Revision of the fungus-growing ant genera Mycetophylax Emery and Paramycetophylax Kusnezov rev. stat., and description of Kalathomyrmex n. gen. (Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini)

Based on the morphology of workers, gynes and males, we revise the taxonomy of nominal taxa traditionally included by authors in the fungus-growing ant genus Mycetophylax. Our results indicate that Mycetophylax Emery (Myrmicocrypta brittoni Wheeler, 1907, type species, by designation of Emery, 1913; junior synonym of Cyphomyrmex conformis Mayr, 1884 by Kempf, 1962) includes M. conformis, M. simplex (Emery, 1888), and M. morschi (Emery, 1888) new combination (formerly in Cyphomyrmex), with several synonymies. Mycetophylax bruchi (Santschi, 1916) does not belong to the same genus and is diagnosed, in addition to other characters, by a psammophore arising at the anterior margin of the clypeus. For this species we are resurrecting from synonymy Paramycetophylax Kusnezov, 1956 (Mycetophylax bruchi as type species, by original designation, with M. cristulatus as its new synonym). Myrmicocrypta emeryi Forel, 1907 is the only attine in which females lack the median clypeal seta and have the antennal insertion areas very much enlarged and anteriorly produced, with the psammophore setae arising from the middle of the clypeus and not at its anterior margin as in Paramycetophylax. Notwithstanding its inclusion in Mycetophylax by recent authors, it is here recognized as belonging to a hitherto undescribed, thus far monotypic genus, Kalathomyrmex new genus (Myrmicocrypta emeryi as its type species, here designated). We redescribe workers, gynes and males of all species in the three genera and describe for the first time gynes of Mycetophylax conformis and M. simplex, males of M. simplex and M. morschi, and gynes of P. bruchi. Furthermore we present a key to the workers of the taxa treated here (most formerly included under the name Mycetophylax), a key to workers of the Mycetophylax in the revised sense, SEM pictures and high resolution AutoMontage(C) photographs of the species, along with maps of collection records and a summary of biological observations.

Molecular phylogeny and morphometric analyses reveal deep divergence between Amazonia and Atlantic Forest species of Dendrophryniscus

Dendrophryniscus is an early diverging clade of bufonids represented by few small-bodied species distributed in Amazonia and the Atlantic Forest. We used mitochondrial (414 bp of 12S, 575 bp of 16S genes) and nuclear DNA (785 bp of RAG-1) to investigate phylogenetic relationships and the timing of diversification within the genus. These molecular data were gathered from 23 specimens from 19 populations, including eight out of the 10 nominal species of the genus as well as Rhinella boulengeri. Analyses also included sequences of representatives of 18 other bufonid genera that were publically available. We also examined morphological characters to analyze differences within Dendrophryniscus. We found deep genetic divergence between an Amazonian and an Atlantic Forest clade, dating back to Eocene. Morphological data corroborate this distinction. We thus propose to assign the Amazonian species to a new genus, Amazonella. The species currently named R. boulengeri, which has been previously assigned to the genus Rhamphophryne, is shown to be closely related to Dendrophryniscus species. Our findings illustrate cryptic trends in bufonid morphological evolution, and point to a deep history of persistence and diversification within the Amazonian and Atlantic rainforests. We discuss our results in light of available paleoecological data and the biogeographic patterns observed in other similarly distributed groups. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Orobothriurus (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae) phylogeny, Andean biogeography, and the relative importance of genitalic and somatic characters

The genus Orobothriurus Maury, 1976 (Bothriuridae Simon, 1880) displays an Andean pattern of distribution, most of its species occurring at high altitudes (over 2000-2500 m to a maximum altitude record of 4910 m) from central Peru to Argentina. The recent discovery of several new species and the uncertain phylogenetic position of Orobothriurus lourencoi Ojanguren Affilastro, 2003, required a reanalysis of Orobothriurus phylogeny. Thirty bothriurid taxa, including all species of Orobothriurus and Pachakutej Ochoa, 2004, were scored for 65 morphological characters and analysed with parsimony under equal and implied weighting. The resulting topology justifies the establishment of a new genus, Rumikiru Ojanguren Affilastro et al., in press, for O. lourencoi and a closely related, new species, Rumikiru atacama Ojanguren Affilastro et al., in press. It also offers new insights about the phylogeny and biogeography of Orobothriurus and related genera. Characters from the male genitalia (i.e. hemispermatophore), comprising approximately 26% of the morphological matrix, were found to be less homoplastic than those from somatic morphology, contradicting suggestions that genitalia are uninformative or potentially misleading in phylogenetic studies.

Postispinatus youngi n. gen., n. sp (Apseudomorpha; Tanaidacea; Crustacea): phylogenetic analysis and taxonomic remarks about kalliapseudids

The presence of setae or a sensorial structure on the dactylus of pereopod 1 as one of the defining features of the family Kalliapseudidae is re-evaluated. A new genus, Postispinatus, including the new species P. youngi n. gen., n. sp., is described and thought to belong to the Kalliapseudidae based on phylogenetic analysis. The diagnostic features of new genus-and species by monotypy -are: basal article of uropod with two curved spiniform processes; exopods on the fourth and fifth pereopods of the manca stage; absence of a maxillule palp.

Macroalgal composition and its association with local hydrodynamics in the Laje de Santos Marine State Park, southwestern Atlantic, São Paulo, Brazil

The Laje de Santos Marine State Park (LSMSP), located in southeastern Brazil, is the only marine park in Sao Paulo State. This conservation unit has been established as a protected area of high biological diversity. Despite its importance for the conservation of the marine biota, little is known about the park's seaweed flora. The objectives of this study were as follows: to furnish increased knowledge of the composition of the macroalgae in the Park area; to relate the area's macroalgal composition to the presence of an important water mass in the region, the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW); and to investigate the possible influence of the Port of Santos on the composition of the macroalgae of the LSMSP. This study registered 31 new records for the LSMSP, 11 for Sao Paulo State, four for Brazil, one for the western Atlantic and one for the South Atlantic Ocean, in addition to the possible occurrence of one new species of Osmundea (Rhodomelaceae) and one new genus belonging to Ceramiaceae. The taxonomic composition of the macroalgae had a direct correlation with the arrival of the SACW in the summer-fall season. The SACW generated a strong thermocline and increased the supply of nutrients in the water column. Hydrodynamic and dispersion modeling analyses suggested that the Port of Santos influenced the composition of the LSMSP phycoflora.

Ahamulina n. gen. (Cestoda: Diphyllidea) from the polkadot catshark, Scyliorhinus besnardi (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae), off Brazil

A new genus and species of diphyllidean, Ahamulina catarina n. gen. n. sp., is described from the polkadot catshark, Scyliorhinus besnardi, from Santa Catarina, Brazil. The new genus exhibits apical organ armature that is unique among diphyllideans in the arrangement and shape of the apical hooks as well as in the lack of lateral hooklets. The taxon also exhibits a bipartite cirrus sac. This is the seventh diphyllidean reported from a shark, and the third reported from a catshark suggesting that the dearth of cestode data for these particular sharks belies the true extent of diphyllidean diversity they host.

Contribution towards the knowledge of Rhinotragini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). V. Reconsideration of Rhopalessa rubroscutellaris (Tippmann, 1960)

Corrections to the revision of Rhopalessa Bates, 1873 (Clarke et al. 2011), with the transfer of two species to a new genus, Rashelapso: R. durantoni (Peñaherrera-Leiva & Tavakilian, 2004) comb. nov., and R. schmidi sp. nov. (previously considered to be conspecific with Ommata (Rhopalessa) rubroscutellaris Tippmann, 1960 by the authors). Ommata (Rhopalessa) rubroscutellaris is now considered a junior synonym of Laedorcari fulvicollis (Lacordaire, 1868).

Macroalgal composition and its association with local hydrodynamics in the Laje de Santos Marine State Park, southwestern Atlantic, São Paulo, Brazil

The Laje de Santos Marine State Park (LSMSP), located in southeastern Brazil, is the only marine park in São Paulo State. This conservation unit has been established as a protected area of high biological diversity. Despite its importance for the conservation of the marine biota, little is known about the park's seaweed flora. The objectives of this study were as follows: to furnish increased knowledge of the composition of the macroalgae in the Park area; to relate the area's macroalgal composition to the presence of an important water mass in the region, the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW); and to investigate the possible influence of the Port of Santos on the composition of the macroalgae of the LSMSP. This study registered 31 new records for the LSMSP, 11 for São Paulo State, four for Brazil, one for the western Atlantic and one for the South Atlantic Ocean, in addition to the possible occurrence of one new species of Osmundea (Rhodomelaceae) and one new genus belonging to Ceramiaceae. The taxonomic composition of the macroalgae had a direct correlation with the arrival of the SACW in the summer-fall season. The SACW generated a strong thermocline and increased the supply of nutrients in the water column. Hydrodynamic and dispersion modeling analyses suggested that the Port of Santos influenced the composition of the LSMSP phycoflora.

Systematics of interstitial encrusting bryozoans from southeastern Brazil

This paper describes 22 species of marine bryozoans found in the sand-grain-encrusting interstitial epifauna of the northeast coast of São Paulo state, Brazil: one new cyclostome, Disporella calcitrapa sp. nov., and 21 cheilostomes. Sixteen of the cheilostomes are new species, and three represent new genera. They are Ammatophora arenacea sp. nov., Discoporella gemmulifera sp. nov., Puellina caraguata sp. nov., Puellina tuba sp. nov., Rosulapelta rosetta gen. et sp. nov., Collarina spicata sp. nov., Hippothoa calcicola sp. nov., Trypostega ilhabelae sp. nov., Reptadeonella granulosa sp. nov., Drepanophora irregularis sp. nov., Allotherenia sabulosa gen. et sp. nov., Bryopesanser tilbrooki sp. nov., Psammocleidochasma tridentatum gen. et sp. nov., Celleporina abstrusa sp. nov., Hippoporella castellana sp. nov., and Hippoporella sabulonis sp. nov. Other species found in this habitat, Alderina smitti, Cymulopora uniserialis, Vibracellina laxibasis, Akatopora leucocypha, and Smittipora sawayai, have previously been described. The family Cymuloporidae fam. nov. is erected for Cymulopora and Crepis. The occurrence in this habitat of living colonies of bryozoans more characteristic of larger subtidal shell substrata indicates the potential importance of an interstitial refuge in maintaining and dispersing encrusting bryozoan populations along continental shelves where larger substrata are absent or rare.

Comparison of epifaunal assemblages between Cymodocea nodosa and Caulerpa prolifera meadows in Gran Canaria (eastern Atlantic)

Máster en Oceanografía

Classification of organisms previously reported as the SP and Stewart-Letscher groups, with descriptions of Necropsobacter gen. nov. and of Necropsobacter rosorum sp. nov. for organisms of the SP group

To allow classification of bacteria previously reported as the SP group and the Stewart-Letscher group, 35 isolates from rodents (21), rabbits (eight), a dog and humans (five) were phenotypically and genotypically characterized. Comparison of partial rpoB sequences showed that 34 of the isolates were closely related, demonstrating at least 97.4 % similarity. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison of 20 selected isolates confirmed the monophyly of the SP group and revealed 98.5 %-100 % similarity between isolates. A blast search using the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the highest similarity outside the SP group was 95.5 % to an unclassified rat isolate. The single strain, P625, representing the Stewart-Letscher group showed the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity (94.9-95.5 %) to members of the SP group. recN gene sequence analysis of 11 representative strains resulted in similarities of 97-100 % among the SP group strains, which showed 80 % sequence similarity to the Stewart-Letscher group strain. Sequence similarity values based on the recN gene, indicative for whole genome similarity, showed the SP group being clearly separated from established genera, whereas the Stewart-Letscher group strain was associated with the SP group. A new genus, Necropsobacter gen. nov., with only one species, Necropsobacter rosorum sp. nov., is proposed to include all members of the SP group. The new genus can be separated from existing genera of the family Pasteurellaceae by at least three phenotypic characters. The most characteristic properties of the new genus are that haemolysis is not observed on bovine blood agar, positive reactions are observed in the porphyrin test, acid is produced from (+)-L-arabinose, (+)-D-xylose, dulcitol, (+)-D-galactose, (+)-D-mannose, maltose and melibiose, and negative reactions are observed for symbiotic growth, urease, ornithine decarboxylase and indole. Previous publications have documented that both ubiquinones and demethylmenaquinone were produced by the proposed type strain of the new genus, Michel A/76(T), and that the major polyamine of representative strains (type strain not included) of the genus is 1,3-diaminopropane, spermidine is present in moderate amounts and putrescine and spermine are detectable only in minor amounts. The major fatty acids of strain Michel A/76(T) are C(14 : 0), C(16 : 0), C(16:1)omega7c and summed feature C(14 : 0) 3-OH/iso-C(16 : 1) I. This fatty acid profile is typical for members of the family Pasteurellaceae. The G+C content of DNA of strain Michel A/76(T) was estimated to be 52.5 mol% in a previous investigation. The type strain is P709(T) ( = Michel A/76(T) = CCUG 28028(T) = CIP 110147(T) = CCM 7802(T)).

Proposed minimal standards for the description of genera, species and subspecies of the Pasteurellaceae

Principles and guidelines are presented to ensure a solid scientific standard of papers dealing with the taxonomy of taxa of Pasteurellaceae Pohl 1981. The classification of the Pasteurellaceae is in principle based on a polyphasic approach. DNA sequencing of certain genes is very important for defining the borders of a taxon. However, the characteristics that are common to all members of the taxon and which might be helpful for separating it from related taxa must also be identified. Descriptions have to be based on as many strains as possible (inclusion of at least five strains is highly desirable), representing different sources with respect to geography and ecology, to allow proper characterization both phenotypically and genotypically, to establish the extent of diversity of the cluster to be named. A genus must be monophyletic based on 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis. Only in very rare cases is it acceptable that monophyly can not be achieved by 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison. Recently, the monophyly of genera has been confirmed by sequence comparison of housekeeping genes. In principle, a new genus should be recognized by a distinct phenotype, and characters that separate the new genus from its neighbours should be given clearly. Due to the overall importance of accurate classification of species, at least two genotypic methods are needed to show coherence and for separation at the species level. The main criterion for the classification of a novel species is that it forms a monophyletic group based on 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis. However, some groups might also include closely related species. In these cases, more sensitive tools for genetic recognition of species should be applied, such as DNA-DNA hybridizations. The comparison of housekeeping gene sequences has recently been used for genotypic definition of species. In order to separate species, phenotypic characters must also be identified to recognize them, and at least two phenotypic differences from existing species should be identified if possible. We recommend the use of the subspecies category only for subgroups associated with disease or similar biological characteristics. At the subspecies level, the genotypic groups must always be nested within the boundaries of an existing species. Phenotypic cohesion must be documented at the subspecies level and separation between subspecies and related species must be fully documented, as well as association with particular disease and host. An overview of methods previously used to characterize isolates of the Pasteurellaceae has been given. Genotypic and phenotypic methods are separated in relation to tests for investigating diversity and cohesion and to separate taxa at the level of genus as well as species and subspecies.

Contumacious Beasts: A Story of Two Diastylidae (Cumacea) from Arctic Waters

A full description of the subadult male holotype of the diastylid Ektonodiastylis robusta, new genus, new species, is presented, as well as of the adult male and adult female of E. nimia. Ektonodiastylis nimia is transferred from Brachydiastylis to Ektonodiastylis. The family definition of Diastylidae is expanded. The implications of this expansion on the systematics of the Cumacea in general, and Diastylidae and Gynodiastylidae in particular, are discussed.

On the Identity of Spencebatea Abyssicola (Cumacea), with Additional Observations on the Genera Allied to Procampylaspis

In 1879 Norman described Spencebatea abyssicola, new genus, new species, on the basis of a single specimen from a deep-sea site off Ireland. The species was transferred to the genus Cumella by Stebbing in 1913, where it has remained. A reexamination of the specimen indicated that it belongs to the genus Procampylaspis since it possesses the recurved, tooth-bearing dactyl on maxilliped 2 which characterizes the genus. Seven other genera also exhibit modified dactyls on maxilliped 2, and, in addition, have styliform mandible molars, thus forming a coherent group within the family Nannastacidae.

Reclassification of Actinobacillus muris as Muribacter muris gen. nov. comb. nov.

To reinvestigate the taxonomy of [Actinobacillus] muris, 474 strains mainly from mice and rats were characterized by phenotype and 130 strains selected for genotypic characterization by 16S rRNA and partial rpoB gene sequencing. The type strain was further investigated by whole genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequences showed one monophyletic group with intra group similarities of 96.7 % and 97.2 % for 16S rRNA and rpoB genes, respectively. The lowest 16S rRNA similarity to the closest related valid named taxon outside the group was 95.9 % to the type strain of [Pasteurella] pneumotropica. The closest related taxon based on rpoB sequence comparison was 'Haemophilus influenzae-murium' with 88.4 %. A new genus, Muribacter is proposed based on a distinct phylogenetic position based on 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequence comparisons with major divergence to the existing genera of Pasteurellaceae. The new genus includes the characteristics of [Actinobacillus] muris with the emendation that acid formation from (-)-D-mannitol is variable as well the hydrolysis of esculin while the α-glucosidase test is positive. There is no requirement for exogenously supplied nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (V factor) for the majority of strains investigated, however, one strain was found positive. The major fatty acids of the type strain of Muribacter muris were C 14:0, C 14:0 3OH/C 16:1 ISOI, C 16:1 ω7c and C 16:0 which is in line with most genera of Pasteurellaceae. The type strain of Muribacter muris is CCUG 16938T ( = NCTC 12432T = ATCC 49577T).