Designation Of Neotype Research Articles

Systematics of Moths in the GenusCatocala(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). V. Neotypification of Names in the Nearctic Fauna

Abstract Nine previously published neotype designations in the noctuid moth genus Catocala are reviewed for compliance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Eight of the designations are found to have not fulfilled one (75.3.2) of the seven qualifying conditions of Article 75.3 when these were originally published, and are redesignated herein. The eight Catocala names involved are connubialis Guenee, dollii Beutenmuller, grotiana Bailey, irene Behr, micronympha Guenee, stretchii Behr, texanae French and walshii Edwards. The ninth neotype designation, for calphurnia Henry Edwards, is considered valid as originally published.

Proterometra epholkos sp. n. (Digenea: Azygiidae) from Terrapin Creek, Alabama, USA: Molecular characterization of life cycle, redescription of Proterometra albacauda, and updated lists of host and geographic locality records for Proterometra spp. in North America

Proterometra epholkos sp. n. asexually reproduces in the stream dwelling prosobranch, Elimia cf. modesta (Cerithioidea: Pleuroceridae) and infects the buccal cavity epithelium of spotted bass, Micropterus punctulatus (Perciformes: Centrarchidae) in the Coosa River (Terrapin Creek; N33°51′36.56″, W85°31′28.15″; Cleburne County, Alabama, USA). We characterize cercariae and adults of the new species using morphology and molecular sequence data and redescribe its morphologically similar congener Proterometra albacauda based on the holotype and paratype (USNPC Nos. 61229-30). The new species can be distinguished most easily from P. albacauda by the combination of having cercariae with long mamillae (>100μm) that encircle the tail stem anteriorly, that are restricted to 1 lateral column per body margin at midbody, and that are absent from the medial surface of the tail stem as well as by having adults with a partly extracecal uterus, a transverse metraterm occupying the space between the oral sucker and prostatic sac, and a vitellarium that is longer than the ceca and extends anteriad to the level of or beyond the posterior margin of the oral sucker. Sequence data from the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2; 251bp) did not reject the notion that the cercariae and adults we collected simultaneously from those infected, sympatric, individual snails and fish in Terrapin Creek were conspecific. Also provided herein for species of Proterometra are (i) taxonomic keys for cercariae and adults based on morphological and behavioral characteristics sourced from the published literature, (ii) updated lists of host records (prosobranchs and fishes) and geographic locality records for Proterometra spp., and (iii) synopses and assessments of the morphological features previously used to differentiate them. Proterometra macrostoma (type species), Proterometra melanophora, and Proterometra hodgesiana are species inquirendae; requiring new collections from type localities and hosts concomitant with neotype designations. P. macrostoma seems a repository for conspicuous, furcocystocercous cercariae shed from freshwater prosobranchs in eastern North American rivers and streams. The specific epithet “pinguis” associated with specimens purportedly infecting Esox lucius and deposited by JF Mueller is a nomen nudum. Proterometra guangzhouensis, Proterometra sillagae, Proterometra brachyuran, and Proterometra lamellorchis are incertae sedis. Significant barriers to characterizing biodiversity and distributions (host range and geographic distribution) of Proterometra spp. comprise a paucity of data on adult morphology, dubious species-level identification or a lack of information regarding prosobranch hosts, lack of molecular data for putative comparisons among fluke ‘strains’ and species as well as between cercariae and adults, lack of consistency in terminology, and indeterminate homology for key morphological features. Uncertainty about the providence and identity of, or absence of, accessioned museum materials of P. macrostoma, Proterometra catenaria, and P. hodgesiana together represent another fundamental problem. The present study comprises the first description of a new species of Proterometra in nearly 20years, first report of a species of the genus from the Coosa River (Mobile–Tensaw River Basin) and from these host species, and first use of molecular sequence data to elucidate a life cycle for a species of Proterometra.

A New Species of Eracon (Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) Substantiated by a Number of Traits, Including Female Genitalia

A new species of Eracon Godman & Salvin, 1894 is described from Central America. Eracon sarahburnsae Grishin, sp. nov. differs from its South American sister species Eracon clinias by wing patterns, male and female genitalia, and DNA barcode. Lectotypes for Spioniades clinias Mabille, 1878 and Arteurotia celendrisHewitson, 1878, and a neotype for Arteurotia epipolaPlötz, 1882, are designated to stabilize nomenclature and current usage of these names. The neotype designation makes Arteurotia epipola an objective junior synonym of Arteurotia celendris, and we confirm the status of A. celendris as a junior subjective synonym of Spioniades clinias.

An integrative approach to the taxonomy of the crown-of-thorns starfish species group (Asteroidea: Acanthaster): A review of names and comparison to recent molecular data.

The scientific names published for species and subspecies in the genus Acanthaster Gervais (Asteroidea: Valvatida: Acanthasteridae) are reviewed, with particular attention to the A. planci species group (crown-of-thorn starfish, COTS). Several problems with earlier nomenclatural and bibliographic data are resolved. The available name for the type species of Acanthaster in the original combination is Asterias echinites Ellis & Solander in Watt, 1786; the often-cited "Asterias echinus" and "Acanthaster echinus" are incorrect subsequent spellings, therefore unavailable. The scientific names and taxonomic concepts for species and subspecies in Acanthaster are compared to recently published, robust COI-barcoding clades. Two of four clades in the A. planci group can be named unequivocally, a third requires a neotype designation to decide which of two available names will be valid, and the fourth clade necessitates a new species description and name. The References section includes annotations explaining bibliographical data important to the nomenclatural evaluations. Many hyperlinks interspersed with the paper's texts offer quick access to digital versions of the respective references.

The myriapodological legacy of Victor Ivanovich Motschoulsky (1810-1871).

The little that remains of Motschoulsky’s myriapodological legacy in the collection of Moscow’s Zoological Museum proves to be of very limited value. Only one species of Diplopoda described by Motschoulsky, the Caucasian Hirudisoma roseum (Victor, 1839), is still in use, yet requiring a neotype designation, whereas the remaining few myriapod names he proposed are either nomina dubia or nomina nuda. The former include Scolopendra pentagramma Motschoulsky, 1866 (Chilopoda, Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae) and Strongylosoma carinulatum Motschoulsky, 1866 (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae), both from Japan, as well as Julus costulatus Motschoulsky, 1851 (Diplopoda, Callipodida, Schizopetalidae?), from Montenegro, because their type material is either inadequate or missing.

Application of the name Lemna punctata G. Mey., the type of Landoltia Les & D. J. Crawford.

A recent (2011) attempt to change the previously designated type of the name of a duckweed species is discussed. Lemna punctata was first applied by Meyer in 1818 to a plant collected from South America, but original specimens have not been located. A prior neotype designation associated this name with a species native to parts of Asia, Australia and the Pacific, and widely introduced elsewhere, including South America. The species is generally treated by taxonomists in the genus Spirodela (either as S. punctata or the synonym S. oligorrhiza) or, more recently, as the sole member of the new (1999) genus Landoltia (as L. punctata). If accepted, this 2011 attempt to re-neotypify L. punctata would disrupt the names of two duckweed species as well as that of Landoltia. Nomenclatural arguments against accepting this new typification are provided, thereby supporting the continued usage of Landoltia in the sense intended by its original authors.

<strong>Primary, secondary and tertiary syntypes and virtual lectotype designation in zoological nomenclature, with comments on the recent designation of a lectotype for <em>Elephas maximus</em> Linnaeus, 1758</strong>

The role of primary, secondary and tertiary syntypes in solving nomenclatural problems, especially those related to old nomina from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, is discussed. The very useful but rarely implemented procedure of designating virtual lectotypes, i.e., specimens that can be traced as belonging to the original syntypic series but currently non-extant (e.g., lost, destroyed, misplaced, or originally being a live animal of which only an illustration remains), is here highlighted as potentially opening the way for a neotype designation that better suits stability in zoological nomenclature. This is particularly true when mixed syntypic series, i.e., those comprising specimens belonging to more than one species, are involved. We illustrate the advantages of this procedure by showing that a secondary syntype of Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758, although currently missing, would have been a better candidate to lectotype designation than the still available specimen actually selected recently as the lectotype of this species based on molecular data. We welcome the use of molecular data to solve nomenclatural problems, but point out that a thorough knowledge of the International Code of zoological Nomenclature is essential if the best decisions are to be taken.

First cranial remains of Cheirogaster richardi (Testudines: Testudinidae) from the Late Miocene of Ecoparc de Can Mata (Vallès-Penedès Basin, NE Iberian Peninsula): taxonomic and phylogenetic implications

Although skulls of extinct Testudinidae are generally much scarcer than shell remains, when available they provide important data for resolving taxonomic and phylogenetic problems, as illustrated here by two well-preserved giant tortoise skulls from the early Vallesian (MN9, Late Miocene) of Ecoparc de Can Mata (ECM; els Hostalets de Pierola, Vallès-Penedès Basin, NE Iberian Peninsula). These specimens, referable to the extinct genus Cheirogaster, differ significantly from C. bolivari and are assigned to C. richardi, whose cranial morphology was previously unknown. This nominal taxon had been considered a junior subjective synonym of C. bolivari, due to a previous neotype designation for the former, based on shell remains, that did not meet the requirements of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. This designation is here considered invalid because it was based on material from a different geographical area, even though remains from the original type locality area were available. Given that the holotype of C. richardi (from the early Vallesian of els Hostalets de Pierola) has been destroyed, to clarify the taxonomic status of this taxon we here designate one of the two ECM skulls as the neotype of the species. On this basis, an emended diagnosis is provided, which leads us to conclude that two different species are recorded from the Iberian Miocene: C. bolivari, from the middle Aragonian of the inner Iberian basins; and C. richardi, from the latest Aragonian and Vallesian of the Vallès-Penedès Basin. Additional cranial material of Cheirogaster from inner Iberia would be required to clarify whether these species display distinct geographical distributions and/or different chronostratigraphical ranges. A cladistic analysis of Testudinidae based on cranial morphology supports a sister-taxon relationship between Cheirogaster and Centrochelys. Overall, our results highlight the significance of cranial morphology for attaining a better understanding of turtle taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships.

New and rare sponges from the deep shelf of the Alboran Island (Alboran Sea, Western Mediterranean).

The sponge fauna from the deep shelf (70 to 200 m) of the Alboran Island (Alboran Sea, Western Mediterranean) was investigated using a combination of ROV surveys and collecting devices in the frame of the EC LIFE+ INDEMARES Grant aimed to designate marine areas of the Nature 2000 Network within Spanish territorial waters. From ROV surveys and 351 examined specimens, a total of 87 sponge species were identified, most belonging in the Class Demospongiae, and one belonging in the Class Hexactinellida. Twenty six (29%) species can be regarded as either taxonomically or faunistically relevant. Three of them were new to science (Axinella alborana nov. sp.; Axinella spatula nov. sp.; Endectyon filiformis nov. sp.) and 4 others were Atlantic species recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea (Jaspis eudermis Lévi & Vacelet, 1958; Hemiasterella elongata Topsent, 1928; Axinella vellerea Topsent, 1904; Gelliodes fayalensis Topsent, 1892). Another outstanding finding was a complete specimen of Rhabdobaris implicata Pulitzer-Finali, 1983, a species only known from its holotype, which had entirely been dissolved for its description. Our second record of the species has allowed a neotype designation and a restitution of the recently abolished genus Rhabdobaris Pulitzer-Finally, 1983, also forcing a slight modification of the diagnosis of the family Bubaridae. Additionally, 12 species were recorded for the first time from the shelf of the Alboran Island, including a few individuals of the large hexactinellid Asconema setubalense Kent, 1877 that provided the second Mediterranean record of this "North Atlantic" hexactinellid. ROV explorations also revealed that sponges are an important component of the deep-shelf benthos, particularly on rocky bottoms, where they make peculiar sponge gardens characterized by a wide diversity of small, erect species forming a dense "undergrowth" among a scatter of large sponges and gorgonians. The great abundance and the taxonomic singularities of the sponge fauna occurring in these deep-shelf bottoms strongly suggest these habitats to be considered within the environmental protection of the Nature 2000 Network.

Nomenclatural remarks and typification of Dasya species (Dasyaceae, Rhodophyta) from the western Mediterranean

New data on synonymy and typification of Dasya species of the western Mediterranean are provided, including: D. baillouviana (S. G. Gmel.) Mont., D. corymbifera J. Agardh, D. hutchinsiae Harv., D. ocellata (Gratel.) Harv., D. rigescens Zanardini, D. rigidula (Kütz.) Ardiss., D. sessilis Yamada and D. punicea (Zanardini) Menegh. in Zanardini. Data on synonymy and a brief nomenclatural story are shown for each species, a lectotype and a neotype are selected respectively for D. rigidula and D. punicea and clarification of neotype designation is discussed for D. corymbifera.

Opinion 2328 (Case 3571) Crotalinus catenatus Rafinesque, 1818 (currently Sistrurus catenatus) and Crotalus tergeminus Say in James, 1822 (currently Sistrurus tergeminus; Reptilia, Serpentes): usage conserved by designation of neotypes for both species

Opinion 2328 (Case 3571) <i>Crotalinus catenatus</i> Rafinesque, 1818 (currently <i>Sistrurus catenatus)</i> and <i>Crotalus tergeminus</i> Say in James, 1822 (currently <i>Sistrurus tergeminus;</i> Reptilia, Serpentes): usage conserved by designation of neotypes for both species

Redefinition of the millipede subgenus Megaphyllum sensu stricto Verhoeff, 1894 and neotype designation for Megaphyllum austriacum (Latzel, 1884) (Myriapoda: Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae).

Megaphyllum sensu stricto, i.e. the nominotypical subgenus of the very complicated genus Megaphyllum Verhoeff, 1894, is redefined on the basis of examination of type and non-type material and literature data. Four species-groups including twenty species in all are listed, and the identity of M. austriacum (C. L. Koch, 1838) is clarified with a proposal of neotype designation under ICZN Article 75.6. in order to stabilize the current usage of the name. Prevailing usage of M. silvaticum (Verhoeff, 1898) syn. nov. (nomen protectum) over the senior synonym M. nigrescens (Latzel, 1884) (nomen oblitum) is maintained under ICZN Article 23.9. M. banaticum (Verhoeff, 1899) is syn. nov. of M. erythronotum (Latzel, 1884) comb. nov., M. bosniense cotinophilum (Loksa, 1962) syn. nov. of M. bosniense bosniense (Verhoeff, 1897) and M. transsylvanicum transdanubicum (Loksa, 1962) syn. nov. of M. transsylvanicum transsylvanicum (Verhoeff, 1897). M. unilineatum (C. L. Koch, 1838) is new to the fauna of Turkey.

Review of the Frog GenusSilverstoneia, with Descriptions of Five New Species from the Colombian Chocó (Dendrobatidae: Colostethinae)

The dendrobatid genus Silverstoneia is a clade of forest-dwelling frogs that share small adult size (<22 mm snout-vent length), basal webbing between toes III–IV, a solid blackish brown flank divided by a conspicuous pale oblique lateral stripe from the groin to the eye, a pale ventrolateral stripe, finger I > II, male nurse frogs (known in four species), and larvae possessing an umbelliform oral disc with few to many submarginal papillae and medially emarginate posterior labium (also known in four species).The clade is distributed from Costa Rica to southern Departamento del Valle del Cauca in western Colombia and includes eight species, five of which are described herein as new species. As in all species of Dendrobatoidea, in Silverstoneia the distal tendon of insertion of the m. semitendinosus inserts dorsad to the distal tendon of the mm. gracilis complex and is strapped to the dorsal edge of the inner surface of the mm. gracilis complex by a unique binding tendon. The species of Silverstoneia may be diagnosed on the basis of adult size, adult ventral coloration, thigh coloration, and degree of expansion of finger III in adult males; additionally, there are clear species differences among the known tadpoles.Taxonomic comments are given for three previously named species: Silverstoneia erasmios (Rivero and Serna), S. flotator (Dunn), and S. nubicola (Dunn). We were unable to distinguish erasmios from nubicola. However, only females of erasmios are known and its validity needs confirmation. The species S. flotator sensu lato and S. nubicola sensu lato occur north through Panama to Costa Rica; they are distinct from one another, but some intraspecific variation suggests the possible presence of unnamed sibling species. The specimen long recognized as the type of S. flotator is not the holotype, which we consider lost; however, ample material is available from the well-known type locality (Barro Colorado Island) and neotype designation is not needed.Five new species are described—all endemic to low and moderate elevations on the Pacific versant of Colombia: Silverstoneia dalyi (p. 5), S. gutturalis (p. 17), S. minima (p. 22), S. minutissima (p. 29), and S. punctiventris (p. 34).

RESURRECTING THE TYPE LOCALITY OF Ceropegia odorata (APOCYNACEAE) AFTER 175 YEARS

The type locality of the critically endangered Ceropegia odorata Nimmo ex J. Graham is resurrected after a lapse of about 175 years. A detailed description, distribution, habitat, IUCN threat status, and a nomenclatural note are provided along with a neotype designation. The main threat factors responsible for dwindling of populations of the species are discussed and measures are suggested to arrest the operative causal factors.

A taxonomic review of Attevidae (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea) from China with descriptions of two new species and a revised identity of the Ailanthus webworm moth, Atteva fabriciella, from the Asian tropics.

This review describes four species of Atteva (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Attevidae) from China, including two new species: A. wallengreni n. sp. and A. yanguifella n. sp. The taxonomic identity of the Ailanthus webworm moth from South and Southeast Asia is revised with a designation of neotype for Phalaena (Tinea) fabriciella Swederus. Lectotypes of Atteva brucea Moore and A. niviguttella Walker are designated. Atteva brucea is synonymized with A. fabriciella. Synonymy of Atteva niviguttella and A. fabriciella is reconfirmed. The previous Chinese records of A. fabriciella were based on confusions with A. wallengreni n. sp. Confirmed specimens of A. fabriciella from China are reported. A pair of confused species, A. fabriciella and A. wallengreni n. sp., are distinguished by the number of white dots on the forewings and the genital features. Another confused pair, A. niveigutta and A. yanguifella n. sp., are compared by external and genital features. All type specimens of the described species are illustrated and compared with the conspecific specimens from various countries of the Asian tropics. Keys to all the species from China are provided.

Redescription and neotype designation of Lobogynium sudhiri (Datta) (Acari: Diplogyniidae), a mite associated with beetles of the genus Atholus (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) in the Palaearctic region

Redescription and neotype designation of Lobogynium sudhiri (Datta) (Acari: Diplogyniidae), a mite associated with beetles of the genus Atholus (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) in the Palaearctic region

Redescriptions of Cenomanian hexactinellid sponges from Podillia (South‐West Ukraine) and designation of neotypes

Abstract: Newly collected phosphatised hexactinellid sponges are recorded from upper Cenomanian strata in the villages of Nezvys’ko and Rakovets’ of Podillia, south‐west Ukraine. Sponges from Nezvys’ko were first described in the late 19th century by Emil H. Dunikowski, but the original specimens appear to have been lost. Five neotypes of the hexactinellids Laocoetis maxima, Callodictyonella regularis, Plocoscyphia podolica, Toulminia polonica and Leiostracosia crassa are here designated. In addition, diagnoses of all species are provided and descriptions emended and supplemented.

A REVISION OF THE BRACON FABRICIUS SPECIES IN WESMAEL’S COLLECTION DEPOSITED IN BRUXELLES (HYMENOPTERA, BRACONIDAE: BRACONINAE)

In his monograph Wesmael (1838) made a survey of 48 Bracon Fabricius species occurring in Belgium. Out of the 48 species 37 have been described by Wesmael himself as new species, the rest of the species, 11 ones, divides among three authors: seven species by Nees, three species by Fabricius and one species by Spinola. Type (holo-, lecto-, paralectotype) designations of Wesmael’s species and neotype designations of Nees sensu Wesmael’s species are accomplished accompanied with their redescriptions, distributions and taxonomic positions. The Bracon material studied by Wesmael is deposited in Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique, Bruxelles. Palpibracon new subgenus is established for four Bracon species with long maxillar palp in the Holarctic Region. Fourteen species names proved to be junior synonyms. The species Bracon turolus Papp is revalidated. The subgeneric division of the Bracon species is briefly discussed.

Redescription and neotype designation of Lobogynium sudhiri (Datta) (Acari: Diplogyniidae), a mite associated with beetles of the genus Atholus (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) in the Palaearctic region

Ophiocelaeno sudhiri Datta, 1985 (family Diplogyniidae) is transferred to the genus Lobogynium Trägårdh, 1950 and rede-scribed from specimens collected in close association with histerid beetles of the genus Atholus (Thomson) in Europe and Asia.The genus Lobogynium is redefined and a key to the species is presented. The first description of the female, detailed redescrip-tion of the male and the new combination Lobogynium sudhiri (Datta, 1985) comb. nov. are given. A neotype is designated forthis species, because the holotype is lost. A strongly sclerotised antero-lateral circum-anal area appears to be an autapomorphicfeature of this species. Lobogynium sudhiri is widely distributed in the Palaearctic region, and is probably a sapro-coprophilous species that completes its life-cycle in dung and other decaying organic matter.

Nomenclatural notes 13. An incorrect neotype designation and provision for a lectotype and an epitype for Helvella fusca

A neotype designation for Helvella fusca proposed in 1997 proves to have been erroneous because an illustration accompanying the original description was overlooked. Such illustrations normally have served as the lectotype when all known specimens of the author's taxon have been lost. The authors of that neotype designation should instead have designated the illustration as a lectotype and a specimen as an epitype, which is done in this paper. The so-called neotype specimen is now selected as the epitype specimen. A full description, illustrations and remarks about synonyms and a non-synonym are also provided.