Photographs Of Specimens Research Articles

Four new species of the lanternfly genus Zanna Kirkaldy, 1902 from Cambodia and Vietnam (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae)

Four new species of Zanna Kirkaldy, 1902 are described: two from Cambodia, Z. chartieri Constant sp. nov. from Tatai in Koh Kong Province and Z. limbourgi Constant sp. nov. from Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary in Kampong Speu Province and Kbal Spean in Siem Reap Province, and two from Vietnam: Z. bidoupana sp. nov. from Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong Province and Z. kusamae sp. nov. from Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve in Dong Nai Province. Illustrations of the holotypes and male genitalia, photographs of live specimens and nymphs, a distribution map and host plants records are provided. The type of Zanna chinensis (Distant, 1893) is also illustrated for comparison. The genus Zanna now contains 37 species.

A new species of alien land flatworm in the Southern United States.

Specimens of a flat and dark brown land planarian were found in a plant nursery in North Carolina, USA in 2020. On the basis of examination of photographs of the live specimens only, the specimens were considered as belonging to Obama nungara, a species originally from South America, which has now invaded a large part of Europe. Unexpectedly, a molecular analysis revealed that the specimens did not belong to this species, neither to the genus Obama. We then undertook its histological study, which finally confirmed that the species is a member of the genus Amaga: the species is herein described as a new species, Amaga pseudobama n. sp. The species has been found in three locations in North Carolina and some infested plants were from Georgia. We reinvestigated specimens collected in Florida in 2015 and found that they also belong to this species. Citizen science observations suggest its presence in other states. Therefore, it is likely that A. pseudobama has already invaded a part of south-east USA and that the invasion took place more than ten years ago. The complete 14,909 bp long mitochondrial genome was obtained. The mitogenome is colinear with those of other Geoplanidae and it was possible to find and annotate a tRNA-Thr, which has been reported missing in several geoplanids. Amaga pseudobama shares with other Geoplaninae the presence of alternative start codons in three protein-coding genes of its mitogenome. The availability of this new genome helped us to improve our annotations of the ND3 gene, for which an ATT start codon is now suggested. Also, the sequence of the ATP6 gene raised questions concerning the use of genetic code 9 to translate the protein-coding genes of Geoplanidae, as the whole translated protein would not contain a single methionine residue when using this code. Two maximum likelihood phylogenies were obtained from genomic data. The first one was based on concatenated alignments of the partial 28S, Elongation Factor 1-alpha (EF1) and cox1 genes. The second was obtained from a concatenated alignment of the mitochondrial proteins. Both strictly discriminate A. pseudobama from O. nungara and instead associate it with Amaga expatria. We note that the nine species currently accepted within Amaga can be separated into two groups, one with extrabulbar prostatic apparatus, including the type species A. amagensis, and one with intrabulbar prostatic apparatus, including the new species A. pseudobama. This suggests that species of the latter group should be separated from Amaga and constitute a new genus. This finding again illustrates the possible emergence of new invasive species in regions naturally devoid of large land planarians, such as North America. Amaga pseudobama thus deserves to be monitored in the USA, although its superficial resemblance to O. nungara and Geoplana arkalabamensis will complicate the use of photographs obtained from citizen science. Our molecular information provides tools for this monitoring.

Tissue morphometric measurements do not predict survival following colorectal cancer surgery

BackgroundEx vivo tissue morphometric (TM) measurements have been proposed as a quality marker for colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. However, their survival associations require clarification. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of capturing TM measurements based on ex vivo fresh specimen images and explore the association between these TM measurements and survival outcomes.MethodsA prospective cohort study at Concord Hospital, Sydney was conducted with Stage I to III CRC patients (2009–2019) who underwent an anterior resection (AR) or right hemicolectomy (RH). Using high-resolution digital photographs of fresh CRC specimens, ex vivo tissue morphometric (TM) measurements—resected mesentery area (TM A), distances from high vascular tie to tumour (TM B) and bowel wall (TM C), and bowel length (TM D)—were recorded using Image J. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) estimates and their associations to clinicopathological variables were investigated with Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. Linear regression models tested association between TM measurements and lymph node (LN) yield.ResultsOf the 1,425 patients who underwent CRC surgery, TM measurements were performed on 312 patients, with an average age of 69.4 years (SD 12.3), of whom 52.9% were male. The majority had an AR (57.8%). Among AR patients, a 5-year OS rate of 77.4% and a DFS rate of 70.1% were observed, with TM measurements bearing no relationship to survival outcomes. Similarly, RH patients exhibited a 5-year OS rate of 67.2% and a DFS rate of 63.1%, with TM measurements again showing no association with survival. Only TM D (P = 0.02) measurements were associated with the number of LNs examined.ConclusionThis study successfully demonstrates the feasibility of measuring TM measurements on photographs of ex vivo fresh specimens following CRC surgery. The lack of association with survival outcomes questions the utility of TM measurements as a quality metric of CRC surgery.

Two new species of tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Olethreutinae: Olethreutini) injurious to Picea crassifolia in China

Two new species of the genus Pseudohermenias, P. absimilis sp. nov. and P. linxica sp. nov., are described from China. They feed on Picea crassifolia in the northwestern regions of the country. Photographs of the adult specimens and their genitalia are provided. Keys to the species of the genus based on the male and the female genitalia are presented.

An illustrated guide for the identification of ant subfamilies and genera in Brazil

Abstract In this guide we present taxonomic keys for the 12 subfamilies and 117 genera of ants known to occur in Brazil, along with an illustrated glossary of technical terms. The identification keys presented here are accompanied by high-resolution photographs of representative specimens for each taxon covered, including details that aid in the understanding of complex characters. Additionally, we provide comparative information for each genus, including diagnostic morphological traits, predominant habitat occurrence, nesting and foraging strata, collection frequency, and reproductive strategy. We also provide a synopsis of the taxonomic status of each genus, including the number of known species in Brazil in comparison to their global distribution, as well as the occurrence of the ant genera across biomes and the most recent study including taxonomic tools for species identification. The main objective of this guide is to facilitate the accurate identification of ants in Brazil, providing a systematic and practical approach in accessible language for researchers, students, and entomology enthusiasts. We hope to contribute to the advancement of taxonomic, ecological, and applied knowledge of Brazilian ants, as well as provide a tool for diversity studies and environmental education, contributing to the understanding and preservation of ants in the country with the highest biodiversity on the planet.

Diospyros adinandrifolia, a new species of Ebenaceae from Yunnan, China

Diospyros adinandrifolia, a new species of Diospyros (Ebenaceae) from southeast Yunnan, China, is described and photographed. Photographs of type specimens and ecological information are provided. Diospyros adinandrifolia resembles D. undulata in its elliptic leaves, clustered flowers, and synsepalous calyces, but differs by abaxial leaf base without glands, calyx without obvious lobes and the fruiting calyx being not reflexed during maturation. It is also morphologically similar to D. dussaudii in buds shape and inflorescence morphology, but differs in its leaves being white pubescent when young and glabrescent, paniculate male inflorescences, and succulent fruit. Based on the examination of the specimens from China and Vietnam, the species is categorized as Endangered (EN) according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Lyriothemis lucifera spec. nov. from the Andaman Islands, India (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Lyriothemis lucifera spec. nov. (holotype ♂: 18.iv.1998, Long Island, Rangat county, North and Middle Andaman district, Andaman Islands, India, ex.-coll. M. Hämäläinen, Wen-Chi Yeh, RMNH.INS. 1152914; deposited at Naturalis Biodiversity Centre Leiden, the Netherlands), is described and figured. This new species belongs to the 3rd group of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868. Photographs of the name-bearing specimens of Lyriothemis magnificata (Selys, 1878), Lyriothemis daui Krüger, 1902, and Lyriothemis laui Krüger, 1902 are provided.

Review on the chinch bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae: Nysius) from Korea

The genus Nysius Dallas is the largest group in the subfamily Orsillinae (Lygaeoidea: Lygaeidae), and is a well-known agricultural pest that mainly feeds on grains. In Korea, N. plebeius and N. hidakai are well known to be agricultural pests. In the present study, we recognized six species of the genus Nysius Dallas from the Korean Peninsula. Among these, N. thymi (Wolff, 1804) was reported for the first time in the fauna. We provided new host plants, a key to the species of the genus from Korea, descriptions and diagnoses of these species using photographs of adult specimens and genitalia. We also present discussion on wrong host plants records of agricultural crops caused from misidentifications between N. plebeius and N. hidakai in Korea. Additionally, we confirmed that N. eximius and N. expressus are not occurring from South Korea based on the South Korean materials.

Evidence of extensive multispecies macrofouling in Eckström's topknot Zeugopterus regius (Bonnaterre, 1788), Pleuronectiformes, Scophthalmidae.

Diverse and extensive macrofouling of the left-hand (eyed) side has been observed in multiple films and photographs of different specimens of Eckström's topknot Zeugopterus regius. Identified foulers include macroalgae and tunicates. Photographs of unfouled specimens and preserved juveniles have also been inspected. Macrofouling is not universal in this species; unfouled fish were observed around the strongly tidal British Isles, whereas the worst-fouled topknots were seen in the eutrophic, microtidal northern Adriatic.

The first record of Ripiphoridae (Coleoptera, Cucujiformia, Tenebrionoidea) family in Georgia

The Ripiphoridae family is reported from Georgia for the first time, based on the collected specimens of Macrosiagon bimaculata (Fabricius, 1787), Ptilophorus dufouri (Latreille, 1817), and Ripiphorus subdipterus (Bosc d'Antic, 1792). Collection data, along with photographs of the preserved specimens, are provided.

Two new species of Sarinda Peckham & Peckham, 1892, with an update on Sarindini in Uruguay (Araneae: Salticidae)

Sarinda sombraluminosa Hagopián, Laborda & Simó sp. nov. and Sarinda contraluz Hagopián & Bustamante sp. nov. are described from Uruguay based on males and females. New records of Parafluda banksi Chickering, 1946 and Sarinda marcosi Piza, 1937 for the country are provided. Illustrations and electron micrographs of sexual characters, photographs of alive specimens, natural history data and a distribution map of species of Sarandini from Uruguay are provided.

Pisachini planthoppers of Vietnam: new records of Pisacha and a new Goniopsarites species from Central Vietnam (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Nogodinidae).

Two planthopper species of the family Nogodinidae are added to the fauna of Vietnam, both from two localities in Thua Thien-Hue Province: Bach Ma National Park and Phong Dien District. The first species belongs to Goniopsarites Meng, Wang & Wang, 2014, G.mientrunganus Constant & Pham, sp. nov., and the second belongs to Pisacha Distant, 1906, P.yinggensis Meng, Wang & Wang, 2014. Pisachayinggensis was previously recorded from Hainan Island, China. These new records greatly extend the distribution of both genera, which were known from southern China, Hainan and North Vietnam, to the south, reaching the mid area of Central Vietnam. Sexual dimorphism is reported in P.yinggensis for the first time. Illustrations of habitus and male terminalia of the new species are given as well as distribution maps and photographs of live specimens and their habitat. The family Nogodinidae now comprises nine species in Vietnam, with three of them present in Bach Ma National Park.

Taxonomic review of the monotypic genus Dinahia Bechyn, 1946 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae).

The monotypic genus Dinahia Bechyn, 1946, endemic to the Atlantic Forest (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and So Paulo), is reviewed. Dinahia privigna Bechyn, 1946 is redescribed, and, for the first time, the aedeagus and spermatheca of this species are described and illustrated herein. Additionally, a diagnosis for the genus, a nomenclatural history, photographs of both nontype specimens and the syntype, a geographic distribution map, and a discussion of Dinahia and similar genera according to the bibliography (Calligrapha Chevrolat, 1836; Cosmogramma Erichson, 1847; Desmogramma Erichson, 1847; Grammomades Achard, 1923; and Zygogramma Chevrolat, 1836) are provided. This discussion incorporates a comparative table encompassing characters extracted from the antennae, maxillary palps, prosternal, mesoventral, and metaventral processes, V tarsomeres, and claws. Additionally, it includes an illustrated replacement couplet for step 22 in Sampaio & Fonseca's (2023) identification key, both to elucidate Dinahia's differentiations and similarities from these five genera.

Morphological variations of auditory bullae in otomyine rodents (Rodentia: Otomyini) in southern African biomes.

Mammalian middle ear cavities differ from those of other taxa as they comprise three ossicles and in rodents, can be encapsulated by an auditory bulla. In small mammals, the middle ear cavity (bulla) was found to be enlarged in the desert-dwelling species; however, differences in bullar size could have been due to ancestry. In this study, we sampled seven species from three genera (Myotomys, Otomys, and Parotomys) of the African murid tribe Otomyini (laminated-toothed rats), and compared the bullar volumes and shapes between the otomyine species and within the species Myotomys unisulcatus. Photographs of museum skull specimens were taken from ventral and lateral views, and the volumes of the bullae were estimated digitally from the photographs. No sexual dimorphism in bullar volumes was found in any of the species. Corrected bullar volumes were significantly different between species and larger bullae were seen in individuals inhabiting regions with lower annual rainfall. Bullar shape (estimated using geometric morphometrics) was significantly different between the genera and the species. Parotomys have tympanic meatuses that face more anteriorly compared to both, Otomys and Myotomys. When comparing bullae within M. unisulcatus, those inhabiting regions with lower annual rainfall had significantly larger bullar volumes, but no significant difference was found in bullar shape between the regions. This study shows that otomyine rodents in more xeric habitats have different auditory structures to those inhabiting wetter habitats.

Archaeichnium haughtoni: a robust burrow lining from the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition of Namibia

AbstractFollowing various assignments to Archaeocyatha, worm tubes, and finally incertae sedis, the enigmatic Ediacaran–Cambrian taxon Archaeichnium haughtoni has in recent years come to represent somewhat of a wastebasket taxon to which the indeterminate tapering tubular forms common across this interval are assigned. This ‘catch‐all’ status has been aided in part by both suboptimal specimen photography and the temporary loss of the holotype after its second redescription in 1978. Recent rediscovery of the A. haughtoni holotype in the collections of the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town has enabled a much‐needed re‐assessment of this critical and cryptic taxon, with results suggesting that this material from the latest Ediacaran or earliest Cambrian of Namibia is among the earliest fossil record examples of marine worm burrow linings, and the oldest examples of linings robust enough to withstand exhumation and current transport. These traces indicate the emergence of this important animalian ecosystem engineering behaviour closer to the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary than previously thought.

Type specimens of the family Xylomyidae (Diptera) in the collection of the zoological institute of the Russian academy of sciences in St. Petersburg

A catalog of types (holotypes, paratypes, lectotypes, paralectotypes) of species of the family Xylomyidae (Diptera) described by Th. Pleske and N. P. Krivosheina, which are stored in the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, is presented. Photographs of specimens and labels of holotypes and a lectotype are given.

Method for taking Scanning Electron Microscope photographs of nematodes and meiofauna with the support of a low-cost and easy-made container.

This paper presents a method for capturing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photographs of small specimens, including nematodes, arthropods, small insects, and other meiofauna. Our method is tailored to handle nematode specimens mounted on permanent slides, an area with relatively limited documentation. Besides, the process of transferring such delicate specimens from one solution to another has historically posed numerous challenges. To address this issue, we introduce a low-cost and easy-made container designed specifically to facilitate the aforementioned procedure, with a particular focus on SEM photography. The newly introduced container offers a practical solution that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of specimen handling, ultimately enabling high-quality SEM imaging. This method holds significant promise for researchers working in the field of micro-scopic organism analysis, providing a valuable tool for their investigations with minimum cost.

Rediscovery and redescription of Scaphisoma nigrofasciatum Pic (Coleoptera: Staphylindae: Scaphidiinae): a remarkable new record from a distant continent.

Scaphisoma nigrofasciatum Pic is a shining fungus beetle whose distribution was recorded from the Asian continent and three insular African countries. This paper presents a new record of this species from Brazil. In this paper, photographs of specimens from both Brazil and Asia are provided, accompanied by a brief new redescription. A preliminary hypothesis suggests that this species may have been introduced to Brazil alongside flamboyant trees.

Abundance estimation with DNA metabarcoding – recent advancements for terrestrial arthropods

Biodiversity is declining at alarming rates worldwide and large-scale monitoring is urgently needed to understand changes and their drivers. While classical taxonomic identification of species is time and labour intensive, the combination with DNA-based methods could upscale monitoring activities to achieve larger spatial coverage and increased sampling effort. However, challenges remain for DNA-based methods when the number of individuals per species and/or biomass estimates are required. Several methodological advancements exist to improve the potential of DNA metabarcoding for abundance analysis, which however need further evaluation. Here, we discuss laboratory, as well as some bioinformatic adjustments to DNA metabarcoding workflows regarding their potential to achieve species abundance estimation from arthropod community samples. Our review includes pre-laboratory processing methods such as specimen photography, laboratory methods such as the use of spike-in DNA as an internal standard and bioinformatic advancements like correction factors. We conclude that specimen photography coupled with DNA metabarcoding currently promises the greatest potential to achieve estimates of the number of individuals per species and biomass estimates, but that approaches such as spike-ins and correction factors are promising methods to pursue further.

SPECIES OF THE ARIETOIDES-GROUP OF THE GENUS CLYTUS LAICHARTING, 1784 (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) FROM THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

Three taxa are considered: Clytus arietoides Reitter, 1900, C. nigritulus Kraatz, 1879 and C. venustulus Plavilstshikov, 1940, stat. resurr. Photographs of the types of two problematic species C. nigritulus and C. venustulus are included, as well as a photo of the holotype of C. fulvohirsutus Pic, 1904. References are given to the original publications of all names, as well as to their references in the literature. A key is presented to distinguish between the three species. Each species is briefly described with a set of photographs of specimens from various parts of the range.