Locus Typicus Research Articles

Monthly monitoring of gas and isotope compositions in the free gas phase at degassing locations close to the Nový Kostel focal zone in the western Eger Rift¸ Czech Republic

We report new data on gas and isotope compositions of mantle-derived exhalations from five locations in the Vogtland (Germany)/NW Bohemia (Czech Republic) area, close to the Nový Kostel focal zone, recorded by monthly sampling of gases over a three year period. This region is the locus typicus for the term “earthquake swarm”; since 1985/86 the largest numbers of earthquake swarms in the Vogtland/NW Bohemia have occurred in the Nový Kostel focal zone. Mantle-derived degassing has been studied at four locations within the Cheb Basin degassing centre, and at the Wettinquelle spring to the north on the edge of the Cheb Basin. The Bublák and U Mostku locations are on the Počatky Plesná Fault Zone (PPZ) while the Kopanina and Dolni Častkov locations are on the Mariánské Láznĕ Fault (MLF). The mantle-derived helium content at locations along the PPZ covers the range of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Along the MLF the 3He/4He ratios are with up to 5.4Ra a little bit lower as at the PPZ locations. The CO2/3He ratios point to a predominantly magmatic source. Depending on the magnitude of gas flux the monthly sampling results indicated various major influences on the fluid signatures at the monitored locations due to seasonal cycles based on the different strong influence of CO2/water interaction. Micro-seismicity occurred repeatedly during the monitoring period and seismically triggered geochemical anomalies were repeatedly observed at the locations close to the focal zone. The 3He/4He ratios drop from 5.9Ra (mean) up to 5.6Ra at Bublák and from 5.6Ra up to 5.3Ra at U Mostku. A decrease in 3He/4He ratios was observed prior to seismic events due to stress accumulation before rupturing, and also after the events due to the release of crustal-derived components within the area of the focal zone. Due to the higher ‘helium baseline content’ of the Kopanina gas the 3He/4He ratios decreased there only from 4.6 to 4.5Ra. At the Wettinquelle, the most distant from the focal zone, the 3He/4He ratios ranged between 2.3 and 2.5Ra altogether. Superimposed to the seismically induced anomalies a clear three month-lasting increase of mantle-derived helium was observed at the locations on the PPZ. The 3He/4He ratios increased to 6.3Ra at Bublák and to 6.0Ra at U Mostku. An increase in the 3He/4He ratios was also noted at Kopanina (to 4.7Ra) and Dolni Častkov (to 5.4Ra), interpreted as indicating an ascent of less degassed magma (dyke intrusions) from the deeper lithospheric mantle reservoir. Superimposed geochemical effects initiated by the temporal and spatial evolution of a hidden magmatic-driven geodynamic process have therefore been observed in a continental rift system for the first time.

Combination of geometric morphometric and genetic approaches applied to a debated taxonomical issue: the status of Onthophagus massai (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) as an endemic species vicarious to Onthophagus fracticornis in Sicily

The present study deals with the phenomenon of insular speciation and discusses, as a case study, the debated taxonomical issue of the status of Onthophagus massai (Coleoptera, Sarabaeidae) as an endemic species vicarious to Onthophagus fracticornis in Sicily. The authors investigated the differentiation patterns between an insular population belonging to the supposed species O. massai (collected in its locus typicus, Piano Battaglia) and three Italian O. fracticornis populations (collected along a N–S latitudinal gradient). These patterns are described and analysed using multiple approaches: the qualitative inspection of the microsculpture of elytral surfaces, considered a diagnostic character for O. massai identification; the comparison of horn static allometries, known to be a good indicator of divergence processes between closely related species or isolated populations of the same species; the comparison of the patterns of shape and size difference of the head, epipharynx and genitalia attained with a combination of traditional and geometric (landmark and semilandmark) morphometric methods; and, finally, the estimation of the genetic relationships between Sicilian and continental populations obtained by analysing cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene sequences. The integration of the results of these approaches indicates that there is not sufficient evidence to vindicate the species status for O. massai, which should more likely be considered a small-sized version of O. fracticornis (a possible case of insular dwarfism). However, the complex pattern of shape, size and genetic variation observed between the populations analysed hinted at the possibility that a diversification process is ongoing, but not only between insular and continental populations; each population showed a tendency to evolve as an evolutionarily independent unit.

The active methanotrophic community in a wetland from the High Arctic

The dominant terminal process of carbon mineralization in most freshwater wetlands is methanogenesis. With methane being an important greenhouse gas, the predicted warming of the Arctic may provide a positive feedback. However, the amount of methane released to the atmosphere may be controlled by the activity of methane-oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) living in the oxic surface layer of wetlands. Previously, methanotrophs have been isolated and identified by genetic profiling in High Arctic wetlands showing the presence of only a few genotypes. Two isolates from Solvatnet (Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen; 79°N) are available: Methylobacter tundripaludum (type I) and Methylocystis rosea (type II), raising the question whether the low diversity is a cultivation effect. We have revisited Solvatnet applying stable isotope probing (SIP) with (13) C-labelled methane. 16S rRNA profiling revealed active type I methanotrophs including M. tundripaludum, while no active type II methanotrophs were identified. These results indicate that the extant M. tundripaludum is an active methane oxidizer at its locus typicus; furthermore, Methylobacter seems to be the dominant active genus. Diversity of methanotrophs was low as compared, e.g. to wetland rice fields in the Mediterranean. This low diversity suggests a high vulnerability of Arctic methanotroph communities, which deserves more attention.

Cocconeis pediculus EHRENBERG and C. placentula EHRENBERG var. placentula (Bacillariophyta): Typification and taxonomy.

The nominate varieties of the monoraphid diatoms Cocconeis pediculus EHRENBERG and C. placentula EHRENBERG are typified. Discrepancies from common concepts in Ehrenberg's types, habitats and descriptions were discovered which might affect our current understanding of both Cocconeis species. To ensure stabilization of names and concepts for these two taxa, epitypes from a location in Berlin close to the locus typicus are presented. Monoclonal cultures of these two taxa have been established. Morphological and morphometric data from clones as well as from populations for both taxa are presented. The taxonomy of C. pediculus and C. placentula var. placentula is discussed and evaluated in the context of historical and recent publications.

A new species of the genus Pediasia (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) from Central Yakutia

A new species of the pyralid moth, Pediasia sinevi Shodotova et Bolshakov, sp. n., is described from Central Yakutia (locus typicus—Bestyakh). This species is very similar to P. jucundella (Herrich-Schaffer, 1847) in color and pattern of the wings and also similar to P. truncatella (Zetterstedt, 1839) in the structure of the male genitalia. The holotype and paratype are deposited at the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg).

On the identity and origin of Anadara demiri (Bivalvia: Arcidae)

Anadara demiri (Piani, 1981) is an alien species in the Mediterranean Sea extending its range from Turkey westernly to the Adriatic Sea, where it is locally abundant. The species was first identified as Arca amygdalum Philippi, 1847 in the 1970s. The locus typicus of A. amygdalum is China. This first identification has never been discussed and the species has been thought to be of Indo-Pacific origin to date. However, in the Indo-Pacific province no Anadara shows any similarity with A. demiri. Morphological and molecular data suggest A. demiri is closely related to Anadara transversa (Say, 1822), a common species of the eastern coasts of North America. Anadara demiri is hence considered a junior synonym of A. transversa and the origin of this immigration has to be searched in the southern range of this species, maybe the Gulf of Mexico coasts of Florida.

A New Species ofSenaWalker, 1862 (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) from Oman

Sena augustasi sp. n. belonging to the S. cardinally Tams, 1931-group is described from southern Oman (locus typicus: West of Salalah, Al Mughsayl env.). The new species is distinctly distinguished from all hitherto known species of the genus, however it has some external similarity with S. cardinally Tams, 1931 or S. donaldsoni Holland & Smith 1901. The male holotype of the described species is deposited in the Museum Witt, Munich.

Contribution to the Central European Gymnodamaeus species G. barbarossa and G. bicostatus (Acari, Oribatida, Gymnodamaeidae)

A redescription of Gymnodamaeus barbarossa Weigmann, 2006, is presented and the species is compared with Gymnodamaeus bicostatus (C. L. Koch, 1835). Only these two species of the genus are known to occur in Central Europe. Gymnodamaeus bicostatus has a holarctic distribution, G. barbarossa has been recorded in Eastern Germany at the Kyffhäuser Mountain (locus typicus), in Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia, up to now. Each species has a characteristic cerotegument ornamentation, which is documented by SEM micrographs. Both species seem to prefer dry and warm habitats. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Contributions to the Knowledge of Callichthidae (Teleostei: Siluriformes). V. Designation of a neotype and the locus typicus of Callichthys callichthys (LINNAEUS, 1758)

The syntypes of Silurus callichthys LINNAEUS , 1758 – type species of the genus Callichthys – are lost long time ago. Proper diagnoses of the genus and species within the genus Callichthys are impossible without the correct knowledge of the features of the type species. That’s why the designation of a neotype and the restriction of the locus typicus of Callichthys callichthys (LINNAEUS , 1758) was needed. This species is in South America widely distributed (from Suriname to Buenos Aires). Artificial mixed breeding groups of populations from Suriname, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina were used to test the fertility. All fishes were fertile up to F2 .

Erichsonius (Sectophilonthus) hannemanni spec. nov. - eine neue Kurzflüglerart von Madagaskar. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Philonthini)

Erichsonius hannemanni spec. nov. is described and figured. Locus typicus: Madagaskar, Namoroka.

Die Rüsselkäfer-Arten um Thryogenes fiorii Zumpt (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Erirhinae)

The present paper deals with the species group of Thryogenes fiorii Zumpt, the species of which are redescribed partially and keyed. Thryogenes atrirostris n. sp. is described. Locus typicus: Finkenkrug near Berlin.

Welche Art muß Coniopteryx pygmaea Enderlein, 1906 heißen?. (Neuroptera, Coniopterygidae)

The syntypes of Coniopteryx pygmaea Enderlein, 1906, preserved in the collection of the Zoological Museum Berlin, are studied. A lectotype (♂) is designated; locus typicus: Berlin-Rahnsdorf, Germany. Coniopteryx parthenia (Navas & Marcet, 1910) is a younger synonym of Coniopteryx pygmaea Enderlein. Coniopteryx pygmaea: Meinander, 1972 is synonym with Coniopteryx hoelzeli Aspock, 1964.

Erichsonius (Sectophilonthus) tuberculatus spec. nov. aus Zaire - die bisher größte brachyptere Art der Gattung (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

Erichsonius tuberculatus spec. nov., the largest brachypterous species of the genus is described, figured in detail, and its intraspecific variability discussed. Locus typicus: Zaire, Province Kivu, Territory Uvira, Haute Luvubu, 2675 m (Mitumba mountains).

Caddis flies (Insecta: Trichoptera) in the collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv

SZCZESNY B., GODUNKO R. J. 2007. Caddis flies (Insecta: Trichoptera) in the collection of the State Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv. Acta zoologica cracoviensia, 50B(2): 27-43. Abstract. The collection includes 1429 specimens representing 177 species/subspecies; 159 specimens belonging to 32 species are determined herein, and determinations of fur- ther 174 specimens of 54 species are corrected. The largest share of caddis flies were col- lected, identified and prepared by J. DZIEDZIELEWICZ from the second half of 19 th century to 1916. All specimens had been originally preserved dry but were moved to alcohol prior to the current identification. The collection comprises 177 specimens of all Carpathian species described by DZIEDZIELEWICZ (seven taxa), by KLAPALEK (three taxa) and by SCHMID (two taxa). Among them there are lectotypes of two species (Chionophylax czar- nohoricus (DZIEDZIELEWICZ), and Drusus carpathicus DZIEDZIELEWICZ (), syntypes of 2 taxa (Chionophylax subradiata KLAPALEK, Isogamus aequalis (KLAPALEK)), Apata- nia carpathica SCHMID. There are also 33 paralectotypes representing six species and 33 specimens of five species with the status locus typicus. A list of incorrectly identified or labelled taxa is presented.

First record and morphological features of Hemidiaptomus (Occidodiaptomus) ingens (Gurney, 1909) (Copepoda Calanoida) in Italy

During a survey, carried out to assess the consistency of microcrustacean fauna inhabiting temporary ponds in Sicily, Hemidiaptomus (Occidodiaptomus) ingens (Gurney, 1909), a large calanoid copepod up to now known only for North-African ponds, Camargue and Corse, was found in the north-western part of the island. Due to its central location in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily represents a transition zone where several chorological zones of the West Palearctic merge and converge. A brief summary of the existing literature regarding this taxon is given with some morphological considerations on the recently found population which represents the first record for Italy. In particular, the morphological features of the Sicilian population are closely related to those described by Gurney for the specimens collected in the locus typicus (Oued Tindja, Tunisia) and slightly differ from the other European populations.

Cosmopolitan versus cryptic meiofaunal polychaete species: an approach to a molecular taxonomy

Polychaete taxonomy is characterised by a high number of apparently cosmopolitan species. Detection of subtle but diagnostic ultrastructural differences and – in recent years – investigations at the molecular level have revealed that many of these "species" are actually complexes of morphologically identical or almost identical cryptic species. To disregard their existence would lead to an underestimation of global meiofauna diversity and undermine the value of many scientific studies. Therefore, we strongly recommend that they be given formal taxonomic recognition, beyond their published presentation as "operational taxonomic units", "types" or by alphabetic or numerical designators. Since there are neither generally accepted practical procedures nor any established consensus regarding the application of genetic data in taxonomy, we here provide examples of, and suggestions for, the treatment of meiofaunal species that are distinguished exclusively by molecular data, e.g. by genetic distance values, cluster analyses, diagnostic (= autapomorphic) DNA fragments from DNA fingerprinting procedures (RAPD) and/or DNA sequence differences (e.g. of ITS 2). Although no holotype material may be available because the molecular procedures require the preparation of entire specimens, practical taxonomic problems can be overcome and the recommendations of the Zoological Code of Nomenclature satisfied, by adopting the following procedures: (1) deposition of band-patterns of an individual obtained with the primers used to find diagnostic markers; (2) deposition of DNA in ethanol of one syntype individual; (3) deposition of fixed specimens (syntypes) from the locus typicus.

Some results of Study on the Nitidulidae from Namibia and Adjacent Territories. Part 1 (Coleoptera, Cucujoidea, Nitidulidae

AbstractThe paper deals with a preliminary consideration of the Namibian fauna of the family Nitidulidae, including some species recorded from adjacent territories, i.e. Angola, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Republic of South Africa. The data on 56 species are given in the paper, amongst which 31 species have been collected from Namibia, but others can be expected to be collected there. The synonymy and systematic position for some species of the genera Carpophilus STEPHENS, 1830, Meligethes STEPHENS, 1830, Lordites ERICHSON, 1843, are discussed. 7 species of the Meligethes subgenus Clypeogethes are described as new: M. (C.). annae, locus typicus: Republic of South Africa, Natal, Cathedral Peaks Forest Station; M. (C.) antila, locus typicus: RSA, Natal, Nqutu; M. (C.) arcopenis, I.t.: Namibia, Grootfontein, Farm Hurisib; M. (C.) asignifer, I.t.: Namibia, Bushmanland, Klein Dobe; M. (C.) bisignifer, I.t.: Namibia, Abachaus; M. (C.) mitis, I.t.: Namibia, env. Windhoek; M. (C.) opacidorsurm, I.t.: Namibia, Okahandja. Information on distribution of the considered species is given in a maximally wide scope. The notes to some species are provided available bionomical comments.

Die Anthicidae der ersten entomologischen Afrika‐Expedition des Museums für Naturkunde Berlin 1992 nach Namibia und weitere Nachweise aus Namibia und Südafrika. 45. Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Anthicidae (Coleoptera)

The Anthicidae of the First Entomological Expedition of the Museum of Natural History Berlin to Namibia in 1992 and other records from Namibia and South Africa. 45th Contribution to the Knowledge of Anthicidae (Coleoptera)48 Anthicidae species from Namibia (47 species) and South Africa (1 species) are recorded. Most of them have been collected by the participants of the First Entomological Africa Expedition to Namibia, organized by the Museum of Natural History in Berlin and the State Museum of Namibia in Windhoek. Three species are described as new and illustrated: Notoxus goellnerae sp. n. (locus typicus: Namibia: Mahango Game Reserve), Formicomus uhligi sp.n. (locus typicus: Namibia: Mudumu NP: Nakatwa), and Anthicus uhligi sp.n. (locus typicus: Namibia: Kaudom Camp).

Re-discovery of the Antarctic species of the family Neobradyidae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) after over eighty years

Antarcticobradya tenuis (Brady, 1910) is re-discovered and a description is given of the female and for the first time of the male as well. Antennula and P2–P6 are sexually dimorphic. The new locality in the Weddell Sea and the locus typicus at Gauss-Station are almost at opposite sides of the Antarctic, yet there are only minor differences between the specimens of both localities. The male of Antarcticobradya differs in some important respects (P3, P5) from the one of Neobradya, thus supporting the establishment of the genus Antarcticobradya by Huys (1987). The diagnosis of the genus is amended.

Cantabrican mountain beechwoods: A survey and the case for their conservation

Beech forests are local in Spain and have several species at the southern limit of their range. The area studied, in the Valdeon Valley, extends to 1456 ha and is one of the largest in the area. It is considered important for flowering plants, birds, mammals and butterflies although other taxonomic groups have not been considered. It has been subject to light traditional management in the past but this has not damaged its ecological interest. A survey of 140 quadrats on several transects was ordinated and has revealed five main forest types, two of which are associated with streamsides. The others are mostly high forest on acid soils. These groups have been characterised in environmental terms (soil reaction, light, soil moisture, waterlogging and disturbance). The stands are generally uneven-aged with trees of 160–170 years and occasionally some of 200 years. All quadrats showed prolific regeneration of beech with seedlings and saplings of various ages, an observation which is somewhat contrary to other observations. The total number of species recorded in the survey was 158 with a range from 5 to 22 species per 1·5 × 1·5 m quadrat and an average of 18. Now that Spain has joined the European Economic Community many changes can be expected in agriculture and forestry. It will also permit certain areas to be set aside as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), Natural Parks or National Parks. This area, being the locus typicus of Atlantic montane beechwoods, is an excellent candidate for ESA status or as part of an expanded Picos de Europa National Park.