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A remarkable new genus and species of cyclostome bryozoans is described from the Sea of Okhotsk off the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia. Kamchatkapora ozhgibesovigen. et sp. n. has large, multilayered colonies, each layer constructed of numerous subcolonies joined at their outer edges. This colony-form was previously unknown in extant cyclostomes, although common in the geological past, especially during the Cretaceous period. The term 'stratocormidial' is here introduced for such colonies, and their taxonomy and geological history are reviewed. Six fossil stratocormidial cyclostome genera (Blumenbachium, Cellulipora, Centronea, Multifascigera, Reptomulticava and Semimulticavea) are illustrated and briefly characterised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the upper part of the Dzheromo Formation (Dolborian Regional Stage, Katian Stage, Upper Ordovician) along the Moyerokan River (Northern Siberian Platform), seventeen bryozoan species were revealed, seven from which, owing to the poor preservation of the colonies, were identified in an open nomenclature. The bryozoans belong to ten genera from four orders: Cystoporata (Constellaria vesiculosa (Modzalevskaya in Modzalevskaya et Nekhoroshev), Lunaferamita? sp.), Trepostomata (Calloporella sp. 1, Calloporella sp. 2, Stigmatella sp., S. convestens Astrova in Ivanova et al., Batostoma varians (James), Orbignyella moyerokanensis sp. nov., Leptotrypa sp.), Fenestrata (Parachasmatopora sp.), and Cryptostomata (Phaenopora plebeia Nekhoroshev in Modzalevskaya et Nekhoroshev, P. pennata Nekhoroshev, P. erecta Nekhoroshev in Modzalevskaya et Nekhoroshev, P. carinata Nekhoroshev, P. viluensis Nekhoroshev in Modzalevskaya et Nekhoroshev, Phaenoporella sp., and Ph. multipora Nekhoroshev). The genera Lunaferamita, Orbignyella, and Parachasmatopora were first found in the Ordovician of the Siberian Platform, and the genus Calloporella was found in the Dolborian Regional Stage. The species O. moyerokanensis sp. nov. is endemic to Northern Siberia, while the majority of the species have a wide geographic distribution. The studied bryozoan complex demonstrates some connection with bryozoan assemblages from the Taimyr Peninsula, Kotelny Island, the Sette-Daban Ridge, and Mongolia at the species level. At the generic level, it is close to the bryozoan assemblages from Laurentia, Baltica, the Argentine Precordillera, and China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected from litter of the riparian mixed forest in the Hicacos Peninsula, northern Cuba. A list of 26 species, belonging to 23 genera and 15 families, is presented; of these, one genus and three species are reported for the first time for Cuban fauna. Two new species – Eremulus hicacosensis sp. nov. (Eremulidae) and Suctobelbella (Flagrosuctobelba) matanzasensis sp. nov. (Suctobelbidae) – are described. Identification keys to the known species of Eremulus and Suctobelbella (Flagrosuctobelba) from the Neotropical region are provided.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2F4E8CE0-49AE-400B-BF0E-E9640C521E3E [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idunella spinifera (Dauvin and Gentil, 1983) (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Liljeborgiidae) is reported for the first time after the original description that was based on one immature female. Specimens were collected in the Ría de Muros (NW Iberian Peninsula) during the course of a study on macrofauna diversity in shallow sublittoral biogenic sands along a one-year period. The male and the ovigerous female are fully described, and the data on ecology and temporal variation of abundance is provided as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A morphological study is carried out on the taxonomic characters of the species of the genus Bruchidius Schilsky, 1905, grouped in the bimaculatus subgeneric group, present in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. The morphological characters and their value as a discriminating criterion of the species of the group are analyzed, as well as the concordant and discordant aspects of the known trophic biology of the different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our work presents an updated overview of the Italian Middle Pleistocene records of hippopotamuses, including the two species Hippopotamus antiquus and Hippopotamus amphibius. In addition to reviewing several well-known fossils in the literature, a large number of samples are described herein for the first time. Following the recent results published in the literature, where the skull from the Middle Pleistocene of Cava Montanari (ca. MIS 13) was confirmed to belong to H. amphibius, one of the aims of this work was to investigate the H. antiquus–H. amphibius transition. A morphological analysis applied to a large sample confirmed the validity of the arrangement of the enamel ridges of the external surfaces of the lower canines as a diagnostic character for specific identifications. Finally, biometric analyses allowed us to test the size variability during the Middle Pleistocene, which confirmed that H. antiquus was generally larger than H. amphibius. Nevertheless, the remains of H. antiquus dated to ca. 600 ka show a reduced size when compared to older fossils of the same taxon, probably as a response to severe glacial conditions that occurred during MIS 16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New localities of the highly invasive slug Arion vulgaris were recorded in Bulgaria. Some notes on its habitats in the country observed were also reported. A short review on the taxonomy, biology, ecology and the slug general distribution was also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The description of a new species of camel spider, Gluvia brunnea sp. nov. Thorough morphological details, as well as molecular DNA and statistical analyses, serves to clearly differentiate this new species from Gluvia dorsalis (Latreille, 1817), the only species previously known from the Iberian Peninsula. We present the description of a new species of Solifugae from the Iberian Peninsula, Gluvia brunnea sp. nov., which has been found so far in southeast Spain. The morphological description is accompanied by molecular and multiple factor analyses, jointly giving full support to the specific status of the taxon. Finally, we discuss the intraspecific variability of both species, G. dorsalis and G. brunnea sp. nov., and the recent history of the genus. We also discuss the usefulness of multiple factor analysis for quantitatively separating species, and we stress that some specimens of this new species were found in Mesovoid Shallow Substratum stations, representing the very first time that Solifugae have been captured in this type of trap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continued extensive field exploration in Zamboanga Peninsula (Philippines) revealed a new endemic Ophiorrhiza species, which is herein described from Naga‐Kabasalan Protected Landscape (NKPL) of Zamboanga Sibugay. The species is unique among Philippine Ophiorrhiza by having leaf lamina with gray to silver gray abaxial surface. The new species is morphologically similar to O. pubescens and O. erythropilosa by having hairy overall morphology, but it is easily distinguished by having a creeping to decumbent habit and inconspicuous, membranous bracts. A detailed description, color photographs, phenology, geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN conservation status are provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have found 117 taxa of lichenicolous fungi in the studied area. In this paper, we describe five taxa: Arthonia boomiana on Nephromopsis chlorophylla, Lawalreea burgaziana on Platismatia glauca, Pronectria scrobiculatae on Lobarina scrobiculata, Trichonectria parmeliellae on Parmeliella testacea and Trichonectria rubefaciens ssp. cryptoramalinae on Ramalina. Furthermore, the next records are interesting chorologically from the Iberian Peninsula: Arthophacopsis parmeliarum, Catillaria lobariicola, Lichenopuccinia poeltii, Myxotrichum bicolor, Nanostictis christiansenii, Niesslia lobariae, Opegrpaha sphaerophoricola, Pronectria fragmospora, Rhymbocarpus aggregatus, R. neglectus, and Tremella cetrariicola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, all the published names of Jasione (Campanulaceae) in the species, subspecies, and variety ranks for populations from the Balkan and Anatolian peninsulas are reviewed, including names of taxa allied to these groups in surrounding areas. These two areas are among the main centers of diversity of the genus, albeit no recent revisions to address the regional taxonomical complexity of the genus have been published for the Balkans and Anatolia. In this work, the taxonomic status and typification of twenty-six published names are discussed, including the plethora of names within the Jasione heldreichii, J. supina, and J. orbiculata taxonomic complexes. In total, eleven lectotypes and one neotype are designated for names from the aforementioned regions, plus one from southern Italy. This nomenclatural clarification establishes a reference for ongoing and future taxonomic and evolutionary studies of Jasione in the Mediterranean basin. In a genus prone to micro-endemism and cryptospeciation, a number of the historically described forms, despite being disregarded by current taxonomic treatments, may, therefore, deserve further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nomenclatural revision of the names published under the genus Santolina (Anthemideae) from Iberian Peninsula and northern Africa is presented. The nomenclature of 34 names is discussed. Previous typifications are critically revised, and ten types are designated in this study: six of them fix the application of currently accepted names (Santolina ascensionis Sennen ex Maire, S. africana Jord. & Fourr., S. canescens Lag., S. elegans Boiss. ex DC., S. pectinata Lag., and S. viscosa Lag.), whereas the remaining four are synonyms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inversotyphlus Strasser, 1962, stat. nov. is raised to the genus level and a new hydrophilous species, Inversotyphlus ammirandus sp. nov., is described from the second deepest pit in Albania. This species is characterized by a highly modified head and body for a presumably semiaquatic or hygropetric life and filtering diet. It is by far the most bizarrely modified cave-dwelling julid known. The new species is diagnosed, described in detail, and richly illustrated. Besides I. ammirandus sp. nov., the genus Inversotyphlus stat. nov. includes six species: I. clavatus (Antić, 2018), comb. nov., I. edentulus (Attems, 1951), comb. nov., I. gellianae (Makarov & Rađa, 2006), comb. nov., I. gracilis (Antić, 2018), comb. nov., I. lobifer (Attems, 1951), comb. nov., and I. opisthonodus (Antić, 2018) comb. nov. The subgenus Attemsotyphlus syn. nov. is here considered as a junior subjective synonym of the genus Inversotyphlus stat. nov. Notes are given on the habitat of I. ammirandus sp. nov., the taxonomy of the tribe Typhloiulini and the genus Inversotyphlus stat. nov., and adaptive modifications of the mouthparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Bryaxis Kugelann (Goniaceritae: Bythinini) is the most species-rich genus of the subfamily Pselaphinae and is mainly distributed in the Palearctic region. Although previous studies have documented 14 species in the Korean Peninsula, the true diversity, ecology, and immature stages of the genus are still inadequately known. In this study, five new Korean species are described: B. grandinodus sp. nov., B. uljinensis sp. nov., B. fabaiformis sp. nov., B. girinensis sp. nov., and B. nemorosus sp. nov. Illustrations of the habitus and other morphological details, and a distribution map are provided. In addition, Bryaxis leechanyoungi Nomura & Lee, 1993 is proposed as a new synonym of B. mahunkai Löbl, 1975 based on the original description and illustrations of diagnostic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A narrowly endemic new species of Gesneria is described from the Sierra de Bahoruco in the Dominican Republic's Barahona Peninsula of southern Hispaniola. Gesneria tuberifera J.L.Clark & T.Clase, sp. nov. differs from all other congeners by the presence of a tuber and tubular red corollas with yellow lobes. Images and a discussion are provided to summarize the presence of tubers in other Gesneriaceae and differentiate Gesneria tuberifera from congeners that share a lithophytic habit. Based on IUCN guidelines, a preliminary conservation status of Endangered (EN) is assessed for G. tuberifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linaria sagrensis, from the south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula, is here newly described, illustrated, and compared with its morphologically closest relatives from L. sect. Supinae: L. pruinosa, L. nevadensis, L. glacialis and L. alpina subsp. alpina. The species is characterized by being perennial, entirely glandular‐hairy, with inflorescence dense and corymbiform, and calyx lobes unequal; corolla small, pinkish‐violet, with conspicuous dark veins and yellow to orangish palate, and spur shorter than the rest of the corolla; capsule globose, glandular‐hairy at apex; seeds large, black to dark greyish, with apparently smooth disc, though with very few and scattered small tubercles, and light‐grey wing. Linaria sagrensis is endemic to Sierra de la Sagra (N Granada province, Spain), growing in calcareous screes of the Mediterranean high mountain. Additionally, L. aeruginea subsp. pruinosa is here raised to species rank, L. pruinosa, and therefore a new combination is proposed. The value of seed characters in Linaria taxonomy is discussed based on newly discovered infraspecific variability in several taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the family Issidae (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoroidea), Dentatissus longispinosus sp. nov., is described from the Korean Peninsula. Morphological information is presented with photographs based on male and female specimens. A key to species of the genus Dentatissus is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Cathissa villasina, endemic to the Sierra de Las Villas (Jaén province, Eastern Andalusia, Spain), is described, illustrated and compared to its closest relative (C. reverchonii), with which it was initially confused in this area. A comparative morphometric study (quantitative and qualitative) of both species including a statistical analysis of 39 macroscopic characters and the detailed microscopic observation of stigma, seminal testa and pollen was performed. In terms of its ecology and phytogeography, C. villasina grows in pockets of clayey soils on limestone pavements on terrain with little or no incline. Humidity levels in these soils are high and they can become temporarily waterlogged. This species is a narrow endemic to the Cazorlense biogeographical district. By comparison, C. reverchonii is clearly a rupicolous species that grows in the shade of vertical or steeply sloping limestone rocks, and is found in numerous scattered localities in the biogeographical Rondense district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin and evolution of endemic species characterizing the Oreopithecus-faunal assemblages of the Tusco-Sardinian archipelago remain a matter of debate. An emblematic case is the enigmatic giraffid Umbrotherium azzarolii, represented by a single specimen from the type locality of Casteani (Tuscany) and by several isolated teeth and fragmentary mandibles from the locality of Fiume Santo (Sardinia). An exhaustive diagnosis of Umbrotherium has not been firmly established, and its systematic and phylogenetic position remain unresolved. Unpublished remains of giraffids, including an almost complete mandible, several isolated teeth, and other cranial remains are described for the first time in the present work. The specimens were collected from the locality of Botro della Canonica (Pisa), located at the northernmost portion of the Tusco-Sardinian archipelago. The new material sheds light on the morphological and morphometric variability of Umbrotherium, thereby enabling a comparison between specimens collected from different Tusco-Sardinian Miocene localities spanning from the V1 to the V2 Oreopithecus-Zone Faunas and allowing the establishment of the new species U. engesserii sp. nov. from Fiume Santo (Sardinia). This study also reveals that Umbrotherium was more closely related to Decennatherium than to other Late Miocene continental giraffids, suggesting a dispersal of its ancestor from the Iberian Peninsula. Accordingly, a new paleogeographic and biochronological framework is proposed herein for the Tusco-Sardinian archipelago, hypothesizing a fragmentation of the area into several domains, with sporadic reconnections, and the establishment of different faunal assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An account of the genus Acanthus in Greece is presented. Descriptions of the species with notes on ecology and geographical distribution, illustrations, maps and a key to the taxa are provided. Acanthus greuterianus is reduced to synonymy of A. caroli-alexandri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The subtidal brown algal species Sporochnus dotyi Brostoff (Sporochnales, Phaeophyceae), which has been regarded as a Hawaiian endemic, is reported from Kushimoto, Kii Peninsula, Pacific coast of central Honshu, Japan, for the first time outside Hawai'i. The species grew on subtidal rocks ca. 5–20 m deep attached by a small conical holdfast. The erect thalli were 5–30 cm high, terete, robust and alternately branched in 1–2 orders. When mature, pedicellate receptacles developed on the branches, and formed elliptical sori 1 mm long with a pedicel 3–5 mm long. The apical parts of the thalli and the receptacles were terminated with a tuft of simple assimilatory filaments of up to 4 mm long and showed prominent green to yellow underwater iridescence. Reproductive filaments (paraphyses) were densely packed, simple, up to 200 μm long and bore 4–6 mostly unilateral unilocular zoidangia 20–22 μm long and 5–6 m in diameter. In the genetic analyses, the Sporochnus alga from Kushimoto had partial rbcL sequence identical to S. dotyi from Hawai'i. The cox3 phylogeny revealed that this alga formed a fully supported clade with S. dotyi. Therefore, we identified the alga from Kushimoto as S. dotyi. This finding of S. dotyi from Japan, together with the recent reports of the mesophotic macroalgae Ryuguphycus kuaweuweu (=Umbraulva kuaweuweu), Ulva iliohaha and Newhousia imbricata from various localities in the Pacific Ocean including Japan, suggest closer biogeographical connections of subtidal/mesophotic macroalgae in the Pacific than previously recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suid dentognathic remains from the Middle Miocene (late Aragonian, MN6) site of Ca l'Almirall (formerly 'Can Almirall'; Vallès-Penedès Basin, NE Iberian Peninsula) were originally assigned to Hyotherium soemmeringi and subsequently to Conohyus steinheimensis (currently Versoporcus steinheimensis). However, such a taxonomic attribution is not backed by published descriptions or adequate iconography. Here we figure and describe the material to substantiate its taxonomic assignment and revisit the age of the site. We conclude that most of the material belongs to a tetraconodont that can be readily distinguished from Conohyus simorrensis and Parachleuastochoerus valentini in premolar size and proportions and shows greatest similarities with Versoporcus spp. Some authors have synonymised Versoporcus grivensis with Versoporcus steinheimensis, which overlaps in chronostratigraphic range and geographic distribution. However, based on size we tentatively support the distinction of the two species and assign the studied material to the former – while noting that the attribution of other Versoporcus remains from the Vallès-Penedès Basin is in need of revision. With an estimated age of ~14.0–13.5 Ma, the Ca l'Almirall material is roughly coeval with the oldest record of both Versoporcus spp., supporting the view that they are not successive chronospecies of a single evolving lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Iberian Peninsula is a global hotspot for bee diversity due to its large number of different habitats, particularly Mediterranean scrubland, mountains, and hot and cold steppe. In line with its status as a hotspot of bee diversity, the peninsula hosts a very large Andrena fauna, which despite progress in recent years remains incompletely studied, particularly with reference to genetic investigation. Here the Iberian Andrena fauna is comprehensively revised, resulting in a total of 228 recorded species. Numerous taxonomic changes are necessary following inspection of museum specimens, type material, and genetic investigation. The following subgenera are described: Pruinosandrena subgen. nov., containing six taxa previously placed in the subgenus Campylogaster Dours, 1873, and Blandandrena subgen. nov., Bryandrena subgen. nov., Limbandrena subgen. nov., and Ovandrena subgen. nov., containing one, one, one, and four taxa previously placed in the subgenus Poliandrena Warncke, 1968. Andrena (Limbandrena) toelgiana Friese, 1921 syn. nov. is synonymised with A. (Limbandrena) limbata Eversmann, 1852. The current lectotype of A. (Micrandrena) obsoleta Pérez, 1895 was incorrectly designated by Warncke; the taxon differs from A. obsoleta sensu Warncke, belonging instead to a taxon within the A. mariana Warncke, 1968 complex. A new lectotype is designated for A. obsoleta sp. resurr. from Algeria, and A. mariana solda Warncke, 1974 syn. nov. is synonymised with it; A. (Micrandrena) alma Warncke, 1975 stat. nov., A. (Micrandrena) mica Warncke, 1974 stat. nov., and A. (Micrandrena) tenostra Warncke, 1975 stat. nov. are raised to species status. Andrena (Truncandrena) abunda Warncke, 1974 stat. nov., A. (Micrandrena) lecana Warncke, 1975 stat. nov., A. (Pruinosandrena) parata Warncke, 1967 stat. nov., A. (Micrandrena) pauxilla Stöckhert, 1935 sp. resurr., A. (Pruinosandrena) succinea Dours, 1872 sp. resurr., and A. (Notandrena) varuga Warncke, 1975 stat. nov. are also returned or elevated to species status. A lectotype is designated for A. (Euandrena) lavandulae Pérez, 1902 sp. resurr. which is returned to species status, and A. (Euandrena) impressa Warncke, 1967 syn. nov. is synonymised with it. Andrena (Truncandrena) nigropilosa Warncke, 1967 stat. nov. is elevated to species status, and A. (Truncandrena) truncatilabris espanola Warncke, 1967 syn. nov. is synonymised with it as a junior subjective synonym. A lectotype is designated for A. (Melandrena) vachali Pérez, 1895; A. (Melandrena) creberrima Pérez, 1895 syn. nov. and A. (Melandrena) vachali syn. nov. are synonymised with A. (Melandrena) discors Erichson, 1841, and Andrena (Melandrena) hispania Warncke, 1967 syn. nov. is synonymised with A. (Melandrena) morio Brullé, 1832. Andrena (Pruinosandrena) mayeti Pérez, 1895 syn. nov. is newly synonymised with A. (Pruinosandrena) caroli Pérez, 1895 and A. (incertae sedis) setosa Pérez, 1903 syn. nov. is newly synonymised with A. (incertae sedis) ranunculorum Morawitz, 1877. Andrena (Simandrena) cilissaeformis Pérez, 1895 sp. resurr. is returned to species status, and is the correct name for A. (Simandrena) breviscopa auctorum. Andrena (incertae sedis) breviscopa Pérez, 1895 is returned to synonymy with A. (incertae sedis) numida Lepeletier, 1841, and A. (incertae sedis) inconspicua Morawitz, 1871 is newly synonymised syn. nov. with A. numida. Andrena (Euandrena) isolata sp. nov. and A. (Micrandrena) ortizi sp. nov. are described from the Sierra Nevada (Granada), A. (Truncandrena) ghisbaini sp. nov. is described from Málaga province, and A. (Avandrena) juliae sp. nov. is described from Cádiz province. The males of A. (Micrandrena) alma and A. (?Euandrena) ramosa Wood, 2022 are described. Additional lectotypes are designated for A. (Plastandrena) asperrima Pérez, 1895, A. (Plastandrena) atricapilla Pérez, 1895, A. (Aenandrena) hystrix Schmiedeknecht, 1883, A. (Pruinosandrena) lanuginosa Spinola, 1843, A. (Notandrena) ranunculi Schmiedeknecht, 1883, and A. (Euandrena) symphyti Schmiedeknecht, 1883. Neotypes are designated for A. (Chlorandrena) boyerella Dours, 1872, A. (Notandrena) griseobalteata Dours, 1872, A. (Taeniandrena) poupillieri Dours, 1872, A. (Pruinosandrena) succinea Dours, 1872, and A. (incertae sedis) numida Lepeletier, 1841. Type photographs and diagnostic characters are presented in each case, as well as new dietary information for understudied species. Finally, an identification key is presented in order to facilitate future research on this hyper-diverse genus in one of their global diversity hotspots, and current and future research perspectives for Iberian Andrena are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the suid assemblages from the Miocene of the Vallès-Penedès Basin (NE Iberian Peninsula) are reasonably well known, taxonomic studies devoted to them have lagged behind in recent decades. We describe the unpublished suid dentognathic remains from the earliest Vallesian (MN9) of Creu de Conill 20 (CCN20; 11.18 Ma), which represents the First Appearance Datum of hipparionin equids in western Europe. The sample includes 118 specimens, mostly isolated teeth, and a few maxillary and mandibular fragments. More than three-quarters of the specimens are assigned to the suine Propotamochoerus palaeochoerus, which is characteristic of MN9, albeit the described remains are slightly larger than average for the species. The rest of the sample belongs to a large tetraconodontine that is assigned to Parachleuastochoerus valentini, recorded elsewhere from MN7+8 to MN9, except for two specimens attributed to the small suid cf. Albanohyus sp. Our results support a synchronous dispersal of Hippotherium and P. palaeochoerus into Western Europe at ~ 11.2 Ma, suggesting that the latter is a suitable biochronological marker of the Vallesian. In turn, the remains of Pa. valentini refine our knowledge of the dental morphology of this species and strengthen the view that this species (unlike Conohyus doati and Conohyus melendezi) is not a junior synonym of Conohyus simorrensis. The lack of Listriodon splendens and Versoporcus sp. from CCN20, together with the scarcity of Albanohyus, contrasts with their abundance in the roughly coeval site of Castell de Barberà, hinting at local paleoenvironmental differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We characterized the fungal organisms present in soils at James Ross Island, north-east Antarctic Peninsula, using DNA metabarcoding. Taxa detected included members of the widespread phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mortierellomycota. Additionally, the uncommon phyla Chytridiomycota, Rozellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Zoopagomycota and Basidiobolomycota were detected. Unknown fungi and taxa identified at generic and specific levels dominated the assemblages. The fungal sequence assemblages displayed high diversity and richness, and moderate dominance, and included taxa known to play saprophytic, pathogenic and symbiotic functions. Soils of Clearwater Mesa contain a complex fungal community, including fungal groups considered rare in Antarctica, dominated by cold-adapted cosmopolitan, endemic, saprotrophic and phytopathogenic taxa. We studied the fungal diversity present in soils sampled along a deglaciated chronosequence from para- to periglacial conditions on James Ross Island, north-east Antarctic Peninsula, using DNA metabarcoding. A total of 88 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were detected, dominated by the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mortierellomycota. The uncommon phyla Chytridiomycota, Rozellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Zoopagomycota and Basidiobolomycota were detected. Unknown fungi identified at higher hierarchical taxonomic levels (Fungal sp. 1, Fungal sp. 2, Spizellomycetales sp. and Rozellomycotina sp.) and taxa identified at generic and specific levels (Mortierella sp., Pseudogymnoascus sp., Mortierella alpina, M. turficola, Neoascochyta paspali, Penicillium sp. and Betamyces sp.) dominated the assemblages. In general, the assemblages displayed high diversity and richness, and moderate dominance. Only 12 of the fungal ASVs were detected in all chronosequence soils sampled. Sequences representing saprophytic, pathogenic and symbiotic fungi were detected. Based on the sequence diversity obtained, Clearwater Mesa soils contain a complex fungal community, including the presence of fungal groups generally considered rare in Antarctica, with dominant taxa recognized as cold-adapted cosmopolitan, endemic, saprotrophic and phytopathogenic fungi. Clearwater Mesa ecosystems are impacted by the effects of regional climatic changes, and may provide a natural observatory to understand climate change effects over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A new species of the genus Talanema , T. ibericum sp. n., collected in natural areas of southeastern Iberian Peninsula, is characterised, including morphological description, line, LM and SEM illustrations, and molecular (18S, D2-D3 28S rDNA sequences) study. The new species is distinguished by its 1.27-1.59 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 14-16.5 μ m wide with perioral liplets, odontostyle 16.5-19.5 μ m long, neck 285-359 μ m long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 42-48% of the total neck length, uterus tripartite and 147-228 μ m long or 2.6-4.0 body diam., vulva transverse (V = 53-59), presence of cuticular irregularities at both sides of vulva, female tail conical with a dorsal concavity (27-40 μ m, c = 36-54, c′ = 1.0-1.3), male tail short and rounded conoid (24 μ m, c = 66, c′ = 0.8), spicules 58 μ m long, and 17 almost contiguous ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Morphological and molecular data reveal that the new species is similar to (but easily separable from) T. baqrii , with which it is compared. Present results support the monophyly of the genus Talanema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we describe and illustrate Encelia balandra sp. nov., a new species of Compositae from the Baja California Peninsula. It is rare and known only from the rocky hills around Puerto Balandra and Pichilingüe, inside the bay of La Paz, in the State of Baja California Sur, Mexico. We determine that this new species has affinities with Encelia, based on its suffruticose woody habit, neuter ray florets and compressed disc cypselae with a cleft apex. The taxonomic placement within Encelia is supported by nuclear ribosomal sequence data from two regions, ITS and ETS. We also present detailed photographs, a conservation assessment and a dichotomous key to the Encelia of the southern Baja California Peninsula. Finally, we discuss the uniqueness of Encelia balandra amongst peninsular Encelia and its potential significance for understanding the enigmatic biogeography of this ecologically important genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within Taraxacum section Erythrosperma, several relatively distinct species groups are recognized. One of them, characterized by leaves with numerous, usually patent, very narrow lateral segments, frequently with their most distal part dilated, and outer phyllaries patent or arcuate-recurved, often with tips approaching the involucre base, with narrow whitish borders, includes species similar to the Central European Taraxacum danubium. This group comprises nine species, the majority of them (five species) being confined to the Balkan Peninsula. Another diversity centre of the group is the southernmost Ukraine. The most widespread species is T. persicum, extending from Iran and the lower river Volga to Central Europe. A detailed taxonomic revision of the whole group is presented, and descriptions, illustrations and lists of specimens studied are given. Two Balkanic species are newly described, the name T. danubium is lectotypified, another three names are relegated to the synonymy of the accepted names, and an unclear name, T. pineticola, is discussed. The species concept in Taraxacum is briefly expounded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Quercus sontraensis Ngoc, Binh & Son is described from Son Tra Nature Reserve, Son Tra Peninsula, Central Vietnam. We examined the morphology and constructed a highly resolved phylogeny of Q. sontraensis and its relatives (including Q. langbianensis and Q. cambodiensis) using Multiplex ISSR genotyping by sequencing (MIG-seq). The morphological analyses and molecular evidence support the distinction between the new species (Q. sontraensis) and its relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic synopsis of Philippine Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) is presented. Following a study of 138 published names and their types, we accept 98 Cyrtandra species for the Philippine flora. Except for C. angularis, C. elatostemoides, and C. yaeyamae, all are endemic to the country. Lectotypes or neotypes are designated for all names for which this is necessary, except for six names for which we were unable to locate original material. We also validate a species name that was previously described without a Latin diagnosis (C. peninsula), synonymize three names, and provide taxonomic notes for each species. In addition, we propose two replacement names for taxa for which a legitimate name in Cyrtandra does not currently exist: C. edanoi for a Philippine species and C. siporensis for a Sumatran species. A look‐up table is provided to facilitate referencing of currently accepted names in Philippine Cyrtandra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Early Pleistocene is an epoch where wide environmental changes, driven by climate instabilities, were registered by multiple lines of evidence in different chronostratigraphic records, both continental and marine. Among these records, small mammals are one of the most reliable for understanding how faunal assemblages responded to the climate shifts. One of the key regions for this epoch in the European framework is the north-eastern Italian Peninsula, which was long considered as an ecotonal zone and crossroad between Central and Mediterranean Europe. In this region, Rivoli Veronese (Verona, north-eastern Italy), an Early Pleistocene site with a highly diversified assemblage, has always been considered one of the most important sites for the biochronology of the Italian Peninsula. Here we present the taxonomic study of the Early Pleistocene insectivores, bats, and rodents from this site, as well as the environmental and climatic reconstruction using the Taxonomical Habitat Index, the Habitat Weighting, and the Bioclimatic model. In the rich Rivoli Veronese assemblage, composed of 27 taxa, important biochronology markers, such as Mimomys pitymyoides , Mimomys tornensis , and Mimomys pliocaenicus were recognized. The earliest occurrences in Europe of Sorex praealpinus and Dinaromys genus were also documented as well as a new fossil mole species, Talpa sp. nov. Comparison with other European small mammal assemblages of the Early Pleistocene have allowed us to relate Rivoli Veronese to the early Late Villanyian Age. The persistence of Pliocene relicts, such as Rhagapodemus cf. frequens , and Pliopetaurista cf. pliocaenica , together with Early Pleistocene species is a remarkable feature of this site. This is also reflected in the environment which was still mainly forested but with spreading open areas and wetlands mainly in the form of water streams. The climate values show that the conditions were similar to the current ones but the comparison with the near and recent Monte La Mesa assemblage, dated to Early Biharian (beginning of the Calabrian Stage), and the appearance of several taxa related to open landscapes show that a cooling and arid trend in climate was already settled in the region during the Gelasian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We follow the wing venation pattern of Schubnel et al. [[12]], and the terminology for wing colouration of Schneider and Werneburg [[13]] adapted to the wing venation terminology. M with MA area branching off approximately in middle the wing; expanded areas between main veins, especially that between M and CuA; wing surface with bright maculae located in costal area and in form fasculae at each wing tip. Schneider et al. [[20]] proposed the following emended diagnosis: 'Phyloblattid-like wing venation pattern but with a much lower number of veins and with extended fields between the main veins. He proposed the following one for I S. hercynica i : 'forewing 16 mm long and 5 mm wide, markings basically like I S. euglyptica i , but the maculae and fasculae are even more extensive, so that the vein seams are more delicately developed; more branches at CuA than I S. euglyptica i '; the following diagnosis for I S. ilfeldensis i : 'approximately 3.2 × 1.13 cm large forewing. [Extracted from the article]

The tetraploid species Leucanthemum ircutianum (Asteraceae, Anthemideae) is represented in the Apennine Peninsula by three infraspecific taxa, L. ircutianum subsp. ircutianum , L. ircutianum subsp. asperulum and L. ircutianum subsp. leucolepis. The present study uses AFLP fingerprinting and sequencing of the petN–psbM intergenic spacer (IGS) region of the plastid genome for inferring genetic relationships among these three subspecies and aims at the elaboration of an appropriate taxonomic treatment of these taxa. Due to the amphi-Adriatic distribution of these taxa, additional samples from the Balkan Peninsula and representatives of L. ircutianum subsp. ircutianum from north-western Italy, south-eastern France, Romania and southern Germany were included. Genetic analyses reveal that L. ircutianum subsp. asperulum from southern Italy and L. ircutianum subsp. leucolepis from the Balkan Peninsula and the northern and central Apennine Peninsula are identical and should be treated as a single taxon. The observation of genetically intermediate individuals throughout the overlapping distributional ranges of L. ircutianum subspp. ircutianum and leucolepis and in a surveyed mixed stand of the two taxa indicate that these are not reproductively isolated from each other. The analysis of eco-climatological niches of the two subspecies indicates that L. ircutianum subsp. ircutianum is found in more temperate regions, whereas L. ircutianum subsp. leucolepis prefers the Mediterranean fringe of the total distributional range of the species. A hybrid-zone analysis based on AFLP 'allele frequency' clines along a transect from Germany to southern Italy is interpreted as supporting a scenario of secondary contact of the two entities after some diversification in allopatry. On the basis of our results, we provide a taxonomic treatment of the species L. ircutianum for Italy, including the designation of three lectotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the fungal DNA present in a lake sediment core obtained from Trinity Peninsula, Hope Bay, north-eastern Antarctic Peninsula, using metabarcoding through high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Sequences obtained were assigned to 146 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) primarily representing unknown fungi, followed by the phyla Ascomycota, Rozellomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota and Mortierellomycota. The most abundant taxa were assigned to Fungal sp., Pseudeurotium hygrophilum, Rozellomycota sp. 1, Pseudeurotiaceae sp. 1 and Chytridiomycota sp. 1. The majority of the DNA reads, representing 40 ASVs, could only be assigned at higher taxonomic levels and may represent taxa not currently included in the sequence databases consulted and/or be previously undescribed fungi. Different sections of the core were characterized by high sequence diversity, richness and moderate ecological dominance indices. The assigned diversity was dominated by cosmopolitan cold-adapted fungi, including known saprotrophic, plant and animal pathogenic and symbiotic taxa. Despite the overall dominance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota and psychrophilic Mortierellomycota, members of the cryptic phyla Rozellomycota and Chytridiomycota were also detected in abundance. As Boeckella Lake may cease to exist in approaching decades due the effects of local climatic changes, it also an important location for the study of the impacts of these changes on Antarctic microbial diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parglogenia cobourgensis sp. nov., a new species of camaenid land snail is described from Cobourg Peninsula, Top End of the Northern Territory in Australia. This new species has a shell that is identical to the type species of the genus, Parglogenia pelodes, which also occurs in the Top End. However, both species clearly differ in their reproductive anatomy and are also well-differentiated in terms of mitochondrial phylogenetics. A single specimen of a Parglogenia species from Croker Island, West Arnhem Land, is hypothesized to represent a third species based on details of its reproductive anatomy. However, only a single historical specimen was available for study. We therefore refrain from formally naming this species because of the incomplete information at hand. Helix subgranosa Le Guillou, 1842, a nominal species previously placed in Parglogenia, is synonymized with Xanthomelon durvillii (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkan Peninsula is a hotspot of European biodiversity, harbouring many endemic species. Cerastium decalvans is a heteroploid species endemic to mountainous areas throughout the Balkan Peninsula. It is morphologically extremely variable, and multiple infraspecific taxa have been described. Mostly tetra-, octo- and hexadecaploids have been reported, but their distribution and relationship to morphological differentiation remain unknown. To disentangle relationships among 62 populations sampled across the distribution of the species, we applied an integrative approach. Using flow cytometry, we show that tetraploids are the most widespread cytotype, whereas octoploids are limited to the south-east of the distribution area and hexadecaploids occur mostly in high mountains of the central–eastern Balkan Peninsula. The main genetic break revealed by AFLPs separates uniformly tetraploid populations from the Dinaric Mountains in the north-west of the distribution area from the south-eastern populations. Based on our data we hypothesize multiple (auto)polyploidization events leading to the origin of octoploid populations and two allopolyploidization events leading to the origin of hexadecaploids. By combining genome size, AFLP and morphological data, we suggest recognition of five subspecies, of which we here describe hexadecaploid C. decalvans subsp. doerfleri subsp. nov. endemic to the Albanian Alps. In addition, the presence of several phylogenetic lineages and multiple ploidies with pronounced morphological variability in the southern and eastern Balkan Peninsula points to pronounced environmental stability of this area throughout the Quaternary, enabling survival and divergence in situ , and further supports the role of the Balkans as a sanctuary of plant diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Braconid parasitoid wasps are a widely diversified group today, while their fossil record from the Mesozoic is currently poorly known. Here, we describe Utrillabracon electropteron Álvarez-Parra & Engel, gen. et sp. nov., from the upper Albian (Lower Cretaceous) amber of San Just in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. The holotype specimen is incomplete, although the forewing and hind wing venation are well preserved. The new taxon is assigned to the subfamily †Protorhyssalinae (Braconidae) and, based on characteristics of the wing venation, seems to be closely related to Protorhyssalus goldmani Basibuyuk & Quicke, 1999 and Diorhyssalus allani (Brues, 1937), both from Upper Cretaceous ambers of North America. We discuss the taxonomy of the Cretaceous braconids, considering †Seneciobraconinae as a valid subfamily. We also comment on possible relationships within †Protorhyssalinae, although a phylogenetic analysis is necessary. Additionally, a checklist is included of braconids known from Cretaceous ambers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hermit crab species of the genus Diogenes with reddish‐orange cheliped, Diogenes erythromanus sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on specimens from the Mediterranean coasts of the Iberian Peninsula, southern Spain. In addition, a second morphotype originating from Mauritanian waters and morphologically very close to D. erythromanus sp. nov. is described as a different species, D. arguinensis sp. nov. The new species are here compared to morphologically similar congeners, especially to those inhabiting the same geographical range. Diogenes erythromanus sp. nov. is distinguishable from other Diogenes primarily by the shape and armature of the left cheliped, with a palm slightly higher than long, with a ridge of spines running along the proximal lower margin that continues with a series of spinose rows forming a central band parallel to the upper margin of the palm. The palm in D. arguinensis sp. nov. is longer than high and shows similar proximal ridge, but without central spinose ridge. The shape of the cheliped is also different in D. arguinensis sp. nov., with long dactylus, which is also flattened and twisted. Sequences from two mitochondrial and one nuclear genes, and comparative analyses with other available sequences for the genus, are also included. Molecular phylogenetic analyses support the morphological delimitation, with D. erythromanus sp. nov. and D. arguinensis sp. nov. forming a separate group, more related to other tropical species, which raises different possible explanations for its presence in the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Plagiostachys from Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, are described and illustrated. Plagiostachys subsessiliflora Mazo and Plagiostachys longipetiolata Mazo, both have non-mucilaginous inflorescences. A distribution map, proposed conservation assessment, and an updated key to Philippine Plagiostachys species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Four new species, Edaphus haenamensissp.n., E. odaesanensis sp.n., E. suyuensis sp.n., and E. ulsanensis sp.n., are described in the Korean Peninsula. Additional two species, E. koreanus and E. lederi, are redescribed, and the latter species is recorded for the first time from Korea. The cosmopolitan euaesthetine genus, Edaphus Motschulsky, 1857, with about 90 Palaearctic species, was formerly known by a single species, E. koreanus Puthz, 2011, of which 2 specimens were collected in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In this paper, the knowledge of the Korean Edaphus fauna is expanded to include six species, including four described here based on a rich material collected in recent years. A key to all six species of Korean Edaphus, illustration of the habitus and diagnostic characters, and a distribution map are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist of arrenurids of Mexico is presented, including three new records from the Yucatan Peninsula. We provide updated descriptions of Arrenurus mexicanus, A. (Megaluracarus) colitus, and A. (Megaluracarus) marshalli. Additionally, four new species of the subgenus Megaluracarus and one of Dadayella are described by using integrative taxonomy: Arrenurus (Megaluracarus) eduardoi n. sp., characterized by a large, thorn-shaped hump in the middle dorsal shield; Arrenurus (Megaluracaurus) federicoi n. sp., with large pores in the body, including the idiosoma; Arrenurus (Megaluracarus) ecosur n. sp., with a peculiar pattern of setation in the legs; Arrenurus (Megaluracarus) beatrizae n. sp., with a short cauda with two pairs of lateral notches, and Arrenurrus (Dadayella) cristinae n. sp., characterized by a male cauda with two falcate setae. Non-destructive methods allowed the taking of scanning electron microscope images and DNA sequencing of the designed type material. All new species have a divergence using the DNA mitochondrial gene COI from 21.1% to 28.6% within them. With these records and descriptions, the number of Arrenurus registered for Mexico increases to 42, most of them from a single locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubus carpetanus is a new endemic Rubus species included in the series Hystrix. It is located in Spain, in the Central Range of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in the Carpetanian Mountains. It grows in acid soils, high humidity, near riversides, alongside oak and pine forests. In the Iberian Peninsula there is only one other species belonging to this series, Rubus brigantinus Samp., located in the NW Iberian Peninsula. Each has a different distribution and very different characteristics, such as stems (procumbent, purplish, obtusely angled with stellate hairs in R. carpetanus, while arching-prostrate, reddish, bluntly angled with single hairs in R. brigantinus), prickles and pricklets (slightly declined with broad and puffed base in R. carpetanus, while straight and thin at the base in R. brigantinus), stalked glands, leaves and leaflets (terminal leaflet longly acuminate in R. carpetanus, while shortly acuminate in R. brigantinus) and the colour of the flowers (white petals, ovate and not imbricated in R. carpetanus, while light pink, spathulate and sometimes imbricated in R. brigantinus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several lots of unidentified crabs assigned to Potamidae, Gecarcinucidae, and Sesarmidae from the Malay Peninsula and Northern Borneo were examined from material deposited in the reference collections of the Natural History Museum, London. While most of the species have been reported elsewhere, there are some new locality records, and surprisingly, two undescribed species of Isolapotamon Bott, 1968, a relatively well-studied Bornean-Philippine endemic potamid genus. These freshwater crabs are documented, the new taxa described, and notes are provided on the various collectors associated with this material, some of which date to the late 1800s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a taxonomic revision of the representatives of genus Kanigara Distant, 1906, distributed in Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. Three species are recognised, including a new species, Kanigara nebulosa, from the Malay Peninsula, and Kanigara punctata Scudder, 1969, which is recorded from Thailand for the first time. Illustrations of the genital structures of the new species and a key to all described species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new velvetfish Cocotropus aurantius is described on the basis of a single specimen (17.1 mm standard length) collected off Nagannu Island, Kerama Islands, Japan, at a depth of ca. 50 m. An individual of the new species has also been photographed off Izu Peninsula, Japan. The species is characterized by XII, 8 dorsal-fin rays, II, 6 anal-fin rays, 13 pectoral-fin rays, 7 segmented lower caudal-fin rays, 26 vertebrae, an interneural space between the 7th and 8th vertebrae lacking dorsal-fin spine proximal pterygiophores, the 1st–4th dorsal-fin spines situated anterior to the 3rd neural spine, 5 preopercular spines, vomerine teeth absent, the 2nd mandibular pore on each side fused, and the head, body and fins somewhat orange when fresh (preserved condition creamy-white), and with numerous small scattered brownish blotches and streaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A morphometric-based taxonomic revision of the Siler montanum group (Apiaceae) from Italy and the Balkan Peninsula was carried out. Multivariate and univariate analyses were performed on 47 morphological characters including seven ratios, and based on the study of 328 dried herbarium specimens. According to our results, the characters employed in the study revealed their suitability as key characters for the examined taxa. A taxonomic treatment was presented and a new diagnostic key to the S. montanum group is also provided for Italy and Balkan Peninsula. Ten taxa were recognized within the group, and among them three new subspecies were described: S. montanum subsp. apuanum, S. montanum subsp. corrasianum and S. montanum subsp. ogliastrinum. Furthermore, three new combinations were proposed: S. zernyi subsp. laeve, S. zernyi subsp. ochridanum and S. montanum subsp. stabianum. Six names were lectotypified: Laserpitium garganicum var. balcanicum, L. garganicum var. laeve, L. garganicum var. scabrum, L. siculum var. stabianum, L. siler var. ovalifolium and Ligusticum garganicum. Occurrences were confirmed for Siler zernyi subsp. zernyi in Greece and S. zernyi subsp. laeve in North Macedonia. Occurrences were excluded for S. montanum subsp. garganicum in Greece and North Macedonia and S. montanum subsp. siculum in C and S Italy. Citation: Conti F., Bartolucci F., Bacchetta G., Pennesi R., Lakušić D. & Niketić M. 2021: A taxonomic revision of the Siler montanum group (Apiaceae) in Italy and the Balkan Peninsula. – Willdenowia 51: 321–347. Version of record first published online on 16 November 2021 ahead of inclusion in December 2021 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The examination of the collection of terrestrial isopods of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales de Madrid has allowed us to recognize a new genus and a new species, Estenarmadillidium granulatum n. gen. and sp. from Castilla La Mancha (Spain), belonging to the family Armadillidiidae Brandt, 1833, and it's located in the Elumiinae subfamily Vandel, 1962 because of its cephalic structure. The diagnostic features and the affinities of the new genus and species are discussed. In the Ibero-Balearic area, Estenarmadillidium granulatum n. gen. and sp. can be mistaken with Cristarmadillidium muricatum (Budde-Lund, 1885) in a basic examination due to their hypertrophic granulations. However, the lack of schisma in C. muricatum, among other characteristics, can be used to discern between the two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The name Thymus humifusus var. aureopunctatus, described from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is lectotypified, and its taxonomic value is discussed. Thymus richardii subsp. richardii is currently considered an endemic subspecies common to Mallorca (Balearic Islands) and Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Balkan Peninsula. Specimens identified as Th. richardii from both Balearic Islands and Bosnia and Herzegovina were studied to determine if they are indeed the same taxonomic entity. Detailed micromorphological observations and morphometric analysis, suggest that the Balkan plants (Th. humifusus var. aureopunctatus) and the Majorcan populations (Th. richardii subsp. richardii) are clearly separate entities. For the former name, based on morphological, phytochemical, biogeographical and present results, we propose the subspecific rank, as Th. richardii subsp. aureopunctatus comb. & stat. nov. Full descriptions of all five subspecies currently accepted within Th. richardii are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First member of freshwater Crustacea Amphipoda, Turcogammarus spandli S. Karaman, 1931 (Fam. Pontogammaridae), is discovered and described from the region of Monastery Hilandar on Mount Athos on Halkidiki peninsula, northern Greece. This species is redescribed, figured and variability of its taxonomical characters are given. The review of all known members of genus Turcogammarus G. Karaman & Barnard, 1979 and key to the species of this genus are presented. Taxonomical position of genus Turcogammarus within family Pontogammaridae is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identities of two species of assassin bugs in the tribe Ectinoderini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from the Indochinese Peninsula are reviewed, resulting in the following new synonymy and new combinations: Amulius Stål, 1865 = Parapanthous Distant, 1919, syn. n.; Amulius spinicollis (Distant, 1919), comb. n. (transferred from Parapanthous) and Ectinoderus confragosus (Distant, 1919), comb. n. (transferred from Amulius). Lectotypes of these species are designated. The hemelytral venations of Amulius and Ectinoderus Westwood, 1843 are briefly discussed and their diagnoses accordingly revised. Amulius is newly reported from Vietnam and Ectinoderus is recorded from Cambodia for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]