Dark Blotches Research Articles

A new species of prickleback Ernogrammus zhirmunskii (Acanthopterygii: Perciformes: Stichaeidae) from the Sea of Japan, Russia

A new stichaeid fish, Ernogrammus zhirmunskii is described on the basis of the specimens collected in Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan. This new species differs from its congeners E. hexagrammus and E. walkeri in having seven body sensory canals in total number including one short canal in the middle of belly and unique combination in number of the anal fin rays with one short rigid spine posteriormost (I 28-30 I). In coloration the fish has one narrow white stripe between two wide black ones on the base of pelvic fin, and one dark blotch on the dorsal fin anteriorly.

The development of luminance uniformity measurement for CNT-BLU based on human visual perception

Carbon nanotube backlight units (CNT-BLUs) offer advantages (including light weight and superior color performance) that cold cathode fluorescent lamp backlight units (CCFL-BLUs) cannot deliver. If these advantages find favor with liquid crystal display manufacturers, CNT-BLUs could possibly replace CCFL-BLUs. CNT-BLU light-emitting arrays are made by a thick-film screen printing process, which can leave dark obstructions within and between pixel areas. Thus, when the pixels light up, CNT-BLU arrays can display dark blotches within one or more pixels. Existing luminance uniformity measurements, such as Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) or International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, are not designed to deal with this problem. These standards are based on the luminance of multiple non-adjacent points on a display; they cannot reflect the luminance change of adjacent pixels, which is important for measuring the uniformity of CNT-BLU. This situation is aggravated since CNT-BLU is still under development and the current luminance uniformity of CNT-BLU still cannot compete with that of CCFL. This study presents a new luminance uniformity measurement, line non-uniformity, for CNT-BLU. This method was compared with VESA and U Formula with respect to human perception. A set of CNT-BLU images with different levels of mottling was presented to 18 participants. The subjective acceptance thresholds for these images were then calculated. The uniformities using VESA, U Formula, and line non-uniformity approaches for these images were also calculated and fitted to the subjective acceptance threshold. The results showed that line non-uniformity was the best to fit the acceptance threshold; its R 2 ranged from 0.80 to 0.92 whereas the R 2 values of VESA and U Formula ranged from 0.00 to 0.49.

Dark spots and cold jets in the polar regions of Mars: New clues from a thermal model of surface CO 2 ice

Observations of the martian CO 2 ice cap in late winter and spring have revealed exotic phenomena. Unusual dark spots, fans and blotches form as the south-polar seasonal CO 2 ice cap retreats. The formation mechanisms of these features are not clearly understood. Theoretical models suggest that photons could penetrate deep into the CO 2 ice down to the regolith, leading to basal sublimation and gas and dust ejection. We have developed a detailed thermal model able to simulate the temporal evolution of the regolith-CO 2 ice layer-atmosphere column. It takes into account heat conduction, radiative transfer within the ice and the atmosphere, and latent heat exchange when there is a phase transition. We found that a specific algorithm, fully coupling these three components, was needed to properly predict ice sublimation below the surface. Our model allows us to determine under what conditions basal sublimation is possible and thus when and where it can occur on Mars. Our results show that basal sublimation is possible if we consider large pathlengths and very little dust content within the ice. Moreover, the model can explain how dark spots can appear very early after the end of the polar night at high latitudes. We also evaluate the importance of the different parameters in our simulations. Contrary to what was suggested by theoretical models, the role of seasonal thermal waves is found to be limited. Solar radiation alone can initiate basal sublimation, which therefore only depends on the CO 2 ice properties. Three main modes were identified: one where condensation/sublimation only occurs at the surface (in the case of small grains and/or high dust content), one where basal sublimation is possible (large pathlengths and very little dust content) and an intermediate mode where sublimation within the ice may occur. We suggest that these different modes could be keys to understanding many processes that occur at the surface of Mars, like the anticryptic area behavior or the recent reported activity in gullies.

Taxonomic revision of thorny catfish genus Hassar (Siluriformes: Doradidae)

The genus Hassar (Doradidae) is diagnosed by a single exclusive feature: basioccipital with ventral ring-like arch surrounding aorta; and by the combination of several non-exclusive characters, including dark blotch in distal half of anterior branched rays of dorsal fin, and anteriormost postinfranuchal scutes reduced in size. Three nominal species are recognized and redescribed in Hassar: H. orestis from the Orinoco, Essequibo and Amazonas basins, excluding Tocantins and middle to upper Xingu drainages; H. wilderi from Tocantins; and H. affinis from northeastern Brazil, including Turiaçu, Pindaré-Mearim, Itapecuru and Parnaíba drainages. The nominal Hemidoras notospilus and Hassar ucayalensis are recognized as junior synonyms of Hassar orestis; Hassar woodi is considered a junior synonym of H. affinis; Hassar iheringi is recognized as a junior synonym of H. wilderi, and its type locality as originally reported is considered incorrect. A fourth new species, Hassar gabiru, is described from middle to upper Xingu river basin. Hassar is considered to be the sister taxon of Anduzedoras + Leptodoras. A detailed anatomical description and discussion of the phylogenetic relationships of Hassar among fimbriate-barbel doradids are provided.

Infection of Arum Maculatum by the rust Puccinia sessilis at Carmel NNR, South Wales

rum maculatum is probably one of the most familiar plants of our native flora. It adorns our hedgerows and base-rich woodlands in spring and summer, the characteristic fruits lasting well into the autumn. Its common name is Lordsand-Ladies, although Prime (1960) records over a hundred English names for this plant throughout Britain, together with detailed information on its folklore, variation and ecology. It is very common throughout England and Wales, and according to Prime is frost sensitive. As a consequence its frequency declines northwards and it is local in Scotland (www.bsbimaps.org.uk/atlas/main.php). It is an extremely variable plant with differences recorded between individuals and between populations. Prime records differences in the floral structure, leaf shape, venation and pigmentation, but the most striking visible difference is the presence in some plants of dark purple-black markings on the leaves (hence the specific epithet “maculatum”, which means “spotted”) whilst other plants are unspotted. The purple-spotted plants are very conspicuous (Fig. 1) and the dark blotches are usually irregular in shape and vary in size from small dots of a few millimetres to a few centimetres in diameter. This pigmentation is confined to the central layers of the leaf and was once thought to be the result of a virus infection but is now known to be due to anthocyanin production. Local and national floras have not generally formally distinguished these forms, though Sell & Murrell (1996), while not accepting the varieties as part of the formal description of taxa, do give varietal names for plants with spots (var. maculatum) and those without (var. immaculatum) in their discussion. Prime carried out a comprehensive study across Britain in the 1950s and he showed in general that spotted plants became less common towards the north and east of Britain. Puccinia sessilis is a rust fungus. Many rusts have life cycles which involve the production of up to five different spore stages and the participation of two different host plants. P. sessilis exhibits this type of life cycle. Two spore stages are produced on Arum and the other three spore stages are produced on the alternate host Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary-grass). Arum is infected by the rust in the early spring and this results in the formation of discrete orangeyellow pustules on the upper surface of the leaf (Fig. 2). Within these pustules minute spherical bodies called pycnia are produced which are the first spore stage of the rust. After about 10–14 days these develop into the next spore stage, which is produced on the underside of the leaf. These structures (called aecia) look like little coronets (Fig. 3) and produce aeciospores, which in turn infect another plant from a different family (the alternate host), which in this case is Phalaris arundinacea. Infection of Phalaris occurs during the summer months, and two different spore types are subsequently produced. The first of these (urediniospores) are produced continuously during the summer and are responsible for spreading the disease throughout the stand of Phalaris. During late summer/autumn yet another type of spore (teliospore) is produced which is the overwintering stage of the rust. The following spring these teliospores themselves germinate to produce the final spore stage in the life cycle (the basidiospore), and it is this spore stage that reinfects Arum in the spring thus completing the life cycle of the rust (Wilson & Henderson 1966). For the rust to survive, therefore, both host plants must be present to allow cross infection to take place to enable the rust to complete its life cycle.

A review of genus Nuchequula (Teleostei: Leiognathidae) with the description of a new record from Chinese waters

We collected leiognathid fishes from the Hainan Island and Beibu Gulf between November 2007 and December 2008. Ten of these specimens were identified as Nuchequula blochii (Valenciennes 1835), which is the first record of this species in China’s waters. These specimens are distinguished by the combination of these characteristics: breast fully scaled, cheek naked, anteroventral profile of the lower jaw almost straight, a conspicuous dark blotch distally on the anterior part of spinous portion of dorsal fin, a yellow blotch distally on posterior part of spinous portion of dorsal fin, and a dark blotch on nape. This paper reviews the genus Nuchequula and describes three species that occur in China’s waters.

A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from northeastern Cambodia

We describe a new species of megophryid frog in the genus Leptolalax from the Kon Tum Plateau in northeastern Cambodia. Leptolalax melicus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of an off-white to pale pink ventral surface with diffuse dark brown blotches and distinct white speckling, finger I < II, an absence of webbing and dermal fringes on fingers, slight basal webbing and no dermal fringes on toes, body size (19.5–22.7 mm for seven adult males), an absence of ventrolateral glandular lines, dorsum mostly smooth with no skin ridges, and a unique advertisement call consisting of a single long introductory note containing 8–50 pulses, followed by 3–11 predominantly single-pulsed notes, and with an average dominant frequency of 3560–3610 Hz. Leptolalax melicus can be further distinguished from the morphologically similar L. applebyi in having more distinct dorsal patterning, and significantly larger pectoral and femoral glands. Leptolalax melicus and L. applebyi also differ by 6.1% sequence divergence at the 16S mtDNA gene. All specimens of L. melicus were found near rocky streams in evergreen forest between 650–850 m elevation. We suggest the new species should be considered Data Deficient following IUCN’s Red List categories.

Moenkhausia celibela: a new species from the Amazon basin, Brazil (Characiformes: Characidae)

A new species of Characidae, Moenkhausia celibela, is described from the Rio Amazonas at Santarém, Rio Maraú, several localities in the Rio Tapajós, Rio Curuá-Una, Rio Xingu and Rio Jari, all from the Amazon basin, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners, except species included in Géry's 1992 Moenkhausia lepidura group, by presenting a dark blotch on the upper caudal-fin lobe, and the lower lobe is hyaline or light grey. Moenkhausia celibela is distinguished from the species of the M. lepidura group by the absence of a humeral spot and the presence of a roughly triangular and dark spot at the caudal-fin base, extending posteriorly along the middle caudal-fin rays, and distinctly separate from the spot on the upper caudal-fin lobe.

Knodus dorsomaculatus (Characiformes: Characidae), a new species from Teles Pires River, Tapajós River basin, Brazil

Knodus dorsomaculatus, a new species, is described from Teles Pires River, a tributary of the Tapajós River, Brazil. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a conspicuous dark blotch on the base of the first five branched dorsal fin rays and the presence of ii,9 dorsal fin rays. Additional comparisons between K. dorsomaculatus and its congeners are presented.

A new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1826 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khanh Hoa province, Southern Vietnam

A new species of bent–toed gecko, Cyrtodactylus yangbayensis sp. nov. is described from the monsoon evergreen forests of Truong Son Mountain Range, Khanh Hoa province. It differs from all other species of Indo–Chinese Cyrtodactylus by having a mean SVL of 83.5 mm; dark spots and blotches on the head; no continuous nuchal loop; 6–8 precloacal pores in males arranged in a chevron; five or six dark brown, irregular, dorsal bands between limb insertions; 18–20 subdigital lamellae under first toe; 15–17 subdigital lamellae under fourth toe; and a median row of enlarged subcaudal scales.

Biobased packaging for improving preservation of fresh common mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus L.)

Freshness of common mushrooms was related to the internal atmosphere composition during modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) experiments at 20 °C and 80% RH with stretchable polyvinylchloride (PVC) film, paper, and the same paper coated with a wheat gluten solution. MAP with the stretchable film led to a detrimental deterioration of mushrooms after only one day of storage: dark brown blotches appeared and almost 30% of mushrooms exhibited open veil. This was due to the formation of condensed water at the inner surface of the material and onto mushrooms combined to a high O2 partial pressure (16 kPa) in the headspace. Wheat gluten (WG) coated paper was the most effective to improve the shelf-life of mushrooms since it allowed the preservation of a fair colour, unbroken veils, and an acceptable texture during 3 days. This beneficial effect was attributed to the combination of a medium CO2 (9.5 kPa) and low O2 (2.5 kPa) partial pressure, without condensation. The main drawback of using WG-coated paper was its high water vapour permeability that led to an important weight loss (3.8 wt.% on day 3). However it did not affect the overall quality of mushrooms within the storage duration. Even with the development of micro-perforated materials that provide the largest range of O2 and CO2 permeability values, several limitations are still encountered for synthetic MAP applications such as–an insufficient perm-selectivity ratio that remains lower than 6 (value of 1 for micro-perforated material): generated atmosphere cannot reach both low O2 and low CO2 partial pressures and then are not adapted to CO2-sensitive fresh produces.–unattractive water condensation at the inner surface of the packaging that might occur due to a low water vapour permeability, favouring the development of microorganisms.–their non biodegradability. an insufficient perm-selectivity ratio that remains lower than 6 (value of 1 for micro-perforated material): generated atmosphere cannot reach both low O2 and low CO2 partial pressures and then are not adapted to CO2-sensitive fresh produces. unattractive water condensation at the inner surface of the packaging that might occur due to a low water vapour permeability, favouring the development of microorganisms. their non biodegradability. Previous studies reported a high selectivity ratio and a high water vapour permeability for biodegradable materials made from crops proteins (wheat gluten, for instance) that appeared well adapted for fresh fruits and vegetables preservation. However, despite low cost and such interesting functional properties, these materials exhibited poor mechanical properties and cannot be used as packaging material. Combination with other materials, such as cellulosic fibres, appeared to one way to get round this major drawback without losing its biodegradability. Indeed paper exhibits an environmental-friendliness potential (recyclability, sustainability, biodegradability, and compostability) and a high versatility in food packaging. By choosing common mushrooms, known to be sensitive to high CO2 content, and a stretchable PVC film, commonly used to over-wrap mushrooms in tray (on European market), we demonstrate that this material was greatly less effective than a new biobased material (wheat gluten film coated onto paper) developed in collaboration with Smurfit Worldwide Research Center. This work confirms the interest in developing functionalised paper based packaging material with agro-based polymers adapted to the storage of fresh fruits and vegetable storage in ambient temperature.

Balitora eddsi, a new species of hillstream loach (Ostariophysi: Balitoridae) from Nepal

A new species of hillstream loach Balitora eddsi is described from the Karnali River drainage in south-western Nepal. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by possessing the following combination of characters: six to seven unbranched pectoral-fin rays, pelvic-fin length 12-14% standard length (L(S)), dorsal surface without circular or irregular shaped dark blotches, snout pointed, median lobe between anterior rostral barbels pointed posteriorly, dorsal-fin origin posterior to pelvic-fin origin, lateral line scales 66-67, caudal peduncle length 22-23.2% L(S), caudal peduncle depth 4.1-4.2 times its length.

A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Mizoram, North-eastern India

A new species of megophryid frog of the genus Leptolalax is described from the Tamdil wetlands of Mizoram State, north-eastern India. L. tamdil new species, is compared with congeners from India and other parts of south-east Asia. The new species is diagnosable in showing the following combination of characters: SVL 32.3 mm in the only male and 31.8 mm in the only female known; dorsum tuberculate; eyelids with tubercles; tympanum and supratympanic fold distinct; supratympanic fold extending to posterior edge of tympanum; macroglands, including preaxillary, pectoral, femoral and ventrolateral glands present; Finger II > I; toe tips not dilated, bearing dermal fringes; relatively long hind limbs, with heels in contact when limbs are held perpendicular to body; dorsum with dark blotches; flanks with small dark blotches; dark tympanic mask present; venter pale; labial bars present and limbs with dark cross-bars.

Threatened fishes of the world: Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey, 1860) (Serranidae: Epinephelinae)

Common names: Black grouper, badejo-quadrado. Conservation status: High vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and in Brazil it was included in the “commercially extinct” list of marine resources in Sao Paulo State (Sao Paulo 2008). Identification: D XI + 15–17; A III +11–13; LL 78–83. The body has 7 or 8 columns of rectangular dark gray blotches. The outer third of the second dorsal, anal and caudal fins are black, edge of preopercle is smooth, without a pronounced lobe in the angle. The maximum length is 133 cm, with maximum body weight of 65 kg (Rocha and Costa 1999). Illustration from FAO species catalogue. Distribution: This species occurs in western Atlantic, from Bermuda and Massachusetts to southern Brazil, including the southern part of Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys, Bahamas, Cuba and the Caribbean. Habitat and ecology: This species is found on rocky bottoms and coral reefs to depths of at least 75 m. Adults are most commonly found bellow 30 m while juveniles generally occur in shalow waters. Adults feed primarily on fishes and juveniles prey, mainly crustaceans. The black grouper is one of the most important species in Atlantic coast fisheries. In Northeast Brazil, between the States of Ceara and Alagoas, M. bonaci has been caught by artisanal fishery using hooks and lines or compressor-assisted spear fishing (Teixeira et al 2004). Reproduction: This specie is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with reproductive aggregations. Maturing females occur between 50 and 100 cm and mature males between 96 and 116 cm (Heemstra and Randall 1993). Threats: Overfishing. Conservation action: Since 2003, in Brazil a minimum capturing size of capture was established at 45 cm. Conservation recommendation: Environ Biol Fish DOI 10.1007/s10641-010-9634-9

A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the sacred groves of Mawphlang, Meghalaya, north-eastern India

A new species of megophryid frog of the genus Leptolalax is described from the sacred groves of Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills, north-eastern India. L. khasiorum new species, is compared with congeners from India and other parts of south-east Asia. The new species is diagnosable in showing the following combination of characters: SVL 24.5–27.3 (mean 25.63 ± 0.61 SE) mm in a sample of four adult males; 31.2–33.4 (mean 32.50 ± 0.67 SE) mm in a sample of three females; dorsum with fine scattered tubercles; eyelids with tubercles; tympanum and supratympanic fold distinct; macroglands, including preaxillary, pectorals and ventrolateral glands present; Finger I > II; toe tips not dilated, bearing dermal fringes; dorsum with dark blotches; flanks with large dark blotches; dark tympanic mask present; venter lacking dark blotches; labial bars present and limbs with dark cross-bars.

Behavioral Ecology of Color Patterns in Atka Mackerel

AbstractThe behavioral ecology of seasonal and ephemeral variations in color patterns of Atka mackerel Pleurogrammus monopterygius was investigated and is discussed relative to alternative mating tactics, reproductive condition, social status, and predation risk. Breeding males underwent a conspicuous seasonal color change during the mating and brooding period, resulting in one of two nuptial phenotypes. Type I males held and defended territories inside nesting colonies and had a uniform yellow coloration with a golden hue across the head and dorsum. Type II males were nonterritorial, hovered above the nesting colony, and attempted periodic forays into the nesting colony; their color was plain yellow with irregular dark blotches across the head and dorsum and a light patch on the nape. When displaced from their nests, type I males also showed dark blotches and a light patch on the nape, but these characteristics were less pronounced than those in type II males. The color of females and nonbreeding males was indistinguishable and exhibited little seasonal variation; however, females close to spawning showed an ephemeral darkening of the body with white spots and patches along the dorsum. Nonbreeding males and females undergoing diel migrations also showed the same pattern across the dorsum but without darkening. The overall mean ratio of males to females in the trawl‐sampled population was 1.22:1.00, of which 44.9% were females, 40% were nonbreeding males, 9.8% were intermediate males (with characteristics intermediate between those of breeding and nonbreeding males), and 5.3% were breeding males. The proportion of breeding males was 12 times higher inside nesting colonies than outside the colonies. The mean fork length (FL) of intermediate and breeding males was larger (by ≤1 cm) than that of females or nonbreeding males. Understanding the behavioral ecology of Atka mackerel is important to the development of a comprehensive ecological index for monitoring and assessing the reproductive health of Atka mackerel stocks.

Two new species of Moenkhausia Eigenmann (Characiformes: Characidae) from Serra do Cachimbo, Pará, Northern Brazil

Two new species of Moenkhausia, one from the rio Tapajós and the other from the rio Xingu basins are described as apparently endemics of the Serra do Cachimbo. Both species, along with M. petymbuaba, share a distinct color pattern composed of large conspicuous dark blotches on the base of the body scales. Moenkhausia chlorophthalma, from rio Treze de Maio, a tributary to rio Curuá (rio Xingu basin), is distinguished by the presence of a proximal well delimited black area on the adipose fin and a green eye in life. Moenkhausia plumbea of the headwaters of tributaries of the rio Braço Norte, rio Tapajós basin is diagnosed by the presence of a dark longitudinal stripe across the eye and six branched pelvic-fin rays (vs. seven). Relationships of the new species with other Moenkhausia are discussed.

A new species of sisorid catfish genus Glyptothorax (Teleostei: Sisoridae) from Salween drainage of Yunnan, China

A new species of the genus Glyptothorax, Glyptothorax obliquimaculatus sp. nov. is described from the Xiaohei River, a tributary of the Nanting River, Salween drainage, in southwestern Yunnan province, China. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characteristics: unculiferous ridges of the thoracic adhesive apparatus extending anteriorly onto the gular region; body with irregular dark blotches scattered along lateral surface (blotches mostly oblique); skin smooth on head and body; dorsal spine smooth without serrations on its posterior margin; lips smooth; posterior margin of pectoral spine with 7-8 serrations; dorsal-fin base 11.0-13.2% SL; pectoral-fin length 15.6-19.6% SL; depth of caudal peduncle 8.6-9.8% SL; head width 19.1-24.0% SL; nasal barbel length 23.3-33.3% HL.

A new species of Scinax (Anura: Hylidae) from Rocky Montane Fields in Southeastern and Central Brazil

We describe a new species of tree frog of the Scinax ruber clade from rocky field mountains in the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais in central and southeastern Brazil. Scinax rogerioi sp. nov. is characterized by medium size (SVL males 25.0–35.6 mm; females 28.0–34.5 mm); snout protruding in lateral view and almost subovoid in dorsal view; loreal region concave; adhesive discs on fingers medium-sized, wider than long; interrupted, irregular dark brown blotches on dorsum from behind eyes to inguinal region from head to inguinal region; inverted brown triangular interocular blotch; brown spot in loreal region; advertisement call is a multipulsed note, with 6 to 12 pulses (interval between pulses 0.02 to 0.03s), and a dominant frequency of 1.38 to 3.19 kHz. Description of the advertisement call and data on natural history are provided.

Two new species of Jupiaba (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Tapajós and rio Madeira drainages, Brazil, with an identification key to species of the genus

Two new species of Jupiaba Zanata are described from Brazil. Jupiaba iasy, new species, is described from rio Teles Pires and rio Jamanxim, tributaries of rio Tapajós, and from rio Aripuanã, in the rio Madeira drainage. It is distinguished from its congeners by its color pattern consisting of a single posteriorly displaced dark crescent-shaped humeral blotch, situated over the first 5 to 7 lateral line scales, and an inconspicuous dark spot at the end of caudal peduncle. It also differs from all remaining Jupiaba for the following combination of characters: 34-36 lateral line scales, 19–21 branched anal-fin rays, 8–10 predorsal scales arranged in a regular row, 6 horizontal series of scales above and 4 series below lateral line, body depth 32.3–36.1% of SL, and absence of filamentous rays in the first dorsal and anal-fin rays. Jupiaba paranatinga, new species, is described from rio Teles Pires, tributary of rio Tapajós. It is distinguished by having 34–35 lateral line scales, two vertically elongated humeral blotches, a conspicuous caudal spot at the end of the caudal peduncle, extending over 8–10 median caudal-fin rays, eye diameter 43.7–46.9% of HL, and relatively low body depth (31.3–35.5% of SL). Additionally, comments on the putative relationships of the new species with their congeners and an updated key to the species of the genus are provided.