Significant Range Extension Research Articles

A fossil pinnate palm leaf (Arecaceae, subfam. Arecoideae) from Island Lagoon, in the arid zone of South Australia

ABSTRACT Fossil pinnate palm leaves (Arecaceae, subfam. Arecoideae) are described from the Eocene or Miocene Island Lagoon fossil site near Woomera in the arid zone of South Australia. These leaves are described as a new species, Phoenicites insula-lacuna and shown to share morphological similarities to the extant genus Archontophoenix (subtr. Archontophoenicinae), endemic to eastern Australia. This fossil record constitutes a significant temporal and geographic range extension for Archontophoenicinae and likely Archontophoenix. The presence in Australia of Archontophoenicinae as early as the Eocene or more likely Miocene, is in accordance with molecular analyses that propose dispersal of this clade into Australia from New Guinea, with subsequent dispersal from Australia to New Caledonia and divergence of the Archontophoenix and Chambeyronia lineages during this interval of time. Previously reported co-occurring myrtaceous woody fruits from Island Lagoon and proximal-coeval silcrete floras previously referred to Angophora, Callistemon, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and fossils of other sclerophyllous taxa such as Banksia are consistent with this palm being part of a landscape mosaic with riparian rainforest that included mesic plants growing within wider sclerophyllous forest or woodland vegetation comparable to the eastern coastal zone of modern-day Australia and the modern range of Archontophoenix.

Twenty-eight new and significant departmental reptile records for Paraguay

Twenty-eight new distribution records are reported for twenty-seven species of Paraguayan reptiles. Ten of these species are considered threatened at the national level (6 EN, 2 VU, 2 DD). Nineteen new departmental records are documented: Phrynops hilarii (Chelidae) in Misiones department; Homonota marthae, Phyllopezus przewalskii (Phyllodactylidae), Philodryas baroni and P. psammophidea (Colubridae) in Presidente Hayes department; Teius oculatus (Teiidae), Cercosaura schreibersii (Gymnophthalmidae), Ophiodes intermedius (Diploglossidae), Amphisbaena mertensii (Amphisbaenidae), Boiruna maculata and Philodryas aestiva (Colubridae) in Caazapá department; Amphisbaena alba (Amphisbaenidae) in Caaguazú and Cordillera departments; Bothrops moojeni (Viperidae), Eunectes notaeus (Boidae), Helicops leopardinus and Hydrodynastes gigas (Colubridae) in Guairá department; Apostolepis dimidiata, Atractus paraguayensis and Mussurana bicolor (Colubridae) in Itapúa department; and Epicrates crassus (Boidae) and Phalotris nigirilatus (Colubridae) in Concepción department. Significant range extensions of threatened or poorly-known species are also documented: The known distribution of the Endangered Salvator duseni (Teiidae) is extended 128.5 km to the east within Canindeyú department; that of the Vulnerable Boa occidentalis is extended 109.2 km to the southwest within Boquerón department; that of the Vulnerable Epicrates alvarezi (Boidae) is extended 136.6 km to the west within Boquerón department and 172.4 km to the northeast into Alto Paraguay department; that of Caiman yacare (Alligatoridae) is extended 132 km west within Boquerón department to the northern reaches of the Pilcomayo River. We also document an additional specimen of the rare Philodryas agassizii (Colubridae) and confirmation of the occurrence of the disputed form Phalotris “punctatus” in Paraguay.

Searching for large dark matter clumps using the Galileo Constellation clock variations

This study presents bounds on transient variations of fundamental constants, with typical timescales ranging from minutes to months, using clocks in space. The underlying phenomenology describing such transient variations relies on models for Dark Matter (DM) which suggest possible encounters of macroscopic compact objects with the Earth, due to the motion of the solar system in the galactic halo. If such compact objects possess an effective feeble interaction with the ordinary matter beyond the gravitational one, it may result in effective transient variations of fundamental constants. Such variations leave signatures on clocks onboard GNSS satellites. In this paper, we introduce a phenomenological study dedicated to the search for such DM transient objects using the network of passive hydrogen masers (H-Masers) onboard Galileo satellites. We first model the signature of transient variations of fundamental constants as a frequency modulation in the difference between two satellite clocks, considering the satellite trajectories relative to the transient event. Then, we present first results based on a fast analysis method, the maximum reach analysis. The main result is a significant extension of the discovery range for DM transients, with a sensitivity never achieved before. We investigate indeed the range of transient sizes from 105 to 109 kilometres, which, apart from indirect and model-dependent non-transient effects, has never been explored previously.

Full power range DAB unified ZVS control strategy based on low current RMS

Inductive current RMS and soft switching are important performance indexes of dual active bridge DC-DC converter (DAB). This paper proposes a new optimal control strategy for the soft switching range based on the optimization of the effective value of the inductor current. This control strategy restricts the inductor current during switch action, ensuring a significant extension of the soft switching range across the entire power range, reducing switch losses, and achieving the accurate effective value of current, thereby further enhancing the efficiency of the DAB converter. Meanwhile, a new modulation method is proposed to achieve thermal balance between bridge arms. Finally, a simulation model is built and verified using Matlab.

Tropical seamounts as stepping-stones for coral reef fishes: range extensions and new regional distributions from mesophotic ecosystems in the Coral Sea, Australia

Seamounts and remote oceanic islands serve as valuable natural laboratories in which to study patterns and processes in marine biodiversity. A central hypothesis arising from studies of these systems is the ecological function of seamounts as stepping-stones for dispersal and population connectivity. Evidence of this mechanism exists for a range of taxa, including coral reef fishes, but is still lacking from many tropical seamounts in remote regions. In this study, we used remotely operated vehicles and baited remote underwater video systems to survey fish and benthic communities between 1 and 100 m on seamounts in the Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP), Australia. We found evidence to support the stepping-stone model of ecological connectivity from new observations of 16 coral reef fishes which have previously not been recorded by quantitative surveys in the region. The widespread distribution of many of these species throughout the full latitudinal extent of the CSMP suggests that there is greater connectivity between mesophotic habitats in the Coral Sea and surrounding biogeographic regions than previously known. We also found a wide variety of mesophotic habitats and recorded significant depth range extensions for 78 fishes in these habitats. This further highlights the potential role of increased habitat area and heterogeneity in a stepping-stone effect throughout the region. Four of the fish occurrence records represent significant range extensions into the Coral Sea from adjacent biogeographic regions, and 13 fishes recorded by this study in the CSMP are not known from the neighbouring Great Barrier Reef, despite its close proximity. Although the Coral Sea remains relatively understudied, these findings suggest that larger-scale models of marine biogeography are relevant to communities in the region, particularly at mesophotic depths. Given the extent and the spatial arrangement of seamounts in the Coral Sea, our findings emphasise that the region is an important link between the centre of marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle and the Southwest Pacific. Greater mesophotic sampling effort and genetic studies are necessary to understand the nature of connectivity and to establish the role of regional seamount chains, like the Coral Sea reefs, in broader marine biogeographic processes.

Exploring the hidden riches: Recent remarkable faunistic records and range extensions in the bee fauna of Italy (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Anthophila).

The area sourrounding the Mediterranean basin is recognised as a major biodiversity hotspot for bees, and Italy is amongst the European countries with the highest bee species richness. Detailed knowledge of bee distribution is crucial for understanding bee biology and designing tailored conservation strategies, but is still insufficient in southern European countries, especially in Italy. We report recent finds of 48 bee species that yield significant novelties for the Italian bee fauna. Eight species, namely Andrenaconfinis Stöckhert, Anthidiellumbreviusculum Pérez, Coelioxysalatus Foerster, Lasioglossumalgericolellum Strand, Megachilelapponica Thomson, Megachileopacifrons Pérez, Megachilesemicircularis auct. nec Zanden and Trachusaintegra Eversmann are reported as new for Italy. In addition, Andrenabinominata Smith, Andrenacompta Lepeletier, Colletesacutus Pérez, Lasioglossumstrictifrons Vachal, Rhodanthidiumsiculum Spinola and Rhodanthidiumsticticum Fabricius are newly recorded from mainland Italy, Osmiaheteracantha Pérez from Sardegna and Nomadaflavopicta Kirby from Sicilia. We also report significant range extensions for other bee species and recent records of species that had long gone unrecorded in Italy. The combination of morphology and DNA barcoding provided reliable identifications even for the most challenging specimens. As several of our records come from areas neglected by bee experts in the past, this study stands out as a key indicator of a bee faunistic richness still awaiting discovery and hopefully it will stimulate the interest of taxonomists and stakeholders in pursuing bee research in Italy in the near future.

New distribution records and population density of the Critically Endangered Tarzan Chameleon (Calumma tarzan), eastern Madagascar

ABSTRACT The distribution and population density of the Critically Endangered Tarzan Chameleon (Calumma tarzan) in eastern humid forests of Madagascar was studied using line transect-distance sampling. Based on the results from species distribution models, eight sites were visited over a four-month period from February 2020 to March 2021. In total, 46 transects of 1 km were investigated in 23 different forest fragments to understand the distribution of C. tarzan. Another 28 transects of 200 m in length were surveyed to estimate population density. Among the 23 investigated forest fragments, C. tarzan was confirmed from 14 fragments belonging to five sites. All 14 records are completely new and represent a significant range extension for the species. Calumma tarzan is distributed within an elevation range of 604–1048 m above sea level. An analysis of the population of the species across sites show that density varies broadly and ranges from 25 to 78 individuals per hectare. This study fills important knowledge gap on a Critically Endangered and endemic chameleon species and is vital to the development of urgently needed conservation strategy for the Tarzan Chameleon.

New records and range extensions for liverworts (Marchantiophyta) in the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion

Three species of liverworts are reported as new to Australia, all from the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion: Colura corynophora, Drepanolejeunea serricalyx, and D. tricornua. Significant range extensions within the bioregion are reported for another two species. Cololejeunea kapingaensis, previously reported as ramicolous, is here reported as an epiphyll.

Use of Ionic Liquid as Crystallization Inhibitor in Water-Lithium Bromide Absorption Chiller

Chillers are used in commercial buildings and industrial plants to provide air conditioning, refrigeration, and process fluid cooling. There are two basic types of chiller cycles: vapor compression and sorption. Sorption chillers are available as either absorption or adsorption designs, depending on the state of the sorbent. Absorption chillers use fluid refrigerants and absorbents (liquid or dissolved), while adsorption chillers employ a solid sorbent (typically silica gel) in combination with a fluid refrigerant. Among the former category, the use of highly hygroscopic LiBr salt as absorbent in combination with H2O as refrigerant comprises LiBr-H2O absorption chillers. Such chillers possess cooling capacities ranging from a few kilowatts (kW) to megawatts (MW) which match with small residential to large scale commercial or even industrial cooling needs. One of the major debilitating factors associated with LiBr-H2O absorption chillers is crystallization. A crystallization event causes a loss of cooling and requires de-crystallization by applying external heat, which results in extensive down-time and requires redundancy designed into a chiller plant. We investigated the use of the imidazolium-based ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([BMIm]-Br), as crystallization inhibitor additive to LiBr-H2O in the ratio 1:19 [BMIm]-Br:LiBr. It was found that under the operating boundary conditions of 27°C/9°C (cooling water inlet temperature/chilled water outlet temperature), the LiBr-H2O absorption chiller can be operated without modifications and with around 10 K higher heating water inlet temperatures when adding [BMIM]-Br before crystallization occurs compared to pure LiBr-H2O solution. When using the [BMIM]-Br ionic liquid, the refrigeration capacity of the absorption chiller under the above operating conditions and at 85°C heating water inlet temperature exhibited 10% increase after optimizing the solution flow, that lead to higher outputs, such as lower cooling water temperatures. By adding the [BMIM]-Br to the aqueous lithium bromide solution the operating range of the absorption refrigeration system could also be extended to resorption mode, which allows refrigeration below 0 °C. Thus, there is an excellent potential for a significant extension of the application range of LiBr-H2O chillers, e.g. in the field of food cooling and refrigeration processes. Figure 1

Sedimentary porewaters record regional tectonic and climate events that perturbed a deep-sea brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

Brine pools in deep-sea environments provide unique perspectives into planetary and geological processes, extremophile microbial communities, and sedimentary records. The NEOM Brine Pool Complex was the first deep-sea brine pool system found in the Gulf of Aqaba, representing a significant extension of the geographical range and depositional setting of Red Sea brine pools. Here, we use a combination of brine pool samples collected via cast using a conductivity, temperature, depth instrument (CTD), as well as interstitial porewaters extracted from a sediment core collected in the NEOM Brine Pool to characterize the chemical composition and subsurface evolution of the brine. New results indicate that the NEOM brines and the subsurface porewaters may originate from different sources. Elemental concentrations suggest the brines in the NEOM pool are likely derived from dissolution of sub-seabed evaporites. In contrast, the sedimentary porewaters appear to have been influenced by periodic turbidite flows, generated either by earthquakes, submarine landslides, or flash floods, in which normal marine waters from the overlying Red Sea became entrained, periodically disturbing the chemistry of the brine pool. Thus, sediment porewaters beneath brine pools may record transient and dynamic changes in these deep marine depositional environments, reflecting the interplay between climate, tectonics, and sedimentation patterns along a rapidly urbanizing coastline. In concert, new results from NEOM extend the range and chemical constraints on Red Sea Brine Pools and highlight the dynamic interplay between Red Sea Deep water, dissolving evaporites, turbidites, and subsurface fluids that produce these unique depositional environments which host microbial life at the edge of habitability. In concert with sedimentological indicators, the chemistry of porewaters beneath deep-sea brine pools may present detailed records of natural hazards arising from interactions between the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and anthroposphere.

Stellarangia namibensis (Teloschistaceae) out of the Namib Desert

During lichenological fieldwork along the coast of the Atlantic Sahara, Morocco, we collected some remarkably long lobed “Caloplaca” specimens, which turned out to be Stellarangia namibensis. This is the first record of this species in the northern hemisphere, and represents a significant extension of the known range of a lichen previously thought to be endemic to the Namib Desert.

Simplified Analysis and Characterization of Dual Power Source Wireless Power Transfer System

Non-contact wireless power transfer systems require power regulation to ensure their proper operation at rated power due to the many degrees of freedom in non-contact coupling structures. Recently, a promising technology has been introduced for wireless power transfer systems, namely, the fractional-order technology with dual power sources to construct an equivalent impedance structure with both variable resistance and reactance. Unlike other impedance matching technologies, the fractional-order technology allows for the adjustment of the equivalent impedance of the resonant network without requiring precise selection of resonant parameters. However, this technology has not been widely adopted due to the abstract concepts involved in fractional calculus theory and control logic. In this study, we employed circuit theory to comprehensively analyze the electrical implications of fractional theory and to provide a detailed description of the inner features of Cα. This study reveals the underlying correlation between control variables and the order of Cα. Additionally, it is shown that the same fractional-order circuit can display both inductive and capacitive reactance, resulting in a significant extension of the impedance adjustment range of fractional-order components. A prototype was designed and constructed to validate the proposed approach, and the experimental results closely matched the theoretical calculations obtained from the proposed approach.

The Robber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae) of Longleaf Pine Habitats on Fort Stewart, Georgia

We inventoried the robber fly (Family Asilidae) fauna of 2 distinct Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) habitat types (mesic pine flatwoods, xeric sandhills) on a large, fire-managed landscape (Fort Stewart) located in the Coastal Plain of southeastern Georgia. We conducted aerial-net and sweep-net surveys at 30 sites on 111 dates from October 2020 to November 2022. We also sampled hardwood and mixed pine–hardwood communities. We collected a total of 380 robber flies comprising 25 genera and 62 species. We recorded 47 species from Longleaf Pine habitats, with 42 species collected from xeric Longleaf Pine sandhills and 20 species from mesic Longleaf Pine flatwoods. Thirty-two species were found in hardwood habitats. Machimus polyphemi, a poorly known obligate commensal of Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) burrows, was found at 5 sites. Two species that we documented from xeric Longleaf Pine sandhills, Machimus blantoni and Efferia slossonae, represent the first state records for Georgia. An Echthodopa cf. formosa population found in mesic pine flatwoods represents a significant range extension. Also, we report Stichopogon abdominalis from Georgia for the first time.

Revision of the genus Calofulcinia Giglio-Tos (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae) in Australia.

The genus Calofulcinia comprises several species of small, cryptic mantis, three of which have been described from Australia. The genus is infrequently recorded and is thus very poorly known, and even basic questions of species delimitation and distribution have remained virtually unknown since the descriptions of these taxa. We here redescribe and figure the three known Australian species of Calofulcinia in full and provide a detailed key to Australian species. We record significant range extensions for all three species, and provide the first detailed behavioural and ecological records for the genus. In addition, we group the Australian species into a Robust Group (C. paraoxypila) and a Gracile Group (C. australis and C. oxynota), we detail the occurrence of colour polymorphism within the genus, and finally we discuss the apparent microhabitat specificity of Calofulcinia spp. (mosses and lichens) and their preference for cool, moist environments with reference to our changing climate.

A revision of Delevea Reichardt, 1976: a Southern African endemic water beetle genus including the largest known extant myxophagans (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Torridincolidae).

The Southern African endemic torridincolid water beetle genus Delevea Reichardt, 1976 is revised, based largely on recently collected material from the Republic of South Africa. Significant range extensions are provided for the two previously described species, Delevea bertrandi Reichardt, 1976 and D. namibiensis Endrödy-Younga, 1997, these taxa apparently being endemic to the Fynbos Biome in the Western Cape Province and semi-arid, summer rainfall, areas of the Great Escarpment in Namibia and South Africa, respectively. In addition, two new species, Delevea madiba sp. nov. and D. namaqua sp. nov. are described from winter rainfall areas of Namaqualand in the Northern Cape Province. Both species are currently only known from their type locality and, at up to 2.85 mm in adult body length, D. namaqua sp. nov. is the largest described extant species of the suborder Myxophaga.

First Record of the Northern Wolffish Anarhichas denticulatus Krøyer, 1845 (Anarhichadidae: Zoarcoidei: Perciformes) in the Siberian Arctic: Further Evidence of Atlantification?

A single specimen of the northern wolffish Anarhichas denticulatus Krøyer, 1845, 393 mm in length, was documented for the first time in the Siberian Arctic (Laptev Sea, Russia). Species identification was confirmed by an integrative taxonomic approach that included examination of external morphology and DNA barcoding using the COI mtDNA gene. This species is widely distributed in the North Atlantic, but records in the Arctic Ocean are limited to the Canadian and US coasts. This record might represent a significant range extension of about 7500 km for the species and may be associated with the eastward transport of a pelagic juvenile specimen from the Northeastern Atlantic to the Laptev Sea by the North Atlantic current, consistent with the hypothesis of Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean. X-ray images of the Laptev Sea specimen and photographs showing ontogenetic variations of species’ coloration are provided for reference. The Laptev Sea specimen had a more elongated shape, longer preorbital distance, and longer pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins, as well as a larger eye and wider caudal fin compared to North Atlantic samples. The size differences are likely associated with conditions experienced as a juvenile during the pelagic stage of the lifecycle.

Significant northern range extension of the non-native batillariid Zeacumantus subcarinatus in Australia, with observations of new habitat usage

The New Zealand batillariid gastropod Zeacumantus subcarinatus has been recorded as an invasive species in Australia since at least 1924, with populations established in rocky shore habitats at multiple locations in Greater Sydney. We observed a large population (10,000+ individuals) of Z. subcarinatus at an estuarine tidal mudflat on the New South Wales mid-north coast, representing a ~ 250 km northern range extension, and the first known record of this species in a sheltered, muddy habitat in Australia. We discuss the possible establishment means of this new population.

Assessment of Potential Commercial Success of Business Jets with Natural Laminar Flow

The present research investigates the potential application of the natural laminar flow wing technology to business jet market segments from light to long-range jets. A database of existing business jets was generated to determine the range extension as a potential driver of customer interest. A conceptual design of several configurations for each market segment was performed to investigate potential improvements in the aircraft flight range, operating costs, and price changes using the technology. An initial sizing module and a low-fidelity multidisciplinary design optimization were used to size all aircraft. Results demonstrated a 13–30% increase in the flight range depending on the aircraft concept. Long-range jets with natural laminar flow could not achieve significant range extension due to a combination of the design airspeed and maintenance costs. A rapid increase in acquisition prices for all aircraft suggested that super-midsize and large jets that combine relatively low empty weight and high range extension could be more favorable options compared to other segments, but a significant reduction of acquisition costs and an increase in operating flight hours are required to make the technology implementation successful.

Numerous distributional novelties collected by students for Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, U.S.A.

Thirteen distributional records from Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas are reported for seven native and five non-native plant species, many based on course-related collections by students. These include state records for three taxa: Cyperus brevifolioides and Paspalum dilatatum for Kansas, and Sphaeralcea parvifolia for Idaho. We also report ten county records, including significant range extensions for Dinebra panicoides. We also report what we believe to be pseudovivipary in Setaria pumila.

First report on late Miocene (Tortonian: ~ 11–10 Ma) charophyte gyrogonites from Tapar, Kachchh District, Gujarat State, western India

This paper describes the first record of charophyte gyrogonites from the late Miocene (Tortonian; ~ 11–10 Ma) Tapar locality of Kachchh, Gujarat State, western India. The recovered charophyte assemblage is constituted by Chara globularis var. aspera, C. globularis var. globularis, Lychnothamnus cf. sahnii, Lychnothamnus sp. and Nitellopsis sp. In addition, the present article discusses the palaeoenvironment based on the recorded charophyte gyrogonites (this study) and previously known faunal data (mainly vertebrates) from the Tapar locality, Kutch Basin, western India. Further, considering the significant extension of the biostratigraphic range [especially the First Appearance Datum (FAD)] of fauna from the Kutch Basin (in particular from the Tapar locality), we herein make an attempt to compare biostratigraphically the faunal assemblages from Kutch with those from the Siwalik Group, north India.