Showing papers in "Journal of Natural History in 1990"

Some flagellates (Protista) from tropical marine sediments

Abstract: An account is given of 114 new or otherwise interesting species of benthic marine flagellates from Fiji, Northern Australia (Queensland), Hawaii, Panama and Brazil. Most species are heterotrophs drawn from the euglendis, dinoflagellates, kinetoplastids, bicosoecids, heteroloboseids, and a variety of taxa of uncertain affinities. The work emphasizes the rich variety of protist taxa in marine benthic sites. New names are Amphidinium corrugatum, Anisonema glaciale, Bodo cephalophorus, B. platyrhynchus, B. saliens, Bordnamonas tropicana, Cafeteria ligulifera, C. marsupialis, C. minuta (Ruinen, 1938) nov. comb., Cryptaulax elegans, Dinematomonas inaequalis = Dinema inaequale, Dinematomonas maculata (= Dinema maculatum), Dinematononas valida (= Dinema validum), Diplonema ambulator, Diplonema metabolicum, Discocelis punctata, Dolium sedentarium, Goniomonas amphinema, Goniomonas pacifica, Gyrodinium oblongum, Heteronema exaratum, H. splendens, H. vittatum, Mastigamoeba psammobis, M. skujae nom. nov., Massisteria ...

Phylogenetic trends in the Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera)

Abstract: Phylogenetic trends of the states of 24 adult and 14 larval characters of the major groups of Scarabaeoidea are discussed on the basis of outgroup and ingroup comparison. Evolutionary trends within the major groups are also discussed. The following (i) adult and (ii) larval characters are discussed: (i) antennal segments, antennal sensilla, ocular canthus, ommatidium structure, epipharynx, mandibles, maxillae, labium, tentorium, trochantin, coxal cavities, mesothoracic spiracles, wing venation, metendosternite, empodium, abdominal sternites, abdominal spiracles, male genitalia, female genitalia, ovarioles, karyotype, central nervous system, spermatozoan number and malpighian tubules; (ii) antennae, frontoclypeal suture, lateral ocelli (stemmata), labial palpi, maxillae, maxillary palpi, maxillary/mandibular stridulatory areas, labrum, epipharyngeal tormae, legs, stridulatory apparatus, spiracles, abdominal apex and central nervous system.

Army ants reassessed: the phylogeny and classification of the doryline section (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract: Detailed comparative morphology of the ants continues to provide an abundance of new characters with great significance for our understanding of formicide phylogeny. This study discusses earlier phylogenies and goes on to show that the doryline section, nominated here to include the subfamilies Dorylinae, Aenictinae stat. n., Cerapachyinae and Ecitoninae, forms a monophyletic lineage within the poneroid group of subfamilies, with Leptanillinae as the sister-group. Numerous characters, both old and new, are considered, the section is defined and discussed, and diagnostic autapomorphies are given for each subfamily. The wider relationships of the doryline section are considered with respect to its position in the poneroid group and the poneroid complex, and the elevation of Aenictinae to subfamily status is justified. A provisional new-format key to ant subfamilies is provided at the end of the paper, and the phylogeny of the poneroid complex outlined in the light of this survey.

Insect infestations of small corpses

Abstract: Reproducible studies of the insects associated with small (< 1 kg) corpses are hampered by dramatic variation, for no obvious reason, in the background carrion-breeding fauna This variation can lead to undue emphasis being attached to the results from exposure of one, or a small number, of corpses An experiment with much larger numbers of mice (319) and birds (38) has shown that in eastern Ireland there are at least 29 species of carrion insect (excluding Coleoptera) breeding in such corpses, many of them only in deciduous woodland, where the greatest number and variety of small vertebrates would be found Inventories of the post-mortem fates of mice and birds are drawn up, and the effects of competition assessed by experiment Some species of sarcophagid fly larvae kill their competitors Of the 14 Irish sacrophagine species, only four bred in corpses There was a gross imbalance of Calliphora spp, with hardly any C vomitoria in any bait tested

Abdominal characters and status of the cerapachyine ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).

Abstract: For nearly a century myrmecologists have worried about the cerapachyine ants. Are they worthy of subfamily status, or not? Current work on the abdominal segments of the poneroid subfamilies, the first part of which is discussed in this paper, indicates that the cerapachyines should be treated as a separate subfamily. The history of the cerapachyines is discussed and apomorphies diagnostic of the group are noted. Separation from the Ponerinae is stressed and the possible relationships of the group to other poneroids are mentioned. Full descriptions of the abdominal sclerites are presented for each of the three cerapachyine tribes and a subfamily diagnosis and zoogeographical synopsis are given.

Some preliminary observations on the burrows of Callianassa subterranea (Montagu) (Decapoda: Thalassinidea) from the west coast of Scotland

Abstract: Burrow structure of the thalassinid decapod Callianassa subterranea is described from polyester resin casts taken in situ. The characteristic burrow form consists of a deep vertical shaft which extends from the sediment surface to a lattice of subsurface galleries. Often the surface opening is at the centre of a cone of ejected sediment. Information on burrow density is given and this suggests that the species is much commoner in British waters than is apparent from current fauna lists.

A survey of external morphology of mites of the superfamily Eupodoidea Banks, 1894 (Acari : Acariformes)

Abstract: This paper represents the initial stage of a systematic study of the mite superfamily Eupodoidea Banks, 1894. For the first time a comprehensive account of external morphology is given with many structures being illustrated by scanning electron micrographs. Where homologies have been established, standardized notations are applied and compared with the terminology previously used by other authors.

A review of the mature larvae of Diplazontinae, with notes on larvae of Acaenitinae and Orthocentrinae and proposal of two new subfamilies (Insecta: Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)

Abstract: Study of larval diplazontine ichneumonids reveals that previous authors misinterpreted basic morphology and that larvae have little value for defining diplazontine genera or elucidating their relationships. Better understanding of diplazontine larvae, combined with new material of Orthocentrus, has led to recognition that Pimplinae, Acaenitinae, Diplazontinae, and Orthocentrinae form a monophyletic group, informally named Pimpliformes. Oxytorus and Tatogaster are not part of this group; Oxytorinae is restricted to Oxytorus and Tatogaster is placed in a new subfamily (Tatogastrinae). In order to establish monophyletic taxa within Pimpliformes, Cylloceria and Alomacrus are placed in a new subfamily (Cylloceriinae) and the remaining former oxytorines are merged with orthocentrines in an expanded Orthocentrinae.

The haemoproteid parasites of the pigeons and doves (family Columbidae)

Abstract: The seven species of haemoproteid parasites of the pigeons and doves (Columbidae) have been reviewed and re-described. Only two species, Haemoproteus columbae Kruse and H. sacharovi Novy and MacNeal are morphologically distinguishable in Giemsa-stained smears. Haemoproteus maccallumi Novy and MacNeal, H. melopeliae Laveran and Petit, H. palumbis Baker, H. piresi Son and H. turtur Covaledo Ortega and Gallego Berenguer cannot be separated morphologically from columbae and are considered to be synonyms of this species. The possibility that some of these forms may represent strains of columbae has not been discounted.

Revision of the Trogidae of South America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)

Abstract: The South American Trogidae are revised. Three genera, Trox Fabricius, Omorgus Erichson (with two subgenera, Omorgus and Haroldomorgus Scholtz), and Polynoncus Burmeister, and 47 species are recorded from the continent and its islands. Trox is represented by the ubiquitous introduced species T. scaber (L.), Omorgus is represented by 13 species and Polynoncus by 33 species. Five new species are described and all others are re-described. A key to all taxa is provided. Adults of all species and their male genitalia are illustrated and their distributions mapped. Observations are presented on phylogeny, zoogeography and biology. The new species are O. capillaceus, O. indigenus, O. nocheles, P. erugatus and P. gibberosus. Four new synonymies are proposed (synonyms listed first): O. triestinae Pittino = P. suberosus (Fabricius); P. furcifer Pittino = P. bifurcatus (Vaurie); P. parafurcatus occidentalis Pittino and P. furcillifer Pittino = P. parafurcatus Pittino. Omorgus badeni (Harold) is reinstated as a valid...

Evolution in leptolid life-cycles (Cnidaria: Hydroida)

Abstract: The medusae of many hydroids remain attached to the colony, often in a vestigial state. Evolutionary origins are sometimes thus obscured. Some authorities have considered these derived hydroid life-cycles as paedomorphic; and regarded the hydroid stage as a prolonged larva. In some genera, for example in the familiar but unusual Obelia, a re-evolution of the medusa stage has been proposed. These theories are evaluated. Primitively, the larval stage throughout the Cnidaria is the planula. Some possible processes in the re-evolution of the medusa are discussed but the hypothesis is discounted. The origin of medusoid coelenterates is taken to be wholly polypoid, medusae being evolved later as modified and released reproductive polyps. The subsequent evolutionary retention and suppression of the medusa stage is discussed and some physiological processes perhaps leading to it are considered. This direction of evolution is related to the advantages of perennation in large, iterated colonies and consequent larva...

European Obelia (Cnidaria, Hydroida) : systematics and identification

Abstract: Phenotypic variation in both hydroid and medusa stages of Obelia species causes taxonomic difficulties. This variation is considered in detail, and some new taxonomic guidelines are proposed. The problem of relating plankton-caught medusae to their respective hydroids is addressed and new taxonomic characters considered, so that the problem comes close to being solved. The European species are near-cosmopolitan in coastal waters and the paper in effect completes a revision of the genus Obelia. Together with two previous papers it comprises the first world-wide revision of any hydroid genus since 1901. The systematic position and validity of the Hydrozoan genus Obelia and the subfamily Obeliinae are discussed. An identification section is provided, with notes on young and infertile specimens. Differences from species of Laomedea and related genera are considered.

Systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of the genus Mellita (Echinoidea: Clypeasteroida)

Abstract: The genus Mellita is an assemblage of New World tropical to temperate lunulate sand dollars (Mellitidae). Multivariate analysis of morphometric data, representing specimens from Nantucket to Brazil, indicates the presence of three allopatric Atlantic species. The taxonomic history of Atlantic species has been traced from 1734 to the present. The following revisions of the Atlantic taxa are necessary: (1) Mellita isometra sp. nov., restricted to the east coast of North America, from Nantucket to Florida; (2) M. tenuis Clark, 1940 (west Florida to Louisiana) raises a previously described variety to species level. The type species, M. quinquiesperforata (Leske, 1778) occurs from Louisiana to Brazil, including the Greater Antilles. Within the Pacific there are distinct species with extensively overlapping distributional ranges: M. longifissa Michelin, 1858; M. grantii Mortensen, 1948; M. notabilis Clark, 1947 and M. kanakoffi Durham, 1961. The Atlantic species do not form a monophyletic group. Phylogenetic an...

Comparative larvipositional behaviours and cleptoparasitic frequencies of Nearctic species of Miltogrammini (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract: Sixty-two species of pompilid and sphecid wasps were studied in order to assess their associated miltogrammine flies and frequencies of cleptoparasitism. A total of 1342 wasp cells from 852 nests were excavated during 1981–1987, contents analysed and information recorded. Nine species of Miltogrammini were reared from the cell contents, with the number of host wasp species in parentheses: Senotainia trilineata (19); Phrosinella aurifacies (17); Senotainia vigilans (9); Metopia luggeri (5); Macronychia confundens (2); Hilarella hilarella (1); Senotainia rubriventris (1); Sphenometopa tergata (1) and Taxigramma heteroneura (1). Detailed descriptions of the cleptoparasitic strategies of the flies, especially mode of finding the wasp, prey or wasp's nest and subsequent larviposition therein are presented for Hilarella hilarella, Metopia luggeri, Phrosinella aurifacies, Senotainia rubriventris, S. trilineata, S. vigilans, Sphenometopa tergata and Taxigramma heteroneura. Senotainia vigilans and Hilarella hilare...

Yugoslavian and other records of the Italian freshwater goby, Padogobius martensii, and a character polarization in gobioid fishes

Abstract: Padogobius martensii, a freshwater gobiid fish from the Po basin and adjoining rivers of northeastern Italy, is now recorded from Yugoslavia (Dalmatia), and further rivers of the Italian Adriatic seaboard. Diagnostic features are summarized, with special reference to another freshwater goby of the area, Orsinigobius punctatissimus. The origin of the Dalmatian populations is discussed with reference to sea-level changes in the postglacial Adriatic basin. Meristic polymorphism in dorsal pterygiophore sequence is described in the various P. martensii populations and its significance noted for polarization of character states in this feature.

Sexual head structures in the Onychophora : unique modifications for sperm transfer

Abstract: An extensive diversity of male extra-genital sexual structures is described from eleven recently discovered species of onychophorans from Australia. These organs are located on the dorsal surface of the head and are highly elaborate in some species. They range from a patch of variously modified dermal papillae to a deep pit adorned with hardened hooks, spikes or hollow stylets. We propose that these hardened structures are also derived from dermal papillae. In two species, spermatophores have been observed within the organ and it is speculated that they function in the mechanics of sperm transfer.

Respiration in Fortuynia maculata Luxton (Fortuyniidae: Cryptostigmata: Acarina) with particular reference to the role of van der Hammen's organ

Abstract: The respiratory system of Fortuynia maculata Luxton (Fortuyniidae) consists of two cerotegument plastrons connected to the tracheae associated with the leg coxae via the acetabular cavities and to brachytracheae associated with the bothridia via paired van der Hammen's organs. The van der Hammen's organs allow oxygen gas to pass from the plastrons to the brachytracheae.

Qualitative relations of egg size, egg production and colony size in some ponerine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract: The sizes of eggs and reproductives of 13 species of ponerine ant were measured, and information about the mature colony sizes, ovarial anatomy and individual fecundities of a selection of ponerine species was assembled. Inter-specific variation in the size of colonies was found to be poorly related to aspects of individual fecundity, and although the few cases of polygyny were associated with larger colony sizes, monogynous species often attained even larger sizes. Within the subfamily individual fecundity may be increased primarily by a decrease in the maternal investment in individual eggs, and perhaps to a lesser extent by an increase in the number of ovarioles in each ovary or an increase in the length of each ovariole. The diet of a species and the longevity of adult worker ants relative to the duration of their larval development are suggested as factors besides reproductive characteristics that might also contribute to differences in colony size.

Gross morphology of the soft parts of the male and female reproductive systems of Curculionoidea (Coleoptera)

Abstract: The gross morphology of the soft parts of the male and female internal reproductive organs of 208 species of weevil (Curculionoidea) representing 140 genera and eight families is described and illustrated and the results compared with published data on related species. The reproductive systems of the genera Car, Cylas, Eurhynchus and Antliarhinus are described and the systematic positions of these genera discussed. It is concluded that, on the basis of the soft parts of the reproductive systems, Car, previously considered to belong to the Attelabidae, is better placed in the Apionidae; Cylas, now placed in the Brentidae, is more closely related to the Apionidae; and both Eurhynchus and Antliarhinus are primitive apionids.

Leucocytozoon toddi in British sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus: observations on the dynamics of infection

Abstract: Leucocytozoon infection was studied in a breeding population of sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus in the British Midlands. Almost all transmission was apparently ‘vertical’ from adults to young, at the nest site. Parasites largely disappeared from the blood between October and April, reappearing in a ‘spring relapse’ during the nesting season. Infected birds remained infected for life; there was no evidence of reduced longevity in infected birds once they had dispersed from their natal nest site. There was no assortative mating between infected or uninfected males and females. It is postulated that the concentration of birds at the nest site allows transmission by a non-specific vector breeding in the same vicinity. At other times of year the birds are more regularly dispersed and transmission in unlikely to occur.

A redescription of some species belonging to the genera Spio and Microspio (Polychaeta: Annelida) and descriptions of three new species from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean

Abstract: A partial revision of the spionid polychaete genera Spio and Microspio is presented. The genus Spio is defined as having branchiae from setiger 1 and the genus Microspio from setiger 2. Of 74 species originally described in, or transferred to, these genera, 25 species of Spio and 15 species of Microspio are accepted as valid, based on the examination of type specimens of 18 species, description of three new species, and the recognition or general acceptance of other species by published systematists. Detailed descriptions are given for S. filicornis Muller, S. setosa Verrill, S. limicola Verrill, S. pettiboneae Foster, M. pigmentata (Reish), and M. microcera (Dorsey). Three new species are described: S. thulini from Georges Bank, and M. profunda and M. tetrabranchia from deep water. A new name, S. blakei, is proposed for S. pacifica Blake and Kudenov because the species name is preoccupied by S. martinensis pacifica Berkeley. Based on the examination of type specimens, the following revisions are made: M....

Three new species of misophrioid copepods from oceanic islands

Abstract: Three new species of misophrioid copepods are described from anchialine habitats on oceanic islands. Expansophria galapagensis n.sp. is described from two localities on Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Speleophria campaneri n.sp. from Ngamduk Cave, Angaur Island, Palau and S. scottodicarloi n.sp. from Chalk Cave on Bermuda.

The haemoproteids of the avian order Falconiformes

Abstract: The haemoproteid parasites of the raptors of the avian order Falconiformes are reviewed. In the Falconidae, Haemoproteus erythropi Tartakovskii, 1913 was previously declared a nomen nudum and H. cerchneisi Bhatia, 1938 is synonymized with H. tinnunculi (Wasielewski and Wulker, 1918) Wingstrand, 1947. Along with H. brachiatus Valkyunas and Ezhova, 1989, there are the only valid haemoproteids in this family. In the Accipitridae, H. accipiter Zeiniev, 1975 was previously declared a nomen nudum and H. asturisdussumieri de Mello, 1937 and H. saviannae Tendeiro, 1947 are declared species incertae sedis. Haemoproteus buteonis Wingstrand, 1947, H. figueiredoi Travassos Santos Dias 1953 and H. circus Yakunin and Zhazyltaev, 1977 are synonymized with H. elani de Mello, 1937 and this latter species, together with H. janovyi Greiner and Mundy, 1979 and H. nisi Peirce and Marquiss, 1983, are the only three valid species in this family. No haemoproteids have been described from the Cathartidae, Pandionidae or Sagittari...

Sponges from bathyal depths (1000-1750 m) in the western Mediterranean Sea

Abstract: This note deals with a study of sponge fauna at seven deep stations (1000–1750 m) in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The species found exhibit a broad geographical distribution, mainly centred in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Trichostemma sarsi and Hyalonema thomsoni are recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, and the known bathymetric distribution of Polymastia tissieri has been considerably enlarged. Some taxonomic problems involving the genera Trichostemma, Radiella and Polymastia and the species Hyalonema thomsoni and H. infundibulum are discussed, and arguments supporting the reclassification of the species Radiella tissieri under the genus Polymastia are put forward.

The Brazilian rodent genus Thalpomys (Sigmodontinae, Cricetidae) with a description of a new species

Abstract: Thalpomys Thomas, endemic to the cerrado of central Brazil, is a strikingly distinct genus of the akodont assemblage (Sigmodontinae, Cricetidae, Rodentia). The genus and the two included species, one new, are described and compared. The validity of the names of the genus and type species T. lasiotis Thomas, 1916, is elucidated. The little known about habitat, relative population numbers, and karyotype is included.

Some Antarctic and Subantarctic species of Microporellidae (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata)

Abstract: Eighteen species of Cheilostome Bryozoa, in the family Microporellidae, are described from Antarctic, Subantarctic and South Atlantic localities. Nine new species are described in the genus Fenestrulina, and a single new species in the genus Calloporina.

A comparison of some environmental adaptations of the littoral collembolans Anuridella marina (Willem) and Anurida maritima (Guérin)

Abstract: Cuticle structures of A. marina and A. martima are discussed, the differences are correlated with a greater tolerance of desiccation in A. maritima. The cuticle ornamentation of A. maritima can trap a layer of water-saturated air thus slowing down water loss and allowing it to forage in the drier upper littoral, while A. marina, without a layer of water saturated air, is confined to more humid habitats in the lower littoral. Both species have a compressible macroplastron supported by major tubercles, as well as a much thinner microplastron supported by minor tubercles which is more resistant to wetting by pressure and surfactants. The plastrons are shown to be preadaptations to the littoral zone.

Amphipoda Gammaridea from coral rubble in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea: Families Acanthonotozomatidae, Ampeliscidae, Ampithoidae, Anamixidae, Aoridae and Colomastigidae

Abstract: Fourteen species of gammaridean amphipod in the families Acanthonotozomatidae, Ampeliscidae, Ampithoidae, Anamixidae, Aoridae and Colomastigidae are recorded from coral rubble at Aqaba in the Red Sea. Nine species are recorded from the Red Sea for the first time, of which two are new to science.

Revision of Nearctic mountain midges (Diptera: Deuterophlebiidae)

Abstract: Previously undescribed character systems are evaluated and incorporated in a redescription of the genus Deuterophlebia Edwards (Diptera: Deuterophlebiidae). Nearctic species of mountain midges are revised to include six species, two of which are new. Deuterophlebia personata sp. nov. is widespread in the mountains of western North America, with northern populations apparently parthenogenetic. Deuterophlebia vernalis sp. nov. occurs only in south-central Washington state. A lectotype and paralectotype are designated for D. coloradensis Pennak, and distributional data are given for all North American species. Also provided are keys to larvae, pupae, and adults of Nearctic species, and a discussion of character variation in mountain midges, with particular reference to problematic populations from Oregon and California.

Anatomy of the alimentary canal of Parandania boecki (Stebbing, 1888) (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Stegocephalidae) from the Antarctic Ocean

Abstract: The alimentary canal of Parandania boecki (Stebbing, 1888) has been investigated. Examination of gut contents shows that this species feeds on Cnidaria. The oesophagus, stomach and midgut are adapted to ingest and store large masses of soft food. The opening of the oesophagus is closed by a labral operculum and ‘double gate’ — like narrowings at the stomach entrance. The foregut is extremely enlarged and the funnel region is reduced. The midgut very probably is not connected to the foregut, and the resorption of food takes place only in the midgut caeca. The midgut forms a shallow, crescentic cavity over the midgut caeca.