Basal Swelling Research Articles

Subdural hygroma following decompressive craniectomy or non-decompressive craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury: Clinical features and risk factors

Objective: Subdural hygroma (SDG) is a common complication that can occur after head trauma or secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC). SDGs can be located not only ipsilateral or contralateral to the side of the DC, but also bilateral or unilateral in patients without DC. This study investigated the incidence and risk factors for different types of SDG in a large cohort of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving 379 adult patients with TBI who were admitted to Huashan Hospital, Fudan University between January 2009 and December 2013. As the outcome was dichotomous (SDG vs no SDG or hydrocephalus vs no hydrocephalus), multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for the development of SDGs in patients without DC, ipsilateral SDG after unilateral DC, contralateral SDG after unilateral DC or SDG after bilateral DC. Risk factors for the development of hydrocephalus were also evaluated in patients with and without DC.Results: Among the 207 (54.6%) patients without DC, 30 (14.5%) had unilateral SDGs and 34 (16.4%) had bilateral SDGs. Of the 172 patients (45.4%) with DC, 134 (77.9%) underwent unilateral DC and 38 (22.1%) underwent bilateral DC. Of the 134 patients who underwent unilateral DC, 49 developed SDG, including 22 (16.4%) ipsilateral SDG, 19 (14.2%) contralateral SDG and eight (6.0%) both ipsilateral and contralateral SDGs. For patients undergoing bilateral DC, 13 (34.2%) developed a SDG. No significant difference in the incidence of SDG was observed between the patients with and without DC (36.0% vs 30.9%, p = 0.291), but the characteristics of SDGs were different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that factors independently associated with the development of SDG were male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.861; 95% CI = 1.642–9.091; p = 0.002), older age (OR = 1.046; 95% CI = 1.021–1.070; p < 0.001), basal cistern haemorrhage (OR = 4.608; 95% CI = 1.510–14.064; p = 0.007), diffuse injury and swelling (OR = 3.158; 95% CI = 1.341–7.435; p = 0.008) or diffuse injury and shift (OR = 3.826; 95% CI = 1.141–12.830; p = 0.030) in patients without DC. Temporal haematoma or contusion in the non-DC side (OR = 2.623; 95% CI = 1.070–6.428; p = 0.035) and traumatic SAH (OR = 3.751; 95% CI = 1.047–13.438; p = 0.042) were independently associated with the development of ipsilateral SDG in patients who underwent unilateral DC. However, factors independently associated with the development of contralateral SDG were frontal haematoma or contusion on the non-DC side (OR = 3.145; 95% CI = 1.272–7.774; p = 0.013) and SDH on the non-DC side (OR = 7.024; 95% CI = 1.477–33.390; p = 0.014). Only craniectomy area (OR = 1.030; 95% CI = 1.008–1.052; p = 0.008) was independently associated with the development of SDG in patients with bilateral DC. In the multivariate analysis, SDG in patients without DC was not associated with the development of hydrocephalus. However, SDG was significantly associated with the development of hydrocephalus for patients who underwent DC (OR = 2.173; 95% CI = 1.362–3.467; p = 0.001).Conclusions: This study suggested that the incidence of SDG in patients who have and have not undergone DC was identical; however, the patients’ characteristics and risk factors differed. Therefore, the management and prediction of SDG should be performed according to SDG type.

Eutetrarhynchid trypanorhynchs (Cestoda) from elasmobranchs off Argentina, including the description of Dollfusiella taminii sp. n. and Parachristianella damiani sp. n., and amended description of Dollfusiella vooremi (São Clemente et Gomes, 1989)

During a parasitological survey of teleosts and elasmobranchs in the Argentine Sea, 3 species of eutetrarhynchids were collected from the batoids Myliobatis goodei Garman and Psammobatis bergi Marini, and the shark Mustelus schmitti Springer. The specimens collected from Mu. schmitti were identified as Dollfusiela vooremi (Sπo Clemente et Gomes, 1989), whereas the specimens from My. goodei and Ps. bergi resulted in new species of Dollfusiella Campbell et Beveridge, 1994 and Parachristianella Dollfus, 1946, respectively. Dollfusiella taminii sp. n. from Ps. bergi is characterised by a distinct basal armature with basal swelling and a heteroacanthous homeomorphous metabasal armature with 7-9 falcate hooks per principal row. Parachristianella damiani sp. n. from My. goodei lacks a distinct basal armature, having 2-3 initial rows of uncinate hooks, a heteroacanthous heteromorphous metabasal armature with the first principal row of small hooks, followed by rows with 10-14 large hooks. This is the first record of Parachristianella in the southwestern Atlantic. The amended description of D. vooremi includes the detailed description of the tentacular armature, including SEM micrographs of all tentacular surfaces. This species is characterised by a basal armature consisting of rows of uncinate and falcate hooks, a basal swelling and a metabasal armature with billhooks on the antibothrial surface and uncinate hooks on the bothrial surface. The scolex peduncle of D. vooremi is covered with enlarged spinitriches. This species is restricted to carcharhiniform sharks, since the report of D. vooremi in Sympterygia bonapartii Müller et Henle off Bahia Blanca (Argentina) is dubious.

Review of the genus Eutetrarhynchus Pintner, 1913 (Trypanorhyncha: Eutetrarhynchidae), with the description of Eutetrarhynchus beveridgei n. sp.

The genus Eutetrarhynchus Pintner, 1913 is revised. Eutetrarhynchus beveridgei n. sp. is described from the spiral intestine of the dwarf whipray, Himantura walga (Müller & Henle) (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae), from the South China Sea off the Malaysian part of Borneo. The new species is characterised by a slender, elongate scolex, two oval bothria, muscular bulbs, retractor muscles inserting at the base of the bulbs, and the presence of gland-cells and prebulbar organs. The tentacular armature is typical heteroacanthous with heteromorphous hooks. Eutetrarhynchus beveridgei n. sp. is allocated to the genus due to its distinct segment morphology featuring two internal seminal vesicles and scattered testes occupying the complete intervascular space. It differs from congeners in its relatively small size, much smaller scolex regions and in the presence of a basal armature with a distinct basal swelling. Eutetrarhynchus cortezensis Friggens & Duszynski, 2005 is transferred to Dollfusiella Campbell & Beveridge, 1994, as D. cortezensis n. comb., on the basis of its segment morphology, with testes in a linear arrangement and the absence of internal seminal vesicles. A new generic diagnosis and a key for the identification of species of Eutetrarhynchus is provided.

Ultrastructure and Phylogenetic Position of Regin rotiferus and Otto terricolus Genera et Species Novae (Bicosoecida, Heterokonta/Stramenopiles)

We describe two novel flagellates isolated from soil, Regin rotiferus and Otto terricolus, genera et species novae, which we cultivated and characterized by light and transmission electron microscopy and by 18S rDNA sequence analysis. Both strains exhibit the key characteristic structural feature of Bicosoecida; i.e. the L-shaped cytostomal root system with an x-fiber, used for feeding. Otto terricolus displays unique novel morphological traits; thus, it has a basal swelling on each flagellum, a root 3/root 2 distribution of 10 + 1 microtubules, and an amoeboid stage in its life cycle. Regin rotiferus has flagella without swellings and a root 3/root 2 distribution of 7 + 3 microtubules, a pattern commonly observed in the Bicosoecida. We present an updated exhaustive maximum likelihood phylogeny of 48 cultured, complete or nearly complete (+1600 bp) 18S rDNA Bicosoecida sequences. Both new species fall into a well-supported freshwater Siluaniidae clade, without being particularly closely related. The morphology and phylogeny do not conclusively support Rictus as a member of Bicosoecida.

Description of Aphelenchoides stellatus n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from Japan

Aphelenchoides stellatusn. sp. is described and figured. The new species was isolated from packaging wood from Japan imported to Ningbo harbour, China. The new species has a body length of 485-533 μm (males) and 547-699 μm (females). The cuticle is weakly annulated and there are four lines in the lateral field. The stylet is 9-11 μm long and has small basal swellings. The excretory pore is located posterior to the nerve ring. Spicules smoothly curved, rose-thorn shaped. Apex and rostrum round, only slightly offset, dorsal limb 19-21 μm long. Male tail bearing six (2 + 2 + 2) caudal papillae. The female spermatheca is axial and oblong with round sperm present in multiple rows. Both male and female tail pegs have 3-4 processes, appearing star-like under SEM. The new species belongs to the Group 3 category ofAphelenchoidesspecies. Phylogenetic analyses based on full length ITS and 28S D2/D3 region of rDNA confirmed its morphological status as a new species.

Description of Aphelenchoides rotundicaudatus n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from South Korea

Aphelenchoides rotundicaudatus n. sp. was isolated from packaging wood from South Korea imported to Ningbo harbour, China. Specimens were collected directly from wood samples using the Baermann method. Multiplication on Botryotinia fuckeliana failed. The new species has a body length of 364-509 μm (males) and 371-493 μm (females). The cuticle is weakly annulated and there are four lines in the lateral field. The stylet is 8-9 μm long and has small basal swellings. The excretory pore is located ca one body diam. anterior to median bulb. Spicules are small (10-13 μm), apex and rostrum rounded and only slight offset. The male tail has six (2 + 2 + 2) caudal papillae. Both male and female tails are cylindrical with a broadly rounded terminus, often with a small region of thickened cuticle or a blunt peg ca 1 μm long, particularly in the female. The new species belongs to the Group 1 category of Aphelenchoides species. Phylogenetic analyses based on full length ITS, partial LSU and SSU of rDNA confirmed its status as a new species.

Bursaphelenchus posterovulvus sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae) in packaging wood from Singapore

Bursaphelenchus posterovulvussp. n., isolated in Ningbo, P.R. China, from non-coniferous packaging wood from Singapore is described. It is characterised by a slim body (a = 24-43), lip region strongly offset, stylet with prominent and strongly sclerotised basal swellings, lateral field with four lines, excretory pore located at level of median bulb, hemizonid 30-40 μm posterior to excretory pore, vulva at 82-86% of total body length, post-uterine branch extending forcatwo-thirds of vulva-anus distance, female tail conical and short (c′ = 2.3-3.0) with a pointed terminus, spicules short (11-16 μm) and slightly arcuate, rostrum blunt and relatively short, dorsal and ventral limbs conspicuous and their distal ends separated, three pairs of ventro-sublateral papillae and a single precloacal papilla. The new species is distinguished from otherBursaphelenchusspecies by morphology, ITS-RFLP patterns and phylogenetic analyses.

Prochristianella mattisi sp. n. (Trypanorhyncha: Eutetrarhynchidae) from the wedgenose skate, Dipturus whitleyi (Rajiformes: Rajidae), from Tasmania (Australia)

A new species of Prochristianella Dollfus, 1946 is described from the spiral intestine of the wedgenose skate, Dipturus whitleyi (Iredale) (Rajiformes: Rajidae), off the north-western coast of Tasmania (Australia). Prochristianella mattisi sp. n. is characterised by an acraspedote scolex, two oval bothria, elongate, bent bulbs, a retractor muscle inserting at the base of each bulb and the presence of gland-cells within the bulbs and prebulbar organs. The tentacular armature is typical heteroacanthous, heteromorphous, with a characteristic basal oncotaxy and a metabasal armature with hooks first increasing and then decreasing in size along each principle row. It can be differentiated from other species of Prochristianella by a combination of morphological characters, such as the metabasal tentacular armature with eight hooks per principle row, a unique basal armature without enlarged hooks on the basal swelling and genital pores slightly posterior to the mid-line of the segment. The description of P. mattisi sp. n. increases the number of known species within Prochristianella to 20, eight of which occur in Australian waters. A key for the identification to species within Prochristianella is provided.

Trypanorhynch cestodes from elasmobranchs from the Gulf of Oman, with the description of Prochristianella garshaspi n. sp. (Eutetrarhynchidae)

In a study on the order Trypanorhyncha Diesing, 1863, a total of 35 specimens belonging to nine species of elasmobranch in the Gulf of Oman, was examined. The following trypanorhynch species were identified: Pterobothrium lesteri Campbell & Beveridge, 1996, Otobothrium carcharidis (Shipley & Hornell, 1906), Eutetrarhynchus platycephali Palm, 2004, Parachristianella indonesiensis Palm, 2004, Pa. monomegacantha Kruse, 1959 and Prochristianella mooreae Beveridge, 1990. Prochristianella garshaspi n. sp. is described from Pastinachus sephen (Forsskål) and Rhinoptera sp. The new species is allocated to the genus Prochristianella Dollfus, 1946 on the basis of the presence of two bothria, prebulbar organs, and a heteroacanthous typical tentacular armature with relatively few hooks in each principal row, hollow hooks increasing in size from antibothrial and then decreasing towards the bothrial surface of the tentacle, hooks 1 and 1' being separated, and a basal swelling with characteristic billhooks increasing in size towards the bothrial surface. The lack of microscopically visible microtriches on the scolex distinguishes the new species from P. hispida (Linton, 1890), P. clarkeae Beveridge, 1990, P. thalassia (Kovaks & Schmidt, 1980), P. multidum Friggens & Duszynski, 2005 and P. cairae Schaeffner & Beveridge, 2012. Prochristianella garshaspi n. sp. can be distinguished from the remaining species within the genus by a combination of the following morphological features: the presence of numerous gland-cells within the tentacular bulbs, the number of rows on the basal swelling, the number of hooks per half spiral row, the size of the principal hooks, the number of the testes and the presence of an external seminal vesicle.

Doridicola indistinctus n. sp. (Copepoda: Poecilostomatoida: Rhynchomolgidae) associated with the soft coral Gersemia fruticosa Sars (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from the White Sea

A new species of poecilostomatoid copepod, Doridicola indistinctus n. sp. (Rhynchomolgidae), is described from specimens found in association with the soft coral Gersemia fruticosa Sars (Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae), collected from the White Sea. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following features in the female: (i) antenna tipped, with two subequal large claws which are about as long as the segment bearing them; (ii) two naked, extremely unequal setae on the middle segment of the maxilliped, the short, medial seta less than half-length of the outer seta; and (iii) free segment of leg 5 bears the basal swelling and is ornamented with spinules on the outer surface. This is the first report of a copepod occurring in symbiosis with nephtheid corals from the Arctic Zone. It also constitutes the northernmost record for a species of Doridicola Leydig, 1853, which is the largest genus of the Rhynchomolgidae Burmeister, 1835 comprising 52 species, including the present new species.

Sheraphelenchus sucus n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) isolated from sap flow of Quercus serrata in Japan

A Sheraphelenchus species was isolated from a sample of sap exuding from a scar on the bark of Quercus serrata. Besides its generic characteristics, i.e., posteriorly located vulva in the female, male spicule with conspicuous dorsal limb and male tail with spike-like projection, the new species is characterised by a short stylet with a small basal swelling. The near-full-length of 18S and D2/D3 expansion segments of ribosomal RNA genes (near-full SSU and D2/D3LSU) were determined as its molecular barcode sequences and the phylogenetic status of the species (= genus Sheraphelenchus) was estimated using the near-full SSU. The molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the new species is included in the genus Bursaphelenchus, and is close to B. anatolius and B. kevini. Although Sheraphelenchus is phylogenetically inferred to occur within Bursaphelenchus, the new species is described herein as S. sucus n. sp., thereby retaining the genus Sheraphelenchus until additional data about morphological similarities between these two taxa are obtained.

Description of Aphelenchoides xui sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in packaging wood from South Africa

Aphelenchoides xui sp. n. is described and illustrated from imported packaging wood from South Africa intercepted at Ningbo Port, China. The new species has a body length of 564-820 μm (males) and 549-882 μm (females). The cuticle is weakly annulated with four lines in the lateral field. The stylet is 11-13 μm long and has small basal swellings. The excretory pore is located ca one body diam. posterior to the median bulb, or 75-100 μm from the head. Spicules are relatively large (18-23 μm) with apex and rostrum rounded and well developed and the end of the dorsal limb clearly curved ventrad like a hook. The male tail bears six (2 + 2 + 2) caudal papillae. The spermatheca is axial and oblong and contains disc-like sperm. The female tail is conical, terminating in a complicated step-like projection, usually with many tiny nodular protuberances. The new species is morphologically similar to A. arcticus, A. haguei and A. parasaprophilus in Group 2 sensu Shahina, but is distinguished by spicule shape and form of the female tail terminus. Phylogenetic analysis based on SSU and partial LSU sequences revealed that A. xui sp. n. was closest to A. varicaudatus, although some species of Laimaphelenchus and Schistonchus were also included in the same branch.

Prochristianella Dollfus, 1946 (Trypanorhyncha: Eutetrarhynchidae) from elasmobranchs off Borneo and Australia, including new records and the description of four new species

Prochristianella cairae n. sp. is described from the spiral intestines of two species of bamboo sharks, Chiloscylliumpunctatum Müller &amp; Henle and Chiloscyllium indicum (Gmelin) (Hemiscyllidae) off the coast of Malaysian Borneo. Thespecies is distinguished from congeners by enlarged microtriches covering the whole scolex peduncle, a uniquearrangement of hooks on the basal swelling, a dissimilar number of hooks in each principle row in the metabasal armatureand hook files 1 and 1’ not being distinctly separated. Prochristianella jensenae n. sp. is described from the spiralintestines of three species of whiptail stingrays, Pastinachus solocirostris Last &amp; Manjaji-Matsumoto, Pastinachus atrus(Macleay) and Pastinachus gracilicaudus Last &amp; Manjaji-Matsumoto (Dasyatidae) from coastal waters off Indonesianand Malaysian Borneo and Western Australia, from Himantura uarnak (Gmelin) (Dasyatidae) off Nickol Bay, WesternAustralia and from Rhinoptera neglecta Ogilby (Myliobatidae) off Weipa, Queensland, Australia. This species lacksgland-cells within the tentacular bulbs, one of the most distinctive features of this family. Prochristianella kostadinovaen. sp. is described from the spiral intestines of Himantura uarnak 2 (Dasyatidae) (sensu Naylor et al. 2012) from the Gulfof Carpenteria. It differs from congeners in its metrical data, a metabasal tentacular armature with 10 hooks per principlerow, hooks 1(1’) being uncinate with an elongate base and widely spaced and hooks 4(4’) smaller than neighbouring hooks3(3’) and 5(5’). Prochristianella scholzi n. sp. is described from specimens of the Taeniura lymma species complex(Dasyatidae) (sensu Naylor et al. 2012) from three localities in Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo. This species has arraysof billhooks on the basal swelling, but differs from similar congeners in having very few, tiny gland-cells within thetentacular bulbs and a metabasal tentacular armature with 9–10 hooks per half spiral row and hooks 4(4’) being muchsmaller than the neighbouring hooks 3(3’) and 5(5’). Examinations of new material from northern Australia andIndonesian and Malaysian Borneo provided additional information on Prochristianella aciculata Beveridge &amp; Justine,2010, Prochristianella butlerae Beveridge, 1990 and Prochristianella clarkeae Beveridge, 1990. In total, 17, 7 and 29(respectively) new host records and 14, 9 and 28 (respectively) new locality records are added. These records extend thegeographical range of all three species in the Australasian region and also represents the first record of P. aciculata fromAustralian waters and the first record of P. butlerae from the Indo-Malayan region. Prochristianella clarkeae is the least host specific taxon within Prochristianella, infecting 43 different host species.

Two new species of Aphelenchoides (Nematoda: Aphelenchida: Aphelenchoidea: Aphelenchidae) from Manipur, India

Analysis of the soil samples collected from around rhizospheric region of mulberry plants grown in Yurembam Rose Garden, Yurembam, Imphal West, Manipur yielded several soil and plant parasitic nematodes. Among them four species of Aphelenchoides were recorded. Upon detailed study, two species of Aphelenchoides were found to be new to science. Aphelenchoides dhanachandi sp. n. is characterized by ventrally curved body, clearly set off cephalic region and tail ending into a sharp pointed terminus, and stylet slender, 13.6–15.3 (14 ± 0.7) μm long with indistinct basal swellings and tamarind seed-shaped median bulb. Aphelenchoides neoechinocaudatus sp. n. is characterized by straight body with four incisures in the lateral field, flatten cephalic region, slender stylet with indistinct basal swellings, 11.9 μm long, elongated pear-shaped median bulb and short tail with pointed mucro. The two species are illustrated here.

ZOOSPOROGENESIS, MORPHOLOGY, ULTRASTRUCTURE, PIGMENT COMPOSITION, AND PHYLOGENETIC POSITION OF TRACHYDISCUS MINUTUS (EUSTIGMATOPHYCEAE, HETEROKONTOPHYTA)(1).

The traditional order Mischococcales (Xanthophyceae) is polyphyletic with some original members now classified in a separate class, Eustigmatophyceae. However, most mischococcalean species have not yet been studied in detail, raising the possibility that many of them still remain misplaced. We established an algal culture (strain CCALA 838) determined as one such species, Trachydiscus minutus (Bourr.) H. Ettl, and studied the morphology, ultrastructure, life cycle, pigment composition, and phylogeny using the 18S rRNA gene. We discovered a zoosporic part of the life cycle of this alga. Zoospore production was induced by darkness, suppressed by light, and was temperature dependent. The zoospores possessed one flagellum covered with mastigonemes and exhibited a basal swelling, but a stigma was missing. Ultrastructural investigations of vegetative cells revealed plastids lacking both a connection to the nuclear envelope and a girdle lamella. Moreover, we described biogenesis of oil bodies on the ultrastructural level. Photosynthetic pigments of T. minutus included as the major carotenoids violaxanthin and vaucheriaxanthin (ester); we detected no chl c. An 18S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis placed T. minutus in a clade with species of the genus Pseudostaurastrum and with Goniochloris sculpta Geitler, which form a sister branch to initially studied Eustigmatophyceae. In summary, our results are inconsistent with classifying T. minutus as a xanthophycean and indicate that it is a member of a novel deep lineage of the class Eustigmatophyceae.

Description of a New Trypanorhynch Species (Cestoda) from Indonesian Borneo, with the Suppression of Oncomegoides and the Erection of a New Genus Hispidorhynchus

A new species of Oncomegas Dollfus, 1929 is described from the cowtail stingray, Pastinachus atrus (Macleay), collected in the Makassar Strait, Indonesian Borneo. Oncomegas trimegacanthus n. sp. possesses 2 oval bothria, gland cells within the bulbs, prebulbar organs, a distinctive basal armature with a single macrohook on the bothrial surface of the asymmetrical basal swelling, and a heteroacanthous, heteromorphous metabasal armature with 10 hooks per principle row. It differs from congeners by its possession of additional enlarged hooks at the base of the tentacle. Because of apparent morphological similarities, we suppress the genus Oncomegoides Beveridge & Campbell, 2005 with Oncomegas, and place the type and only species, Oncomegoides celatus Beveridge & Campbell, 2005 , within Oncomegas as Oncomegas celatus n. comb. Three species of Oncomegas , namely, Oncomegas paulinae Toth, Campbell & Schmidt, 1992, Oncomegas australiensis Toth, Campbell & Schmidt, 1992, and Oncomegas aetobatidis Campbell & Beveridge, 2009, differ from other species, possessing testes posterior to the ovary and a metabasal armature consisting of tiny, relatively homeomorphous hooks, with more than 14 hooks per principle row. Based on these morphological differences, a new genus, Hispidorhynchus n. gen., is erected, with Hispidorhynchus australiensis n. comb. as the type species.

Two new species of Tricorythodes Ulmer, 1920 (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) from Southeastern Brazil

Two news species of Tricorythodes are described from both, nymph and male imago: Tricorythodes chalaza sp. nov. and Tricorythodes diasae sp. nov. Imagoes of T. diasae sp. nov. can be characterized as follows: vein CuP of wings absent or incomplete; distal 3/4 of hind legs black; inner margins of styliger plate projected; penes rectangular with lateral margins sclerotized, forming two distal lobes inserted apico-dorsally with rounded margins whereas imagoes of T. chalaza sp. nov. present: vein CuP incomplete or absent; inner margins of styliger plate projected; basal swelling on segment II of forceps shaded with black; penes pyramidal with lateral margins sclerotized, divided apically.

Differences in genitalia structure and function between subfamilies of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Beetle genitalia are usually described only for taxonomic purposes without considering the possible function of structures. Exceptions are sporadic detailed studies on single species. We studied genital structures in the subfamilies of Cerambycidae and outlined assumptions on the function of these structures and the implications for the phylogeny of the Cerambycidae. We found that male genitalia in particular are taxon-specific on a higher taxonomic level; e.g., the parameres are widely variable in Cerambycinae, while in most Lamiinae species they appear relatively uniform and differ from those of the Cerambycinae. Internal sac structures are very different among the various subfamilies. Small backwards-pointing spines are the most common armature of the internal sac. The female genitalia are less variable, although ovipositor morphology may differ among subfamilies. In most species, the connection between the mates during copulation is achieved by the long internal sac and the ovipositor only, whereas the median lobe and parameres are in contact with the female abdomen only at the beginning of copulation. Cerambycinae and Lepturinae have a basal swelling of the endophallus to prevent it from sliding back into the male abdomen during copulation. The long internal sac functions in connecting the mates and guaranteeing the sperm transfer.

Ptychaphelenchus Eucalypticola Gen. Nov., Sp. Nov. (Nematoda: Panagrolaimida: Aphelenchoidoididae) From Wood and Bark of Eucalyptus Macrorhyncha in Australia, With a Discussion of Generic Relationships and a Key to Genera of Aphelenchoididae and Parasitaphelenchidae

Ptychaphelenchus eucalypticola gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from the bark of Eucalyptus macrorhynca, at Mount Ainslie, ACT, Australia. The new genus is characterised by small ventrolateral flaps midway between the cloaca and tail tip in adult males, a variable overhanging anterior lip of the vulva in adult females, and three rounded unfringed tubercles on the tail tip. In addition to the generic characteristics, the new species has a stylet 15µm long with large basal swelling, two to three lateral lines, and a short reflexure of the anterior of the gonad. The new genus has characteristics of several genera within Aphelenchoididae as well as novel features, which suggest that the evolutionary relationships within the superfamily may require re-evaluation.

Flower Structure and Nectar Availability in Aloe greatheadii var. davyana: An Evaluation of a Winter Nectar Source for Honeybees

The winter‐flowering Aloe greatheadii var. davyana is a major indigenous bee plant in South Africa, widely distributed across the northern summer rainfall areas. Migratory beekeepers take advantage of its highly nutritious pollen for colony increase and strong nectar flow for honey production. We looked at variation on different levels in assessing this nectar resource for bees. There were no significant differences in nectar volume and concentration between the basal swelling (bulb) and the floral tube, only between flower stages. Nectar was continuously available, with volume and concentration remaining relatively constant throughout the day despite pronounced diurnal temperature changes and very low afternoon humidities. Bee foraging reduced mean nectar volumes in unscreened flowers by 50%, from 30.7 to 14.7 μL; bees are unable to access nectar in the bulb. Nectar volume was lowest and nectar concentration highest late in the flowering season, while the highest sugar content (3.54 mg per flower) was recorded in the middle of the flowering season. Aloe greatheadii var. davyana nectar, although dilute from a bee perspective (ca. 20% w/w), is more concentrated than that of many bird‐pollinated Aloe species and is an ideal source of energy and water for honeybees during dry winter months.