Similar Genera Research Articles

Revision of Aleyroctonus Masner & Huggert (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae, Sceliotrachelinae)

The genus Aleyroctonus Masner & Huggert is revised. Aleyroctonus pilatus Masner & Huggert is redescribed, and two species are described as new: A. miasmus Lahey & Polaszek, sp. nov. (Australia) and A. stanslyi Lahey & Polaszek, sp. nov. (Australia). We consider Aleyroctonus to be most closely related to a complex of three morphologically similar genera: Aphanomerus Perkins, Austromerus Masner & Huggert, and Helava Masner & Huggert. Aleyroctonus is diagnosed from other genera of Sceliotrachelinae and a key is provided to the platygastrid genera of the Aphanomerus-cluster.

ONCOGENIC LIVER FLUKES ACQUIRED FROM EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FISH AND CRABS

Liver flukes as Clonorchis sinensis and the similar genus Opisthorchus felineus and O. viverrini are considered oncogenic as causing cholangiocarcinoma in about ten percent of cases where millions are infected in southeast Asia and Europe being endemic there and mostly asymptomatic but require treatment. Klatskin tumour is bile duct bifucational area carcinoma affection that is almost unique for these infections which comes by eating raw or undercooked fish and crabs. There has been strong evidence that both types of liver flukes are present in Egypt and Middle East being endemic since the snail first intermediate hosts is so many fresh water snails and risks are also, still similarly, to millions of humans, who require treatment to halt progression of disease in asymptomatic cases. This review aimed to clarify those types of flukes for health care workers and the public for better diagnosis, prevention and control, Also, to describe the main traits of C. sinensis and O. viverrini, their molecular biology and core carcinogenic mechanisms in a contrast pattern.

A new species of Aethiopella Handschin, 1942 (Collembola, Poduromorpha, Neanuridae) from Neotropical Region, with comments on the genus

Aethiopella Handschin, 1942 as other Pseudachorutinae (Neanuridae) presents a diagnosis with overlapping characters when compared to other similar genera, especially Halachorutes Arlé, 1966, Ceratrimeria Börner, 1906 and Pseudachorutes Tullberg, 1871. This condition, combined to several gaps on the knowledge of described species and a wide range of morphological differences within the genus, reinforces the need of its revision, since it can be an artificial group. In spite of that, a new species, Aethiopella ricardoi sp. nov., is described and illustrated. It resembles the other five Neotropical taxa of Aethiopella but is unique by the combination of fourth antennal segment with trilobed apical bulb and 7 dorsal sensilla, lack of dorsolateral S-microchaeta (ms); postantennal organ with 13-19 vesicles; mandibles with 7-8 teeth; maxillae apically hooked; and tibiotarsi I-III with 19/19/18 chaetae, respectively, with M chaeta slightly basally displaced. We also present an updated diagnosis of Aethiopella based on current knowledge of Pseudachorutinae, a table comparing all species, a key to Neotropical taxa and remarks on the genus.

Fruit morphology, anatomy and relationships of the type species of Mastixicarpum and Eomastixia (Cornales) from the late Eocene of Hordle, southern England

Abstract The Mastixiaceae (Cornales) were more widespread and diverse in the Cenozoic than they are today. The fossil record includes fruits of both extant genera, Mastixia and Diplopanax, as well as several extinct genera. Two of the fossil genera, Eomastixia and Mastixicarpum, are prominent in the palaeobotanical literature, but concepts of their delimitation have varied with different authors. These genera, both based on species described 93 years ago by Marjorie Chandler from the late Eocene (Priabonian) Totland Bay Member of the Headon Hill Formation at Hordle, England, are nomenclaturally fundamental, because they were the first of a series of fossil mastixioid genera published from the European Cenozoic. In order to better understand the type species of Eomastixia and Mastixicarpum, we studied type specimens and topotypic material using x-ray tomography and scanning electron microscopy to supplement traditional methods of analysis, to improve our understanding of the morphology and anatomy of these fossils. Following comparisons with other fossil and modern taxa, we retain Mastixicarpum crassum Chandler rather than transferring it to the similar extant genus Diplopanax, and we retain Eomastixia bilocularis Chandler [=Eomastixia rugosa (Zenker) Chandler] and corroborate earlier conclusions that this species represents an extinct genus that is more closely related to Mastixia than to Diplopanax.

The exine ultrastructure of Pretricolpipollenites bharadwajii from the Permian of Jordan

Dispersed trisulcate pollen grains of Pretricolpipollenites bharadwajii from the ?latest Permian of Jordan were studied with light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The three sulci are located on the disal side. The median sulcus is usually longer, wider than the other two sulci, and has rounded aperture ends. The exine sculpturing and aperture membrane are scabrate. The ectexine includes a thick tectum, granular infratectum, and thin foot layer. The endexine is lamellate. A comparison with the closest similar genus Eucommiidites suggests overlapping characters; though the position of the three sulci on the distal side in Pretricolpipollenites bharadwajii and sulci on different sides in Eucommiidites indicates a possible distinguishing feature. Studies of exine ultrastructure of the other two Pretricolpipollenites species are needed to support or discard the distinction of Pretricolpipollenites and Eucommiidites.

Notes on some corydiid species from China, with the description of a new genus (Blattodea: Corydioidea: Corydiidae)

SummaryThis article presents the diversity of cockroach family Corydiidae from China. Epipolyphaga wukong Qiu, Che et Wang, n. gen., n. sp., is described. Habitus and detailed characters of the new taxa are illustrated. A comparison between the new genus and the morphologically similar genus Eupolyphaga Chopard is given. The genus Tivia Walker and the species Eucorydia westwoodi (Gerstaecker) are newly recorded from China. The Corydioidea chapter in Cockroaches of Southeastern China by Liu et al. is revised. A key to genera and a checklist of Chinese Corydiidae are provided.

Myledaphus araucanus sp. nov. (Batomorphi, Rajiformes incertae sedis), a new Late Cretaceous ray from the austral Pacific, and first occurrence of the genus in the Southern Hemisphere

Isolated ray teeth have been frequently recorded in several Maastrichtian units of the Arauco Basin of central Chile. Up to now, the taxonomy of these specimens were broadly discussed, however, their historical taxonomic determinations lack good support. This contribution provides new evidence regarding the taxonomy, paleobiogeography and chronostratigraphic distribution of this material. For the first time, a partially articulated dental pavement is presented here. Histological analysis indicates affinities to Rajiformes, while morphologic features reveal affinities to the genus Myledaphus. The differences justify the erection of a new species, Myledaphus araucanus sp. nov. Myledaphus occurs in central Chile, being documented in three localities, with a widespread distribution along the Arauco Basin, ranging the lower Maastrichtian to the upper Maastrichtian, and having a latitudinal range between 33°21′ to 36°45′S. The presence of this genus in the southeastern Pacific during the Maastrichtian contrasts with the morphologically similar genus Hypolophodon previously documented from the Maastrichtian–Paleocene of the southwestern Atlantic. Such segregation between both oceans of southern South America suggests different biogeographic patterns for the marine fauna, reinforcing previous faunal segregations already observed among marine reptiles.

Platyparadonus, a New Circum-Caribbean Genus of Sand-Associated Negastriinae (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Platyparadonus, new genus is described for two new species, Platyparadonus marleyi, new species from the Greater Antilles (Jamaica, Cuba, St. John), and Platyparadonus beckeri, new species from coastal Colombia. The genus morphology is described and illustrated in detail. The genus is compared to similar genera within the subfamily Negastriinae, and it is integrated into an existing generic key. A key to species of the new genus is provided. For each new species, detailed discussions about the collectors, their field notes, and habitat are provided.

Afromuelleria, a new genus of Trachyphloeini from Limpopo, with descriptions of four new species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)

A new genus, Afromuelleria gen. n., assigned to the tribe Trachyphloeini Lacordaire, 1863, is described for four South African species of weevils: A. awelani sp. n., A. baobab sp. n., A. limpopo sp. n. and A. venda sp. n. All species are illustrated and keyed. Taxonomic status of the new genus is discussed and compared with similar genera of Trachyphloeini and Embrithini Marshall, 1942.

Sulawesimetopus henryi, a new genus and species of Isometopinae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae) from Sulawesi

A new genus and species, Sulawesimetopushenryi Herczek, Gorczyca & Taszakowski, sp. n., are described from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photographs of the male and female habitus and male genitalia are presented and a short comparison with morphologically similar genera is drawn.

Ceratophila, a new genus of erotylid beetles (Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) inhabiting male cones of the cycad Ceratozamia (Cycadales: Zamiaceae).

Ceratophila new genus (Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) inhabiting male cones of the Mesoamerican cycad genus Ceratozamia Brongniart (Zamiaceae) is described for seven new species and compared to other genera of the Pharaxonothinae. Ceratophila differs from other genera of the Pharaxonothinae in many characters, most notable of which are: lateral pronotal carina thicker anteriorly in lateral view; head with supraocular and transverse occipital lines; elytra lacking a basal bead; and stridulatory files at base of head narrowly separated. Ceratophila has the male genitalia laterally compressed with a short median lobe and flagellum, similar to other Erotylidae. In comparison, the most superficially similar pharaxonothine genus Pharaxonotha Reitter has: lateral pronotal carina thin along entire length; head lacking supraocular lines, but with transverse occipital lines; elytra with distinct basal bead; stridulatory files at base of head widely separated; and unique male genitalia that are dorsoventrally flattened with a long median lobe and flagellum. Ceratophila contains two subgenera, which differ most notably in external characters and sexual dimorphism. Members of Ceratophila (Ceratophila), the nominal subgenus, have: more cylindrical bodies, pronotum evenly convex dorsally; the pronotum lacking basal longitudinal grooves on disc; metatibiae that are distinctly triangularly dilated toward apex; and no apparent external sexual dimorphism. In comparison, members of Ceratophila (Vovidesa) new subgenus have: dorsoventrally flattened bodies; the pronotum explanate (concave) along lateral margins; the pronotum with basal longitudinal grooves on disc; metatibiae weakly or not dilated toward apex; and with all tibiae in males showing strong sexual dimorphism. Four new species are described within the subgenus Ceratophila: C. (C.) chemnicki, C. (C.) gregoryi, C. (C.) picipennis, C. (C.) sanchezae; and three new species are described within the subgenus Vovidesa: C. (V.) chiapensis, C. (V.) mixeorum, C. (V.) vazquezi. Keys to genera, subgenera and species of known adults based on morphology are provided.

Notes on the taxonomy of poorly known Gryllacrididae (Stenopelmatoidea) from Brunei Darussalam, Borneo.

Gryllacrididae, or raspy crickets, belong to the monophyletic clade Stenopelmatoidea, and have complex taxonomy. Many genera require revision, including the ones from Southeast Asia. Orthopteran surveys in Kuala Belalong, Brunei Darussalam, Borneo led to the discovery of a new species of apterous gryllacridid from Brunei Darussalam: Melaneremus? bellus sp. nov. We also redescribe Phlebogryllacris venosa (Walker, 1869) and provide images of this species of both live and preserved specimens. In the process of describing, specimens from morphologically similar genera were also examined. We provide some notes on these genera to aid future taxonomic studies.

Redescription of the genus Koumansetta (Teleostei: Gobiidae), with description of a new species from the Red Sea.

The gobiid genus Koumansetta Whitley, placed in synonymy by some authors with the similar genus Amblygobius Bleeker, is redescribed and its validity based on an integrated morphological and molecular assessment is confirmed. The following characters have been found that distinguish Koumansetta from any of 15 recognized valid species of Amblygobius: oculoscapular transverse rows trp and tra long, extending dorsally well above level of rows x1 and x2; snout pointed, prominent, longer than eye diameter, with gently sloping dorsal profile, overhanging mouth; mouth subterminal; the upper limb of first gill arch with 1-2 slender, weak and soft gill rakers anteriorly, followed by 1-5 short, also soft, broad structures; first two dorsal-fin spines elongate, remaining spines progressively shorter; pelvic frenum absent; body brown to brown-green in upper and lateral sides with narrow yellow or orange longitudinal stripes on body and head, black ocellated spot on the second dorsal fin, and another black spot dorsoposteriorly on caudal peduncle. The following three species are assigned to Koumansetta: K. rainfordi Whitley, the type species of the genus, known from the western Pacific Ocean; K. hectori (Smith), the most widespread species, known from islands of the western Indian Ocean to Micronesia and Fiji; and a new species, restricted to the Red Sea and the inner Gulf of Aden. Koumansetta hoesei sp. nov. has formerly been confused with similar K. hectori, but differs in various details of coloration, and in some morphological characters. Moreover, K. hoesei sp. nov. is evolutionary well divergent from K. rainfordi and K. hectori, its closest relative, as shown by phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial COI barcoding region. In addition to the description of the new species, brief species accounts are provided for K. hectori and K. rainfordi, and a key to the three species.

Phylogeny of some Devonian trilobites and consequences for the systematics of Austerops (Phacopidae)

A comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for Devonian phacopid trilobites of the genus Austerops has not previously been proposed. We carried out a cladistic analysis of the 13 species and subspecies assigned to Austerops, based on a data matrix of 63 characters. Two species of the morphologically very similar genus Chotecops, C. auspex and C. hoseri, and seven other close relatives (Reedops cephalotes hamlagdadianus, Boeckops stelcki, Morocops granulops, Paciphacops logani, Phacops latifrons, Phacops araw and Pedinopariops (Hypsipariops) vagabundus) were also included in the analysis in order to test their relationship with species of Austerops. Parsimony analyses using a heuristic method, with Calyptaulax callirachis and C. glabella as outgroup taxa, produced two most parsimonious trees of 341 steps. These trees are partly consistent with trees obtained from additional analyses performed with modified data sets (deletion of homoplastic characters, multistate characters, continuous characters carved into 5% increments, thoracic and pygidial characters, or taxa with numerous unknown characters). Results suggest that Austerops sp. B and A.? sp. D are close to Chotecops hoseri and C. auspex, and that these species constitute a monophyletic group. Austerops Austerops menchikoffi, A. speculator and A. punctatus are also a monophyletic group and reasonably constitute a sister group of that formed by the rest of Austerops and Chotecops sensu lato, while A. hottonensis seems phylogenetically distant from other representatives of Austerops. Chotecops including C. hoseri and C. auspex together with Austerops sp. B and A.? sp. D seem derived from A. legrandi. The relationship between Austerops and Chotecops remains partly unresolved but it seems likely that their recognition as separate taxa results in paraphyletic groups. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that the currently poorly known Austerops sp. B and A.? sp. D should be reassigned to Chotecops.

A re-evaluation of Neotropical Junghuhnia s.lat. (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) based on morphological and multigene analyses.

Junghuhnia is a genus of polypores traditionally characterised by a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and presence of encrusted skeletocystidia. However, recent molecular studies revealed that Junghuhnia is polyphyletic and most of the species cluster with Steccherinum, a morphologically similar genus separated only by a hydnoid hymenophore. In the Neotropics, very little is known about the evolutionary relationships of Junghuhnia s.lat. taxa and very few species have been included in molecular studies. In order to test the proper phylogenetic placement of Neotropical species of this group, morphological and molecular analyses were carried out. Specimens were collected in Brazil and used for DNA sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer and the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene, the translation elongation factor 1-α gene, and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II gene. Herbarium collections, including type specimens, were studied for morphological comparison and to confirm the identity of collections. The molecular data obtained revealed that the studied species are placed in three different genera. Specimens of Junghuhnia carneola represent two distinct species that group in a lineage within the phlebioid clade, separated from Junghuhnia and Steccherinum, which belong to the residual polyporoid clade. Therefore, the new genus Geesterania is proposed including two species, G. carneola comb. nov. and G. davidii sp. nov. Neotropical specimens identified as Junghuhnia nitida represent a different lineage from the European species and are described as Steccherinum neonitidum sp. nov. In addition, the new combinations Steccherinum meridionale, Steccherinum polycystidiferum and Steccherinum undigerum, as well as the new name Flaviporus tenuis, are proposed.

A new Panchaetothripinae genus and species, also a newly recorded genus, from Southwestern China (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).

Araliacothrips daweishanensis gen. et sp.n. is described from Southwestern China in the Thripidae, Panchaetothripinae. In the form of the pronotum and fore wing, and the sculpture on the tergites, this species resembles species of Helionothrips. It is referred to a new genus because the metathoracic endofurca is simple and transverse, the head has cheeks parallel but constricted behind eyes without an occipital apodeme or collar, and tergites III-VIII have a pair of sub-median curved or sigmoid setae. A morphologically similar genus, Aoratothrips, is recorded from China for the first time.

Camcarabodes korupensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (Acari, Oribatida, Carabodidae) from Cameroon

A new oribatid mite genus of the family Сarabodidae, Camcarabodes gen. nov., with type species Camcarabodes korupensis sp. nov., is proposed and described from Cameroon. It differs from the similar genera Carabodella Mahunka, 1986, Hardybodes Balogh, 1970, Odontocepheus Berlese, 1913 and Sagittabodes Balogh & Mahunka, 1966 by the clearly depressed posterior half of the notogaster and some additional selective morphological traits (morphology of basal part of prodorsum and anterior half of notogaster; number and localization of notogastral setae; localization of interlamellar setae).

Two new genera of Cantharidae from Burmese amber of the Hukawng Valley (Insecta, Coleoptera)

In the present paper two new genera and three new species of fossil Cantharidae from Burmese amber are described and figured: Burmomiles gen. nov., Sanaungulus gen. nov., and Burmomiles willerslevorum sp. nov., Sanaungulus curtipennis sp. nov., Sanaungulus ghitaenoerbyae sp. nov. The new genera present characteristic features as pectinate antennae with only three, four, or seven central antennomeres with long antennal processes (in the antennomeres IV–VI or IV–VII in Sanaungulus and in the antennomeres III–IX in Burmomiles), unknown until now in the fossil record. Sanaungulus gen. nov. differs from Burmomiles gen. nov. by possessing shorter elytra, smaller size, longer legs, and different pronotal shape. The new genera described herein, which are assumed to have vesicles for chemical defense, further differs from the similar genus Ornatomalthinus Poinar et Fanti, 2016 by possessing different elytral sculpture and pectinate antennae instead of filiform.

Biometric study of Planorbulina (Foraminiferida) from the Late Eocene-early Oligocene of Portella Colla (Madonie Mountains, Sicily)

A biometric study was carried out on planorbulinids occurring in eight samples from the upper Eocene-Lower Oligocene sediments of the Caltavuturo Formation cropping out at Portella Colla (Sicily, southern Italy). Counts and measurements on internal characters follow the methods currently employed for the similar genera Planorbulinella and Planolinderina such as the length of the initial spiral and the embryo size. The data obtained from the oriented thin sections allow to assign the late Eocene specimens to Planorbulina bronnimanni, whereas Oligocene specimens show larger embryonic apparatus, but the low amount of measured individuals prevents at present the definition of a new chronospecies. The well-known evolutionary trends of embryonic and nepionic accelerations, documented for the fossil Planorbulinella, seem not to be recognizable for Planorbulina.

Molecular phylogeny of Plagiothecium and similar hypnalean mosses, with a revised sectional classification of Plagiothecium.

We investigated the systematic relationships within the pleurocarpous moss genus Plagiothecium, based on cladistic analyses of sequence data from one nuclear (ITS) and two plastid (trnK-psbA (matK) and rpl16 intron) DNA regions for 110 specimens of Plagiothecium and similar hypnalean mosses. Plastid and nuclear trees were mostly similar, but differed in the placement of several species of Plagiothecium, and in the relationships among other genera. The phylogenetic hypotheses based on plastid markers were well resolved; in contrast, nuclear data were insufficient to resolve some of the lowest-level relationships within the genus. In the main Plagiothecium is natural, includes more taxa than are often recognized, and is most closely related to Isopterygiopsis and Herzogiella. Nine sections are recognized within Plagiothecium, four new: SectionPseudo-Neckera to accommodate P.neckeroideum and its allies, SectionOrtholimnobium for P.handelii and P.paleaceum, SectionStruckia for P.argentatum and P.enerve, and SectionRectithecium for P.piliferum. The geographical distribution of the sections suggests that Plagiothecium originated in Asia. The derived, mainly autoicous sections Plagiothecium and Leptophyllum may have spread to the Southern Hemisphere through long distance dispersal. Three new species in section Leptophyllum (P.funale, P.pacificum and P.rhizolucidum) and two new taxa in section Pseudo-Neckera (P.decoratum and P.neckeroideum fo. exile) are described. A limited phylogenetic hypothesis for the superficially similar hypnalean genus Taxiphyllum, which was used as outgroup, is included. A related genus (Longiella) is described, with a single species (L.plagiothecioides). The aquarium species T.barbieri is transferred to Ectropothecium.