, seven are native (25%), and three are considered endemic (11%), Cardiocondyla longiceps Seifert, Monomorium elghazalyi sp. nov. and Monomorium nimihil Collingwood et al. Two genera are recorded for the first time from the island, Hypoponera Santschi, and Syllophopsis Santschi. Ten species are recorded for the first time, Cardiocondyla mauritanica Forel, Cardiocondyla minutior Forel, Monomorium atomum Forel, Monomorium dichroum Forel, Monomorium exiguum Forel, Pheidole pallidula (Nylander), Syllophopsis cryptobia (Santschi), Tetramorium pauper Forel, Tetramorium transformans Santschi and Hypoponera punctatissima (Roger). Ten invasive species are recorded from Socotra, reflecting human impacts on the Archipelago. These species are Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius), Cardiocondyla emeryi Forel, Monomorium exiguum Forel, Pheidole indica Mayr, Syllophopsis cryptobia (Santschi), Tetramorium lanuginosum Mayr, Tetramorium simillimum (Smith), Tetramorium caldarium (Roger), Trichomyrmex destructor (Jerdon) and Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel). Our survey indicated a mixture of Afrotropical faunal elements (10 species, 36%), followed by cosmopolitan (nine species, 32%), Palaearctic (five species, 18%) and Oriental (four species, 14%) taxa. Two new synonyms of Monomorium exiguum Forel are proposed: Monomorium exiguum Forel = Monomorium baushare Collingwood & Agosti syn. nov. = Monomorium qarahe Collingwood & Agosti syn. nov. Tetramorium transformans Santschi is removed from synonymy with Tetramorium caldarium (Roger) and elevated to species rank. Ecological and biological notes for each species are given. Distribution maps for all species known from the Socotra Archipelago are provided.

http://zoobank/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:89612083-9CE6-48E8-8975-1CE5334E098B     

Biology and life history of the araneophagic assassin bug Stenolemus bituberus including a morphometric analysis of the instars (Heteroptera,Reduviidae)

Stenolemus bituberus is an araneophagic “assassin bug” (Heteroptera; Reduviidae; Emesinae) that typically is found living in spider webs. We documented the life history of S. bituberus in the field for 13 months, determining its developmental phenology and microhabitat characteristics as well as describing its mating and predatory behaviour. We also included a morphometric analysis of the instars. Our study revealed that S. bituberus is univoltine with five juvenile instars. Although S. bituberus is found in the webs of spiders from a wide range of genera, it is found most commonly in the webs of Achaearanea, Badumna, Pholcus, and Stiphidion. Multiple juveniles often were found on a single web, but adults tended to be more solitary. Stenolemus bituberus appears to have two distinct hunting strategies: “stalking”, in which they slowly approach the spider, make contact and then strike; and “luring”, in which they attract the spider within range by manipulating the silk with their legs.     

A new species of Plagiodontes from Argentina,and new data on the anatomy of four other species in the genus (Gastropoda: Orthalicidae,Odontostominae)

Abstract

Plagiodontes weyrauchi sp. nov. is among the smallest species in the genus Plagiodontes (Doering, 1877). Statistical multivariate analyses confirmed its distinctiveness from other species, mostly because of its high number of whorls (8–9.75), relatively small width, and low proportions of last whorl and aperture length to shell length; multivariate discriminant analysis applied to this species and its most similar relative, P. multiplicatus parvus, correctly identified 100%?of specimens. Pallial and genital anatomy supports P. weyrauchi as a different species, mainly because of the position of the ureteric pore, the small general size of the genital system, the presence of an accessory lobe alongside the verge, and the vaginal internal structure. Internal anatomy of four other small-sized taxa in the genus was studied. Two of them have a verge with no accessory lobe [P. dentatus (Wood, 1828) and P. patagonicus (d'Orbigny, 1835)], while the remaining two have an accessory lobe with different characteristics [P. rocae Doering, 1881 and P. multiplicatus parvus (Hylton-Scott, 1952 Hylton-Scott, M I. 1952. Nuevos moluscos terrestres del norte argentino. Acta Zool Lilloana., 10: 5–29.  [Google Scholar])]. Internal structure of the vagina also shows specific differences among Plagiodontes species; their phylogenetic significance will be further investigated.     

Patterns of trophic relationships between planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) and their host plants on the Mascarene Islands

Following an up‐to‐date synopsis on the planthopper fauna and their associated host‐plants in the Mascarene Islands including numerous new data, a study of host plant and Fulgoromorpha interaction patterns illustrates some remarkable specificities. The endemic fauna remains essentially on endemic plants and exotic planthoppers have not shifted to them, remaining on exotic plants. Two fulgoromorph families are strictly associated with monocotyledons: (1) the Delphacidae represented by widespread species maintain the same host as the continental source populations, especially exotic Poaceae and (2) the Derbidae which displayed a food conservatism for woody plants are found mostly on endemic Arecaceae, Pandanaceae and Liliaceae. These relationships differ from continental Derbidae, which are recorded as much on dicotyledons as on monocotyledons. Other island specificity appears with the endemic species of Meenoplidae from La Réunion, which are recorded on endemic dicotyledons whereas the continental species are recorded on monocotyledons. In La Réunion, a positive correlation between endemic planthopper diversity recorded on different host plants and endemic plant diversity within different plant orders was observed. This result suggests a stochastic distribution of the planthoppers on the available botanical taxa at the time of colonization. In the Mascarenes, disparities appear between Cixiidae from La Réunion and Mauritius. On the latter, the Cixiidae seem to be mainly monophagous and the majority of them are recorded on Rubiaceae.     

Microdajus (Crustacea: Tantulocarida) parasitic on an Antarctic tanaidacean,and a range extension of M. langi Greve

Ectoparasitic tantulocaridan crustaceans, Microdajus aporosus sp. nov., were found attached to the tanaidacean crustacean Meromonakantha macrocephala (Hansen) from 568 m in the Ross Sea. A single host bore on its pereiopods five expanded tantulus larvae with gestating males and two isolated cephalons of the parasite. Microdajus langi Greve is newly reported from the Gullmarfjord, Sweden. A recent comparison of tantulocaridan thoracopods to maxillopodan naupliar appendages is evaluated in the light of recent morphological and ontogenetic findings.     

Morphological variation of Eucyclops elegans (Herrick, 1884) (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) in the Americas and comments on records of Eucyclops conrowae Reid, 1992

Based on an examination of material from different areas of the American continent, we evaluate the morphological variations of Eucyclops elegans (Herrick, 1884) with an emphasis on characters used in the current taxonomy of the genus. Eucyclops elegans is clearly a member of the serrulatus group. Differences in both female and male specimens from North America and South America and the lack of records in southern Mexico and Central America suggest that it is possible that this nominal species contains at least two taxa. Characters such as the ornamentation of the antennal basis and coxa of P4 are described for the tropical species E. conrowae Reid, 1992. This species is clearly not a member of the serrulatus group and differences with respect to the type specimens indicate that records of E. conrowae in Mexico do not correspond to this taxon and should be reassigned to other species.     

Vocalizations of the Brazilian torrent frog Hylodes heyeri (Anura: Hylodidae): Repertoire and influence of air temperature on advertisement call variation

In this study we analysed the acoustic activity of Hylodes heyeri in areas of Atlantic Forest, in southern Brazil. Observations were made in November 2001 and from January to April 2002, at Estação II Instituto Agronômico do Paraná, municipality of Morretes, State of Paraná. Males displayed three different vocalizations: advertisement calls, territorial calls, and courtship calls. Temporal and spectral parameters of advertisement and territorial calls were analysed, along with call intensity. The duration of the advertisement call showed a negative correlation with air temperature, with males decreasing the duration of advertisement calls at higher temperatures. Male body size was not correlated with any of the acoustic parameters. Details on habitat use, distances to nearest vocalizing neighbour, and daily calling activity are also included.     

Natural history of the fireflies of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro) – one of the ‘hottest’ firefly spots on Earth,with a key to genera (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

ABSTRACT

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) are charismatic insects that have been fruitful model systems in biotechnology. However, lack of information about firefly taxonomy and ecology renders species identification a hard task, especially in the Neotropical region, where fireflies are most diverse. A major gap in the literature on Neotropical fireflies is the lack of knowledge on species’ ecological niches and habitats, which are fundamental aspects for understanding their biology. Here, we provide an annotated checklist of the firefly fauna of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range (Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil), with information on the natural history of each species. We assembled data in three ways: monthly sampling with Malaise traps and active search along an elevational transect from 130 to 2,170 m, over 2 years (2014–2016), extensive field observations, and extracted from historical species records for the Serra dos Órgãos from museum specimens in key collections in Brazil and Europe. We provide a taxonomic key to the genera recorded in the region, and a differential diagnosis for each species, highlighting key references for each taxon. We report 58 species representing 21 genera, making the Serra dos Órgãos one of the richest firefly hotspots on Earth. Most species are restricted to one or two habitat types and/or just one of the regional seasons (warm or cool), and many were only collected either by malaise traps or active search, underlining the importance of sampling different habitat types and seasons, and using different sampling methods when surveying fireflies. Out of the 51 species observed in the field, 49 were active either during the day or the night, although two species – Photuris elliptica and Pyrogaster nigrolineatus – were active in both periods, which is rare in fireflies.     

Multi-scale patterns in the host specificity of plant-dwelling arthropods: the influence of host plant and temporal variation on species richness and assemblage composition of true bugs (Hemiptera)

The influence of temporal variation in the host specificity of invertebrates to estimates of biodiversity is rarely considered. While patterns at large spatial scales have stimulated much attention, such comparisons are constrained for southern-hemisphere biomes because the patterning of invertebrates on plants is largely unknown. Here, we analyse variation of plant-dwelling Hemiptera from 15 understorey plant species over 18 months in the south-west Australian biodiversity hotspot. Analyses showed significant interactions in species composition between sampling period and plant species. Fauna that were “effectively specialized” (host-specificity index) to plants changed with season, although this was also related to the number of singletons and overall species richness. Sampling from a single season also overestimated the degree of host specificity by 52% and underestimated the perception of species richness when an outbreak of a particular herbivore occurred. High host-specificity values (12.7 hemipteran species per plant) support the case for high estimates of global arthropod richness.     

Effects of fragmentation on genetic variation in populations of the terrestrial earthworm Drawida japonica Michaelsen, 1892 (Oligochaeta,Moniligastridae) in Shandong and Liaodong peninsulas,China

Earthworms are excellent indicators of landscape fragmentation due to their widespread distribution and poor dispersal abilities over water. Based on field studies conducted in the Shandong and Liaodong peninsulas and their associated islands during summer 2009, we analysed the genetic variation of Drawida japonica Michaelsen, 1892 (Oligochaeta, Moniligastridae) using DNA sequences of the 16S and 28S ribosomal genes in samples obtained from 13 localities, 12 of which were islands, one artificially connected to the mainland by man (Yangma SC). We identified 55 haplotypes among 79 samples, based on 1094 bp, including 47 unique haplotypes. The phylogenetic tree topologies showed two distinct clades. A multiple-apex Poisson distribution using a mismatch analysis of nucleotides was also detected. Results of a Tajima D neutral test were not significant (p > 0.05). Genetic divergence among populations was much larger than within populations. A positive relationship between genetic diversity and island area was revealed, but no significant correlation between genetic diversity and distance to the nearest larger landmass was found. These results indicate that the intraspecific genetic diversity of D. japonica has been influenced by geographic isolation (i.e. island habitat). Passive transport via anthropogenic activities or nonhuman vertebrates (birds or mammals) may also play a key role in dispersal.     

Aspects of the natural history of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer, 1972 (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in a pristine forest in Central Amazonia,Brazil, with comments on ontogenetic variation of its tadpoles

The Leptodactylus pentadactylus species group is comprised of medium to large species of Neotropical frogs. Leptodactylus knudseni, a member of this species group, has a wide distribution throughout the Amazon Basin. Herein we describe aspects of the reproductive biology of L. knudseni and provide notes about the ontogenetic variation of its tadpoles based on a population in a non-flooded forest near Manaus, Amazonian Brazil. Amplectant pairs of L. knudseni lay foam nests in excavated basins on the edge of temporary ponds located on clay soil and at least 50 m from a stream. The tadpole development happens initially in the foam nests with access to the pond after the rain flooding the basins. Studied clutches lacked trophic eggs and tadpoles did not produce foam. Ontogenetic variations in L. knudseni tadpoles are related to size, teeth formulae and body colour. The use of excavated basins for the deposition of foam nests has been reported in several species of the L. pentadactylus group. The absence of trophic eggs and production of foam by the tadpoles differ from other species of the L. pentadactylus group. The tadpole morphology is similar to that described for other species of the group.     

The anatomy and attachment mechanism of the haptor of a Capsala sp. (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea: Capsalidae) on the blue marlin,Makaira nigricans (Istiophoridae)

The muscular anatomy and fine structure of the haptor of a monogenean, Capsala sp., together with an observational distribution study, are described from specimens collected from the dorsolateral and ventral surfaces of the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans. The haptor is composed of seven loculi, which are arranged around a central pair of accessory sclerites. Marginal hooklets and hamuli were not observed. The presence of an outline left by the haptor on the host's skin and the lack of evidence of an adhesive secretion suggested that the haptor attaches primarily by suction. Tendons originating in the extrinsic peduncle muscles insert, via a proximal notch in the accessory sclerites, into the basal tegumental lamina on the ventral surface of the haptor. On contraction the centre of the haptor is thought to be drawn upwards both directly by the extrinsic tendons in the haptoral wall but also by the accessory sclerites which are brought into a vertical position. This increases the volume beneath the haptor, consequently reducing the pressure and thus producing suction. The ribbed marginal valve prevents the inward movement of water. Intrinsic circular and radial muscles in the haptoral wall are also thought to produce suction by drawing the haptoral wall inwards, again increasing the volume beneath and causing a pressure reduction. It is suggested that interconnecting fibres observed between the intrinsic muscles may store elastic energy, allowing Capsala sp. to maintain suction attachment without having constantly to contract its muscles. Papillae on the inner ( = ventral) surface of the haptor are suggested to aid attachment by firstly spreading the negative pressure over the inner surface of the haptor and, secondly, through resisting the shear forces encountered as the fish swims. Both functions are achieved by increasing the surface area of contact with the host's skin, and therefore the frictional forces. Theoretical estimates of the suction efficiency indicate that suction is double the maximum theoretical drag forces which would be experienced by Capsala sp. when M. nigricans is swimming at speeds of both 1 and 20 m s^?1 and suggests that suctorial attachment is efficient. The distribution of Capsala sp. is not thought to be restricted by the surface topography of the host, demonstrated by the fact that individuals were located in both the roughest and smoothest areas of the marlin's skin surface. Distribution is therefore thought to be influenced by other factors such as hydrodynamics, nutritional value of the attachment site, immunological restrictions or cross‐fertilization between parasites.     

Aberrations in the larval chaetotaxy of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Iran and a taxonomic note on the seta 1-C (preclypeal seta) of Culex in southwestern Asia

Morphological aberrations of setae 1-C (preclypeal seta), 2-C (inner clypeal seta) and 3-C (outer clypeal seta) observed in third- and fourth-instar larvae of Anopheles dthali, Anopheles maculipennis, Anopheles marteri, Culex hortensis, Culex theileri and Culex tritaeniorhynchus collected in Iran are discussed and illustrated. Variations in the shape, relative thickness, length and pigmentation of seta 1-C of Culex species that occur in southwestern Asia are reviewed.     

Observations on the morphology and classification of weevils (Coleoptera,Curculionoidea) with a key to major groups

A brief account of the present state of weevil taxonomy is followed by a detailed study of certain structures used in their classification, namely the venter, abdominal tergites, sternite 8 of the male, apex of the hind tibia and deciduous mandibular processes. A key to some 50 families and subfamilies of Curculionoidea is followed by a list of family-group taxa. The following changes are made: Brachyceridae, Erirhinidae, Cryptolaryngidae and Raymondionymidae are promoted to family rank from Curculionidae; Antliarhininae is demoted to a subfamily of Brentidae, and Allocoryninae to a subfamily of Oxycorynidae; Coptonotini is demoted to a tribe of Curculionidae-Scolytinae; Carinae, Subfam. n. is erected for Car Blackburn (genus incertae sedis) is Belidae; Dinomorphini is demoted to a tribe of Molytinae and Brachyceropsidinae is revived from synonymy with Dinomorphinae (Curculionidae); Brachyderini, Eremnini, Otiorhynchini and Sitonini are demoted to tribes of Entiminae; Desmidophorinae is transferred from Brentidae to Brachyceridae; Ocladiini is promoted to a tribe of Desmidophorinae (from Curculionidae-Cryptorhynchinae); Campyloscelini (including Phaenomerina) is transferred from Rhynchophoridae to Curculionidae-Zygopinae; Carphodicticinae is promoted to subfamily rank and transferred from Curculionidae-Scolytinae to Platypodidae; Perieges Schönherr is transferred from Curculionidae-Thecesterninae to Cryptolaryngidae and Agriochaeta Pascoe from Cryptorhynchinae to Hyperinae (Curculionidae); Schedlarius Wood and Mecopelmus Blackman are transferred from Coptonotidae to Platypodidae.     

On the anatomy of a new species of Oxypolella (Nemertini) and further notes on Oxypolella bergendali Cantell 1975

The anatomy of a new species of heteronemertean from the Mediterranean, Oxypolella banyulensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The species is characterized by having a dermis comprising subepidermal longitudinal muscle fibres arranged in characteristic piles, a three-layered proboscis with four main regions, one ciliated pit in the frontal organ, two dorsal nerves and a thin inner circular muscle layer. Further notes on Oxypolella bergendali are given.