Pharyngeal Papillae Research Articles

Diversity and biogeography of scale worms in the subfamily Lepidonotopodinae (Annelida: Polynoidae) from Indian Ocean hydrothermal vents with descriptions of four new species

Abstract Lepidonotopodinae is a subfamily of Polynoidae endemic to deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems around the world. Nevertheless, their species composition and phylogeny have only been systematically studied in hydrothermal vents of the Eastern and Western Pacific. Here, we morphologically and genetically examined worms in Lepidonotopodinae from vents across three Indian Ocean ridges, revealing two new Branchinotogluma species (B. jiaolongae sp. nov. and B. kaireiensis sp. nov.) and two new Levensteiniella species (L. pettiboneae sp. nov. and L. longqiensis sp. nov.). Primary morphological characters distinguishing them from other congeners include the number and arrangement of both pharyngeal papillae and ventral papillae. The reconstructed molecular phylogeny of Lepidonotopodinae supports a monophyletic Levensteiniella, with the two new Indian Ocean species recovered as sisters. As revealed in previous studies, a paraphyletic Branchinotogluma was also found, with the three Indian Ocean species separated into distinct clades with sister-relationships to species from the Mid-Atlantic, Alarcon Rise, and Manus Basin, respectively. This indicates three separate historical invasions to Indian Ocean vents. Our findings increase the number of Indian Ocean Lepidonotopodinae worms to seven, now the most diverse annelid group there, and help to elucidate the biodiversity, distribution, and biogeography of this subfamily in the Indian Ocean.

Ultrastructural adaptation of the oropharyngeal cavity of the Eurasian common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus): Specific adaptive dietary implications.

The present investigation represents the first morphological description of the oropharyngeal cavity of Eurasian common moorhen. Nine oropharyngeal cavities were examined grossly and by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations. The tongue had a rounded apex with multiple acicular processes on its rostral and lateral borders. The dorsal lingual surface of the apex and body had a median sulcus. The papillary crest carried four caudally directed triangular conical papillae on its median part and four triangular conical papillae on each lateral part. The filiform papillary system; small papillae on apex and long papillae on the rostral part of the body while broad papillae on the caudal part of the body. The lingual root had a special appearance by presence of three areas: mucosal fossa, two lateral ridges, and rhomboidal elevated central part. The caudal border of the mound carried heart-shaped pharyngeal papillae that possessed three papillary rows. The palate had a median palatine ridge rostrally that surrounded by two lateral palatine ridges. The choanae had two equal parts: rostral tapering and wide caudal. The rostral tapering choanal part was surrounded by two longitudinal rows of caudally directed conical papillae, one on each side. There was a single transverse row of conical papillae on each side of the caudal part of the rostral tapering choanal part. The caudal wide choanal part did not encircle by any papillae. Our conclusion exhibited unique structural and functional specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity with the tongue that evident with nutritional behavior.

Recessive white plumage color mutation of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) revealed morphological variations in the oropharyngeal roof structures, accompanied by behavioral differences.

Genetic background of experimental animals contributes mainly to the variations in the experimental outcomes. Therefore, quails of two lines of plumage color (brown and recessive white) were studied to investigate the impact of plumage color mutations on the morphological structures of the oropharyngeal roof and also on the ingestive behavior and quail performance. Feeding intake and feed conversion ratio were higher in the brown quails, associated with nonsignificant increase of the live body weight and body weight gain. In the recessive white quails, ingestive behaviors revealed significant declines. The roof of the oropharynx roof was significantly longer in the recessive white quails; however, the upper beak was significantly longer and narrower in the brown ones. The length of the palate and pharynx showed nonsignificant increase in the recessive white quails. The median palatine ridge was formed of rostral continuous and caudal interrupted parts, and the lengths of these parts were slightly higher in the recessive white quails, meanwhile the lateral palatine ridge length showed a slight increase in the brown birds. Openings of intraepithelial glands were more numerous in the recessive white quails. The brown quails demonstrated more detectable and larger caudally directed conical shaped palatine and pharyngeal papillae, in addition to more considerable palatine salivary glands openings. The infundibular cleft was significantly wider in the recessive white quails, where its edges were characterized by lack of the pharyngeal papillae. The findings of this study will be beneficial for the breeders during selection the suitable quail lines for meat production purposes.

Histomorphogenesis of the Pharyngeal roof in Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata)

This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the pharyngeal roof of the developmental stages of Muscovy ducks from 1 to 60 days old. The statistical analysis revealed that the ratio of the pharyngeal roof to the total length of the oropharynx decreased with advancement of the age, which was recorded 19.44 % at one-day and 15.19% at 60 days age, as well as the infundibular cleft was increased in length approximately by one and half at 15 days and three folds at 60 days when compared with that of one-day-old. SEM in one-day-old showed that, the fine pharyngeal papillae on each side of the infundibular slit, whereas, two types of the papillae at 15 days but numerous different sized and shape caudally directed papillae at 60 days, some of them which were present at the pharyngoesophageal junction were in appearance of the nails of the carnivores. Numerous openings of the sphenopterygoid salivary glands were scattered between these papillae, which were observed in older ages (60 days old) by few numbers in the shallow groove at the caudal commissure of the infundibular slit. The edges of the infundibular cleft were smooth in all developmental stages except at 60 days old where few, fine and caudally directed papillae were recognized. Histologically, the sphenopterygoid salivary glands were compound tubule-alveolar mucous secretory glands which was surrounded by lymphatic aggregation in older ages. In all examined ages, lymphatic accumulation could be observed in the infundibular cavity which was surrounding the intraepithelial mucous glands.

Comparative morphological study of the oropharyngeal floor of squabs and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica).

The current study compared the morphological features of the oropharyngeal floor of squabs and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Samples from the oropharyngeal floor of both squabs and adult pigeons were collected directly after slaughtering. The collected samples were examined grossly, morphometrically, and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The lower beak had triangular shape with pointed rostral end. The tongue did not fill the entire oral floor in squabs as well as adult pigeons. The lingual apex of squabs had a small lingual nail while that of the adult pigeons had a well-developed lingual nail. The lingual body was separated from the lingual root by a transverse papillary crest, which was "V" shaped in squabs but "U"-shaped in adult pigeons. Filiform papillae were distributed on the dorsal surface of lingual apex, as well as, body, but were absent on the root. The lingual root presented fine elevations and low projections in squabs and adult pigeons, respectively. On the other hand, the tongue of adult pigeons had larger number of the lingual salivary glands openings compared to that of squabs. In addition, the edges of the glottis had numerous small projections in squabs bur presented large dome-shaped papillae in adult pigeons. Moreover, adult pigeons had longer pharyngeal papillae at pharyngoesophageal junction than those of squabs. In conclusion, these variations suggest that adult pigeons adapted well to their diet, which might reflect higher efficiency of food prehension.

Gross morphological, histological and scanning electron specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix pallescens).

The present study was carried out on the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow to investigate the gross and microscopic structures via gross anatomy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gross anatomy clarified the elongated triangular shape of the oropharyngeal cavity with a non-protruding tongue with a bifid apex. The lingual body contained median groove rostrally and separated caudally from the root by a transverse papillary crest. The laryngeal mound located posterior to the lingual root, contained midline laryngeal cleft and bounded caudally by a transverse row of pharyngeal papillae. The palate contained choanal cleft rostrally and infundibular slit caudally in addition to five palatine ridges. By light microscopy, the dorsal lingual epithelium was highly keratinised stratified squamous with a lingual nail in the most rostral part of the apex. Then, the thickness of the keratin layer decreased caudally, while in the ventral surface, the lining epithelium became non-keratinised. The entoglossum supported the lingual body and root, but not extended to the apex. The lining epithelium of the palate was also keratinised stratified squamous and became none-keratinised at the oral side of the choanal cleft. There were numerous lobules of polystomatic salivary glands in the lingual root and the palate. SEM revealed the arrangement of different types of papillae covering both the floor and the roof of the oropharynx besides numerous openings of salivary glands in the lingual root, laryngeal mound and the palate. These findings reflect the functional relationship of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow during feeding.

First record of Glycera guatemalensis and G. sphyrabrancha (Annelida: Glyceridae) from Western Mexico

Introduction: Glycerides, commonly called “blood worms”, are relatively thin polychaetes that reach considerable sizes. They have been reported for all the seas of the world from the intertidal zone to abyssal depths. Objective: Evidence the presence of two species of Glycera for the littorals of the Mexican Pacific. Methods: An analysis of the glycerides of the Pacific coast of Mexico was carried out, finding two species that were collected, one of shrimp trawl at a depth of 18 meters off Puertecitos, Baja California, as well as by manual sampling in the intertidal zone of Concepción Bay, Baja California Sur in the Gulf of California. For their taxonomic determination, morphological characters of greater relevance for their identification were examined, such as jaws, aileron shape, parapodia, chaetae, and the type of pharyngeal papillae. Results: We diagnosed and schematized Glycera guatemalensis Böggemann & Fiege, 2001 and Glycera sphyrabrancha Schmarda, 1861. Conclusions: Glycera guatemalensis described for Guatemala and Glycera sphyrabrancha described for Jamaica, are recorded for the first time for the Gulf of California.

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF THE PHARYNGEAL CAVITY OF THE LAUGHING DOVE (STREPTOPELIA SENEGALENSIS AEGYPTIACA) AND JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX)

The purpose of this study was to investigate comparative morphology and morphometry of the pharyngeal cavity of laughing dove (LD) and Japanese quail (JQ) using seven adults of each bird. The length of the pharyngeal roof in JQ was double that of LD but that of the pharyngeal floor was nearly equal in both birds. The ratio of pharyngeal roof length to the total length of the oropharyngeal roof was 13.64% and 27.18% in LD and JQ respectively while that of the pharyngeal floor length constituted 34% in both birds. The surface of the pharyngeal roof in LD was free from papillae with few openings of the sphenopterygoid salivary glands, however, in JQ numerous openings of these glands were scattered between different sizes conical shaped pharyngeal papillae. The openings of the posterior lingual salivary glands at the root of tongue were numerous in LD but they were few in JQ. The laryngeal mound was triangular shape in LD and like heart on playing card in JQ. Behind to caudal commissure of the glottis, the caudal aspect of the laryngeal mound was characterized by V-shaped row of pyramidal-like papillae in LD. While in JQ these papillae which arranged in 3 transverse rows were conical shaped with pointed apices occupied the area extended from the caudal commissure of glottis to the pharyngoesophageal junction. In LD abundant openings of cricoarytenoid salivary glands were arranged in a longitudinal manner on each side of the caudal third of laryngeal mound but few numbers of them were observed in JQ.

Morphological Characteristics of the Oropharyngeal Cavity (Tongue, Palate and Laryngeal Entrance) in the Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra, Linnaeus, 1758).

The present study represents the first definitive anatomical description of the oropharyngeal cavity of the coot Fulica atra. For this purpose, the organs of six birds were prepared to examine grossly and by SEM and stereomicroscope. The oval lingual apex had multiple overlapping branched acicular processes on its anterior and lateral border. The lingual apex and body had multiple caudally directed filiform-like papillae. By stereomicroscopy, the lingual root had a characteristic appearance and consisted of four parts. The openings of the anterior glands were present on the dorsal lingual surface of the body, while the projected papillae with wide openings of the posterior glands were present on the dorsal surface of lingual root. There was a row of caudally directed pharyngeal papillae at the caudal border of the laryngeal mound. Grossly, the pharyngeal papillae arrangement took a W-shape, while by stereomicroscopy was observed to be heart shape. The palate was divided into two regions: a small rostral non-papillary and a large caudal papillary region, but the rostral region was characterized by the presence of three longitudinal ridges. The papillary crest had two paramedian longitudinal papillary rows, which continued caudally until the beginning of the third median row. The freely distributed papillae took a caudolateral direction, while the papillae encircling the rostral part of choanal cleft took a caudomedial direction. There was a transverse papillary row between the two parts of choanal cleft. There was a transverse papillary row between the caudal border of the infundibular cleft and oesophagus.

Morphological features of the tongue and laryngeal entrance in two predatory birds with similar feeding preferences: common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and Hume's tawny owl (Strix butleri).

The aim of this investigation was to describe the morphological characters of the tongue of two predatory birds with similar feeding preferences, i.e. the common kestrel and Hume's tawny owl. Descriptive information on the lingual morphology of these two birds, particularly Hume's tawny owl, is incomplete. We found that the lingual apex of the owl has an oval, concave, shovel-like form with a bifid lingual tip, while that of the kestrel has the shape of a horny tip-like spoon with a central process in addition to there being several filiform-like papillae on the dorsal surface of the apex and body. In the owl, the dorsal surface of the apex and body is subdivided into four U-shaped regions: lingual tip, two lateral regions and a median region. The two lateral regions are characterized by the presence of papillae and several openings of lingual glands, while the median region carries filiform-like papillae. In both birds, the papillary crest is located between the body and root. In the kestrel, there is an additional row of papillae rostral to crest, while in the owl there is a rostral lateral extension of papillae on the lateral lingual surface so the distribution pattern has a W-shape. In the kestrel, the posterior part of lingual body has several openings of glands, while the root lacks glands completely, although it has many taste buds. In the owl, the lingual root is folded and has a large number of gland openings. In the kestrel caudally to the glottis, there are two paramedian transverse rows of pharyngeal papillae with a pair of median huge papillae, while in the owl, there is only one transverse row of papillae. The dorsal and ventral lingual surfaces of both birds are lined with non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Nephtys sachalinensis sp. n. (Annelida: Nephtyidae): a new species from the upper sublittoral zone of northeastern Sakhalin Island, the Sea of Okhotsk

A new species of nephtyid polychaetes Nephtys sachalinensis sp. n. from the upper sublittoral zone (at a depth of 10–107 m) off Northeast Sakhalin, the Sea of Okhotsk, is described. Diagnostic characters of adults are: an everted pharynx with 20 bifid terminal and 2 median simple terminal papillae; single median dorsal and ventral pharyngeal subterminal papillae absent; proximal and median parts of the pharynx are covered with verrucae; branchiae begin from the fourth chaetiger; acicular lobes are distinctly bilobed from the anterior chaetigers almost to the end of the body; each acicular lobe (both in notoand neuropodia) has one rounded outgrowth on its interramal side; subulate notopodial cirri at the median and posterior chaetigers; neuropodial postacicular lobes are no more than two times longer than the acicular lobes. The new species is compared with its related species.

Histomorphological and Histochemical Study on the Tongue of Black Francolin (<em>Francolinus francolinus</em>)

Histomorphological and histochemical observations of black Francolin tongue. Ten tongues (five males and five females) of adult birds were carried out macroscopically and microscopically. The length and width of tongues were measured. Routine histological staining and special stains for mucin were done. The tongue width but not length showed significantly (p≤0.05) higher in male compared with female. The dorsal surface of the tongue had median groove. At the tongue body-base junction there was single row of backward directed papillae. Double transverse rows of pharyngeal papillae located behind the laryngeal cleft. Hard keratinized plates are covered the ventro-lateral surfaces of the tongue. The dorsal surface of the tongue is covered by parakeratinized stratified sequamous epithelium except the ventro-lateral surface and the lingual papillae. Simple branched tubulo-alveolar lingual salivary glands were occupied the lateral and the base of the tongue. The secretory cells of the Medial group (Mg) of the Anterior lingual glands (Alg) and the posterior lingual glands (Plg) contained large amount of mucin compared with the Lateral group (Lg). The secretions had neutral reaction. However, the weak carboxylated acid mucin is detected in Lg. Meanwhile, both carboxylated and sulphated acid mucin reactions were observed in the Mg of the Alg and the Plg. The histomorphological observation of the male and female black francolin tongue showed no difference.

Hesionidae Grube, 1850 (Annelida: Polychaeta) from South-Southeastern Brazil, with descriptions of four new species.

On the basis of extensive intertidal and subtidal samplings in South-Southeastern Brazil, five hesionid species were found; four are newly described and Podarkeopsis levisfuscina Perkins, 1984 is redescribed. Micropodarke pleijeli n. sp. differs from the other species because it lacks eyes, and by having a large number of pharynx papillae and by neurochaetal features; this species differs from M. dubia (Hessle, 1925) by lacking eyes, having a pharynx with more papillae, and by the neurochaetal features. Syllidia amaralae n. sp. resembles more closely S. armata sensu Day, 1967 (non S. armata de Quatrefages, 1865) because both have dorsal and tentacular cirri annulated or moniliform, and 10-15 pharyngeal papillae. However, S. amaralae n. sp. specimens differ from Day's ones because they have a quadrangular prostomium, by the relative size and arrangement of eyes, and by a reduced number of chaetae which are disposed in two bundles; these features are consistent and present in juveniles and mature specimens. Neogyptis nonatoi n. sp. is distinguishable from the others by having four types of neurochaetae; this species resembles N. crypta (Pleijel, 1993), and N. plurisetis (Hilbig, 1992). It differs from N. crypta by having a few acicular notochaetae with blunt tip, a small number of compound neurochaetae, simple capillary neurochaetae distally curved, and much slender notopodial and neuropodial lobes. The new species also differs from N. plurisetis by having four types of neurochaetae instead of having only falciger chaetae; there are less pharyngean papillae and they are far apart to each other, conical and shorter in N. plurisetis when compared to those of N. nonatoi n. sp., which are fringed, longer and closer among them, having some other longer lateral papillae. Oxydromus lanai n. sp. resembles O. obscurus (Verrill, 1873) as recorded by Uebelacker (1984), O. pugettensis by Hilbig (1994), O. guanicus by Hoagland (1919), and O. cf. guanicus by Hartman (1951). The pharynx of O. obscurus does not have fringe or papilla on its border, and it has two types of neurochaetae, differing from O. lanai n. sp. which has a single furcate notochaeta, with its shorter tine serrated. Oxydromus pugettensis and O. cf. guanicus also have usually two, instead of one, furcate notochaeta, differing from O. lanai n. sp. Oxydromus guanicus differs from our new species in having a characteristic pigmentation pattern, to be very large, its median antenna is less than one-third as long as lateral antennae, and its cirrophores are distally constricted producing a colorless ring, whereby the cirrostyle is inserted. These species are the first Brazilian records for the genera Podarkeopsis and Syllidia, and for Micropodarke, it is newly recorded from the Atlantic Ocean. Keys are included to identify hesionid genera and the species of Syllidia, Micropodarke, Neogyptis, and Podarkeopsis.

Histomorphological and Histochemical Observations of the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Tongue

Common myna tongue was studied histomorphologically and histochemically. Four tongues of adult birds were carried out macroscopically and microscopically. The tongue was triangular; the dorsum of the body had median groove. Two to three backward directed papillae were located on each side of the body-base junction. A single transverse row of pharyngeal papillae was located behind the laryngeal cleft. The parakeratinized mucosa covered the entire surface of the tongue except clearly keratinized band on the ventrolateral surface and the conical papillae. Compared with the lateral group (LG), the secretory cells of the medial group (MG) of the anterior lingual glands (ALG) and the posterior lingual glands (PLG) contained large amount of mucin. It was neutral mucin. However, the LG had weak acid mucin with carboxylated group. Meanwhile, the MG of the ALG and the PLG had strong acid mucin with both carboxylated and sulphated groups. In conclusion, the morphological observation of the common myna tongue showed some variation from the other birds. Histochemical results indicated the differences between the LG and MG of the anterior lingual glands. However, no difference was observed between the latter and the PLG.

Ultrastructure of the digestive system and experimental study of feeding in the monogenean skin and fin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis

In the present study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to study the ultrastructure of the digestive system, namely the pharynx, oesophageal glands and intestine, of the monogenean skin and fin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis. The pharynx consists of an anterior highly muscular region and a posterior mainly glandular syncytial region. The anterior region is provided with six pharyngeal papillae, the centre of each of which is occupied by electron dense secretory bodies, identical with those in the posterior region of the pharynx. The intestine has an uninterrupted syncytial gastrodermis and the luminal surface is provided with many unbranched lamellae. The intestine of living specimens contains large and small granules which give it a reddish brown colour. Large particles, presumed to be lipid droplets, and small granules, presumed to be melanin granules, were found in the gastrodermis and in the intestinal lumen. Parasites were induced to feed and then preserved for TEM at the following intervals: just after feeding, 30 min after feeding, 1 h 30 min after feeding and 2 h after feeding. The specimens were then processed for TEM and sections cut through the intestine of each specimen were examined with the transmission electron microscope. Three types of vacuoles (V1, V2, V3) were detected in the gastrodermis. Vacuoles V1 have thick walls and are likely to be endocytotic, enclosing luminal contents at the surface of the gastrodermis. V2 vacuoles may be lysosomes that fuse with V1 vacuoles. V3 vacuoles may serve to dispose of residual digestive material into the lumen.

A new genus and species of Polynoidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) from Pine Island Bay, Amundsen Sea, Southern Ocean—a region of high taxonomic novelty

We describe a new genus and species of polychaete worm (Polynoidae, Macellicephalinae) from a previously unsampled areaof the Southern Ocean, Pine Island Bay in the Amundsen Sea. Austropolaria n. gen. is differentiated from other genera in thesubfamily Macellicephalinae by a combination of morphological characters such as the number of pharyngeal papillae, bodysegments, elytra, and position of ventral cirrus. The type species of this genus, Austropolaria magnicirrata n. sp., is described based on morphological characters, supplemented by molecular data.

Gross anatomical features of the tongue, lingual skeleton and laryngeal mound of Rhea americana (Palaeognathae, Aves): morpho-functional considerations

The tongue body of Rhea americana is triangular and partially pigmented with each caudo-lateral margin displaying a round, sub-divided lingual papilla. The tongue root is a smooth, non-pigmented tract of mucosa. The tongue body is supported by the paraglossum and distal half of the rostral projection of the basihyal (RPB), and the tongue root by the proximal half of the RPB, body of the basihyal and proximal ceratobranchials. An urohyal is absent; however, peculiar to R. americana, the caudal margin of the cricoid body displays a median projection, which may represent the remnant of the urohyal incorporated into the cricoid. The laryngeal mound is less elevated, the arytenoid cartilages are smaller than in other ratites, and the caudal margin displays pharyngeal papillae that vary in shape and number. The unique morphology of the lingual skeleton and its positioning within the tongue of R. americana, the rostral insertion of the M. ceratoglossus, the absence of the urohyal (enhanced ventroflexion) and the caudal positioning and mobile attachment of the ensheathed basihyal to the paraglossum would appear to allow independent movement of the tongue body relative to the hyobranchial apparatus. Additionally, the deeply indented base and rostral oval opening in the paraglossum limits the length of cartilage present in the midline of the tongue body. This may allow the tongue the necessary flexibility for the lingual papillae to clean the choana. The cleaning action of the tongue would occur simultaneously with the previously described role of this organ and associated structures during feeding. Thus, the so-called reduced, ancestral tongue of R. americana may be structurally and functionally more complex than previously believed.

English

Morphological and histochemical study of the tongue of ten adult red jungle fowl (RJF), Gallus gallus were carried out at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The tongue was triangular with a wide dorsal and ventrolateral surface with median groove at the rostral part. Between the body and the roots appears a transverse row of the lingual conical papillae which was directed backwards. Behind the laryngeal cleft, there was a single row of pharyngeal papillae. The lingual mucosa showed parakeratinization, while there was a clearly recognizable keratinized band on the ventrolateral surface and the conical papillae. The cell cytoplasm of the medial group (MG) of the anterior lingual glands and the posterior glands contained large amounts of mucin compared with the lateral group (LG). The mucin of the lingual glands contained vicinal diol groups. Moreover, the sulphate containing glycoconjugates indicated in the MG and the posterior glands with a strong acid mucin reaction. Meanwhile, the LG of the anterior lingual glands exhibited carboxylated mucin with weak acid mucin reaction. In conclusion, the differences in the arrangement of the lingual and pharyngeal papillae in the RJF than that in other birds particularly domestic chicken may reflects the changes which occurred for the latter during domestication. The contents of mucins in the medial and lateral groups of the anterior lingual gland were varied, however, no differences histochemistry between the medial group and the posterior lingual gland were observed. Key words : Lingual salivary glands, mucin reaction, red jungle, tongue.

Horned lizards (Phrynosoma) incapacitate dangerous ant prey with mucus

Horned lizards (Iguanidae, Phrynosomatinae, Phrynosoma) are morphologically specialized reptiles characterized by squat, tank-like bodies, short limbs, blunt snouts, spines and cranial horns, among other traits. They are unusual among lizards in the degree to which they specialize on a diet of ants, but exceptional in the number of pugnacious, highly venomous, stinging ants they consume, especially harvester ants (genus Pogonomyrmex). Like other iguanian lizards, they capture insect prey on the tongue, but unlike other lizards, they neither bite nor chew dangerous prey before swallowing. Instead, they employ a unique kinematic pattern in which prey capture, transport and swallowing are combined. Nevertheless, horned lizards consume dozens of harvester ants without harm. We show that their derived feeding kinematics are associated with unique, mucus-secreting pharyngeal papillae that apparently serve to immobilize and incapacitate dangerous ants as they are swallowed by compacting them and binding them in mucus strands. Radially branched esophageal folds provide additional mucus-secreting surfaces the ants pass through as they are swallowed. Ants extracted from fresh-killed horned lizard stomachs are curled ventrally into balls and bound in mucus. We conclude that the pharyngeal papillae, in association with a unique form of hyolingual prey transport and swallowing, are horned lizard adaptations related to a diet of dangerous prey. Harvester ant defensive weapons, along with horned lizard adaptations against such weapons, suggest a long-term, predator-prey, co-evolutionary arms race between Phrynosoma and Pogonomyrmex.

On the associations between Haplosyllis (Polychaeta, Syllidae) and gorgonians (Cnidaria, Octocorallaria), with the description of a new species

The present paper includes a morphological, ecological and biological updating of the three gorgonian associated species of Haplosyllis (Polychaeta, Syllidae) known to date: H. chamaeleon (symbiont with Paramuricea clavata in the Mediterranean), H. anthogorgicola (symbiont with Anthogorgia bocki in the Japanese seas) and H. villogorgicola , a new species living symbiotically with Villogorgia bebrycoides which is only known from Tenerife (Canary Islands, Eastern Central Atlantic). The new species is described on the basis of ecological, morphological, morphometric and statistical analysis of relevant characteristics. Each host colony harboured about 15 pale-yellowish worms, whose cryptic colouration mimicked that of the host. They occurred either on the host branches or partly hidden inside cavities formed by the fusion of two branches. The new species is characterized by the presence of simple chaetae with clearly bidentate tips all along the body, the presence of gland pore aggregates distributed in two lateral rows and two ventral patches on each palp and the absence of ciliary tufts on the pharyngeal papillae. H. villogorgicola sp. nov. is closely related to H. chamaeleon . Thus, it is compared with two populations of this species collected in the north-west and south-west Mediterranean. Stolons of H. chamaeleon are re-described as tetracerous and a peculiar posterior end regeneration process occurring in adult worms during the stolon formation is described. H. anthogorgicola is also re-described, with particular emphasis on its appendage and chaetal arrangements. The main features of the three associations are discussed in light of the current knowledge on symbiotic polychaetes, particularly cnidarian-associated syllids. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 77 , 455‐477. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: adaptation ‐ Annelida ‐ ecology ‐ gorgonian ‐ Polychaeta ‐ reproduction ‐ symbiosis ‐ taxonomy.