Champsodontidae (Pisces: Trachinoidei) in the Eastern Mediterranean: how many species are there?

ABSTRACT

Three marine fish species of the Indo-Pacific genus Champsodon were reported as invasive species in the Eastern Mediterranean between 2009 and 2012; Champsodon nudivittis, C. vorax, and C. capensis. These are presumed to invade through the Suez Canal, but only C. nudivittis is known from the Red Sea, so the presence of C. vorax and C. capensis is surprising. To test the validity of the taxonomic identification of these two species, this study combined traditional morphology, genetic barcoding, and photography investigation. Our results demonstrate that only one species, C. nudivittis, has migrated into the Eastern Mediterranean.     

The distribution and habitat preferences of the Afro-European species of Dynamene (Crustacea: Isopoda)

Summary

The geographical distribution of the genus Dynamene is described in the light of the recent discovery of three new species. D. bidentata appears to have a Boreal distribution whilst that of D. edwardsi and D. magnitorata is Atlanto-Mediterranean. D. torelliae, D. bifida, and D. tubicauda have a Mediterranean distribution but the first species may extend into the Black Sea. Only one species, D. ramuscula, has been recorded outside the Afro-European region, in S.E. Australia. The ranges and habitat preferences of those species outside the Mediterranean overlap as do some of those within the Mediterranean, particularly in the Naples Bay region. Juveniles of D. bidentata inhabit and feed on intertidal algae while adults shelter in crevices and empty tests of Balanus perforatus, mainly below MTL. Settlement of males into barnacle tests appears to be random, but females show some degree of aggregation, perhaps to other females. Other species show the same change of habitat at sexual maturity and all inhabit intertidal or inshore localities.     

Some European Processidae (Crustacea,Decapoda, Caridea)

Summary

The name Processa canaliculata Leach has been applied to a species other than that to which the holotype belongs. The species P. canaliculata Nouvel & Holthuis non Leach has no valid name; it is re-named P. nouveli, with type material from Monaco.

P. nouveli and P. canaliculata have been considered to be conspecific by one recent author. New characters for their separation are described from Irish Sea material.

The northern form of P. nouveli differs from the Mediterranean form sufficiently to be placed in a separate subspecies. The name P. nouveli holthuisi is proposed for it, with type material from the Irish Sea.

The distribution of the four species and subspecies of Processa known to occur in northern Europe is reviewed.     

Larvae of Homola (Crustacea; Dromiacea) from South Africa

Summary

Five zoeal stages of probably a single Homola species from the S.E. Atlantic are described. There are six zoeal stages in this species, of which the first is lacking from the present series. The zoeae probably belong to Homola barbata Fabr., linking the stages previously described by Pike and Williamson (1960) and by Rice (1964), giving a good idea of the complete larval development of this genus. Anomalies in the published work, however, point to the existence of taxonomic problems not previously apparent from studies on the adults alone.

The absence of exopods from the legs of these larvae adds further support to the contention that the grouping of the Dromiidae and Homolidae together in the Dromiacea is artificial.     

Integrative taxonomic analysis reveals a new species of Leptobrachium (Anura: Megophryidae) from north-eastern Cambodia and central Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Species boundaries within the red-eyed Leptobrachium of southern Indochina have been uncertain. Leptobrachium pullum and L. mouhoti from upper and lower elevations, respectively, of the Langbian Plateau of southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia differ in body size but have relatively low interspecific mitochondrial DNA divergence, leading to speculation that these might represent a single species with an elevational cline in body size. The recent discovery of an allopatric high-elevation population of red-eyed Leptobrachium on the Kon Tum Plateau (= Central Highlands) of north-eastern Cambodia and central Vietnam has been referred to both species, and to a putatively undescribed species. We examine variation in morphology of adults and tadpoles, mitochondrial DNA, 11 nuclear genes and advertisement calls, and show corroborating lines of evidence for the existence of three species of red-eyed Leptobrachium in southern Indochina. Although the three species are reciprocally monophyletic in mitochondrial DNA, their shallow mitochondrial DNA divergences are not mirrored by morphology, advertisement calls, or – in part – nuclear DNA, and probably reflect past mitochondrial introgression rather than recent speciation. The Central Highlands taxon is described herein as a new species.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:CE6650AF-D9FB-40F4-8A2E-9B4E23AAC205     

Phylogenetic taxonomy of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with descriptions of three new species from Myanmar

ABSTRACT

A phylogenetic taxonomy of the gekkonid genus Hemiphyllodactylus based on molecular, morphological, and ecological data recovered 28 species, including three new species from the upland regions of the Shan Plateau in eastern Myanmar. Hemiphyllodactylus linnwayensis sp. nov. is a forest-adapted species that may also be a human commensal and H. montawaensis sp. nov. and H. tonywhitteni sp. nov. are karst forest-adapted species. The discovery of three new species from montane regions in eastern Myanmar extends the distribution of a larger monophyletic group of Hemiphyllodactylus westward to the eastern edge of the Ayeyrawady Basin through a series of semi-contiguous, parallel mountain ranges originating in western China and northern Thailand. The discovery of the karst forest-adapted H. montawaensis sp. nov. and H. tonywhitteni sp. nov. further emphasizes the unrealized herpetological diversity endemic to karst ecosystems and the need for increased field work throughout such habitats in South-East Asia.

www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E42FA075-E8E0-4005-98AB-12E8D5F23A07     

Alien polychaete species (Annelida: Polychaeta) on the southern coast of Turkey (Levantine Sea,eastern Mediterranean), with 13 new records for the Mediterranean Sea

The examination of benthic material collected from different depths and habitats along the southern coast of Turkey (Levantine Sea, eastern Mediterranean) in September and October 2005 revealed 30 alien polychaete species belonging to 15 families. Thirteen species (Pisione guanche, Linopherus canariensis, Onuphis eremita oculata, Lumbrineris perkinsi, Dorvillea similis, Timarete caribous, Pherusa parmata, Pherusa saldanha, Streblosoma comatus, Polycirrus twisti, Laonome triangularis, Branchiomma bairdi and Janua steueri) are new to the Mediterranean fauna, 24 species are new to the Turkish fauna and 27 species are new to the Levantine coast of Turkey. The specimens collected from the Levantine coast of Turkey and northern Cyprus that were previously identified as Linopherus acarunculata and Branchiomma boholense are reidentified as L. canariensis and B. bairdi, respectively. In the light of present knowledge, the previous reports of Lumbrineris inflata and Streblosoma hesslei from the Mediterranean (Italian coast) could refer to the species L. perkinsi and S. comatus, respectively. The species new to the Mediterranean Sea are redescribed and discussed.     

A collection of recent and subfossil mammals from southern Turkey (Asia Minor), including the dormouse Myomimus personatus

Summary

Living representatives of twelve species of mammal are recorded from the vicinity of Finike, south-western Asia Minor. A further six species were found in the form of skulls or skeletons, mainly on the surface of cave floors. Some of these, along with an additional eight species, were also found by excavating the floor of a cave that now opens on the face of a cliff. These were associated with artefacts suggesting that the entire deposit was formed about 5000 B.C. All the mammals from the cave deposit are of species known to be living in Asia Minor, except the dormouse Myominus personatus.

Philistomys roachi Bate, from Pleistocene and post-Pleistocene cave deposits of Israel, is shown to be a synonym of Myomimus personatus Ognev.     

New data on bats from Dire Dawa region,eastern Ethiopia,with the first record of Rhinopoma microphyllum in the country

ABSTRACT

A small collection of bats composed of six species from Dire Dawa area, eastern Ethiopia, is presented. Besides three species previously known in the region, Rousettus aegyptiacus, Epomophorus minimus and Chaerephon pumilus, three bats were newly documented from the area, Rhinopoma microphyllum, R. cystops and Scotophilus leucogaster. R. microphyllum is here reported for the first time in Ethiopia. From molecular genetic comparisons Ethiopian R. cystops belongs to the Arabian subspecies lineage R. c. arabium, previously unknown from the African continent, raising interesting biogeographic questions.     

Zoogeography and evolutionary ecology of the genus Platorchestia (Crustacea,Amphipoda, Talitridae)

ABSTRACT

Species of the genus Platorchestia occur both in the northern hemisphere (18 species) and southern hemisphere (three species plus a synanthropically introduced species in South America and South Africa). The greater number of endemic Platorchestia species in the North Pacific Ocean suggests that it could be the epicentre of evolution for this genus. North-western Pacific Platorchestia includes 15 species which occupy five ecotopes: wrack (seven species), terrestrial leaf litter (five species), freshwater (one species), marsh (one species) and tentatively present in caves (one species). North-eastern Pacific Platorchestia includes only one putative driftwood specialist, with no other species found in North American coastal habitats. This compares with three good endemic Platorchestia species (plus two putative additional species) and only two ecotopes: wrack (three species) and freshwater (two species) from the North Atlantic Ocean, inclusive of the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean Sea. Insufficient data is available to consider Platorchestia zoogeography for the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Synanthropic dispersal involving Platorchestia in Polynesian outrigger canoes, or in solid ballast carried in the holds of wooden sailing ships has been identified as a potential complicating factor in the zoogeography of this genus. Platorchestia is proposed to have arisen on Laurasia and is therefore basically a northern hemisphere genus. Questions concerning Platorchestia zoogeography and evolutionary ecology are posed and two methods (more intensive field sampling and molecular genetics) are suggested to be the way to solve them.     

IX.—On a new species of Serpulid Polychæte from the Shoreham Harbour Canal,Sussex

Summary

The zoogeography of the Cayman Islands is discussed. Two species of Lutzomyia were found on Cayman Brac and they are described and their relation to other forms discussed. One is a Cuban species, or a close relative, and the other is allied to a Jamaican sand-fly.

A nematode parasite was found in one sand-fly.     

The identity of Yoldia micrometrica Seguenza, 1877 and three new deep-sea protobranchs from the Mediterranean (Bivalvia)

Three new species are described from the relatively well-known deep Mediterranean protobranch fauna. Yoldiella wareni n. sp. is a miniaturized species so far misidentified as Yoldiella micrometrica (Seguenza, 1877), which is a Pleistocene species (neotype here designated). Yoldiella ovulum n. sp. is similar to Y. micrometrica, of which it may represent a descendant species. Ledella marisnostri n. sp. is the second species known for the genus in the Mediterranean. These three species are thought to be endemic to the Mediterranean, where they may represent either persisting Plio-Pleistocene species which survived the changes from psychrospheric to homeothermic conditions, or newly adapted species, evolved from Plio-Pleistocene ancestors. In the second case, they seem to be the result of an ongoing differentiation of the deep Mediterranean protobranch fauna from the North-East Atlantic one, due to the physical isolation of the Mediterranean basin.     

First record of the invasive Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia (Benson, 1842) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Mytilidae) in West Africa

ABSTRACT

Biological invasions can have serious consequences for native communities. The Asian date mussel Arcuatula senhousia is an Asian species that has been accidentally introduced into coastal areas of North America, Oceania and the Mediterranean, with significant impact on local benthic communities. Here, we present the first record of this species in West Africa, after having found one live specimen in a mudflat off the island of Bubaque, in the Bijagós archipelago of Guinea-Bissau. Given the importance of the benthic communities for wintering shorebirds and local fisheries at this key West African wetland, and considering the invasive behaviour of Asian date mussels, we recommend further monitoring to confirm whether a self-maintaining population has settled in the area.     

Description of Thalamita crosnieri,a new species from Somalia with notes on T. cooperi Borradaile from Somalia and T. demani Nobili from Aldabra (Decapoda,Brachyura)

Summary

A new species, Thalamita crosnieri, is described from Somalia. It belongs to the T. woodmasoni group and is distinguished by the shape of the front and of the gonopod. T. woodmasoni Alcock is restricted to Andamans, southern India and Ceylon while T. crosnieri is known from the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar. T. cooperi Borradaile (from Somalia) and T. demani Nobili (from Aldabra), belonging to the same group of species, have also been illustrated.     

Marphysa cinari,a new species of Eunicidae (Polychaeta) from the coasts of Turkey (eastern Mediterranean) and re-descriptions of Marphysa kinbergi McIntosh, 1910 and Marphysa disjuncta Hartman, 1961

The present study describes a new polychaete species belonging to the family Eunicidae, Marphysa cinari sp. nov., collected from the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean), and re-describes Marphysa disjuncta Hartman, 1961 and Marphysa kinbergi McIntosh, 1910. The new species is mainly characterized by having unidentate subacicular hooks with a terminal hood and compound falciger chaetae on posterior parapodia. The shape of unidentate hooks of M. cinari is a very important character for distinguishing this species from other species. Atlantic species M. kinbergi and Pacific species M. disjuncta are very close species and the present paper deals with the differences and similarities between them and the new taxon.

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E8503032-81D3-4B4D-AAA0-9164E05E613F     

Notes on the Muscidae of New Guinea (Diptera)

Synopsis

The species of Muscidae described or subsequently recorded by Walker from New Guinea and adjacent islands are reviewed. Twenty-three species are treated: type-locations are stated, lectotypes designated where necessary, and generic assignments given. Two holotypes are considered lost, eight lectotypes are designated, and nine new combinations established.     

Current studies on the rare Chinese black muntjac

Summary

For several decades there have been no reports on the black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons), and it has been listed as an endangered species. During the past few years we have discovered there are black muntjac in 37 countries of four provinces in east China. The geographical distribution is very narrow, and limited to the eastern part of China which lies between 28°–31°N. lat. and 117°–120°E. long. This paper describes the results of our study of the black muntjac. Details are given of the habitat and distributions of the 43 adult specimens captured and studied recently.     

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.