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The leafless Vanilla species complex from the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region has long been a taxonomic challenge, due to limited patterns of morphological differentiation and an absence of variation within chloroplast sequences. This complex includes seven known morphospecies: V. madagascariensis, V. bosseri, V. decaryana, and V. perrieri endemic to Madagascar, V. humblotii presumed as endemic to the Comoros Archipelago, but also present in Madagascar, V. roscheri from the East African coast, and V. phalaenopsis endemic to Seychelles. A previous population genetic study using microsatellite markers allowed us to distinguish, in addition to the five recognized Malagasy taxa, two other genetic clusters present in the East of the island. An integrative taxonomy approach was therefore conducted by combining microsatellite and morphological data used in the previous study with new data sets, and by adding ITS sequencing data, to validate the taxonomic level of these Malagasy genetic clusters and unravel phylogenetic relationships between SWIO species. As a result, based on phylogenetic, genotypic and morphological evidence, nine species were discriminated in the SWIO region, including seven in Madagascar, with two new eastern species. The leafless Vanilla group originated and diversified in Madagascar, from an ancestor of African descent, with three subsequent independent colonization events from Madagascar to the other territories of SWIO within the two main lineages (white versus yellow flower species). The new Malagasy species, V. allorgeae Andriamihaja & Pailler sp. nov., and V. atsinananensis Andriamihaja & Pailler sp. nov., are described and a new identification key is proposed.

This study reviews the species of the tribe Smicronychini Seidlitz, 1891 found in southern Africa. In total, 18 species are recognized in this region, 12 of them being described as new (Sharpia madibai sp. nov., Afrosmicronyx cycnii sp. nov., A. louwi sp. nov., A. marshalli sp. nov., A. nebulosipennis sp. nov., Smicronyx pseudocoecus sp. nov., S. australis sp. nov., S. drakensbergensis sp. nov., S. gracilipes sp. nov., S. paucisquamis sp. nov., S. san sp. nov., S. similis sp. nov.). The following genera and species are newly reported from this area: Afrosmicronyx Hustache, 1935; Sharpia Tournier, 1873; Smicronyx pauperculus Wollaston, 1864; S. albosquamosus Wollaston, 1854 and S. namibicus Haran, 2018. New host plant taxa and plant associations for the tribe are reported among the families Gentianaceae Juss., Orobanchaceae Vent. and Convolvulaceae Juss. A key to species and images of the habitus of adults and male genitalia are provided.

This study reviews the species of the tribe Smicronychini Seidlitz, 1891 found in southern Africa. In total, 18 species are recognized in this region, 12 of them being described as new (Sharpia madibai sp. nov., Afrosmicronyx cycnii sp. nov., A. louwi sp. nov., A. marshalli sp. nov., A. nebulosipennis sp. nov., Smicronyx pseudocoecus sp. nov., S. australis sp. nov., S. drakensbergensis sp. nov., S. gracilipes sp. nov., S. paucisquamis sp. nov., S. san sp. nov., S. similis sp. nov.). The following genera and species are newly reported from this area: Afrosmicronyx Hustache, 1935; Sharpia Tournier, 1873; Smicronyx pauperculus Wollaston, 1864; S. albosquamosus Wollaston, 1854 and S. namibicus Haran, 2018. New host plant taxa and plant associations for the tribe are reported among the families Gentianaceae Juss., Orobanchaceae Vent. and Convolvulaceae Juss. A key to species and images of the habitus of adults and male genitalia are provided.

Lyme disease (LD) and relapsing fevers (RF) are vector-borne diseases caused by bacteria of the Borrelia genus. Here, we report on the widespread infection by a non-described Borrelia species in passerine-associated ticks in tropical rainforests of French Guiana, South America. This novel Borrelia species is common in two tick species, Amblyomma longirostre and A. geayi, which feed on a broad variety of neotropical mammal and bird species, including migratory species moving to North America. The novel Borrelia species is divergent from the LD and RF species, and is more closely related to the reptile- and echidna-associated Borrelia group that was recently described. Genome sequencing showed that this novel Borrelia sp. has a relatively small genome consisting of a 0.9-Mb-large chromosome and an additional 0.3 Mb dispersed on plasmids. It harbors an RF-like genomic organization but with a unique mixture of LD- and RF-specific genes, including genes used by RF Borrelia for the multiphasic antigen-switching system and a number of immune-reactive protein genes used for the diagnosis of LD. Overall, our data indicate that this novel Borrelia is an intermediate taxon between the LD and RF species that may impact a large host spectrum, including American mammals. The designation “Candidatus Borrelia mahuryensis” is proposed for this species.

Fourteen species of Chalcidoidea (Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, Pteromalidae and Torymidae) were obtained from the common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Poaceae) in the Urmia region, in the northwest of Iran. Among these species, two new species of Pteromalidae are described hereafter: Norbanus persicus Lotfalizadeh & Rasplus sp. nov. and Stenomalina delvarei Lotfalizadeh & Rasplus sp. nov. Anagyrus near alienus Japoshvili, 2002, Asitus sp., Cheiloneurus paralia (Walker, 1837), Echthroplexiella obscura (Hoffer, 1952), Neococcidencyrtus poutiersi (Mercet, 1922) (all Encyrtidae), Aprostocetus orithyia (Walker, 1839) (Eulophidae), Eupelmus phragmitis Erdös, 1955 (Eupelmidae), Aximopsis deserticola (Zerova, 2004) comb. nov., Tetramesa phragmitis (Erdös, 1952) and Tetramesa sp. (all Eurytomidae), Homoporus febriculosus (Girault, 1917) (Pteromalidae) and Torymus arundinis (Walker, 1833) (Torymidae) were also obtained from our laboratory rearing. Nine of these species are recorded for the first time from Iran.

Phlyctinus callosus (Schoenherr, 1826) (Curculionidae, Entiminae, Oosomini) is a species native to the Western Cape province of the Republic of South Africa. It is regarded as a key pest of orchards and vineyards. Detailed observations of its morphology and ecology have shown this species to be a complex of closely related species. In this study we describe the species of this complex, provide morphological and molecular diagnostic tools to distinguish between species, and review their distribution and host plant associations. In all, six species are recognized in the P. callosus complex and five are described as new (P. grootbosensis Haran sp. nov., P. xerophilus Haran sp. nov., P. planithorax Haran sp. nov., P. littoralis Haran sp. nov., P. aloevorus Haran sp. nov.). Sequences of the mitochondrial gene used (cytochrome oxidase I, COI) indicated that P. xerophilus Haran sp. nov. might comprise several cryptic species for which stable morphological features could not be identified at this stage. The species of the genus Phlyctinus appear to be primarily associated with various Asteraceae found in humid, sandy and disturbed habitats.

The genus Elaeidobius Kuschel, 1952 (Curculionidae, Curculioniae, Derelomini) is an Afrotropical genus associated with the male inflorescences of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The activity of species in this genus is critical for pollen transportation and for the fruit set of this economically important palm. In this study, the genus Elaeidobius was revised using an integrative taxonomic approach, combining traditional taxonomic treatment of species and an analysis of sequences of mitochondrial genes (COI and COII). A total of eight species is now recognized: five now formally included within it [E. bilineatus Hustache, 1924) comb. nov., E. kamerunicus (Faust, 1898) comb. nov., E. plagiatus (Fåhraeus, 1844) comb. nov., E. singularis (Faust, 1898) comb. nov., E. subvittatus Faust, 1898)], one transferred here from the genus Prosoestus to the genus Elaeidobius, E. spatulifer (Marshall, 1950) comb. nov., and two newly described species (E. pilimargo Haran & Kuschel sp. nov., E. piliventris Haran & Kuschel sp. nov.). The following new synonymies are proposed: Prosoestus armatus Voss, 1956 = E. bilineatus (Hustache, 1924) comb. nov. and Derelomus uelensis Hustache = E. singularis (Faust, 1898). An illustrated key to the species is provided with photographs of the adult habitus and male genitalia.

Phlyctinus callosus (Schoenherr, 1826) (Curculionidae, Entiminae, Oosomini) is a species native to the Western Cape province of the Republic of South Africa. It is regarded as a key pest of orchards and vineyards. Detailed observations of its morphology and ecology have shown this species to be a complex of closely related species. In this study we describe the species of this complex, provide morphological and molecular diagnostic tools to distinguish between species, and review their distribution and host plant associations. In all, six species are recognized in the P. callosus complex and five are described as new (P. grootbosensis Haran sp. nov., P. xerophilus Haran sp. nov., P. planithorax Haran sp. nov., P. littoralis Haran sp. nov., P. aloevorus Haran sp. nov.). Sequences of the mitochondrial gene used (cytochrome oxidase I, COI) indicated that P. xerophilus Haran sp. nov. might comprise several cryptic species for which stable morphological features could not be identified at this stage. The species of the genus Phlyctinus appear to be primarily associated with various Asteraceae found in humid, sandy and disturbed habitats.

The genus Elaeidobius Kuschel, 1952 (Curculionidae, Curculioniae, Derelomini) is an Afrotropical genus associated with the male inflorescences of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The activity of species in this genus is critical for pollen transportation and for the fruit set of this economically important palm. In this study, the genus Elaeidobius was revised using an integrative taxonomic approach, combining traditional taxonomic treatment of species and an analysis of sequences of mitochondrial genes (COI and COII). A total of eight species is now recognized: five now formally included within it [E. bilineatus Hustache, 1924) comb. nov., E. kamerunicus (Faust, 1898) comb. nov., E. plagiatus (Fåhraeus, 1844) comb. nov., E. singularis (Faust, 1898) comb. nov., E. subvittatus Faust, 1898)], one transferred here from the genus Prosoestus to the genus Elaeidobius, E. spatulifer (Marshall, 1950) comb. nov., and two newly described species (E. pilimargo Haran & Kuschel sp. nov., E. piliventris Haran & Kuschel sp. nov.). The following new synonymies are proposed: Prosoestus armatus Voss, 1956 = E. bilineatus (Hustache, 1924) comb. nov. and Derelomus uelensis Hustache = E. singularis (Faust, 1898). An illustrated key to the species is provided with photographs of the adult habitus and male genitalia.

Fourteen species of Chalcidoidea (Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae, Eurytomidae, Pteromalidae and Torymidae) were obtained from the common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Poaceae) in the Urmia region, in the northwest of Iran. Among these species, two new species of Pteromalidae are described hereafter: Norbanus persicus Lotfalizadeh & Rasplus sp. nov. and Stenomalina delvarei Lotfalizadeh & Rasplus sp. nov. Anagyrus near alienus Japoshvili, 2002, Asitus sp., Cheiloneurus paralia (Walker, 1837), Echthroplexiella obscura (Hoffer, 1952), Neococcidencyrtus poutiersi (Mercet, 1922) (all Encyrtidae), Aprostocetus orithyia (Walker, 1839) (Eulophidae), Eupelmus phragmitis Erdös, 1955 (Eupelmidae), Aximopsis deserticola (Zerova, 2004) comb. nov., Tetramesa phragmitis (Erdös, 1952) and Tetramesa sp. (all Eurytomidae), Homoporus febriculosus (Girault, 1917) (Pteromalidae) and Torymus arundinis (Walker, 1833) (Torymidae) were also obtained from our laboratory rearing. Nine of these species are recorded for the first time from Iran.

During recent investigations on the terrestrial invertebrates of the tropical rainforest on Martinique Island (Pitons du Carbet), specimens of a new species of the terrestrial amphipod genus Cerrorchestia Lindeman, 1990, C. taboukeli sp. nov., were collected by means of different quantitative and non-quantitative methods (hand collection and Tullgren extraction) in the forest floor. The new species can be easily distinguished from the only other species of the genus, C. hyloraina Lindeman, 1990, by gnathopod 2 (carpus short, palm longer than wide), pereopod 4 dactylus with a denticulate patch, pereopod 5 basis ovate with a deep posterodistal lobe reaching the distal end of the ischium, pleopod 3 ramus with more than six articles. Cerrorchestia tabouleki sp. nov. is the first forest-hopper discovered in the Lesser Antilles, raising the question of island colonization by terrestrial amphipods. Ecological data and a key to terrestrial Talitridae of Central America and the Caribbean islands are provided.

During recent investigations on the terrestrial invertebrates of the tropical rainforest on Martinique Island (Pitons du Carbet), specimens of a new species of the terrestrial amphipod genus Cerrorchestia Lindeman, 1990, C. taboukeli sp. nov., were collected by means of different quantitative and non-quantitative methods (hand collection and Tullgren extraction) in the forest floor. The new species can be easily distinguished from the only other species of the genus, C. hyloraina Lindeman, 1990, by gnathopod 2 (carpus short, palm longer than wide), pereopod 4 dactylus with a denticulate patch, pereopod 5 basis ovate with a deep posterodistal lobe reaching the distal end of the ischium, pleopod 3 ramus with more than six articles. Cerrorchestia tabouleki sp. nov. is the first forest-hopper discovered in the Lesser Antilles, raising the question of island colonization by terrestrial amphipods. Ecological data and a key to terrestrial Talitridae of Central America and the Caribbean islands are provided.

Les épidémies virales constituent une menace majeure pour les cultures dans de nombreuses régions tropicales et subtropicales du monde. En Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale, malgré la caractérisation d'une multitude de nouvelles espèces de géminivirus, les connaissances sur l'épidémiologie des maladies virales émergentes restent incomplètes, notamment concernant la diversité et l'identification précise des espèces virales incriminées. Paradoxalement, si l'on considère que la plupart des maladies émergentes causées par les géminivirus sont liées à des virus infectant naturellement les plantes sauvages, et qui se seraient adaptés aux plantes cultivées introduites, la diversité des populations virales dans leurs écosystèmes naturels reste très largement méconnue. De plus, le caractère non pérenne de la majorité des plantes maraîchères suggère l'existence de plant es hôtes alternatives ou réservoirs, qui permettent aux populations virales de se maintenir lors des périodes d'intercultures. Par conséquent, pour lutter contre ces nouvelles maladies virales dévastatrices, il est primordial d'acquérir de meilleures connaissances de la diversité des populations virales des plantes cultivées et sauvages, de leurs répartitions géographiques, de leurs liens phylogénétiques, de leurs pathogénicités et des principaux facteurs épidémiologiques à l'échelle des agro-écosystèmes. Ainsi, les travaux entrepris dans cette thèse ont porté sur l'analyse d'échantillons de plantes maraichères et non cultivées provenant de 48 localités réparties sur le territoire du Burkina Faso et de Côte d'Ivoire. Nos principaux résultats confirment à la fois la non-exhaustivité de notre connaissance de la diversité des géminivirus présent sur les cultures maraîchères, avec l'existence d'au moins cinq espèces de géminivirus impliqués dans la maladie du ToLCD-TYLCD, d'un gradient Nord-Sud de complexité des espèces de géminivirus au Burkina Faso, la prédominance du PepYVMLV sur les solanées cultivées et la prése

This research was conducted in 2015 to determine the Chloropidae fauna of sugarcane fields in Khouzestan Province (Iran). Chloropid flies were collected using sweeping nets before harvesting of sugarcane varieties. As a result of this survey 10 species from two subfamilies were identified: Aphanotrigonum cinctellum (Zetterstedt 1848) and Oscinella pusilla (Meigen 1830) (subfamily Oscinellinae); Lasiosina herpini (Guérin-Méneville 1843), L. paralittoralis (Dely-Draskovits 1981) Meromyza nigriventris (Macquart 1835), Thaumatomyia sulcifrons (Becker 1907), T. notata (Meigen 1830), T. glabra (Meigen 1830), Platycephala umbraculata (Fabricius 1798) and P. rugosa (Nartshuk 1964) (subfamily Chloropinae). P. umbraculata and P. rugosa are new for Iran fauna and all species are new to Khouzestan Province. Besides them, we identified two genera Conioscinella sp. and Elachiptera sp.

Three new scale insects are recorded from French Guiana: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, 1881, Milviscutulus mangiferae (Fernald, 1903) (Coccidae) and Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell, 1893) (Pseudococcidae) on Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae).

We describe a new vanilla species growing in sympatry with Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews (Orchidaceae) in the province of Limón, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The morphology of the reproductive and vegetative organs observed on vines cultivated under shade-house, the nuclear (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and plastid (matK) nucleotide sequences, as well as the contents of aromatic compounds measured in ripe fruits, show that this species is close to but distinct from V. planifolia. The name V. sotoarenasii M.Pignal, Azofeifa-Bolaños & Grisoni sp. nov. is proposed for this new Vanilla species endemic in Costa Rica. It is especially distinguished from V. planifolia by a reduction of about 30% of the size of the fruits and flowers, by a divergence of ITS sequences for at least two species-conserved nucleotides compared to seven other species of the V. planifolia group, and by the presence of anisic compounds and low content of phenolic compounds (including vanillin) in the fruits. These results confirmed the extension of the area of distribution of V. planifolia southward to Costa Rica, where a recent speciation process occurred. Because of its particular agronomic and aromatic properties, V. sotoarenasii sp. nov. could represent a valuable biological resource for the vanilla industry.

Three new scale insects are recorded from French Guiana: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, 1881, Milviscutulus mangiferae (Fernald, 1903) (Coccidae) and Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell, 1893) (Pseudococcidae) on Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae).

This research was conducted in 2015 to determine the Chloropidae fauna of sugarcane fields in Khouzestan Province (Iran). Chloropid flies were collected using sweeping nets before harvesting of sugarcane varieties. As a result of this survey 10 species from two subfamilies were identified: Aphanotrigonum cinctellum (Zetterstedt 1848) and Oscinella pusilla (Meigen 1830) (subfamily Oscinellinae); Lasiosina herpini (Guérin-Méneville 1843), L. paralittoralis (Dely-Draskovits 1981) Meromyza nigriventris (Macquart 1835), Thaumatomyia sulcifrons (Becker 1907), T. notata (Meigen 1830), T. glabra (Meigen 1830), Platycephala umbraculata (Fabricius 1798) and P. rugosa (Nartshuk 1964) (subfamily Chloropinae). P. umbraculata and P. rugosa are new for Iran fauna and all species are new to Khouzestan Province. Besides them, we identified two genera Conioscinella sp. and Elachiptera sp.

We describe a new vanilla species growing in sympatry with Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews (Orchidaceae) in the province of Limón, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The morphology of the reproductive and vegetative organs observed on vines cultivated under shade-house, the nuclear (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and plastid (matK) nucleotide sequences, as well as the contents of aromatic compounds measured in ripe fruits, show that this species is close to but distinct from V. planifolia. The name V. sotoarenasii M.Pignal, Azofeifa-Bolaños & Grisoni sp. nov. is proposed for this new Vanilla species endemic in Costa Rica. It is especially distinguished from V. planifolia by a reduction of about 30% of the size of the fruits and flowers, by a divergence of ITS sequences for at least two species-conserved nucleotides compared to seven other species of the V. planifolia group, and by the presence of anisic compounds and low content of phenolic compounds (including vanillin) in the fruits. These results confirmed the extension of the area of distribution of V. planifolia southward to Costa Rica, where a recent speciation process occurred. Because of its particular agronomic and aromatic properties, V. sotoarenasii sp. nov. could represent a valuable biological resource for the vanilla industry.

Les épidémies virales constituent une menace majeure pour les cultures dans de nombreuses régions tropicales et subtropicales du monde. En Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale, malgré la caractérisation d'une multitude de nouvelles espèces de géminivirus, les connaissances sur l'épidémiologie des maladies virales émergentes restent incomplètes, notamment concernant la diversité et l'identification précise des espèces virales incriminées. Paradoxalement, si l'on considère que la plupart des maladies émergentes causées par les géminivirus sont liées à des virus infectant naturellement les plantes sauvages, et qui se seraient adaptés aux plantes cultivées introduites, la diversité des populations virales dans leurs écosystèmes naturels reste très largement méconnue. De plus, le caractère non pérenne de la majorité des plantes maraîchères suggère l'existence de plant es hôtes alternatives ou réservoirs, qui permettent aux populations virales de se maintenir lors des périodes d'intercultures. Par conséquent, pour lutter contre ces nouvelles maladies virales dévastatrices, il est primordial d'acquérir de meilleures connaissances de la diversité des populations virales des plantes cultivées et sauvages, de leurs répartitions géographiques, de leurs liens phylogénétiques, de leurs pathogénicités et des principaux facteurs épidémiologiques à l'échelle des agro-écosystèmes. Ainsi, les travaux entrepris dans cette thèse ont porté sur l'analyse d'échantillons de plantes maraichères et non cultivées provenant de 48 localités réparties sur le territoire du Burkina Faso et de Côte d'Ivoire. Nos principaux résultats confirment à la fois la non-exhaustivité de notre connaissance de la diversité des géminivirus présent sur les cultures maraîchères, avec l'existence d'au moins cinq espèces de géminivirus impliqués dans la maladie du ToLCD-TYLCD, d'un gradient Nord-Sud de complexité des espèces de géminivirus au Burkina Faso, la prédominance du PepYVMLV sur les solanées cultivées et la prése

During previous surveys of helminths in rodents from Southeast Asia, an unnamed species of Aonchotheca was recovered from the stomach of several rodent species. In the present study, the description of the new species Aonchotheca yannickchavali n. sp. is provided based on both female and male specimens collected from two bandicoot rat species (Bandicota indica and Bandicota savilei) from Thailand (Buriram and Nan provinces). This nematode can be separated from other known Aonchotheca found in rodents by its microhabitat in the host and by the size of the spicules in males and the vulvar appendage in females.

Cowpea, (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)) is an annual tropical grain legume. Often referred to as “poor man's meat”, cowpea is one of the most important subsistence legumes cultivated in West Africa due to the high protein content of its seeds. However, African cowpea production can be seriously constrained by viral diseases that reduce yields. While twelve cowpea-infecting viruses have been reported from Africa, only three of these have so-far been reported from Burkina Faso. Here we use a virion-associated nucleic acids (VANA)-based metagenomics method to screen for the presence of cowpea viruses from plants collected from the three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Besides the three cowpea-infecting virus species which have previously been reported from Burkina Faso (Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus [Family Potyviridae], the Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus—a strain of Bean common mosaic virus—[Family Potyviridae] and Cowpea mottle virus [Family Tombusviridae]) five additional viruses were identified: Southern cowpea mosaic virus (Sobemovirus genus), two previously uncharacterised polerovirus-like species (Family Luteoviridae), a previously uncharacterised tombusvirus-like species (Family Tombusviridae) and a previously uncharacterised mycotymovirus-like species (Family Tymoviridae). Overall, potyviruses were the most prevalent cowpea viruses (detected in 65.5% of samples) and the Southern Sudan zone of Burkina Faso was found to harbour the greatest degrees of viral diversity and viral prevalence. Partial genome sequences of the two novel polerovirus-like and tombusvirus-like species were determined and RT-PCR primers were designed for use in Burkina Faso to routinely detect all of these cowpea-associated viruses.

Bartonellae are blood- and vector-borne Gram-negative bacteria, recognized as emerging pathogens. Whole-blood samples were collected from 58 free-ranging lions (Panthera leo) in South Africa and 17 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) from Namibia. Blood samples were also collected from 11 cheetahs (more than once for some of them) at the San Diego Wildlife Safari Park. Bacteria were isolated from the blood of three (5%) lions, one (6%) Namibian cheetah and eight (73%) cheetahs from California. The lion Bartonella isolates were identified as B. henselae (two isolates) and B. koehlerae subsp. koehlerae. The Namibian cheetah strain was close but distinct from isolates from North American wild felids and clustered between B. henselae and B. koehlerae. It should be considered as a new subspecies of B. koehlerae. All the Californian semi-captive cheetah isolates were different from B. henselae or B. koehlerae subsp. koehlerae and from the Namibian cheetah isolate. They were also distinct from the strains isolated from Californian mountain lions (Felis concolor) and clustered with strains of B. koehlerae subsp. bothieri isolated from free-ranging bobcats (Lynx rufus) in California. Therefore, it is likely that these captive cheetahs became infected by an indigenous strain for which bobcats are the natural reservoir.

Passiflora kapiriensis is a new Guianese species in the series Laurifoliae of subgenus Passiflora, found near Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock. The filaments of the fourth corona row are 1 cm long and oriented to the androgynophore, which is reminiscent of P. acuminata, P. cerasina, P. fissurosa, P. killipiana and P. nitida. It differs from these close relatives by the combination of subequal first and second rows of filaments, a very short hypanthium, very long petioles, with medial nectary glands, and much larger leaves.

Domestic cats are the natural reservoir of Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae. To determine the role of wild felids in the epidemiology of Bartonella infections, blood was collected from 14 free-ranging California mountain lions (Puma concolor) and 19 bobcats (Lynx rufus). Bartonella spp. were isolated from four (29%) mountain lions and seven (37%) bobcats. These isolates were characterized using growth characteristics, biochemical reactions, molecular techniques, including PCR-RFLP of selected genes or interspacer region, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), partial sequencing of several genes, and DNA-DNA hybridization. Two isolates were identical to B. henselae genotype II. All other isolates were distinguished from B. henselae and B. koehlerae by PCR-RFLP of the gltA gene using endonucleases HhaI, TaqI and AciI, with the latter two discriminating between the mountain lion and the bobcat isolates. These two novel isolates displayed specific PFGE profiles distinct from B. henselae, B. koehlerae and B. clarridgeiae. Sequences of amplified gene fragments from the three mountain lion and six bobcat isolates were closely related to, but distinct from, B. henselae and B. koehlerae. Finally, DNA-DNA hybridization studies demonstrated that the mountain lion and bobcat strains are most closely related to B. koehlerae. We propose naming the mountain lion isolates B. koehlerae subsp. boulouisii subsp. nov. (type strain: L-42-94), and the bobcat isolates B. koehlerae subsp. bothieri subsp. nov. (type strain: L-17-96), and to emend B. koehlerae as B. koehlerae subsp. koehlerae. The mode of transmission and the zoonotic potential of these new Bartonella subspecies remain to be determined.

Bartonellae are blood- and vector-borne Gram-negative bacteria, recognized as emerging pathogens. Whole-blood samples were collected from 58 free-ranging lions (Panthera leo) in South Africa and 17 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) from Namibia. Blood samples were also collected from 11 cheetahs (more than once for some of them) at the San Diego Wildlife Safari Park. Bacteria were isolated from the blood of three (5%) lions, one (6%) Namibian cheetah and eight (73%) cheetahs from California. The lion Bartonella isolates were identified as B. henselae (two isolates) and B. koehlerae subsp. koehlerae. The Namibian cheetah strain was close but distinct from isolates from North American wild felids and clustered between B. henselae and B. koehlerae. It should be considered as a new subspecies of B. koehlerae. All the Californian semi-captive cheetah isolates were different from B. henselae or B. koehlerae subsp. koehlerae and from the Namibian cheetah isolate. They were also distinct from the strains isolated from Californian mountain lions (Felis concolor) and clustered with strains of B. koehlerae subsp. bothieri isolated from free-ranging bobcats (Lynx rufus) in California. Therefore, it is likely that these captive cheetahs became infected by an indigenous strain for which bobcats are the natural reservoir.

During previous surveys of helminths in rodents from Southeast Asia, an unnamed species of Aonchotheca was recovered from the stomach of several rodent species. In the present study, the description of the new species Aonchotheca yannickchavali n. sp. is provided based on both female and male specimens collected from two bandicoot rat species (Bandicota indica and Bandicota savilei) from Thailand (Buriram and Nan provinces). This nematode can be separated from other known Aonchotheca found in rodents by its microhabitat in the host and by the size of the spicules in males and the vulvar appendage in females.

Cowpea, (Vigna unguiculata L. (Walp)) is an annual tropical grain legume. Often referred to as “poor man's meat”, cowpea is one of the most important subsistence legumes cultivated in West Africa due to the high protein content of its seeds. However, African cowpea production can be seriously constrained by viral diseases that reduce yields. While twelve cowpea-infecting viruses have been reported from Africa, only three of these have so-far been reported from Burkina Faso. Here we use a virion-associated nucleic acids (VANA)-based metagenomics method to screen for the presence of cowpea viruses from plants collected from the three agro-climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Besides the three cowpea-infecting virus species which have previously been reported from Burkina Faso (Cowpea aphid borne mosaic virus [Family Potyviridae], the Blackeye cowpea mosaic virus—a strain of Bean common mosaic virus—[Family Potyviridae] and Cowpea mottle virus [Family Tombusviridae]) five additional viruses were identified: Southern cowpea mosaic virus (Sobemovirus genus), two previously uncharacterised polerovirus-like species (Family Luteoviridae), a previously uncharacterised tombusvirus-like species (Family Tombusviridae) and a previously uncharacterised mycotymovirus-like species (Family Tymoviridae). Overall, potyviruses were the most prevalent cowpea viruses (detected in 65.5% of samples) and the Southern Sudan zone of Burkina Faso was found to harbour the greatest degrees of viral diversity and viral prevalence. Partial genome sequences of the two novel polerovirus-like and tombusvirus-like species were determined and RT-PCR primers were designed for use in Burkina Faso to routinely detect all of these cowpea-associated viruses.

Passiflora kapiriensis is a new Guianese species in the series Laurifoliae of subgenus Passiflora, found near Saint-Georges-de-l'Oyapock. The filaments of the fourth corona row are 1 cm long and oriented to the androgynophore, which is reminiscent of P. acuminata, P. cerasina, P. fissurosa, P. killipiana and P. nitida. It differs from these close relatives by the combination of subequal first and second rows of filaments, a very short hypanthium, very long petioles, with medial nectary glands, and much larger leaves.

Domestic cats are the natural reservoir of Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae. To determine the role of wild felids in the epidemiology of Bartonella infections, blood was collected from 14 free-ranging California mountain lions (Puma concolor) and 19 bobcats (Lynx rufus). Bartonella spp. were isolated from four (29%) mountain lions and seven (37%) bobcats. These isolates were characterized using growth characteristics, biochemical reactions, molecular techniques, including PCR-RFLP of selected genes or interspacer region, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), partial sequencing of several genes, and DNA-DNA hybridization. Two isolates were identical to B. henselae genotype II. All other isolates were distinguished from B. henselae and B. koehlerae by PCR-RFLP of the gltA gene using endonucleases HhaI, TaqI and AciI, with the latter two discriminating between the mountain lion and the bobcat isolates. These two novel isolates displayed specific PFGE profiles distinct from B. henselae, B. koehlerae and B. clarridgeiae. Sequences of amplified gene fragments from the three mountain lion and six bobcat isolates were closely related to, but distinct from, B. henselae and B. koehlerae. Finally, DNA-DNA hybridization studies demonstrated that the mountain lion and bobcat strains are most closely related to B. koehlerae. We propose naming the mountain lion isolates B. koehlerae subsp. boulouisii subsp. nov. (type strain: L-42-94), and the bobcat isolates B. koehlerae subsp. bothieri subsp. nov. (type strain: L-17-96), and to emend B. koehlerae as B. koehlerae subsp. koehlerae. The mode of transmission and the zoonotic potential of these new Bartonella subspecies remain to be determined.

The taxonomy of two poorly known species of rhizopine crabs, Ceratoplax truncatifrons Rathbun, 1914, and C. fulgida Rathbun, 1914 (Brachyura Linnaeus, 1758: Pilumnidae Samouelle, 1819) is clarified on the basis of the type material from the Philippines. A new species, C. margarita n. sp., is described from Papua New Guinea. It can be distinguished from the above two species (and all congeners) by its carapace, sternal and gonopod characters., La taxonomie de deux espèces peu connues de crabes de la sous-famille des Rhizopinae Stimpson, 1858, Ceratoplax truncatifrons Rathbun, 1914, et C. fulgida Rathbun, 1914 (Brachyura Linnaeus, 1758 : Pilumnidae Samouelle, 1819) est éclaircie sur la base du matériel type des Philippines. Une espèce nouvelle, C. margarita n. sp., est décrite de Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée ; elle se distingue des deux espèces précitées (et de tous ses congénères) par les caractères de la carapace, du sternum thoracique et des gonopodes.

Xanthomonas albilineans is the bacterium responsible for leaf scald, a lethal disease of sugarcane. Within the Xanthomonas genus, X. albilineans exhibits distinctive genomic characteristics including the presence of significant genome erosion, a non-ribosomal peptide synthesis (NRPS) locus involved in albicidin biosynthesis, and a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) of the Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1) family. We sequenced two X. albilineans-like strains isolated from unusual environments, i.e., from dew droplets on sugarcane leaves and from the wild grass Paspalum dilatatum, and compared these genomes sequences with those of two strains of X. albilineans and three of Xanthomonas sacchari. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) showed that both X. albilineans-like strains belong to a new species close to X. albilineans that we have named “Xanthomonas pseudalbilineans”. X. albilineans and “X. pseudalbilineans” share many genomic features including (i) the lack of genes encoding a hypersensitive response and pathogenicity type 3 secretion system (Hrp-T3SS), and (ii) genome erosion that probably occurred in a common progenitor of both species. Our comparative analyses also revealed specific genomic features that may help X. albilineans interact with sugarcane, e.g., a PglA endoglucanase, three TonB-dependent transporters and a glycogen metabolism gene cluster. Other specific genomic features found in the “X. pseudalbilineans” genome may contribute to its fitness and specific ecological niche.

The taxonomy of two poorly known species of rhizopine crabs, Ceratoplax truncatifrons Rathbun, 1914, and C. fulgida Rathbun, 1914 (Brachyura Linnaeus, 1758: Pilumnidae Samouelle, 1819) is clarified on the basis of the type material from the Philippines. A new species, C. margarita n. sp., is described from Papua New Guinea. It can be distinguished from the above two species (and all congeners) by its carapace, sternal and gonopod characters., La taxonomie de deux espèces peu connues de crabes de la sous-famille des Rhizopinae Stimpson, 1858, Ceratoplax truncatifrons Rathbun, 1914, et C. fulgida Rathbun, 1914 (Brachyura Linnaeus, 1758 : Pilumnidae Samouelle, 1819) est éclaircie sur la base du matériel type des Philippines. Une espèce nouvelle, C. margarita n. sp., est décrite de Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée ; elle se distingue des deux espèces précitées (et de tous ses congénères) par les caractères de la carapace, du sternum thoracique et des gonopodes.

Xanthomonas albilineans is the bacterium responsible for leaf scald, a lethal disease of sugarcane. Within the Xanthomonas genus, X. albilineans exhibits distinctive genomic characteristics including the presence of significant genome erosion, a non-ribosomal peptide synthesis (NRPS) locus involved in albicidin biosynthesis, and a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) of the Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1) family. We sequenced two X. albilineans-like strains isolated from unusual environments, i.e., from dew droplets on sugarcane leaves and from the wild grass Paspalum dilatatum, and compared these genomes sequences with those of two strains of X. albilineans and three of Xanthomonas sacchari. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) showed that both X. albilineans-like strains belong to a new species close to X. albilineans that we have named “Xanthomonas pseudalbilineans”. X. albilineans and “X. pseudalbilineans” share many genomic features including (i) the lack of genes encoding a hypersensitive response and pathogenicity type 3 secretion system (Hrp-T3SS), and (ii) genome erosion that probably occurred in a common progenitor of both species. Our comparative analyses also revealed specific genomic features that may help X. albilineans interact with sugarcane, e.g., a PglA endoglucanase, three TonB-dependent transporters and a glycogen metabolism gene cluster. Other specific genomic features found in the “X. pseudalbilineans” genome may contribute to its fitness and specific ecological niche.

Species of Pyricularia (magnaporthe-like sexual morphs) are responsible for major diseases on grasses. Pyricularia oryzae (sexual morph Magnaporthe oryzae) is responsible for the major disease of rice called rice blast disease, and foliar diseases of wheat and millet, while Pyricularia grisea (sexual morph Magnaporthe grisea) is responsible for foliar diseases of Digitaria. Magnaporthe salvinii, M. poae and M. rhizophila produce asexual spores that differ from those of Pyricularia sensu stricto that has pyriform, 2-septate conidia produced on conidiophores with sympodial proliferation. Magnaporthe salvinii was recently allocated to Nakataea, while M. poae and M. rhizophila were placed in Magnaporthiopsis. To clarify the taxonomic relationships among species that are magnaporthe- or pyricularia-like in morphology, we analysed phylogenetic relationships among isolates representing a wide range of host plants by using partial DNA sequences of multiple genes such as LSU, ITS, RPB1, actin and calmodulin. Species of Pyricularia s. str. belong to a monophyletic clade that includes all P. oryzae/P. grisea isolates tested, defining the Pyriculariaceae, which is sister to the Ophioceraceae, representing two novel families. These clades are clearly distinct from species belonging to the Gaeumannomyces pro parte/Magnaporthiopsis/Nakataea generic complex that are monophyletic and define the Magnaporthaceae. A few magnaporthe- and pyricularia-like species are unrelated to Magnaporthaceae and Pyriculariaceae. Pyricularia oryzae/P. grisea isolates cluster into two related clades. Host plants such as Eleusine, Oryza, Setaria or Triticum were exclusively infected by isolates from P. oryzae, while some host plant such as Cenchrus, Echinochloa, Lolium, Pennisetum or Zingiber were infected by different Pyricularia species. This demonstrates that host range cannot be used as taxonomic criterion without extensive pathotyping. Our results also show that the typical pyriform, 2-septate coni

The extent and importance of endogenous viral elements have been extensively described in animals but are much less well understood in plants. Here we describe a new genus of Caulimoviridae called 'Florendovirus', members of which have colonized the genomes of a large diversity of flowering plants, sometimes at very high copy numbers (40.5% total genome content). The genome invasion of Oryza is dated to over 1.8 million years ago (MYA) but phylogeographic evidence points to an even older age of 20-34 MYA for this virus group. Some appear to have had a bipartite genome organization, a unique characteristic among viral retroelements. In Vitis vinifera, 9% of the endogenous florendovirus loci are located within introns and therefore may influence host gene expression. The frequent colocation of endogenous florendovirus loci with TA simple sequence repeats, which are associated with chromosome fragility, suggests sequence capture during repair of double-stranded DNA breaks.

Le cotonnier est l'une des plantes cultivées les plus attaquées au monde par les Insectes. Cette culture fait l'objet d'une très forte protection phytosanitaire avec des insecticides chimiques de synthèse. Au Paraguay, la production locale de semences de cotonniers transgéniques (Bt) a été annoncée en 2012. Ce type de cotonniers confère une résistance à certaines espèces de Lépidoptères dont les chenilles arrêtent de s'alimenter après avoir ingéré les toxines produites par les plantes. Mais il existe un complexe important d'espèces phytophages sur cette plante, dont certaines ne sont pas concernées par l'effet des toxines. Cet article dresse l'état actuel des connaissances taxonomiques sur les Arthropodes phytophages du cotonnier au Paraguay. Une très grande diversité d'espèces phytophages est observée. Le total rapporté est de 170 espèces et 60 genres pour lesquels les espèces n'ont pas pu être identifiées. Dix genres et 36 espèces sont nouvellement mentionnés sur le cotonnier. Parmi les nouvelles espèces, 18 appartiennent à la famille des Cicadellidae et cinq à celle des Curculionidae. Un ravageur important est l'anthonome du cotonnier (Anthonomus grandis, Curculionidae). Les cotonniers Bt actuellement disponibles n'affectent pas les Coléoptères. En cas d'emploi généralisé de ce type de variétés, le statut d'Insectes secondaires de ce groupe d'Arthropodes pourrait évoluer vers celui de ravageurs importants de la culture cotonnière. Il en est de même pour certaines espèces de Lépidoptères phytophages (genres Spodoptera et Pseudoplusia) et des punaises des familles Pentatomidae et Miridae.

The extent and importance of endogenous viral elements have been extensively described in animals but are much less well understood in plants. Here we describe a new genus of Caulimoviridae called 'Florendovirus', members of which have colonized the genomes of a large diversity of flowering plants, sometimes at very high copy numbers (40.5% total genome content). The genome invasion of Oryza is dated to over 1.8 million years ago (MYA) but phylogeographic evidence points to an even older age of 20-34 MYA for this virus group. Some appear to have had a bipartite genome organization, a unique characteristic among viral retroelements. In Vitis vinifera, 9% of the endogenous florendovirus loci are located within introns and therefore may influence host gene expression. The frequent colocation of endogenous florendovirus loci with TA simple sequence repeats, which are associated with chromosome fragility, suggests sequence capture during repair of double-stranded DNA breaks.

Le cotonnier est l'une des plantes cultivées les plus attaquées au monde par les Insectes. Cette culture fait l'objet d'une très forte protection phytosanitaire avec des insecticides chimiques de synthèse. Au Paraguay, la production locale de semences de cotonniers transgéniques (Bt) a été annoncée en 2012. Ce type de cotonniers confère une résistance à certaines espèces de Lépidoptères dont les chenilles arrêtent de s'alimenter après avoir ingéré les toxines produites par les plantes. Mais il existe un complexe important d'espèces phytophages sur cette plante, dont certaines ne sont pas concernées par l'effet des toxines. Cet article dresse l'état actuel des connaissances taxonomiques sur les Arthropodes phytophages du cotonnier au Paraguay. Une très grande diversité d'espèces phytophages est observée. Le total rapporté est de 170 espèces et 60 genres pour lesquels les espèces n'ont pas pu être identifiées. Dix genres et 36 espèces sont nouvellement mentionnés sur le cotonnier. Parmi les nouvelles espèces, 18 appartiennent à la famille des Cicadellidae et cinq à celle des Curculionidae. Un ravageur important est l'anthonome du cotonnier (Anthonomus grandis, Curculionidae). Les cotonniers Bt actuellement disponibles n'affectent pas les Coléoptères. En cas d'emploi généralisé de ce type de variétés, le statut d'Insectes secondaires de ce groupe d'Arthropodes pourrait évoluer vers celui de ravageurs importants de la culture cotonnière. Il en est de même pour certaines espèces de Lépidoptères phytophages (genres Spodoptera et Pseudoplusia) et des punaises des familles Pentatomidae et Miridae.

Species of Pyricularia (magnaporthe-like sexual morphs) are responsible for major diseases on grasses. Pyricularia oryzae (sexual morph Magnaporthe oryzae) is responsible for the major disease of rice called rice blast disease, and foliar diseases of wheat and millet, while Pyricularia grisea (sexual morph Magnaporthe grisea) is responsible for foliar diseases of Digitaria. Magnaporthe salvinii, M. poae and M. rhizophila produce asexual spores that differ from those of Pyricularia sensu stricto that has pyriform, 2-septate conidia produced on conidiophores with sympodial proliferation. Magnaporthe salvinii was recently allocated to Nakataea, while M. poae and M. rhizophila were placed in Magnaporthiopsis. To clarify the taxonomic relationships among species that are magnaporthe- or pyricularia-like in morphology, we analysed phylogenetic relationships among isolates representing a wide range of host plants by using partial DNA sequences of multiple genes such as LSU, ITS, RPB1, actin and calmodulin. Species of Pyricularia s. str. belong to a monophyletic clade that includes all P. oryzae/P. grisea isolates tested, defining the Pyriculariaceae, which is sister to the Ophioceraceae, representing two novel families. These clades are clearly distinct from species belonging to the Gaeumannomyces pro parte/Magnaporthiopsis/Nakataea generic complex that are monophyletic and define the Magnaporthaceae. A few magnaporthe- and pyricularia-like species are unrelated to Magnaporthaceae and Pyriculariaceae. Pyricularia oryzae/P. grisea isolates cluster into two related clades. Host plants such as Eleusine, Oryza, Setaria or Triticum were exclusively infected by isolates from P. oryzae, while some host plant such as Cenchrus, Echinochloa, Lolium, Pennisetum or Zingiber were infected by different Pyricularia species. This demonstrates that host range cannot be used as taxonomic criterion without extensive pathotyping. Our results also show that the typical pyriform, 2-septate coni

The authors report results of several surveys carried out to collect phytoseiid mites, between April 2008 and January 2009, in crops and natural surrounding vegetation in several locations of Guadeloupe, La Désirade, Les Saintes and Martinique. A catalogue of 11 new species for Guadeloupe, La Désirade, Les Saintes and Martinique is provided with some information on their biology, when available, and biogeography. New locations for six additional species rarely recorded in the West Indies are also provided. Among the 11 new species, one species new to Science, named Transeius mariae-angeae, is described.

The authors report results of several surveys carried out to collect phytoseiid mites, between April 2008 and January 2009, in crops and natural surrounding vegetation in several locations of Guadeloupe, La Désirade, Les Saintes and Martinique. A catalogue of 11 new species for Guadeloupe, La Désirade, Les Saintes and Martinique is provided with some information on their biology, when available, and biogeography. New locations for six additional species rarely recorded in the West Indies are also provided. Among the 11 new species, one species new to Science, named Transeius mariae-angeae, is described.

Les coquilles d’une espèce d’Ovulidae aux caractères totalement inhabituals ont été récoltés dans la partie axiale de l’anticlinal d’Oliana, en Catalogne: Olianatrivia riberai n. gen., n. sp. (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda), dont la formeet l’ornementation rappellent certaines Triviinae. En accord avec les datations chrono-stratigraphiques connues établies dans le bassin, l’âge de la faune mala-cologique, déplacée à partir d’un faciès récifal, est datée du Bartonien supérieur (Éocène moyen). Il est proposé de placer O. Riberai n.gen., n. sp. au sein des Pediculariinae, une sous-famille des Ovulidae (Cypraeoidea), à proximité de Cypropterina ceciliae (De Gregorio, 1880) du Lutétien inférieur du Véronais, Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Notocotylus loeiensis n. sp. (Trematoda : Notocotylidae) du caecum du petit rat des rizières (Rattus losea) a été observé chez huit rats sur 88 (9,1 %) dans la province de Loei en Thaïlande. Cette nouvelle espèce diffère de celles de Notocotylus décrites précédemment, principalement par la position prébifurcale extrême du pore génital et par le nombre de papilles ventrales. Il s'agit de la première description du niveau d'espèce Notocotylus chez un mammifère en Asie du Sud-Est.