Male P5 Research Articles

A description of a new species of Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1937 (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from Thailand with an up-to-date key to the genus.

The genus Mongolodiaptomus is widely distributed in stagnant water bodies in Southeast Asia. During a comprehensive collection of freshwater copepods from different areas in Thailand, a previously unknown species of calanoid copepod, Mongolodiaptomusphutakaensis sp. nov., was recorded. Representatives were found in a natural swamp located in the Kok Phutaka community forest in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species belongs to the "M.loeiensis species group" and most closely resembles M.loeiensis and M.mekongensis by having a distinct shape of the second exopodal segment of the male right P5, with enlarged proximal and distal parts of the outer margin as well as a bent and twisted principal lateral spine. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by various characters in the males. The ventral surface of the right caudal ramus has two chitinous teeth and two knobs. The intercoxal plate is slightly produced distally and without any spine. The right P5 basis lacks a hyaline membrane on the inner margin but has a distinct spur-like chitinous process at the mid-distal margin on the posterior surface. The left P5 basis has a thin, longer hyaline lamella on the inner margin. The new species is rare, having been observed in only one out of approximately 5,000 surveyed locations in Thailand. A detailed morphological comparison and an up-to-date key to the Mongolodiaptomus species are presented. Their taxonomic characters, interspecies relationships, and biogeography are discussed.

A new species of the genus Porirualia Huys & Mu, 2021 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Parastenheliidae) from the intertidal zone of Qingdao, China, with a key to species of the genus.

A new species belonging to the genus Porirualia Huys & Mu, 2021 was identified and described here based on samples collected from No. 1 BathingBeach, Qingdao, China. The new species differs from Porirualia pyriformis mainly in the following characteristics: P3 and P4 exp-3 with three inner setae (two inner setae in P. pyriformis), ratio of length to maximum width of female P5 3.83 (3.25 in P. pyriformis). The new species differs from Porirualia megarostrum by the characters including rostrum reaching to distal margin of third segment of antennule (reaching to distal margin of fifth segment of antennule in P. megarostrum), ratio of length to maximum width of female P5 3.83 (2.2 in P. megarostrum); male P2 and P3 two-segmented (three-segmented in P. megarostrum); male P5 bearing five elements (six in P. megarostrum). This is the first report of the genus Porirualia from the China Seas. The DNA barcode (COI) sequence of the new species was obtained and submitted to GenBank (PP761118), which is the first submission of COI sequence of the family Parastenheliidae to GenBank.

New Species of Eupelte (Crustacea, Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from the East Sea, with Notes on the Zoogeography of the Genus

A new species of the genus Eupelte Claus, 1860, was obtained from the algal bed bottom in Dokdo Island, East Sea of Korea, using a light trap. Specimens of both sexes of the Korean new species are described in detail and compared with its congeners. The present species, Eupelte dokdoensis sp. nov., is closely similar to E. aurulenta Wells and Rao, 1987, found in algal sands from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and E. setacauda Monk, 1941, collected from seaweeds in the Californian coast of the USA. These species share the body length (0.5–07 mm), the nine-segmented A1, the setation of the first and second endopodal segments of P1 (one and four setae), P4 exp-3 with three inner setae, and enp-3 of P2–P4 with five setae in both sexes. The new species can be readily discernable from the previous two species by the short rostrum with a serrate distal margin, the shape of the maxillipedal basis, the setation and surface ornamentation of P1 enp-2 (covered with long setules), the exp-3 of P3 and P4 with thicker middle inner seta, and the setation of female and male P5 exopod and baseoendopod (six and six, four and two setae, respectively). In addition, the zoogeography of the valid species of the genus Eupelte is briefly discussed, and a diagnostic key to the females of the species is provided. Eupelte dokdoensis sp. nov. described herein is the first report of the genus from Korean waters and is the fourteenth member of the genus.

Genetic variability of New Caledonian Boeckella De Guerne & Richard, 1889 (Copepoda: Calanoida), with the description of a new species

Abstract Thirteen new freshwater populations of the copepod genus BoeckellaDe Guerne & Richard, 1889 were found during three expeditions to New Caledonia (‘La Planète Revisitée,’ 2016-2018). The 12 populations from the Plaine des Lacs, which show remarkable genetic diversity among themselves, were identified as B. spinogibbaDefaye, 1998, the only species of its genus known from New Caledonia until now. The sole exception, the population from Mont-Dore 22 km further east, appeared genetically and morphologically distinct from the others and is described herein as a new species. The two species are distinguished from each other by the shapes of the male and female P5, female Th5, and body colour. A previously published key is amended to separate the species. Our concatenated COI+28S phylogeny places the two New Caledonia species as a new branch within Boeckella, distinct from the branches consisting of South American, Antarctic and Australasian species. All 13 Boeckella populations inhabit the extreme south of New Caledonia, an area known for endemism and high heavy metal concentrations in the soil. Extensive mining activity in this metal-rich area, begun in 1873, is now leading to conflict with conservation goals. By using aerial photographs to trace the fate of the pond that is the type locality of B. spinogibba, we confirmed that it disappeared between 2007 and 2014 as a result of the expansion of the Goro nickel mine.

Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) Cinsinin Değiştirilmiş Diyagnozu ve Yeni Bir Türünün Deskripsiyonu

A new species of the monotypic genus Troglophonte Huys & Lee, 2000 (Harpacticoida, Laophontidae) was discovered among the interstitial samples collected from the Kumada Coast in the Sea of Marmara. The new species can be distinguished from the type species T. spelaea (Chappuis, 1938) by the following characters: (i) female 6-segmented antennule, (ii) P3 exp terminal segment with 7 setae, (iii) female P5 exopodal lobe with 5 setae, (iv) female P5 baseoendopod with 3 setae on endopodal lobe, (v) surface ornamentation of swimming legs, (vi) male P5 baseoendopod distal seta ornamentation, and (vii) male P5 exopod setal ornamentation. The type material of T. spelaea does no longer exist and its diagnosis is concise. Therefore, the generic diagnosis has been updated to include the characters displayed by the new species. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis including other genera related to the Troglophonte was conducted using parsimony. The results obtained from the phylogenetic analysis were generally consistent with the previous studies.

Diversity of the genus Tropodiaptomus Kiefer, 1932 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) in Thailand, with the description of two new species

Tropodiaptomus is a genus of diaptomid copepods with 10 species currently recorded in Thailand. A recent study on DNA taxonomy revealed putative new species among specimens collected from freshwater habitats throughout Thailand. This study examined the morphological characteristics and confirmed the taxonomic status of the two putative new species of Tropodiaptomus. Results showed that the two new taxa were different from other species in the genus Tropodiaptomus. These two new species, T. pedecrassumsp. nov. and T. longiprocessussp. nov., were described and illustrated based on material collected from a swamp in northern Thailand and a pond in western Thailand, respectively. They were distinguished from their congeners by the length of the spinous process on the antepenultimate segment of the adult male right antennule, the number of lobes and serration pattern on the inner margin of the adult male left P5, and the shape and supplementary process on the surface structures of basis and distal exopod segments of the adult male right P5. These discoveries increased the number of records of this genus in Thailand to 12 species. A pictorial key to all species is provided, and their ecological and biogeographical distributions are updated and discussed.

Bone Tissue Evaluation Indicates Abnormal Mineralization in Patients with Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type I: Report on Three Cases

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS1) is characterized by autoimmune manifestations affecting different organs from early childhood on. Immunological abnormalities, the resulting endocrinopathies, and their treatments may compromise bone health. For the first time in APS1, we analyzed transiliac bone biopsy samples by bone histomorphometry and quantitative backscattered electron imaging in three adult patients (female P1, 38 years; male P2, 47 years; male P3, 25 years). All had biallelic mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene and in addition to endocrinopathies, also significant bone fragility. Histomorphometry showed bone volume in the lower normal range for P1 (BV/TV, − 0.98 SD) and P3 (− 1.34 SD), mainly due to reduced trabecular thickness (TbTh, − 3.63 and − 2.87 SD). In P1, osteoid surface was low (OS/BS, − 0.96 SD); active osteoblasts and double labeling were seen only on cortical bone. P3 showed a largely increased bone turnover rate (BFR/BV, + 4.53 SD) and increased mineralization lag time (Mlt, + 3.40 SD). Increased osteoid surface (OS/BS, + 2.03 and + 4.71 SD for P2 and P3) together with a large proportion of lowly mineralized bone area (Trab CaLow, + 2.22 and + 9.81 SD for P2 and P3) and focal mineralization defects were consistent with abnormal mineralization. In all patients, the density and area of osteocyte lacunae in cortical and trabecular bone were similar to healthy adults. The bone tissue characteristics were variable and included decreased trabecular thickness, increased amount of osteoid, and abnormal mineralization which are likely to contribute to bone fragility in patients with APS1.

A new species of Cletocamptus Schmankevitsch, 1875 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Canthocamptidae) from Rayong Province, Eastern Thailand.

Cletocamptusthailandensissp. nov. was discovered in a water body at the base of a small mountain near the Phang Rat River Delta in Rayong Province, Eastern Thailand. The new species resembles C.goenchim Gómez, Ingole, Sawant & Singh, 2013 and C.koreanus Chang, 2013, but it can be distinguished from these two species based on the armament of the endopodal lobe of the male P5, ornamentations of the abdominal segments, the caudal ramus, the male P3Endp-3, and the relative length of the aesthetasc on the fourth segment of the female antennule. According to the combinations of certain female characteristics, including the number of setae on the P3Endp-2, the relative length of the caudal ramus, the relative length of the inner apical seta on the P3Endp-2, the shape of the P5, and the number of setae on the P3Exp-2, five groups of the Cletocamptus species can be defined.

A new species of Nitokra Boeck, 1865 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Ameiridae) from the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

Biological samples obtained from a coastal system of northern Colombia yielded male and female specimens of an undescribed harpacticoid copepod of the diverse ameirid genus Nitokra Boeck, 1865. The new species is a member of the genus group III. We describe the new species based on adult male and female individuals. Nitokrapuebloviejensis sp. nov., appears to be most closely related to N.vietnamensis Tran & Chang, 2012, but they can be separated by the following characters: 1) number of setal elements on second segment of mandibular palp, 2) P1ENP/EXP ratio, 3) relative lengths of P2, P3ENP/EXP, 4) number of elements on male P5EXP and ENP, and 5) segmentation of male antennule. In addition, N.puebloviejensis sp. nov. can be confused with two other congeners: N.taylori Gómez, Carrasco & Morales-Serna, 2012 from South Africa and Colombia and N.kastjanensis Kornev & Chertoprud, 2008 from the White Sea, but the new species can be distinguished from them by: 1) number of setae on the maxillule coxa, 2) P1ENP/EXP ratio, 3) P2,P3ENP/EXP ratio, 4) female and male P5 setophore, 5) setation pattern of female P5EXP and ENP, 6) structure of female P6, 7) ornamentation of female anal operculum, 8) number of setae on male P5EXP, and 9) the male antennule segmentation. Most importantly, the presence of a group of five short setae on the medial surface of the maxilliped syncoxa allows the new species to be readily distinguished from its congeners. Only two subspecies and one species of this genus have been hitherto recorded from Colombia. A key to the 23 known American species of Nitokra is provided.

Morphological revision of phytal red-stripe Eudactylopus fasciatus Sewell, 1940 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep, India

Specimens of the harpacticoid copepod Eudactylopus fasciatus Sewell, 1940 were found in plankton samples taken from Lakshadweep, India. In this study, E. fasciatus is redescribed on several additional distinct morphological characters along with the original description dating back to 1940 (Sewell, 1940). The most important features of E. fasciatus from Bangaram Island are the external coloration pattern with eight longitudinal bands, additional numbers of setae on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th segments of the A1, and the modified saber-shaped sexually dimorphic second endopod segment of the male P2 with a bud-like structure. The illustrated redescription and a taxonomic key for the identification of all the species of the genus Eudactylopus are also provided.

New records of Pseudotachidiidae from South Korea, including a key to species of the Pseudomesochrinae (Copepoda: Harpacticoida).

Two species of the marine harpacticoid family Pseudotachidiidae (Copepoda) are reported from subtidal sediments in the Southern Sea of Korea. Psammis wellsi sp. nov. (Danielsseniinae) is most closely related to P. longisetosa Sars, 1910 but differs from its European congener in the ventral ornamentation of the female genital double-somite, the dorsal ornamentation of the second abdominal somite in the male, the armature of the proximal endite of the maxillary syncoxa, the relative setal lengths and general shape of the female P5, and the relative length of the inner seta of the male P5 endopodal lobe and P6. The female of Pseudomesochra tatianae Drzycimski, 1968 is redescribed in detail, constituting the only other record of the species since its discovery at the type locality in western Norway. East Asian records of members of the four subfamilies currently recognized in the Pseudotachidiidae are summarized. Published and other records of the 23 described species in the Pseudomesochrinae are collated and their armature patterns of P1P5 are tabulated and corrected where necessary. Pseudomesochra affinis (Sars, 1920) is removed from its synonymy with P. longifurcata T. Scott, 1902 and formally reinstated as a valid species. An updated female-based key to the 19 valid species of Pseudomesochra T. Scott, 1902 and four species of Keraia Willen Dittmar, 2009 is presented.

A new species of Helmutkunzia Wells amp; Rao, 1976 from an intertidal sandy beach in Xiamen, China and proposal of Pseudobalucopsylla gen. nov. (Copepoda, Harpacticoida, Miraciidae).

A new species of the genus Helmutkunzia Wells Rao, 1976 (Miraciidae) is described from specimens collected from an intertidal sandy beach in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Helmutkunzia xiamenensis sp. nov. differs from its two congeners by the length/width ratio of the female P5 exopod, the number or length of the setae on the sexually dimorphic P2 endopod in the male and the relative length of the spines on the endopodal lobe of the male P5. The Chinese species is morphologically closest to H. variabilis Wells Rao, 1987 from the Andaman and Nicobar island chain. Females of both species can readily be differentiated by the relative length of the P5 exopod while males can be differentiated by the length of the armature elements on P2 enp-2 and the endopodal lobe of P5. The genus Balucopsylla Rao, 1972 is reviewed, resulting in the proposal of Pseudobalucopsylla gen. nov. to accommodate the type species Balucopsylla triarticulata Wells Rao, 1987 and three new Indo-Pacific species previously identified with it: P. obscura sp. nov. from the Andaman Islands, P. costaricensis sp. nov. from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and P. mielkei sp. nov. from the Galpagos archipelago. A key to species of Pseudobalucopsylla sp. nov. is provided.

Two new species of Tigriopus Norman, 1869 from Chonburi Province, Thailand (Crustacea: Copepoda: Harpacticidae)

Two new species of the family Harpacticidae Dana, 1846, Tigriopus namsaiensis sp. nov. and T. wannapaensis sp. nov. were found in algal washings at Namsai and Wannapa beaches in Chonburi Province, Thailand. There are currently 14 known species in the genus, two of which, T. thailandensis Chullasorn, Ivanenko, Dahms, Kangtia Yang, 2012 and T. sirindhornae Chullasorn, Dahms Klangsin, 2013 were also discovered in Thailand. The genus Tigriopus Norman, 1869 has a worldwide distribution with nine species recorded from the Pacific Ocean (seven in the North Pacific and two in the South Pacific), four species from the Atlantic and adjacent seas, two species from the South Indian Ocean, and one species from Antarctica. Sexual dimorphism is expressed in the antennule, antenna, P2, P5, P6, and segmentation of the urosome. Tigriopus namsaiensis sp. nov. and T. wannapaensis sp. nov. are closely related to T. thailandensis and T. sirindhornae in sharing the following characters: fewer sensilla on the prosome; antennary exopod with one seta on exp-2; P4 exp-3 with two inner setae; female P5 baseoendopod with five setae; male P2 enp-2 with a seta fused to the segment; and male P5 exopod with five setae. Tigriopus namsaiensis sp. nov. closely resembles T. thailandensis, but the new species is characterized by four setae on the maxillulary coxa (three setae in T. thailandensis), the outermost seta on the female P6 is plumose (instead of the middle one), the lateral seta on the apical segment of the antennary exopod is discrete at the base (instead of fused to the segment), and the outermost seta of the male P5 exopod is plumose (instead of spinulose). Tigriopus wannapaensis sp. nov. is very closely related to T. sirindhornae, but the new species differs from the latter by the following characteristics: 2-segmented mandibular exopod (3-segmented in T. sirindhornae); five setae on the maxillulary coxa (instead of three); all setae on female P6 are plumose (instead of two plumose and one pinnate); the lateral seta on the apical segment of the antennary exopod is fused to the segment (instead of discrete at the base); and the outermost seta on the male P5 exopod is plumose (instead of spinulose). A dichotomous identification key to the 16 valid species of Tigriopus is provided.

Pseudoneotachidius sinuspersici gen. et sp. nov., a new member of the family Tachidiidae Boeck, 1865 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from Iran

A new member of the harpacticoid copepod family Tachidiidae Boeck, 1865 was found in sediment samples of meiobenthic harpacticoids taken during a study on the diversity of meiobenthic harpacticoids along the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. The taxonomic analysis of this material revealed that it contained an undescribed species. A new genus is herein proposed to accommodate the new species. The new genus, Pseudoneotachidius gen. nov., displays superficial similarities with Neotachidius Shen & Tai, 1963 and Cithadius Bowman, 1972, and a closer relationship is hypothesized with the former. The lack of a midventral copulatory pore, the female P5 endopodal lobe with two inner spines, and P1 with one inner seta on enp-3 are regarded here as synapomorphies for both Neothachidius and Pseudoneotachidius gen. nov. These two genera can be separated by several characters, including the structure and shape of the male fourth antennulary segment, segmentation of the antennary exopod, ornamentation of the male P2 enp-3, sexual dimorphism of the male P2 enp-2, structure and shape of the male P5, morphology of the male P2 and P3, male and female P5 armature complement and ornamentation, male P6, ventral spinulation pattern of the female genital-double somite, and in the mouthparts armature of among others. An updated key to the genera of the family Tachidiidae is presented.

A new species of Robertgurneya Apostolov & Marinov, 1988, with an illustrated record of R. rostrata (Gurney, 1927), an amended genus diagnosis and comments on R. soyeri (Apostolov, 1974) and R. spinulosa (Sars, 1911) (Harpacticoida: Miraciidae)

Quarterly sampling campaigns were carried out during year 2019 to study the effects of organic pollution on the diversity and abundance of meiofauna from a polluted coastal system in north-western Mexico. Amongst harpacticoids, the family Miraciidae Dana 1846 was by far the most abundant and diverse, and several new species and the proposal of some new genera of Stenheliinae Brady 1880 and Diosaccinae Sars 1906 will be published elsewhere. Amongst the Diosaccinae, the genus Robertgurneya Apostolov & Marinov 1988 was one of the most abundant. This genus was proposed and diagnosed by Lang (1944, 1948) but after a complex taxonomical history, was made available by Apostolov & Marinov (1988) who proposed an amended diagnosis and designated R. similis similis (Scott A. 1896) as the type species of the genus. Here I propose a new species, Robertgurneya mexicana sp. nov., and give a fully illustrated record of the widely distributed R. rostrata (Gurney 1927). The relationships amongst the species of Robertgurneya are not clear, but the new Mexican species shares with R. falklandiensis (Lang 1936) the elongated inner dimorphic spine on the basis of the male P1. Additionally, a new amended diagnosis for the genus Robertgurneya, as well as the reallocation of R. soyeri (Apostolov 1974) into Typhlamphiascus Lang 1944, and the creation of a new genus, Robertgurneyella gen. nov., for R. spinulosa (Sars 1911) are proposed.

About the systematics of Palaearctic Eurytemora (Copepoda, Calanoida) based on morphological analysis, with focus on Eurytemora gracilicauda Akatova, 1949

Abstract We studied the morphology of Eurytemora from inland waters at the shores of the White and Pechora seas and from the Lena River delta, and revealed a ubiquitous presence of Eurytemora gracilicauda Akatova, which results we confirmed with genetic data. We found this species for the first time in the Pechora Sea basin. In the White Sea basin, this species was previously described as E. brodskyi Kos, with the name that we suggest is a junior synonym of E. gracilicauda. E. gracilicauda differs from the co-living species: E. lacustris (Poppe), E. arctica Wilson M. S. & Tash, and E. raboti Richard, by the structure and armament of the caudal rami and the fifth legs (P5) of males and females. The caudal rami of both males and females were elongated. The female caudal rami showed a surface covered by spines. The male caudal rami were bare, or with rare spines on the sides. The appendages of the female P5 were also elongated: the length of the inner spine on the distal exopod segment was 2.27 ± 0.12 times as long as the outer spine; the exopod of the male right P5 had a specific trigonal ledge with a short spinule, and the coxopods (both or at least one) had groups of spinules. The morphometric parameters of the females were quite stable, while those of the male showed high variability within and between populations (CV = 11.5-43.5%). Similarities and differences of E. gracilicauda and three allochoric Eurytemora species were analysed, and the results presented herein.

A new species of Boholina (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida) and a first record for stygobiotic calanoid fauna from a cave in Thailand.

A new species of Calanoida belonging to the genus Boholina Fosshagen & Iliffe, 1989 was found in a freshwater pool within a cave of the Satun province, South Thailand. It is the first record of the genus and of a stygobiotic representative of calanoid fauna in this country. The new species is most similar to B. crassicephala Fosshagen & Iliffe, 1989, based on position of genital pores, structures of P4 and P5 in both sexes, relative length of subapical spine vestige on the male right P5, and shape of the male left P5 endopods. However, this new species is distinguished from its known congeners by: (1) relatively longer distal outer spines on the male right P5 exopods, (2) smaller endopods of the male left P5 and (3) elongated apical spines on the distal exopodal segment of the female P4 and P5. Furthermore, the distinctive characteristic of the Thai Boholina is the presence of inner minute seta on the distal segment of the male right P5 exopod. Detailed descriptions of the new species and a key to all six known species of the genus Boholina is provided.

Radiation biology of a serious tropical pigeon pea pest, Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and potential of radiation mediated ‘inherited (F1) sterility technique’ for the pest suppression

Purpose: The impact of gamma radiation on the reproductive biology of the spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was ascertained to explore the potential of the radio-genetic ‘Inherited (F1) Sterility’ technique (modified Sterile Insect technique) to control this serious pigeonpea pest in India.Materials and methods: Radio-biological investigations involved dose–response studies, at a range of 100–250 Gy, with respect to radiation induced adverse effects on reproductive behavior in substerilized parent (P1) moths, inheritance of sterility and associated metamorphic disruption in F1 progeny. The reproductive competence of P1 male moths and their F1 progeny was evaluated by ascertaining the survival, mating success, sperm transfer and amphimixis of gametes from irradiated male parents and their F1 progeny. Daily ovipositional and egg fertility profile were evaluated as crucial parameters for simulation modeling for this radio-genetic technique.Results: Radiation-induced check in insemination rate and sterility in P1 and F1 generation had a positive correlation with gamma dose. The metamorphic adverse effects in F1 progeny of substerilized P1 males were influenced by P1 irradiation. A higher dose of 200 Gy that resulted in 21.1% fertility in parent cross (P1♂x N♀) could form only 14.4% F1 adults that were all malformed. A gamma dose of 150 Gy (administered to P1 males) could be considered as a suitable dose for F1 sterility, that induced 57.4% control of reproduction in parent generation, followed by 72–85% control of reproduction in F1 progeny involved in three crosses -F1♂xN♀, N♂xF1♀, F1♂xF1♀. Daily fertility profile of the eggs laid indicated a marked reduction on 4th day onwards during the ovipositional span in P1 and F1 generation. High degree of mating competitiveness value (CV) was noticed for 150 Gy irradiated male P1 moths (0.78–0.93), and their F1 male progeny (0.70–0.89), released in different sex ratios in the field cages having untreated moths. Reduced relative damage to the pigeon pea plants by the released F1 progeny in the field cages was observed in comparison to control.Conclusion: The present study indicated the potential use of a dose of 150 Gy to apply the ‘F1 sterility’ technique for parabiological suppression of the pigeon pea pod borer. The present findings and reproductive performance of the irradiated moths in F2 generation along with other compatible biorational pest control tactics (that are in progress), might help in formulating an effective integrated pest management module, including the F1 sterility technique as an integral component.

A new species of <i>Halicyclops</i> (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Halicyclopinae) from an estuarine system of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia

Plankton samples obtained from the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, an extensive estuarine system in northern Colombia, yielded adult male and female specimens of an undescribed halicyclopine cyclopid copepod of the genus Halicyclops. Cyclopid copepods are frequently found in freshwater and transitional habitats. Members of the subfamily Halicyclopinae are chiefly brackish water forms with a few freshwater species. The new species described herein is assignable to the group of species “F” of Halicyclops (sensu Pesce, 2018) with a 2333 exopodal spine formula. Currently, this group contains five species and one subspecies. Halicyclops gutierrezi sp. n. can be distinguished from its known congeners by the absence of an anal operculum, the relative length of setae of the female and male P5, the relative length of the inner setae of P4EXP3, and details of the male antennule. This is the fifth species of Halicyclops recorded from Colombia and the first one of Halicyclops group “F” described from the Caribbean region. With the addition of H. gutierrezi sp. n., the number of species of the genus known from the Neotropics increased to 20. A key to the species of the genus recorded in Colombia is also provided.

A new species in the genus Acartia Dana, 1846 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Acartiidae) from the South Pacific coastal waters of Nadi Bay, Fiji.

A new species in the genus Acartia, Acartia nadiensissp. nov., is described from Fijian coastal waters. This species belongs to the subgenus Odontacartia based on the following morphological features: presence of a rostral filaments, a pointed process on the last prosomite, a serrated terminal spine on female P5, and the absence of a protrusion on the basis of the male right P5. This new species can be differentiated from its congeners by the combination of the absence of a spine on the first segment of the antennules, the short outer seta of female P5, and a medial spine on the exp-2 of the left male P5. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial COI partial sequences show that the new species is distinct from its congeners.