Indian Specimens Research Articles

The first report of a Himalayan bradoriid arthropod and the paleogeographic significance of this form

Two arthropod specimens assigned toAnabarochilina australis(Hinz-Schallreuter, 1993) from the late middle Cambrian (Guzhangian Stage,Lejopyge acanthaBiozone) Karsha Formation, Zanskar Valley, northern India comprise the first record of the Bradoriida from the Himalaya. These Indian specimens cannot be distinguished statistically from otherA. australismaterial based on valve length and height ratios, and differ only slightly in other characters. These observations justify the synonymy of a number of similar forms worldwide that previously have been only questionably attributed toA. australis.The occurrence of the species in Australia, India, Laurentia, and Kazakhstan encompassed an equatorial distribution from approximately 20° north to 20° south during late middle Cambrian time and indicates thatA. australishad the ability to disperse across deep ocean basins. Such a distribution is consistent with a planktonic lifestyle. In contrast, other congeneric species ofAnabarochilinaapparently had more localized occurrence or, in the case ofA. primordialis, were distributed across several paleocontinents and climatic zones.

Modified Null Pressure Plate Apparatus for Measurement of Matric Suction

Abstract The null pressure plate apparatus is conventionally used in the measurement of matric suction of fine-grained unsaturated soil specimens applying the axis-translation technique. This apparatus is typically used to measure the matric suction in the range of 50–500 kPa in a laboratory environment. This paper provides design and construction details of the modifications and improvements to the conventionally used null pressure plate apparatus to promote the accuracy and repeatability of matric suction measurements. Several test results of matric suction measurements on compacted Indian Head till specimens over a suction range of 30–300 kPa are reported using both the modified null pressure plate and the contact filter paper technique. The results indicate that there is a good comparison between these two techniques on identically prepared specimens.

Three new species of striped Ichthyophis (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae) from the northeast Indian states of Manipur and Nagaland

Three new ichthyophiid species, Ichthyophis khumhzi sp. nov., Ichthyophis moustakius sp. nov. and Ichthyophis sendenyu sp. nov., from the northeast Indian states of Manipur and Nagaland, are described on the basis of morphological analysis of new material. The new material (16 specimens) more than doubles the number of northeast Indian caecilian specimens reported in previous literature, and increases the caecilian fauna of the region to seven species. Two of the new species have very distinctive, moustache-like stripes between their tentacles and nares, a feature not reported in other ichthyophiids. Diagnoses, type descriptions, illustrations, data on variation, distribution, and natural history are provided for the new species. Concern for the conservation of northeast Indian caecilians is raised, given the paucity of previous work, evidence of unrecognized diversity, and ongoing habitat destruction.

On the taxonomic status of the harvest mouse Micromys minutus (Rodentia: Muridae) from Vietnam

The taxonomic status of the harvest mouse Micromys minutus from Vietnam is re-evaluated. The mtDNA analysis shows that the harvest mice from Lao Cai Province of northern Vietnam belongs to a distinct phylogenetic lineage, previously known only from a haplotype from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, southern China (Yasuda et al. 2005). The mtDNA analysis shows a strong genetic divergence among this lineage and all the other known haplotypes of Micromys minutus (11.68% for cytochrome b gene sequences). Canonical discriminant analysis of cranial and dental data, as well as of some external characters, also separate the Vietnam – South China group (also including an Indian specimen) from other Palaearctic populations. The skull of southern populations is relatively large, with a longer and broader palatine. The dorsal pelage of the Vietnamese specimens is grey, tinged with brown in comparison with the red-brown dorsal colouration sharply contrasting with the white underside in the majority of Euro-Siberian adults. The harvest mice of the Vietnam – South China group are distinguished from the typical European ones by their rather long tail that is about 120% of the body length (82 to 95% in the Palaearctic populations). Both genetic and morphological data suggest the existence of a second Micromys species, occurring at least in North Vietnam and South China. The available name for this species is Micromys erythrotis (Blyth, 1856).

Rhododendron callimorphum Balf.F. & W.W.Sm. (Ericaceae) – An addition to the flora of India

Rhododendron callimorphum Balf.f. & W.W.Sm. (Ericaceae), a taxon so far known from China, is described here as a new record to India from Arunachal Pradesh. Two varieties are known under this species. The Indian specimens belong to typical variety (var. callimorphum). A detailed description, photograph and distribution map are provided for its easy identification.

A Revised Contact Filter Paper Method

Abstract The filter paper method, ASTM Standard D5298-03 is generally accepted to be an inexpensive, technically simple, and reasonably accurate method that could be used to measure a wide range of soil suction. The method, however, is dependent upon the accuracy of the calibration curve that relates filter paper water content to soil suction. Additionally, applying a contact stress to the filter papers significantly influences this calibration curve. The effect of five separate contact stresses, namely, 0, 0.4, 1, 2, and 4 kPa on the calibration curve of Whatman 42 filter paper were examined. The study demonstrates that a contact stress of 1 kPa will ensure direct contact between the filter papers and the pore-water of the test specimens without significantly altering the ASTM calibration curve. The contact filter paper method was used to measure the matric suction of compacted Indian Head till specimens over a range of 20 to 300 kPa. This range was chosen to understand the performance and sensitivity of the filter paper method in the low suction range. A comparison of published calibration equations was then undertaken to show the drastically different matric suction estimates that can be obtained by the improper selection of published calibration equations.

Gone with the wind: westward dispersal across the Indian Ocean and island speciation in Hemicordulia dragonflies (Odonata: Corduliidae)

The taxonomy and biogeography of the western representatives of the largely Papuan-Australian genus Hemicordulia are discussed and compared with other alate fauna including butterflies, birds, bats and other dragonflies. Specimens from Malawi, Mozambique, Réunion, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda were compared with Indian specimens of H. asiatica, with which they were previously regarded conspecific. They are found to be distinct and are described as the continental H. africana n. sp. and those from Réunion as H. atrovirens n. sp. The three species were compared with H. similis of Madagascar and H. virens of Mauritius. Insufficient material of the Seychelles taxon H. similis delicata was available; it may represent another insular endemic species. The distribution of Hemicordulia is discussed in the light of the dispersal capacity of Odonata and the biogeography of taxa with similar distributions in the region, with an emphasis on the survival of ‘oceanic’ species on the continent. Recent (i.e. in the last few million years) trans-oceanic airborne dispersal aided by westward storms, is the most likely explanation for the distribution of the genus in Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, as well as for other winged animals of Asian affinities in the region. The world range of Hemicordulia is largely insular, broadly excluding continents, and H. africana n. sp. demonstrates ‘inverted insularity’: all continental sites are in proximity to large water bodies, such as the great African lakes. This pattern may be related to the climatological instability of these sites, which offer suitable cool habitat where competition is (temporarily) reduced. Hemicordulia prefer cool conditions, but may be vulnerable to overheating and competition with more warm-adapted species.

Taxonomic Studies in the Genus Disperis (Orchidaceae) in Southeast Asia

The taxonomy of the Asian species of the genus Disperis (Orchidaceae) was examined. Following study of material from throughout the distribution range all previously recognised Asian taxa were considered synonymous, and therefore only one widespread species D. neilgherrensis Wight is recognised. While most plant parts are merely highly variable in their size, the structure of the lip appendage is not uniform in the Indian specimens.

Lystrosaurus (Therapsida, Dicynodontia) from India: Taxonomy, relative growth and Cranial dimorphism

Synopsis Multiple skulls of the dicynodont Lystrosaurus from the Early Triassic Panchet Formation, India, including those assigned to L. murrayi, L. platyceps, L. maccaigi and L. rajurkari, were re‐studied and compared with the South African forms. The Indian specimens pertain to only a single species of Lystrosaurus, L. murrayi. The species L. rajurkari is considered here as a junior subjective synonym of L. murrayi. Bivariate scatter plots of different parameters of about 50 crania of L. murrayi from India and South Africa yield high correlation coefficients and show that all specimens constitute one morphologically homogeneous group in various stages of ontogenetic development. Allometric changes were mostly related to the strengthening of the trophic apparatus and probably suggest a shift in diet. However, two distinct morphotypes (A and B) can be identified based on a bivariate scoringtechnique and principal componentsanalysis. The overall large and robust head and enhanced cranial topologies of morphotype A suggest that the features were probably used for intrasexual competitive displays, leading to the presumption that morphotype A was male and morphotype B was female.

Chromosomal Characteristics of an Indian Tanyponid Midge, Anatopynia spp. (Tanypodinae Chironomidae)

The present report describes briefly the mitotic, polyneme and polytene chromosomal karyotype (2n=10) of the newly identified Indian specimen, Anatopynia spp. Based on our observations, cytogenetic implications involved were surmised with respect to the short and stumpy fifth element in the polytene complement.

Identification of the urothripid Baenothrips asper (Bournier, 1963) (Tubulifera: Urothripidae)

Baenothrips asper (Bournier, 1963), originally described from Angola, was subsequently reported from India and Taiwan. The identity of the Indian and the Taiwanese species with asper is doubtful, at least the Indian specimens seen by me are not conspecific with asper. Interpretation of the identity of the Asian material is complicated by the fact that specimens from Asia and Africa belong to different morphs. The Angolan material consists of macropterae, whereas the Indian and Taiwanese material reported in literature as asper comprised apterae. In the light of the discovery of many previously unknown structural landmarks in the Tubuliferan body architecture (Bhatti, 1998a-d), in order to enable the identification of asper and interpretation of the Asian populations, I here provide important structural details of asper based on a paratype female from Angola. At present it is best to restrict the name asper to the original African material. I suggest that the Indian material consists of at least two different species, which are not identical with asper. Further characters of Baenothrips moundi from Australia, B. ryukyuensis from Japan, and minutus from India are given to enable a better understanding of the structure and variation in species of Baenothrips. Sexual dimorphism in the number of long anterior head setae is noted in four species, erythrinus, minutus, moundi, and ryukyuensis, there being 3 pairs in female and two pairs in male. There are only two pairs of prominent anterior head setae in both sexes of indicus. The structure of ovipositor is described in Baenothrips moundi and ryukyuensis. The shape of subgenital plate differs in the two species, it is notched at middle in the former but not in the latter. These and many other structures are now used for the first time for species characterization in members of the Order Tubulifera.

Erratomyces, a new genus of Tilletiales with species on Leguminosae

In India and in the American tropics angular black spot disease on leaves of Vigna spp. and Phaseolus vulgaris (Fabaceae) is caused by Protomycopsis patelii and Entyloma vignae, respectively. According to a study of recently collected material from Nicaragua and of Indian herbarium specimens the two names are synonyms. The fungus is related to smut fungi of the genus Tilletia because it produces relatively large, opaque teliospores which have a partition layer in their wall and which germinate with holobasidia carrying needle-shaped basidiospores. It also has dolipores in the hyphal septa and ballistoconidia in culture. In contrast to species of Tilletia and related genera, the teliospores are scattered in intercellular spaces in the mesophyll without rupturing it and develop mostly intercalaryly. Additionally taking into account the distinct host family, the agent of angular black spot disease of beans cannot be classified in any known genus. The new genus Erratomyces is proposed. Further species of Protomycopsis described from India, namely P. ajmeriensis, P. crotalariae, P. smithiae, and P. thirumalacharii, belong to this new genus because they are also characterized by the production of leaf spots on Leguminosae, and have partition layers and dolipores. They are presented as new combinations in the new genus.

Branchinella maduraiensis Raj (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca) shown by new evidence to be a valid species

The fairy shrimp Branchinella kugenumaensis (Ishikawa) was long considered a widely, though disjunctly, distributed species occurring from Japan through eastern Asia to southern India. Attempts by Raj (1951, 1961) to make the Indian populations a new variety (B. k. var. madurai) on the basis of antennal and frontal appendage morphology and on its distribution pattern, were considered unconvincing by later authors. Our new comparison of Japanese and Indian specimens has revealed several differences. The resting egg shells of B. kugenumaensis from Japan have irregular polygonal fields; whereas, the shells of the Indian taxon have lip-like units covered with spinules. Furthermore, there are lobes lateral to the basal penes in the Indian specimens that are lacking in the Japanese taxon. As well as differences in antennal and frontal appendage morphology. These differences correspond with previous illustrations of populations from both geographic regions and lead us to consider Raj's proposed subspecies as a valid species. This brings the number of accepted species in the genus Branchinella to 34. More specimens will need to be evaluated from the area between India and Japan to determine if B. maduraiensis is endemic to the Indian subcontinent or is more broadly distributed on the Asian mainland.

Three Dorylaimoidea Species From Islands in the Western Indian Ocean

Three dorylaim species are described from islands in the western Indian Ocean. Aporcelaimellus conicaudatus (Altherr, 1953) from Anjouan in the Comoros agrees closely with Williams' (1959) description of this species from Mauritius. Aporcelaimellus macropunctatus sp.n. from Nosi-Komba island (Madagascar) is characterised by conspicuous radial elements in the cuticle, a small peg on the tail terminus, and a heavily sclerotized odontostyle. It is compared with Aporcelaimellus mamillatus (Williams, 1959), A. gerlachi (Meyl, 1956) and A. porcus Thorne, 1974. Longidorella murithi Altherr, 1950 is described from Aldabra Atoll, and compared with Altherr's original description as well as Jairajpuri & Hooper's (1969) description of Indian specimens.

Occurrence and chromosome number of Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef. in South India and its bearing on the origin of cultivated cucumber

Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Alef., the wild progenitor of cultivated C. sativus is reported for the first time from peninsular India. The South Indian specimens showed n=7 bivalents in PMCs. The discontinous occurrence of the wild taxon in the Himalayan regions and peninsular hills and the existence of cultivars of C. sativus adapted to the tropical and temperate climates suggest polytopic domestication of the cultivated forms. The possibility of utilizing this wild germplasm for crop improvement is indicated.

Description of the Late Paleo Indian Specimens from 34Rm14, Goodwin-Baker

"Description of the Late Paleo Indian Specimens from 34Rm14, Goodwin-Baker." Plains Anthropologist, 35(131), pp. 53–54

Passalidae: New Larval Descriptions from Taiwan, Philippine Islands, Brunei and Ivory Coast

The larvae of Didimus africanus (Percheron), D. haroldi Kuwert, D. alvarodoi (?) Corella, D. parastictus (Imhoff), D. nachtigali Kuwert, Erionomus planiceps (Esch.), E. pilosus Arrow, Taeniocerus pygmaeus (Kaup) and Comacupes basalis (Smith) are described for the first time. Larvae of Leptaulax bicolor (F.), L. dentatus (F.) and Aceraius grandis (Burm.) are redescribed and compared with previous descriptions based on Indian specimens. Passalid larval literature is summarized to date; a total of 120 species (29 Old World) are now described.

Revascularization of isolated autologous bone grafts following microsurgical implantation of arteries and veins

The microsurgical implantation of a saphenous vascular axis into free transplanted autologous isolated rib segments in Beagle dogs led to complete revascularization of the bone after two, three and four weeks. Indian ink and Mercox-injected specimens showed a vascular network which penetrated the entire cortical layer. Semi-thin sections revealed osteoblasts and osteoclasts visible in the canals of the revascularized cortical layer, while the control specimen without vessel implantation showed nothing but ground substance. The revascularized bones did not contain any necrotic areas. The newly formed vascular system consisted of arteries, veins and their anastomoses. The veins appeared to produce a greater number of new vessels than the arteries.

A Revision of Samolus ebracteatus (sensu lato) (Primulaceae)

A revision of the Samolus ebracteatus-cuneatus complex is presented recognizing five varieties of S. ebracteatus: S.e. var. ebracteatus from the Caribbean and Florida; var. alyssoides from coastal Texas to Mexico; var. cuneatus from inland Texas to Nevada and central Mexico; var. coahui- lensis (var. nov.) from central Coahuila; and var. breviflorus (var. nov.) from southern Mexico. Preparation of a treatment of Samolus L. for M. C. Johnston's Chihuahuan Desert Flora has lead to this revision of the entire Samolus ebracteatus-cuneatus complex. This was necessary to properly accommodate a new taxon from central Coahuila. Three taxa have been described within this complex. All are relatively similar in vegetative and floral characteristics (Fig. 1) and distinguished from other species in the genus by the absence of bracts on pedicels and absence of distinct epipetalous staminodia attached to the corolla tube and alternate to its lobes (Pax and Knuth, 1905). Samolus ebracteatus was described by Kunth (1815) from a collection by Humboldt and Bonpland from southern Cuba near Batabano, south of Havana. While the original description and illustration make no note of stipitate glands, study of other specimens from the type locality indicate that material from Cuba, Florida, and the West Indies are all similar and characterized by stipitate glands on pedicels, inflorescence axes, and moderately large, mostly pinkish-white corollas. A second taxon, S. alyssoides was described by Heller (1895) from a sandy habitat along the east coast of Texas. He distinguished the new species from S. ebracteatus on the basis of growth habit, emphasing its erect, more compact nature in contrast to a more leafy, spreading habit of S. ebracteatus. He also noted the new taxon had glaucous leaves and larger flowers than S. ebracteatus. Though not noted by Heller, S. alyssoides differs from Floridian-West Indian populations of S. ebracteatus by the lack of stipitate glands on pedicels and inflorescence axes. In that paper, Heller (1895) also cites a collection of S. ebracteatus from near Kerrville, Texas which he apparently had used to contrast his S. alyssoides. He distributed the specimens of that collection identified as a new species, but never published the new name. In 1897 Small cited Heller's Kerrville specimen as the type of a new species S. cuneatus noting it could be distinguished from S. ebracteatus and S. alyssoides by its smaller flowers measuring only 4-5 mm (not 6-9 mm) in breadth and by its more cuneate (not suborbicular) petal lobes. Like the Floridian-West Indian specimens of S. ebracteatus it also has stipitate glands on the pedicels and inflorescence axes.

Trichostomum molariforme sp. nov. and Atractylocarpus stenocarpus (Wils. in Seem.) comb. nov.

Trichostomum molariforme is newly described from Mexico, the West Indies and Louisiana in the U.S.A. Trichostomum stenocarpum Wils. in Seem. is transferred to the genus Atractylocarpus, being an earlier name for A. costaricensis (C. Muell.) Bartr. In a treatment of Barbula in North America (Zander 1979), I assigned certain long- leaved, West Indian specimens with narrow adaxial laminal grooves, very thick papillae and short, straight peristomes to B. indica (Hook.) Spreng. This species, indeed, may have rather long leaves, somewhat thickened laminal papillae and short, straight peri- stomes; however, further study has convinced me that the above specimens represent a new taxon distinguished from B. indica by the leaves often oblong-linear with the leaf base not widened (except in perichaetial leaves), the upper laminal cells often irregularly protuberant on either side of the lamina, the upper laminal papillae forming thick caps reminiscent of the cusps of molar teeth, and the peristome teeth irregularly ligulate and smooth, not filamentous and spiculose. The new species is assigned to Trichostomum s. str. on the'basis of the plane leaf margins, flat, multiplex laminal papillae, and plate-like peristome teeth.