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A distinctive new genus and species of the subphylum Asterozoa, Componaster spurius n. gen., n. sp., is described from the Late Ordovician (early Katian) of Morocco. Construction of the ambulacral column is considered key to delineation of classes of the subphylum Asterozoa: morphology and configuration of the mouth frame, axial (ambulacral series), and adaxial (lateral series) enable class-level assignment of C. spurius n. gen., n. sp. to the Ophiuroidea Gray, 1840. However, overall form and aspects of extraxial skeletal expression from beyond the ambulacral column are strongly reminiscent of expressions of the Asteroidea de Blainville, 1830. The character complex of C. spurius n. gen., n. sp. precludes its alignment with any available ophiuran ordinal concept, and available data do not justify proposal of new ordinal terminology: the species is left incertae sedis at the ordinal level but a new familial taxon, Componasteridae n. fam., is recognized. Although Late Ordovician, the complex morphology of Componaster spurius n. gen., n. sp. suggests either plesiomorphic expressions from asterozoan diversification surviving until the Katian or significant homoplasy during early asterozoan history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematics of side-gilled slugs face long-lasting incongruencies provided by morphological and molecular data. Parsimonious morphological assessments divided the single superfamily Pleurobranchoidea into the shell-less Pleurobranchaeidae and the internally shelled Pleurobranchidae, including the aberrant helicoid-shelled Tomthompsonia. Molecular evidence has proven untrustworthy to date, revealing contrasting hypotheses. This study's multilocus phylogeny benefits from a dense taxon sampling of 94 pleurobranchids, with 22 newly sequenced specimens, including type species for all known genera. We further evaluate the effects of masking with several algorithms to better enhance phylogenetic resolution. Our results support that Tomthompsonioidea superfam. nov. are the sister group of all other Pleurobranchida; the absence of an acidic oral gland and a helicoid shell are the diagnostic features. We also provide the first molecular evidence that Euselenops nests within Pleurobranchaeidae, and Pleurobranchella is related to Pleurobranchaea , but remains distinct morphologically. Regarding Pleurobranchidae, the genus Berthella is paraphyletic and now embodied in the four clades: Berthella s.s. , Boreoberthella , Pleurehdera , and Tomoberthella gen. nov. The fact that, whereas there is a supposed low Antarctic diversity, we find hidden speciation in several tropical species suggests that side-gilled slugs pose an Antarctic origin or a relic that radiated in shallower, warmer waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a hotspot for species' discovery nowadays and harbours some of the most threatened environments in the world due to human activities. Here we describe a new remarkable gastropod species from an ancient freshwater lake in Yunnan, south-west China, Squamapex taiji gen. et sp. nov. within a new monospecific family of Truncatelloidea, Squamapicidae fam. nov.. The highly ornamented protoconch of Squamapicidae, with a microstructure distinct from that of the teleoconch, has rarely been found in true freshwater gastropods, being previously mostly known from marine or migratory gastropods with veliger larvae. The most complete family-level and first-dated phylogeny of Truncatelloidea, the largest and most diverse superfamily within Mollusca, based on two mitochondrial and three nuclear markers, shows that Squamapicidae belong to a distinct ancient lineage with Cretaceous origin. Its sister-group, unique protoconch, and distribution suggest a Tethys Ocean origin of this new family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widely treated order Capnodiales is one of the most important orders in the class Dothideomycetes. Recently, the order Capnodiales s. lat. was reassessed and split into seven orders (Capnodiales s. str., Cladosporiales, Comminutisporales, Mycosphaerellales, Neophaeothecales, Phaeothecales and Racodiales) based on multi-locus phylogeny, morphology and life strategies. In this study, two Arthrocatena strains isolated from sooty mould communities on the leaves of Tilia cordata and needles of Pinus nigra in southern Poland were analyzed. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS-LSU-SSU-rpb2-tef1) along with morphological examination showed that they belong to Capnobotryella antalyensis, which represents a sister taxon to Arthrocatena tenebrosa. Capnobotryella antalyensis is a rock-inhabiting fungus described from Turkey. The following new combination is proposed: Arthrocatena antalyensis. Phylogenetic analyses also showed that Arthrocatena and related genus Hyphoconis, both known previously only from rocks, form a sister lineage to orders Cladosporiales and Comminutisporales. The new order Arthrocatenales and new family Arthrocatenaceae are proposed to this clade. Representatives of this order are extremophilic fungi that live on rocks and in sooty mould communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aquatic microbial food web, scuticociliates are diverse and predominant in almost all kinds of biotopes while extremely confused regarding their taxonomy and systematic relationships within the subclass Scuticociliatia. Here we provide detailed descriptions of two new and one known species, Glauconema sinica sp. nov., Pleuronema parasetigerum sp. nov., and Histiobalantium natans viridis, isolated from a freshwater wetland in northern China, along with their molecular phylogeny based on SSU rRNA gene sequences. Our results show: (1) both molecular and morphological data strongly support that the isolated lineage containing the genera Glauconema, Miamiensis, Paramesanophrys, and Anophryoides should be identified as a new taxon at the family level in the order Philasterida; hence, a new family, Glauconematidae fam. nov., is established. This new family is mainly characterized by the polymorphic life cycle of its members (macrostome and microstome stages); the trophont (or macrostome) has closely spaced membranelles 1-3, whereas in the tomite (or microstome) membranelle 1 is distant from membranelle 2. (2) Phylogenetic analyses using novel data for these species revealed that all three cluster with their congeners, supporting the validity of the genera to which they belong. Molecular information also supports the monophyly of the two main scuticociliate orders Pleuronematida and Philasterida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of phreatic tateids from stream sediments in Australia are described. One, from intermittent streams in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, is a highly modified species of Austropyrgus, a genus widespread in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. The other three species are included in the new genus Turricochlea and live in sympatry in gravel in a creek bed in the Gregory National Park in the western part of the Northern Territory. Molecular analysis showed that Turricochlea and 'Fluviopupa' kessneri are closely related to Sulawesidrobia from Sulawesi but not Fluviopupa, so the new generic name Austropupa is provided for F. kessneri. Two new family names are proposed for taxa previously included in Tateidae: Beddomeiidae and Ascorhiidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During its 320 Myr evolution, dragon- and damselfly (Odonata) wing morphology underwent intense modifications. The resulting diversity prompted comparative analyses focusing on phylogeny. However, homoplasy proved to plague wing-related characters. Concurrently, limited benefits were obtained from considering fossil taxa, similarly impacted. Herein, we investigate two aspects particularly affected by convergence, namely the acquisition of vein-like structuring elements derived from regular cross-venation, termed conamina; and the evolution of butter knife wing shape. Conamen implementation is found to be consistently linked with vein curvature sharpening, itself generating potential breaking points. Conamina therefore likely evolved to address wing integrity issues during ever-more-demanding flight performance. Moreover, an existing conamen is likely to trigger the acquisition of further, associated conamina. As for butter knife shape, previously documented in the extinct Archizygoptera and among damselflies, we report a new, 315 Ma occurrence with the rare species Haidilaozhen cuiae gen. et sp. nov. (family Haidilaozhenidae fam. nov.), from the Xiaheyan locality (China). The repeated acquisition of butter knife-shaped wing can be related to slow speed flight and, in turn, predator avoidance. In both cases of iterated regularities, the unique ‘network-and-membrane’ wing design proper to insects is found to compose a strong, constraining factor.

Both male and female of Hirodai ohtsukaigen. n. et sp. n. (Crustacea: Copepoda: Cyclopoida) are described based on specimens recovered from the Dollfus' stargazer Uranoscopus guttatus Cuvier, 1829 (Actinopteri: Perciformes: Uranoscopidae) collected from Colachel, Tamil Nadu, south-west coast of India. Based on the unique morphology of the copepod, which is not similar in characteristics to any of the known cyclopoid families, a new family, Uranoscopicolaidae fam. n., has been proposed to accommodate its only known species, Hirodai ohtsukaigen. n. et sp. n. The genus Hirodai gen. n. has the following combination of characters: (1) general cyclopoid body, possessing four pairs of ventrolateral processes corresponding to the first four pedigerous somites; (2) antennule 6-segmented; (3) antenna 2-segmented, the basal segment with one accessory process, armed with two papillae, one basally and the other terminally and having three setae; distal segment modified into a terminally bent hook; (4) genital double somite is 0.7 times as wide as 5th somite, and 2.1 times as wide as long; genital opening ventral; (5) egg sac multiseriate; (6) maxilliped vestigial in adult female; (7) 2-segmented maxilla, the terminal segment with a ventral robust seta at the middle, the rounded apex armed with a bunch of spinules on both surface, except in the inner middle portion; (8) caudal ramus with two long and two small terminal papillae; and (9) legs 1 to 4 biramous with 3-segmented rami possessing setae, leg 5 uniramous and unsegmented, and leg 6 absent. Ecological remarks on Hirodai ohtsukaigen. n. et sp. n. are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic genus Umbellidion remains as an incertae sedis in Pezizomycotina. This saprotrophic anamorphic fungus is morphologically distinct and unique, occurring widely in Brazil on several hosts, with only one record in the Caribbean region. During the project “Microfungi from Brazil: looking for new species,” five strains of U. radulans were obtained from decaying leaves of Eucalyptus spp., in the Floresta Estadual Edmundo Navarro de Andrade (FEENA), Rio Claro, São Paulo state, Brazil, and were studied based on their morphology and phylogeny. In this study, we conducted a multigene phylogenetic analysis based on ITS, LSU, SSU, TEF1, and RPB2 sequences of 78 related taxa of Leotiomycetes. Phylogenetic inference showed that strains of Umbellidion form a unique, statistically supported lineage near the base of the Leotiomycetes. Accordingly, a new taxonomic order and family Umbellidiales and Umbellidiaceae were established to classify U. radulans. In addition, U. radulans is epitypified based on a new specimen collected from a Eucalyptus grandis plantation in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the Past to the Present, Taiwan, as part of the Chinese cultural circle, has experienced distinct changes in family reality. Politics, economy, migration, and globalization have been or are the crucial factors influencing families. Polygamy, extended family, nuclear family, transnational family, same-sex marriage and diversified family construct the contexts of families in Taiwan. These multi-family forms seem to ingratiate themselves with the popular concept of ‘diversity’, which has been articulated since the 21st century. Many people think that ‘diversity’ could eliminate conflicts, because not any part will be ignored; ‘diversity’ shows tolerance and social progress. In fact, there are at the same time, increasing conflicts and problems occurring because of diversity. What would be the potential causes of problems? And how could these problems and conflicts in the families be dealt with? The core solutions seem not easy to find. Since the 1960s, Chiara Lubich’s concepts: ‘unity’, ‘mutual love’, and ‘the model of the new family’ have spread into Taiwan. Her concepts have influenced many families to live in a new way. In this paper, several historical and current family models in Taiwan as well as the relationship between Chiara Lubich’s concept of ‘unity’ and families will be explored to see whether her concepts could be a possible path to reconcile the conflicts of families, and how it could be possibly put into practice.

Actinernoidea is a superfamily of the suborder Anenthemonae of the order Actiniaria, subclass Hexacorallia. This superfamily has been diagnosed by a peculiar endocoeletic mesenterial arrangement and included two families, Actinernidae and Halcuriidae. Although the monophyly of this superfamily is anticipated based on preceding molecular phylogenetic works, the relationship between these two families was not certain because of the rarity of actinernoidean anemones. We conducted comprehensive sampling in Japan, where the highest diversity of actinernoideans is known, and conducted phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and mitochondrial gene markers. According to the comprehensive analyses, both Actinernidae and Halcuriidae were not indicated as monophyletic but rather as poly- or paraphyletic. Based on our phylogeny reconstruction, we propose a new classification for Actinernoidea composed of three families, including Isactinernidae fam. nov., and seven genera, including Isohalcurias gen. nov. We also describe four new species, Halcurias hiroomii sp. nov., H. fragum sp. nov., Isohalcurias citreum sp. nov., and I. malum sp. nov.; and propose a new combination, Isohalcurias carlgreni comb. nov. This work is the first study of Actinernoidea that comprehensively analyzes its phylogeny and rearranges its classification, showing that there is highly divergent fauna in the seas around Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clavicipitoid fungi comprise three families, namely Clavicipitaceae, Cordycipitaceae, and Ophiocordycipitaceae. They are found worldwide and are specialized pathogens of invertebrate, plant and fungal hosts. Over the last decade, morphology- and phylogeny-based studies on clavicipitoid fungi have increased. The latter have revealed that Polycephalomyces, Perennicordyceps and Pleurocordyceps consistently cluster together. These genera are currently considered as members of Ophiocordycipitaceae. Nonetheless, information with regard to their diversity and ecology remains sparse. To fill this gap, we collected 29 fresh specimens from insect and fungal substrates from tropical and subtropical evergreen forests in Thailand and southwestern China. We performed detailed morphological analyses and constructed photoplates for all isolated fungi. We used extensive taxon sampling and a dataset comprising internal transcribed spacer gene region (ITS), small subunit ribosomal RNA gene region (SSU), large subunit rRNA gene region (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene region (TEF-1α), RNA polymerase II largest subunit gene region (RPB1) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) to infer order-, family and genus-level phylogenetic trees. Based on these biphasic analyses, we segregate Polycephalomyces, Perennicordyceps, and Pleurocordyceps from Ophiocordycipitaceae and introduce the new family Polycephalomycetaceae to accomodate these three genera. The majority of species in this family have a vast range of insect and fungal hosts. The sexual morph of Polycephalomycetaceae has stromatic ascomata, long stipes, thick peridium, and cylindrical secondary spores. The asexual morph is characterized by colonies on the host surface or synnemata with stipes on the host, one or two types of phialides, and cylindrical to fusiform conidia. We expand the number of taxa in the new family by introducing seven new species (Polycephalomyces albiramus, Perennicordyceps lutea, Pleurocordyceps parvicapitata, Pleurocordyceps lanceolatus, Pleurocordyceps nutansis, Pleurocordyceps heilongtanensis, Pleurocordyceps vitellina), nine new hosts, and one new combination (Perennicordyceps elaphomyceticola). The results herein hint at a high level of diversity for Polycephalomycetaceae. Future investigations focusing on obtaining additional collections and specimens from different geographical areas would help to reveal not only the extent of the group's diversity, but also resolve its deeper phylogenetic placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyporales is a diverse group of Agaricomycetes including more than 2,500 species belonging to 255 genera and 18 families. Recently, many studies focused on the classification of Polyporales, but the familial placements of some taxa remain uncertain. In this study, two new families, Climacocystaceae and Gloeoporellaceae of Polyporales, are proposed based on morphological characters and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses of the two new families are inferred from the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS), the large subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (nLSU), the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II gene (RPB1), the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II gene (RPB2), and the translation elongation factor 1-a gene (TEF1). Furthermore, the divergence time of Polyporales was estimated as an additional taxonomic criterion based on the conserved regions of five DNA fragments (5.8S, nLSU, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1). Bayesian evolutionary analysis revealed that the ancestor of Polyporales splits with a mean stem age of 136.53 Mya with a 95% highest posterior density (HPD) of 118.08-158.06 Mya. The mean stem ages of the families within Polyporales originated between 66.02 and 119.22 Mya, of which Climacocystaceae occurred in a mean stem age of 77.49 Mya with a 95% HPD of 61.45-93.16 Mya, and Gloeoporellaceae occurred in a mean stem age of 88.06 Mya with a 95% HPD of 67.15-107.76 Mya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectaesthesius bifrons Rathbun, 1889, an unusual brachyuran crab so far only known from the Galápagos Islands, initiated a re-evaluation of the systematic position of the species, until now grouped under superfamily Trapezioidea Miers, 1886. This reappraisal involved the application of several new characters, including the structure of the vulva and epistome, on Ectaesthesius and several species belonging to 13 trapezioid genera. As a result, we describe a new family, Ectaesthesiidae, and re-diagnose Calocarcinidae, new status, Sphenomeridinae, new status, Domeciidae, Tetraliidae, and Trapeziidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on the social and economic side of increasing multidimensional burdens that modern families have to shoulder, taking recent family-sociological studies into account. The values of joint parenthood associated with the modern self-image of the family and the increasing commitment of fathers also harbor latent potential for conflicts due to the inherent questioning of traditional role models which repeatedly break out in everyday family life. Starting from a couple and family therapeutic perspective, the resulting stress dynamics are addressed, in which these factors are reflected within the family. Families try to get a grip on structurally caused burdens on an individual level which can ultimately only be solved by a different economic and family policy. Accordingly, the author is in favor of civil society commitment towards more development-promoting, family-oriented networking in the immediate area of society instead of reflexively sacrificing family policy to the primacy of economic interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the [0,1] truncated Nadarajah Haghighi- G family is introduced, and some of its statistical properties such as expansion of its PDF are derived. In addition, quantile function, survival function, hazard rate function, reversed hazard rate function, cumulative hazard rate function, odd functions, rth moments, incomplete moments, moment generating function, order statistic, moments of order statistic, Inequality measures, mean residual life and entropy. The parameters of this family were estimated by maximum likelihood method.

The family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is reviewed with the goal of providing nomenclatural changes and morphological diagnoses in preparation for a new molecular phylogeny and a book on world fauna that will contain keys to identification. Most subfamilies and some tribes of Pteromalidae are elevated to family level or transferred elsewhere in the superfamily. The resulting classification is a compromise, with the aim of preserving the validity and diagnosability of other, well-established families of Chalcidoidea. The following former subfamilies and tribes of Pteromalidae are elevated to family rank: Boucekiidae, Ceidae, Cerocephalidae, Chalcedectidae, Cleonymidae, Coelocybidae, Diparidae, Epichrysomallidae, Eunotidae, Herbertiidae, Hetreulophidae, Heydeniidae, Idioporidae, Lyciscidae, Macromesidae, Melanosomellidae, Moranilidae, Neodiparidae, Ooderidae, Pelecinellidae (senior synonym of Leptofoeninae), Pirenidae, Spalangiidae, and Systasidae. The following subfamilies are transferred from Pteromalidae: Chromeurytominae and Keiraninae to Megastigmidae, Elatoidinae to Neodiparidae, Nefoeninae to Pelecinellidae, and Erotolepsiinae to Spalangiidae. The subfamily Sycophaginae is transferred to Pteromalidae. The formerly incertae sedis tribe Lieparini is abolished and its single genus Liepara is transferred to Coelocybidae. The former tribe Tomocerodini is transferred to Moranilidae and elevated to subfamily status. The former synonym Tridyminae (Pirenidae) is treated as valid. The following former Pteromalidae are removed from the family and, due to phylogenetic uncertainty, placed as incertae sedis subfamilies or genera within Chalcidoidea: Austrosystasinae, Ditropinotellinae, Keryinae, Louriciinae, Micradelinae, Parasaphodinae, Rivasia, and Storeyinae. Within the remaining Pteromalidae, Miscogastrinae and Ormocerinae are confirmed as separate from Pteromalinae, the former tribe Trigonoderini is elevated to subfamily status, the former synonym Pachyneurinae is recognized as a distinct subfamily, and as the senior synonym of Austroterobiinae. The tribe Termolampini is synonymized under Pteromalini, and the tribe Uzkini is synonymized under Colotrechnini. Most former Otitesellinae, Sycoecinae, and Sycoryctinae are retained in the tribe Otitesellini, which is transferred to Pteromalinae, and all other genera of Pteromalinae are treated as Pteromalini. Eriaporidae is synonymized with Pirenidae, with Eriaporinae and Euryischiinae retained as subfamilies. Other nomenclatural acts performed here outside of Pteromalidae are as follows: Calesidae: elevation to family rank. Eulophidae: transfer of Boucekelimini and Platytetracampini to Opheliminae, and abolishment of the tribes Elasmini and Gyrolasomyiini. Baeomorphidae is recognized as the senior synonym of Rotoitidae. Khutelchalcididae is formally excluded from Chalcidoidea and placed as incertae sedis within Apocrita. Metapelmatidae and Neanastatidae are removed from Eupelmidae and treated as distinct families. Eopelma is removed from Eupelmidae and treated as an incertae sedis genus in Chalcidoidea. The following subfamilies and tribes are described as new: Cecidellinae (in Pirenidae), Enoggerinae (incertae sedis in Chalcidoidea), Erixestinae (in Pteromalidae), Eusandalinae (in Eupelmidae), Neapterolelapinae (incertae sedis in Chalcidoidea), Solenurinae (in Lyciscidae), Trisecodinae (in Systasidae), Diconocarini (in Pteromalidae: Miscogastrinae), and Trigonoderopsini (in Pteromalidae: Colotrechninae). A complete generic classification for discussed taxa is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two large (ca. 0.5 mm long), rare, and probably closely related species of Facetotecta (y-larvae), Hansenocaris cristalabri sp. nov. and Hansenocaris aquila sp. nov., are described on the basis of last-stage lecithotrophic nauplii reared from plankton at Sesoko Island, Okinawa, Japan. The two species resemble each other in having a labrum with a row of spines and a long, attenuate trunk region that terminates in a long, heavily spinose dorsocaudal spine. The labrum of H. cristalabri sp. nov. has an enormous, cockscomb-like ventral process that bears a row of distally directed, dagger-like spines along its anterior side, while the spine-bearing keel of the labrum of H. aquila sp. nov. extends posteriorly into a robust, eaglelike beak. The labral "crest" of H. cristalabri sp. nov. has no equivalent in any other described y-larva, nor in any other crustacean nauplius; its possible functions are discussed. Another diagnostic feature of H. cristalabri sp. nov., absent in H. aquila sp. nov., is a pair of shallow, rounded notches bounded by sharp spinules on the far posteriolateral margins of the cephalic shield. Both new species have longitudinal spine rows on the trunk dorsum, two rows in H. cristalabri sp. nov. and four in H. aquila sp. nov., something not previously documented for y-nauplii. The plate arrangement of the cephalic shield in H. cristalabri sp. nov. is described in detail, with an attempt to homologize the pattern with that of other y-nauplii (especially Hansenocaris furcifera Itô, 1989). The body surface of H. cristalabri sp. nov. has fewer setae and pores than any other late- or last-stage facetotectan nauplius described to date, suggesting paedomorphic development. A formal diagnosis is presented for the family-group taxon Hansenocarididae fam. nov.; this name, while already in use, has until now been nomenclaturally unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinernoidea is a superfamily of the suborder Anenthemonae of the order Actiniaria, subclass Hexacorallia. This superfamily has been diagnosed by a peculiar endocoeletic mesenterial arrangement and included two families, Actinernidae and Halcuriidae. Although the monophyly of this superfamily is anticipated based on preceding molecular phylogenetic works, the relationship between these two families was not certain because of the rarity of actinernoidean anemones. We conducted comprehensive sampling in Japan, where the highest diversity of actinernoideans is known, and conducted phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and mitochondrial gene markers. According to the comprehensive analyses, both Actinernidae and Halcuriidae were not indicated as monophyletic but rather as poly- or paraphyletic. Based on our phylogeny reconstruction, we propose a new classification for Actinernoidea composed of three families, including Isactinernidae fam. nov., and seven genera, including Isohalcurias gen. nov. We also describe four new species, Halcurias hiroomii sp. nov., H. fragum sp. nov., Isohalcurias citreum sp. nov., and I. malum sp. nov.; and propose a new combination, Isohalcurias carlgreni comb. nov. This work is the first study of Actinernoidea that comprehensively analyzes its phylogeny and rearranges its classification, showing that there is highly divergent fauna in the seas around Japan.

The family Tropaeolaceae was reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The new record (Tropaeolum majus L.) from the Tropaeolaceae family was found in damp and exposed semi-shaded habitats between roughly 1800 and 2132 m elevation in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Illustrations, photos, taxonomic description, distribution map, key and information about the habitat of the plant were given. This study suggests that the new record is an introduced alien plant into Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The re-discovery of a distal pluricolumnal of the Middle Triassic Eckicrinus radiatus requires separation of Eckicrinus from Holocrinidae and to establish the new family Eckicrinidae of undetermined systematic position. The pluricolumnal with enlarged radicular cirri with multiradiate articulations acted as a rhizoid holdfast. In the Early and Middle Triassic, three attachment modes occurred among benthic crinoids: (1) discoid or incrusting holdfasts (Encrinida, Millericrinida), (2) rhizoid holdfasts with radicular cirri (Eckicrinidae, Qingyanocrinidae), (3) motile cirri with synarthrial articulations (Holocrinida, Isocrinida). Encrinida and Holocrinida representing the two well known major clades of Middle Triassic crinoids are rooted in different Permian Ampelocrinida rather than in one Early Triassic common ancestor. Eckicrinidae may represent a third lineage. This evidence contributes to challenging the prevalent opinion that just one lineage of each of the five extant echinoderm groups passed the end-Permian extinction event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, rpb2, tub2 and ITS sequence data of representative Xylariales taxa indicated that Diabolocovidia, Didymobotryum and Vamsapriya cluster together and form a distinct clade in Xylariales. Morphological comparison also shows their distinctiveness from other families of Xylariales. Therefore, we introduce it as a novel family, Vamsapriyaceae. Based on morphological characteristics, Podosporium and Tretophragmia, which were previously classified in Ascomycota genera incertae sedis, are now included in the Vamsapriyaceae. In addition, three Vamsapriya species, V. chiangmaiensis sp. nov, V. uniseptata sp. nov, and V. indica are described and illustrated in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancellidium is a remarkable fungal genus which has been collected from wood submerged in freshwater and has unique conidia that are important in dispersal in running streams. With such a remarkable morphology, one would have expected it to be a distinct family or order. However, due to the dearth of molecular evidence in related taxa, this genus has previously been placed in the order Hypocreales, subclass Hypocreomycetidae of Sordariomycetes. In this study, we made three new collections of this remarkable aquatic genus from streams in China and Thailand, isolated them into culture, extracted DNA and carried out multigene phylogenetic analysis and divergence time estimation which placed the genus in Diaporthomycetidae. This is one of the seven subclasses of Sordariomycetes and contains 30 lineages that are only known from freshwater. The subclass is therefore of interest when considering the evolution of freshwater fungi. Several lineages of Diaporthomycetidae are morphologically unique and taxa cluster with strong support, but have weak support at the base of the trees. The phylogenetic and MCC trees generated in this study indicate that Aquapteridospora, Barbatosphaeriaceae, Bullimyces, Cancellidium, Ceratolenta, Conlarium, Phialemoniopsis, Pseudostanjehughesia and Rhamphoriaceae are distinct genera/families that evolved in the family/order time frame. The new orders Barbatosphaeriales (177 MYA), Cancellidiales (137 MYA), Ceratolentales (147 MYA), Conlariales (138 MYA) and Rhamphoriales (133 MYA) and six new families, Aquapteridosporaceae (110 MYA), Cancellidiaceae (137 MYA), Ceratolentaceae (81 MYA), Bullimycetaceae (81 MYA), Phialemoniopsaceae (59 MYA), and Pseudostanjehughesiaceae (111 MYA) are introduced with evidence from phylogenies, divergence estimates and distinct morphologies. Of these families, Aquapteridosporaceae, Cancellidiaceae, Bullimycetaceae, and Pseudostanjehughesiaceae are only known from freshwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two rod-shaped, obligate anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive bacteria isolated from the pig faeces were designated YH-ols2216 and YH-ols2217 T . Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these isolates were most related to the members of the family Atopobiaceae , within the order Coriobacteriales , and Granulimonas faecalis KCTC 25474 T with 92.0 and 92.5% similarities, respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity within isolates was 99.9 %; and those between isolates YH-ols2216 and YH-ols2217 T , and Atopobium minutum DSM 20586 T , the type species of the type genus Atopobium within the family Atopobiaceae , were 88.5 and 88.7 %, respectively. Those between isolates and Coriobacterium glomerans PW2 T , the type species of the type genus Coriobacterium within the family Coriobacteriaceae , were 88.7 and 89.1 %, respectively. The multi-locus sequence tree revealed that the isolates, alongside the genera Granulimonas and Leptogranulimonas , formed a distinct cluster between the families Atopobiaceae and Coriobacteriaceae . The average nucleotide identities and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values for the isolates and their most closely related strains ranged from 67.7 to 76.2 % and from 18.4 to 23.3 %, respectively. The main cellular fatty acids of the isolates were C 18 : 0 DMA, C 18 : 1  ω 9 c , C 18 : 0 12OH, C 18 : 0 , and C 16 : 0 . The cell wall contained the peptidoglycan meso -diaminopimelic acid. Lactate was the main end-product of the isolates. The major polar lipids of isolate YH-ols2217 T were aminophospholipid, aminolipids, and lipids. Menaquinones were not identified in the cells of the isolates. The DNA G+C contents of isolates YH-ols2216 and YH-ols2217 T were 67.5 and 67.6 mol%, respectively. Considering these chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, and phylogenetic properties, Kribbibacteriaceae fam. nov. is proposed within the order Coriobacteriales . YH-ols2216 (=KCTC 25708=NBRC 116429) and YH-ols2217 T (=KCTC 25709 T ) represent a novel taxon within this new family and the name T ) represent a novel taxon within this new family and the name Kribbibacterium absianum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. In addition, the genera Granulimonas and Leptogranulimonas are transferred to the family Kribbibacteriaceae fam. nov.

A new genus of scleriteless gorgonian, Huziogorgia gen. nov., is proposed based on the morphological and molecular study of a set of colonies identified as the recently described species Trichogorgia utinomii Cordeiro, 2019. Huziogorgia utinomii comb. nov. has planar colonies, lyrate to dichotomous, with long and flexible terminal branches. The polyps are no retractile, always extended, slightly trumpet-shaped, biserially placed, but not strictly. The axis is circular in cross section, showing concentric non-undulated layers. The materials were collected during three Antarctic cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland islands onboard the RV Polarstern (ANT XIX/3, ANT XXIII/8, and ANT XXIX/3). A molecular comparison based on mitochondrial genes (mtMutS and mtMutS+Igr1+COI) relates the new genus to the family Ifalukellidae Bayer, 1955 (Ifalukella Bayer, 1955, Trichogorgia (Hickson, 1904), Plumigorgia Nutting, 1910) and some genera of uncertain relationships, but currently related to the family Chrysogorgiidae Verrill, 1883 (Pleurogorgia Versluys, 1902 and Stephanogorgia Bayer & Muzik, 1976). Genetic distances between this species and the closest genera and families also suggest the separate placement of Huziogorgia gen. nov. in a new family, Huziogorgiidae fam. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous new taxa and classifications of Dothideomycetes have been published following the last monograph of families of Dothideomycetes in 2013. A recent publication by Honsanan et al. in 2020 expanded information of families in Dothideomycetidae and Pleosporomycetidae with modern classifications. In this paper, we provide a refined updated document on orders and families incertae sedis of Dothideomycetes. Each family is provided with an updated description, notes, including figures to represent the morphology, a list of accepted genera, and economic and ecological significances. We also provide phylogenetic trees for each order. In this study, 31 orders which consist 50 families are assigned as orders incertae sedis in Dothideomycetes, and 41 families are treated as families incertae sedis due to lack of molecular or morphological evidence. The new order, Catinellales, and four new families, Catinellaceae, Morenoinaceae Neobuelliellaceae and Thyrinulaceae are introduced. Seven genera (Neobuelliella, Pseudomicrothyrium, Flagellostrigula, Swinscowia, Macroconstrictolumina, Pseudobogoriella, and Schummia) are introduced. Seven new species (Acrospermum urticae, Bogoriella complexoluminata, Dothiorella ostryae, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Macroconstrictolumina megalateralis, Patellaria microspora, and Pseudomicrothyrium thailandicum) are introduced base on morphology and phylogeny, together with two new records/reports and five new collections from different families. Ninety new combinations are also provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a mycological survey of aquatic hyphomycetes on submerged decaying leaves in southwest China, a distinct new fungus was collected. The collection was cultured and sequenced and a BLAST search of its ITS and LSU sequence against data in GenBank revealed a dothideomycetous affiliation, with the closest related taxa in the genus Neodactylaria. Phylogenetic analyses of a multigene matrix containing sequences from four genes (LSU, SSU, rpb2, and tef1), representing broad groups of Dothideomycetes, revealed its placement within Dothideomycetes, but without a supported familial or ordinal affiliation. Based on further phylogenetic analyses and morphological investigations, the new fungus is described here as a new species of Neodactylaria, N. simaoensis sp. nov., and placed in a new family Neodactylariaceae fam. nov. and a new order Neodactylariales ord. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the new amphipod superfamily Protodulichioidea and family Protodulichiidae are established. Both belong to the infraorder Corophiida but is different from all known superfamilies and families. Amphipods included in the new superfamily and family are characterised by having a triangular head with large eyes, extremely long pereopod 7, and uropod 3 with a short peduncle and slender rami bearing a few robust setae. Protodulichia scandens gen. et sp. nov. is fully described here and its mast-building behaviour is also recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family Yetkhatidae Song, Szwedo et Bourgoin fam. nov. from mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar is described. It is characterized by the tegmina with a triangular basal cell and in having the apex of the clavus closed, the female genitalia with robust endogonocoxal processes, the head capsule with trigones and foliated frontal margins, ridged lora (visible frontally) and by intermediate carinae on the mesonotum. Two new monotypic genera are described in this new family: Yetkhata Song, Szwedo & Bourgoin gen. nov., with Yetkhata jiangershii Song, Szwedo & Bourgoin sp. nov. and Parwaina Song, Szwedo & Bourgoin gen. nov. with Parwaina liuyei Song, Szwedo & Bourgoin sp. nov. A key to recognition of these genera is provided, and their morphological characters and disparity are briefly discussed. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological and molecular characters have identified a new family and genus of Verongiida in the Porifera: Demospongiae. The taxa are based on a new study of Dendrilla lacunosa Hentschel, 1912, a species that, using integrative taxonomy, has been found to belong to Verongimorpha instead of Keratosa. The species suite of characters require the erection of a new genus, Ernstilla n. gen. with affinities to Ianthellidae. However, the dendritic skeleton, absence of cells within the fibers, and molecular characters distinguish it from this family and prompts the establishment of a new family, Ernstillidae. Type-specimen of Dendrilla lacunosa Hentschel, 1912, Zoologisches Museum, Hamburg. Image 1 • We present a new family and genus within the order Verongiida based on distinctive morphological and molecular characters: eurypylous choanocyte chambers, a dendritic skeleton, lack of cells within fibers, and distinct molecular distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution and multi-functionality of the chitin system in sponges (Porifera) is currently a prime focus in modern experimental zoology including in phylogenetic studies of diverse poriferan taxa. Here, we present the first evidence of chitin in the skeleton of the demosponge originally defined as Dendrilla lacunosa (Porifera: Dendroceratida: Keratosa). The presence of chitin has been clearly confirmed using special Calcofluor white staining, Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), as well as a chitinase digestion assay. This feature is, however, unusual for Keratosa sponges with skeletons usually made of structural protein – spongin, and at the same time is typical for sponges of the Verongiida (subclass Verongimorpha). Consequently, obtained bioanalytical results, together with our findings about distinctive morphological and molecular characters of this Dendrilla -like sponge confirmed the necessity of renaming this organism as a novel species Ernstilla lacunosa in the new family Ernstillidae. This study is the first example of the impact of the reporting of chitin on the systematics of sponges. • We proved that, the skeleton of a representative of the new genus Ernstillidae: Ernstilla lacunosa possesses chitin, and the presence of chitin has been confirmed using various analytical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As the most diversified organismal group, insects evolved countless structural innovations, and some unique ones have vanished in their geological history. We herein report a new true hopper family Minlagerrontidae Chen, Szwedo and Wang fam. nov. with two new species (Minlagerron griphos Chen, Szwedo and Wang gen. et sp. nov. and Minlagerron onyxos Chen, Szwedo and Wang gen. et sp. nov.) in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar. The new family, tentatively attributed to Hylicelloidea (Clypeata), shares a series of plesiomorphies with ancient Clypeata, and also bears some extremely unusual or even grotesque morphological characteristics, never recorded in other Clypeata, Hemiptera, or even all fossil and living insects. This family possesses a greatly specialized head with tylus extremely broad, compound eyes produced, postclypeus almost transversely rectangular in the middle, with basal half having a deep longitudinal groove medially, and rostrum stout. The anterior part of minlagerrontid prothorax is sharply constricted, forming a unique 'neck' and 'shoulder' structures, and the prothoracic legs are also highly modified with strengthened femora with several lateral teeth and tibiae deviantly club-shaped. The female pygofer of the new family is completely wrapped by tergite VIII and its ovipositor is short and reduced. Additionally, minlagerrontids possess unique tegmina with C5 almost closed, surrounded by terminal branches of CuA, and thick venation reticular with multiple ambient veins ending at anterior margin and crossveins ir and rp-mp diploid. The new highly specialized family erected herein suggests that in the Mesozoic, to reduce mutual competition, ancient Clypeata had diversified multi-dimensionally and so possibly evolved with high disparity to occupy a wide range of ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female mosquitoes are among the most notorious blood-feeding insects, sometimes causing severe allergic responses or vectoring a variety of microbial pathogens. 1,2 Hematophagy in insects is likely a feeding shift from plant fluids, with the piercing-sucking mouthparts serving as suitable exaptation for piercing vertebrates' skin. The origins of these habits are mired in an often-poor fossil record for many hematophagous lineages, 3,4 particularly those of sufficient age, as to give insights into the paleoecological context in which blood feeding first appeared or even to arrive at gross estimates as to when such shifts have occurred. This is certainly the case for mosquitoes, a clade estimated molecularly to date back to the Jurassic. 5 The known Mesozoic Culicidae are Late Cretaceous, assigned to the modern Anophelinae or to the extinct Burmaculicinae, sister to other Culicidae, all with mouthparts of a modern type. Here, we report the discovery, in Lower Cretaceous amber from Lebanon, of two conspecific male mosquitoes unexpectedly with piercing mouthparts, armed with denticulate sharp mandibles and laciniae. These male fossils were likely hematophagous. They represent a lineage that diverged earlier than Burmaculicinae, extending the definitive occurrence of the family into the Early Cretaceous and serving to narrow the ghost-lineage gap for mosquitoes. [Display omitted] • Earliest-diverging lineage and oldest occurrence of mosquitoes • Male mosquito with well-developed, denticulate, and hematophagous-type mouthparts • New extinct subfamily of mosquitoes Azar et al. describe the earliest known fossil mosquito from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber. A new, early diverging subfamily of mosquitoes (Culicidae), the species is represented by two conspecific males with well-developed, denticulate, and hematophagous-type mouthparts, indicating that these males were likely blood feeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During its 320 Myr evolution, dragon- and damselfly (Odonata) wing morphology underwent intense modifications. The resulting diversity prompted comparative analyses focusing on phylogeny. However, homoplasy proved to plague wing-related characters. Concurrently, limited benefits were obtained from considering fossil taxa, similarly impacted. Herein, we investigate two aspects particularly affected by convergence, namely the acquisition of vein-like structuring elements derived from regular cross-venation, termed conamina; and the evolution of butter knife wing shape. Conamen implementation is found to be consistently linked with vein curvature sharpening, itself generating potential breaking points. Conamina therefore likely evolved to address wing integrity issues during ever-more-demanding flight performance. Moreover, an existing conamen is likely to trigger the acquisition of further, associated conamina. As for butter knife shape, previously documented in the extinct Archizygoptera and among damselflies, we report a new, 315 Ma occurrence with the rare species Haidilaozhen cuiae gen. et sp. nov. (family Haidilaozhenidae fam. nov.), from the Xiaheyan locality (China). The repeated acquisition of butter knife-shaped wing can be related to slow speed flight and, in turn, predator avoidance. In both cases of iterated regularities, the unique 'network-and-membrane' wing design proper to insects is found to compose a strong, constraining factor., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Abstract The new family Apotomouridae fam. nov. (Coleoptera: Polyphaga: Tenebrionoidea) is described based on Multispinus multispinosus gen. et sp. nov. and Apotomoura fortiscrura gen. et. sp. nov. from Burmese amber (lower Cenomanian, ca. 99 Ma). The retractile wedge-shaped body and tarsal formula 5-5-4 placed Apotomouridae fam. nov. in Tenebrionoidea. The new family shares similarities with the Mordellidae, whereas the absence of pygidium and the combination of other microstructures assigned it more closely to the Jurassic beetle genus Wuhua. The morphological characters suggest the similar flower feeding style as to Mordellidae and Ripiphoridae, which represent the flower diet and pollinating strategy in the Tenebrionoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the course of surveys on dothideomycetous fungal genera associated with various hosts in Taiwan, Neomassaria-like species were collected as saprobes on dead stems of Rhododendron sp. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated LSU, rpb2, SSU and tef1 gene matrices indicate that Neomassaria-like isolates generated in our study formed a separate clade in a sister group relationship with Neomassaria fabacearum with high statistical support. Hence, the new species Neomassaria formosana is described to accommodate the new linage in Neomassaria. The new species is characterised by immersed to erumpent, papillate ascomata with a dark brown peridium, fissitunicate, cylindrical to oblong asci and fusoid to ellipsoid, hyaline, bicellular ascospores with 4–6 large guttules. Moreover, Neomassaria formed a monophyletic and well-supported lineage with an uncertain phylogenetic placement within the Pleosporales. Therefore, the new family Neomassariaceae is proposed for the genus Neomassaria within the order Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes. The morphological characters also support justification for both the new family and the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alongside confirmation of the monophyly of the gastropod family Mitridae, a recent molecular phylogenetic analysis disclosed multiple inconsistencies with the existing taxonomic framework. In the present study, we expanded the molecular sampling to 103 species, representing 26% of the 402 extant species currently accepted in the family and 16 of the 19 currently accepted extant genera; 83 species were sequenced for four molecular markers [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S and 12S rRNA, and H3 (Histone 3)]. Molecular analyses were supplemented by morphological studies, focused on characters of the radula and, in a more restricted data set, proboscis anatomy. These data form the basis for a revised classification of the Mitridae. A first dichotomy divides mitrids into two unequal clades, Charitodoron and the Mitridae s.s. Species of Charitodoron show profound differences to all other Mitridae in foregut anatomy (lacking an epiproboscis) and shell morphology (smooth columella, bulbous protoconch of non-planktotrophic type), which leads to the erection of the separate family Charitodoronidaefam. nov. Three traditional subfamilies (Mitrinae, Cylindromitrinae and Imbricariinae) correspond to three of the inferred phylogenetic lineages of Mitridae s.s.; we redefine their contents, reinstate Strigatellinae Troschel, 1869 as valid and establish the new subfamily Isarinae. In the absence of molecular material, a sixth subfamily, Pleioptygmatinae, is included in Mitridae based on morphological considerations only. To resolve the polyphyly of Mitra and Cancilla in their current taxonomic extension, we reinstate the genera Episcomitra Monterosato, 1917, Isara H. & A. Adams, 1853 and Probata Sarasúa, 1989 and establish 11 new genera: Quasimitra, Roseomitra, Fusidomiporta, Profundimitra, Cancillopsis, Pseudonebularia, Gemmulimitra and Neotiara in Mitrinae; Imbricariopsis in Imbricariinae; Carinomitra and Condylomitra are left unassigned to a subfamily. Altogether 32 genera are recognized within the family. Their diversity and distribution are discussed, along with general trends in morphological evolution of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution describes seven new species of fossil stoneflies from Cretaceous Burmese amber, all of which are dedicated to present and past members of the Rolling Stones. Two species--Petroperla mickjaggeri gen. nov. sp. nov. and Lapisperla keithrichardsi gen. nov. sp. nov.--are placed in a new family Petroperlidae within the stemline of Systellognatha. The first Cretaceous larval specimen of Acroneuriinae, Electroneuria ronwoodi gen. nov. sp. nov., is also described along with another four new species that are placed within the Acroneuriinae genus Largusoperla Chen et al., 2018: Largusoperla charliewattsi sp. nov., Largusoperla brianjonesi sp. nov., Largusoperla micktaylori sp. nov., and Largusoperla billwymani sp. nov. Additional specimens of Acroneuriinae are described without formal assignment to new species due to insufficient preservation. Implications for stonefly phylogeny and palaeobiogeography are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assisted Reproduction Techniques (TRAs) can be homologous or heterologous. The difference between the two refers to whether the gametes participating in the process are their own or alien to the couple / parent. In this range of possibilities, the heterologous TRAs are used both to overcome infertility reproductive conditions and to accomplish everyone's right to form a family without distinguishing both their gender identity and their marital status. The present work is the result of an interdisciplinary research at Facultad de Psicología UNMDP-Department of Psychology of the National University in Mar del Plata-, and it describes the main characteristics of these techniques from the professionals' perspective within different disciplines when interacting with couples or people undergoing TRAs. The application of the complex TRAs emerges as a tool based on the social-cultural history that has shaped and still shapes our subjectivity conceptually, so that the analysis of the professionals' view may be useful for a proper interdisciplinary intervention-supportive approach for the families in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alongside confirmation of the monophyly of the gastropod family Mitridae, a recent molecular phylogenetic analysis disclosed multiple inconsistencies with the existing taxonomic framework. In the present study, we expanded the molecular sampling to 103 species, representing 26% of the 402 extant species currently accepted in the family and 16 of the 19 currently accepted extant genera; 83 species were sequenced for four molecular markers [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S and 12S rRNA, and H3 (Histone 3)]. Molecular analyses were supplemented by morphological studies, focused on characters of the radula and, in a more restricted data set, proboscis anatomy. These data form the basis for a revised classification of the Mitridae. A first dichotomy divides mitrids into two unequal clades, Charitodoron and the Mitridae s.s. Species of Charitodoron show profound differences to all other Mitridae in foregut anatomy (lacking an epiproboscis) and shell morphology (smooth columella, bulbous protoconch of non-planktotrophic type), which leads to the erection of the separate family Charitodoronidae fam. nov. Three traditional subfamilies (Mitrinae, Cylindromitrinae and Imbricariinae) correspond to three of the inferred phylogenetic lineages of Mitridae s.s.; we redefine their contents, reinstate Strigatellinae Troschel, 1869 as valid and establish the new subfamily Isarinae. In the absence of molecular material, a sixth subfamily, Pleioptygmatinae, is included in Mitridae based on morphological considerations only. To resolve the polyphyly of Mitra and Cancilla in their current taxonomic extension, we reinstate the genera Episcomitra Monterosato, 1917, Isara H. & A. Adams, 1853 and Probata Sarasúa, 1989 and establish 11 new genera: Quasimitra, Roseomitra, Fusidomiporta, Profundimitra, Cancillopsis, Pseudonebularia, Gemmulimitra and Neotiara in Mitrinae; Imbricariopsis in Imbricariinae; Carinomitra and Condylomitra are left unassigned to a subfamily. Altogether 32 genera are recognized within the family. Their diversity and distribution are discussed, along with general trends in morphological evolution of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle–Late Triassic fossil beetles previously assigned to Polyphagaincertae sedisand new material from this period are described and illustrated. †Peltosynidae fam. nov. is introduced to contain the type genusPeltosyne, and speciesP. triassicaPonomarenko, 1977, together with the new speciesP. varyvrosasp. nov. Two new monospecific genera,Gnathopeltosgen. nov. andOfthalmopeltosgen. nov., with type speciesG. dixissp. nov. andO. synkritossp. nov., are also included in †Peltosynidae. Morphological characters evaluated with respect to their phylogenetic significance confirm that the family belongs to the suborder Polyphaga, mainly supported by the apomorphic internalized propleura. †Peltosynidae is characterized by a large transverse head, long and prominent, strongly developed mandibles, a short prosternum with a narrow, relatively short prosternal process, an interlocking mechanism between this process and a groove of the anteromedian process of the mesoventrite, striated elytra, a short metakatepisternum, transverse coxae, and a short abdomen with five ventrites. The large and transverse head is a potential autapomorphy. †Peltosynidae do not fit into any of the seven extant major polyphagan infraorders (series). The presence of a mesothoracic transverse katepisternal ridge in †Peltosyneis a plesiomorphic feature distinguishing the new family from all other groups of the suborder and suggesting its placement in the stem-group of Polyphaga. The strongly prominent mandibles and the coarse body sculpture resemble features found in extant Archostemata. It is likely that the beetles were xylophagous and adapted to subcortical habitats, arguably maintaining plesiomorphies. The polyphagan groundplan is reconstructed based on recent phylogenies and features found in †Peltosynidae and other extinct and extant groups. A scenario for the evolution of non-archostematan beetles in the late Permian and early Mesozoic is presented. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:58428459-33EF-4C1C-AD69-A066D3D33ADF [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Urostylida is a major taxon of hypotrichs with many unresolved evolutionary relationships. Due to incomplete or inaccurate character states and a paucity of morphogenetic data, the phylogeny of several taxa within urostylids is unresolved. Molecular phylogeny studies based on single gene (SSU rDNA) data may lead to conflict between morphological classification and SSU rDNA tree. In this work, 20 new sequences (SSU rDNA, ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 and LSU rDNA) of five genera of urostylids are provided to further investigate the phylogenetic relationships of this group. The main findings are as follows: (i) the establishment of Hemicycliostylidae, a novel family presently including Hemicycliostyla and Australothrix, is supported by both single gene and concatenated phylogenies; (ii) all molecular data support the exclusion of Eschaneustyla from the family Epiclintidae; (iii) Australothrix, Bergeriella and Thigmokeronopsis are distinctly separated in all gene trees although they share the character that each posterior streak generates the ventral row together with the midventral pair; (iv) compared with closely related genera in all trees, that is Metaurostylopsis and Apourostylopsis, Neourostylopsis is characterized by having more than three frontal cirri arranged in distinct or indistinct corona rather than the length of the midventral complex; (v) Hemicycliostyla and Pseudourostyla, two morphologically similar genera, do not form a monophyletic group in all molecular trees, suggesting that the bicorona, multiple marginal cirral rows and high numbers of dorsal kineties may result from convergent evolution; (vi) species of Bakuella fall into three separate clades in all trees suggesting that this genus needs to be split. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitralina undulata gen. n. sp. n. (Foraminiferida) has been found for the first time in the Permian successions of Karakorum (Pakistan). Biostratigraphic analysis based on fusulinids, brachiopods, conodonts and small foraminifers pointed out that Chitralina undulata gen. n. sp. n. occurs from the Kubergandian to the Late Murgabian-Midian. Morphologically, Chitralina undulata gen. n. sp. n., is comparable to Rectostipulina quadrata Jenny-Deshusses, 1985, differing from it by means of the thickness and composition of the test and for the presence of marked longitudinal costae. The stratigraphic range of Rectostipulina quadrata spans the Midian-Dorashamian time-interval. The new genus Chitralina is very similar to the Permian genus Giraliarella Crespin, differing from it by means of the absence of transverse growth constrictions. The new family Chitralinidae fam. n., is also described herein.

A new family of insects is described from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in western Liaoning Province, China. Dehiscensicoridae Du, Yao & Ren fam. nov. comprises five new genera and five new species:Dehiscensicoris sanctusDu, Yao & Ren gen. et sp. nov.,Pingquanicoris punctatusDu, Yao & Ren gen. et sp. nov.,Changirostrus maculatusDu, Yao & Ren gen. et sp. nov.,Crassiantenninus minutusDu, Yao & Ren gen. et sp. nov. andMinuticoris brunneusDu, Yao & Ren gen. et sp. nov. A cladistic analysis based on a combination of fossil and extant morphological characters is used to hypothesize the phylogenetic status of the new family, allowing the reconstruction of the interfamily relationships within the Coreoidea (sensu lato) which were found to be: Pyrrhocoroidea + (Dehiscensicoridae fam. nov. + (Coreoidea + (Idiostoloidea + Lygaeoidea))). http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E501B670-AF36-408C-8B9D-466B330BA775 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Only a few families have been recognized in the 320 million year history of cockroaches. The 31st one, represented by monotypic Ol xiai sp. n. from theMyanmar amber is described here. It inhabited lowland forest near the shore. It possesses several unique morphological features including bipectinate antennae, round terminal palpomeres, sophisticated forewing shape with broken R and CuP forming a distinct unsclerotised area and with RS branched to both sides, and a huge foretibial spur. The new genus also displays several putatively apomorphic reductions (short antennae, rudimental femoral terminal spine, short pronotal chaetae, minor arolia, short palps). Synapomorphies with early ant-nest parasites (short antennae, dense pronotal setosity, irregular spacing of wing veins, indication of maculated colouration) suggest an origin from Blattidae or ancestral Mesoblattinidae during the Early Cretaceous. No plesiomorphies are apparent. An attached mite documents a phoresy on males. A syninclusion of a coccoid male is not ecologically informative at the given state of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unknown peculiar beetle from Tertiary Baltic amber, Wabbel cerebricavus gen. et sp. nov. designated to a new family, is described and illustrated. The new family, Wabbelidae fam. nov., is diagnosed and assigned to the superfamily Cucujoidea. The new family can be identified by the thick moniliform antennae, modified (deeply concave) frons and vertex, longitudinally strigose pronotum with pair of basal grooves, wide gula with complete gular sutures, pentamerous non-lobed tarsi, seriate punctuation of elytra, and dorsally nonflattened body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]