Geographical Distribution In Europe Research Articles

Green lizards (Squamata, Lacertidae) from ?Pliocene deposits of Węże I in southern Poland, with comments on cranial features for selected lacertids

AbstractI here describe lacertids from the classic Węże I locality in southern Poland (?Pliocene deposits) based on six previously undescribed jaws: an incomplete left maxilla, two dentaries and three mandibles. These jaws collectively provide considerable data on the morphology of the maxilla, dentary, teeth, coronoid, splenial, angular, surangular and prearticular. All six jaws can be unequivocally allocated to Lacertidae and five of those are allocated to European green lizards of the Lacerta viridis group. Currently, La. viridis has regionally extinct or probably extinct status in Poland. The material from Węże I provides evidence that European green lizards had a large geographic distribution in Europe, including Poland during the ?Pliocene. One mandible fragment appears to be slightly different and is allocated to Lacertidae indet. That mandible might point to a higher taxonomic diversity of lacertids in this locality. However, that interpretation needs to be viewed with caution, because based on such limited material, individual and/or ontogenetic variation cannot be ruled out. To reveal the real taxonomic palaeodiversity of lacertids in Węże I, new and more complete cranial material is needed. In addition, this article provides insights into the comparative osteology of skulls and selected cranial elements in lacertids.

Report of three centrohelid heliozoan species (Centroplasthelida Febre-Chevalier et Febre) from new localities in Europe with notes on their distribution.

Raphidocystis marginata (Siemensma, 1981), Raineriophrys echinata (Rainer, 1968), and Pterocystis fortesca (Nicholls, 1983) are heliozoan protists, have been recorded only in a few localities in Europe, and considered to be rare species. These centrohelid heliozoans have been reported for the first time in Ukrainian Polissia, and we provide their morphological descriptions with new morphometric data of exoskeleton (periplast) based on Ukrainian material. The diagnostic morphological characters are illustrated by light and scanning electron microscope photographs. Their geographical distribution in Europe and biotope preference are discussed.

Parietaria mottle virus. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Parietaria mottle virus. Martellivirales: Bromoviridae: Ilarvirus. Hosts: tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ), pepper ( Capsicum spp.). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (France, Greece, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Balearic Islands).

Catmint (Nepeta nuda L.) Phylogenetics and Metabolic Responses in Variable Growth Conditions.

Nepeta nuda (catmint; Lamiaceae) is a perennial medicinal plant with a wide geographic distribution in Europe and Asia. This study first characterized the taxonomic position of N. nuda using DNA barcoding technology. Since medicinal plants are rich in secondary metabolites contributing to their adaptive immune response, we explored the N. nuda metabolic adjustment operating under variable environments. Through comparative analysis of wild-grown and in vitro cultivated plants, we assessed the change in phenolic and iridoid compounds, and the associated immune activities. The wild-grown plants from different Bulgarian locations contained variable amounts of phenolic compounds manifested by a general increase in flowers, as compared to leaves, while a strong reduction was observed in the in vitro plants. A similar trend was noted for the antioxidant and anti-herpesvirus activity of the extracts. The antimicrobial potential, however, was very similar, regardless the growth conditions. Analysis of the N. nuda extracts led to identification of 63 compounds including phenolic acids and derivatives, flavonoids, and iridoids. Quantification of the content of 21 target compounds indicated their general reduction in the extracts from in vitro plants, and only the ferulic acid (FA) was specifically increased. Cultivation of in vitro plants under different light quality and intensity indicated that these variable light conditions altered the content of bioactive compounds, such as aesculin, FA, rosmarinic acid, cirsimaritin, naringenin, rutin, isoquercetin, epideoxyloganic acid, chlorogenic acid. Thus, this study generated novel information on the regulation of N. nuda productivity using light and other cultivation conditions, which could be exploited for biotechnological purposes.

Toumeyella parvicornis . [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell). Hemiptera: Coccidae. Hosts: Pinus spp. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (France, Italy), North America (Canada, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States (Alabama, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin)).

High Plains wheat mosaic emaravirus. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for High Plains wheat mosaic emaravirus. Bunyavirales: Fimoviridae: Emaravirus. Main hosts: wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), maize ( Zea mays ). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Ukraine), North America (Canada, Alberta, United States, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming), Oceania (Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia), South America (Argentina).

Formalized classification of ephemeral wetland vegetation (Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class) in Poland (Central Europe).

Formalized classification of the class Isoëto-Nanojuncetea has not been performed in Poland. We used 69,562 relevés stored in Polish Vegetation Database. Based on the literature and expert knowledge we selected 63 diagnostic species for the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class. Unequivocal classification was applied in this work according to Cocktail method. A set of formal definitions was established using a combination of logical operators of total cover of species in case of high-rank syntaxa while sociological species groups and cover of particular species were used for logical formulas describing class, alliances and associations. An Expert System was prepared and applied to classify the whole data set of PVD and 1,340 relevés were organized at the class level. We stratifies the data and finally we used data set of 903 relevés to prepare synoptic tables, distribution maps and descriptions of the syntaxa. Twelve associations and two plant communities were identified. Vegetation of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class occur in Poland’s central and southern part, with scattered stands in northern region. We described two new plant communities within Eleocharition and Radiolion alliance. The first formal classification of the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class revealed a high diversity of ephemeral vegetation wetland found in Poland in the eastern boundary of their geographical distribution in Europe.

Actualisation des connaissances sur l’abeille Megachile sculpturalis SMITH, 1853 en France et en Europe (Hymenoptera : Megachilidae)

Update of knowledge on the bee Megachile sculpturalis SMITH, 1853 in France and Europe (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). - Megachile sculpturalis is a bee native to eastern Asia that is now also present in North America and Europe. This article follows the first synthesis on the ecology and geographical distribution in Europe of this species published in this same journal in 2018 and updates their knowledge. Megachile sculpturalis has been observed in 13 European countries. Its range now extends from the French Atlantic coast in the west to the Crimean Peninsula in the east. It has also been recorded on two Mediterranean islands, Elba (Italy) and Mallorca (Spain). In France, between 2008 and 2020, it was observed in 259 communes in 46 departments. The most northerly French observation was made in 2020 near Reims in the Marne department. Concerning feeding behaviour, new pollen analyses corroborate the results of previous ones which suggested a polylectic diet with a marked preference for shrubs of Asian origin (especially Sophora japonica and Ligustrum sp.). Regarding nesting behaviour, M. sculpturalis makes extensive use of bee hotels. However, a range of diameters (holes in logs or sections of plant stems) between 4 and 8 mm is suitable for the main native species likely to nest in the hotels, while limiting the establishment of M. sculpturalis. New observations have confirmed the tendency of M. sculpturalis to empty the nests of other species in order to establish its own larval cells. In addition, in Switzerland, a female was observed killing a bee of the genus Heriades. Such events, if frequent, could have negative impacts on native bees, but data are currently insufficient to quantify these impacts on populations.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics and Molecular Evolution of Tula orthohantavirus in German Vole Populations.

Tula orthohantavirus (TULV) is a rodent-borne hantavirus with broad geographical distribution in Europe. Its major reservoir is the common vole (Microtus arvalis), but TULV has also been detected in closely related vole species. Given the large distributional range and high amplitude population dynamics of common voles, this host–pathogen complex presents an ideal system to study the complex mechanisms of pathogen transmission in a wild rodent reservoir. We investigated the dynamics of TULV prevalence and the subsequent potential effects on the molecular evolution of TULV in common voles of the Central evolutionary lineage. Rodents were trapped for three years in four regions of Germany and samples were analyzed for the presence of TULV-reactive antibodies and TULV RNA with subsequent sequence determination. The results show that individual (sex) and population-level factors (abundance) of hosts were significant predictors of local TULV dynamics. At the large geographic scale, different phylogenetic TULV clades and an overall isolation-by-distance pattern in virus sequences were detected, while at the small scale (<4 km) this depended on the study area. In combination with an overall delayed density dependence, our results highlight that frequent, localized bottleneck events for the common vole and TULV do occur and can be offset by local recolonization dynamics.

Dactylopius opuntiae . [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell). Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae. Host: prickly pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica ). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Cyprus, France, Spain, Canary islands), Asia (India, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), Africa (Cape Verde, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Reunion, South Africa, Zimbabwe), North America (Mexico, USA, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Texas), Central America &amp; Caribbean (Jamaica), South America (Brazil, Ceara, Paraiba, Pernambuco), Oceania (Australia, New South Wales, Queensland).

Helicotylenchus oleae . [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Helicotylenchus oleae Inserra, Vovlas &amp; Golden (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae). Host: olive ( Olea europaea ). Information on the geographical distribution in Europe (Greece, Crete, Italy, Spain) and Asia (Turkey) is also given.

Entoleuca mammata . [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Entoleuca mammata (Wahl.) Rogers &amp; Ju. Sordariomycetes: Xylariales: Xylariaceae. Hosts: Alnus spp., Populus spp. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Andorra, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Southern Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Channel Islands, England and Wales, Ukraine), Asia (Korea Republic), North America (Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, USA, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming).

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (Geminiviridae: Begomovirus). Hosts: Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae. Information on the geographical distribution in Europe (Estonia, Greece, Italy, Mainland Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Portugal, Azores, Mainland Portugal, Spain, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands), Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Andhra Pradesh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Indonesia, Java, Iran, Laos, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand) and Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Seychelles, Tunisia) is also given.

Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration-associated virus. Caulimoviridae: Badnavirus. Host: grapevine ( Vitis vinifera ). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Croatia, Greece, Italy), Asia (Turkey).

Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (Closteroviridae: Crinivirus). Host: sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas ). Information on the geographical distribution in Europe (Spain, Canary Islands), Asia (China, Anhui, Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hebei, Henan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Israel, Korea Republic), Africa (Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia), North America (USA, North Carolina), Central America and Caribbean (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, Peru) and Oceania (Papua New Guinea) is also given.

Little cherry virus 1. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Little cherry virus 1 (Closteroviridae: Velarivirus). Hosts: Prunus spp. Information on the geographical distribution in Europe (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Mainland Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, England and Wales), Asia (China, Hebei, Liaoning, Shandong, India, Japan, Honshu, Korea Republic, Turkey), Africa (Morocco), North America (Canada, British Columbia, USA, California, Oregon, Washington), South America (Chile) and Oceania (Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, New Zealand) is also given.

Characterization of goat prions demonstrates geographical variation of scrapie strains in Europe and reveals the composite nature of prion strains

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is the only animal prion which has been recognized as a zoonotic agent so far. The identification of BSE in two goats raised the need to reliably identify BSE in small ruminants. However, our understanding of scrapie strain diversity in small ruminants remains ill-defined, thus limiting the accuracy of BSE surveillance and spreading fear that BSE might lurk unrecognized in goats. We investigated prion strain diversity in a large panel of European goats by a novel experimental approach that, instead of assessing the neuropathological profile after serial transmissions in a single animal model, was based on the direct interaction of prion isolates with several recipient rodent models expressing small ruminants or heterologous prion proteins. The findings show that the biological properties of scrapie isolates display different patterns of geographical distribution in Europe and suggest that goat BSE could be reliably discriminated from a wide range of biologically and geographically diverse goat prion isolates. Finally, most field prion isolates showed composite strain features, with discrete strain components or sub-strains being present in different proportions in individual goats or tissues. This has important implications for understanding the nature and evolution of scrapie strains and their transmissibility to other species, including humans.

Orientus ishidae . [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Orientus ishidae (Matsumura). Hemiptera: Cicadellidae. Hosts: grapevine ( Vitis vinifera ), hazel ( Corylus avellana ), hornbeam ( Carpinus betulus ) and a range of woody plants. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, UK, England and Wales), Asia (Japan, Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), North America (Canada, British Columbia, Nova, Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, USA, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee).

Acidovorax cattleyae . [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Acidovorax cattleyae (Pavarino) Schaad et al. Betaproteobacteria: Burkholderiales: Comamonadaceae. Hosts: Orchidaceae, especially Cattleya spp., Phalaenopsis spp. and their hybrids. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal), Asia (China, Korea Republic, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand), North America (Canada, Quebec, USA, California and Florida) and Oceania (Australia, New South Wales and Northern Territory).

Grapevine Syrah virus 1. [Distribution map

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Grapevine Syrah virus 1. Tymovirales: Tymoviridae: Marafivirus. Hosts: grapes ( Vitis vinifera ). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Sardinia, Slovakia and Spain), Asia (China, Liaoning, Turkey), Africa (South Africa), North America (Canada, Ontario, USA, California, Washington) and South America (Brazil, Sao Paulo, Chile).