Genitalic Characters Research Articles

A review of the Arcuphantes species with the genitalia of arcuatulus-type Araneae, Linyphiidae).

This is the second study addressing the Nearctic Arcuphantes species. Re-examination of Arcuphantes deposited in the American Museum of Natural History shows that four species have the genitalia of arcuatulus-type, including three new species: Arcuphantes arcuatulus (Roewer, 1942), A. cruciatus n. sp., A. denticulatus n. sp. and A. semiorbiculatus n. sp. Genital characters of arcuatulus-type are reviewed and compared with those of fragilis-type based on SEM images and microscopic pictures. Descriptions of the new species and a redescription of the known species are provided.

Three new species of Lecithocera Herrich-Shäffer, 1853 (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) from Taiwan, with a check list of the genus in Taiwan.

Three new species of Lecithocera Herrich-Shäffer, 1853; L. quadratiella sp. nov., L. nantouensis sp. nov., and L. meishanensis sp. nov., are described from Taiwan. External and genital features of the new species are illustrated. A check list of the known species of Lecithocera in Taiwan is provided.

Contribution to the knowledge of the cavernicolous beetle genus Aspidaphaenops Uéno from Guizhou (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae).

The hypogean ground beetle genus Aspidaphaenops Uéno, 2006 is reviewed. Some new information of A. reflexus Uéno, 2006 is provided, including the male genital characteristics as well as a new locality. Two new species are described and illustrated from southwestern Guizhou Province, southwest China: A. xiongda n. sp. (Guizhou: Anlong: Fengyan Dong), A. dudou n. sp. (Guizhou: Xingyi: Xiaozi Dong). A key to all Aspidaphaenops species is also provided.

Towards reliable identification of male Dicerura: descriptions of three new and seven poorly known species in the Palearctic region (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae, Porricondylinae).

The taxonomy of Dicerura Kieffer, 1898, a genus of Porricondylinae now comprising 32 species in the Holarctic region, is revised. Three new species are described based on morphological characters of male adults: D. jakovlevi Jaschhof Spungis sp. nov. (from Finland), D. penttineni Jaschhof Spungis sp. nov. (Finland), and D. yezoensis Jaschhof Spungis sp. nov. (Japan). Dicerura padi Mamaev, 1975 syn. nov. is revealed to be a junior synonym of D. furculata Mamaev, 1968. Seven species, whose original descriptions are from a present-day perspective inadequate for the purpose of identification, are redescribed: D. barbata Mamaev, 1966; D. formosa Mamaev, 1998; D. foliicola Mamaev, 1968; D. furculata; D. iridis (Kaltenbach, 1873); D. stipator Mamaev, 1972; and D. unidentata Spungis, 1987. A key to males of Palearctic Dicerura is provided. New faunistic records are presented for D. barbata; D. complicata Spungis, 1987; D. dentata Spungis, 1979; D. formosa; D. fungicola (Mamaev, 1964); D. mixta Spungis, 1987; and D. unidentata. Male genitalic characters are shown to be useful to a certain extent for structuring the species diversity found within the genus Dicerura. The following groups of species are defined: iridis group (with nine species), dentata group (six species), fungicola group (four species), and formosa group (four species). Six of the species whose morphology is adequately known cannot be grouped within the proposed scheme, indicating the need for further character analysis and continuing search for yet undiscovered species that are assumed to exist in large numbers.

Two new species of Gisilia Kasy, 1968 (Lepidoptera, Cosmopterigidae) from Korea with first report of piercing oviscapts in Gelechioidea.

Two new species of Gisilia Kasy, 1968, G. melanobasis n. sp. and G. tamrae n. sp., are described from Korea. Ascalenia thoracista (Meyrick, 1915) is transferred to Gisilia and compared to two Korean congeners. External and genital features of two new species and G. thoracista are illustrated. Piercing oviscapts are reported from Gelechioidea for the first time. The occurrences of oviscapts in Lepidoptera are reviewed.

Redescription of Phonotimpus separatus Gertsch Davis, 1940 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) and description of two new species of Phonotimpus from Mexico.

The female of Phonotimpus separatus Gertsch Davis (the type species of the genus) is redescribed from a specimen collected at the type locality, and two new species of Phonotimpus from Mexico are described: P. pennimani sp. nov. and P. talquian sp. nov. A more detailed description of P. separatus is provided to better distinguish them from related taxa. The two new species are closely related; males and females of both species share several somatic and genitalic characters not found in P. separatus. The resemblance of both new species to P. separatus is discussed.

Taxonomic notes on Babinskaiidae from the Cretaceous Burmese amber, with the description of a new species (Insecta, Neuroptera).

Babinskaiidae is an extinct lacewing family of the superfamily Myrmeleontoidea. Hitherto, nine species of seven genera are described from the Lower and mid-Cretaceous. Here a new species of Babinskaiidae is described from Cretaceous Burmese amber, namely Parababinskaia makarkini sp. n. The new species possesses an A2 vein in the hind wing, suggesting that the loss of this vein might not be an autapomorphy of Babinskaiidae. The female of Electrobabinskaia burmana Lu, Zhang & Liu, 2017 is also described for the first time based on two specimens with their abdomens perfectly preserved, exhibiting a specialised sternum VI with paired elongate projections. A brief discussion of female genital characters is provided, which may increase our understanding of the morphology and phylogenetic position of Babinskaiidae.

A novel method for determining sex in late term gestational mice based on the external genitalia.

In many experiments using fetal mice, it is necessary to determine the sex of the individual fetus. However, other than genotyping for sex-specific genes, there is no convenient, reliable method of sexing mice between gestational day (GD) 16.5 and GD 18.0. We designed a rapid, relatively simple visual method to determine the sex of mouse fetuses in the GD 16.5—GD 18.0 range that can be performed as part of a routine morphological assessment. By examining the genitalia for the presence or absence of key features, raters with minimal experience with the method were able to correctly identify the sex of embryos with 99% accuracy, while raters with no experience were 95% accurate. The critical genital features include: the presence or absence of urethral seam or proximal urethral meatus; the shape of the genitalia, and the presence or absence of an area related to the urethral plate. By comparing these morphological features of the external genitalia, we show a simple, accurate, and fast way to determine the sex of late stage mouse fetuses. Integrating this method into regular morphological assessments will facilitate the determination of sex differences in fetuses between GD 16.5 and GD 18.0.

A new species of Charinus (Amblypygi: Charinidae) from Ghana, with notes on West African whip spiders

The fauna of whip spiders (Amblypygi) in Western Africa is poorly known but probably diverse. Here, I describe the new speciesCharinuskakumsp. n.based on female morphology, and accompanied by DNA sequence data. The species is small and differs from other African species ofCharinusin the low number of pseudosegments on leg IV, female genital features, spination patterns of the pedipalp, and small body size. It was collected from wet tropical rainforest in Kakum National Park, Ghana and is only the fourth species ofCharinusto be recorded from the highly diverse Western African biodiversity hotspot. With a total body length of not even 6 mm it is also one of the smallest whip spiders in the world.

Taxonomic notes on the ground beetles in the genus Trephionus Bates, 1883 from central Honshu, Japan (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Sphodrini, Synuchina).

Trephionus Bates, 1883, a Japanese endemic genus in the subtribe Synuchina (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Sphodrini), is revised taxonomically based mainly on the shape of the endophallus, a membranous inner sac everted from the aedeagus of the male genitalia. Three known species from central Honshu, T. kinoshitai Habu, 1954; T. shibataianus Habu, 1978; and T. babai Habu, 1978, are re-defined based on this genital character, and five new species are described from the region: T. cylindriphallus Sasakawa, sp. n., T. niumontanus Sasakawa, sp. n., T. inexpectatus Sasakawa & Itô, sp. n., T. abiba Sasakawa & Itô, sp. n., and T. bifidilobatus Sasakawa & Itô, sp. n. The observed interspecies differences in endophallus morphology are discussed in terms of the species-level phylogeny and genus-level taxonomy of Trephionus.

Chloropid flies (Diptera, Chloropidae) associated with pitcher plants in North America.

We review the taxonomy and ecology of Chloropidae (Diptera) associated with pitcher plants (Sarraceniaceae) in North America. Tricimba wheeleri Mlynarek sp.n. is described from the pitchers of Sarracenia alata Alph.Wood and S. leucophylla Raf. in the southeastern United States (Alabama, Mississippi). Aphanotrigonum darlingtoniae (Jones) associated with Darlingtonia californica Torr. in northern California is redescribed, including the first description of male genitalic characters. A lectotype is designated for A. darlingtoniae. Published records of other species of Tricimba Lioy in pitcher plants in North America are considered accidental or facultative occurrences; published records of Aphanotrigonum Duda as pitcher plant associates in eastern North America are probably errors in identification.

A review of the spider genus Singaporemma (Araneae: Tetrablemmidae), with the description of a new species.

The genus Singaporemma Shear, 1978, which currently includes seven species, is reviewed. In this study, we reexamine and photograph the type material of all the species. A new species, Singaporemma takensis sp. n. is documented as new to science and as the first record of the genus from Thailand. We provide a key to Singaporemma spp., based only on genital characters, along with diagnoses, illustrations and distribution map for all the species of Singaporemma.

Genital Alteration and Intersex: a Critical Analysis

The purpose of this review is to survey current discussions of genital alteration on intersex infants, and children. Intersex is a term used to describe an individual with a less common combination of genetic, hormonal, gonadal, and genital features that are used in assigning sex at birth. This language is frequently replaced by disorders of sexual development (DSD). This article critically examines medical publications, legal and governmental documents, and statements by intersex activists regarding medically unnecessary genital surgery, seeking to place a wide variety of literature in conversation and attending to social and ethical issues related to DSD treatment. It is vital that there be a robust patient-centered research agenda on non-surgical and surgical outcomes for DSD treatment. We offer open-ended questions inspired by this literature review, with the hope and intention that future treatment of DSDs will continue to be informed by critical engagement.

A review of the genus Hyperaspis Chevrolat, 1837 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Pakistan

The genus Hyperaspis Chevrolat in Dejean, 1837 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Pakistan is reviewed. Five species of the genus including three new country records, H. asiatica Lewis, 1896, H. histeroides (Faldermann, 1837) and H. leechi Miyatake, 1961 are described here. The diagnostic characteristics of the genus and identified species, their descriptions, host plants, prey and distribution records are provided. Morphological features of adult including male genital characters of all species are illustrated. Identification key of the studied species is presented.

A new sun moth species from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia (Lepidoptera, Castniidae)

Sun moths (Castniidae) constitute a small family of day-flying butterfly-like moths that have their centers of diversity in South America and Australia. Here we describe a new castniid from the Finders Ranges, South Australia. Synemon arkaroola spec. nov. is similar and related to Synemon brontias Meyrick, 1891 but differs by a number of external and genitalic characters, including the extensive bright orange markings on the hindwings. The new species inhabits dry creek beds and adjacent slopes where the hostplant, Scented Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon ambiguus (Hack.) A. Camus (Poaceae), grows.

Comparitive morphological study of genus Fascellina (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) in Tamil Nadu

Comparative morphological study of two species Fascellina plagiata and Fascellina chromataria was studied based on morphological and genital characters. Antenna of male is filiform with cilia and bristles in each flagellomere. Labial palpi clothed below with close set of smooth yellow scales, fore wing ground colour tawny and in male genitalia uncus bifid at distal end and aedeaus with patch of cornuti in F. plagiata. Labial palpi clothed below with close set of smooth brown scales, fore wing ground colour dark reddish brown, uncus bifid at apical end and cornuti absent in aedeagus in F. chromataria

Studies on Genus Hippotion Hübner (Sphingidae: Lepidoptera) from India

The male and female genitalic features of four species of genus Hippotion Hubner viz. i.e. celerio (Linnaeus), echeclus (Boisduval), boerhaviae (Fabricius) and rafflesi (Butler) have been studied and illustrated. The genus diagnosis has been updated and a key to the species has been formulated.

Morphological and molecular identification of Carpophilus dimidiatus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) associated with stored walnut in Northwestern Argentina

The beetle genus Carpophilus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Carpophilinae) includes important stored-product pest species, many of which are widespread worldwide and often difficult to identify using external morphological features. The present research work provides the identification of Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius), infesting walnut in production areas in Catamarca Province, Northwestern Argentina, these being new host and distribution records for the province. It was based on both morphological and molecular information. In order to ensure accuracy and facilitate further studies requiring recognition of taxonomically challenging species of Carpophilus, a revised morphological diagnosis of C. dimidiatus is provided and illustrated with photos of habitus of adult male and female and of relevant external and genital characters, including comparative notes to allow distinction of this species from other similar nitidulid beetles. For molecular identification of C. dimidiatus, sequencing of the 5′ and the 3′regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene was performed. Fragments of 658 bp and ∼800 bp, respectively, are made available as additional diagnostic tools. Phylogenetic analyses were also done on the barcode fragment of COI of several Carpophilus species and outgroup taxa, available in genetic databases, with results confirming the species identity.

Epaphroditidae sensu novo, an Endemic Caribbean Family of Morphologically Divergent Praying Mantises (Insecta, Mantodea).

Three endemic Caribbean praying mantis genera with a complex taxonomic history were recently discovered to be part of a lineage that colonized the Caribbean region during the Cretaceous period (Svenson & Rodrigues, Proc R Soc B Biol Sci 284, 2017). In all classification systems proposed up to now, the three genera, Callimantis, Epaphrodita, and Gonatista, were never considered as close relatives, a reflection of their divergent morphology. More recently, the genus Brancsikia was placed with Epaphrodita in a family based on the similarity of camouflage-related morphology. To address recent phylogenetic results that do not track current classification, we compared the morphology of the three Caribbean genera with each other and representative members of traditional or current family groups. Our morphological analysis of external and male genital characters provides strong support for the Caribbean lineage despite the divergent morphological evolution present in the three genera. We raise this Caribbean lineage to family status by employing a precedent family-group name, Epaphroditidae Brunner de Wattenwyl, 1893 sensu novo. We remove Brancsikia from our new concept of Epaphroditidae, rendering the genus incertae sedis.

Underexplored diversity of gill monogeneans in cichlids from Lake Tanganyika: eight new species of Cichlidogyrus Paperna, 1960 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from the northern basin of the lake, with remarks on the vagina and the heel of the male copulatory organ

BackgroundLake Tanganyika harbours the most diverse cichlid assemblage of the Great African Lakes. Considering its cichlid flocks consist of approximately 250 endemic species, we can hypothesize a high species-richness in their often quite host-specific monogenean ectoparasites belonging to Cichlidogyrus Paperna, 1960. Yet, only 24 species were described from Tanganyikan hosts and some host tribes have never been investigated for monogeneans. This study presents the first parasitological examination of species of the tribes Cyprichromini (Cyprichromis microlepidotus (Poll, 1956)), Eretmodini (Eretmodus marksmithi Burgess, 2012 and Tanganicodus irsacae Poll, 1950) and Ectodini (Aulonocranus dewindti (Boulenger, 1899)). Specimens of the ectodine Ophthalmotilapia nasuta (Poll & Matthes, 1962) from which four Cichlidogyrus spp. have been previously described from more southern localities were also studied. Further, we discuss the haptor configuration in Tanganyikan Cichlidogyrus spp. and highlight the morphological diversity of the vagina, and that of the heel, a sclerotized part of the male copulatory organ, absent in some species of Cichlidogyrus.MethodsCichlidogyrus spp. were isolated from gills and fixed using GAP. Haptoral and genital hard parts were measured and drawn by means of a phase contrast microscopic examination.ResultsWe describe eight new species: Cichlidogyrus milangelnari n. sp. on C. microlepidotus; C. jeanloujustinei n. sp. on E. marksmithi; C. evikae n. sp. on T. irsacae; C. aspiralis n. sp., C. glacicremoratus n. sp. and C. rectangulus n. sp. on O. nasuta; and C. pseudoaspiralis n. sp. and C. discophonum n. sp. on A. dewindti. Three haptoral morphotypes were recognized among the new species. Species of Cichlidogyrus from closely related hosts exhibited the same morphotypes. Geographical variation in Cichlidogyrus spp. fauna as observed in O. nasuta and three morphotypes were distinguished. Finally, we listed 111 Cichlidogyrus species, of which 27 and three Tanganyikan species lack sclerotized vagina and heel, respectively, just like 19 and seven species outside of the lake.ConclusionsHaptoral and genital features in the Tanganyikan Cichlidogyrus fauna reflect the phylogenetic relationships of their cichlid hosts. It seems that several lineages of Cichlidogyrus spp. exist in Lake Tanganyika but further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis and answer questions related to Lake Tanganyika and its cichlids.