Showing papers in "Zootaxa in 2013"

Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles amharicus, new members of the Anopheles gambiae complex.

Abstract: Two new species within the Anopheles gambiae complex are here described and named. Based on molecular and bionomical evidence, the An. gambiae molecular "M form" is named Anopheles coluzzii Coetzee & Wilkerson sp. n., while the "S form" retains the nominotypical name Anopheles gambiae Giles. Anopheles quadriannulatus is retained for the southern African populations of this species, while the Ethiopian species is named Anopheles amharicus Hunt, Wilkerson & Coetzee sp. n., based on chromosomal, cross-mating and molecular evidence.

Animal biodiversity: An outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness (Addenda 2013).

Abstract: The kingdom Animalia is here estimated to have a total of 1,659,420 described species (including 133,692 fossil species) in 40 phyla. Among these, the most successful phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,302,809 species, or about 78.5% of the total. The second largest phylum, Mollusca (118,061 species), is <10% of Arthropoda in diversity, but it is still much more diverse than other successful invertebrate phyla Platyhelminthes (29,488 species), Nematoda (25,043 species), Echinodermata (20,550 species), Annelida (17,426 species), Cnidaria (16,363 species), Bryozoa (11,474 species) and Porifera (10,876 species). The phylum Craniata, including the vertebrates, represents 85,432 species (including 19,974 fossil species): among these, 35,644 species of "fishes", 7,171 species of amphibians, 15,507 species of reptiles, 11,087 species of birds, and 16,014 species of mammals.

A Phylogeny and Classification of the Senticaudata subord. nov. Crustacea: Amphipoda)

Abstract: The Amphipoda includes a large clade defined by the presence of a previously unrecognised synapomorphy, apical robust setae on the rami of uropods 1–2. We term this clade the Senticaudata subord. nov. (Latin: sentis = thorn). It includes almost all freshwater species as well as a number of marine benthic taxa, formerly part of the ‘Gammaridea’. The phylog-eny of the senticaudates was determined by cladistic analysis of morphological characters and character states. Within the suborder Senticaudata there are six infraorders: Carangoliopsida, Talitrida, Hadziida, Corophiida, Bogidiellida and Gam-marida. A classification is provided and all the senticaudate families are diagnosed. We introduce for the first time in am-phipod classification, the level parvorder between infraorder and superfamily. Four new families are described: Kairosidae; Eriopisidae; Nuuanuidae and Kergueleniolidae.

Significance of the sexual openings and supplementary structures on the phylogeny of brachyuran crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura), with new nomina for higher-ranked podotreme taxa.

Abstract: The patterns of complexity of the male and female sexual openings in Brachyura, which have been the source of uncertainties and conflicting opinions, are documented, together with a study of the morphologies of the coxal and sternal gonopores in both sexes, penises, spermathecae, and gonopods. The vulvae, male gonopores and penises are described among selected taxa of Eubrachyura, and their function and evolution examined in the context of a wide variety of mating behaviours. The location of female and male gonopores, the condition of the penis (coxal and sternal openings and modalities of protection), and related configurations of thoracic sternites 7 and 8, which are modified by the intercalation of a wide sternal part (thoracic sternites 7 and 8) during carcinisation, show evidence of deep homology. They represent taxonomic criteria at all ranks of the family-series and may be used to test lineages. Of particular significance are the consequences of the posterior expansion of the thoracic sternum, which influences the condition, shape, and sclerotisation of the penis, and its emergence from coxal (heterotreme) to coxo-sternal, which is actually still coxal (heterotreme), in contrast to a sternal emergence (thoracotreme). The heterotreme-thoracotreme distinction results from two different trajectories of the vas deferens and its ejaculatory duct via the P5 coxa (Heterotremata) or through the thoracic sternum (Thoracotremata). Dissections of males of several families have demonstrated that this major difference not only affects the external surface (perforation of the coxa or the sternum by the ejaculatory duct) but also the internal anatomy. There is no evidence for an ejaculatory duct passing through the articular membrane between the P5 coxa and the thoracic sternum in any Brachyura, even when the sternal male gonopore is very close to the P5 coxa. Trends towards the coxo-sternal condition are exemplified by multistate characters, varying from a shallow depression to a long groove along expanded sternites 7 and 8, and ultimately their complete, extended junction typifying the most derived coxo-sternal condition. The coxo-sternal condition is indicative of a long evolutionary history, as evidenced by the presence of multistate characters (e.g., Dorippidae, Goneplacoidea) or by a single, well-established condition (e.g., Chasmocarcinidae, Ethusidae, Panopeidae Eucratopsinae, Rhizopidae, Scalopidiidae). The penial area proves to be an essential diagnostic feature in Brachyura, with a value comparable to that of the gonopods. Penis protection is ubiquitous in Brachyura irrespective of length, and several modalities of protection prevail, which necessitate different modifications of associated structures. A long penis in a gutter developed from a partial invagination of sternite 8 induces the formation of a new "suture" at the same level as the preceding suture 6/7. Such a "supplementary suture 7/8" exists among unrelated heterotreme families (e.g., Ethusidae, Panopeidae Eucratopsinae, Pseudorhombilidae, Rhizopidae). A fully protected penis, concealed in a groove within a complete invagination of sternite 8 in the form of two contiguous plates, evolved independently (homoplasy) in Palicoidea and Chasmocarcinidae (Goneplacoidea), with sternite 8 present as a single plate in females. In condylar protection, described for the first time and occurring in several heterotreme families, the penis emerges from the extremity of the P5 coxo-sternal condyle or from its anterior border instead of from the coxa itself. A penis precisely lodged in a small excavation on sternite 8, which is lined by a row of stiff setae, is unique to Brachyura, and represents a new synapomorphy of the Homoloidea. Five modalities of penis protection are recognised in Podotremata, eight in Eubrachyura (six in Heterotremata and two in Thoracotremata). Special attention has been paid to Dorippoidea (Dorippidae and Ethusidae), which shows transformation series from coxal to coxo-sternal conditions. The coxo-sternal condition is not an intermediate towards the thoracotreme organisation, and a step in heterotreme evolution is the adoption of the coxo-sternal condition. An extreme carcinisition may also result in the sternal arrangement of male gonopores in the form of a "sternitreme" disposition, as in the case of Hymenosomatoidea, which displays a broad thoracic sternum and true sternal male gonopores (as in thoracotremes) together with several plesiomorphic traits that are assumed to represent an old, deeply-rooted heterotreme clade. A sternitreme condition evolved independently in the most ancestral heterotreme clades (such as Hymenosomatoidea) and in Thoracotremata. The older the lineage of a heterotreme is, the higher the possibility of having evolved carcinisation. Evidence that "derived" traits may be the consequence of a strong carcinisation, rather than being recently acquired, necessitates reconsidering certain character states in Brachyura. Eubrachyurans can only evolve either the heterotreme or the thoracotreme arrangement, the consistency of the inferred ancestral characters states providing a useful criterion for evaluating ancestral trait reconstructions. A widened thoracic sternum together with sternal gonopores may be present in carcinised heterotremes such as hymenosomatoids. The thoracic sternum provides a reliable complex of characters that must be carefully interpreted. The hypothesis of a coxo-sternal disposition in Cryptochiroidea and Pinnotheroidea, generally considered thoracotremes, is rejected, and an alternative interpretation of their status is discussed. A new interpretation of the phylogeny of Cryptochiroidea is outlined, but the origin of Pinnotheroidea remains puzzling. The sella turcica, frequently regarded a synapomorphy of Eubrachyura, is redefined as the structure formed by the endosternal intertagmal phragma that connects the tagma/thorax and the tagma/abdomen to thoracic interosternite 7/8. It is here termed the "brachyuran sella turcica" and is shown to be synapomorphic to all Brachyura. The Eubrachyura synapomorphically shares the fusion of the thoracic interopleurite 7/8 with the brachyuran sella turcica, forming the "eubrachyuran sella turcica". In contrast, some Podotremata (Cyclodorippoidea and Raninoidea) share a connection between the sella turcica and the thoracic interosternite 6/7. Six main patterns of the thoracic sternum in relation to variations in sutures 4/5-7/8 are recognised in Eubrachyura, whereas several subpatterns that include variations in the median line are distinguished. The evolution of the thoracic sternum and axial skeleton is reassessed in Podotremata and Eubrachyura. A posteriormost location of the male gonopore (coxal or sternal) in relation to sternite 8 characterises many brachyurans (Cryptochiroidea, Hymenosomatoidea, Majoidea, Matutidae, Menippidae, Orithyioidea, Parthenopoidea, Ucididae, Grapsoidea--including Percnidae, Plagusiidae, Varunidae), in contrast to a location close to suture 7/8 in other groups. The thoracic sternum/pterygostome junction, which has multistate characters, is shown to be a valuable taxonomic criterion. The shapes of the sterno-abdominal depression and sterno-abdominal cavity provide diagnostic features that are helpful in suprageneric assignments. The monophyly of Brachyura, Eubrachyura, and Thoracotremata is reaffirmed. The monophyly of Brachyura is supported by the interdependence of the two pairs of gonopods and penis. An abdomen permanently flexed and held by the pereopods and/or the homoloid press button (on sternite 4) or typical eubrachyuran press-button (on sternite 5) may be considered a synapomorphy of Brachyura, the absence of this condition considered a loss. The double abdominal-locking system ("double peg") on sternite 5, a device discovered in three families of the extinct Palaeocorystoidea from the Upper Aptian, is similar to the double hook present in living lyreidids, although it is lost in all other raninoid extant members. New evidence shows that the abdominal holding was an early occurrence for a brachyuran crab. The Raninoidea, sister to Palaeocorystoidea, is characterised by gymnopleurity, a condition that results from the lifting of the carapace and thus the exposure of several pleurites. The narrowing of the body and thoracic sternum, almost certainly associated with their burrowing behaviour, is a diagnostic feature of raninoid evolution, in contrast to the widening observed in the remaining Brachyura. The monophyly of Heterotremata is discussed. Although the correct assignment of the coxal male gonopore and sternal female gonopore (vulva) at the base of Decapoda and Eubrachyura, respectively, left no synapomorphies to support the Heterotremata, the group nevertheless should be regarded as the sister group to Thoracotremata. The controversial monophyly of Podotremata is discussed and arguments are presented against the suppression of this taxon. The distinction of Homoloidia from Dromioidia is argued, and a classification of Podotremata, which considers the fossil record whenever possible, is presented. The earliest brachyurans are re-examined, and a new interpretation of the phylogeny of several basal eubrachyuran groups (Dorippoidea, Inachoididae, Palicoidea, Retroplumoidea) is proposed. Stenorhynchus shares a number of characters with the Inachoididae that differentiate them from Inachidae, and also has some distinctive features that warrants its assignment to a separate inachoidid subfamily, Stenorhynchinae, which is resurrected. The concealment strategies among Brachyura are documented and discussed. Podotremes use carrying behaviour, often combined with burying and concealment under substrates, whereas living within a host, burying, and decoration are used by heterotremes, burrowing being essentially a thoracotreme strategy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

To name or not to name: Criteria to promote economy of change in Linnaean classification schemes.

Abstract: The Linnaean classification system provides the universal reference system for communicating about the diversity of life and its hierarchic history. Several limitations that challenge the stability of this system have been identified and, as a result, alternative systems have been proposed since its early inception. The revolution caused by molecular phylogenetics has, more than ever, exemplified that Linnaean classification schemes are subject to a degree of instability that may hamper their significance and communication power. Our analysis of recent changes in the classification of several groups of organisms, with a focus on amphibians and reptiles, reveals two main sources of instability: (i) revisionary, objective (empirical) changes based on the discovery of unambiguous instances of non-monophyly and on progress in the Globe's species inventory, and (ii) subjective changes based on author preferences or on a poor analysis of the advantages and limitations of new classification schemes. To avoid subjective taxonomic instability, we review and elaborate proposals for the assignment of Linnaean rank to clades, and thereby for the naming of these clades as Linnaean taxa (Taxon Naming Criteria: TNCs). These are drafted from the perspective of practicing taxonomists and can help choosing among alternative monophyly-based classifications under a premise of economy of change. We provide a rationale for each TNC along with real and theoretical examples to illustrate their practical advantages and disadvantages. We conclude that not all TNCs lead to equally informative and stable taxonomies. Therefore, we order the various TNCs by the generality of their implications and provide a workflow scheme to guide the procedure of taxonomic decisions concerning the creation or modification of supraspecific classifications. The following criteria are considered primary when naming taxa: (i) Monophyly of the taxon in an inferred species tree; (ii) Clade Stability, i.e., the monophyly of a clade to be named as taxon should be as strongly supported as possible by various methods of tree inference, tests of clade robustness, and different data sets; and (iii) Phenotypic Diagnosability, i.e., ranked supraspecific taxa should be those that are phenotypically most conspicuous although in phenotypically cryptic groups of organisms it can be warranted to name taxa based on molecular differences alone. We consider various other criteria as secondary (i.e., the Time Banding, Biogeography, Adaptive Zone, and Hybrid Viability TNCs) and refute using them as sole arguments for the modification of established classifications or proposal of new ones. Taxonomists are encouraged to be explicit and consistent when applying TNCs for creating or modifying classifications. We emphasize that, except for monophyly, the priority TNCs are not proposed as mandatory requisites of a Linnaean taxon but as yardsticks to allow for an informed choice among various clades in a tree that could alternatively be named as Linnaean taxa. Despite a need for plurality, classifications should avoid deliberately violating any of the three primary TNCs because taxa of unstable monophyly or poor diagnosability reduce the information content and hence the utility of the Linnaean system.

Order Hymenoptera . In : Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)

Abstract: An updated classification of the order Hymenoptera is provided with the current numbers of genera and species described so far specified. The order is composed of 2 suborders, 27 superfamilies, 132 families, 8423 extant genera with an additional 685 extinct genera. Considered one of the most species-rich insects orders a total of 153088 extant species have been described, in addition to 2429 extinct species.

Animal biodiversity: An update of classification and diversity in 2013. In : Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)

Abstract: The kingdom Animalia is here estimated to have a total of 1,659,420 described species (including 133,692 fossil species) in 40 phyla. Among these, the most successful phylum Arthropoda alone represents 1,302,809 species, or about 78.5% of the total. The second largest phylum, Mollusca (118,061 species), is <10% of Arthropoda in diversity, but it is still much more diverse than other successful invertebrate phyla Platyhelminthes (29,488 species), Nematoda (25,043 species), Echinodermata (20,550 species), Annelida (17,426 species), Cnidaria (16,363 species), Bryozoa (11,474 species) and Porifera (10,876 species). The phylum Craniata, including the vertebrates, represents 85,432 species (including 19,974 fossil species): among these, 35,644 species of “fishes”, 7,171 species of amphibians, 15,507 species of reptiles, 11,087 species of birds, and 16,014 species of mammals.

The classification and diversity of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata)

Abstract: An updated classification and numbers of described genera and species (until 2010) are provided up to family level. We argue for conserving the family-group names Chlorocyphidae, Euphaeidae and Dicteriadidae, as well as retaining Epiophlebiidae in the suborder Anisozygoptera. Pseudostigmatidae and New World Protoneuridae are sunk in Coenagrionidae and Old World Protoneuridae in Platycnemididae. The families Amphipterygidae and Megapodagrionidae as traditionally recognized are not monophyletic, as may be the superfamily Calopterygoidea. The proposal to separate Chlorogomphidae, Cordulegastridae and Neopetaliidae from Libelluloidea in their own superfamily Cordulegastroidea is adopted. Macromiidae, Libellulidae and Synthemistidae and a restricted Corduliidae are accepted as families, but many genera of Libelluloidea are retained as incertae sedis at present. 5952 extant species in 652 genera have been described up to 2010. These are placed here in 30 families; recent proposals to separate additional families from Amphipterygidae and Megapodagrionidae have not yet been incorporated.

Revision and reclassification of Lasioglossum (Evylaeus), L. (Hemihalictus) and L. (Sphecodogastra) in eastern North America (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Halictidae).

Abstract: The black species of weak-veined Lasioglossum (or Hemihalictus series) in eastern North America are revised to clarify their taxonomy and nomenclature and to facilitate identification. A subgeneric classification based upon available phylogenetic data is applied. Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) is applied more broadly than any previous usage to include many species typically classified as L. (Evylaeus). The subgenus L. (Evylaeus) is retained but applied narrowly in agreement with phylogenetic results. Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) has historically been considered monotypic but is here applied to many species of L. (Dialictus) sensu lato (equivalent to the carinaless L. (Evylaeus) of some authors). Usage of L. (Dialictus) is restricted primarily to species with metallic integument. Additional subgeneric synonymies for extralimital taxa are formalized and discussed. Descriptions are provided for each species with a synonymic list, diagnosis, and notes on taxonomy and biology. The recently revised Onagraceae-specialist species of L. (Sphecodogastra) are given abbreviated treatments. Notes on available DNA barcode data are given, with diagnostic characters supplied for closely related spe-cies. One new species is described: L. (Sphecodogastra) seillean Gibbs and Packer and the males of L. fedorense (Crawford) and L. pectinatum (Robertson) are described for the first time. The following three new synonymies are proposed: Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) sopinci (Crawford), senior subjective synonym of Evylaeus bradleyi Mitchell; Lasioglosum (Hemihalictus) macoupinense (Robertson), senior subjective synonym of Halictus divergens Lovell; and Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) inconditum (Cockerell), senior subjective synonym of Halictus tracyi Cockerell. Lasioglossum inconditum is here considered to be distinct from the Palaearctic species L. rufitarse (Zetterstedt). A lectotype is designat-ed for Halictus quebecensis Crawford. We present the first record of L. lustrans (Cockerell) and L. swenki (Crawford) in Canada and the first record of L. lusorium (Cresson) east of the Mississippi River. Updated keys to species are provided for the fauna of eastern North America.

Phylum Bryozoa Ehrenberg, 1831. In : Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)

Abstract: This paper is an invited contribution to the Zootaxa series ‘Animal biodiversity: An outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness.’ (Zhang 2011). This series pertains to living biodiversity and the species numbers given here are more or less derived from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), for which the two authors of this paper are listed as editors (PEB hands-on editor; DPG advisory editor). Thus circumscribed, Bryozoa includes 3 classes, 4 orders, 187 families, 808 genera and 5869 species [Phylactolaemata 86 species, Stenolaemata 543 species, Gymnolaemata 5240 species (Ctenostomata 319 species, Cheilostomata 4921 species)]. Although all Phylactolaemata and several species of Ctenostomata are freshwater organisms, the full list of bryozoan species is accessible on WoRMS. The WoRMS list must be understood to be provisional, owing to the need for taxonomic revisions of many genera. Nevertheless, even if not all species in the list are accurately attributed to genera, the names represent operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that are indicative of living species diversity as known to date.

Molecular phylogenetics of ponerine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Ponerinae).

Abstract: Recent molecular phylogenetic studies of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) have revolutionized our understanding of how these ecologically dominant organisms diversified, but detailed phylogenies are lacking for most major ant subfamilies. I report the results of the first detailed phylogenetic study of the ant subfamily Ponerinae, a diverse cosmopolitan lineage whose properties make it an attractive model system for investigating social and ecological evolution in ants. Molecular sequence data were obtained from four nuclear genes (wingless, long-wavelength rhodopsin, rudimentary [CAD], 28S rDNA; total of ~3.3 kb) for 86 ponerine taxa, representing all three ponerine tribes, 22 of the 28 currently recognized genera, and 14 of the 18 informal subgenera of Pachycondyla, a heterogeneous grouping whose monophyly is doubtful on morphological grounds. Phylogenetic reconstructions using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference support the monophyly of Ponerinae and tribe Platythyreini, but fail to support the monophyly of the large tribe Ponerini due to its inclusion of the unusual genus Thaumatomyrmex. Pachycondyla is inferred to be broadly non-monophyletic. Numerous novel generic and suprageneric relationships are inferred within Ponerini, which was found to consist of four major multi-generic clades (the Ponera, Pachycondyla, Plectroctena and Odontomachus genus groups) plus the single genera Hypoponera and Harpegnathos. Uncertainty remains in some regions of the phylogeny, including at the base of Ponerini, possibly reflecting rapid radiation. Divergence dating using a Bayesian relaxed clock method estimates an origin for stem Ponerinae in the upper Cretaceous, a major burst of diversification near the K/T boundary, and a rich and continual history of diversification during the Cenozoic. These results fail to support the predictions of the "dynastic-succession hypothesis" previously developed to explain the high species diversity of Ponerinae. Though model-based reconstructions of historical biogeography and trait evolution were not attempted in this study, the phylogeny suggests that ponerine evolution was marked by regionalized radiations and frequent faunal exchange between major biogeographic provinces. The reported results also imply multiple origins of cryptobiotic foraging, mass raiding behavior, and gamergate reproduction within Ponerinae, highlighting the value of the subfamily as a model for studying the incipient evolution of these and other ecological and behavioral traits.

Catalogue of parasitoids and inquilines in cynipid oak galls in the West Palaearctic

Abstract: A quantitative catalogue of the parasitoids (almost exclusively Chalcidoidea) and inquiline Cynipidae recorded in the western Palaearctic from galls induced on Quercus by Cynipidae (Cynipini) is presented. Quantitative and national data are included with bibliographic references to almost all records published in 2011 and earlier. The catalogue is followed by two checklists, firstly one of the Chalcidoidea with numbers of each species recorded from each type of host gall (galls of the sexual and asexual generations of the host gall wasps are listed separately), and secondly one of inquiline Cynipidae with host galls. Compared to non-oak gall wasps, the Cynipini support a much larger parasitoid and especially inquiline fauna, and this fauna is very largely restricted at the species level to Cynipini galls. About one hundred chalcidoid species are recorded from galls of Cynipini, distributed over six families: Pteromalidae and Eulophidae (29 species each), Torymi-dae (21 species), Eurytomidae (10 species), Eupelmidae (8 species) and Ormyridae (at least 2 species). Polyphagy is usual in the chalcidoid parasitoids, most species having a broad host gall range, but quantitatively the fauna of each type of oak gall is rather characteristic and is strongly influenced by gall morphology, situation on the tree, season of growth and host tree species. These and other extrinsic factors restrict the full exploitation of the chalcidoids’ potential host gall range.

Phylum Arthropoda. In : Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)

Abstract: The Arthropoda is here estimated to have 1,302,809 described species, including 45,769 fossil species (the diversity of fossil taxa is here underestimated for many taxa of the Arthropoda). The Insecta (1,070,781 species) is the most successful group, and it alone accounts for over 80% of all arthropods. The most successful insect order, Coleoptera (392,415 species), represents over one-third of all species in 39 insect orders. Another major group in Arthropoda is the class Arachnida (114,275 species), which is dominated by the Acari (55,214 mite and tick species) and Araneae (44,863 spider species). Other diverse arthropod groups include Crustacea (73,141 species), Trilobitomorpha (20,906 species) and Myriapoda (12,010 species).

An updated host-parasite catalogue of world Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea).

Abstract: An updated host-parasite catalogue of world Dryinidae is presented. The catalogue presents 1014 relationships between dryinids and their hosts checked in 84 countries of the world, including 38 new records.

Overosaurus paradasorum gen. et sp. nov., a new sauropod dinosaur (Titanosauria: Lithostrotia) from the late Cretaceous of Neuquén, Patagonia, Argentina.

Abstract: A new lithostrotian sauropod, the small-sized Overosaurus paradasorum n. gen et sp. from the Anacleto Formation (Cam-panian, Late Cretaceous, Neuquen Group, Patagonia, Argentina) is here described. The specimen (MAU-Pv-CO-439) consists of a fully articulated vertebral series from the 10th cervical to the 20th caudal vertebra, the last cervical ribs, several dorsal ribs in articulation with their respective vertebrae, the complete right ilium and fragments of the left ilium. Overo-saurus paradasorum is diagnosed by a unique combination of characters that includes (1) posterior cervical vertebrae with long pre- and postzygapophyses that project beyond the anterior and posterior borders of the centrum, respectively, (2) postspinal lamina absent in all dorsal neural spines, (3) wide and massive 9th and 10th caudal centra that are slightly exca-vated laterally and have relatively flat ventral surfaces, (4) laminar projection on the posterior border of the second and third dorsal rib, (5) ilium proportionally shorter anteroposteriorly and taller dorsoventrally than in other lithostrotians, and (6) the preacetabular process of the ilium strongly deflected laterally and with a ventrolaterally tapering end. Analysis of the phylogenetic relationships of Overosaurus places it within the Aeolosaurini, as the sister taxon of a monophyletic group formed by Aeolosaurus rionegrinus , A . maximus , Gondwanatitan faustoi and Pitekunsaurus macayai . Overosaurus is a new representative of a highly diversified assemblage of Campanian lithostrotians from Patagonia that includes both Aeolosaurini and saltasaurids (e.g. Saltasaurus , Neuquensaurus )—this small new taxon falls within the low end of the size spectrum represented by these Late Cretaceous sauropods.

Revision of the fish family Kyphosidae (Teleostei: Perciformes).

Abstract: A molecular phylogenetic analysis with complete species sampling of the family Kyphosidae revealed several discrepancies with the current taxonomy. We thus undertook a complete taxonomic revision of all kyphosid genera, i.e. Kyphosus Lacepede, 1801, and the monotypic Hermosilla Jenkins and Evermann, 1889, Sectator Jordan and Evermann, 1903 and Neoscorpis Smith, 1931. Species delimitation was determined on the basis of congruence between (a) monophyletic groupings in the molecular phylogeny, and (b) clusters of morphological variation in type material. Twelve species are supported and redescribed. Both Hermosilla and Sectator are considered junior synonyms of Kyphosus. Kyphosus azureus (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889) and K. ocyurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are redescribed accordingly. We designate a neotype for Kyphosus cornelii (Whitley, 1944), as the original material is lost, and new material was collected at the type locality for this study to facilitate comparison with other species of Kyphosus. Kyphosus sandwicensis (sensu Sauvage, 1880) was found to be a junior synonym of K. elegans (Peters, 1869). Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1831) and K. analogus (Gill, 1862) are considered junior synonyms of K. vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825). Kyphosus gallveii (Cunningham, 1910), K. pacificus Sakai and Nakabo, 2004 and K. lutescens (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) are all considered junior synonyms of K. sectatrix (Linnaeus, 1758). One of the two syntype specimens of K. sectatrix was identified as the holotype of Pimelepterus bosquii (Lacepede, 1802), and proved to be a specimen of K. bigibbus Lacepede, 1801. This specimen is re-assigned as a non-type of K. bigibbus. Full re-descriptions of the following valid species are presented: K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens (Forsskal, 1775), K. cornelii, K. elegans, K. hawaiiensis Sakai and Nakabo, 2004, K. gladius Knudsen and Clements, 2013, K. sydneyanus (Gunther, 1886) and K. vaigiensis, together with a key to the family. The distribution of Kyphosus species is reconsidered based on our taxonomic revision, indicating that four species (K. bigibbus, K. cinerascens, K. sectatrix and K. vaigiensis) occur in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Phylogeny and classification of the New World suboscines (Aves, Passeriformes).

Abstract: Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for the New World suboscine radiation, based on a dataset comprising of 219 terminal taxa and five nuclear molecular markers (ca. 6300 bp). We also estimate ages of the main clades in this radiation. This study corroborates many of the recent insights into the phylogenetic relationships of New World suboscines. It further clarifies a number of cases for which previous studies have been inconclusive, such as the relationships of Conopophagidae, Melanopareiidae and Tityridae. We find a remarkable difference in age of the initial divergence events in Furnariida and Tyrannida. The deepest branches in Furnariida are of Eocene age, whereas the extant lineages of Tyrannida have their origin in the Oligocene. Approximately half of the New World suboscine species are harboured in 5 large clades that started to diversify around the Mid Miocene Climatic Optimum (16-12 Mya). Based on our phylogenetic results we propose a revised classification of the New World suboscines. We also erect new family or subfamily level taxa for four small and isolated clades: Berlepschiinae, Pipritidae, Tachurididae and Muscigrallinae.

Review of the systematics, distribution, biogeography and natural history of Moroccan amphibians

Abstract: The amphibian fauna of the Kingdom of Morocco was traditionally regarded as poor and closely related to its European counterpart. However, an increase in research during the last decades revealed a considerable degree of endemism amongst Moroccan amphibians, as well as phenotypic and genotypic inter- and intraspecific divergence. Despite this increase in knowledge, a comprehensible overview is lacking while several systematic issues have remained unresolved. We herein present a contemporary overview of the distribution, taxonomy and biogeography of Moroccan amphibians. Fourteen fieldtrips were made by the authors and colleagues between 2000 and 2012, which produced a total of 292 new distribution records. Furthermore, based on the results of the present work, we (i) review the systematics of the genus Salamandra in Morocco, including the description of a new subspecies from the Rif- and Middle Atlas Mountains, Salamandra algira splendens ssp. nov.; (ii) present data on intraspecific morphological variability of Pelobates varaldiiand Pleurodeles waltl in Morocco; (iii) attempt to resolve the phylogenetic position of Bufo brongersmai and erect a new genus for this species, Barbarophryne gen. nov.; (iv) summarize and assess the availability of tadpole-specific characteristics and bioacoustical data, and (v) summarize natural history data.

Dryinidae of the Oriental region (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea).

Abstract: An updated revision of Oriental Dryinidae is presented. Seven subfamilies, 20 genera and 368 species are treated. Eight new species are described: Aphelopus zonalis Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (China, Hainan); Anteon zoilum Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (China, Yunnan), Anteon zonarium Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (China, Yunnan), Anteon zopyrum Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (China, Xizang), Anteon zoroastrum Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (Malaysia, Malaya), Esagonatopus sinensis Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (China, Yunnan), Gonatopus yunnanensis Xu, Olmi & He, sp. nov. (China, Yunnan); Ponomarenkoa ellenbergeri Olmi, Xu & He, sp. nov. (Myanmar amber). Descriptions, geographic distribution, known hosts, natural en-emies and type material of each species are presented, together with illustrations of the main morphological characters and keys to the subfamilies, genera and species. Complete lists of references concerning the Oriental Dryinidae and their hosts are given. New synonymies are proposed for Aphelopus albiclypeus Xu, He & Olmi, 1999 (=A. exnotaulices He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), A. orientalis Olmi, 1984 (=A. albopictoides Xu & He, 1999, syn. nov.), A. taiwanensis Olmi, 1991 (=A. compresssus Xu & Yao, 1997, syn. nov.), A. niger Xu & He, 1999 (=A. nigricornis Xu, He & Olmi, 1999, syn. nov.), A. penanganus Olmi, 1984 (=A.olmii He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), Anteon cacumen Xu & He, 1997 (=A. longwangshanense Xu & He, 1997, syn. nov.), A. hilare Olmi, 1984 (=A. corax Olmi, 1984, syn. nov., =A. javanum Olmi, 1984, syn. nov., =A. serratum Xu & He, 1999, syn. nov.), A. lankanum Olmi, 1984 (=A. planum Xu & He, 1999, syn. nov.), A. munitum Olmi, 1984 (=A. bauense Olmi, 1984, syn. nov.), A. parapriscum Olmi, 1991 (=A. alpinum He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), A. peterseni Olmi, 1984 (=A. scrupulosum He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), A. yuani Xu, He & Olmi, 1998 (=A. yuae He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), Lonchodryinus bimaculatus Xu & He, 1994 (=L. niger He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), L. ruficornis (Dalman, 1818) (=L. melaphelus Xu & He, 1994, syn. nov.), Dryinus indicus (Kieffer, 1914) (=Chlorodryinus koreanus Moczar, 1983, syn. nov., =Dryinus masneri Olmi, 2009, syn. nov.), D. stantoni Ashmead, 1904 (=D. undatomarginis Xu & He, 1998, syn. nov., =D. wuyishanensis He & Xu, 2002, syn. nov.), Adryinus jini Xu & Yang, 1995 (=A. platycornis Xu & He, 1995, syn. nov.), Gonatopus nigricans (R. Perkins, 1905 (=G. fulgori Nakagawa, 1906, syn. nov., =G. insulanus He & Xu, 1998, syn. nov., Pseudogonatopus sogatea Rohwer, 1920, syn. nov.; P. pusanus Olmi, 1984, syn. nov.), G. nudus (R. Perkins, 1912) (=G. yangi He & Xu, 1998, syn. nov.), G. pedestris Dalman, 1818 (=Epigonatopus sakaii Esaki & Hashimoto, 1933, syn. nov.), G. rufoniger Olmi, 1993 (=Neodryinus hishimonovorus Xu & He, 1997, syn. nov.), G. schen-klingi Strand, 1913 (=G. euscelidivorus Xu & He, 1999, syn. nov.). New combinations are proposed for Deinodryinus con-strictus (Olmi, 1998), comb. nov. (from Anteon), Dryinus asiaticus (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Alphadryinus), D. barbarus (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Mesodryinus), Gonatopus bengalensis (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Agona-topoides ), G. bicuspis (Olmi, 1993), comb. nov. (from Pseudogonatopus), G. borneanus (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Agonatopoides ); G. indicus (Olmi, 1987), comb. nov. (from Donisthorpina), G. insularis (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Agonatopoides), G. lankae (Ponomarenko, 1981), comb. nov. (from Pseudogonatopus), G. malesiae (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Pseudogonatopus), G. nepalensis (Olmi, 1986), comb. nov. (from Pseudogonatopus), G. pajanensis (Olmi, 1989), comb. nov. (from Agonatopoides), G. pyrillae (Mani, 1942), comb. nov. (from Agonatopoides), G. sarawakensis (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Pseudogonatopus), G. validus (Olmi, 1984), comb. nov. (from Pseudogonatopus).

Macrobothriotaenia ficta (Cestoda: Proteocephalidea), a parasite of sunbeam snake ( Xenopeltis unicolor ): example of convergent evolution

Abstract: The poorly known proteocephalidean cestode Macrobothriotaenia ficta (Meggitt, 1931) from the sunbeam snake Xenopeltis unicolor (Ophidia: Xenopeltidae) is redescribed on the basis of re-examination of its type specimens from Burma (Myanmar), and vouchers from Thailand and Vietnam. The peculiar morphology of the scolex, which is formed by four pedunculate lobe-bearing pincer-shaped suckers, is described for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. In scolex morphology, M. ficta closely resembles phyllobothriidean cestodes, parasites of elasmobranchs. However, this similarity does not reflect phylogenetic relatedness of these cestodes but instead presents an example of convergent morphological evolution of attachment organs of unrelated groups of cestodes that parasitize different groups of vertebrates. Besides scolex morphology, the genus is characterised by the possession of a very large cirrus-sac, which may reach up to the midline of proglottides, few testes (less than 60), vitelline follicles limited to the dorsal side of proglottides, a large vaginal sphincter, and eggs with a three-layered embryophore covered with rounded projections. Numerous errors in the diagnosis of M. ficta , which appeared in the literature as a result of uncritical compilation of data without examination of original material, are corrected. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes ssr - and lsrDNA and mitochondrial genes rrnL and cox1 place this species among other snake-parasitizing proteocephalideans of the genus Ophiotaenia . The convergent evolution of scolex morphology across distantly related taxa is discussed.

Revision of the New World genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract: The New Worldand largely Neotropical genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 is revised with a key to all species. Peckia is considered a senior synonym of Guanoxipha Lehrer, 2012, n. syn. and of Sarcodexia Townsend, 1892, n. syn., the first one under Squamatodes Curran and the latter maintained as a valid subgenus, which here is redefined giving the new generic combinations Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830), n. comb. and P. (S.) notata (Lopes, 1935), n. comb.; and the new subgeneric affiliations P. (S.) aequata (Wulp, 1895), P. (S.) chirotheca (Hall, 1933), P. (S.) dominicana (Lopes, 1982), P. (S.) florencioi (Prado & Fonseca, 1932), P. (S.) roppai (Lopes & Tibana, 1982) and P. (S.) tridentata (Hall, 1937). Peckia virgo (Pape, 1994) is transferred from subgenus Euboettcheria Townsend, 1927 to subgenus Squamatodes Curran, 1927. Sarcophaga adolenda Lopes, 1935 is transferred from its current position in Peckia to the genus Retrocitomyia Lopes, 1982, n. comb. A total of 67 species are recognized and grouped in the subgenera Euboettcheria, Pattonella Enderlein, 1928, Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (sensu stricto), Sarcodexia and Squamatodes. Nine new species are described, viz., Peckia (Euboettcheria) santamariae n. sp. (Colombia), Peckia (Euboettcheria) cacao n. sp. (Costa Rica), Peckia (Euboettcheria) calixtoi n. sp. (Puerto Rico), Peckia (Euboettcheria) hernandosi n. sp. (Ecuador), Peckia (Pattonella) kladosoides n. sp. (Colombia), Peckia (Peckia) cocopex n. sp. (Costa Rica: Cocos Island), Peckia (Peckia) sarmientoi n. sp. (Ecuador), Peckia (Peckia) rosalbae n. sp. (Colombia) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) cocos n. sp. (Costa Rica: Cocos Island). The following new synonymies are proposed as junior synonyms under their respective species: under Peckia (Euboettcheria) tridentata (Hall, 1937) is Euboettcheria alvarengai Lopes & Tibana, 1982, n. syn.; under Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) is Paraphrissopoda hugolopesiana Lehrer, 2006, n. syn.; under Peckia (Peckia) pexata (Wulp, 1895) are Sarcophaga concinnata Williston, 1896, n. syn., Sarcophaga otiosa Williston, 1896, n. syn. and Paraphrissopoda catiae Lehrer, 2006, n. syn.; under Peckia (Peckia) rubella (Wiedemann, 1830) is Sarcophaga capitata Aldrich, 1916, n. syn. and under Peckia (Squamatodes) trivittata (Curran, 1927) is Squamatodes stahli Dodge, 1966, n. syn. Lectotypes are designated for Sarcophaga aequata Wulp, 1895, Sarcophaga concinnata Williston, 1896, Sarcophaga otiosa Williston, 1896 and Sarcophaga volucris Wulp, 1895. Paraphrissopoda alvesia Lehrer, 2006 is deemed an unavailable name as no depository was given for the putative type material.

Order Blattodea. In : Zhang, Z.-Q. (Ed.) Animal Biodiversity: An Outline of Higher-level Classification and Survey of Taxonomic Richness (Addenda 2013)

Abstract: The Blattodea comprise the termites (epifamily Termitoidae only) and the cockroaches (all other taxa). 7570 living species of Blattodea are currently recognised, of which 2929 are termites (Krishna et al. 2013) and 4641 are cockroaches (Beccaloni 2007).

A re-appraisal of the systematic status of selected genera in Palaemoninae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae).

Abstract: Recent phylogenetic work (Ashelby et al., 2012) has demonstrated the need for a fresh appraisal of the systematic status of some Palaemoninae genera. In the present contribution the accumulated morphological as well as molecular evidence is reviewed. The genera Palaemonetes, Exopalaemon and Coutierella are demonstrated to be junior synonyms of Palaemon, which now contains 83 species. As a result of this systematic re-arrangement, two replacement names are needed. Palaemon kwantung nom. nov. now replaces Exopalaemon guangdongensis Guo, Wang & Zhang, 2005, nec Palaemon guangdongensis Liu, Liang & Yan, 1990. Palaemon mundusnovus nom. nov. is the replacement name for Palaemonetes intermedius Holthuis, 1949, nec Palaemon intermedius (Stimpson, 1860).

Leptotrombidium (Acari: Trombiculidae) of the World.

Abstract: The chigger mite genus Leptotrombidium Nagayo, Miyagawa, Mitamura and Imamura, 1916 is reviewed using literature data. For 340 larval species brief diagnoses, synonymy, data on type hosts and type localities are provided. The genus is divided into species-groups based on morphological evidence enabling easier establishment of group-membership of un-known specimens in the future. Some species groups are supported by a hierarchical cluster analysis with multiscale boot-strap resampling applied to a matrix including 335 species and geographic morphotypes and 19 standard quantitative characters. Six new species from mammalian hosts are described: L. aenigmami sp. nov., L. abramovi sp. nov., L. tikhon-ovi sp. nov., L. bochkovi sp. nov., L. laoense sp. nov., and L. megaloti sp. nov. from Laos. Seven names created by Ver-cammen-Grandjean and Langston (1976) for infrasubspecific entities are applied to species with the same descriptions: Leptotrombidium tenompaki sp. nov., L. kinabalui sp. nov., L. megabodense sp. nov., L. minului sp. nov., L. ului sp. nov., L. megalangati sp. nov., and L. saigoni sp. nov. A new replacement name is proposed: L. ushi nom. nov. pro L. hsui Wu, Yang and Li, 1999 (praeocc. Yu, Yang and Gong, 1986). Nineteen new synonyms and 7 new combinations are proposed: Leptotrombidium (= Hsuella Wang, Li and Shi, 1989, syn. nov.; = Leptotrombidium (Monosigmum) Wen, 2001, syn. nov.), L. deliense (Walch, 1922) (= L. deliense sinense Wen and Chen, 1984, syn. nov.; = L. deliense microsetosa Zhao, Tang and Mo, 1986, syn. nov.), L. sialkotense Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976 (= L. jishoum Wen, Li, Zhang and Liao, 1988, syn. nov.), L. imphalum Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976 (= L. imphalum sabahense Vercam-men-Grandjean and Langston, 1976, syn. nov.; = L. chiangraiensis Tanskul and Linthicum, 1997, syn. nov.), L. wenense Wu, Wen, Yang and Wu, 1982 (= L. kaohuense Li, Wang and Chen, 1997, syn. nov.), L. longimedian Brown, 1992 (= L. mindanensis Brown, 1992, syn. nov.), L. silvaticum Hushcha and Schluger, 1967 (= L. pakistanum Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976, syn. nov.), L. cricethrionis Wen, Sun and Sun, 1984 (= L. rusticum Yu, Yang and Gong, 1986, syn. nov.), L. intermedium (Nagayo, Mitamura and Tamiya, 1920) (= Trombicula (L.) daisen Kumada and Sasa, 1953, syn. nov.; = Trombicula hiranumai Kanda, 1942, syn. nov.), L. fletcheri (Womersley and Heaslip, 1943) (= L. fletcheri fran-colini Wen and Xiang, 1984b, syn. nov.), L. apertum Kudryashova, 1979 (= L. sorosi Kharadov, 1995, syn. nov.; = L. tolaicus Kharadov, 2000, syn. nov.), L. turdicola Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976 (= L. muntiaci Xiang and Wen, 1984d, syn. nov.; = L. suense Wen, 1984g, syn. nov.), L. paradux Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976 (= L. montanum Stekolnikov, 2004, syn. nov.), L. hubeiense (Wang, Li and Shi, 1989) comb. nov. from Hsuella, L. dunqingi (Liu, Xiang and Ma, 2003) comb. nov. from Hsuella, L. nainae (Kharadov, 1990) comb. nov. from Montivagum, L. mon-golicum (Kudryashova, 1988) comb. nov. from Montivagum, L. kunitzkyi (Kudryashova, 1988) comb. nov. from Monti-vagum, L. alaicum (Kharadov, 1994) comb. nov. from Montivagum, and Lorillatum nudisensillum (Yu, Gong and Tao, 1981) comb. nov. from Leptotrombidium. A key to Leptotrombidium species is provided.

Terrestrial and freshwater Tardigrada of the Americas.

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive list of the freshwater and terrestrial tardigrade fauna reported from the Americas (North America, South America, Central America and the West Indies), their distribution in the Americas, and the substrates from which they have been reported. Data were obtained from 316 published references. Authors’ identifications were accepted at face value unless subsequently amended. Taxa were assigned to sub-national units (states, provinces, etc.). Many areas, in particular large portions of Central America and the West Indies, have no reported tardigrade fauna. The presence of 54 genera and 380 species has been reported for the Americas; 245 species have been collected in the Nearctic ecozone and 251 in the Neotropical ecozone. Among the tardigrade species found in the Americas, 52 are currently considered cosmopolitan, while 153 species have known distributions restricted to the Americas. Based on recent taxonomic revision of the genus Milnesium , the vast majority of records of M. tardigradum in the Americas should now be reassigned to Milnesium tardigradum sensu lato , either because the provided description differs from M. tardigradum sensu stricto or because insufficient description is provided to make a determination; the remainder should be considered Milnesium cf. tardigradum . Most terrestrial tardigrade sampling in the Americas has focused on cryptogams (mosses, lichens and liverworts); 90% of the species have been collected in such substrates. The proportion of species collected in other habitats is lower: 14% in leaf litter, 20% in soil, and 24% in aquatic samples (in other terrestrial substrates the proportion never exceeds 5%). Most freshwater tardigrades have been collected from aquatic vegetation and sediment. For nine species in the Americas no substrates have been reported.

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) of the Indian subcontinent: Diversity, taxonomy and current status of knowledge

Abstract: Eight named species of stingless bees are known from the Indian subcontinent: Lepidotrigona arcifera (Cockerell), Lisotrigona cacciae (Nurse), Lisotrigona mohandasi Jobiraj & Narendran, Tetragonula aff. laeviceps (Smith), Tetragonu-la bengalensis (Cameron), Tetragonula gressitti (Sakagami), Tetragonula iridipennis (Smith), Tetragonula praeterita (Walker), and Tetragonula ruficornis (Smith). Lectotypes are newly designated for T. bengalensis and T. ruficornis . Keys, comparative notes, and illustrations for species identification are provided. The distribution of stingless bees throughout the Indian subcontinent are summarized and concluding that they are found in most parts of the Indian subcontinent, ex-cept at higher elevation or the drier interior regions. Additional collections and studies are urgently needed to clearly de-fine the species limits of the complex “ iridipennis ” species group.

A taxonomic catalogue of the Dyspnoi Hansen and Sørensen, 1904 (Arachnida: Opiliones)

Abstract: An update of the systematics and determination key of the Opiliones suborder Dyspnoi is provided. The included cata-logue represents the first comprehensive species and synonymy listing since Roewer (1923). It summarises all taxonomic changes to date and attempts to be a sound basis against the exponential growing number of online errors, for which ex-amples are given. Species taxonomy features most obvious changes within the Nemastomatidae. The number of species in the collective genus Nemastoma is reduced from 96 (Hallan 2005) to its sensu stricto definition of 7, and the excluded names are transferred to other genera or considered as nomina dubia, predominantly in Paranemastoma . The systematics of the superfamily Ischyropsalidoidea is discussed and family-level diagnoses are renewed to support taxonomical chang-es: The morphological heterogeneity in the Sabaconidae is resolved by reverting the family to its original monogeneric state. Taracus and Hesperonemastoma are separated as Taracidae fam. n. , and Crosbycus is tentatively transferred to this assembly. The remaining genera of Ceratolasmatidae, Acuclavella and Ceratolasma, are included as subfamily Ceratolas-matinae in the Ischyropsalididae and Ischyropsalis is assigned subfamily status, respectively. Other nomenclatural acts are restricted to species-group level with the following synonymies established: Sabacon jonesi Goodnight & Goodnight, 1942 syn. n. (= cavicolens (Packard, 1884)), Dicranolasma diomedeum Kulczynski, 1907 syn. n. (= hirtum Loman, 1894), Mitostoma ( Mitostoma ) sketi Hadži, 1973a syn. n. (= chrysomelas (Hermann, 1804)), Mitostoma asturicum Roewer, 1951 syn. n. (= pyrenaeum (Simon, 1879a)), Nemastoma formosum Roewer, 1951 syn. n. (= Nemastomella bacillifera bacillif-era (Simon, 1879a)), Nemastoma reimoseri Roewer, 1951 syn. n. (= Paranemastoma bicuspidatum (C.L. Koch, 1835)), Nemastoma tunetanum Roewer, 1951 syn. n. (= Paranemastoma bureschi (Roewer, 1926)), Phalangium flavimanum C.L. Koch, 1835 syn. n. (= Paranemastoma quadripunctatum (Perty, 1833)), Crosbycus graecus Giltay, 1932 syn. n. (= Parane-mastoma simplex (Giltay, 1932)), Nemastoma bimaculosum Roewer 1951 syn. n. (= Paranemastoma titaniacum (Roewer, 1914)), Trogulocratus tunetanus Roewer, 1950 syn. n. (= Calathocratus africanus (Lucas, 1849)), Trogulus albicerus So-rensen, 1873 syn. n. (= Calathocratus sinuosus (Sorensen, 1873)), Metopoctea exarata Simon, 1879a syn. n. (= Trogulus aquaticus Simon, 1879a), Trogulus galasensis Avram, 1971 syn. n. (= Trogulus nepaeformis (Scopoli, 1763)) and Trogulus roeweri Avram, 1971 syn. n. (= Trogulus nepaeformis (Scopoli, 1763)). Paranemastoma werneri (Kulczynski, 1903) is elevated from subspecies to species. Ischyropsalis luteipes Simon, 1872b is proposed as nomen protectum , taking pre-cedence over Lhermia spinipes Lucas 1866 nomen oblitum . The same accounts for Anelasmocephalus cambridgei (West-wood, 1874) nomen protectum , taking precedence over Trogulus violaceus Gervais, 1844 nomen oblitum , Trogulus closanicus Avram, 1971 nomen protectum over Trogulus asperatus C.L. Koch, 1839a nomen oblitum , as well as Trogu-lus martensi Chemini, 1983 nomen protectum over Trogulus tuberculatus Canestrini, 1874 nomen oblitum . New com-binations, all from Nemastoma , are Histricostoma anatolicum (Roewer, 1962), Mediostoma globuliferum (L. Koch, 1867), Nemastomella hankiewiczii (Kulczynski, 1909), Nemastomella maarebense (Simon, 1913), Nemastomella monchiquense (Kraus, 1961) and Paranemastoma simplex (Giltay, 1932); from Mitostoma : Nemastomella armatissima (Roewer, 1962). Revived combinations are Nemastomella cristinae (Rambla, 1969) (from Nemastoma ) and Nemastomella sexmucronatum (Simon, 1911) (from Nemastoma ). The following Nemastoma are transferred to Paranemastoma but suggested as nomina dubia: aeginum (Roewer, 1951), amuelleri (Roewer, 1951), bolei (Hadži, 1973a), caporiaccoi (Roewer, 1951), carneluttii (Hadži, 1973a), ferkeri (Roewer, 1951), gigas montenegrinum (Nosek, 1904), gostivarense (Hadži, 1973a), ikarium (Roewer, 1951), quadripunctatum ios (Roewer, 1917), kaestneri (Roewer, 1951), longipalpatum (Roewer, 1951), mace-donicum (Hadži, 1973a), multisignatum (Hadži, 1973a), nigrum (Hadži, 1973a), perfugium (Roewer, 1951), santorinum (Roewer, 1951), senussium (Roewer, 1951), sketi (Hadži, 1973a), spinosulum (L. Koch, 1869). Further suggested nomina dubia are Trogulus coreiformis C.L. Koch, 1839a, Trogulus lygaeiformis C.L. Koch, 1839a and Trogulus templetonii West-wood, 1833.

Review of the fish-parasitic genus Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793 (Isopoda, Cymothoidae, Crustacea) from the southwestern Indian Ocean, including a new species from South Africa

Abstract: The genus Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793 is revised for southwestern Indian Ocean waters. Cymothoa borbonica Schioedte & Meinert, 1884 and C. eremita Brunnich, 1783 are redescribed. Cymothoa rotundifrons Haller, 1880, from Mauritius lacks type material and the host is unknown, therefore it is here relegated to nomen dubium. Cymothoa sodwana sp. nov., from Trachinotus botla (Carangidae), collected from the Kwazulu-Natal coast of South Africa, is described and is distinguished by the large, ovoid, hunched body with rugose dorsal surfaces; the anterolateral angles of pereonite 1 are narrow and rounded reaching half the length of the cephalon; the ischium of pereopod 7 has a large protrusion and pereonite 7 which laterally overlaps the pleon margins, extending posteriorly to the pleotelson.

An annotated checklist of the fishes of the Northern Territory, Australia

Abstract: There are 1474 fish species now known from the Northern Territory, in 195 families, with a number of these species still undescribed. The 1474 species include 120 new records for the NT and three for Australia, while nine non-native species exist as small feral populations.The most speciose family is the Gobiidae (gobies), with 150 recognised species, and is the main fish group inhabiting coral reef and mangrove areas. The fish fauna of the Northern Territory occupies several biogeographical regions, which include the internal river drainages of Australia and the Sahul Shelf adjoining New Guinea and Indonesia. The Northern Territory's fish fauna most closely resembles that of north-western Western Australia, and many species are shared with this region. Among the Northern Territory's fish fauna are 55 species considered to be threatened under various listings (ASFB, EPBC), with the poor state of knowledge of the NT's fish populations and their true distributions hindering assessment. Many sampling gaps remain and the basic biology of most species is unknown.

Revision of the genus Centrophorus (Squaliformes: Centrophoridae): Part 1—Redescription of Centrophorus granulosus (Bloch & Schneider), a senior synonym of C. acus Garman and C. niaukang Teng

Abstract: The genus Centrophorus is one of the most taxonomically complex and confusing elasmobranch groups. A revision of this group is currently underway and this first paper sets an important foundation in this process by redescribing the type species of the genus— Centrophorus granulosus . This taxon name has been previously applied to two different morphotypes: a large species >1.5 m TL and a smaller species ~1 m TL. Centrophorus acus and C. niaukang are the most commonly used names applied to the larger morphotype. The original description of C. granulosus was based on a large specimen of ~1.5 m TL, but subsequent redescriptions were based on either of the large or small morphotypes. Centrophorus granulosus is herein redescribed as a large species and a neotype is designated. Centrophorus acus and C. niaukang are found to be junior synonyms of C. granulosus . Centrophorus granulosus is distinguishable from its congeners by its large size, dermal denticle shape, colouration and a number of morphological and biological characteristics. Ontogenetic changes in morphology, dentition and denticle shape for this species are described in detail.