Original Description Research Articles

Rhetoric for Crowds

Gustave Le Bon’s eminent work The Crowd is considered as one of the fundamental works in mass psychology. Concurrently, the importance of this work and the impact it had on communication practices has been recently recognized by some of the scholars. While The Crowd primarily places focus on meticulous description of origin and psychological condition of the crowd, this paper suggests that, among others, Le Bon uses psychological discourse to define rhetorical precept that can be used as an agency for eliciting such condition. It is the purpose of this paper to extract and present the guidelines suggested by Le Bon in his work for mass oratory and corroborate it with apposite rhetorical theory in order to lend credibility to this thesis. Through broader treatment of rhetorical modes of pathos (state and language that induces it), orator, oration, and kairos (the right moment), with other hitherto rhetorical and linguistic insights, Le Bon constitutes activation means for evoking the psychological phenomena of the crowd. This paper represents Le Bon’s explicit and implicit rhetorical instructions in The Crowd by constructing the rhetorical model and indicating that his scholarly contribution was rhetorical as was psychological, suggesting consideration of his inclusion in the history of rhetoric and his contribution to the development of contemporary communication practices. This paper represents an interdisciplinary rhetorical model that engages the field of interest of various scientific disciplines, such as linguistics, rhetoric, communicology, public relations, and their subbranches.

Species of the Genus Paroniella Fuhrmann, 1920 (Cestoda: Davaineidae) from Bulbuls (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae): Redescription of P. perreti (Mahon, 1954) and Description of P. neolestes n. sp. from Africa.

The purpose of the present study is to contribute to the knowledge on the diversity of cestodes of the genus Paroniella Fuhrmann, 1920 parasitising passerine birds of the family Pycnonotidae (bulbuls) in the Afrotropical Region. The only known species of this groups, Paroniella perreti (Mahon, 1954) from Pycnonotus tricolor (Hartlaub) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is poorly described. Therefore, it needed a detailed redescription in order to make a reliable comparison and provide differentiation among this species and newly-collected davaineid specimens. Based on new materials collected from Neolestes torquatus Cabanis in Gabon, Paroniella neolestes n. sp. is described. The type series of P. perreti from the collection of the Natural History Museum of Geneva is redescribed and figured using conventional light microscopy and interference-contrast microscopy. The specimens of the new species were stained by iron acetocarmine and mounted in Canada balsam. The present study provided more detailed and accurate data on P. perreti (compared to its original description) in relation mostly to the armament of suckers (not mentioned in the original description), the structure of the copulative apparatus, the number of rostellar hooks and the number of testes. The morphological comparison of the specimens from Neolestes torquatus from Gabon with the known 53 species of the genus Paroniella (presented in a table format) characterised them as belonging to a new species. The new combination Paroniella oitaensis (Kugi, 1990) n. comb. was proposed. Based on the present state of knowledge, P. perreti and P. neolestes seem to be specific each to a single host species, i.e. Pycnonotus tricolor and Neolestes torquatus, respectively. Further studies of davaineid cestodes from pycnonotids from Africa as well as from South and Southeast Asia may result in discovering much greater diversity of this group than currently known.

Notes, new records, and transference in South American Cerambycidae (Insecta, Coleoptera)

In this work we report for the first time the presence of 59 species of Cerambycidae (4 species of Prioninae, 25 species of Cerambycinae, and 30 species of Lamiinae) in Mato Grosso do Sul. One of these species, Ozodes infuscatus Bates, 1870, is also recorded from the Brazilian states of São Paulo. Nealcidion bruchi (Melzer, 1934) and Glypthaga arena Galileo, Martins & Santos-Silva, 2015 are recorded from Brazil for the first time. Lissonotus biguttatus Dalman, 1817 is newly recorded from Mato Grosso State. The type locality of Nesozineus lineolatus Galileo & Martins, 1996 is corrected, as well as state of the type locality of Oncideres malleri Fragoso, 1970, Aegomorphus lanei (Marinoni & Martins, 1978), and Carphina melanura Monné & Monné, 2007. Hovorodon Santos-Silva, Swift & Nearns, 2010 is confirmed as being masculine gender. The grammatical gender of Diploschema Thomson, 1858 is reported as neuter gender, and the names of D. maculata Martins & Monné, 1980 and D. brunnea Martins & Monné, 1980 are corrected. Canarana brachialis (Guérin-Méneville, 1855) is indicated as recorded from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and not Mato Grosso. Urgleptes melzeri (Gilmour, 1959) is reinstated to its original genus: Lepturges (Lepturges). Notes on nearly all species are provided, including number of specimens in the original description, type locality, dates, etc.

Filling a geographic gap: a new species of genus Lacronia Strand, 1942 (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) from southern Brazil

Despite the significant amount of systematic research on Gonyleptidae since its original description almost 200 years ago by Sundevall in 1833, there are still unresolved phylogenetic relationships that require further investigation. Current knowledge of the unranked clade DRMN (Gonyleptidae), consisting of Discocyrtus Holmberg, 1878 sensu stricto, Roeweriinae Carvalho & Kury, 2018, Mitobatinae Simon, 1879 and Neopachylinae Carvalho & Kury, 2020, has been advancing at strides. Recently, the genus Lacronia Strand, 1942, with species occurring along the south and southeastern Brazilian coast, underwent revision, resulting in keys and diagnoses for its species. In this article we describe Lacronia utaru sp. nov., a new species from Paraná State, which fills the supposed gap between previously discontinuous known occurrences of the genus. This new species is morphologically closer to the ‘not areolated Lacronia’ internal clade, especially to the type species Lacronia serripes (Mello-Leitão, 1923). Differences between L. serripes and L. utaru sp. nov. about the pattern of light-colored tubercles on the dorsal scutum are pointed out. Additionally, we present new records for two other species of Lacronia.

The first records of Microprosthema pernambucensis (Bochini, Cunha, Terossi & Almeida, 2020) and Odontozona addaia Pretus, 1990 from the tropical eastern Atlantic (Decapoda: Stenopodidea)

Two species of stenopodidean shrimps are newly recorded from the tropical eastern Atlantic, each representing considerable extensions to their previously known biogeographical ranges. The shrimp genus Chicosciencea Bochini, Cunha, Terossi & Almeida, 2020, is confirmed as a junior synonym of Microprosthema Stimpson, 1860. Microprosthema pernambucensis (Bochini, Cunha, Terossi & Almeida, 2020), previously only known from northeastern Brazil, is reported for the first time from the tropical eastern Atlantic based on material collected in subtidal lava tubes on the coast of Sal, Cabo Verde, and re-illustrated in view of the limited original description. Odontozona addaia Pretus, 1990, previously only known from the Mediterranean Sea, is herein reported from the Atlantic Ocean proper, based on specimens from the same habitat, also in Cabo Verde.

Evidence-based recommendations for gene-specific ACMG/AMP variant classification from the ClinGen ENIGMA BRCA1 and BRCA2 Variant Curation Expert Panel

The ENIGMA research consortium develops and applies methods to determine clinical significance of variants in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes. An ENIGMA BRCA1/2 classification sub-group, formed in 2015 as a ClinGen external expert panel, evolved into a ClinGen internal Variant Curation Expert Panel (VCEP) to align with Food and Drug Administration recognized processes for ClinVar contributions. The VCEP reviewed American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association of Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) classification criteria for relevance to interpreting BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants. Statistical methods were used to calibrate evidence strength for different data types. Pilot specifications were tested on 40 variants and documentation revised for clarity and ease of use. The original criterion descriptions for 13 evidence codes were considered non-applicable or overlapping with other criteria. Scenario of use was extended or re-purposed for eight codes. Extensive analysis and/or data review informed specification descriptions and weights for all codes. Specifications were applied to pilot variants with pre-existing ClinVar classification as follows: 13 uncertain significance or conflicting, 14 pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic, and 13 benign and/or likely benign. Review resolved classification for 11/13 uncertain significance or conflicting variants and retained or improved confidence in classification for the remaining variants. Alignment of pre-existing ENIGMA research classification processes with ACMG/AMP classification guidelines highlighted several gaps in the research processes and the baseline ACMG/AMP criteria. Calibration of evidence strength was key to justify utility and strength of different data types for gene-specific application. The gene-specific criteria demonstrated value for improving ACMG/AMP-aligned classification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants.

Redescription and molecular phylogeny of Megalobatrachonema nipponicum Yamaguti, 1941 (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea: Kathlaniidae)

Megalobatrachonema nipponicum Yamaguti, 1941 (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea: Kathlaniidae), the type species of the genus Megalobatrachonema, had been only once reported from the Japanese giant salamander, Andrias japonicus (Temminck, 1836) (Amphibia: Cryptobranchidae), in the last 80 years. Herein, we reported the present species from A. japonicus and hybrids (A. japonicus × A. davidianus (Blanchard, 1871)) following the original description. The examined specimens were morphologically identical to the original description. We showed the phylogenetic position of M. nipponicum among cosmocercoid species as well as among congeneric species, which suggested the polyphyly of the genus. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis did not support the subgenera in this genus. Thus, we considered the presence or absence of an esophageal bulb valve as a key morph to identify species, not subgenus, of Megalobatrachonema.

Early Neanderthal mandibular remains from Baume Moula-Guercy (Soyons, Ardèche).

We provide an ontogenetically-based comparative description of mandibular remains from Last Interglacial deposits (MIS 5e) at Baume Moula-Guercy and examine their affinities to European and Middle Eastern Middle-to-Late Pleistocene (≈MIS 14-MIS 1) Homo. Description of the M-G2-419 right partial mandibular corpus with M1-3 (15-16.0 years ±0.5 years) and mandibular fragments M-F4-77 and M-S-TNN1 is with reference to original fossils, casts, CT scans, literature descriptions, and virtual reconstructions. Our comparative sample is ontogenetically based and divided into a Preneanderthal-Neanderthal group and a Homo sapiens group. These groups are subdivided into (1) Preneanderthals (≈MIS 14-9), Early Neanderthals (MIS 7-5e), and Late Neanderthals (MIS 5d-3), and (2) Middle (MIS 5) and Upper (MIS 3-Pre-MIS 1) Paleolithic and recent H. sapiens. Standard techniques were employed for developmental age and sex determinations and measurements. The M-G2-419 mandible possesses corpus features that link it most closely with the Sima de los Huesos Preneanderthal and Early Neanderthal groups. These include mental foramen position, number, and height on the corpus, anterior marginal tubercle position, and mylohyoid line orientation. Metrically, the M-G2-419 mandibular corpus is small relative to adults in all groups, but the thickness/height relationship is like the adult condition. The thickness of the corpus is more like Neanderthal children than adolescents. Molar crown features suggest affinities with the Preneanderthal-Neanderthal group. The Moula-Guercy mandibles possess a combination of Neanderthal-associated features that provides insights into MIS 7-5e paleodeme variation and the timing of appearance of MIS 5d-3 Neanderthal facial features.

Molecular Systematics and Type-material-based Redescription of Metarhadinorhynchus lateolabracis, With Taxonomic Revisions of Metarhadinorhynchus, Indorhynchus, and Neotegorhynchus (Acanthocephala: Palaeacanthocephala).

Molecular phylogenetics has been improving the acanthocephalan systematics, yet numerous taxa remain unexplored. The palaeacanthocephalan Metarhadinorhynchus Yamaguti, 1959 and its type species M. lateolabracis Yamaguti, 1959 are such to-be-explored taxa. We aim to refine (i) the systematic placement, (ii) the morphological circumscription, and (iii) the taxonomic components of the genus. We also aim to examine the taxonomic status of the species that have been assigned to the genus. Morphological observations on newly collected specimens as well as the type material of Metarhadinorhynchus lateolabracis were conducted. Also, molecular phylogenetic analyses with maximum-likelihood method and Bayesian inference were performed based on freshly collected specimens. Nominal species that have at least once been assigned in Metarhadinorhynchus, as well as a related form, Gorgorhynchus lateolabri Yin and Wu, 1984, are taxonomically re-evaluated based on literature information. Our re-examination of the type material of M. lateolabracis revealed that the number of cement glands is six, instead of eight as described and illustrated in the original description. In the resulting phylogenetic tree, M. lateolabracis was nested in Isthmosacanthidae. Gorgorhynchoides Cable and Linderoth, 1963 was found to be a junior synonym of Metarhadinorhynchus. Taxonomic re-evaluations of six nominal species that have once belonged in Metarhadinorhynchus led to modifications of generic diagnoses for Indorhynchus Golvan, 1969 and Neotegorhynchus Lisitsyna, Xi, Orosová, Barčák, and Oros, 2022. Metarhadinorhynchus has been assigned to Leptorhynchoididae (Echinorhynchida), but our study now locates it in Isthmosacanthidae (Polymorphida). We propose 13 new combinations of specific names in Metarhadinorhynchus and three in Indorhynchus. Metarhadinorhynchus lateolabri (Yin and Wu, 1984) comb. nov. may be synonymous with M. orientalis (Wang, 1966) comb. nov.

Morphology, DNA barcoding and seasonal occurrence of Ergasilus lizae Krøyer, 1863 (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) parasitizing mullets from northwestern Mexico

Ergasilus lizae Krøyer, 1863 is a parasitic copepod known to infect mullets (Mugilidae) in different parts of the world. It was originally reported from the east coast of North America, but the original description lacks enough detail, making identification with this information difficult. In this study, we provide a redescription of E. lizae found on Mugil curema Valenciennes and M. cephalus Linnaeus, caught in two coastal lagoons of northwestern Mexico during two climatic seasons: warm/rainy and cold/dry. The prevalence of this parasite was higher in the warm season than in the cold season. To facilitate the species identification, new sequences of the barcoding gene (COI mtDNA) of E. lizae were generated and compared against unpublished sequences of E. lizae available in the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). Our results suggest that the sequences of BOLD possibly belong to a species misidentified as E. lizae.

Redescription of the male of Pelecorhynchus vulpes (Macquart) and first description of the male terminalia (Diptera: Pelecorhynchidae)

Macquart (1850) provided the original description of Pelecorhynchus vulpes (= Pangonia vulpes) based on a holotype male from Chile. His description is brief and lacks many morphological details. Therefore, herein we redescribe, in far greater detail, the holotype male of Pelecorhynchus vulpes (Macquart) and describe and illustrate, for the first time, the morphology of the male terminalia.

Rediscovering the unusual Cancellus makrothrix Stebbing, 1924 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Diogenidae) in the “Great African Seaforest”

The rare diogenid hermit crab Cancellus makrothrix Stebbing, 1924, previously known from only a few specimens collected a century ago from Algoa Bay, South Africa, has been found to be common in the kelp forest known as the “Great African Seaforest”, and rocky reefs, of False Bay, South Africa. This poorly known species, considered “aberrant” by some carcinologists, is one of 17 known in the genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836, and the only of the genus known to occur in the coast of southern Africa. Cancelllus makrothrix lives in gastropod shells, whereas all other congenerics live in a variety of petricolous dwellings that are either excavated or worn away into cylindrical cavities. The newly collected material of C. makrothrix in South Africa, together with the study of historical museum specimens has made possible the detailed redescription and taxonomic discussion of this species presented herein, using full illustrations, photographs, and microCT scans. For future reference, the molecular CO1 genetic barcode is reported. A lectotype is selected from Stebbing’s original syntype material found to consist of two specimens: a female of which only several appendages remain, in the Natural History Museum, London, and a male, illustrated in the original description, in the Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town. Taxonomic remarks, comments on biological oddities, brief in situ and laboratory observations of live specimens, and a map summarizing the world distribution of species of Cancellus, are included.

Vertebral arteria lusoria-Hyrtl's original description (1859), case illustration, and literature analysis.

A translation of the initial observation of vertebral arteria lusoria reported by Hyrtl in 1859 is followed by a review of all cases published until May 2023 to identify the anatomical and clinical features characterizing the typical form of this rare variant. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google queries were performed with "vertebral arteria lusoria", "retroesophageal vertebral artery", and "aberrant vertebral artery" as keywords (in English, German, and French). A feature was considered typical when present in at least 75% of analyzed cases. A case of incidentally discovered vertebral arteria lusoria illustrates the typical form of the variant. The analysis of 56 publications yielded 66 observations of right-sided vertebral arteria lusoria published between 1859 and May 2023. A small caliber, a retro-esophageal location, and passage through the foramen transversarium of C7 were typical. There was no evidence of association with clinical symptoms or other cardiovascular anomalies. A typical vertebral arteria lusoria is an incidentally discovered nondominant aberrant right VA originating from the proximal descending aorta and following a retro-esophageal course to enter the C7 foramen transversarium, without associated aortic arch branching anomalies or congenital cardiovascular pathologies.

Clarification of the distribution, conchological diversity, and taxonomic status of the Iberian snail Iberus globulosus C.R. Boettger, 1913 (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Helicidae)

The taxonomic status of Iberus globulosus has been unsatisfactorily resolved since its original description, but in 2008 a molecular phylogenetic study of the genus Iberus suggested that it could be a valid species. However, limited information on both its geographic distribution and its conchological variability has made it difficult to properly delineate the species. Our exhaustive sampling throughout the potential area of its geographic distribution and the morphological study herein, together with pre-existing genetic evidence, allow us to confirm the validity of I. globulosus. Consequently, we improve the characterization of I. globulosus by redescribing it. Additionally, we provide information on the potential for hybridization among I. globulosus and geographically and phylogenetically close congeneric species.

Stilpon subnubilus Chvála new to France, with notes on its morphology (Diptera: Hybotidae)

Stilpon subnubilus Chvála, 1988, is here reported as new for the fauna of France. Wing polymorphy is known to occur in Stilpon graminum (Fallén, 1815). Here we describe wing-polymorphy for both Stilpon nubilus Collin, 1926, and S. subnubilus Chvála, 1988. This changes the known diagnostic features of both species considerably. The distinguishing features given in the original description of S. subnubilus (concerning the size and coloration of the wing) are based on a micropterous S. nubilus and a macropterous S. subnubilus. Also, the coloration of the hind metatarsus appears to be the same (slightly brown tinged) for both species. We present wing measurements, figures, and a key to illustrate our findings – raising a hypothesis for further study. In addition, we examine the known distribution and habitat of S. subnubilus.

A new species of Ultratenuipalpus and redescription of Ultratenuipalpus hainanensis (Wang) (Acari, Tenuipalpidae)

The genus Ultratenuipalpus (Acariformes: Tenuipalpidae) is represented by 26 species worldwide. We describe and illustrate Ultratenuipalpus dicranopteris sp. nov. He, Jin & Yi, from Dicranopteris sp. (Gleicheniaceae) from Dicranopteris sp. (Gleicheniaceae). We also redescribe the female and supplement original description with that of the male, deutonymph and protonymph stage of Ultratenuipalpus hainanensis (Wang).

Schistophleps kendricki sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from Bangladesh with an overview of the genus

Schistophleps Hampson, 1891 is one of the most frequently occurring genera of tiger moths, widely distributed in the Oriental and Australian regions. However, a lion’s share of the species belonging to this genus are poorly known except the original descriptions. In this article, we provide a brief overview of all known species currently assigning to this genus. We divide the species into albida, bicolora, bipuncta, flavia, fulvia, hyalina, and subtilis species groups on the basis of wing pattern elements along with geographic distributions, and four highly obscure species are discussed as a miscellaneous group. Among the species, Schistophleps bipuncta Hampson, 1891 is the most frequently occurring taxon having a distribution stretching all over the South East Asia. However, the variable wing maculations and other features, reflected through the observations on various citizen science platforms from different regions of the Indian subcontinent indicate to a sibling species yet to discover. Herein, we describe the species as Schistophleps kendricki Rayhan, Bucsek, & Jahan sp. nov., from Chittagong, Bangladesh that is similar to the Schistophleps bipuncta species group in wing maculation, but markedly differs from all of its closely allied congeners in the genitalia configurations in having characteristic modification of uncus. Besides, a comparison of observations on different citizen science platforms from the Indian subcontinent is provided that suggests the possible distribution of this new species throughout the Bengal including West Bengal, India and Bangladesh.

First report of the barley root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne naasi Franklin, 1965 from Pennsylvania, with new host report.

Meloidogyne naasi Franklin, 1965, the barley root-knot nematode, was originally found in field crops such as cereals, grasses, and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in England and Wales, (Franklin,1965). This nematode is one of the most significant root-knot nematodes impacting grains in European countries (Santos et al. 2020). Among root-knot nematode species, M. naasi, exhibits a distinct preference for grasses, with documented impacts on turfgrasses leading to reduced growth and vigor (Skantar et al., 2023; Cook and Yeates, 1993). In September 2022, root-knot nematode females and second-stage juveniles (J2) were recovered from roots of fowl manna grass, Glyceria striata (Lam.) Hitchc., during a nematode survey on natural vegetation at the Allegheny National Forest (41°30'13.8"N 79°09'46.2"W). Second-stage juvenile specimens were recovered from soil using sugar centrifugal flotation (Jenkins, 1964). Small galls with egg masses were dissected from fowl manna grass roots originally collected from the surveyed areas. In parallel, five plants of non-infected fowl manna grass were placed in a pot in the greenhouse using naturally nematode-infested soil collected from the same forested area. Small galls and female specimens recovered from these plants were dissected and processed for further analyses. Female and J2 were fixed in 3% formaldehyde solution and processed to glycerin (Golden, 1990; Hooper, 1970). The specimens were examined by light microscopy, morphometric measurements, and molecular markers, which included the D2-D3 region of the large ribosomal subunit 28S, and the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). The perennial pattern of five females analyzed morphologically were consistent to the patterns observed for M. naasi. The perennial patterns had coarse ridges on the cuticle in dorsal region forming broken irregular lines around anal and phasmid area. We also noted a prominent fold that covered some of the anus and showed a curved line between vulval slit and phasmids, typical of M. naasi. The area around the vulval area had a few or no striae except for a few lines radiating from the vulval slit as in the original description. Measurements of ten J2 had a body length ranged between 380 and 410 µm, stylet 11-13 µm, tail 50-70 µm long with a hyaline tail terminus between 12-22 µm in length, 4 lines in the lateral field, a and c ratio between 29.23-35.91 and 5.79-7.9 fitting the original description by Franklin, 1965 and others populations found in the USA (Skantar et al., 2023). The matrix codes for the female specimes are A32, B324, C3, D3 and for J2's A2, B21, C123, D1, E3, F12 (Subbotin et al., 2021). The amplified DNA fragments were sequenced, resulting in an 726 bp fragment flanked by the D2-D3 primers (PP097762), while for the ITS primers an 634 bp fragment was obtained (PP092043). Both generated sequences for the specimens collected in Pennsylvania revealed >99% similarity to M. naasi sequences deposited at GenBank, and therefore, validating the morphological analyses. Based on both morphological and molecular analyses the specimens collected in the state of Pennsylvania were identified as M.naasi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this species from this state and being associated with naturally infected fowl manna grass.

Pseudopus pannonicus (Squamata), the largest known anguid lizard-Redescription of the type material and new specimens from the Neogene and Quaternary of Hungary and Poland.

Herein, we revise the material of the extinct taxon Pseudopus pannonicus from Central Europe, the largest known anguid lizard and iconic member of herpetofaunas from the Upper Cenozoic of Europe. The geographical position of Polgárdi 2, the type locality of P. pannonicus, as well as several other closely located important localities make Central Europe a valuable area of high interest for studies regarding European Cenozoic palaeoherpetological assemblages. We clarified the nature of the type material of Pseudopus pannonicus, showing that it consisted not only of the five specimens originally figured. Instead, the syntype series also includes a considerable number of specimens from Polgárdi 2 that were only described or figured 12 years after the original description of P. pannonicus. Detailed osteological descriptions are provided for specimens from the type series and Polish specimens, with the aid of high-resolution imaging (SEM and μCT scanning), and intraspecific variability is discussed. The articular surface with the lappet of the parietal overlapping the frontal is discussed as a character potentially relevant for the diagnosis of P. pannonicus. We updated the identification of several specimens of P. pannonicus and discussed the biogeographic implications of such revisions. In Poland, P. pannonicus is an abundant component of Neogene and early Quaternary herpetofaunas, known with certainty from the Middle Miocene of Przeworno (the oldest known occurrence of the species globally), the Early-Late Pliocene of Węże I, the Late Pliocene of Rębielice Królewskie I, the Late Pliocene of Węże II, and the Early Pleistocene of Kadzielnia (one of the youngest occurrences documented globally). An indeterminate anguine with Anguis affinities is newly reported from Rębielice Królewskie II. The taxonomic status of other large anguids from the Neogene of Europe is discussed and we conclude that most are junior synonyms of P. pannonicus. We also show that another purported synonym, that is, Ophisaurus intermedius from the Early Pleistocene of Romania, is instead a nomen nudum. We conducted phylogenetic analyses (18 taxa, 65 characters) to understand the relationship of P. pannonicus relative to other anguid representatives and anguid-related group (i.e., glyptosaurids). A single most parsimonious tree (length: 134 steps) was recovered. The clade Pseudopus is stable, comprising the two distinct sister subclades [Pseudopus laurillardi + Pseudopus ahnikoviensis] and [Pseudopus pannonicus + Pseudopus apodus]. These phylogenetic results are in accordance with previously published works.

An Annotated Checklist of Earthworms (Annelida: Clitellata: Oligochaeta) of Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

A checklist of earthworm species hitherto known from Indo–Gangetic Plains of India is presented. In total, 98 species and subspecies are recorded, belonging to 33 genera spread over 9 families. Of these, 38 species are recognized as endemics and 34 as exotics. For every species and subspecies, the checklist comprises state-wise distributional information, all important synonyms, type locality and citations to the original description found in the literature.