Museum of Texas Tech University

About: Museum of Texas Tech University is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Phylogenetic tree & Cytochrome b. The organization has 66 authors who have published 193 publications receiving 4860 citations.

Characterization of the prion protein gene in axis deer ( Axis axis ) and implications for susceptibility to chronic wasting disease.

Abstract: Axis deer (Axis axis) occur both in captivity and free-ranging populations in portions of North America, but to-date, no data exist pertaining to the species' susceptibility to CWD. We sequenced the prion protein gene (PRNP) from axis deer. We then compared axis deer PrPC sequences and amino acid polymorphisms to those of CWD susceptible species. A single PRNP allele with no evidence of intraspecies variation was identified in axis deer that indicates axis deer PRNP is most similar to North American elk (Cervus canadensis) PRNP. Therefore, axis deer may be susceptible to CWD. We recommend proactively increasing CWD surveillance for axis deer, particularly where CWD has been detected and axis deer are sympatric with native North American CWD susceptible species.

A Mammalian Species New to the Fauna of Louisiana

Abstract: The known distribution of Baiomys taylori taylori is limited to Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Mexico. Baiomys t. taylori is reported for the first time from Louisiana, from the northwestern portion of the state.

Variability and distribution of the golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus (Say) (Curculionidae: Entiminae: Eustylini).

Abstract: Background The golden-headed weevil Compsus auricephalus is a native and fairly widespread species across the southern U.S.A. extending through Central America south to Panama. There are two recognised morphotypes of the species: the typical green form, with pink to cupreous head and part of the legs and the uniformly white to pale brown form. There are other Central and South American species of Compsus and related genera of similar appearance that make it challenging to provide accurate identifications of introduced species at ports of entry. New information Here, we re-describe the species, provide images of the habitus, miscellaneous morphological structures and male and female genitalia. We discuss the morphological variation of Compsus auricephalus across its distributional range, by revising and updating its distributional range, based on data from entomological collections in the U.S.A. and Canada. The revised distribution of C. auricephalus extends as far south as Zacapa in Guatemala. Records south from there correspond to a different species, with affinities to C. auricephalus that we discuss and illustrate. We also discuss morphological affinities and differences with other similar species. Furthermore, we summarise information regarding the biology, host plants and natural enemies of C. auricephalus.

Review of the Neotropical water scavenger beetle genus Tobochares Short & García, 2007 (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Acidocerinae): new lineages, new species, and new records.

Abstract: The water scavenger beetle genus Tobochares Short & Garcia, 2007 currently contains ten species, including one known but formally undescribed taxon. Although Tobochares was revised in 2017, ongoing fieldwork as well as an expanded concept of the genus has led to the recognition of numerous additional species. Here a combination of morphological and molecular data is presented to review this newly found Tobochares diversity. Fifteen new species are described from South America, bringing the total number of known species to 25: Tobochares akoerio sp. nov. (Suriname), T. arawak sp. nov. (Guyana), T. anthonyae sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolivar), T. atures sp. nov., (Venezuela: Amazonas), T. benettii sp. nov. (Brazil: Amazonas), T. canaima sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolivar), T. communis sp. nov. (Brazil: Amapa and Roraima, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela: Bolivar), T. fusus sp. nov. (Brazil: Amapa, French Guiana), T. goias sp. nov. (Brazil: Goias), T. kappel sp. nov. (Suriname), T. kolokoe sp. nov. (Suriname), T. luteomargo sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolivar), T. microps sp. nov. (Suriname), T. pemon sp. nov. (Venezuela: Bolivar), and T. romanoae sp. nov. (Brazil: Roraima). Both morphological and molecular analyses support four clades within the genus, which are here diagnosed and described as species groups. New distributional records are provided for T. kusad Kohlenberg & Short, 2017 and T. sipaliwini Short & Kadosoe, 2011, both of which are recorded from Brazil for the first time. Previously restricted to the Guiana Shield region of South America, the distributional range of the genus is now broadly expanded to include localities as far south as the central Brazilian state of Goias. Consistent with the biology of the previously described species, almost all the new species described here are associated with seepage and wet rock habitats. Remarkably, one species, T. fusus sp. nov., was collected in both seepage habitats as well as in the rotting fruits of Clusia Linnaeus (Clusiaceae), making it one of the few known acidocerines with terrestrial habits outside of the genus Quadriops Hansen, 1999. High-resolution images of most species are included, as well as a key to species groups, species, and habitat photographs.