Significant Range Extension Research Articles

Glenathe salina (Diptera: Ephydridae): New Freshwater, Saline Habitat and County Records in Ohio

The collection of Glenanthe salina Mathis in a freshwater restored wetland in Hamilton County, Ohio is a new county record and represents a significant range extension within the state. For the first time, G. salina was collected from an Ohio saline habitat (Wayne County) and is a new county and an eastern North American inland salt habitat record. Glenanthe salina records from freshwater, saline, and alkaline habitats suggest broad osmoregulation capacity. Collection records suggest that G. salina and Psilopa girschneri colonized saline habitats at Rittman, Ohio during 1996 and 1976, respectively. During the early half of the twentieth century, hyper saline habitat at Rittman, Ohio was colonized by Ephydra gracilis Packard, and E. niveiceps Cresson, which have been commonly reported from saline habitats in western North America.

New populations of the black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) from the Little Sandy Desert and Murchison, Western Australia

During two independent fauna surveys, rock-wallaby (Petrogale) scats were recorded from caves located outside the current known Petrogale distribution. Scats collected from Desert Queen Baths (Little Sandy Desert, Western Australia, 2012), and the Barr Smith Range (Murchison, Western Australia, 2015) were genetically analysed and a follow-up motion camera survey confirmed an extant rock-wallaby population at Desert Queen Baths. The combination of sampling techniques overcame the detection difficulties associated with rare and cryptic taxa, and together were important in establishing the presence of Petrogale lateralis from regions where the species has been poorly documented. At both locations, P. lateralis scats were recorded from deep caves situated close to permanent water, reflecting the species’ physiological constraints in the arid zone. These records represent significant range extensions of a highly threatened macropod.

Resolving distribution and population fragmentation in two leaf-tailed gecko species of north-east Australia: key steps in the conservation of microendemic species

North Queensland harbours many microendemic species. These species are of conservation concern due to their small and fragmented populations, coupled with threats such as fire and climate change. We aimed to resolve the distribution and population genetic structure in two localised Phyllurus leaf-tailed geckos: P. gulbaru and P. amnicola. We conducted field surveys to better resolve distributions, used Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to assess the potential distribution, and then used the SDMs to target further surveys. We also sequenced all populations for a mitochondrial gene to assess population genetic structure. Our surveys found additional small, isolated populations of both species, including significant range extensions. SDMs revealed the climatic and non-climatic variables that best predict the distribution of these species. Targeted surveys based on the SDMs found P. gulbaru at an additional two sites but failed to find either species at other sites, suggesting that we have broadly resolved their distributions. Genetic analysis revealed population genetic structuring in both species, including deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages. Current and potential threats are overlain on these results to determine conservation listings and identify management actions. More broadly, this study highlights how targeted surveys, SDMs, and genetic data can rapidly increase our knowledge of microendemic species, and direct management.

Significant range extensions and new records of mosses from tropical Australia.

We report Pleuridium nervosum and Pseudotaxiphyllum pohliaecarpum as new to the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion, and Fabronia brachyphylla and Pleuridium nervosum as new to the adjacent Einasleigh Uplands bioregion. We also report significant range extensions for other species, and new records of several very rare species.

Assessment of the Distribution of Ripistes parasita (Annelida: Clitellata: Naididae) in the Eastern United States and Canada

The non-native oligochaete Ripistes parasita (Schmidt) (Annelida: Clitellata: Naididae) has previously been reported from the northeastern United States and Mississippi. The objective of this study was to provide information regarding the spread of the invasive oligochaete within the past 32 years. We examined benthic invertebrate data from various biomonitoring projects conducted in several eastern states. Results show a significant range extension for this species.

Going deep into protein secondary structure with synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy.

Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is a fast, powerful, well-established, and widely used analytical technique in the biophysical and structural biology community to study protein secondary structure and to track changes in protein conformation in different environments. The use of the intense light of a synchrotron beam as the light source for collecting CD measurements has emerged as an enhanced method, known as synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) spectroscopy, that has several advantages over the conventional CD method, including a significant spectral range extension for data collection, deeper access to the lower limit (cut-off) of conventional CD spectroscopy, an improved signal-to-noise ratio to increase accuracy in the measurements, and the possibility to collect measurements in highly absorbing solutions. In this review, we discuss different applications of the SRCD technique by researchers from Latin America. In this context, we specifically look at the use of this method for examining the secondary structure and conformational behavior of proteins belonging to the four main classes of the hierarchical protein domain classification CATH (Class, Architecture, Topology, Homology) database, focusing on the advantages and improvements associated with SRCD spectroscopy in terms of characterizing proteins composed of different structural elements.

Significant range extensions for two fish species at Pitcairn Island, South Pacific.

A baited videographic survey at Pitcairn Island has significantly extended the known range for two reef-fish species: blue-lined triggerfish Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus and greater amberjack Seriola dumerili, with an additional minor extension noted for giant trevally Caranx ignobilis. This highlights the importance of further research in this remote, poorly studied island group and provides evidence supplementing the understanding of oceanographic patterns in the South Pacific.

A significant range extension of the unbanded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis incinctus Storr, 1968) in the Einasleigh Uplands

Until now there have been two species of burrowing elapid from the genus Brachyurophis known to occur in the Einasleigh Uplands Bioregion of northeastern Queensland, the Australian coral snake (Brachyurophis australis Krefft, 1864) and the north-eastern (or Campbell’s) shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis campbelli Kinghorn, 1929). Here we report a third species from the region, the unbanded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis incinctus Storr, 1968). This is significant because it is the most north-easterly known occurrence of this species in Australia, adds to the known biodiversity of the region and extends the species’ known range by more than 400km to the northeast.

Seven new species of Bibloplectus Reitter (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Eastern United States with notes on distributions of previously described species.

Seven new species in the genus Bibloplectus Reitter, 1881 are described: Bibloplectus ellisi Owens and Carlton, new species; Bibloplectus levis Owens and Carlton, new species; Bibloplectus parki Owens and Carlton, new species; Bibloplectus quadratum Owens and Carlton, new species; Bibloplectus suteri Owens and Carlton, new species; Bibloplectus steevesi Owens and Carlton, new species; and Bibloplectus tishechkini Owens and Carlton, new species. New species are integrated into the previously published key, supported by illustrations of diagnostic characters, and a revised key and checklist to eastern North American species is presented. All new species described in this study were obtained from, and are deposited in, collections of the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH). Additionally, label data for 1122 Bibloplectus specimens from the FMNH and from 111 specimens from the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum (LSAM) were combined to provide updated distributional information on existing species and note significant range extensions.

The age of the Oso Member, Capistrano Formation, and a review of fossil crocodylians from California

Fossils from the late Miocene Oso Member of the Capistrano Formation in Orange County, California, are underreported in the scientific literature. Mitigation activities in the Oso Member have resulted in collections of fossils in museums. We provide a preliminary list of identified faunal elements from the Oso Member and determine its age using biostratigraphy. The presence of the fossil horse Dinohippus interpolatus allows us to constrain the age of the Oso Member to the early late Hemphillian (Hh3, 6.6–5.8 Ma). We provide a review of other Hemphillian terrestrial vertebrate sites from Southern California. Our age assessment for the Oso Member allowed us to recognize a significant temporal range extension for crocodylians on the Pacific Coast of the United States. Including the Oso Member, the fossil record of crocodylians in California is based on fragmentary material from 13 formations ranging from the Paleocene to the late Miocene (including seven Eocene units). Of these records, the Oso Member fossils represent the youngest record of fossil crocodylians in California. Fossil crocodylians from Orange County extend the record of crocodylians in California ~10 million years from the middle Miocene to the late Miocene.

Northward Range Expansions of SeveralLichinellaNyl. Species (Lichinaceae) in the Western United States

Significant northern range extensions for Lichinella intermedia and L. americana in the western US are reported. These dwarf cyanolichens are inconspicuous and often overlooked. This paper presents new locations and annotations of previous collections for these rare lichens and for several other more common taxa within Lichinella.

A Revised Checklist of the Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) of West Virginia

Based on recent collection efforts, examination of new material, and review of published records, the caddisfly fauna of West Virginia is updated to include 235 species. A revised, annotated checklist is presented, with distributional information for 26 new records from West Virginia. Significant range extensions are noted for Arctopsyche irrorata Banks and Hydropsyche carolina Banks.

New Records Extend the Known Range ofCalymmaria persica(Hentz) (Araneae, Hahniidae)

Abstract Calymmaria persica (Hentz) is a rarely collected spider in the family Hahniidae (Araneae) previously known to occur primarily in the Appalachian Mountains. This note reports 2 new localities, each of which is a significant range extension for this species. One specimen was collected on Mount Magazine, AR, and is the first record west of the Mississippi River. The second locality is the Loessal Hills in north-central Mississippi and represents the first specimen collected in the region between southwestern Mississippi (Wilkinson County) and the Appalachian region of northern Alabama. An updated range map is included.

Erythrolamprus dorsocorallinus (Esqueda, Natera, La Marca & Ilija-Fistar, 2005) (Squamata: Dipsadidae): range extension, new country record, and comments on color pattern

We present a new country record and significant range extension of Erythrolamprus dorsocorallinus from Bolivia. Locality data on this species is lacking and this account significantly contributes to the knowledge its distributional status throughout South America.

Xenopholis werdingorum, Jansen, Álvarez & Köhler, 2009 (Squamata: Dipsadidae): range extension with comments on distribution

We present a significant range extension of Xenopholis werdingorum from Bolivia. There is a dearth of information on this recently described species, and this account significantly contributes to knowledge of its geographic range.

Four Uncommon Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) New for Arkansas, U.S.A.

We report the following four uncommonly encountered assassin bug species: Empicoris errabundus, E. rubromaculatus, Ploiariacarolina, and P. hirticornis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) for the first time from Arkansas. Both genera also were unreported previously for the state. Our Ploiariacarolina record constitutes a significant western range extension of >750 km to west of the Mississippi River; the other three species have been reported previously from areas surrounding Arkansas. We further provide digital images of each species and of taxonomically important characters, along with updated distribution maps.

Transversotrema Witenberg, 1944 (Trematoda: Transversotrematidae) from inshore fishes of Australia: description of a new species and significant range extensions for three congeners.

Four transversotrematid trematodes are reported from commercial teleost species in Australian waters. Transversotrema hunterae n. sp. is described from three species of Sillago Cuvier (Sillaginidae) from Moreton Bay, south-east Queensland. Molecular characterisation using ITS2 rDNA confirmed this stenoxenic specificity of Transversotrema hunterae n. sp., with identical sequence data from Sillago maculata Quoy & Gaimard, S. analis Whitley and S. ciliata Cuvier. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 28S rDNA data, demonstrates that T. hunterae n. sp. belongs to the 'Transversotrema licinum clade' and is most closely related to Transversotrema licinum Manter, 1970 and T. polynesiae Cribb, Adlard, Bray, Sasal & Cutmore, 2014, with the three species forming a well-supported clade in all analyses. We extend the known host and geographical ranges of three previously described Transversotrema species, T. licinum, T. elegans Hunter, Ingram, Adlard, Bray & Cribb, 2010 and T. espanola Hunter & Cribb, 2012. The new records represent significant range extensions for the three species and permit further examination of the patterns of biogeographical distribution in Australian waters. Host-specificity of Transversotrema species is examined, and the degree to which morphological analysis can inform taxonomic studies of this group is discussed.

Bats (Chiroptera) recorded in the lowland of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia with notes on taxonomic status and significant range extensions

Abstract This paper reports on a bat survey conducted in November 2011 in Mangolo Nature Park and Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, both lowland forests located in Southeast Sulawesi. We recorded 22 species of bats that represents nearly 1/3 of the total bat species known to occur on Sulawesi. Three of these are endemic to Sulawesi and adjacent islands, whereas one species, Myotis cf. ridleyi was identified as a new distributional record for this island and with further investigation could prove to be an undescribed species. Our record of Chironax melanocephalus tumulus provided a range extension to the southeastern arm of Sulawesi. Two specimens of Hipposideros boeadii were topotypes and represent the first collections after the description of the type specimen. Collections of Rhinolophus arcuatus from this survey were only the second record of this species from island and represent a range extension. Specimens of Megaderma spasma celebensis were the first records of this species from Southeast Sulawesi. Species are discussed individually with external, cranial and dental measurements summarized. Based on this survey, the number of bat species now documented from the lowlands of Southeast Sulawesi represents the highest diversity yet recorded from a site on Sulawesi. This region is therefore a high priority for conservation and a hotspot for bat research in Indonesia, especially Sulawesi.

Review of species limits in Geissorhiza leipoldtii (Iridaceae: Crocoideae) and G. heterostyla with the recognition of new taxa plus important new records in the genus

Field research and herbarium study in the genus Geissorhiza (Iridaceae) has led us to revise the taxonomy of some species. Geissorhiza leipoldtii was previously more widely circumscribed to include G. ixioides as synonym as well as collections that we recognize here as the new species G. nutans. Typical G. leipoldtii has upright to half nodding flowers with a pure white perianth and ascending stamens with longer anthers and usually equal filaments. Geissorhiza ixioides, last collected in 1897 and not again until now, differs in its mauve or pink flowers with a dark centre, short stamens, and short style dividing opposite the middle of the anthers. Geissorhiza nutans stands out in its smaller, nodding flowers with translucent white to pale mauve or pale pink perianth and unilateral, horizontal to drooping stamens with markedly unequal filaments, the upper one half as long as the lower two. We recognize two subspecies in G. heterostyla: subsp. heterostyla with a pubescent stem and nodding, usually blue to violet flowers; and subsp. rosea with a smooth stem and upright to half nodding, white, pale blue or pale mauve flowers. Geissorhiza now includes 102 species, all from the winter rainfall zone of southern Africa. In addition, we document significant range extensions in G. aspera and G. karooica, and report important new records for the critically endangered G. Geissorhiza malmesburiensis. These findings broaden our understanding of the diversity of Geissorhiza and assist in conservation assessments of the species.

Automated system for measuring the surface dilational modulus of liquid–air interfaces

The surface dilational modulus is a crucial parameter for describing the rheological properties of aqueous surfactant solutions. These properties are important for many technological processes. The present paper describes a fully automated instrument based on the oscillating bubble technique. It works in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 500 Hz, where surfactant exchange dynamics governs the relaxation process. The originality of instrument design is the consistent combination of modern measurement technologies with advanced imaging and signal processing algorithms. Key steps on the way to reliable and precise measurements are the excitation of harmonic oscillation of the bubble, phase sensitive evaluation of the pressure response, adjustment and maintenance of the bubble shape to half sphere geometry for compensation of thermal drifts, contour tracing of the bubbles video images, removal of noise and artefacts within the image for improving the reliability of the measurement, and, in particular, a complex trigger scheme for the measurement of the oscillation amplitude, which may vary with frequency as a result of resonances. The corresponding automation and programming tasks are described in detail. Various programming strategies, such as the use of MATLAB® software and native C++ code are discussed. An advance in the measurement technique is demonstrated by a fully automated measurement. The instrument has the potential to mature into a standard technique in the fields of colloid and interface chemistry and provides a significant extension of the frequency range to established competing techniques and state-of-the-art devices based on the same measurement principle.