Holarctic Species Research Articles

New recorded species of Heteraphorura Bagnall, 1948 (Collembola: Onychiuridae) from Georgia with a key to the Holarctic species

New recorded species of Heteraphorura Bagnall, 1948 (Collembola: Onychiuridae) from Georgia with a key to the Holarctic species

A new species of the genus Carcinocephalus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Omaliini) from Taiwan

A new species of the genus Carcinocephalus Bernhauer, 1903 is described from Taiwan (Chiai Hsien, Alishan): C. szujeckii sp. n. All morphological structures both for male and female are illustrated. The new species is compared with all Holarctic species of the genus.

The Type of Nicrophorus chryseus Mazokhin-Porshnyakov, 1953 (Coleoptera: Silphidae) Rediscovered and a Commentary on “Accidental Taxonomy”

Study of the previously lost type of Nicrophorus chryseusMazokhin-Porshnyakov, 1953 determined it to be a member of the polymorphic Holarctic species Nicrophorus investigatorZetterstedt, 1824, new synonymy. The unintentional but formal changing of a taxonomic classification, which we term “accidental taxonomy,” is discussed.

Paleoecology of a ciénega at the Mockingbird Gap Site, Chupadera Draw, New Mexico

AbstractThe Mockingbird Gap Clovis site is a surface archaeological site located along Chupadera Draw in central New Mexico. Coring of the draw during archaeological investigation of the Clovis assemblage on the adjacent uplands revealed evidence for a regionally rare continuous, stratified depositional record beginning immediately before the Younger Dryas chronozone (YDC). Thirty sediment samples from the draw adjacent to the archaeological site were analyzed for microinvertebrates (ostracodes and mollusks) and gyrogonites (calcareous algae) to reconstruct its environmental history. Wet-dry cycles marked the presence/absence of microfossils. Based upon microfossils, this investigation highlights environmental change marked by the evolution from wetter/cooler to warmer/drier conditions at the Mockingbird Gap site and its response to climate change and groundwater fluctuations during and after the YDC. Four biofacies are recognized: the pre-Ciénega setting is sterile. Holarctic species near the base of core 08-1 indicate cooling conditions prior to 13,000 cal yr BP during the early Ciénega phase. Warmer, more saline conditions characterize the late-Ciénega biofacies between 11,000 and 10,000 cal yr BP. Presence of gypsum during formation of the post-Ciénega phase and the most salinity tolerant species after 10,000 cal yr BP is consistent with the aridification typifying the early Holocene.

Linking genetic and ecological differentiation in an ungulate with a circumpolar distribution

Genetic differentiation among populations may arise from the disruption of gene flow due to local adaptation to distinct environments and/or neutral accumulation of mutations and genetic drift resulted from geographical isolation. Quantifying the role of these processes in determining the genetic structure of natural populations remains challenging. Here, we analyze the relative contribution of isolation‐by‐resistance (IBR), isolation‐by‐environment (IBE), genetic drift and historical isolation in allopatry during Pleistocene glacial cycles on shaping patterns of genetic differentiation in caribou/reindeer populations Rangifer tarandus across the entire distribution range of the species. Our study integrates analyses at range‐wide and regional scales to partial out the effects of historical and contemporary isolation mechanisms. At the circumpolar scale, our results indicate that genetic differentiation is predominantly explained by IBR and historical isolation. At a regional scale, we found that IBR, IBE and population size significantly explained the spatial distribution of genetic variation among populations belonging to the Euro‐Beringian lineage within North America. In contrast, genetic differentiation among populations within the North American lineage was predominantly explained by IBR and population size, but not IBE. We also found discrepancies between genetic and ecotype designation across the Holarctic species distribution range. Overall, these results indicate that multiple isolating mechanisms have played roles in shaping the spatial distribution of genetic variation across the distribution range of a large mammal with high potential for gene flow. Considering multiple spatial scales and simultaneously testing a comprehensive suite of potential isolating mechanisms, our study contributes to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying organism–landscape interactions.

Cryopetrophyte communities of the West Sayan Ridge

The paper presents research in eco-coenotic features of cryopetrophyte communities of the Osevoi Ridge in the Western Sayan Mts. All communities studied are in the association Saxifrago oppositifoliae–Rhodioletum quadrifidae. This association includes all communities with a predominance of alpine and arctalpine petrophytes, which are largely facultative and obligate calciphile plants. The coenoflora of the association Saxifrago oppositifoliae–Rhodioletum quadrifidae is represented by 54 species of higher vascular plants. The dominant species in its structure are those of Holarctic distribution and species generally confined to the Altai-Sayan mountain region, with Papaver pseudocanescens, Poa smirnowii, Sajanella monstrosa, Saussurea foliosa and Saxifraga melaleuca being endemics. In the structure of the belt-zonal groups, arctalpine and alpine species dominate. Among ecological groups, obligate and facultative petrophytes, generally cryophytes, are dominant. The predominance of some particular belt-zonal and ecological groups of species indicates greater specificity of the environmental conditions in which the communities were formed and are currently being formed.

TwoRadixspp. (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) endemic to thermal springs around Lake Baikal represent ecotypes of the widespreadRadix auricularia

In this study, we re-examine two species of freshwater gastropods of the genus Radix Montfort, 1810 (family Lymnaeidae), endemic to the geothermal springs in the Lake Baikal region in the southern part of eastern Siberia — Lymnaea (Radix) hakusyensis Kruglov et Starobogatov, 1989, and Lymnaea (Radix) thermobaicalica Kruglov et Starobogatov, 1989. The alleged species status of these endemics has been re-assessed by means of an integrative approach combining molecular genetic taxonomy techniques with the traditional methods based on shell and soft body morphology. Phylogenetic reconstructions were made using both mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ITS2) DNA markers. We used topotypic samples of both species and specimens sampled from other sites around Lake Baikal. The results demonstrate that the two endemic species are only synonyms of a widespread Holarctic species, Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758), and represent its intraspecific morph (ecotype) adapted to living in thermal springs. A new synonymy is proposed: Thermoradix Kruglov et Starobogatov, 1989 = Radix Montfort, 1810 (syn. n.).

Initial investigations of spectral measurements to estimate the time within stages of Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Current applications of forensic entomology to post-mortem interval estimations involve ageing the insects colonizing the remains based on minimum time to reach the oldest stage of development. Immature species of blow fly develop at a predictable rate to each stage of development in their lifecycle. Unfortunately, the minimum time to reach a stage of development can be a rather unrefined estimate of tenure on the body in the sometimes lengthy time frame of the later stages. In a successful attempt to narrow this time frame, daily spectral measurements of the immature stages of Protophormia terraenovae (Robineau-Desvoidy) raised at a mean temperature of 24.6°C were collected and the functional data analysis was completed. Functional regressions and coefficient functions were examined for model prediction and generalization. P. terraenovae is a Holarctic species as well as an early colonizer of human remains and is therefore, an excellent indicator species in North American death investigations.Spectral measurements can be used successfully to estimate the day of development in the third instar including post feeding stage. In the intra-puparial period, however, only the last day of development could be distinguished from the earlier days of the intra-puparial period. Distinguishing day within second instar is also possible for P. terraenovae raised at a mean temperature of 24.6°C and, although not fully within the pointwise 95% confidence interval, it still accurately predicts the day.The results of this proof of concept research are promising and show a potential method for narrowing the original death estimates and offering a better overall estimate of age of P. terraenovae larvae and, therefore; estimated time since death.

A new species of Rudolfina Roháček, 1987 (Diptera, Sphaeroceridae) from North-east China, with key to the known Holarctic species of Rudolfina

The present study describes a novel species of Sphaeroceridae: Limosininae (Diptera), Rudolfina zhangi Su sp. nov. (male only), R. zhangi seems to be most closely related to the European species R. rozkosnyi, on the basis of morphological characters. A key to the known Holarctic species of Rudolfina is given and Rudolfina phylogenetic relationships are discussed. Type specimens of R. zhangi have been deposited with Liaoning Key Laboratory of Urban Integrated Pest Management and Ecological Security, Shenyang University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:3333B44F-F9E8-427C-A592-D517C28D5FE8

An endemic rat species complex is evidence of moderate environmental changes in the terrestrial biodiversity centre of China through the late Quaternary

The underlying mechanisms that allow the Hengduan Mountains (HDM), the terrestrial biodiversity centre of China, to harbour high levels of species diversity remain poorly understood. Here, we sought to explore the biogeographic history of the endemic rat, Niviventer andersoni species complex (NASC), and to understand the long-term persistence of high species diversity in this region. In contrast to previous studies that have proposed regional refuges in eastern or southern of the HDM and emphasized the influence of climatic oscillations on local vertebrates, we found that HDM as a whole acted as refuge for the NASC and that the historical range shifts of NASC mainly occurred in the marginal regions. Demographic analyses revealed slight recent population decline in Yunnan and south-eastern Tibet, whereas of the populations in Sichuan and of the entire NASC were stable. This pattern differs greatly from classic paradigms of temperate or alpine and holarctic species. Interestingly, the mean elevation, area and climate of potential habitats of clade a (N. excelsior), an alpine inhabitant, showed larger variations than did those of clade b (N. andersoni), a middle-high altitude inhabitant. These species represent the evolutionary history of montane small mammals in regions that were less affected by the Quaternary climatic changes.

Wintering in Europe instead of Africa enhances juvenile survival in a long-distance migrant

Increased human-induced environmental changes and global warming alter bird migration timing and routes. Recently, many Holarctic species, including white storks, Ciconia ciconia, were reported to overwinter at higher latitudes, closer to breeding grounds. We aimed to understand the causes and implications of this phenomenon by examining bird survival and behaviour during overwintering in Europe versus Africa. We compared GPS and body acceleration data of 54 juvenile (first-year) white storks that originated from the same European natal population and overwintered in Europe or Africa. All six juveniles that overwintered in Europe survived through their first year, which was significantly higher than only 38% of the 48 overwintering in the species' traditional grounds in Africa. During overwintering, storks in Europe differed from those in Africa by (1) reducing movement and foraging range, (2) spending less time flying and more time resting, thus using less energy (estimated from overall dynamic body acceleration) and (3) reducing foraging effort, while relying more on anthropogenic resources (landfills and agricultural areas). Timing affected overwintering site as juveniles that overwintered in Europe hatched and started migrating later. We emphasize, however, that late hatching by itself did not yield a survival benefit as not all late juveniles curtailed their migration. We suggest that wintering in Europe was less demanding compared to Africa which may explain the increased survival of juveniles that wintered in Europe. Our findings correspond to the general increase in the European wintering population of white storks, and shed light on the contemporary trend of shortened bird migration; a phenomenon with potentially broad ecological implications.

PM 7/109 (2) Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix papa, Epitrix subcrinita, Epitrix tuberis

Specific scopeThis Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for adults of Epitrix cucumeris, Epitrix papa, Epitrix subcrinita and Epitrix tuberis.Specific approval and amendmentFirst approved in 2011‐09.Revision approved in 2016‐01.

Migration Routes of Satellite-Tracked Rough-Legged Buzzards from Japan: The Relationship between Movement Patterns and Snow Cover

Abstract The Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus is a Holarctic species that breeds in the Arctic and subarctic regions and winters in a broad range from 40° to 55°N. In Japan, this species is typically a rare winter visitor, but in January 2008 there was an unprecedented influx and 350–400 individuals were observed in western and central Japan. Winter irruptions of this species are considered to be caused by low temperatures and increased snow cover. Here, we describe the distribution of snow cover in mainland Asia leading up to the irruption into Japan. We predicted that movement patterns during spring migration would also be influenced by snow cover. We satellite-tracked four Rough-legged Buzzards from Japan, to show their spring migration routes, and examined the relationship between their spring movement patterns and changes in snow cover along their route. There were two spring migration routes from Japan, which varied with wintering sites. One route led up to the Amur River basin bordering China and...

Key to Holarctic species of Epitrix flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae:Galerucinae: Alticini) with review of their distribution, host plants and history of invasions.

The genus Epitrix Foudras, 1860a has a worldwide distribution. Some species of Epitrix are major pests of potato, tomato, eggplant, tobacco and other plants in North America and Europe. Some pest species have been inadvertently introduced from North America to Europe, from Europe to North America and from both continents to some islands in Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Therefore, a key for the identification of all Holarctic species is necessary for plant quarantine and protection services. We have compiled the key for distinguishing Epitrix from genera that could be confused with it and a key for all Holarctic species of Epitrix with the figures of spermathecae and aedeagi and the checklist with a review of the geographical distribution, host plants and history of invasions. The following species are included: E. abeillei (Bauduer), E. allardii (Wollaston), E. atropae Foudras, E. brevis Schwarz, E. caucasica (Heikertinger), E. cucumeris (Harris), E. dieckmanni (Mohr), E. ermischi (Mohr), E. fasciata Blatchley, E. flavotestacea Horn, E. fuscula Crotch, E. hirtipennis (Melsheimer), E. humeralis Dury, E. intermedia Foudras, E. krali Döberl, E. lobata Crotch, E. muehlei Döberl, E. priesneri (Heikertinger), E. pubescens (Koch), E. ogloblini (Iablokov-Khnzorian), E. robusta Jacoby, E. setosella (Fairmaire), E. similaris Gentner, E. solani (Blatchley), E. subcrinita (LeConte), E. tuberis Gentner, E. warchalowskii (Mohr) and E. papa Orlova-Bienkowskaja.

Morphological ontogeny, distribution and descriptive population parameters of Hermannia reticulata (Acari: Oribatida: Hermanniidae), with comments on Crotonioidea

ABSTRACTThe ontogeny is known for few species of the oribatid mite genus Hermannia (Hermanniidae). Here, we present the morphological ontogeny, distribution and some descriptive population parameters of Hermannia reticulata Thorell, 1871 collected from throughout Arctic Svalbard. All instars of Herm. reticulata are stocky, as other species of Hermannia Nicolet, 1855 for which ontogeny is known. They have gastronotal setae of similar form and ontogeny (12 pairs in the larva and 16 pairs in the nymphs and adult) and the same is true of prodorsal setae, except in Herm. reticulata the sensillus is clavate, whereas in the other species it is setiform. In Herm. reticulata, setae of the anal segment are delayed to the tritonymph as in most other studied species, whereas they first appear in the deutonymph in Herm. gibba. Studied species also differ by the number of epimeral setae in the nymphs and adult and the ontogeny of leg setae. Hermannia reticulata is a holarctic species and mainly occurs in the circumpolar region, but in Svalbard it is not common. Juveniles were as abundant as adults, but the density and stage structure varied among vegetation classes and samples, especially in rich moss tundra and bird cliff vegetation, where density was most variable. The morphological ontogeny of Herm. reticulata is compared with some other species of Crotonioidea.

Tackling a long‐standing problem: Typification of Orthotrichum crispum, Ulota crispula and Ulota intermedia (Bryopsida: Orthotrichaceae)

AbstractPrevious taxonomic studies on the Holarctic species of Ulota, including both morphological and molecular approaches, distinguished Ulota crispa, U. crispula and U. intermedia as separate taxa worthy of recognition at the specific level, instead of belonging to a single, highly variable species (U. crispa). Available original material for these three names has been studied and in several cases these are heterogeneous, containing two or even three of these closely related species. We discuss the nomenclatural history of each species and the extant original specimens from which lectotypes for Orthotrichum crispum, Ulota crispula and U. intermedia are designated.

Phylogenetic reconstruction based on COI reshuffles the taxonomy of hyalosphenid shelled (testate) amoebae and reveals the convoluted evolution of shell plate shapes.

Species diversity in most protistan groups has been underestimated. Many morpho-species are in fact complexes that require detailed morphometric studies to be discriminated. However, which traits can be used for species descriptions remains in many cases unclear. The testate amoeba genus Quadrulella produces self-secreted, siliceous plates with a very characteristic square shape-such plates were assumed to be synapomorphic of the genus. Here we demonstrate that Quadrulella symmetrica (the most common Holarctic species) is not monophyletic. Square plate size and arrangement, test size and general shape are efficient criteria for species discrimination. Based on morphology and sequence data, we describe Quadrulella variabilis sp. nov. from Switzerland, and Quadrulella madibai sp. nov. from South Africa, and confirm the validity of Q.alata. The former species Q.subcarinata does not belong to the genus Quadrulella. We therefore transfer this species to the new genus Mrabella gen. nov. Our results show that hyalosphenids presenting siliceous square shell plates do not form a monophyletic clade. Several possible hypotheses about the origins of square plates are discussed. Additionally, this comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the family Hyalospheniidae confirms that the genus Nebela is paraphyletic and needs to be divided into genera based on general shell shape: Nebela sensu stricto, Longinebela gen. nov., Planocarina gen. nov., Gibbocarina gen. nov., Cornutheca gen. nov. and Mrabella gen. nov.

All stages of the Palaearctic predaceous midge Palpomyia schmidti Goetghebuer, 1934 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).

All stages and the ecology of the Southern Palaearctic Palpomyia schmidti collected from the vicinity of the saline Lake Elton in Russia are described and illustrated. The morphology of larvae and pupae as well as the detailed ecology of the larvae are described for the first time. P. schmidti is a halobiontic biting midge, widely distributed in the steppes and deserts of the Palaearctic region. It is proposed that the Palpomyia schmidti group should include five Holarctic species. P. downesi Grogan & Wirth, 1979 from north-western North America is recognized as a new junior synonym of the Eastern Palaearctic P. tuvae Remm, 1972. New synonymy.

Additions to the New Zealand fauna of black fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae), with descriptions of six new species

ABSTRACTThe sciarid fauna of New Zealand is not well known and only two major studies have dealt with this group. The present study is based on material from the later of the two studies as well as new material. Six species are recognised as new to science and are here described: Bradysia novaeseelandiae sp. nov., Corynoptera aggregata sp. nov., Corynoptera catrinjaschhofae sp. nov., Ctenosciara etorutao sp. nov., Pseudolycoriella frederickedwardsi sp. nov. and Pseudolycoriella tonnoiri sp. nov. Bradysia novaeseelandiae sp. nov. is the first Bradysia species described from New Zealand. The Holarctic species Bradysia pallipes and Corynoptera fatigans are recorded from New Zealand for the first time.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7E1F0507-8740-41C7-BCB9-84910D8EBC65

Description ofMegatoma jakutskiensissp. nov. (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) From Russia With a Key to the Holarctic Species of the SubgenusMegatomaHerbst, 1791

Megatoma ( s. str. ) jakutskiensis sp. n. from Russia is described, illustrated, and compared with related species; a differential diagnosis as well as a key to the Holarctic species of Megatoma s. str. are provided.