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Despite reptile trypanosomes forming a large group, the majority of species descriptions are data deficient, lacking key characteristic data and supporting molecular data. Reptile hosts show potential to facilitate transmission of zoonotic trypanosomiases and offer key information to understanding the genus of Trypanosoma. Several species of squamates from different localities in South Africa were screened molecularly and microscopically for trypanosomes in the present study. Based on the combination of morphological and molecular analyses, two new species of Trypanosoma, Trypanosoma (Squamatrypanum) ndumoensis n. sp. and Trypanosoma (Trypanosoma) tokoloshi n. sp., infecting South African cordylid lizards (Cordylidae: Cordylinae) are described in this study. The first molecular data for a South African reptile trypanosome is provided herewith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challengerids, phaeogromids rhizarian protists, are emblematic protists of the deep sea but are also enigmatic as they occur in very low concentrations. In previous studies, we reported on temporal changes in abundance at a near‐shore mesopelagic site, but only as part of sampling of the entire microplankton assemblage, not well‐suited for examining phaeogromids. Consequently, we turned to using a closing plankton net to provide material from large volumes of seawater, thus allowing for more robust estimates of concentrations and material for observations of living cells, to our knowledge the first made. Here, we report our results on the four most commonly occurring species: Challengeranium diadon, Challengereron willemoesii, Challengeria xiphodon, and Euphysetta lucani. In contrast to our previous report, we found that changes in concentrations were not related to water column stratification, and the four species roughly co‐varied with time. Observations of live cells revealed that all four species deploy tentacle‐like pseudopods and also very large unstructured webs of fine pseudopods. The similarities in feeding webs suggest similar prey are exploited, and the similar temporal changes in abundances suggest a common factor or factors (unknown at this time) govern their concentrations. Films of live cells are provided in Supplementary Files. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial cox1 689 bp barcodes are routinely used for identification of Tetrahymena species. Here, we examine whether two shorter nuclear sequences, the 5.8S rRNA gene region and the intergenic region between H3 and H4 histone genes, might also be useful either singly or in combination with each other or cox1. We obtained sequences from ~300 wild isolates deposited at the Tetrahymena Stock Center and analyzed additional sequences obtained from GenBank. The 5.8S rRNA gene and portions of its transcribed flanks identify isolates as to their major clade and uniquely identify some, but not all, species. The ~330 bp H3/H4 intergenic region possesses low intraspecific variability and is unique for most species. However, it fails to distinguish between two pairs of common species and their rarer counterparts, and its use is complicated by the presence of duplicate genes in some species. The results show that while the cox1 sequence is the best single marker for Tetrahymena species identification, 5.8S rRNA, and the H3/H4 intergenic regions sequences are useful, singly or in combination, to confirm cox1 species assignments or as part of a preliminary survey of newly collected Tetrahymena. From our newly collected isolates, the results extend the biogeographical range of T. shanghaiensis and T. malaccensis and identify a new species, Tetrahymena arleneae n. sp. herein described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Ophryoscolecidae currently comprises 225 species of trichostomatid ciliates, subdivided into three subfamilies (Entodiniinae, Diplodiniinae, and Ophryoscolecinae). The last taxonomic review of the family was performed 55 years ago, but recent morphological and molecular studies indicate the need for a profound review of the systematics of this taxon, since its current taxonomy is insufficient to organize the diversity of the group. Here, we briefly review the systematics of the family Ophryoscolecidae based on information recovered from the literature and new morphological and molecular data. We add four new 18S rDNA sequences of ophryoscolecids to molecular databases, which contributed to improving the comprehension of intrafamily relationships within this group. Finally, we discuss some systematic problems and suggest approaches to resolve such inconsistencies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Types and the corresponding rules in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature are crucial for taxonomy and are meant to provide nomenclatural stability. In the case of neotypification, especially diligent taxonomic work is required to retain continuity. In the present communication, we first outline the main principles of typification and neotypification. We then discuss a critical case, using a current example from the marine planktonic tintinnid genus Tintinnopsis Stein, 1867 (Alveolata, Ciliophora). This diverse and ubiquitous genus is nonmonophyletic, but its revision and the erection of new related genera is currently prevented by the uncertain affiliation of its type species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel genus and species within the order Glissmonadida (Cercozoa, Rhizaria), Saccharomycomorphapsychra n. g., n. sp., is described from lichen in the Ny‐Ålesund region (High Arctic) and moss in the Fildes peninsula of King George Island (Maritime Antarctica). Cells were spherical and did not appear to present flagella in organic‐rich Potato Dextrose Agar medium where they were able to feed osmotrophically. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that Saccharomycomorphapsychra belong to "clade T" within the order Glissmonadida (Cercozoa, Rhizaria). All three investigated strains could grow at 4 °C and had an optimum growth temperature of 12 °C, 20 °C, and 20 °C, while a maximum growth temperature of 20 °C, 20 °C, and 25 °C, respectively. In conclusion, we established the phenotypic identity of "clade T," which until now was exclusively detected by environmental sequences, and erect a new family Saccharomycomorphidae for "clade T." Nomenclatural, morphological and ecological aspects of this novel species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbioses between sponges and photosynthetic organisms are very diverse regarding the taxonomy and biogeography of both hosts and symbionts; to date, most research has focused on the exploration of bacterial diversity. The present study aims to characterize the culturable diversity of photosynthetic eukaryotes associated with sponges in the Aegean Sea, on which no information exists. Five microalgae strains were isolated from marine sponges; the strains were characterized by morphological features, and the 18S rRNA, 18S‐28S Internal Transcribed Spacer, and ribulose‐bisphosphate carboxylase large chain (rbcL) sequences. Our polyphasic approach showed that the strains belonged to the green‐alga Acrochaete leptochaete, the diatom Nanofrustulum cf. shiloi, the rhodophyte Acrochaetium spongicola, and the chlorachniophyte Lotharella oceanica. A. leptochaete is reported for the first time in sponges, even though green algae are known to be associated with sponges. Nanofrustulum shiloi was found in association with the sponges Agelas oroides and Chondrilla nucula, whereas information existed only for its association with the species Aplysina aerophoba. Acrochaetium spongicola was found for the first time in association with sponges in the eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, we report herein for the first time a sponge–chlorarachniophycean association. Our research revealed new diversity of microalgae associated with sponges and added new records of sponge species, previously unknown for their association with microalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Blattoidea: Rhinotermitidae) are invasive subterranean termite pest species with a major global economic impact. However, the descriptions of the mutualistic protist communities harbored in their respective hindguts remain fragmentary. The C. formosanus hindgut has long been considered to harbor three protist species, Pseudotrichonympha grassii (Trichonymphida), Holomastigotoides hartmanni, and Cononympha (Spirotrichonympha) leidyi (Spirotrichonymphida), but molecular data have suggested that the diversity may be higher. Meanwhile, the C. gestroi community remains undescribed except for Pseudotrichonympha leei. To complete the characterization of these communities, hindguts of workers from both termite species were investigated using single‐cell PCR, microscopy, cell counts, and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing. The two hosts were found to harbor intriguingly parallel protist communities, each consisting of one Pseudotrichonympha species, two Holomastigotoides species, and two Cononympha species. All protist species were unique to their respective hosts, which last shared a common ancestor ~18 MYA. The relative abundances of protist species in each hindgut differed remarkably between cell count data and 18S rRNA profiles, calling for caution in interpreting species abundances from amplicon data. This study will enable future research in C. formosanus and C. gestroi hybrids, which provide a unique opportunity to study protist community inheritance, compatibility, and potential contribution to hybrid vigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myxomycetes (also called Myxogastria or colloquially, slime molds) are worldwide occurring soil amoeboflagellates. Among Amoebozoa, they have the notable characteristic to form, during their life cycle, macroscopic fruiting bodies, that will ultimately release spores. Some 1,000 species have been described, based on the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their fruiting bodies. We were interested in Physarum pusillum (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) G. Lister, a very common species described with two variants, each bearing such morphological differences that they could represent two distinct species. In order to test this, we observed key characters in a large selection of specimens attributed to P. pusillum, to its synonyms (in particular Physarum gravidum), and to related species. In addition, the small‐subunit ribosomal RNA gene was obtained from seven of these specimens. Based on these data, we provide a comprehensive phylogeny of the order Physarida (Eukaryota: Amoebozoa: Conosa: Macromycetozoa: Fuscisporidia). Morphology and phylogeny together support the reinstatement of P. gravidum Morgan 1896 with a neotype here designated, distinct from P. pusillum, here redefined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurostomatida Schewiakoff, 1896 is a cosmopolitan order of ciliates. In the present study, we investigated two new pleurostomatid species, Apolitonotus lynni gen. et sp. nov. and Protolitonotus clampi sp. nov., with state‐of‐the‐art methods. Apolitonotus lynni lacks its oral extrusomes and its right kineties form an anterior semi‐suture near the dorsal margin. Based on these two features, the new genus Apolitonotus was established within the Protolitonotidae Wu et al., 2017. Protolitonotus clampi differs from its congeners by its size of 80–130 × 15–30 μm, 4–6 left, and 9–11 right kineties, extrusomes arranged along the oral slit, and two macronuclear nodules. Because Litonotus antarcticus possesses an anterior semi‐suture and oral extrusomes, it was transferred to the genus Protolitonotus, becoming P. antarctius comb. nov. (basionym Litonotus antarcticus Song and Wilbert, 2002). Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences suggest a sister group relationship of P. clampi and the family Kentrophyllidae, and A. lynni is adelphotaxon to Litonotus gracilis, both within the order Pleurostomatida. Based on the new findings, an improved diagnosis for Protolitonotus was also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eugregarines are understudied apicomplexan parasites of invertebrates inhabiting marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Most currently known terrestrial eugregarines have been described parasitizing the gut from less than 1% of total insect diversity, with a high likelihood that the remaining insect species are infected. Eugregarine diversity in orthopterans (grasshoppers, locusts, katydids, and crickets) is still little known. We carried out a survey of the eugregarines parasitizing the Mexican lubber grasshopper, Taeniopoda centurio, an endemic species to the northwest of Mexico. We described two new eugregarine species from the gut of the host: Amoebogregarina taeniopoda n. sp. and Quadruspinospora mexicana n. sp. Both species are morphologically dissimilar in their life‐cycle stages. Our SSU rDNA phylogenetic analysis showed that both species are phylogenetically distant to each other, even though they parasitize the same host. Amoebogregarina taeniopoda n. sp. clustered within the clade Gregarinoidea, being closely related to Amoebogregarina nigra from the grasshopper Melanoplus differentialis. Quadruspinospora mexicana n. sp. clustered within the clade Actinocephaloidea and grouped with Prismatospora evansi, a parasite from dragonfly naiads. Amoebogregarina taeniopoda n. sp. and Q. mexicana n. sp. represent the first record of eugregarines found to infect a species of the family Romaleidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new marine species of naked lobose amoebae Pseudoparamoeba garorimi n. sp. (Amoebozoa, Dactylopodida) isolated from intertidal marine sediments of Garorim Bay, Korea was studied with light and transmission electron microscopy. This species has a typical set of morphological characters for a genus including the shape of the locomotive form, type of subpseudopodia and the tendency to form the single long waving pseudopodium in locomotion. Furthermore, it has the same cell surface structures as were described for the type species, Pseudoparamoeba pagei: blister‐like glycostyles with hexagonal base and dome‐shaped apex; besides, cell surface bears hair‐like outgrowths. The new species described here lacks clear morphological distinctions from the two other Pseudoparamoeba species, but has considerable differences in the 18S rDNA and COX1 gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA placed P. garorimi n. sp. at the base of the Pseudoparamoeba clade with high PP/BS support. The level of COX1 sequence divergence was 22% between P. garorimi n. sp. and P. pagei and 25% between P. garorimi n. sp. and P. microlepis. Pseudoparamoeba species are hardly distinguishable by morphology alone, but display clear differences in 18S rDNA and COX1 gene sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holomastigotes is a protist genus (Parabasalia: Spirotrichonymphea) that resides in the hindguts of "lower" termites. It can be distinguished from other parabasalids by spiral flagellar bands that run along the entire length of the cell, an anterior nucleus, a reduced or absent axostyle, the presence of spherical vesicles inside the cells, and the absence of ingested wood particles. Eight species have been described based on their morphology so far, although no molecular data were available prior to this study. We determined the 18S rRNA gene sequences of Holomastigotes from the hindguts of Hodotermopsis sjostedti, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes lucifugus, and Reticulitermes tibialis. Phylogenetic analyses placed all sequences in an exclusive and well‐supported clade with the type species, Holomastigotes elongatum from R. lucifugus. However, the phylogenetic position of Holomastigotes within the Spirotrichonymphea was not resolved. We describe two new species, Holomastigotes flavipes n. sp. and Holomastigotes tibialis n. sp., inhabiting the hindguts of R. flavipes and R. tibialis, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polytomella strain SAG 63-10 was first described by Pringsheim (1963) as Polytomella piriformis nomen nudum. The current study validates the name Polytomella piriformis following the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants ( ICN). We present 18S rRNA sequences of SAG 63-10 and several other Polytomella strains, which, along with existing mitochondrial DNA sequences, clearly distinguishes P. piriformis n. sp. from other available Polytomella species. The first type material of the species is presented, as well as an illustration and micrographs. Our own observations of P. piriformis SAG 63-10 are compared to Pringsheim's description and to descriptions of other valid Polytomella spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the editor discusses the authors' responsibility to register their work with ZooBank when new species are described as International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature amended article 8 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature for works issued and distributed electronically. It mentions error in stating the evidence of registration does not make a work unavailable, and state the date of publication in the work itself.