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This study introduced a new species of freshwater red alga discovered in Taiwan, Virescentia asiatica sp. nov. Using genetic and morphological analyses, we determined its taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationship among other species of Virescentia (Sirodot) Necchi, D.C.Agostinho & M.L. Vis. While Virescentia taxonomy and species diversity have been extensively explored in Europe and the Americas, Asia remained less studied, with only one new species described in China. This study was the first record of Virescentia in Taiwan and confirmed it as a new species, Virescentia asiatica sp. nov. The investigation was based on comparing morphological characteristics and genetic markers rbcL and COI-5P in collections from around the world. Molecular evidence showed what we describe as V. asiatica sp. nov. forming a well-supported clade with four previously unidentified Virescentia sequences from Japan, and conspecific with at least three of these. We considered it likely that V. asiatica sp. nov. inhabited a wider geographic range in East Asia, including other regions besides Taiwan and Japan. Morphologically, Virescentia asiatica sp. nov. was distinct only in habit, differing from other Virescentia species in having an apparently diminutive thallus and curved branching. This study enhanced our understanding of the classification and phylogenetic relationships within Virescentia, contributing to the knowledge of freshwater red algae biodiversity in East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Chloephaga Eyton, 1838, consisting of four species that breed in Patagonia, encompasses anatids endemic to South America. Despite their prominence in the present-day avifauna, these species have left behind a limited fossil record. The aim of the present contribution is to describe Chloephaga fossils coming from Middle Pleistocene levels (San José Sequence) cropping out at Bajo San José site, southwestern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The specimens are referred to three different taxa, including a new species, Chloephaga dabbenei n. sp., a smaller but indeterminate taxon, which is also probably a new species, and the extant species C. picta (J.F.Gmelin, 1789). The newly described species is notably large, falling within the upper size range observed in males of C. picta. The tarsometatarsus is straight-shafted with poorly divergent distal trochleae, features that are correlated with cursorial habits, that are absent in other members of Chloephaga. The co-occurrence of three species of the genus Chloephaga is registered nowadays in the Argentine Patagonia and in the southeast of Buenos Aires Province, when they migrate during the winter season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large and taxonomically diverse collection of Ordovician Asterozoa from France and Morocco enables new insights into the early evolution of the subphylum. Available specimens of both Asteroidea and Stenuroidea are comparatively few, the collection dominated by Ophiuroidea and to a lesser extent, Somasteroidea. Nearly all the asteroid specimens are assigned to Petraster Billings, 1858; P. caidramiensis n. sp. is differentiated based on the complexity of the extraxial skeleton. The genus Petraster is reviewed. Another asteroid fragment, Euaxosida sp. A, is too incomplete to assign below the ordinal level. Among species of Petraster, the extraxial skeleton suggests homoplastic emergence of ossicular series definition whereas evolution of ambulacral axial-adaxial series expressions was conservative. The stemward asteroid axial/adaxial configuration is considered largely a plesiomorphic derivative of the somasteroid condition. Ossicular details of all series, however, differ among Petraster species. Euaxosida sp. A also offers oral-surface expressions suggestive of a transitional status. Differences among ossicular series expressions exemplify concerns surrounding interpretation of early asterozoan phylogeny and taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eocene-Oligocene transition marks a period of dramatic global climatic change correlated with pronounced mammalian faunal change. Fossil evidence is indispensable for studying the distribution of taxa through time, and determining how abiotic parameters shaped ancient biodiversity. Here we report ruminant artiodactyls and a new anthropoid primate from Süngülü, a locality in Eastern Anatolia that has yielded a diversified and largely endemic assemblage of rodents. Three taxa of ruminants are recognized, the tragulid Iberomeryx parvus Gabunia, 1964, a larger species of Iberomeryx Gabunia, 1964, and a bachitheriid referred to cf. Bachitherium sp. A lower molar is identified as the new eosimiid primate Sungulusimias unayae n. gen., n. sp., which is the first occurrence of Paleogene anthropoids in western Asia. The lower molar of Sungulusimias unayae n. gen., n. sp. is characterized by protoconid and metaconid closely spaced and of similar height and volume, paraconid cuspidate and nearly connate with metaconid, strong mesiobuccal cingulid, and entoconid without strong connection to hypoconulid via the postcristid. The composition of this assemblage together with rodents indicates a probable Latest Eocene age for Süngülü, although an early Oligocene age cannot be completely ruled out. The rodent fauna from Süngülü suggests that endemism persisted at the periphery of Balkanatolia until the latest Eocene while Eastern Anatolia was situated in a strategic corridor for faunal exchanges between eastern Asia, Indo-Pakistan and Europe. During the Eocene-Oligocene transition, Balkanatolia probably functioned as a "holding pen" where various taxa were confined for significant intervals of time before proceeding to colonize Western Europe at the Grande Coupure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Campterophlebiidae Handlirsch, 1920 is the dominant Jurassic clade of Odonata Fabricius, 1793, especially hosting a high diversification in northern China. The Chinese campterophlebiid damsel-dragonflies were mainly recovered from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, northern China. In the present study, a new campterophlebiid, Parasinitsia qingyunensis n. gen., n. sp., is described from the early Middle Jurassic Yanan Formation of the Ordos Basin, NW China. Parasinitsia n. gen. resembles the genus Sinitsia Pritykina, 2006 recorded from the Upper Jurassic of eastern Transbaikalia, but differs from the latter in having two or three rows of cells between RA and RP1 distal of the pterostigma, IR2 and RP3/4 with at least four rows of cells near the wing margin, and CuAa with about 15 rows of cells between it and the posterior wing margin in the broadest area. The new damsel-dragonfly comes from a new early Middle Jurassic insect site from the Ordos Basin, providing new clues to understand the terrestrial ecosystems during this epoch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mannia Corda (Aytoniaceae) is a small complex thalloid liverwort genus with 11 species, which show strongly disjunct and fragmented distributional patterns. China is one of the main centers of distribution for the genus with six species currently known. Mannia gradsteinii sp. nov., a new species from Hengduan Mountains in China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to Mannia triandra (Scop.) Grolle, but differing in the large epidermal pore (72-)136-204 μm in diameter, the smaller spores 47-57 μm with 3-6 irregular areolae across the spore distal surface, the large female receptacles 4.6-8.2 mm in diameter and the air chambers with 2-4 layers. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the chloroplast gene trnL-F and the large 26S ribosomal DNA subunit confirmed that the new species is a member of Mannia subgenus Neesiella, and sister to M. gracilis (F.Weber) D.B.Schill & D.G.Long, which differs in the presence of a pseudoperianth and the absence of a trilete mark on the spore proximal view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of R.A.R.E - Association Roussillonnaise d'Entomologie is the property of Association Roussillonnaise d Entomologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of R.A.R.E - Association Roussillonnaise d'Entomologie is the property of Association Roussillonnaise d Entomologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite the importance of morphological characters for classification, molecular data are now more widely used than morphology in phylogenetic reconstructions, particularly in studies of algae. The tribe Ceramieae C.Agardh ex Greville (Ceramiaceae) is a widespread, speciose, and morphologically diverse group of valuable red algae with many identified bioactives. We aimed to elucidate phylogenetic relationships in the tribe to delimit genera and provide a new classification. Generic delimitation is currently based on morphological characters, and there has been no overall reassessment of generic circumscriptions and evolutionary relationships using molecular data. We used three molecular markers (mitochondrial COI-5P, plastid rbcL and nuclear LSU). Within the Ceramieae, several clades are recovered, although the relationships among major clades are not supported. These clades are here recognized as genera, with new circumscriptions for Ceramium Roth, Carpoblepharis Kützing, Herpochondria F.Schmitz & Falkenberg, Campylaephora J.Agardh and Celeceras Kützing, and the proposal of Pseudoceramium Barros-Barreto & Maggs, gen. nov., Yoneshiguea Barros-Barreto, Maggs & M.A.Jaramillo, gen. nov. and Stirkia Barros-Barreto & Maggs, gen. nov. The Ceramieae show a high degree of morphological homoplasy among species as well as extreme phenotypic plasticity within species. Genera lack unique synapomorphies and multiple morphological characters are required to define most of them. Molecular data are critical for understanding systematics in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda Latreille, 1817) are marine predatory crustaceans of the group Hoplocarida Calman, 1904 with an interesting, though incompletely known, evolutionary history. Here we introduce a new species of fossil mantis shrimps, Ostenosculda teruzzii n. gen., n. sp. from the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian) limestone formation of Osteno (Northern Italy). We present distinctive features that characterize the specimens as a new species, such as a unique arrangement of maxillipeds 2-5 (maxilliped 2 is the major raptorial appendage). We also present a phylogenetic systematic interpretation of the species based on the available features of morphology and body organisation. The unusual arrangement of the maxillipeds appears to represent a plesiomorphic condition relative to extant mantis shrimps: the maxillipeds are arranged in an almost straight anterior-posterior line, with rather large distances between them. This contrasts with extant forms and slightly younger fossils of about 150 million years old lithographic limestones (Late Jurassic) where further anterior maxillipeds are inserting far laterally and further posterior ones more medially, with very small distances between the next posterior ones. The herein studied specimens are the first of their kind to be confirmed for this period and geographical region and further close gaps in our understanding of the evolution of mantis shrimps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new genus and species of arvicolid rodent is described from the late early Pleistocene levels of the sections of Fuente Nueva 3 (Guadix-Baza Basin, Granada, southern Iberian Peninsula), and Quibas (Murcia, southeastern Iberian Peninsula). The majority of Manchenomys n. gen. molars lacks roots, and the morphology of the first lower molar (m1) is simple, with a short and rounded anteroconid complex and widely confluent triangles four and five (T4 and T5) fields.Molar enamel is predominantly negatively differentiated (Mimomys-type). The third upper molar (M3) is also simple, with a short posterior cap. Manchenomys orcensis n. sp. is described from Fuente Nueva 3, and Mimomys oswaldoreigi Agustí, Castillo & Galobart, 1993 from Gilena 2 and Barranco de los Conejos is recombined as Manchenomys oswaldoreigi n. comb. The chronostratigraphic range of Manchenomys n. gen. covers the upper Matuyama geomagnetic chron, between 1.8 Ma (postOlduvai subchron) and 0.99 Ma (Jaramillo subchron). Manchenomys n. gen. was possibly derived from a local population of Mimomys tornensis Janossy & Meulen, 1975, an arvicolid species present in older early Pleistocene levels of Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil record of dipnoans is mostly represented by tooth plates and jaw bones, whereas nearly complete or complete skulls are rare. Here, we describe a new dipnoan from the Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of Patagonia (Argentina) using three-dimensional renderings generated by CT scans. It consists of a near-complete skull and postcranial material. Rinconodus salvadori n. gen., n. sp. is diagnosed by a combination of features, such as medial series composed of two unpaired bones, mediolateral series composed of two paired bones, lateral series with at least one bone, medial edge of tooth plates longer than the lingual edge and equally curved, upper tooth plates contiguous or close to one another with five denticulations, lower tooth plates widely separated with four denticulations, first denticulation of upper tooth plates longer and thinner than the remaining denticulations, and posteriorly curved, first denticulation of lower tooth plates relatively straight and longer than the remaining ones, among other characters. The new species is based on the first two nearly complete Santonian dipnoan skulls from South America. Moreover, the materials presented here are the geologically youngest dipnoan remains consisting of a near-complete skull and postcranium from the Cretaceous of Gondwana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe otter remains (Lutrinae Bonaparte, 1838) from the Plio-Pleistocene of the Lower Omo Valley of southwestern Ethiopia. We report isolated lower and upper teeth of Torolutra sp. dated to c. 3.3 Ma, dental specimens and a femur of Enhydriodon Falconer, 1868, attributed to a new species, dated between c. 3.4 Ma and 2.5 Ma, as well as a humerus of Lutrinae indet. dated between c. 1.9 Ma and 1.8 Ma. The new species Enhydriodon omoensis n. sp. is the largest species of the genus discovered so far. It is even larger than its close relative E. dikikae Geraads, Alemseged, Bobe & Reed, 2011, a Pliocene lion-sized otter from the Afar region and potentially from eastern Turkana. Based on stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses, we found that Enhydriodon from the Lower Omo Valley could have been terrestrial and fed on both aquatic and terrestrial prey, acquired by either hunting or scavenging. It filled a unique ecological niche in the past communities co-existing with australopithecines. Enhydriodon and Torolutra Petter, Pickford & Howell, 1991 went extinct in Africa around the Plio-Pleistocene transition, along with many large-sized and ecologically specialized carnivorans. This extinction event could be linked to the many geological, climate, and biotic changes occurring in the eastern African rift during this period, notably the incursion of early hominins into the carnivore guild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil remains of late Miocene Propotamochoerus Pilgrim, 1925 from several sites of SE Europe are part of a long-lasting discussion. The sparsely known material, usually toothrows, does not fit well with any known Propotamochoerus species and therefore local peri-Balkan samples have been referred to different species. Based on a fairly complete cranium and a mandible from the Turolian fauna of Kryopigi (Northern Greece), and combined with other Balkan evidence, we propose that this Eastern Mediterranean taxon represents a new species. Propotamochoerus aegaeus n. sp. is characterized by moderate cranial and dental size, widely separated temporal lines, long zygomatic arches, elongated upper incisors and diastemata in each side of the first upper premolar; relatively small male lower canines, broad upper and lower third premolars and short lower fourth premolar, and a small hexaconid on the talonid of the lower third molar. A thorough morphological and metric analysis contradicts recent views of the taxon as invalid and provides new evidence on the late Miocene diversity and distribution of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new diatom species of the genus Placoneis Mereschkowsky is described on the basis of molecular and morphological data. The new species, Placoneis asymmetricus Glushchenko, Kezlya, Kulikovskiy & Kociolek, sp. nov., is morphologically characterized by slightly asymmetrical valves along the apical axis based on light and scanning electron microscopy of the exterior and interior of valves. Molecular data, which are derived from live cells, are used for phylogenetic reconstruction based on 18S V4 rDNA and rbcL gene markers of taxa from the genus Placoneis and other diatoms in the order Cymbellales D.G.Mann. Comparisons with other morphologically and molecularly closely-related species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccoid microalgae of the genus Trebouxia Puymaly are by far the most prevalent among the various species involved in lichen symbioses. However, their taxonomic knowledge is rather scarce compared to that of lichenized fungi. In the present work, a taxonomic study integrating diverse techniques (phylogenetics, light, confocal and transmission electron microscopies) is carried out to describe Trebouxia maresiae Garrido-Benavent, Chiva & Barreno, sp. nov. This species widely associates with the red-listed lichenized fungus Seirophora villosa (Ach.) Frödén but also with species of the genus Ramalina Ach., both occurring in coastal environments in the western Mediterranean and the Cape Verdean islands. This microalga is circumscribed to Trebouxia clade A and is closely related to T. de colorans Ahmadjian. It is characterized by the cell size being up to 15 µm in diam., the crenulate chloroplasts, and the structure of pyrenoids, which in cultured cells fits well with the crenulata-type, with long branched tubules meandering through the pyrenoid matrix, whereas in the lichenized state it acquires a hybrid structure (maresiae-type), characterized by the periphery of the pyrenoid being rather gigantea-type, with thylakoid membranes forming short, branched tubules. With the present work, the taxonomy of the genus Trebouxia moves a step forward towards more accurately characterizing species in lichen microalgae which is a prerequisite for future, more complex studies on speciation, co-evolution and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper provides a phylogenetic and morphological study of two strains that turn out to represent a new genus and species, Rindifilum ramosum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Ctenocladiaceae (Ulvales). Rindifilum ramosum gen. nov., sp. nov. grows in association with the lichenized ascomycetes genus Verrucaria Schrader. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on the rbcL, 18S rRNA and tufA genes showed that the investigated strains belonged to a lineage distinct from those sequenced so far. Moreover, comparisons based on morphological observations revealed no differences between the two strains. The newly genus Rindifilum gen. nov. exhibits a unique combination of morphological features, as the "pear-shaped" cells that develop directly into a "hammer-shaped filament", making it distinct from all other green algae described so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plagiochila (Dumort.) Dumort. is one of the largest liverwort genera of Madagascar. A study of the rich Plagiochila holdings from Madagascar kept in the herbaria of Brussels, Eger and Paris leads to the recognition of 22 species, in six sections. One species, P. vandenberghenii Gradst., sp. nov., is new to science and P. bifaria (Sw.) Lindenb., P. macrostachya Lindenb. (synonym: P. granditexta Steph. syn. nov.) and P. simplex (Sw.) Lindenb., all three from the Neotropics, are recorded for the first time from Africa. Madagascar harbors about half of the African Plagiochilas and three species are endemic, P. fracta Pócs, P. sikorae Steph. and P. vandenberghenii Gradst., sp. nov. The high Plagiochila richness of Madagascar is explained by the large tracts on the island of humid tropical montane forest, being the preferred habitat of the genus. East African and Afro-American taxa prevail and four species, P. bifaria, P. macrostachya, P. simplex and P. stricta Lindenb., have a peri-Afro-American range being absent on the African mainland. A key to the Madagassan species of Plagiochila is provided and each species is described and illustrated, with data on types, synonyms, geographical distribution, habitat and differentiating characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe a new eusuchian crocodyliform, collected 130 years ago from a shallow marine limestone of the late Eocene (Priabonian) fossil locality of Cluj-Mănătur, Transylvania, Romania. Diplocynodon kochi n. sp. is represented by a three-dimensionally preserved incomplete skull that may have belonged to a mature individual. The new taxon possesses a relatively narrow and elongated snout and a mediolaterally shallow but anteroposteriorly wide premaxillary-maxillary notch, strengthened by a prominent bony ridge. The nasals are excluded from the naris and the anterior tip of the frontal forms a broad, complex sutural contact with the nasals. Diplocynodon kochi n. sp. possesses, similarly to other members of the genus, 16-17 maxillary alveoli of which the fourth and fifth alveoli are enlarged and confluent; the lacrimal is longer than the prefrontal; the ectopterygoid is situated close to the posteriormost maxillary tooth alveoli, the dorsal margin of the infratemporal fenestra is bordered by the quadratojugal, preventing the quadrate from reaching the fenestra, and the foramen aëreum is situated on the dorsal surface of the quadrate. The occurrence of D. kochi n. sp. in the Priabonian of the eastern part of Central Europe suggests that the genus was still present and probably widespread across the continent that contributed probably to its survival (at least locally) across the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horseshoe crabs are extant chelicerates with a fossil record extending back to the Ordovician. Despite the documentation of their long evolutionary history, xiphosurids are rarely preserved within fossil assemblages due to their unmineralized cuticular exoskeleton. However, in exceptional circumstances, an abundance of fossil xiphosurid specimens have been documented. The Moscovian-aged Mazon Creek Konservat-Lagerstätte represents one such fossil deposit with a high abundance and diversity of xiphosurids. Although fairly well known, the Paleolimulus specimens from the Mazon Creek have not yet been subject to a thorough taxonomic examination. In the light of recent efforts to organise Paleolimulus, we revisit this undescribed material, erect Paleolimulus mazonensis n. sp., and present a phylogenetic analysis that places P. mazonensis n. sp. as a sister taxon to P. signata (Beecher, 1904). The palaeoecology and possible ontogeny of P. mazonensis n. sp. are presented, as well as a statement on the future directions for understanding this xiphosurid genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collection of bryophytes from Uei tepui in Mount Roraima National Park, Roraima state, northern Brazil, yielded 45 species, in 25 genera and 15 families. Twenty four species are new to state of Roraima, of which seven are new to the Brazilian Amazon domain and six species are new to Brazil: Colura rhynchophora Jovet-Ast, Frullania mirabilis J.B.Jack & Steph., Micropterygium bialatum Fulford, M. tumidulum Fulford, Plagiochila steyermarkii H.Rob. and Syzygiella campanulata Herzog. The liverwort Leptoscyphus incisus Gradst., F.R.Oliveira-da-Silva & Ilk.-Borg., sp. nov. is described as new to science. The new species is characterized by plants autoicous, leaves bifid to trifid and underleaves absent or rudimentary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a new species, Nitzschia haloserbica Vidaković, Ector, C.E.Wetzel & Krizmanić, sp. nov., is described from alkaline saline ponds and channels from Vojvodina Province (Serbia). In 2019 the new species was found in four saline ponds: Bela Bara, Čoka Kopovo, Velika Rusanda and Slatina. The same species was recorded four years ago in saline lakes in Hungary, but the authors listed it as Nitzschia sp. 2. The sigmoid valve outline of the new Nitzschia Hassall species is similar to N. austriaca Hust. but differs in striae density and fibulae distribution. In N. haloserbica sp. nov. the transapical striae are so dense that they are not visible in light microscopy. Both species have fibulae that are quite regularly distributed along the raphe canal, but in N. austriaca the central two fibulae are more widely spaced, reflecting the presence of central raphe endings, which are absent in N. haloserbica sp. nov. At the type locality (Bela Bara) both species were found with relative abundances of 94.93 % for N. haloserbica sp. nov. and 1.21 % for N. austriaca (of the 400 valves counting per slide). The valve morphology, ultrastructure and autecology of the new species are discussed and compared with morphologically similar taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Phylogenetic and morphological analyzes were used to compare the samples collected in the Fernando de Noronha and Trindade Islands with the continental ones. A phylogenetic tree comprising 37 representatives of Fissidens Hedw. was constructed using plastid gene data (trnG and rps4). Specimens of F. flaccidus Mitt. and F. hornschuchii Mont. on the islands appeared to be genetically and morphologically similar to samples from the continent. Together these studies showed that the specimens identified as F. crispus Mont. from Fernando de Noronha differ from both those previously recorded on islands and those on the continent, leading us to describe a newly species. Furthermore F. steerei Grout is new recorded for Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synedropsis abuflosensis sp. nov. is the third species of the genus recorded from a sub-tropical brackish water habitat as opposed to a polar distribution. This species is differentiated from others in the genus by having a different number of slits in the apical slit field at opposite ends of the valve (i.e., 4 at the end possessing a rimoportula versus 5 at the end lacking a rimoportula), an apically oriented rimoportula and 3-4 non-porous cingular bands. Its habitat is different than that of all known Synedropsis Hasle, Medlin & Syvertsen species as it is either benthic or epiphytic in algal mats rather than planktonic or associated with sea ice. The new species was found in waters with a conductivity of 7.1 µS cm-1 (salinity 3.3 psu) and a temperature of 33 °C. Morphological characters of the new species are described based on light and scanning electron microscopy observations. A comparison of S. abuflosensis sp. nov. with morphologically similar species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of basal ungulates is significant in the late middle Eocene Pondaung Formation (Myanmar). However, the precise identification or attribution of some fossils is sometimes difficult because of the scarcity and poor preservation of the material. We describe here a new genus and species of a Dichobunidae from Paukkaung Kyitchaung 2 locality, that is morphologically and probably phylogenetically close to a taxon from the early-middle Eocene of Pakistan, and we discuss the attribution of dental material to Myanmarius chitseini Tsubamoto, Egi, Takai, Htike & Zin-Maung-Maung-Thein, 2013, an inderterminate artiodactyl from Pondaung. This study also confirms that dispersals were possible between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia during the first part of the Eocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of gecarcinucid crab, Barytelphusa choprai sp. nov., is described here from the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh state of India. The new species differs from all three congeners by its convex and trapezoidal carapace, pale white colouration, and by a distinct structure of the male gonopod G1. It differs from its congeners by genetic distance (p-distance) in the range of 5.7-13.6% in partial mtCOI gene sequence. The habitat at the type locality is a slow flowing shallow stream with rocky substratum, covered with silt and debris, and devoid of aquatic vegetation. Résumé: Une nouvelle espèce de crabe gecarcinucidé, Barytelphusa choprai sp. nov., est décrite ici provenant des Ghats occidentaux de l'Etat d'Andhra Pradesh en Inde. La nouvelle espèce diffère des trois congénères par sa carapace convexe et trapézoïdale, une coloration blanc pâle et par une structure distincte du gonopode mâle G1. Elle diffère aussi de ses congénères par une distance génétique (distance p) dans un intervalle de 5,7-13,6% pour la séquence partielle de gène mtCOI. L'habitat local du type est un ruisseau peu profond à débit lent avec un fond rocheux, couvert de limon et de débris, et sans végétation aquatique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of R.A.R.E - Association Roussillonnaise d'Entomologie is the property of Association Roussillonnaise d Entomologie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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The subgenus Rhoicosphenula Lange-Bert. has a unique character combination that differentiates it from Gomphosphenia subgen. Gomphosphenia Lange-Bert. In particular, Rhoicosphenula has striae/areola features that are similar to Gomphosphenia, but is differentiated from that genus by also having pseudosepta present on both poles of the valves, copulae with septa at one of the poles, and frustules almost rectangular in girdle view. Together, this character combination strongly supports it as an independent genus following modern diatom-taxonomy criteria. Moreover, the only species of Rhoicosphenula known so far was collected from a peculiar acidic and dystrophic habitat, whilst most Gomphosphenia s.s. species colonize medium-conductivity, alkaline inland waters. On the basis of LM and SEM studies, we also propose a species of Gomphosphenia (G. patrickiana Cantonati, Lange-Bert., Kociolek & A.A.Saber, sp. nov.) as new to science. The new species is mainly defined by its valve outline and dimensions, length to breadth ratio, striation density, and geographical distribution. It was found in several samples of two streams in Puerto Rico, sometimes with high relative abundance. Gomphosphenia patrickiana Cantonati, Lange-Bert., Kociolek & A.A.Saber, sp. nov. was much more abundant in the stream with lower nutrient (in particular P) concentrations, and higher ecological integrity. The new species seems to prefer moderately alkaline freshwater habitats with medium-high conductivity and oligo- to mesotrophic conditions, with moderate tolerance to N enrichment. Also noteworthy is the occurrence of the new species in streams with above-average magnesium concentrations (due to the local geology). This Neotropical, warm-water species might be a potential indicator of global warming effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most upper Homerian and Ludfordian retiolitines have a tubarium with hexagonal meshes and a zigzag pattern in the middle part of their lateral walls, a shallow ancora umbrella, and a free nema. Hoffmanigraptus varsoviensis n. gen., n. sp. is described from isolated, three-dimensional material, from the upper part of the Colonograptus praedeubeli Biozone (upper Homerian, Silurian) of Poland, Baltica, and represents one of the earliest forms with this construction. This type of tubarium is represented by the upper Homerian Doliograptus Lenz & Kozłowska-Dawidziuk, 2002 and Spinograptus Bouček & Münch, 1952, differing from Hoffmanigraptus n. gen. mainly in larger proximal lateral orifices, pattern of clathrial lists on lateral walls, as well as size and shape of tubaria. Hoffmanigraptus n. gen. has a tubarium widening medially, tapering towards the distal end and forming a finite tubarium, with a possible three-vaned nematularium. Flattened specimens Plectograptus? ovatus Kozłowska, Lenz & Štorch, 2001 and Plectograptus? karlsteinensis Kozłowska, Lenz & Štorch, 2001, preserved on a rock surface from the Barrandian area are assigned to the new genus. They are of the same upper Homerian age, and show the main features of the new form. Hoffmanigraptus n. gen. is regarded as an early member of the Plectograptus clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of webspinner, Galloembia raholai n. gen. et n. sp., is described from the earliest Eocene Oise amber of France. The species is currently the oldest record of the family, a taxon previously known from only as far back as the middle Eocene Baltic amber and an exceptionally dubious Eocene-Oligocene impression fossil of the central United States. The genus is diagnosed and compared with other genera of Embiidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands lie to the north of the North Island of New Zealand. Manawatāwhi is part of the rohe (territory) of Ngāti Kuri, with the islands having spiritual, cultural, political and customary significance. This group of small islands has one of the most pristine coastlines in New Zealand, with no human-mediated impacts from current land use, no permanent anchorage points, and landing on the islands is prohibited. The islands harbour a rich marine biota with a number of endemic species. A recent collection trip and molecular genetic studies using the rbcL marker revealed the presence of three entities of the genus Ulva L. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) on the islands. One of these we describe herein as Ulva piritoka Ngāti Kuri, Heesch & W.A.Nelson, sp. nov. While it is genetically close to U. adhaerens Matsumoto & Shimada from Japan, differences in morphology, habitat and rbcL gene region, including the presence of a large group II intron in U. adhaerens, which was lacking in the Manawatāwhi specimen, led us to conclude U. piritoka sp. nov. belongs to a distinct species. We also confirmed the presence of Ulva compressa L. and Ulva rigida C.Agardh, both of which, although present on the New Zealand mainland, were originally described from Europe and are considered introductions to the New Zealand archipelago. These are the first reported marine non-indigenous species (NIS) recorded from Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands, and the implications of their presence are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rich poriferan assemblage was identified within the easternmost part of the Getic Carbonate Platform of Romania (Grădiștei Gorges). The excellent preservation state of most poriferans here led to the discovery of a new species (Neuropora gigantea Pleș & Schlagintweit, n. sp.) and to the identification of previously unknown diagnostic features in some species (Sarsteinia babai Schlagintweit & Gawlick, 2006 emend., Neuropora lusitanica Termier, 1985, Sphaeractinia steinmanni Canavari, 1893). Calciagglutispongia yabei Reitner, 1992, Sarsteinia babai and Sphaeractinia steinmanni are reported for the first time from the Upper Jurassic carbonates of the Getic Carbonate Platform. The sedimentary input fluctuations and the nutrient competition had an important role in understanding the morphological adaptations of the analysed species. The existing palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental conditions generated different distribution patterns towards the reef profile and also preferential adaptations to a specific Tethyan domain. As opposed to the poriferan assemblages from the northern Tethyan shelves, these organisms formed sponge-coral-microencruster boundstones at the margins and fore-reefal zones of isolated carbonate platforms within the intra-Tethyan realm. The importance of calcified sponges in reef-zonation is highlighted by the establishment of a general zonation model. Three zones can be distinguished: 1) Cladocoropsis-Milleporidium zone (back-reef area); 2) Bauneia-Chaetetopsis-Parastromatopora zone (central reef area); and 3) Sphaeractinia/Ellipsactinia-Neuropora zone for the fore-reef area. In the absence of a true reef framework these calcified sponges developed typical morphologies, environmental adaptations and partnerships with other biotic groups which strongly influenced the carbonate production throughout the intra-Tethyan domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowellia asperilobula sp. nov., from New Caledonia, is described as a new species of Nowellia Mitt. section Metanowellia, raising the total number of known species in the genus to eleven. The habitat of the new species and morphological features distinguishing it from the two other New Caledonian species in the genus, N. langii Pearson and N. pusilla Grolle, are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of molecular tools in red algal diversity surveys often reveals the existence of undescribed species. Here, we report a new Macaronesian turf-forming red alga in the otherwise mostly Pacific genus Melanothamnus Bornet & Falkenberg. This new taxon, Melanothamnus macaronesicus Rodríguez-Buján & Díaz-Tapia, sp. nov. is described based on morphological and molecular (rbcL gene) evidence. Morphologically, it differs from other Melanothamnus taxa by a combination of characters that includes its decumbent habit with an extensive system of prostrate axes, small size (=2.5 cm), four ecorticate pericentral cells, unbranched to once-branched trichoblasts and spermatangial branches formed on the first dichotomy of trichoblasts that have a sterile apical cell. Molecularly, this new species differs from its congeners by sequence divergence =3.3% in the rbcL gene. Current known distribution of M. macaronesicus Rodríguez-Buján & Díaz-Tapia, sp. nov. is restricted to Macaronesia, suggesting that it could be endemic to this archipelago. Our findings suggest that endemicity among red algae might be more common than previously thought in this bioregion, particularly among easily overlooked turf-forming species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koponobryum papillosum Printarakul & Chantanaorr., sp. nov., is described as a second species of the genus found in Chiang Mai and Lamphun Provinces, northern Thailand. It is distinguished from K. bengalense (Gangulee) Arts by autoicous plants, papillose spores and axillary hairs consisting of one short basal cell and 1-4(5) longer upper cells. A taxonomic description, illustrations and SEM micrographs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of Venta Micena (Orce, Spain), c. 1.6 Ma, preserves one the best paleontological records of the early Pleistocene large mammals fauna in Europe. Here we describe the specimens of the genus Canis Linnaeus, 1758 in the context of the late Villafranchian and Epivillafranchian fossil dogs from Eurasia. Anatomical and metric data suggest that the Venta Micena Canis form differs from the classical records of Canis etruscus Forsyth Major, 1877 and Canis arnensis Del Campana, 1913, and that it forms part of the younger Canis mosbachensis Soergel (1925) lineage, also recorded in two slightly younger sites of the Orce site complex, Barranco León and Fuente Nueva-3, dated to c. 1.4 Ma. The anatomy of the Venta Micena fossil material shows features that resemble the Canis forms from the Caucasian site of Dmanisi, dated to 1.8 Ma, and Canis ex gr. C. mosbachensis. Nevertheless, dental peculiarities support the creation of a new chrono-species, Canis orcensis n. sp., from the town of Orce. Morphological and paleoecological data suggest that this species probably consumed more vertebrate flesh than other similar sized early Pleistocene canids (i.e., a trend to hypercarnivory), which had more omnivorous dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report the discovery of a new Late Cretaceous eutherian mammal, Azilestes ragei n. gen., n. sp. from the Mas-d’Azil northern Pyrenean site (France), which is among the largest known. It is only known from a broken lower jaw found in uppermost levels of the Grès de Labarre Formation (early Maastrichtian). Despite its poor preservation, it displays distinctive specialized features with respect to known Cretaceous eutherians. This includes a reduced premolar formula and shortened and robust jaw, an incipient hypolophid, and a cingular-like postcristid and hypoconulid. The phylogenetic analysis suggests indeed a possible stem relationship between Azilestes n. gen. and some clades of herbivorous Cenozoic placentals, but with weak support. Several molar features reminiscent of the Zhelestidae, especially Valentinella Tabuce, Vianey-Liaud & Garcia, 2004, support instead that Azilestes n. gen. is a basal eutherian showing early specialization in a herbivorous diet convergent with some crown placentals. Whatever the suprageneric position of Azilestes n. gen., which remains to be clarified with additional material, its discovery highlights a significant diversity of European Cretaceous eutherians in contrast to their very poor fossil record. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papiliograptus retimarginatus n. sp. is reported from the praedeubeli/deubeli Biozone, upper Homerian (Silurian) of the Bartoszyce IG-1 drill core of Poland, Baltica. It is the second species of the genus Papiliograptus Lenz & Kozłowska-Dawidziuk, 2002, belonging to the new retiolitid fauna of the recovery period after the lundgreni Extinction Event. Two characteristic features of the new retiolitid fauna are the development of a geniculum and singular or paired genicular structures. The new form has extremely wide, singular, reticulated genicular processes. It is suggested that these structures may have been an adaptation to prevent the planktonic colony from sinking in the water column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Mallomonas vietnamica Gusev, Kezlya & Tran, sp. nov., is described from Vietnam based on silica-scale morphology elucidated by transmission and scanning electron microscopies. The species belongs in section Mallomonas Perty and is characterized by large oval scales with a wide and deep dome, which is recessed from the scale perimeter. The domes are shifted to the right side of scales and oriented at different angles to the scale's longitudinal axis. Bristles of the newly described taxon are characterized by a distinctly hooked foot. Scales of M. vietnamica Gusev, Kezlya & Tran, sp. nov. were found at only one locality in Hanoi, at the border of Ba Vi National Park in the freshwater Da River (Sông Đà). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistochila gradsteinii Thouvenot sp. nov., is added to the five Schistochila Dumort. species formerly known in New Caledonia. The new species is distinctive by the lack of underleaves, bilobed leaves entire margined, with larger ventral lobes oblong-lanceolate to oblong-ovate, apiculate, dorsal lobes oblong-ovate, inserted on the dorsal surface of ventral lobes, the free margins not reaching the ventral margins, leaf cells with seemingly 3-layered trigones, stems with a conspicuous epidermis. It shares with the endemic S. vitreocincta (Herzog) X.L.He & Glenny some features distinctive from the rest of the genus. In addition, the occurrence of S. vitreocincta is clarified, the gynoecium of S. integerrima Steph. is newly described and a key to the New Caledonian species of Schistochila is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ponerine ant Anochetus miosumatrensis Ngô-Muller, Garrouste & Nel, n. sp. is described from a fossil alate female preserved in amber of Sumatra which is reputedly of Miocene age. On the basis of the general morphology, the fossil could be attributed to the extant Sumatran species group risii Brown, 1978. By comparing with the living environment of the extant species, this ant probably lived in a warm humid forest where it was trapped in dipterocarpacean resin during nuptial flight. Until now, the known Cenozoic distribution of the genus Anochetus was restricted to the Neotropical region. Thus A. miosumatrensis Ngô-Muller, Garrouste & Nel, n. sp. brings the first record of the genus from Indomalaya biogeographic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A new species of the sergestid shrimp genus Sicyonella Borradaile, 1910 was discovered in a recent expedition to southern Madagascar. The presence of Sicyonella in Madagascar is also a new genus record for the country. The new species has the petasma and thelycum very different from the three known species of the genus, and is also unique in the basal part of the mesial antennular flagellum not being modified in males. Résumé: Une nouvelle espèce du genre de crevettes Sergestidae, Sicyonella Borradaile, 1910 a été découverte lors d'une expédition récente au sud de Madagascar. La présence du genre Sicyonella à Madagascar est aussi un nouveau signalement pour le pays. La nouvelle espèce présente un pétasma et un thélycum très différents de ceux des trois espèces connues du genre, et est aussi unique par la partie basale non modifiée du flagelle antennulaire mésial chez les mâles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]