Exclusive Characters Research Articles

Systematics ofPseudotothyris(Loricariidae: Hypoptopomatinae)

Pseudotothyris Britski & Garavello, 1984 is a genus of small catfishes distributed only in coastal basins in southern and south-eastern Brazil, between Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina states. Schaefer (1991), in a phylogenetic analysis of the Hypoptopomatinae, did not find any uniquely derived character to diagnose Pseudotothyris, and thus questioned its taxonomic validity, suggesting that a more detailed comparative analysis would be necessary to find exclusive diagnostic characters of the genus. Based on this, the present study aimed to perform a phylogenetic analysis and taxonomic revision of the genus, evaluating its specific composition, its monophyly, and its phylogenetic relationships. For this, we performed a phylogenetic analysis with 92 characters observed across 57 terminal taxa, including members of the Delturinae, Loricariinae, Hypostominae, Neoplecostominae, and all valid genera of Hypoptopomatinae. Our results corroborate the monophyly of the genus, which is supported by a uniquely derived synapomorphy: anterior snout odontodes well developed only on dorsal region. As expected and already suggested by other authors, Pseudotothyris is recovered as the sister group of Otothyris, another genus that occurs in coastal drainages. Additionally, as a result of the taxonomic revision, we present a redescription of the genus and of the two valid species, and the description of a new species. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London

Lichenicolous fungi of the genus Abrothallus (Dothideomycetes: Abrothallales ordo nov.) are sister to the predominantly aquatic Janhulales

This study provides new insights on the phylogenetic position of the lichenicolous fungal genus Abrothallus based on six molecular markers (nuSSU, nuLSU, mtSSU, RPB1, RPB2 and TEF-α). In a broad-scale analysis, we detected high support for inclusion of the genus within Dothideomycetes. A further analysis provided support for Abrothallus as a member of the subclass Pleosporomycetidae as a sister group of Jahnulales, an order of aquatic Dothideomycetes. Given the exclusive characters of this group of apotheciate fungi within the Dothidiomycetes, a new monotypic order Abrothallales is here introduced together with the new family Abrothallaceae. In a multi-locus analysis (based on the six loci indicated above plus ITS) restricted to 12 putative Abrothallus species, two clearly separated clades were observed: one comprising species growing on lichens of the families Parmeliaceae and Ramalinaceae, and the second including species that live on lichens of the order Peltigerales and the family Cladoniaceae.

Old and new taxonomic tools: description of a new genus and two new species of Bathynellidae from Spain with morphological and molecular characters

One new genus and two new species of the Bathynellidae Grobben, 1905 family are described from Spain. Paradoxiclamousella gen. nov. has a unique combination of morphological characters, which includes eight-segmented antenna, medial seta on exopod of antenna, antennule slightly longer than antenna, three-segmented mandibular palp, three segments on endopod of thoracopods I to V and four on thoracopods VI and VII, four spines on the sympod of uropod and three lobes (plus a very long frontal projection) on the penial region of the male thoracopod VIII. Paradoxiclamousella fideli sp. nov. displays a unique combination of morphological characters and has two exclusive characters: the shape of the outer protuberance and the bilobulated inner lobe of the male thoracopod VIII. Paradoxiclamousella pirata sp. nov. also displays a unique combination of morphological characters. Partial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase I have also been obtained from specimens of four populations, including the two type localities of the two new species. The analyses of molecular data demonstrate the presence of two highly divergent genetic units (from three localities), corresponding to two new species. The mitocondrial DNA information obtained in this study complements the traditional morphological taxonomic description supporting the validity of both new species.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:DD85D5EB-D02D-40FE-BEE0-3FE26D645C4E

Two new species of the genus Chilibathynella Noodt, 1963 and Onychobathynella bifurcata gen. et sp. nov (Crustacea: Syncarida: Parabathynellidae) from New South Wales, Australia

Two new species of the parabathynellid genus Chilibathynella Noodt, 1963 are described from Australia. Chilibathynella joshuai sp. nov. has a unique combination of morphological characters, which includes five-segmented antenna, no epipodite on thoracopod I, two setae on the endopod of the male thoracopod VIII, homonomous row of 17 spines on uropodal sympod, uropodal exopod with four distal spines and a flat anal operculum. Chilibathynella digitus sp. nov. has two exclusive characters: six teeth on the pars incisiva of the mandible and a large, elongated digitiform protuberance (resembling a finger) on the basipod of male thoracopod VIII. The species also displays a unique combination of morphological characters, which includes five-segmented antenna, no epipodite on thoracopod I, no outer marginal seta on the first and second segments of the endopod of thoracopod I to VII, two setae on the endopod of the male thoracopod VIII, homonomous row of 12 spines on uropodal sympod, uropodal exopod with three distal spines and an unprotruded anal operculum. The two new species extend the distribution of the Chilibathynella genus in Australia from Victoria to New South Wales. A new genus and species of the family Parabathynellidae, Onychobathynella bifurcata gen. nov. sp. nov., is described from New South Wales, Australia. The new genus displays an evolutionary novelty, for Parabathynellidae and the entire group of Bathynellacea: the antennule, antenna, thoracopods, pleopod I and uropod have setae that are strong, thick, short, barbed and claw-like. This new genus is the first in the family without smooth setae on the antennule and antenna. The new genus also has a combination of characters that makes it unique in Parabathynellidae: the antennule is eight-segmented like Octobathynella Camacho and Hancock, 2010; the antenna is five-segmented; the labrum has 20 teeth; the exopod of thoracopod I to VII has only one segment; the endopod lacks dorsal setae on the first segment and the epipod is absent from thoracopod I; first pleopods are present and resemble two barbed curved claws; there are 18 bifid spines on the sympod, two spines and four setae resembling strong barbed claws on the endopod and six robust setae on the exopod of the uropod.

The youngest species of Polysternon: A new bothremydid turtle from the uppermost Maastrichtian of the southern Pyrenees

Shell remains of a new species of Polysternon (Chelonii, Bothremydidae) have been recently discovered in the new locality of Barranc de Torrebilles (late Maastrichtian, southern Pyrenees). The specimens studied share features with Polysternon provinciale and ‘Foxemys’mechinorum and reveal some exclusive characters such as: neural 1 with concave lateral margins; first marginal scutes trapezoidal; posterior margin of the second marginal very close to the suture between peripheral 1 and costal 1; anterior margin of the first vertebral rounded; and anterior lobe of the plastron emarginated. The shell morphology, taphonomy and sedimentology suggest that the proposed species, Polysternon isonae, was fully adapted to freshwater and inhabited fluvial meandering river environments. The Barranc de Torrebilles site is located in the uppermost part of the Maastrichtian succession in the Tremp Basin, only 35 m beneath the unit that contains the Cretaceous/Palaeogene boundary. Thus, P. isonae may be among the last representatives of this genus before its extinction at the end of the Cretaceous Period, according to the current knowledge of the fossil record.

Description of a new species of the stag beetle genus Altitatiayus Weinreich (Coleoptera, Lucanidae, Lucaninae)

The brachypterous Brazilian stag beetle genus Altitatiayus Weinreich (Coleoptera, Lucanidae, Lucaninae) was previously known only from states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Altitatiayus campoi, a new species from Sao Paulo, the southernmost in distribution, is described here and apparently represents a new species group with some exclusive characters. It is compared with other species of the genus and a key to species of Altitatiayus is provided.

A new genus of Parabathynellidae (Crustacea: Bathynellacea) in New South Wales, Australia

A new genus and species of the family Parabathynellidae, Octobathynella peelensis gen. nov. sp. nov., is described from New South Wales, Australia. The new genus displays several exclusive characters: a very large and distinctive male thoracopod VIII with one crest-like projection containing two lobules on the basipod; and four aesthetascs on segments six and seven of the antennule. It also has several combinations of characters that make it unique in the Parabathynellidae, specifically that: the antennule is eight-segmented (a new character in the Australian species); there are seven segments in the antenna; the labrum has 18–20 teeth; the exopod of thoracopod I has three to four segments and the exopod of thoracopod II has four segments; the endopod has one dorsal seta on the first and second segments and the epipod is absent on thoracopod I; pleopods are absent; the endopod of the male thoracopod VIII has two setae and the exopod has setules; there are 10–12 spines on the sympod, three or four spines on the endopod and five setae on the exopod of the uropod. The new genus and species is placed into context with all known Bathynellacea in Australia, and the biogeographic patterns are discussed for this ancient group of subterranean crustaceans.

New conditions and intraspecific variations in hand and foot muscles in Pristimantis bogotensis (Peters, 1863) (Amphibia:Anura: Strabomantidae)

Some conditions from complete dissection of hand and foot muscles of Pristimantis bogotensis (Strabomantidae) presented here have not been reported in anurans. One muscle not described before was found: the m. abductor ulnocarpalis. Muscles of the forearm, the hand, and the foot were found as exclusive characters in this species. Two minor variants (sensu Raikow et al., 1990) were identified, showing that it is important to examine hind and forelimbs of both sides of the body (left and right) in anatomical studies for detecting intraspecific variation.

The first record of Syncarida in Montana, USA: a new genus and species of Parabathynellidae (Crustacea, Bathynellacea) in North America

Montanabathynella salish gen. nov. sp. nov., of the family Parabathynellidae, from Montana, USA, is described. The new species displays several exclusive characters: distal endite of the maxillule with nine claws and a very large and distinctive male thoracopod 8 with four lobes in the basal penial region and a long recurved exopod without setation. It also presents a unique combination of characters: antennule seven‐segmented; antenna six‐segmented; labrum with 18 teeth; exopod of thoracopods three‐ to six‐segmented, endopod with one dorsal seta on the first and second segments and epipod only present on thoracopods 4 to 7; pleopods absent; endopod of thoracopod 8 male with two setae and exopod without setae; female thoracopod 8 having two segments, first segment with two groups of denticles and the second one with three long barbed setae; 15 spines on sympod, four spines and spinous process on endopod and 12 setae on exopod of uropod.

Seed morphology of two distinct european species of Erica L. (Ericaceae).

ABSTRACT. Seed morphology of two distinct european species of Erica L. (Ericaceae). Erica spiculifolia is a distinct species within the genus Erica, considered by some authors as part of a monospecific genus: Bruckenthalia. The second species studied, E. umbellata, is the only European species of section Pyronium. Seed morphology of the two species was studied by means of SEM techniques. Seeds from different populations were used. Characters concerning size and shape of seeds, primary and secondary ornamentation were observed and measured. The seeds of E. spiculifolia are close to those of other species within the genus, supporting the inclusion in Erica. E. umbellata seeds have some exclusive characters within the European species of the genus: a verrucate secondary ornamentation and surface cells with “omega type” cell boundaries. The systematics of genus Erica is still unresolved, and the taxonomic position of these species has to be clarified. As found in previous studies, seed characters provide useful taxonomic characters that should be used in the interpretation of the taxonomic position of these species within Erica.Key words. Erica, Ericaceae, seed morphology, SEM, testa sculpture, taxonomy.RESUMEN. Morfología de las semillas de dos especies europeas de Erica L. (Ericaceae). Erica spiculifolia es una especie con características únicas dentro del género Erica en Europa, considerada por algunos autores como perteneciente al género monoespecífico Bruckenthalia. La segunda especie estudiada, E. umbellata, es la única especie de la sección Pyronium dentro del núcleo norte del género. Se estudia la morfología de las semillas mediante la fotografía de microscopía electrónica. Se miden semillas de diferentes poblaciones de cada especie. Se estudian y miden diversos caracteres del tamaño y la forma de las semillas, la ornamentación primaria y secundaria. Las semillas de E. spiculifolia coinciden en la mayor parte de los caracteres con otras especies del género, lo que apoya su pertenencia a Erica. Las semillas de E. umbellata presentan algunos caracteres exclusivos que permiten diferenciarla de otras especies europeas del género: una ornamentación secundaria verrucosa y las uniones entre las células de la testa de “tipo omega”. La taxonomía del género Erica no está aún resuelta, y la posición sistemática de estas especies debe clarificarse. Como se desprende de éste y otros estudios publicados, la morfología de las semillas aportan caracteres de diagnóstico que deben utilizarse para una correcta interpretación de las relaciones taxonómicas dentro del género.Palabras clave. Erica, Ericaceae, morfología de las semillas, M.E.B., ornamentación de la testa, taxonomía

First Record of an Extinct Marabou Stork in the Neogene of South America

We describe a new large species of marabou stork, Leptoptilus patagonicus (Ciconiiformes, Ciconiidae, Leptoptilini), from the late Miocene Puerto Madryn Formation, Chubut Province, Argentina. The specimen consists mainly of wing and leg bones, pelvis, sternum, cervical vertebrae, and a few fragments of the skull. We provisionally adopt the traditional systematic scheme of ciconiid tribes. The specimen is referred to the Leptoptilini on the basis of similarities in morphology and intramembral proportions with the extant genera Ephippiorhynchus, Jabiru, and Leptoptilos. The fossil specimen resembles in overall morphology and size the species of Leptoptilos, but also exhibits several exclusive characters of the sternum, humerus, carpometacarpus, tibiotarsus, and pelvis. Additionally, its wing proportions differ from those of any living taxon, providing support to erect a new species. This is the first record of the tribe Leptoptilini in the Tertiary of South America.

A contribuição da anatomia foliar para a taxonomia de Raddia Bertol. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)

Raddia é um gênero de bambus herbáceos que inclui nove espécies ocorrentes no Brasil, uma delas encontrada também em áreas extra-brasileiras. A anatomia foliar de todas as espécies foi analisada em microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, visando à obtenção de caracteres úteis para sua taxonomia. Espécies de outros gêneros de bambus herbáceos foram utilizadas para comparação. Não foram encontrados caracteres anatômicos exclusivos de Raddia, e os mesmos foram pouco relevantes para a delimitação das espécies dentro do gênero, separando às vezes, apenas grupos de espécies. Entre estes caracteres, destacaram-se, em corte transversal: forma da nervura central, posição do feixe vascular mediano, número de feixes vasculares adjacentes ao feixe mediano e a forma das células fusóides. A análise da epiderme em vista frontal (MEV) mostrou diferenças entre as espécies quanto à ocorrência, densidade e distribuição de papilas. Raddia megaphylla R.P. Oliveira & Longhi-Wagner e R. guianensis (Brongn.) Hitchc. & Chase apresentaram maior número de caracteres anatômicos exclusivos, entre as espécies estudadas. Um tipo de tricoma não registrado anteriormente para Bambusoideae foi encontrado em R. stolonifera R.P. Oliveira & Longhi-Wagner.

Systematics of the family Ariidae (Ostariophysi, Siluriformes), with a redefinition of the genera

The taxonomic status of all the nominal genera of the Ariidae are reviewed and ariid genera are diagnosed by exclusive characters as well as by a combination of internal and external morphological features. The results are based on a phylogenetic analysis undertaken by the senior author (Marceniuk, 2003). The species so far recognized are taxonomically reevaluated and considered as valid, inquirendae or synonyms under each diagnosed genus based on direct examination of specimens or use of diagnostic characters available in the literature. A key to identification of genera is provided based on morphological characters that can be easily recognized. In the new classification proposed, Ariidae comprises the following twenty six valid genera: Amissidens, Arius, Aspistor, Bagre, Batrachocephalus, Brustiarius, Cathorops, Cephalocassis, Cinetodus, Cochlefelis, Cryptarius, Doiichthys, Galeichthys, Genidens, Hemiarius, Ketengus, Nedystoma, Nemapteryx, Neoarius, Netuma, Notarius, Osteogeneiosus, Pachyula, Plicofollis, Potamarius and Sciades. Three new genera are erected. The nominal genera Bagre Oken, 1817, Glanis, Stearopterus, Breviceps non Merrem, 1820, Felichthys, Ailurichthys, Mystus non Scopoli, 1777 and Anemanotus are considered junior synonyms of Bagre Cloquet, 1816. Hexanematichthys, Sciadeichthys, Selenaspis, Ariopsis and Leptarius are synonyms of Sciades. The nominal genus Pseudarius is an objective synonym, and Ariodes a subjective synonym, of Arius. Sciadeops is synonymous with Notarius. Catastoma and Sarcogenys are synonyms of Netuma. Tetranesodon is preliminary considered junior synonym of Pachyula. Hemipimelodus is a synonym of Cephalocassis. Septobranchus is a junior synonym of Cinetodus, and Guiritinga is a new synonym of Genidens.

First record of Bathynellacea (Crustacea, Syncarida, Parabathynellidae) in China: a new genus

A new genus and species of Syncarida, family Parabathynellidae, is described from China. Sinobathynella decamera n. g. n. sp. is one of the world's largest known Bathynellacea species (3.7 mm) and displays several exclusive characters: 10 segments in the antennule, exopod of thoracopods 3–7 with 10 segments and thoracopod 8 female with two spines and two long setae. The new species also has a unique combination of characters: an antennule with 10 segments; antenna with six segments; pars incisiva of the mandible with three teeth and pars molaris with 14 teeth; distal endite of maxillule with seven claws; epipods present in thoracopods 3–7; an absence of pleopods; endopod of thoracopod 8 male with two long setae; 20 spines on the sympod, and three or four spines on the endopod of the uropod. This is the first time that the Bathynellacea (family Parabathynellidae) has been found in China, extending the range of distribution of this taxon in Asia.

Cranial morphology of the Miocene thylacinid Mutpuracinus archibaldi (Thylacinidae, Marsupialia) and relationships within the Dasyuromorphia

A plesiomorphic middle Miocene thylacinid, Mutpuracinus archibaldi, closely resembles the early to middle Miocene dasyurid, Barinya wangala, in its possession of purportedly exclusive dasyurid characters: a closed alisphenoid tympanic bulla that contacted a periotic tympanic sinus; a deeply invasive internal jugular canal with a distinct posteroventral lip of the petrosal; and a rudimentary tubal foramen. These shared character states and many other structural similarities in the cranial base between Mutpuracinus and Barinya indicate shared ancestry, with the dentally more conservative Dasyuridae representing the plesiomorphic sister group to the Thylacinidae. Other Oligocene-Miocene thylacinid species in which the bony ear region is preserved (Badjcinus turnbulli, Nimbacinus dicksoni) show intermediate states between Mutpuracinus archibaldi and Thylacinus cynocephalus. These indicate that the states of the ear region of Thylacinus cynocephalus (small, posteriorly open alisphenoid tympanic wing, absence of petrosal tympanic process, alisphenoid surrounding primary foramen ovale), which resemble some South American didelphoid marsupials, are not primitive. They are secondarily derived states in which the alisphenoid tympanic wing and contacting processes are reduced.

Disentangling an Asian puzzle: Two new bathynellid (Crustacea, Syncarida, Parabathynellidae) genera from Vietnam

In this paper the 17 asiatic species of the family Parabathynellidae are reviewed from a taxonomic point of view using bibliographic data. Two new genera and two new species are described from caves in Vietnam. Paraeobathynella n. g. presents a unique combination of characters (antennule: seven segments; antenna: six segments; mandible: pars incisiva with five teeth and pars molaris with 10 teeth; maxillule: distal endite with seven claws; exopod of the thoracopods with three or more segments and epipods present in thoracopods 3–7; pleopods absent; endopod of the Th 8 male with two setae; seven spines on the sympod and two spines on the endopod of the uropod and the small minimum size of the adult body) and exclusive characters like the Th 8 female having two small spines and one long seta and the general size and aspect of the Th 8 male and its lobes. Sketinella n. g. presents a unique combination of characters (antennule: eight segments; antenna; six segments; mandible: pars incisiva with six teeth and pars molaris with eight teeth: maxillule: distal endite with seven claws; exopod of the thoracopods with three or more segments and epipods present in Th 3–7; endopod of the thoracopod 8 male with two setae; 12 spines on the sympod and two spines on the endopod and seven setae on the exopod of the uropod) and characters exclusive to the asiatic species are: a pair of pleopods reduced to a single seta; a very distinctive basipod and outer lobe of the Th 8 male and an exopod of the Th 8 male with a small tooth or protuberance. This is the first time that the Parabathynellidae has been found in Vietnam, this find extends the range of distribution of this family in Asia.

Pseudoallencotyla gen. n., a new genus for Allencotyla pricei (Kritsky, Noble et Moser, 1978) (Monogenea: Heteraxinidae), with a key to genera of Heteraxininae.

In this study, we clarify the taxonomic status of Allencotyla pricei based on a re-examination of paratypes and voucher specimens. Four important characters are added to previous descriptions: the vagina is ventral; the cirrus is absent; the eggs are fusiform and have two polar filaments (one about 3.5 times longer than the other); and, there are two flat sclerites at each side of the dorsal trident-shaped sclerite in the clamps. A comparison of A. pricei with species from all the genera of the Heteraxininae, including Allencotyla mcintoshi, indicates that A. pricei has several exclusive characters, i.e., a ventral vagina, vaginal armature, two additional dorsal sclerites in the clamps, a ventral mouth, and a question mark-shaped ovary. The combination of characters found in A. pricei is not shared with any other species within the Heteraxininae. In view of these features, A. pricei is assigned to a new genus, Pseudoallencotyla gen. n., as P. pricei comb. n.

TAXONOMIA DEL GENERO HELICTERES (STERCULIACEAE). REVISIÓN DE LAS ESPECIES AMERICANAS

TAXONOMIA DEL GENERO HELICTERES (STERCULIACEAE). REVISIÓN DE LAS ESPECIES AMERICANAS

THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOMBYCIDÆ

Notwithstanding much that has been learnedly written upon the family Bombycidæ, or Spinner Moths, no strong exclusive structural characters have been brought to light which hold the groups together as a natural family. Following Linné and Latreille, the American authors, Dr. Harris and Dr. Packard, have, however, considered such a family to exist. In Germany the different groups, or sub-families, have been raised to the rank of families, while under the loose term Bombyces the Spinner Moths as a whole have been designated.

1. American Retrospect.: (Communicated.)

In a communication read last June, before the American Neurological Association, by Dr. William A. Hammond, he endeavours to prove that Thalamic Epilepsy is entitled to distinct recognition on clinical and pathological grounds. He refers to Hughlings Jackson's division and definition of epilepsy before proceeding to detail two out of five cases which have led him to these conclusions. Passing by what relates to Hughlings Jackson's ideas, and the reasons for which they are rejected by Dr. Hammond, we will only confine ourselves to the principal facts suggesting that his two examples exhibit no exclusive characters to warrant the hypothesis based thereon, or that they belong to any new variety of epilepsy, inasmuch as their description plainly sets forward nothing but a sensorial aura, very familiar to those practically acquainted with epilepsy. In proof of this, we lay before the reader the essential points and features of the attacks in the two cases selected by Dr. Hammond to exemplify this alleged new kind of epilepsy.