Prodasineura yulan (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae), a new species from Sarawak

Prodasineura yulan is described from a male from Maludam National Park, Betong Division, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. It is allied to Prodasineura interrupta.

Larval morphology of dart-poison frogs (Anura: Dendrobatoidea: Aromobatidae and Dendrobatidae)

Tadpoles in the superfamily Dendrobatoidea (families Aromobatidae and Dendrobatidae), housed in zoological collections or illustrated in publications, were studied. For the most part, tadpoles of species within the family Aromobatidae, the subfamilies Colostethinae and Hyloxalinae (of the family Dendrobatidae), and those of the genus Phyllobates, Dendrobatinae (Dendrobatidae) have slender anterior jaw sheaths with a medial notch and slender lateral processes, triangular fleshy projections on the inner margin of the nostrils and digestive tube with constant diameter and color and its axis sinistrally directed, concealing the liver and other organs. These morphologies are different from the ones observed in tadpoles of species included in the Dendrobatinae (minus Phyllobates). Exceptions to these morphological arrangements are noted, being the digestive system arrangement and the nostril ornamentation more plastic than the shape of the upperjaw sheath. Tadpoles of all species of the Dendrobatoidea have similar disposition of digestive organs in early stages, but differentiate in late stages of development. Classifying the upper jaw sheath into the two recognized states is possible from very early stages of development, but gut disposition and nostril ornamentation cannot be determined until late in development, making classification and taxonomic assignment of tadpoles based on these morphological features challenging.

A new species of lowland karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from northwestern Peninsular Malaysia

A new species of lowland karst dwelling Cnemaspis Strauch 1887, C. grismeri sp. nov. is described from the southeastern base of the Banjaran Bintang in northern Peninsular Malaysia. It is differentiated from its congeners by a unique combination of characters including size, coloration and scalation. Cnemapis grismeri sp. nov. is most closely related to C. mcguirei, an upland species endemic to the Banjaran Bintang. This phylogeographic pattern is also seen in the upland and lowland Banjaran Bintang species of Cyrtodactylus bintangtinggi and C. bintangrendah, respectively (Grismer et al. 2012). The discovery of yet another endemic gekkonid in the poorly explored karst regions of Peninsular Malaysia underscores the necessity for concentrated collecting efforts in these unique landscapes.

A revision of the genus Baeocera in Japan, with a new genus of the tribe Scaphisomatini (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scaphidiinae)

The Japanese species of the genus Baeocera Erichson, 1845 are reviewed and a new genus Baeoceroxidium is established for Baeocera micros (Achard, 1923) and members of the Baeocera pilifera species group. The female genitalia are used for the first time in Baeocera for both, as species specific characteristics and to indicate relationships. Amaloceroschema Löbl, 1967 is placed in synonymy with Baeocera.

New occurrences of lithodid crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Lithodidae) from the coasts of Africa, with the description of a new species of Paralomis White, 1856

The Collection of Decapod and Stomatopod Crustaceans from the Cádiz Oceanographic Centre (CCDE-IEOCD) comprises a number of lithodid crabs from Spanish surveys carried out in African waters. The revision of this material allowed the confirmation of new records of Lithodesferox Filhol, 1885 in Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, Lithodes mamillifer Macpherson, 1988 in Mozambique, Neolithodes asperrimus Barnard, 1947, Neolithodes grimaldii (A. Milne Edwards & Bouvier, 1894) and Paralomis erinacea Macpherson, 1988 in Mauritania, Paralomis africana Macpherson, 1982 in Namibia and Paralomis cristulata Macpherson, 1988 in Guinea-Bissau. Some of these records contribute to extent the geographical and/or bathymetrical range of the species. One new species of the genus Paralomis from Namibia is described and illustrated. This species shows close affinity with its congener Paralomis pectinata Macpherson, 1988, from Venezuela. The morphological differences between the two species are included.

A long-lost relic from the Eastern Ghats: Morphology, distribution and habitat of Sepsophis punctatus Beddome, 1870 (Squamata: Scincidae)

Sepsophis punctatus Beddome 1870, the only species of a monotypic genus, was described based on a single specimen from the Eastern Ghats of India. We rediscovered the species based on specimens from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh state, India, after a gap of 137 years, including four specimens from close to the type locality. The holotype was studied in detail, and we present additional morphological characters of the species with details on natural history, habitat and diet. The morphological characters of the holotype along with two additional specimens collected by Beddome are compared with the specimens collected by us. We also briefly discuss the distribution of other members of the subfamily Scincinae and their evolutionary affinities.

Sarcophaga (Hoa)flexuosa Ho (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): association of sexes using morphological and molecular approaches, and a redefinition of Hoa Rohdendorf

Sarcophaga flexuosa Ho, 1934 is the type species of the currently monotypic genus-group taxon Hoa Rohdendorf, 1937, which here is considered a subgenus of Sarcophaga Meigen, 1826. Using DNA sequences of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b), we positively identify, for the first time, the female of S. (H.)flexuosa. The female is described, the male is redescribed, and both sexes are illustrated using a combination of line drawings, photographs and scanning electron microscopy images. It is argued from the morphology of the male terminalia that Sarcophagaflexuosa is the sister taxon of Sarcophaga basiseta Baranov, 1931, and the subgenus Hoa is redefined to include both of these species.

A morphology-based phylogeny of the Liolaemus alticolor-bibronii group (Iguania: Liolaemidae)

The genus Liolaemus was split in two subgenera, Liolaenus sensu stricto and Eulaemus. Inside the Liolaemus sensu stricto subgenus, many groups have been proposed. One of them is the L. alticolor-bibronii group. Here, I studied 184 morpho- logical characters of more than one thousand specimens that of the L. alticolor-bibronii group. Many of these characters are original from this study, especially the characters related to color pattern. Also, I include eight population without tax- onomic status. Using those characters and terminal taxa, I performed phylogenetic analyses using parsimony as optimality criterion, under implied weight. Two different topologies were found. The results show that the L. alticolor-bibronii group is monophyletic, and that it is sister to the L. gravenhorsti group. This finding is congruent with previous morphological and molecular phylogenies. Also, nested within the L. alticolor-bibronii group the L. lemniscatus and the L. robertmen- tensi groups are found. In contrast to previous hypotheses, Liolaemus tacnae is never recovered as a member of the L. alticolor-bibronii group.

A new species of Bachia Gray, 1845 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the western Brazilian Amazonia

A new species of Bachia of the B. dorbignyi group, Bachia scaea sp. nov., is described from the left bank of the upper Madeira River, at Rondônia state, at the western Brazilian Amazonia. The new species resembles morphologically B. dorbignyi and B. peruana, and seems to be related with the former species based on molecular data (16S and c-mos sequences). Nonetheless the presence of a first temporal separating parietal and supralabial scales and the absence of clawed fingers in the new species, can promptly distinguish it from their close relatives. This description ends with several-decades of stasis in the taxonomy of the Bachia dorbignyi group from Amazonian lowlands, and also presents new evidence that supports the Madeira River as a vicariant barrier.

New species and taxonomic rearrangements of Anostostomatid Crickets (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatoidea: Anostostomatidae) from the Neotropics

This paper describes and illustrates a new species of the genus Anabropsis (Anostostomatidae: Anabropsinae) from Colombia, we group the species of this genus were grouped into three groups: Mexicana, Alata and Aptera. A brief review of the genus Apotetainenus (Anostostomatidae: Lutosinae) is also given including a new species from the Colombian rainforest; also A. clipeatus is redescribed and a new distribution data are provided. Finally A. politus (Brunner, 1915) is designated as synonym of A. clipeatus.

A new species of Halaphanolaimus (Nematoda: Leptolaimidae) from the southern Black Sea (Turkey) with a modified key for species identification

Halaphanolaimus sergeevae n. sp. is described and illustrated from the Sinop coasts (southern Black Sea, Turkey). The new species morphologically resembles H. pellucidus Southern, 1914, but differs from it by having a higher number of tubular supplements (12-14 vs. 6-7), longer spicules (68-70 im vs 47-52 [tm), smaller tail/spicule ratio (1.6 vs. 2.7), smaller body size (926-1273 vs. 1500 microm), and smaller De Man indices of a, b and c'. An updated identification key to the species of Halaphanolainius is proposed.

Studies on the genus Aporcelaimellus Heyns, 1965 (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae). Four atypical species with simple uterus from Southern Iberian Peninsula

Three new and one known species of the genus Aporcelaimellus, collected mainly in natural areas from the Iberian Peninsula and characterized by having a simple uterus and atypical caudal region are described and illustrated, including line drawings, LM pictures and/or SEM pictures. Aporcelaimellus deserticola sp. n. is distinguished by its body 1.79-2.43 mm long, lip region 14-16 pm broad and offset by expansion rather than by constriction, odontostyle 18-21 µm long, neck 464-555 µm long, pharyngeal expansion 234-283 µm long or 49-52% of total neck length, a dorsal cell mass present at level of anterior end of intestine, uterus 34-67 µm long or 0.6-1.1 times the corresponding body diameter, V= 49-55, tail conical with rounded terminus (29-43 µm, c = 47-66, c' = 0.9-1.4) and bearing a short but perceptible hyaline portion, and male unknown. Aporcelaimellus hyalinus sp. n. is characterized by its body 1.49-2.23 mm long, lip region offset by constriction and 13-16 µm broad, odontostyle 14-16 µm long, neck 389-474 µm long, pharyngeal expansion 183-242 µm long or 45-53% of total neck length, uterus 44-106 µm long or 0.7-1.8 times the corresponding body diameter, V = 48-55, tail conical with rounded terminus (27-41 µm, c = 38-68, c' = 1.0-1.4) and short inner core, spicules 56 µm long, and seven irregularly spaced ventromedian supplements. Aporcelaimellus rarus sp. n. is distinguished by its body 1.96-2.34 mm long, lip region offset by constriction and 14-16 µm broad, odontostyle 15-16 µm long, neck 411-518 µm long, pharyngeal expansion 196-270 µm long or 48-52% of total neck length, a dorsal cellular mass at a short distance behind the cardia, uterus 63-96 µm long or 0.8-1.5 times the corresponding body diameter, V= 51-56, female tail short and conical (28-40 µm, c = 50-74, c' = 0.7-0.9) with rounded terminus and bearing a dorsal concavity at its posterior half, and males unknown. New data are provided for A. salicinus. A discussion of these atypical species is also provided.

Taxonomic review of the Sebastes pachycephalus complex (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)

A taxonomic review of the Sebastes pachycephalus complex established the existence of two valid species, S. pachycephalus and S. nudus. Similarities between them include: cranium armed dorsally with robust preocular, supraocular, postocular, and parietal spines; interorbital space concave; lower jaw lacking scales, shorter than upper jaw; thickened rays in ventral half of pectoral fin; dorsal fin usually with 13 spines and 12 soft-rays; pored lateral line scales 27-35 (usually 29-33). However, S. pachycephalus is distinguishable from the latter in having minute scales below the entire dorsal-fin spine base (vs. lacking minute scales below first to fifth or variously to the posteriormost spine in the latter), dark spots scattered on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins (vs. no distinct dark spots), and lacking distinct colored markings on the dorsum (vs. yellow or reddish-brown markings present). Although both species occur off the southern Korean Peninsula and in the Bohai and Yellow Seas, in Japanese waters, the former is distributed from northern Honshu Is. southward to southern Kyushu Is., whereas the latter extends from southern Hokkaido southward along the Pacific coast of Japan to Kanagawa, and along the Sea of Japan coast to northern Kyushu Is., including the Seto Inland Sea. Sebastes nigricaus, S. nigricans, and S. latus are confirmed as junior synonyms of S. pachycephalus, and S. chalcogrammus as junior synonym of S. nudus, based on the examination of type specimens.

New species of mouse spiders (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Actinopodidae: Missulena) from the Pilbara region, Western Australia

Two new species of Mouse Spiders, genus Missulena, from the Pilbara region in Western Australia are described based on morphological features of males. Missulena faulderi sp. nov. and Missulena langlandsi sp. nov. are currently known from a small area in the southern Pilbara only. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence divergence failed in clearly delimiting species in Missulena, but provided a useful, independent line of evidence for taxonomic work in addition to morphology.

Two new species of Squalius, S. adanaensis and S. seyhanensis (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), from the Seyhan River in Turkey

Two new species of Squalius are described from the Seyhan River drainage in Turkey: S. adanaensis from the lower part of the drainage and S. seyhanensis from the upper part. Squalius adanaensis is distinguished from the other species of the genus in Anatolia, among other characters, by having the flank scales with a dark spot on each scale pocket but covered by the posterior margin of the previous scale, and very few melanophores along the posterior margin; 38-42 + 1-2 lateral line scales; and a maximum known size of 157 mm SL. Squalius seyhanensis is distinguished from other species of the genus in Anatolia, among other characters, by having the flank scales with a dark spot on each scale pocket, exposed, and densely-set melanophores along the posterior margin, forming a conspicuous reticulate pattern; 42-44 + 1-2 lateral line scales; and a maximum know size of 240 mm SL.

Revision of subgenera of Stenichnus Thomson, with review of Australo-Pacific species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Subgenera of the speciose ant-like stone beetle genus Stenichnus Thomson are revised. The genus is re-classified and only two subgenera are retained: Stenichnus s. str. and Scydmaenichnus Reitter. Two remaining subgenera, Austrostenichnus Franz and Scydmaenilla King, are elevated to the genus rank (the status of Scydmaenilla, originally described as a genus and later reduced to a subgenus of Stenichnus, is restored). Two species occurring in New Zealand, Stenichnus insignis (Broun) and Stenichnus kuschelianus Franz, previously classified in Stenichnus (Austrostenichnus), are placed in a separate genus Zeanichnus gen. nov. (with Scydmaenus insignis Broun as a type species). Scydmaenilla is divided into two subgenera: Scydmaenilla s. str. and Scydmaenillunia subg. nov. (with Scydmaenilla adelaidensis Franz as a type species). Lectotypes are designated for Stenichnus (Scydmaenichnus) fossifrons Reitter, Scydmaenilla pusilla King and Scydmaenilla constricta Lea. All Australo-Pacific species, previously placed in Stenichnus, are redescribed: Austrostenichnus caledonicus Franz (New Caledonia), Zeanichnus insignis (Broun) comb. nov. (New Zealand), Zeanichnus kuschelianus (Franz) comb. nov. (New Zealand), Scydmaenilla (s. str.) pusilla King, stat. rest. (Australia), S. (s. str.) constricta Lea, stat. rest. (Tasmania), S. (s. str.) queenslandica Franz (Australia), S. (s. str.) thompsoniana Franz (Australia), S. (s. str.) brisbanensis Franz (Australia), S. (s. str.) sydneyana Franz (Australia), and S. (Scydmaenillunia) adelaidensis Franz (Australia). A possible synonymy of Scydmaenilla queenslandica and S. thompsoniana is discussed, not possible to verify on the basis of the available material.

A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, East Malaysia (Borneo)

We describe a new species of Leptolalax from Gunung Mulu National Park in eastern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The new species had been assigned to Leptolalax dringi and Leptolalax gracilis in the past. It is shown to differ from both these species and from all other species of the genus by a unique combination of morphological characters including large body size, rounded snout, interorbital distance being smaller than width of upper eyelid, bipartite subgular vocal sac in males, basal toe webbing, shagreened skin with tiny tubercles on dorsum and dorsal side of head, angled supratympanic fold, small pectoral glands, absence of supraaxillary glands and ventrolateral glandular ridges, spotted venter, advertisement call consisting of long series of 8-289 notes, each composed of three or four pulses, and dominant frequency at 7225-9190 Hz, with prominent frequency modulation.

DNA replication events during larval silk gland development in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

The silk gland is an important organ in silkworm as it synthesizes silk proteins and is critical to spinning. The genomic DNA content of silk gland cells dramatically increases 200-400 thousand times for the larval life span through the process of endomitosis. Using in vitro culture, DNA synthesis was measured using BrdU labeling during the larval molt and intermolt periods. We found that the cell cycle of endomitosis was activated during the intermolt and was inhibited during the molt phase. The anterior silk gland, middle silk gland, and posterior silk gland cells asynchronously exit the endomitotic cycle after day 6 in 5th instar larvae, which correlated with the reduced expression of the cell cycle-related cdt1, pcna, cyclin E, cdk2 and cdk1 mRNAs in the wandering phase. Additional starvation had no effect on the initiation of silk gland DNA synthesis of the freshly ecdysed larvae.

Dynamics of endoreplication during Drosophila posterior scutellar macrochaete development

Endoreplication is a variant type of DNA replication, consisting only of alternating G1 and S phases. Many types of Drosophila tissues undergo endoreplication. However, the timing and the extent to which a single endocycling macrochaete undergoes temporally programmed endoreplication during development are unclear. Here, we focused on the dynamics of endoreplication during posterior scutellar (pSC) macrochaete development. Quantitative analyses of C values in shaft cells and socket cells revealed a gradual rise from 8C and 4C at 8 hours after pupal formation (APF) to 72C and 24C at 29 hours APF, respectively. The validity of the values was further confirmed by the measurement of DNA content with a confocal laser microscope. BrdU incorporation assays demonstrated that shaft cells undergo four rounds of endoreplication from 18 to 29.5 hours APF. In contrast, socket cells undergo two rounds of endoreplication during the same period. Statistical analyses showed that the theoretical C values, based on BrdU assays, nearly coincide with the actually measured C values in socket cells, but not in shaft cells after 22 hours APF. These analyses suggest that socket cells undergo two rounds of endoreplication. However, the mechanism of endoreplication in the shaft cells may change from 22 hours APF, suggesting the possibility that shaft cells undergo two or four rounds of endoreplication during the periods. We also found that the timing of endoreplication differs, depending on the type of macrochaete. Moreover, endocycling in shaft cells of both the left and right sides of pSC bristle lineages occurs in the same pattern, indicating that the process is synchronized for specific types of macrochaete. Our findings suggest that endocycling in macrochaete cell lineages can be a model for understanding mechanisms of endoreplication at the single-cell level.

Helicospiral growth in the whip black coral Cirrhipathes sp. (Antipatharia, Antipathidae)

The coiling pattern of the whip black coral Cirrhipathes sp. (Antipatharia, Antipathidae) was studied in four sites of the Bunaken Marine Park (North Sulawesi, Indonesia) characterized by different hydrodynamic conditions. The colonies show a helicospiral growth, with the polyps irregularly arranged on the external convex side of the turns of the stem. Only the colonies living in a very slow current environment reach the greatest lengths (up to 5 m) and show the highest number of rotations (up to 10, 3600°). The turns shape changes along the stem of the colonies, from the base to the apex, as evidenced by the ratio between the pitch and the diameter of each coil. In particular, the turns close to the basal plate have a smaller diameter and a larger pitch, while in the most distal turns, the diameter increases and the pitch decreases concurrently. We hypothesize that the shape variation of the whorls is triggered by the relationship between the growing stem and the intensity of the prevailing current. In this way, the colony can initially grow fast, moving away from the bottom, and then extend into the current, maximizing the plankton capture.

Morphogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster macrochaetes: cell fate determination for bristle organ

Formation of specialized spatial structures comprising various cell types is most important in the ontogenesis of multicellular organisms. An example is the D. melanogaster bristle organs. Bristles (micro- and macrochaetes) are external sensory organs, elements of the peripheral nervous system, playing the role of mechanoreceptors. Their comparatively simple organization comprising only four specialized cells and a common origin of these cells make macrochaetes a convenient model for studying cell differentiation. The four cells forming bristle organ result from two successive divisions of a single cell, sensory organ precursor (SOP) cell. The number of macrochaetes on drosophila body corresponds to the number of SOP cells. The morphogenesis of macrochaetes comprises three stages, the first two determining a neural fate of the cells. The third stage is cell specialization into components of the bristle organ-neuron, thecogen, tormogen, and trichogen. Development of each bristle commences from segregation of proneural clusters, of 20-30 cells, from the massif of undifferentiated cells of the wing imaginal disc. At this stage, each cluster cell can potentially become a SOP cell. At the second stage, the only SOP cell and its position are determined within each cluster. Finally, two asymmetric divisions of the SOP cell with subsequent differentiation of the daughter cells gives the bristle organ. Several dozens genes are involved in the control of macrochaete morphogenesis. The main component of this system is the proneural genes of achaete-scute complex (AS-C). An increased content of proneural proteins fundamentally distinguished the cells that will follow the neural developmental pathway from the disc epidermal cells. A local AS-C expression, initiated at specified disc sites by specific transcription factors, determines the number and topology of proneural clusters. The expression of AS-C genes, continuing in the cells of the cluster, increases the difference in proneural protein content, first, between the cluster cells and then, between the cluster cells and the single SOP cell, where it reaches the maximum level. This process is provided by both the intracellular regulation of AS-C gene activity and intercellular events mediated via the EGFR and Notch signaling pathways. The third stage in macrochaete morphogenesis comprises two successive asymmetric SOP cell divisions, determining the final specialization. The selector genes, in particular, numb, neuralized, tramtrack, and musashi, play the key role in cell type specification. This review systematizes the data on molecular genetic system controlling drosophila bristle morphogenesis and proposes an integral scheme of its functioning.

In vivo imaging of basement membrane movement: ECM patterning shapes Hydra polyps

Growth and morphogenesis during embryonic development, asexual reproduction and regeneration require extensive remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We used the simple metazoan Hydra to examine the fate of ECM during tissue morphogenesis and asexual budding. In growing Hydra, epithelial cells constantly move towards the extremities of the animal and into outgrowing buds. It is not known, whether these tissue movements involve epithelial migration relative to the underlying matrix or whether cells and ECM are displaced as a composite structure. Furthermore, it is unclear, how the ECM is remodeled to adapt to the shape of developing buds and tentacles. To address these questions, we used a new in vivo labeling technique for Hydra collagen-1 and laminin, and tracked the fate of ECM in all body regions of the animal. Our results reveal that Hydra 'tissue movements' are largely displacements of epithelial cells together with associated ECM. By contrast, during the evagination of buds and tentacles, extensive movement of epithelial cells relative to the matrix is observed, together with local ECM remodeling. These findings provide new insights into the nature of growth and morphogenesis in epithelial tissues.

Effects of 17β-estradiol and bisphenol A on the formation of reproductive organs in planarians

Planarians have a remarkable capacity for regeneration after ablation, and they reproduce asexually by fission. However, some planarians can also reproduce and maintain their sexual organs. During the regenerative process, their existing sexual organs degenerate and new ones develop. However, little is known about hormonal regulation during the development of reproductive organs in planarians. In this study, we investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol (a steroid) and bisphenol A (an endocrine disrupter) on the formation of sexual organs in the hermaphroditic planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis. Under control conditions, all worm tissues regenerated into sexual planarians with sexual organs within 4 weeks after ablation. However, in the presence of bisphenol A or 17β-estradiol, although they apparently regenerated into sexual planarians, the yolk glands, which are one of the female sexual organs, failed to regenerate even 7 weeks after ablation. These data suggest that planarians have a steroid hormone system, which plays a key role in the formation and maturation of sexual organs.