Species Subgroups Research Articles

Correlation between chemical composition and antibacterial activity of some Lamiaceae species essential oils from Tunisia

BackgroundLamiaceae family is one of the most diverse and common plant families in terms of ethnomedicine due to their potential therapeutic effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the chemical composition and the antibacterial effect of five essential oils from this family against five reference bacterial strains responsible of nosocomial diseases and foodborne illnesses.MethodsThe commercial essential oils of Tunisian Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus capitatus, Origanum majorana and Salvia officinalis were analyzed by GC/FID and GC-MS. Essential oils were evaluated for their antibacterial activities by disc diffusion and microbroth dilution methods against five reference bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zone diameter values and the twenty major compounds of the selected essential oils were subjected to PCA and HCA analysis.ResultsAnalysis by GC/FID and GC/MS allowed the identification of ninety-one components representing 96.0 to 98.2% of the total oils. The different component contents varied according to the species. The main components were carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, α-thujone, α-terpineol and α-pinene. The PCA and the HCA of the selected essential oil components and the inhibition zone diameter (IZD) values identified four species groups and subgroups. Each essential oils group constituted a chemotype responsible for their bacterial inhibition ability. Thymus capitatus essential oil showed the strongest antibacterial activity with MBC ranging from 0.73 to 2.94 mg mL− 1.ConclusionRosmarinus officinalis, Thymus capitatus, Origanum majorana and Salvia officinalis essential oils have shown promising antibacterial activities against reference bacterial strains responsible for nosocomial diseases and foodborne illnesses.

Leptus Latreille (Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae) of the world: revised classification and keys

The genus Leptus (larvae) is revised based on type specimens and other specimens from species and locations worldwide. A total of 220 species were identified and divided into 8 morpho-groups, and 40 subgroups of species; the following synonymies were also made: Leptus (Leptus) eslamizadehi as a junior synonym of L. (L.) trimaculatus, L. (L.) ilzae as a junior synonym of L. (L.) kyushuensis, L. (L.) laplandicus as a junior synonym of L. (L.) clethrionomydis, L. (L.) alopecurus as a junior synonym of L. (L.) alvimordax, L. (L.) annikae as a junior synonym of L. (L.) cercopius, L. (L.) welbourni as a junior synonym of L. (L.) ghiradellae, L. (L.) laviniacus as a junior synonym of L. (L.) agenori, L. (L.) machilidis as a junior synonym of L. (L.) albertensis, L. (L.) gyas as a junior synonym of L. (L.) meloidarum, L. (L.) coloanensis as a junior synonym of L. (L.) astrubali, and L. (L.) sidorchukae as a junior synonym of L. (L.) maldonadoicus. In addition, tibial and tarsal chaetotactic maps are shown, leg chaetotaxy is discussed, and keys to species groups, subgroups, and species are included. We amended and provided new morphological data for 109 species.

P2754Streptococcal infective endocarditis: distribution of species and their prognosis

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is frequently caused by streptococcal species. However, there is limited knowledge about the relationship between different streptococcal species and IE, and their associated outcomes. Purpose To examine the prevalence of streptococci at species level in IE, and to relate these different species to outcomes. Methods From 2002–2012 we prospectively collected consecutive patients with IE admitted to two tertiary heart centres covering a catchment area of 2.4 million people. The registry comprises 915 IE patients, 366 (40%) with streptococcal IE. Based on phylogenetic relationship, streptococcal species were classified into seven main groups: Mitis, Bovis, Mutans, Anginosus, Salivarius, Pyogenic and Nutritionally Variant Streptococcus (NVS). Classification at species level was not possible in 51 patients, who were excluded. Complications and prognosis of streptococcal IE were compared between the subgroups, and at species level. Results We included 315 patients with streptococcal IE. Mean age was 63 (IQR 52–76) years, and most were men (67%). A total of 115 patients (37%) had a previous heart valve disease, 58 (18%) had a prosthetic valve, 22 (7%) had previously had IE and 29 (9%) had a cardiac electronic device. With 148 episodes (47%) the Mitis group was the most common cause of IE. Other frequent groups were the Pyogenic group and the Bovis group, accounting for 66 (21%) and 51 (16%) of the cases, respectively. Surgery was carried out in 55% (n=173) of all cases. Patients infected with S. pneumoniae or S. agalactiae had a significantly higher rate of surgery, 72.2% (n=13) and 71.9% (n=23) respectively, whereas the Bovis group had a significantly lower rate, 35.5% (n=18) (p=0.048). The aortic valve was infected in 137 patients (43.5%), mitral valve in 105 patients (33.3%) and both valves were infected in 53 patients (16.8%). Twenty patients (6.3%) had right-sided IE, including pacemaker lead IE. There was no significant difference between the species subgroups regarding type of infected valve. Embolization and osteitis were observed in 76 (24.1%) and 30 (9.5%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference between the species groups, as was the case with mortality: 23 patients (7.3%) died in-hospital and the one-year mortality was 16% (n=50). Distribution of streptococcal IE Conclusion Species of the Mitis group were the most frequent Streptococci causing IE. Patients infected with S. pneumonia or S. agalactiae had significantly higher rate of surgery, and patients infected with S. bovis group had lower rate of surgery. There was no significant difference in rate of complications such as abscesses, embolization, osteitis or mortality between the streptococcal species. Acknowledgement/Funding Supported by grants from Herlev-Gentofte University Hospital Research Foundation

Opsarius putaoensis, a new species of subfamily Danioninae (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) from the Irrawaddy River basin in northern Myanmar.

Opsarius putaoensis, new species, is described from the Mali Hka River, a tributary of the Irrawaddy River in northern Myanmar. For convenience of identification, Opsarius sensu Rainboth (1991) in Southeast Asia and India can be divided into two species groups based on the number of anal-fin rays: (1) the O. gatensis species group with more than 12 branched anal-fin rays, and (2) the O. barna species group with fewer than 11 branched anal-fin rays. The remaining species of the O. barna species group can be divided into two species subgroups by the presence or absence of barbels: (1) the O. chatricensis species subgroup without barbels, and (2) the O. barnoides species subgroup with one or two pairs of barbels. Opsarius putaoensis sp. nov. is a member of the O. chatricensis species subgroup together with O. chatricensis, O. arunachalensis, and O. barna. Opsarius putaoensis is most similar to O. chatricensis in overall appearance, including the number of vertical bars and color pattern, but it differs from O. chatricensis by the following characters: insertion of dorsal not reaching posterior end of pelvic fin base vs. reaching, vertical bars 6-7 vs. 7-8, vertical bars extending to the lateral line vs. not, branched anal-fin rays 9 vs. 10, branched pelvic-fin rays 7 vs. 8, branched pectoral-fin rays 12, rarely 11 vs. 11, circumpeduncular scales 12 vs. 14, and scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line 7-8 vs. 6. It is distinguished from all other species of the genus Opsarius by a combination of the following characters: barbels absent, dentary with parallel rows of tubercles, snout much shorter than eye diameter, mouth gape below anterior edge of orbit, body deep with depth 25.6-33.3% SL, pectoral and pelvic axial scales lobate, lateral line completely perforated with 35-38 scales, scale rows between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line 7-8, predorsal scales 15, circumpeduncular scales 12, branched dorsal-fin rays 7, branched anal-fin rays 9, branched pelvic-fin rays 7, insertion of dorsal not reaching pelvic-fin base, body with 6-7 vertical bars, extending to lateral line, and distal edge of dorsal fin black.

Diameter Increment Modeling in an Araucaria Forest Fragment Using Cluster Analysis

ABSTRACT The aims of the present study were to test the hypothesis that data stratification by cluster analysis and the use of other variables, in addition to DBH, can improve the precision of the estimates in diametric increment modeling for Mixed Ombrophilous Forest species. The study was carried out in the Irati National Forest. Data from 25 permanent sample plots of 1 ha each were used with all individuals presenting DBH equal to or greater than 10 cm being identified and measured. The increment modeling was performed for the whole forest (non-stratified data), ecological groups and species subgroups (stratified data) defined by cluster analysis. DBH presented a low correlation with the diametric increment and the use of other independent variables had a positive effect on the fitting, reducing the standard error of estimate and increasing the coefficient of determination. The data stratification did not make the models suitable to estimate the diametric increment; however, it provided improvements by reducing the standard error of estimate, suggesting that this technique can be better applied in the search for improvements to diametric modeling in natural forests.

Review of geometrid moths of the Xanthorhoe incursata (Hübner, 1813 [“1796”]) group (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Larentiinae) from the Asian part of Russia, with description of a new species

The species of the genus Xanthorhoe (Hubner, 1813 [“1796”]) of the incursata group from the Asian part of Russia are considered: X. pseudoannotinata Vasilenko, 2007, X. uralensis Choi, 2003, X. elenae Vasilenko sp. n., X. sajanaria (Prout, 1914), and X. derzhavini (Djakonov, 1931). The species status of X. pseudoannotinata stat. resurr. is restored. The taxon X. sajanaria djakonovi Vasilenko, 1995 is synonymized with the nominative subspecies X. sajanaria sajanaria (Prout, 1914). The scope and diagnosis of the subspecies X. derzhavini jakuta Vasilenko, 1995 are reconsidered. The diagnostic features of and an identification key to the species based on the male and female genitalia are given. Peculiarities of the distribution and biology of the Palaearctic species are reviewed. Morphological species subgroups within this group and the probable centers of the origin of species are discussed.

Predicting tree-seedling height distributions using subcontinental-scale forest inventory data

The importance of tree seedlings in determining future stand composition and structure is well-documented in forestry literature. When planned or unanticipated overstory removal events occur, subsequent regeneration success is often linked to the number of seedlings and their height distribution. Yet, in most forest inventories, only counts of seedlings are obtained as it is too time-consuming to measure individual seedlings. To better understand the expected height distribution, models were developed to predict Weibull distribution parameters based on seedling abundance information and stand/site characteristics. A number of these characteristics were found to be statistically significant predictors of the distribution parameters; however, a more parsimonious model using stand basal area, stand age, number of seedlings, and latitude provided essentially the same fit statistics. Models were fitted for all species and for selected species subgroups, but there was generally insufficient data at this time to develop species-level analyses.

Description of two new species of the Neoperla montivaga group (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.

The following two new species from Shiwandashan of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China are described, Neoperla bicolor Yang, Zhang & Li, sp. nov. and N. muranyii Yang, Zhang & Li, sp. nov. The new species are compared with related congeners of their respective species subgroups.

Contrasting changes in the abundance and diversity of North American bird assemblages from 1971 to 2010.

Although it is generally recognized that global biodiversity is declining, few studies have examined long-term changes in multiple biodiversity dimensions simultaneously. In this study, we quantified and compared temporal changes in the abundance, taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and phylogenetic diversity of bird assemblages, using roadside monitoring data of the North American Breeding Bird Survey from 1971 to 2010. We calculated 12 abundance and diversity metrics based on 5-year average abundances of 519 species for each of 768 monitoring routes. We did this for all bird species together as well as for four subgroups based on breeding habitat affinity (grassland, woodland, wetland, and shrubland breeders). The majority of the biodiversity metrics increased or remained constant over the study period, whereas the overall abundance of birds showed a pronounced decrease, primarily driven by declines of the most abundant species. These results highlight how stable or even increasing metrics of taxonomic, functional, or phylogenetic diversity may occur in parallel with substantial losses of individuals. We further found that patterns of change differed among the species subgroups, with both abundance and diversity increasing for woodland birds and decreasing for grassland breeders. The contrasting changes between abundance and diversity and among the breeding habitat groups underscore the relevance of a multifaceted approach to measuring biodiversity change. Our findings further stress the importance of monitoring the overall abundance of individuals in addition to metrics of taxonomic, functional, or phylogenetic diversity, thus confirming the importance of population abundance as an essential biodiversity variable.

Taxonomic Revision of the Obligate Plant-Ants of the Genus Crematogaster Lund (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae), Associated with Macaranga Thouars (Euphorbiaceae) on Borneo and the Malay Peninsula

The taxonomy and natural history of ants of the genus Crematogaster Lund, 1831 (Crematogaster borneensis-group of the former subgenus Decacrema) obligately associated with myrmecophytic host-plants of the euphorb genus Macaranga are reviewed. Within this group of ants Crematogaster borneensis André, 1896 (with five subspecies and four varieties), Crematogaster captiosa Forel, 1910 as well as Crematogaster decamera Forel, 1910 have previously been described from SE Asia. Here we synonymise C. borneensis subsp. capax Forel, 1911, C. borneensis subsp. hosei Forel, 1911, C. borneensis subsp. sembilana Forel, 1911, and C. borneensis var. macarangae Viehmeyer, 1916 with C. borneensis André, 1896. Crematogaster borneensis var. harpyia Forel, 1911, C. borneensis var. insulsa Forel, 1911, C. borneensis subsp. symbia Forel, 1911, and C. borneensis subsp. novem Forel, 1911 are synonymised with C. captiosa Forel, 1910. In addition we describe five new species: C. claudiae sp. nov., C. hullettii sp. nov., C. linsenmairi sp. nov., C. maryatii sp. nov., and C. roslihashimi sp. nov.. Seven of these eight species are placed into two informal species subgroups based on queen morphology, life-history characters and a formerly published molecular phylogeny. Keys are provided for the identification of queens and workers, as well as natural history information on the eight ant species. The morphology of these Macaranga-associated Crematogaster (formerly Decacrema) species is compared to the only other three species described for this former subgenus in SE Asia, i.e. C. angulosa André, 1896, C. biformis André, 1892 and C. cephalotes Smith, 1857.

Tachysphex austriacus Kohl, 1892 and T. pompiliformis (Panzer, 1804) (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) are a complex of fourteen species in Europe and Turkey.

Tachysphex pompiliformis (Panzer, 1804) and Tachysphex austriacus Kohl, 1892 species subgroups belong to the Tachysphex pompiliformis species group, and both subgroups consist of morphologically similar species. The Tachysphex austriacus Kohl species subgroup comprises four species in Europe and Turkey. For this subgroup, differential diagnoses of Tachysphex austriacus and Tachysphex prismaticus Straka, 2005 are presented, and Tachysphex hungaricus sp. n. from Hungary and Tachysphex smissenae sp. n. from Spain, France and Turkey are described. The Tachysphex pompiliformis species subgroup consists of ten species from Europe and Turkey. For this subgroup, differential diagnoses of Tachysphex ferrugineus Pulawski, 1967 and Tachysphex opacus F. Morawitz, 1893, as well as the differential diagnosis and redescription of Tachysphex pompiliformis, are presented. Tachysphex dimidiatus (Panzer, 1809), Tachysphex jokischianus (Panzer, 1809) and Tachysphex nigripennis (Spinola, 1808) are resurrected from synonymy with Tachysphex pompiliformis and redescribed. Neotypes of Tachysphex dimidiatus (Panzer) and Tachysphex nigripennis (Spinola) are designed. Tachysphex bohemicus sp. n. from the Czech Republic; Tachysphex cretensis sp. n. from Crete, Greece; Tachysphex nobilis sp. n. from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Turkey; and Tachysphex punctipleuris sp. n. from Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Turkey are described. Identification keys to all species from Tachysphex pompiliformis and Tachysphex austriacus species subgroups known from Europe and Turkey are presented.

Clustering methods differ in their ability to detect patterns in ecological networks

Summary Network ecology has been an extraordinarily fertile field of research over the last 20 years. Its ultimate goal is to understand how the complex systems of interdependent species assemble, function and evolve. Here, we aimed to help ecologists to select the best methods for detecting subgroups of highly interacting species (usually referred to as compartments or modules) in bipartite networks (e.g. plant–pollinator networks, host–parasite networks), because these subgroups may reveal the processes underlying the assembly of the network and may influence its stability. We simulated several thousand bipartite ecological networks and we compared seven methods of network clustering in terms of their ability to retrieve the number and the composition of species subgroups. Among the seven methods compared, we found that the edge‐betweenness algorithm was the best option for binary networks. The stochastic block model was the best method for weighted networks. Modularity maximization, the most popular clustering method in ecology, was among the three best methods in both cases. We thus provide ecology researchers with precise advice concerning the best choice of network clustering method, according to the type of data collected. We also provide the code for simulating bipartite networks and clustering them, in order to facilitate future methodological comparisons.

Up-scaling validation of a dummy regression approach for predictive modelling the fillet fatty acid composition of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The aim of the study was to validate a dummy regression approach for predictive modelling the fillet fatty acid (FA) composition of cultured European sea bass with dietary FA composition and lipid fillet content as independent variables. The model used our own data on gilthead sea bream as reference subgroup dataset and data from turbot, sole and European sea bass as dummy variables. Most of the observed variance within and among species was explained by the regression model without statistical significant interactions on blocks between diet composition and fish species subgroups. For the validation of European sea bass FA descriptors, predictive values derived from data on fish reared at laboratory scale were plotted against those obtained in farmed fish harvested at commercial size. A close linear association near to equality was found for 12 representative FAs, including saturated FAs, monoenenes and polyunsaturated FAs. This finding reinforces the possibility to produce tailored and healthy seafood products according to the guidelines of essential FA requirements in humans. FA algorithms for all the species in the model are hosted at www.nutrigroup-iats.org/aquafat as a multispecies tool to interrogate the nutritionally regulated FA composition of four cultured marine fish species of a high added value.

Phylogenetic classification of the Drosophilidae Rondani (Diptera): the role of morphology in the postgenomic era

Molecular sequences now overwhelm morphology in phylogenetic inference. Nonetheless, most molecular studies are conducted on a limited number of taxa, as DNA rarely can be analysed from old museum types or fossils. During the last 20 years, more than 150 molecular studies have challenged the current phylogenetic classification of the family Drosophilidae Rondani based on morphological characters. Most studies concerned a single genus, Drosophila Fallén, and included only few representative species from 17 out of the 78 genera of the family. Therefore, these molecular studies were unable to provide an alternative classification scheme. A supermatrix analysis of seven nuclear and one mitochondrial genes (8248 bp) for 33 genera was conducted using outgroups from one calyptrate and four ephydroid families. The Bayesian phylogeny was consistent with previous molecular studies including whole genome sequences and divided the Drosophilidae into four monophyletic clades. Morphological characters, mostly male genitalia, then were compared thoroughly between the four clades and homologous character states were identified. These states were then checked for 70 genera and a revised phylogenetic, family‐group classification for the Drosophilidae is proposed. Two genera –Cladochaeta Coquillett and Diathoneura Duda – of the tribe Cladochaetini Grimaldi are transferred to the family Ephydridae. The Drosophilidae is divided into two subfamilies: Steganinae Hendel (30 genera) and Drosophilinae Rondani (43 genera). A further two genera, Apacrochaeta Duda and Sphyrnoceps de Meijere, are incertae sedis, and Palmophila Grimaldi, is synonymized with Drosophilasyn.n. The Drosophilinae is subdivided into two tribes: the re‐elevated Colocasiomyini Okada (nine genera) and Drosophilini Okada. The paraphyly of the genus Drosophila was not resolved to avoid affecting the binomina of important laboratory model species; however, its subgeneric classification was revised in light of molecular and morphological data. Three subgenera, namely Chusqueophila Brncic, Phloridosa Sturtevant and Psilodorha Okada, were synonymized with the subgenus Drosophila (Drosophila) Fallén syns.n. Among the 45 species groups and 5 species complexes of Drosophila (Drosophila), 22 groups and 1 complex were transferred to the subgenus Drosophila (Siphlodora) Patterson & Mainland and 6 groups, 2 species subgroups and 3 complexes are considered incertae sedis within the genus Drosophila. Different morphological characters provide different signals at different phylogenetic scales: thoracic characters (wing venation and presternal shape) discriminate families; grasping and erection‐related characters discriminate subfamilies to tribes; whereas phallic paraphyses, i.e. auxiliary intromittent organs, discriminate genera and Drosophila subgenera. The study shows the necessity of analysing morphological characters within a molecular phylogenetic framework to translate molecular phylogenies into taxonomically‐comprehensive classifications.

Variable initiators of group departure in a cooperative breeder: the influence of sex, age, state and foraging success

For animal species that forage as cohesive units, communal decisions about when to forage and where to go are necessary to maintain group cohesion. While in some species particular individuals or subgroups emerge as consistent initiators of movement decisions, in others, many different individuals initiate coordinated group movements. Theoretical models and some empirical studies suggest that an animal's nutritional need may explain variable leadership. We investigated what individual characteristics influence the likelihood of initiating group departure in the cooperatively breeding banded mongoose, Mungos mungo. We found that initiation of group departure was highly variable, and not influenced by sex or age of individuals. However, during periods of synchronized breeding, lactating females initiated group departure more often than expected by chance. Experiments to test whether nutritional constraints explained leadership roles revealed that the initiators of group departure were deprived individuals. This suggests that low energetic reserves caused by low foraging success can have an influence on the individuals' likelihood of acting as initiators. However, analysis of weight data showed that initiators had neither a lower body weight than when not initiating nor a more negative weight change than other group members. These findings indicate that besides short-term foraging success, other factors such as high energetic demands during periods of lactation, asymmetries in foraging abilities or investment in cooperative activities between individuals also determine leadership. We conclude that while nutritional constraints can influence initiation of group departure, various effects of individual differences may equally affect leadership roles.

Phylogeny of mosquitoes of tribe Culicini (Diptera: Culicidae) based on morphological diversity

Harbach, R. E., Kitching, I. J., Culverwell, C. L., Dubois, J. & Linton, Y.‐M. (2012). Phylogeny of mosquitoes of tribe Culicini (Diptera: Culicidae) based on morphological diversity. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 499–514.Relationships among taxa of the mosquito tribe Culicini are explored using 169 morphological characters from 86 exemplar species representing the four genera and 26 subgenera of Culicini, most species groups and subgroups of subgenus Culex and an outgroup of five species from five other tribes. We analysed the data set, with multistate characters treated as unordered, under implied weights with values of K ranging from 1 to 20, implemented by TNT. Each analysis, except K = 4, produced a single most parsimonious (fittest) cladogram (MPC). The topology of the ingroup was identical for K = 6–11, whereas the MPCs for K = 14–20 differed only in the position of a single species, which occupied the same position in the K = 16 and K = 6–11 topologies. The K = 9 and K = 16 trees were given further consideration. In both these cladograms, Lutzia is sister to a clade comprising genera Culex, Deinocerites and Galindomyia. The two topologies have 13 clades in common, but their arrangements differ primarily because of Culex (Culex) duttoni acting as a ‘rogue’ taxon. We evaluated the effect of removing this species from the K = 9 and K = 16 analyses and chose the refined K = 9 topology as the best hypothesis of relationships within Culicini. Genus Culex is not monophyletic because it includes Deinocerites and Galindomyia as derived members of the New World subgenera. With the exception of subgenera Culex, Eumelanomyia and Neoculex, there is strong support for the monophyly of all genera and subgenera. Subgenus Culex would be monophyletic were four other subgenera included and three other taxa (the Afrotropical Cx. duttoni, Neotropical Cx. apicinus and the Australasian Atriceps Group) excluded.

Correlation between chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from fifteen Eucalyptus species growing in the Korbous and Jbel Abderrahman arboreta (North East Tunisia).

The essential oils of fifteen Eucalyptus species harvested from the Jbel Abderrahman and Korbous arboreta (North East Tunisia) were screened for their antibacterial activities by the agar disc diffusion method. Eighteen major components as identified by GC/FID and GC/MS were selected for a study of the chemical and biological activity variability. The main one was 1,8-cineole, followed by spathulenol, trans-pinocarveol, α-pinene, p-cymene, globulol, cryptone, β-phellandrene, viridiflorol, borneol, limonene and isospathulenol. The chemical principal component analysis identified five species groups and subgroups, where each group constituted a chemotype, however that of the values of zone diameter of the inhibition (zdi) identified six groups of Eucalyptus oils, characterized by their antibacterial inhibition ability. The strongest activity was shown by E. platypus oil against Enterococcus faecalis and by E. lamannii oil against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. A correlation between the levels of some major components and the antibacterial activities was observed.

Review of the native Hawaiian leafhopper genus Nesophrosyne (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with description of eight new species associated with Broussaisia arguta (Hydrangeaceae)

A review of the native Hawaiian leafhopper genus Nesophrosyne (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) is presented. Specimens were examined from across the entire Hawaiian Archipelago, Nesophrosyne is redescribed, and the subgenus Nesoreias is synonymized with Nesophrosyne. Eight new species associated with the widespread host plant species Broussaisia arguta are described: N. heopoko sp. n. from Kaua’i; N. makaihe sp. n. from O’ahu; N. magnaccai sp. n. from Moloka’i; N. broussaisiai sp. n., N. ogradyi sp. n., and N. kaupoi sp. n. from Maui; and, N. aakokohaikea sp. n. and N. kanawao sp. n. from Hawai’i Island. Morphological and molecular characters were employed to delineate new species. Populations associated with B. arguta on different islands, individual volcanic mountains, and discrete geographic areas represent reciprocally monophyletic species. A monophyletic complex of five sibling species, morphologically cryptic on individual islands, were identified from Maui and Hawai’i Island. The kanawao species group is erected for these species and is further subdivided into two species subgroups based on monophyly, island endemicity, and morphology: broussaisiai species subgroup containing N. broussaisiai, N. ogradyi, and N. kaupoi on Maui; and, aakokohaikea species subgroup containing N. aakokohaikea and N. kanawao on Hawai’i Island.

Two new species of Cnemidophorus (Squamata: Teiidae) from the Caatinga, Northwest Brazil

Two syntopic species of Cnemidophorus are described from the Caatingas of the Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões (PNSC), located in the Southwestern region of the state of Piauí in Brazil. Both species are assigned to the ocellifer group, differing from all other members of the group by their distinct color pattern and lepidosis. Besides these differences, both new species share a number of particular features with other members of the group. One of them, C. venetacaudus, shares with C. abaetensis and C. littoralis the presence of spurs in the heels of males, six supraciliar scales, a high number of femoral pores (from 21–45), a row of enlarged scales in the dorsal region of the arm, 8–10 rows of ventral scales, and a bright bluish-green tail, while the other species, C. confusionibus, shares with C. ocellifer, C. mumbuca, and C. jalapensis a low number of femoral pores, enlarged scales in the temporal region (posterior to third subocular), 5 supraciliar scales, and 6–8 rows of ventral scales. Based on these comparisons, we suggest that the ocellifer group is more complex than previously admitted, being composed by at least two morphologically recognizable species subgroups.

Spatial structuring of fish community in association with environmental variables in the coastal Gulf of Maine

The coastal Gulf of Maine provides critical habitats for many commercially important fish species. In this study, using data collected from an inshore bottom trawl survey, we evaluated seasonal and annual variations in the spatial distribution of the fish community in the coastal Gulf of Maine. We identified key environmental drivers important in structuring the fish community, including longitudinal strata, distance offshore, depth, bottom temperature, bottom salinity and substrate type. This study suggests linear relationships between the fish abundances and the environmental variables. This linear relationship is more obvious if integrating fish species as a whole group than clustering them into subgroups. However, as large temporal variability exists for some species subgroups in their spatial structure, environmental variables can still be difficult to predict the spatial distributions of species groups. Despite these current limitations, the information derived in this study contributes to critical information for developing spatially-explicit fisheries management strategies such as area closure in the coastal Gulf of Maine.