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Massive greisens are commonly associated with Sn-W mineralization and constitute low-grade high-tonnage deposits. The formation of this type of deposit results from an intense pervasive metasomatic alteration involving a major fluid and mass transfer through a nominally impermeable parental granite. A decrease in the volume of the solid phases associated with the mineral replacement reactions may be a potential process for creating pathways to enhance fluid flow. Here, we explore the effects of the replacement reactions related to greisenization on the granite's mineralogy and petrophysical properties (density, porosity, and permeability), as well as their potential implications for fluid flow in the case of the world-class Panasqueira W-Sn-(Cu) deposit, Portugal. Mineralogical and microtextural analyses of greisenized facies show that the total replacement of feldspars by muscovite is associated with a volume decrease of the solid phases that induces a significant porosity generation in greisen (~8.5%). Greisenization experiments coupled with permeability measurements show that the replacement of feldspars by muscovite permits new pathways at the crystal scale that significantly enhance the transient permeability. Moreover, permeability measurements performed on representative samples with different degrees of greisenization show that permeability increases progressively with the level of alteration from 10-20 m2 in least granite to 10-17 m2 in greisen. The correlation between the permeability and porosity evolutions demonstrates that the porous texture developed during replacement reactions creates new pathways that enhance significantly the permeability in greisen systems. The occurrences of mineral-bearing metals such as cassiterite in the newly formed porosity of greisen provide evidence that greisenization can be a decisive process for enhancing fluid flow and promoting transport of metals in Sn-W deposits. Finally, we present a model involving a positive feedback between greisenization and permeability, in which mineralizing fluids are able to generate their own pathways in initially impermeable granite via replacement reactions, which in turn promote further hydrothermal alteration and mass transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty six new species of Australian Leioproctus (subgenus Colletellus) (Hymenoptera, Colletidae) are described: aberrans Leijs, sp. n., alatus Leijs, sp. n., albipilosus Leijs, sp. n., albiscopis Leijs, sp. n., aliceafontanus Leijs, sp. n., altispinosus Leijs, sp. n., aratus Leijs, sp. n., auricorneus Leijs, sp. n., bidentatus Leijs, sp. n., centralis Leijs, sp. n., ciliatus Leijs, sp. n., claviger Leijs, sp. n., consobrinus Leijs, sp. n., constrictus Leijs, sp. n., laciniosus Leijs, sp. n., longivultu Leijs, sp. n., lucidus Leijs, sp. n., nitidifuscus Leijs, sp. n., pectinatus Leijs, sp. n., pilotapilus Leijs, sp. n., quadripinnatus Leijs, sp. n., rubicundus Leijs, sp. n., rubricinctus Leijs, sp. n., similis Leijs, sp. n., splendens Leijs, sp. n., submetallicus Leijs, sp. n. High resolution images of diagnostic characters for all type specimens are included. Identification keys are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtityus (Parvabsonus) eustatia sp. n. is herein described from the British Virgin Islands (West Indies): Eustatia Island (type locality), Virgin Gorda Island, and Camanoe Island, based on seven specimens (three males and four females). The new species closely resembles M. waeringi Francke & Sissom, 1980 from St. John Island and St. Thomas Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, differing mainly by the fixed finger of pedipalp having ten rows of denticles (nine in M. waeringi) and more attenuated metasoma. Also, new localities are recorded for Heteronebo yntemai Francke & Sissom, 1980 (Scorpionidae) and Centruroides griseus (C. L. Koch, 1844) (Buthidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Buthidae scorpions of the genus Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 are herein described from the Greater Antillean island of Hispaniola. One of them belongs to the "crassimanus" species-group and is known from an adult pair collected at Massif de la Hotte, in southwestern Haiti. The other belongs to the "quisqueyanus" species-group and is known from a single adult female from a high peak in the Central Range (= Cordillera Central), in northwestern Dominican Republic. Moreover, two fossil taxa from this island are retained as junior synonyms of Tityus geratus Santiago-Blay, 1988†. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mandibularis group of the genus Dolichomitus is reviewed. Three species are recognized, including a new species, Dolichomitus flavicrus sp. n. from Japan. The new species is closely related to Dolichomitus khasianus Gupta & Tikar, in having an entirely blackish underside of the metasoma, but can be separated from the latter by the smooth antero-median part of the first metasomal tergite between the latero-median carinae and a short longitudinal dark stripe on the posterior surface of the fore femur. A key to species of the mandibularis group is provided. Mitochondrial COI gene sequences were generated for D. mandibularis (Uchida) and D. flavicrus sp. n. to permit future comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhynchotalona falcata (G.O. Sars, 1861) was found in the plankton of a gravel pit located in the lowlands of Slovakia. This is the first record of this taxon for Slovakia, although it is widely distributed in Western Europe. We do not know to date, whether it is a rare, native species of Slovakian fauna, or accidentally introduced one from north-west regions of Europe. Some notes on its biology and distribution in Europe are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Valmaggia ultramafic pipe belongs to a group of Fe-Ni-Cu-PGE-rich, hydrous ultramafic intrusions emplaced within the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (Italy). According to the most recent geodynamic models these early Triassic ultramafic pipes represent a network of magma conduits derived from partial melting of continental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by fluids and melts related to the Eo-Varisican subduction. New extensive mapping and sampling of the Valmaggia pipe provides evidence of the close relationship between metasomatism and Fe-Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization. New geological data allow a 3D geometrical model of the pipe that intrudes the Main Gabbro domain. The pipe has a sub-vertical, tube-like main body with at least three lateral branches. Along its rims the pipe displays magmatic, soft contacts with an almost continuous meter-sized envelope of a peculiar marginal rock facies (“plagioclasite”) consisting of Na-bearing plagioclase, biotite and apatite and, locally, with pegmatoidal texture. The peridotite pipe consists of a primary anhydrous mineral assemblage comprising coarse-grained olivine, diopside, enstatite and Cr-rich spinel. These minerals are extensively overprinted by a metasomatic assemblage comprising Ti-rich pargasitic amphibole and phlogopite oikocrysts, enstatite, Al-rich spinel and PGE-bearing Fe-Ni-Cu sulfides, with accessory carbonates, Cl-F-rich apatite, zircon and monazite. Sulfide mineralization is preferentially located along pipe margins, and, subordinately, in the nearby plagioclasite contact rock. Sulfides are strictly associated with the metasomatic assemblage and occur as disseminated mm-sized droplets, network-like aggregates and cm-sized amoeboidal nodules rimmed by carbonates. Several features suggest that plagioclasite interacted with the ultramafic pipe, and infiltrated it, as a magma. Plagioclasite in contact with the pipe rock frequently displays a mottled texture, similar to that of gabbro, and where dark nodules, with ultramafic cores and pargasite- spinel-phlogopite-bearing symplectite coronas, are densely disseminated in white plagioclasite-rich groundmass. Metasomatic assemblages and symplectite textures, suggesting disequilibrium between pipe minerals and plagioclasite components, are widely developed also along the pipe margins and interstitial plagioclase pockets within the pipe. The metasomatic minerals provide calculated PT conditions ranging between 680° and 870 °C and between 4 and 8 kbar. Such conditions are compatible with the latest geodynamic model for the Ivrea Zone pipes proposing their emplacement in the lower crust. These PT constraints also likely apply to the conditions of ore deposition because of the strict relationships between the metasomatic assemblage and the sulfides. Carbonate crystals that are associated with sulfide-rich portions of the pipe are likely the product of CO 2 vapor sticking to the sulfide melt surface resulting in their net buoyancy and ascent in the melt. The textural and chemical characteristics of the pipe mineral assemblage and sulfide mineralization suggest a polyphasic evolution dominated by metasomatism during interaction between magmas. At Valmaggia the alkali- and volatile-rich, metasomatizing magma may be analogous to slab-derived melts envisaged in the most recent geodynamic model for IVZ. Percolation of a metasomatic melt favours Valmaggia pipe-like geometries, including a tubular main body with lateral appendages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recovered subfossil chydorid cladoceran remains, which morphologically resemble the remains of Unapertura latens, from the surface sediments of two small lakes (TK-32, TK-18) located in the Central Arctic Treeline region, Northwest Territories, Canada. This species had previously been described only from lakes in Europe, primarily in southern Finland. We compared head shields and postabdomens from Canadian and Finnish sites and found them to be morphologically identical. The occurrence of Unapertura remains in North America suggests that this group of chydorids may be much more widely distributed than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly enlarged proboscis in adult thorny-headed worms of the genus Apororhynchus suggests that its inner organization might be specialized as well. However, what kind of changes occurred in the stem line of monogeneric Apororhynchida is widely unknown and there are different conceptions regarding the presence/absence of several muscles. To expand our knowledge on this topic, I examined ethanol-fixed specimens, whole mounts, and semi-thin sections of three Apororhynchus species using the light microscope. Incorporation of previously published data increased the overall sample to five out of six Apororhynchus species known to date. Combined data suggest that Apororhynchida kept the full set of muscles which already evolved in the stem line of Acanthocephala: proboscis receptacle, a receptacle surrounding muscle (receptacle protrusor), retinacula, neck retractor, proboscis and receptacle retractors, circular and longitudinal musculature under the metasomal tegument, and a single muscular layer beneath the proboscis wall. However, especially proboscis receptacle and receptacle protrusor underwent considerable re-organization in the apororhynchid stem line: both muscles are subdivided into sail-like strands extending from the cerebral ganglion to the proboscis wall. This reorganization reflects that the two muscles still suspend the cerebral ganglion but are not implicated in the eversion of the proboscis. Spatially separated subtegumental longitudinal muscle cords and a sphincter at the posterior proboscis margin could be additional apomorphies of Apororhynchida. Finally, lack of a muscle plate, a midventral longitudinal muscle, and of lateral receptacle flexors and the absence of an apical sensory organ indicate a basally branching position of Apororhynchida relative to other Archiacanthocephala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many other venomous organisms, scorpions use their venom in defence against predators. Scorpions apply their venomous stinger by extending the caudal part of the body, the metasoma, forward towards the attacker. There are considerable differences in metasoma morphology among scorpion species, and these may afford differences in defensive strike performance., We investigated the movement trajectory and kinematics of the defensive strike in seven species of scorpions, and how these variables are related to each other, and to morphology., We recorded defensive strikes using high-speed video, and reconstructed the trajectory of the telson. From these trajectories, we calculated velocity, acceleration and other kinematic variables. To compare strike trajectory shapes, we used geometric morphometrics., We have shown that the defensive strike differs in trajectory shape, speed, path length and duration between scorpion species. Body size is also an important factor affecting strike characteristics. Relative metasoma length and girth may also influence strike performance, as well as strike trajectory shape. Strikes with different trajectories have different kinematic properties: those with open trajectory shapes attain higher speeds., Our results show that performance differences in defensive behaviour between different scorpion species may be partly mediated by morphology, binding together phenotypic, functional and behavioural diversity., A is available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fauna Europaea provides a public web-service with an index of scientific names (including important synonyms) of all extant European terrestrial and freshwater animals, their geographical distribution at the level of countries and major islands (west of the Urals and excluding the Caucasus region), and some additional information. The Fauna Europaea project comprises about 230,000 taxonomic names, including 130,000 accepted species and 14,000 accepted subspecies, which is much more than the originally projected number of 100,000 species. Fauna Europaea represents a huge effort by more than 400 contributing specialists throughout Europe and is a unique (standard) reference suitable for many users in science, government, industry, nature conservation and education. For the Hymenoptera, taxonomic data from one grade (Symphyta) and one Superfamily (Ichneumonoidea), including 15 families and 10,717 species, are included. Ichneumonoidea is the largest superfamily of Hymenoptera and consisting of two extant families, Ichneumonidae and Braconidae. The costal cell of the fore wing is absent, the fore wing has at least two closed cells, the constriction between the mesosoma (thorax + first abdominal segment or propodeum) and the metasoma (remainder of abdomen) is distinct and the parasitoid larvae usually spin a silken cocoon. Also, the metasoma is ventrally partly desclerotized in the vast majority of ichneumonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten distinctive new species of the taxonomically difficult braconine wasp genusGammabraconQuicke, 1984 are described:G. apicoluteussp. nov. from Malaysia (Negri);G. curticornissp. nov. from Malaysia (Negri);G. philippinensissp. nov. from the Philippines;G. siamensissp. nov. from Thailand;G. striatussp. nov. from West Malaysia;G. strandorumsp. nov. from Indonesia (Java),G. subvenasp. nov. from Malaysia (Negri and Sabah);G. townesorumsp. nov. from the Philippines;G. variipennissp. nov. from Thailand; andG. wegenerisp. nov. from Indonesia.Myosoma forticarinataCameron, 1902 is transferred toGammabracon, henceGammabracon forticarinatacomb. nov. A lectotype is designated forGammabracon erythroura(Cameron). The status ofCratobracon strandiellus(Cameron) is discussed and a new combination proposed,Shelfordia strandiellusCameron, 1910 comb. nov. (=Bracon strandiellusCameron). Paucity of discrete morphological variation makes separation of most of the species with orange-red mesosoma, black metasoma and conspicuous back setae currently unrealistic and it may be that there is a single widespread and morphologically variable species. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:56B8884E-99C8-4B53-9747-D011F552312D [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new species of psychodid moth fly of the genus Arisemus from Mexico is described based on male and female characteristics. Arisemus imeldae sp. nov. is the first species of this genus reported in Mexico. Specimens were collected near Xalapa city, in the center of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The male presents a nearly symmetrical long aedeagus and short parameres, gonostylus simple with cluster of few sensilla; female hypovalvae with lobes scarcely separated and posterior portion of genital chamber with wide curved rods, characters that distinguish the species from all other previously described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to make reliable sex associations in several species of Hymenoptera due to sexual dimorphism. Only a few species of the flat wasp genus Dissomphalus Ashmead, 1893 have had their sexes associated, since females are rarely collected and differ morphologically from their conspecific males. Collecting couples during their phoretic copula is difficult, but it is the most reliable way to associate the sexes in Dissomphalus. Herein, we associate the sexes and discuss the mating system based on couples of six Dissomphalus species collected during copulation: D. bisserratus Azevedo, 1999, D. connubialis Evans, 1966, D. rettenmeyeri Evans, 1964, D. simulatus (Evans, 1969), comb. nov., D. mendicus Evans, 1969, and D. firmus Redighieri & Azevedo, 2006. The females of the latter three are described for the first time. The distribution of two species is expanded. Apenesia simulata Evans, 1969 is transferred to Dissomphalus and is now D. simulatus comb. nov. Finally, we briefly discuss the genital structures used during phoretic copulation, analyzing the male and female genitalia in copulation. During copulation, the mating female is attached to the male only by the genitalia and is apparently grasped by muscles attached to the male's metasoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diplocentrus izabal sp. n. is herein described on basis to one male (holotype) and two females from El Estor municipality, Izabal department, eastern Guatemala. It seems to be a close relative of Diplocentrus lachua Armas, Trujillo & Agreda, 2012, from which it differs by having carapace almost smooth, with anteromedian notch Vshaped; pectines with 11 teeth in both sexes, and carapace clearly longer than pedipalp manus and metasomal segment V (D. lachua has carapace minutely granulate, with anteromedian notch U-shaped; pectines with 13 teeth in the males (female unknown), and carapace as long as both pedipalp manus and metasomal segment V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with structural and mineralogic transformations and changes in the physical and mechanical properties of volcanogenic sedimentary rocks in the North Paramushir hydrothermal magmatic system as a result of the interaction with thermal waters of various compositions and origins. We identified the following hydrothermal metasomatic facies that developed in tuffites and tuffs: opalites (monoopalite, opal-clay, and opal-alunite), as well as low- and moderate-temperature propylites. We show the position of each new facies in the structure of the hydrothermal magmatic system. We obtained correlative relationships of the physical and mechanical properties of the rock to the intensity and character of secondary alteration. It is pointed out that all of these rocks obey a common trend in the interrelationships between their properties, which may provide evidence of a common origin and progressive direction of hydrothermal processes in the interior of the North Paramushir system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of study of crichtonite group minerals in pyropes from the Internatsionalnaya kimberlite pipe are reported. Most of the studied samples are characterized by high concentrations of Sr, Ca, Na, and LREEs in comparison with minerals of the LIMA series from kimberlites of South Africa, whereas the average concentrations of Ba and K are significantly lower. Crichtonite group minerals in pyropes are characterized by predomination of Na over K in most samples and by a high concentration of AlO (up to 4.5 wt %). Findings of inclusions of crichtonite group minerals with high concentrations of incompatible elements provide evidence for the metasomatic origin of host chromium-rich pyropes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudofornicia gen. n. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae) is described (type species: P. nigrisoma sp. n. from Vietnam) including three Oriental (type species, P. flavoabdominis (He & Chen, 1994), comb. n. and P. vanachterbergi Long, (nom. n. for Fornicia achterbergi Long, 2007; not F. achterbergi Yang & Chen, 2006) and one Australian species (P. commoni (Austin & Dangerfield, 1992), comb. n.). Keys to genera with similar metasomal carapace and to species of the new genus are provided. The new genus shares the curved inner middle tibial spur, the comparatively small head, the median carina of the first metasomal tergite and the metasomal carapace with Fornicia Brullé, 1846, but has the first tergite movably joined to the second tergite and the third tergite 1.1-1.6 × as long as the second tergite medially and is flattened in lateral view. One of the included species is a primary homonym and is renamed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animals use chemical squirting or spraying behavior as a defensive response. Some members of the scorpion genus Parabuthus (family Buthidae) can spray their venom. We examined the stimulus control and characteristics of venom spraying by Parabuthus transvaalicus to better understand the behavioral context for its use. Venom spraying occurred mostly, but not always, when the metasoma (tail) was contacted (usually grasped by forceps), and was absent during stinging-like thrusts of the metasoma apart from contact. Scorpions were significantly more likely to spray when contact was also accompanied by airborne stimuli. Sprays happened almost instantaneously following grasping by forceps (median = 0.23 s) as a brief (0.07–0.30 s, mean = 0.18 s), fine stream (<5° arc) that was not directed toward the stimulus source; however, rapid independent movements of the metasoma and/or telson (stinger) often created a more diffuse spray, increasing the possibility of venom contact with the sensitive eyes of potential scorpion predators. Successive venom sprays varied considerably in duration and velocity. Collectively, these results suggest that venom spraying might be useful as an antipredator function and can be modulated based on threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apocrita has a special structure that its first abdominal segment has been incorporated into the thorax as the propodeum. The remaining abdomen, metasoma, is connected to this hybrid region via a narrow propodeal-metasomal articulation forming a "wasp waist", which serves an important function of providing maneuverability, flexibility and posture for oviposition. However, the origin and transformation of the propodeal-metasomal articulation are still vague. Ephialtitidae, as the basal group of Apocrita from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, have shown various types of propodeal-metasomal articulations. Results: This study describes and illustrates two new genera with three new species, Acephialtitia colossa gen. et sp. nov., Proephialtitia acanthi gen. et sp. nov. and P. tenuata sp. nov., collected respectively from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation at Liutiaogou and the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation at Daohugou, both in Inner Mongolia, China. These genera are assigned to the Ephialtitidae based on their complete wing venation, e.g. 2r-rs, 2r-m, 3r-m and 2 m-cu always present in the forewings and Rs, M and Cu in the hind wings. These new fossil ephialtitids have well-preserved propodeal-metasomal articulations indicating metasoma is broadly attached to propodeum. Conclusion: The broad articulation between the propodeum and metasoma in basal Ephialtitidae, likely passed on from a still more basal family Karatavitidae, suggests three separate pathways of the transformation of the "wasp waist" in three different derived lineages leading from Ephialtitidae to: (i) Kuafuidae and further to the remaining Apocrita, (ii) Stephanidae, and (iii) Evanioidea. In addition, the demise of ephialtitid wasps lagging behind the flourishing of angiosperms suggests that ephialtitid extinction might have been mainly driven by competition with numerous new taxa (eg. the abundant Cretaceous xylophilous Baissinae and Ichneumonoidea) appeared just before or/and soon after the J/K boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the postabdominal architecture of Mastigini with extremely long ( Stenomastigus ) or short ( Palaeostigus ) aedeagus. A novel mode of copulation was discovered: males of Stenomastigus insert a paramere between the female's abdomen and elytra, and the intromission is stabilized by several structures of both sexes. The intrinsic aedeagal mechanism is indicated as responsible for inflating the endophallus, and the long flagellum does not penetrate the ductus spermathecae during copulation. The structure of the flagellum suggests that it is primarily responsible for the sperm transfer. Asymmetrical postabdominal rotators of the aedeagus were only found in Stenomastigus ; they presumably facilitate the withdrawal of the genitalia; their origin as bundles separated from larger muscles is postulated. We discuss a scenario in which the evolution of elongated genitalia was facilitated by the lack of structural constraints and existing preadaptations. Benefits of stabilizing the copulation and intromission are indicated as the driving force for the evolution of extremely long aedeagi, while the short aedeagi might have the advantage of freedom of movements facilitating the initiation of copulation by males. Disruptive selection is suggested as a working hypothesis to further investigate mechanisms that have played a role in the evolution of genital structures of Mastigini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study regarding Early Cretaceous age from Mongolia when no fossil representative of the order Anomopoda. It mentions that plant except for the terminal claws of the postabdomen and states that Early Cretaceous branchiopod crustacean preserved in amber. It also mentions that it is the extant species of the daphniid genus Scapholeberis.

The article presents a study on foraging behavior of Systropha planidens (S. planidens) at flowers of Convolvulus arvensis. Topics discussed include presence of male S. planidens inside the flower after it closes its petals, importance of plumose hairs on the metasoma in pollen collection, and mechanism used by female S. planidens for removing pollen from anthers.

A new species of the megaspiline genus Dendrocerus Ratzeburg is described and figured. Dendrocerus riograndensis sp. n., is known from a series of males from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and were captured with Malaise traps from an agricultural tobacco field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potter wasp genus Epsilon de Saussure is reviewed from India. Epsilon manasicum Girish Kumar & Carpenter sp. nov. and Epsilon chikmagalurensis (Lambert, 2008) comb. nov. are established. A key to species of India and a world checklist are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we combine textural evidence with mineral chemical, mineral structural and isotopic data in an attempt to reconstruct the history of metasomatic events recorded in a spinel-harzburgite xenolith which was sampled by a Cretaceous kimberlite of the central Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa. Two episodes of interaction between the host rock and silicate-rich high-density fluids can be distinguished which together gave rise to a uniquely complex assemblage of LILE–HFSE-rich phases including zircon together with both monoclinic (baddeleyite) and cubic (tazheranite) zirconium oxide, srilankite and a new Mn–Fe-rich member of the pyrochlore-group of phases. The pre-metasomatic assemblage is olivine+orthopyroxene+Cr-spinel. Subsequent modal metasomatism formed phlogopite+K-richterite+crichtonite-group (lindsleyite–mathiasite) phases+Nb–Cr-rich rutile+srilankite+zircon+Fe–Ni-sulfide. K-richterites are strongly zoned in Ca, Na, Fe and Cr with up to 2.3wt.% Cr2O3 which is the highest Cr content reported so far for K-richterite. SIMS U–Pb dating of the zircons yields ages in the range from 81±2 to 91±2 (2σ) Ma which are indistinguishable from emplacement ages of Cretaceous kimberlites in the Kimberley area. The age spread is interpreted as a result of minor re-setting of the U–Pb isotopic system. The coincidence between zircon and kimberlite eruption ages further supports a temporal and genetic link between Cretaceous kimberlite activity and hydrous potassic metasomatism in the central Kaapvaal Craton lithosphere and limits the residence time in the mantle of metasomatized peridotites to <~5–10Ma. Thermobarometry of the harzburgite yields 750–760°C at 3GPa with a redox state of +0.9 to +1.5 log units relative to FMQ. Infiltration of a hot and alkali-rich (kimberlitic?) high-density fluid with aSiO2 lower than that defined by olivine+orthopyroxene into the cool metasomatized peridotite led to partial breakdown of K-richterite, crichtonite-group phases, zircon and sulfides and formed Al–Ti–Ni-rich spinel+K–Cr priderite+Nb-rich titanite+baddeleyite+tazheranite+Mn–Fe-betafite. In addition, a second generation of Ni-poor and Mn-rich olivine formed along with Ti-rich K-richterite, phlogopite and clinopyroxene. Both tazheranite and Mn–Fe-betafite were unambiguously identified with electron microprobe analysis combined with selected area diffraction using FIB–TEM. Mn–Fe-betafite is new member of the pyrochlore group of phases and the tazheranite from this study represents the first occurrence reported from an upper mantle environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species,Trichacoides ranganabettensissp. nov. Veenakumari & Buhl andPlatygaster neostriatitergitissp. nov. Veenakumari & Buhl are described from South India. The unknown female ofIsolia indicais also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]