Morphology and biology of a new Rhynchospio species (Annelida: Spionidae) from the South China Sea,Vietnam, with the review of Rhynchospio taxa

Adults of a new spionid polychaete, Rhynchospio nhatrangi, inhabit sandy tubes on muddy sand intertidal flats in an estuary of Nha Trang Bay, southern Vietnam. The worms are up to 8 mm long and 0.5 mm wide for 55 chaetigers. They are unique among spionids in the changes in the arrangement of hooks during ontogenesis: first development of tridentate hooks in neuropodia from chaetiger 10, later loss of hooks in chaetiger 10, and replacement of tridentate hooks by heavy unidentate hooks in neuropodia of chaetigers 11–14. Adults are simultaneous hermaphrodites having sperm in chaetigers 11–14 and oocytes from chaetiger 15 to 23–33. Spermatozoa are introsperm, about 300 µm long. Oocytes are about 120 µm in diameter, with a thin and smooth envelope. Fertilization and early larval development occur in a hatchery formed by elongated dorsal capillaries on the posterior chaetigers. Larvae escape from the hatchery probably when they have developed four chaetigers and then continue development in seawater, feeding on the plankton. When larvae have grown to 14–15 chaetigers, they likely undergo gradual metamorphosis and settle on the bottom. Metameric nuchal organs, glandular pouches in neuropodia, metanephridial segmental organs, hermaphroditism, sperm, and early larval morphology are described here for the first time for Rhynchospio species. An identification key is provided to eight currently recognized Rhynchospio species.     

Nest structure and all stages of the long-cheeked yellow jacket Dolichovespula intermedia Birula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Nest structure, morphology of all stages and behaviour have contributed to the phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of social vespids. Two aerial nests of Dolichovespula intermedia were discovered in China. The morphology of the three castes, the five larval instars, and the nest structure of D. intermedia Birula, are described in detail and illustrated. The presence of only one campaniform sensillum above each labial palp and the dense minute spicules on the posterior gena found in D. intermedia larvae are mentioned here for the first time for Dolichovespula. The identification characters between D. intermedia and Dolichovespula sylvestris are briefly discussed.     

Life history of Paraselenis (Spaethiechoma) dichroa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in natural conditions of Atlantic Forest from Brazil

Cassidinae Gyllenhaal? is the second largest subfamily of Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), which presents characteristic morphology, biology and behaviour. The current study describes the life cycle of Paraselenis(Spaetiechoma) dichroa (Germar), ?determining biological and behavioural aspects as well as the action of natural enemies on populations, when the species has maternal care. The study was conducted between February and April 2015 in the National Forest of Passa Quatro, municipality of Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Daily observations were made (morning and afternoon) to evaluate the offspring of females on Ipomoea sp. and Merremia macrocalyx (O’Donell?) (Convolvulaceae), as well as the actions of natural enemies on the young. The eggs are deposited on the midrib and abaxial surface of leaves (n = 25). Egg clusters are pedunculated, arranged in groups and devoid of any cover. On average, each female produced 27.3 ± 5.6 (n = 16) eggs, with a mean incubation period of 12.7 ± 2.9 days (n = 10 females with their young). The larvae remained grouped in the leaves throughout development, except when they fed. They retained faeces and exuviae as a stacked faecal structure on their mobile urogomphi (caudal process) like a faecal shield. The mean number of larvae per female was 12.7 ± 10.1 (n = 19) and the larval period lasted 24.9 ± 4.5 days (n = 12). Pupation occurred on the stem of the plant (n = 16). On average there were 8.1 ± 8.5 individuals for pupae progeny (n = 14). The mean duration of the pupal stage was 10.4 ± 3.3 days (n = 5). Overall, 3% of adults emerged (n = 13 individuals), with a total cycle time of 41.3 ± 8.4 days (n = 6). Adults are sexually dimorphic in the elytral shape. Females remain with the offspring throughout development. The natural enemies of immatures were Emersonella pubipennis Hansson? (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Tachinidae (Diptera) and Stiretrus decastigmus (Herrich-Schaeffer?) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), Conura sp. Spinola? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and Brachymeria sp. Westwood? (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae). The information presented here on the natural history of P. dichroa are important as they may serve as a starting point to understand evolutionary questions and multispecies interactions.     

Morphology and natural history of the cryptogenic sponge associate Polydora colonia Moore, 1907 (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

The polychaete Polydora colonia is a widely distributed symbiont of sponges that has been reported as introduced into the Mediterranean Sea. Polydora colonia is re-described based on specimens associated with the sponges Microciona prolifera and Halichondria bowerbanki from New York and aspects of its reproduction and feeding biology are described for the first time. The morphology of P. colonia agrees with previous reports of this species. Females of P. colonia deposited egg capsules (14–19 eggs/capsule) in their tubes on sponges and adelphophagy was observed. Larvae appear to be competent to settle on hosts at the 13-chaetiger stage. One commensal ciliate and one parasitic copepod were found associated with P. colonia. P. colonia as an introduced species is evaluated based on current evidence. Sponge material was observed in the gut of > 50% of the worms examined but further studies are needed to evaluate whether P. colonia is selectively feeding on M. prolifera.     

Checklist of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Turkey,excluding Bruchinae

The leaf beetle fauna of Turkey is reviewed and a complete checklist with provincial distributions is presented for the first time. Seven hundred and seventy-six species are catalogued in total. This represents approximately 22% of the known Palaearctic leaf beetle fauna. The Turkish leaf beetle fauna is characterized by 81 endemic species. Distributions of the species in Turkey are given based on available literature records. Some new materials from new localities are also examined. Taxa in the list are arranged systematically under family, subfamily, genus, subgenus (when recognized) and species. The subspecies are not included in the list but mentioned in the notes given for certain species. The species whose occurrences in Turkey need conformation are not included in the list but are given separately. Additionally, two new synonymies are stated: Psylliodes diversicolor Nadein 2006 = P. kasnakensis Gök et Aslan, 2007 syn.nov.; Phyllotreta maculicornis Pic, 1906 = Ph. ispartaensis Gök, 2005 syn.nov.     

Evaluation of the taxonomy of Helix cincta (Muller, 1774) and Helix nucula (Mousson, 1854); insights using mitochondrial DNA sequence data

Phylogenetic relationships of the Aegean Helix cincta and Helix nucula with congeneric species found in Greece were inferred using mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Twenty-three specimens from mainland Greece, Aegean Islands, Cyprus and North Africa were analysed, revealing that (1) H. nucula is monophyletic, (2) H. cincta from Greece and Cyprus is paraphyletic, and so questions arise regarding the taxonomy of this species, and (3) H. cf. cincta from Tunisia might be considered as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Moreover Helix valentini, an endemic species of Kalymnos Island group, is clustered within the lineage of H. c. anatolica, so supporting the synonymy of the two ‘species’, and the elevation of H. c. anatolica to species level. Hence, our results stress the need for a taxonomic reconsideration of H. cincta in the Aegean Sea, indicating that sequence data can prove useful in overcoming taxonomic issues at both species and subspecies level.     

On the systematics,distribution and conservation status of Ichthyophis longicephalus Pillai, 1986 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae)

The caecilian Ichthyophis longicephalus was described in 1986 based on a single specimen. Only one specimen has been referred subsequently to this species, and the validity of that referral has been questioned. Seven specimens discovered in 2009–2010 at two new localities and two specimens collected in 1990 from a third locality are referred here to I. longicephalus. These specimens are described and compared with the poorly preserved holotype. Mitochondrial DNA data are consistent with the interpretation that the new specimens represent a single species distinct from (and most closely related to I. tricolor among) sampled congeners. The previously referred specimen, from c. 320 km south of the type locality, is not I. longicephalus and probably represents an undescribed species. The “rediscovery” of I. longicephalus in forests and disturbed habitats indicates that the species probably could be transferred from the Data Deficient to the Least Concern category of the IUCN Red List.     

Phylogenetic relationships of Mesobuthus eupeus (C.L. Koch, 1839) inferred from COI sequences (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

In this study, the first molecular phylogenetic analysis of Mesobuthus eupeus in Iran is presented based on sequence data of a ～ 700-base-pair fragment of cytochrome C oxidase, subunit I. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The results support monophyly of M. eupeus, but there is a clear divergence between northern and southern clades. The northern clade includes four subspecies – M. e. eupeus, M. e. philippovitschi, M. e. afghanus and M. e. thersites; whereas the southern clade is comprised of two others – M. e. phillipsi and M. e. kirmanensis. Accordingly, possible scenarios for the evolution and phylogeographic structure of M. eupeus based on the geological history of the Iranian Plateau were proposed. The observation of two distinct lineages supports the proposal that M. eupeus might be a species complex composed of species with highly similar morphological features.     

Rediscovery,natural history,and conservation status of Idiocranium russeli Parker, 1936 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Indotyphlidae)

The indotyphlid caecilian amphibian Idiocranium russeli Parker, 1936 is the only nominal species in its genus. Apart from two additional, largely overlooked locality records that we consider to be of an undescribed species, I. russeli is known with certainty from only a single collection of c.50 specimens from a single locality in 1933. We report new material from fieldwork in 2012 carried out in the vicinity of the type locality. Digging surveys at 34 sites for a total of >2000 person minutes found 50 I. russeli at 15 of these sites, extending the known range of the species by more than 40 km south and from an elevation of c.670 m to 104–820 m. The species probably occurs in nearby Nigeria and in some protected areas, is tolerant of some human disturbance, and is likely to move from Data Deficient to Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Males have relatively longer and wider heads than females. Total length measured for preserved specimens is less than for freshly anaesthetized specimens, by up to 14.1%. Previously, preserved I. russeli were reported as having a maximum length of 114 mm, but the new sample includes specimens with total lengths of 145 mm in preservation and 167 mm when fresh. The sex of the smallest independent specimens (total length 62 mm in preservation) could be determined from examination of the gonads, hatchlings are c.30 mm, and I. russeli is confirmed as one of the smallest known caecilian species.     

Parasites of shore crabs in the genus Hemigrapsus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae) and their status in crabs geographically displaced: a review

Two brachyurans of the varunid genus Hemigrapsus from the northwestern Pacific Ocean have invaded coastal regions of the north Atlantic – Hemigrapsus takanoi (sibling species of Hemigrapsus penicillatus) and Hemigrapsus sanguineus in Europe and the latter in the USA. Parasites are known from these crabs in their native habitats, but except for an undescribed larval nematode, none has been found in those examined from their new locations. These parasites include metacercariae of eight species of microphallid trematode, the rhizocephalan barnacles Polyascus polygenea, Sacculina nigra and Sacculina senta, and the obligate gut-inhabiting mesomycetozoan Enteromyces callianassae (potential parasite). The following have been identified in four of the other eight Pacific crabs within the genus (Hemigrapsus nudus and Hemigrapsus oregonensis, northern hemisphere; Hemigrapsus crenulatus and Hemigrapsus sexdentatus, southern hemisphere), none of which have been geographically displaced: metacercariae of two microphallid trematodes; cystacanths of three acanthocephalans Profilicollis antarcticus, Profilicollis botulus and Profilicollis novaezelandensis; larval nematode Ascarophis sp.; nematomorph Nectonema zealandica; entoniscid isopod Portunion conformis; mesomycetozoan Taeniella carcini; and nemertean egg predator Carcinonemertes epialti. The likelihood of the displaced species of shore crabs being rejoined with their native parasites or their susceptibility to becoming infected by similar parasites in their new locations is discussed. In future global displacements of parasitized Hemigrapsus species it is possible that their most serious parasites, rhizocephalans and entoniscid isopods, may infect previously uninfected species. For example, the two eastern Pacific species of Hemigrapsus (H. nudus and H. oregonensis) may be vulnerable to the rhizocephalans and may in turn be a source of entoniscids transported elsewhere.     

Polygyny,oviposition, life cycle and longevity of the three subspecies of leaf-cutting ants,Acromyrmex subterraneus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

ABSTRACT

Research related to the comparative biology of phylogenetically close ant species has received little attention, although it is the basis for understanding the systematics of some sibling groups. The objective was to study the polygyny, oviposition, life cycle and longevity of the three subspecies of leaf-cutting ants. For that, we studied: oviposition rate – queens from three colonies were individually placed in plastic containers, and at 24-hour intervals, the laid eggs were quantified over a period of 96 hours; the workers’ life cycle – the development of immature ants was observed every 24 hours and, as a result, the duration of each stage of development was determined; the workers’ longevity – newly emerged adults were tagged and returned to the fungus chamber of their respective nests, and daily observations were made in each of the nest’s chamber. Laying rates were variable in the three queens studied, with a mean of total eggs laid of 271 for Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus, 113 for Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus and 119 for Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans.The incubation period was 21.2 days in A. s. brunneus, 22.8 days in A. s. subterraneus and 20.4 days in A. s. molestans. The larval phase and pupal phase lasted on average 22.5 and 21.2 days in A. s. brunneus, 22.8 and 15.8 days in A. s. subterraneus and 17.2 and 14.2 days in A. s. molestans, respectively. Life cycle was different in the studied taxa, from 62 to 77 days in A. s. brunneus, from 59–68 days in A. s. subterraneus and from 51 to 55 days in A. s. molestans. The workers’ longevity varied between subspecies A. s. brunneus, A. s. subterraneus and A. s. molestans.     

Pre-ovipositional and ovipositional behaviour of Lasioseius ometes (Oudemans) and Hypoaspis kargi Costa (Acari: Dermanyssiae: Ascidae,Laelapidae) with notes on egg protection strategies in Mesostigmata

Egg deposition by the soil mites Lasioseius ometes (Oudemans, 1903) and Hypoaspis kargi Costa, 1968 was observed using continuous video-monitoring. The process in both species was found to consist of four distinct phases. In Phase 1, both species engage in pre-ovipositional activity prior to the egg being extruded from the genital opening. In L. ometes, the female often selects a substrate depression for egg laying and examines the depression carefully with the gnathosoma and legs I before oviposition. In H. kargi, egg deposition sites are chosen without regard for substrate depressions. Phase 1 lasted approximately 3 minutes for both species. Phase 2 involved egg extrusion and holding of the egg beneath the gnathosoma. Phase 2 lasted approximately 20 times longer in L. ometes (5 minutes) than in H. kargi. Alteration of the egg surface in the form of thorn-like outgrowths was recorded in L. ometes. Egg deposition occurs in Phase 3, and in L. ometes the egg is generally placed at the deposition site using the chelicerae. Hypoaspis kargi also uses the chelicerae for egg manipulation, but also adjusts orientation of the egg with legs I. The sticky nature of egg surface in H. kargi may provide a means for the female to effectively cover the exposed egg with a protective layer of soil particles. Egg deposition in both species occurred in less than 90 seconds. Phase 4 involves egg covering, but behaviour of the female during this last phase differs markedly between the two species. In L. ometes, the female tends to remain close to the egg, whereas in H. kargi the female moves away from the egg to search for substrate particles appropriate for its covering. The average time for Phase 4 in H. kargi was approximately four times longer (80+ minutes) than in L. ometes.     

The complete larval development of Sadayoshia edwardsii (37) (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheidae) described from laboratory‐reared material

The complete larval development of Sadayoshia edwardsii (Miers, ) is described and illustrated from laboratory‐reared material. The development comprises four zoeal and one megalopal stages. Diagnostic zoeal characters of Sadayoshia are provided and these are compared with other galatheid genera for which the larval morphology is known. Zoeas of S. edwardsii are readily distinguished from those of other galatheid species by the setation of the maxillular endopod together with the basis and endopod of the first maxilliped. The megalop of S. edwardsii has a flattened, triangular‐shaped rostrum, which differs remarkably from that of the adult. Although the rostral shape resembles that of Galathea megalops, the armature of the lateral margins is different between megalops of the two genera. The present larval study suggests that Sadayoshia is more closely allied to Galathea than to Munida.