Photographs Of Specimens Research Articles

New data on the wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) of Iraq

New data on the wolf spiders of Iraq are provided. Two species, Arctosa similis Schenkel, 1938 and Lycosa piochardi Simon, 1876, are reported from Iraq for the first time, and additional records and a redescription are provided for Evippa amitaii Armiach Steinpress, Alderweireldt, Cohen, Chipman & Gavish-Regev, 2021. Photographs of specimens of both sexes of all three species and their copulatory organs and habitats are provided, and the known distribution records for the last two species, are mapped.

Review of 43 spider species from Hainan Island, China (Arachnida, Araneae).

Photographs of the type specimens of nine spider species described by Barrion et al. (2013) from Hainan Island, China, considered as valid taxa in this study, are provided. Among them, three new combinations are proposed: Clubiona pandalira (Barrion-Dupo, Barrion & Heong, 2013) comb. nov. (ex Nusatidia Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001); Dictis edwardsi (Barrion, Barrion-Dupo & Heong, 2013) comb. nov. (ex Scytodes Latreille, 1804); and Nesioneta mingshengzhui (Barrion, Barrion-Dupo & Heong, 2013) comb. nov. (ex Meioneta Hull, 1920). Thirty-one new synonyms are proposed and three species are considered as nomina dubia.

Гістологічна структура зябер карася сріблястого річки Самара Дніпропетровської області

Purpose. To study the histological structure of the gill apparatus of the Prussian carp (Сarassius gibelio) from the point of view of the presence of pathologies with differentiation according to areas with different levels of anthropogenic pressure of the Samara River in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Methodology. The generalized sutdy results were obtained during 2019–2021. The study was conducted within three sampling sites with different types of human impact. The object of the study were age-6 Prussian carps of both sexes. Histological studies were performed in accordance with generally accepted methods. Gills were obtained by anatomical dissection from freshly caught fish. Photographs of histological specimens were taken using a digital camera “SciencelabT5005.17M” and an microscope “Ulab XY-B2TLED”. Measurements of the samples were performed using the “ScienceLabView7”. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out in MS Excel 2010. Findings. The conducted histological studies showed that pathological changes in the structure of the gill apparatus were observed in age-6 Prussian carps in all sampling sites of the Samara River. In particular, such pathologies as curvature of lamellae terminals, accumulation of mucus and hyperplasia of the epithelium of gill filaments, fusion of lamellae were found. Single cases of necrosis and twisting of lamellae threads were recorded. Most often, histopathological changes in the gill apparatus were observed in fish caught near the city Novomoskovsk. Organometric studies showed that there was no significant difference between the length and width of gill arches of Prussian carp from different sampling sites. The length and width of the lamellae of the gill apparatus was the largest in individuals sampled near the city Novomoskovsk, which may indicate a greater need for oxygen for the fish body in the specified area. The length of the respiratory lamellae was the lowest in Prissian carp sampled near the village of Novoselivka. The lowest width of the lamellae were found in fish from the village of Khashcheve. The obtained data give reason to conclude that the conditions of existence for Prussian carp are most favorable near the village of Novoselivka. Originality. For the first time the histological structure and pathology of the gills aparatus of Prussian carp in the conditions of the Samara River in the Dnipropetrovsk region was studied. Practical value. The obtained data on the histological changes of the gill apparatus of fish can be used to identify adaptive reactions, will allow assessing the impact of anthropogenic factors on hydrobionts, and will also provide the opportunity to monitor the morpho-physiological state of a specific population under the impact of pollutants of various origins. Key words: Prussian carp, gill apparatus, morphological and histological indicators.

Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part III: Hindlimb and pelvis.

To categorize the fascial planes and the intersections of these fascial planes in the hindlimb of the dog to facilitate preoperative planning for superficial cancers. Qualitative anatomical study. Four male and five female mixed breed dogs, weighing ~15-35 kg. Skin and subcutaneous fat were removed, and fascial planes were explored to determine borders and quality. Fascia was categorized as type I (discrete sheets), type II (adhered to thin muscles), type III (adhered to thick muscles), or type IV (associated with periosteum). Digital modification of specimen photographs was performed to map tissues. Differences in dogs were noted due to either size or sex but were sufficiently minor to allow mapping. Fasciae of the hindlimb were predominantly type II or III, with type I fascia primarily at the lateral gluteal region, fascia lata, and lateral crus. Type IV fascia was seen at the iliac wing, ischium, patella, tibial tuberosity, medial tibia, distal crus, and pes. Fascia for surgical use was thin or absent at the ischiorectal fossa, femoral triangle, extensor mechanism, medial and distal crus, and pes. Intersections and tissues at the ventral perineum may also pose challenges for maintenance of a deep margin. Fascial types and integrity of the hindlimb varied with location, with the perineum, cranial stifle, and distal limb presenting the greatest challenges. These images may be used to guide both therapeutic decision-making and intraoperative excision of superficial tumors of the hindlimb and pelvis.

Review of Paraclius arcuatus species-group (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) with description of two new species.

The Paraclius arcuatus species-group is reviewed and includes the following seven species: P. angusticauda Van Duzee, 1933, P. angustipennis Van Duzee, 1929, P. arcuatus (Loew, 1861), P. brooksi sp. nov., P. elongatus Van Duzee, 1930, P. pumilio Loew, 1872, and P. xibun sp. nov. Paraclius angustipennis, P. arcuatus and P. pumilio are redescribed based on photographs of types and additional specimens. Paraclius femoratus Aldrich, 1901 is synonymized with P. arcuatus, syn. nov. and Paraclius magnicornis Van Duzee, 1927 is regarded as a junior synonym of P. pumilio, syn. nov. An identification key, distribution maps and high-resolution photographs of species are provided. In addition, the systematic position of Paraclius is discussed.

Photogrammetry of “Wet” Pathology Museum Specimens: A Pilot Project

Medical museums around the world have many specimens of historical and teaching value in their collections. Some of these are bones that have been prepared to illustrate normal anatomy. Others consist of organs preserved in liquid fixative (“wet” specimens) and mounted in glass or plexiglass containers that demonstrate the pathology of disease. Digitization of these specimens has the advantage of making them available for viewing by more students or website visitors than is possible in the museum itself. Photogrammetry is one method for doing this that enables the reconstruction of high-quality 3D models using standard specimen photographs. However, although relatively easy to perform on bones, its use with “wet” objects is more difficult and special steps are required to achieve optimal results. Using specimens from the Sir William Osler aortic aneurysm collection at the Maude Abbott Medical Museum, we developed a relatively simple and cost-effective photogrammetry process that gave good reconstructions of most specimens. We expect that future developments, such as the use of artificial intelligence-based techniques, may improve this result.

A new species of Dimeragrion Calvert, 1913 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Heteragrionidae) from Northwestern Brazil.

Dimeragrion Calvert, 1913 is a genus with five species, restricted to the Pantepui region. Here, we describe Dimeragrion baniwa sp. nov. (Holotype. ♂ (LABECO, N° 12276), BRAZIL, Amazonas, São Gabriel da Cachoeira, (0.017, -66.891, 81 m a.s.l.), first-order stream inside Terra Firme Forest, in lateral swamps: 29.xi.2021, C. C. Mendoza-Penagos & M. Gonçalves, leg.), the sixth species of the genus from 13 males and 3 females collected in the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira in the Brazilian Amazon, located at the southern extreme of the Pantepui region. Additionally, we provide photographs of the diagnostic characters of the male and female, photographs of live specimens as well as information on their biology. Finally, identification keys are provided, as well as a distribution map of the species of the genus.

Discordance in TME Specimen Grading in a Prospective Phase II Multicenter Rectal Cancer Trial: Are We Overestimating the Quality of our Resections ?

To report the results of a rigorous quality control (QC) process in the grading of total mesorectal excision (TME) specimens during a multicenter prospective phase II trial of transanal TME. Grading of TME specimens is based on macroscopic assessment of the mesorectum and standardized through synoptic pathology reporting. TME grade is a strong predictor of outcomes with incomplete (IC) TME associated with increased rates of local recurrence relative to complete or near complete (C/NC) TME. Although TME grade serves as an endpoint in most rectal cancer trials, in protocols incorporating centralized review of TME specimens for quality assurance, discordance in grading and the management thereof has not been previously described. A phase II prospective taTME trial was conducted from 2017-2022 across 11 North American centers with TME quality as primary study endpoint. QC measures included training of site pathologists in TME protocols, (2) blinded grading of de-identified TME specimen photographs by central pathologists, and (3) reconciliation of major discordance prior to trial reporting. Cohen's Kappa statistic was used to assess agreement in grading. Overall agreement in grading of 100 TME specimens between site and central reviewer was rated as fair, (κ=0.35 (95% CI, 0.10-0.61, P<0.0001). Concordance was noted in 54%, with minor and major discordance in 32% and 14% of cases respectively. Upon reconciliation, 13/14 (93%) major discordances were resolved. Pre- versus post-reconciliation rates of C/NC and IC TME are 77%/16% and 7% versus 69%/21% and 10%. Reconciliation resulted in a major upgrade (IC to NC, N=1) or major downgrade (NC/C to IC, N=4) in 5 cases overall (5%). A 14% rate of major discordance was observed in TME grading between site and central reviewers. Resolution resulted in a major change in final TME grade in 5% of cases, which suggests that reported rates or TME completeness are likely overestimated in trials. QC through central review of TME photographs and reconciliation of major discordances is strongly recommended.

Type specimens of the dung fl ies (Diptera, Scathophagidae) in the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg

Catalog of types (holotypes, paratypes, lectotypes, paralectotypes) of species of the family Scathophagidae (Diptera) described by Th. Becker, I. A. Porchinsky, A. A. Stakelberg, K. B. Gorodkov, A. L. Ozerov, M. G. Krivosheina, which are stored in the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, is presented. Photographs of specimens and labels of holotypes and lectotypes are given.

New Records of Ground Beetles Genera (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Scaritinae: Clivinini) from Brazilian Caves

The occurrence of the genera Aspidoglossa Putzeys, 1846, Paraclivina Kult, 1947, Oxydrepanus Putzeys, 1867, Pyramoides Bousquet, 2002, Semiardistomis Kult, 1950, Semiclivina Kult, 1947, Stratiotes Putzeys, 1846, and Whiteheadiana Perrault, 1994 is recorded for the first time for Brazilian caves. The specimens are deposited at the zoological collection of the Laboratório de Estudos Subterrâneos at Universidade Federal de São Carlos (LES) and are stored dipped in ethanol. A map and photographs of specimens of the genera are provided, as well as the specific records of their geographical distribution in caves.

A new highly apomorphic species of Bujurquina (Teleostei: Cichlidae) from a reverse flowing river in the Peruvian Amazon, with a key to the species in the genus

Bujurquina is the most widely distributed and species-rich genus of cichlids in the western Amazon of South America. In this study we describe a new species from Peru from a hypothesized reverse flowing river system. Prior to the origin of the modern Amazon River at 4.5 Ma, this river system had its headwaters on the Iquitos arch, one of several main structural arches (swells) in the Amazon. Prior to the origin of the modern Amazon these arches formed topographic barriers of drainage basins in lowland Amazonia. For our analyses we use morphological and molecular data, analyzed through multivariate statistics and molecular phylogenies, respectivelly. For all valid species in the genus (except B. cordemadi and B. pardus) we additionally for the first time provide photographs of live specimens. Based on DNA phylogeny and coloration patterns we demonstrate that Bujurquina is divided into two main clades and based on this we provide a dichotomous key for all the species.

Nuevos registros por científicos ciudadanos de Acanthicus hystrix Agassiz, 1829 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) en la Amazonia ecuatoriana

Three new records of Acanthicus hystrix Agassiz, 1829 are reported for the Ecuadorian Amazon, based on photographs of adult specimens uploaded to the ICTIO database (https://www.ictio.org/) by artisanal fishermen using the ICTIO 3.1 mobile application and a specimen collected in the upper Napo River basin (Ecuador). This specimen is the first voucher deposited in a scientific collection in Ecuador. This report confirms the presence of this cryptic fish species in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Two new species of Tibouchina (Melastomataceae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

We describe here two new species of Tibouchina from the Brazilian Cerrado. Tibouchina falcifolia is endemic to the state of Goiás and it can be readily recognized by the lanceolate to linear, conduplicate, pendulous leaves, and very conspicuous hypanthium scales. It is morphologically related to Tibouchina aegopogon var. angustifolia, especially by the narrow leaves, but differs by the older branches decorticant (vs. older branches non-decorticating), slightly discolorous leaves (vs. strongly discolorous leaves), with the adaxial surface covered by trichomes (vs. covered by scales). Tibouchina longisquamata is a species endemic to the state of Tocantins and it can be readily recognized by the oval, flat, patent leaves and hypanthium with long scales. It shares with Tibouchina llanorum the oval, slightly discolorous leaves, with a conspicuous petiole, and hypanthium covered with long scales. Tibouchina longisquamata differs from T. llanorum by its subcylindrical branches (vs. 4-6 angulose) and leaves with the adaxial surface covered by trichomes (vs. covered by scales). According to our assessments, based on IUCN criteria, T. falcifolia must be considered as endangered (EN) because its occurrence is restricted, and its populations are small; T. longisquamata is indicated in Deficient Data (DD), with only two known collections. We present here complete descriptions of the new species, taxonomic comments, illustrations made from dehydrated material, photos of live specimens (for T. falcifolia), plates with microscopic details, a distribution map, and an updated list of species of the genus in the Brazilian Cerrado, with its occurrences by state.

A checklist of the Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) of Chile with exemplar live-photographed.

An updated list of the Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) species registered in Chile is given, which includes current names, synonyms, and photographs of live specimens of 88 species. The photographs cover 35% of the species present in the country, with all families represented except for Glaresidae and Ochodaeidae. For each species, the geographical distribution is presented from north to south by administrative regions of the country. For species shared with neighboring countries, the distribution by provinces or departments is indicated, while for those that have a worldwide distribution, the countries, or regions where they have been reported are cited. This list includes species whose presence in continental and insular Chile has been verified and confirmed by studying specimens from collections, excluding all records considered erroneous. The systematic ordering is carried out at the family, subfamily, and tribe level following the current classification of the group; genera and species are presented in alphabetical order. Paranimbus peruanus (Erichson) (Aphodiinae) is recorded for the first time in Chile based on specimens collected in the locality of Visviri (Arica and Parinacota Region). The known distribution is extended for the following species: Allidiostoma landbecki (Philippi), A. simplicifrons (Fairmaire), Archophileurus chaconus Kolbe, Brachysternus germaini (Ohaus), Chiasognathus beneshi Lacroix, Cyclocephala modesta Burmeister, Frickius costulatus Germain, Martinezostes posticus (Germar), Martinezostes ruizi Gutiérrez, Megathopa villosa Eschscholtz, Oogenius chilensis Ohaus, O. kuscheli Gutiérrez, Oryctomorphus maculicollis Guérin-Méneville, Paranimbus zoai Dellacasa, Paranomala undulata peruviana (Guérin-Méneville), Phytholaema fenestra Smith & Mondaca, Tesserodoniella meridionalis Vaz-de-Mello & Halffter, Macrodactylus farinosus Philippi, and Ulata argentina Saylor. Considering the great morphological variability and differences in the color pattern of the integument, Chiasognathus grantii holometallicus Rataj, 2012 and Chiasognathus megalodon Rataj, 2013 are considered new synonyms of Chiasognathus grantii Stephens, 1831. The study of the syntype of Copris punctatissima Curtis, 1844 confirms that this species belongs to the genus Homocopris Burmeister, 1846 and that is not conspecific with H. torulosus (Eschscholtz, 1822), therefore, the combination Homocopris punctatissimus (Curtis, 1844) new combination is established. The study of the syntype of Copris valdiviana Philippi, 1859 confirms that this species is a synonymy of Homocopris torulosus and not of H. puntatissimus. The morphological study of specimens of the genus Germarostes Paulian, 1982 and the comparison with Chilean specimens of Germarostes posticus (Germar, 1843), confirms that this last species really belongs to the genus Martinezostes Paulian, 1982, therefore, the combination Martinezostes posticus (Curtis, 1843) new combination is established. Based on the inconsistencies that exist with the current definition of the subfamily Melolonthinae, and on the results of a previous phylogenetic analysis, Lichniini is elevated to the category of subfamily, placing Lichniinae new status very close to Aclopinae. There are 79 genera, 251 species and 10 subspecies of Scarabaeoidea in Chile, belonging to the families Geotrupidae (three genera, 10 species), Glaresidae (one genus, one species), Hybosoridae (one genus, six species), Trogidae (one genus, 11 species), Lucanidae (nine genera, 31 species, nine subspecies), Ochodaeidae (one genus, one species), and Scarabaeidae (63 genera, 191 species, one subspecies). In addition, Onthophagus pilauco Tello, Verdú, Rossini, & Zunino, 2021, the first fossil scarab from Chile, is included. Approximately 58% of the listed species are endemic to the country, 39% are native to South America and 3% correspond to introduced species with a wide global distribution.

Catalogue of the Diptera type material housed in the collections of the Muséum d'histoire naturelle in Geneva, Switzerland

A key challenge of natural history museums across the globe is to make collections accessible to researchers and the public alike. Through advances in digitization, databasing, online data curation and long-term storage, it is now possible to give access to the type material housed in museums, which represent the most precious specimens in collections. Here, we have generated a fully illustrated online catalogue of all primary and secondary Diptera types housed in the Muséum d'histoire naturelle of Geneva (MHNG). High-resolution habitus photographs of all type specimens and their labels are available on a digital repository, and an exhaustive list of this type material is provided. The MHNG collection holds 152 holotypes and 2025 paratypes with Empididae, Lauxaniidae, Sphaeroceridae and Tephritidae being the most represented families. Although the current Diptera collection is relatively recent, the ca. 150 000 specimens and associated type material are important resources for future taxonomic and systematic studies.

Coccoloba-associated xerocomoid boletes (Boletaceae) from the Caribbean and Mexico: Tropicoboletus ruborculus gen. et comb. nov., revision of Xerocomus coccolobae, phylogenetic assessment of Singerocomus guadelupae comb. nov., and type studies of Xerocomus caeruleonigrescens, X. cuneipes, and X. pseudoboletinus var. pini-caribaeae

Only two Coccoloba-associated xerocomoid boletes with smooth basidiospores are currently known from the Dominican Republic, namely Boletus ruborculus and Xerocomus coccolobae. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis of four gene markers (ITS, LSU, RPB2, TEF1) reveals that B. ruborculus forms an autonomous clade in the Boletaceae corresponding to a novel genus, which is introduced here as Tropicoboletus gen. nov., whereas X. coccolobae is confirmed as a member of Xerocomus s. str. Tropicoboletus is sister to subfamily Xerocomoideae in the combined RPB2/TEF1 Boletaceae-wide analysis. Accurate morphological descriptions of the two species based on well-annotated samples are provided, accompanied by color photographs of fresh specimens in habitat and line drawings of their main anatomical features. The holotype collections of B. ruborculus and X. coccolobae were successfully sequenced and re-examined anatomically. The distribution range of Tropicoboletus ruborculus comb. nov. is extended from the original locality in Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic and Mexico where its presence is reported for the first time. Similarly, the Dominican collections of X. coccolobae represent the first documented occurrence of this species for the Island of Hispaniola. Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we conclude that the Belizean species Xerocomus olivaceus is conspecific with X. coccolobae and is therefore reduced into synonymy. In addition, the holotypes of Xerocomus caeruleonigrescens, Xerocomus cuneipes, and Xerocomus pseudoboletinus var. pini-caribaeae were microscopically re-studied, although their exact taxonomic placement remains unresolved in the absence of any phylogenetic inference. Molecular investigation of a paratype of Boletus guadelupae resulted in a conspecificity with the recently described Singerocomus atlanticus from Brazil, extending the biogeographic coverage of Singerocomus to the Caribbean. Accordingly, the new combination Singerocomus guadelupae is proposed and S. atlanticus is synonymized. Finally, a putative novel Xerocomus s. str. species is discovered from the Dominican Republic but not formally described for the time being due to the paucity of material available.

New or little-known Neotropical Dolichopodidae (Diptera) (II): genus Hercostomus Loew excluded from the Neotropics

The Neotropical species of Hercostomus Loew are revised and the following new combinations are proposed: Paraclius panamensis (Van Duzee, 1931) comb. nov. (Panama), P. plumitarsis (Parent, 1931) comb. nov. (Bolivia), P. problematicus (Parent, 1930) comb. nov. (Brazil and Guyana) and Tachytrechus flavimanus (Van Duzee, 1934) comb. nov. (Brazil, Ecuador and Guyana). The type of Hercostomus petulans Parent, 1939 is lost, the species cannot be confidently identified and is here treated as a nomen dubium. As a result, the genus Hercostomus is formally excluded from the Neotropical Region. Paraclius problematicus comb. nov., P. latipes (Aldrich) and Tachytrechus flavimanus comb. nov. are redescribed based on additional material and photographs of type specimens. In addition, Paraclius maculipennis (Van Duzee, 1934) is regarded as a junior synonym of P. problematicus comb. nov. A new species of Paraclius from Costa Rica, P. norrbomi sp. nov. is described in the newly proposed latipes-group, along with P. aberrans Robinson, P. latipes and P. panamensis comb. nov.

Integrative Taxonomy of Nitraria (Nitrariaceae), Description of the New Enigmatic Species and Key to All Currently Known Species.

A new species, Nitraria iliensis sp. nov., is described from the Ili basin, Almaty region, Kazakhstan. It belongs to section Nitraria ser. Sibiricae and is morphologically similar to N. sibirica Pall. An integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular, biochemical and morphological analyses, along with palynological data, was used to delimit this new species. The studied species of the genus are illustrated, and photographs of authentic specimens of the new species, as well as a distribution map of the new species and segregate taxa, are provided. Morphological characters were investigated, more important traits for identification were found, and a new key to distinguish between all species of the genus was prepared.

New varieties of Elymus ciliaris (Poaceae: Triticeae) from the Russian Far East

According to the results of an experimental study of the closely related species Elymus ciliaris and E. amurensis growing in the Russian Far East, Elymus ciliaris should be considered as a single polymorphic species comprising four varieties, including var. amurensis. Two varieties are described for the first time. Descriptions and photographs of the typal specimens are given.

Biogeographic patterns of distribution of the molluscZelentia ninel(Nudibranchia, Trinchesiidae)

AbstractIn the present contribution we report, for the first time, records of the nudibranchZelentia ninelfrom Norway. The species is previously known only from the Barents Sea coast in northern Russia where it was described for the first time in 2017. Records ofZ. ninelfrom six different localities in northern Norway from 2019–2023 are presented and discussed. The identity of the specimens was determined by investigation of external and internal morphology as well as molecular analysis of preserved specimens. Photographs of live specimens and radulae of preserved specimens are presented, and species delimitation is confirmed by molecular phylogenetic analysis. In order to assess the biogeographic distribution ofZ. ninelbased on all available information, recent unanticipated genetic data supporting a putative occurrence ofZ. ninelat the Aleutian Islands, Alaska is also discussed where we provide arguments in support of occasional anthropogenic transportation outside its natural range. The present records significantly expand the known natural range of distribution forZ. nineland demonstrate that the species is not restricted to the Russian Barents Sea coast but that the range encompasses also at least northern Norway. These data can provide important insights to the understanding of natural ranges of marine invertebrates across biogeographical regions affected by rapid ongoing climatic change.