Updated Distribution Research Articles

Revision of the Afrotropical genus Fainia Zumpt, 1958, with notes on the morphology of Rhiniidae subfamilies (Diptera, Oestroidea).

The taxonomy and diversity of Fainia Zumpt, 1958, an exclusive Afrotropical genus, had not been reviewed recently. The genus included six nominal species, but the status of several of them was debated. Identification of most Fainia species depends on characters of the male terminalia; females are poorly known and, in several cases, are not adequately diagnosed. We conducted a taxonomic revision of the genus and generated identification tools. Based on the study of type material and specimens available in entomological collections in Africa and Europe, we recognise here three of the six species as valid (F. albitarsis (Macquart, 1846), F. elongata (Bezzi, 1908) and F. inexpectata Zumpt, 1973). We also provide an identification key to both sexes, redescriptions of the species, updated distribution records and high resolution photographs of males’ and females’ habitus and male terminalia. The description of Fainia kagerana Lehrer, 2007a nom. nud. is an invalid nomenclatural act in terms of ICZN Article 13.1.1. Based on examinations of their holotypes, F. sambura Lehrer, 2008 syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of F. albitarsis; F. kirinyaga Lehrer, 2007b syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of F. inexpectata; and Fainia giriama Lehrer, 2007b is moved from the genus Fainia to the genus Rhinia Robineau-Desvoidy, as Rhinia giriama (Lehrer, 2007b) comb. nov.. We propose two apomorphies that support the status of the subfamily Rhiniinae.

Macrobrachium/ Spence Bate, 1868 (Decapoda: Palaemonidae): New records, range extension and geographic distribution in the Northeastern Caatinga amp; Coastal Drainages, and São Francisco hydrographic ecoregions, Northeast of Brazil.

This study constitutes the most comprehensive effort ever done to assess the faunal diversity of the Macrobrachium genus within two ecoregions that encompass part of the northeastern Brazil: the Northeastern Caatinga Coastal Drainages, and the São Francisco (Lower-middle and Lower portions). Through sampling in several of their hydrographic basins, bibliographic research, and consulting scientific collections, our results reveal the occurrence of five species along these ecoregions: Macrobrachium acanthurus, M. amazonicum, M. carcinus, M. jelskii and M. olfersii. We also provide the first record of these species for several river basins in both ecoregions. Additionally, we confirm the occurrence of M. carcinus from Rio Grande do Norte State and provide updated distribution maps for each species in the studied area. This carcinofauna survey may form the basis for future evaluations of eventual anthropic impacts on biological diversity resulting from projects being implemented in these regions, which involve the São Francisco interbasin water transfer.

Updated Distribution of Rare Stonewort Chara kokeilii A.Braun (Charophyta) in Southeast Europe with Environmental Notes

A new site for stonewort Chara kokeilii A.Braun was recorded in a Mediterranean shallow lake Prološko Blato Retention, Croatia, SE Europe. The species was associated with the vegetation alliance Potamogetonion graminei Westhoff & Den Held. This record has been compared with four other sites (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro) from which the species was recorded in SE Europe, regarding the species morphological traits, environmental parameters and vegetation types. It is possible that the main distribution area of this species is in Southeast Europe, a statement that is supported by previous micropaleontological research. This research provides new data on distribution and ecological affiliation of the critically endangered C. kokeilii (IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria).

New records of vascular plants for the flora of Lebanon: a rare species rediscovered after seventy years, Daphne pontica L. (Thymelaeaceae), and three new occurrences, Atropa bella-donna L. (Solanaceae), Circaea lutetiana L. (Onagraceae), and Euonymus latifolius (L.) Mill. (Celastraceae)

During a series of surveys in two valleys of Mount Lebanon between 2014 and 2020, four new occurrences of vascular plants were detected. Atropa bella-donna L. (Solanaceae, Spermatophyte), Circaea lutetiana L. (Onagraceae, Spermatophyte), and Euonymus latifolius (L.) Mill. (Celastraceae, Spermatophyte) were recorded for the first time in Lebanon, while Daphne pontica L. (Thymelaeaceae, Spermatophyte), thought to be extirpated in Lebanon was rediscovered after 70 years. The updated distribution and ecology of these four Euro-Siberian elements, relics of the Quaternary glaciations, are presented.

Revision of the emRhagovelia/em emangustipes/em complex (Insecta: Hemiptera: Veliidae) from Colombia.

Water striders of the genus Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Insecta: Hemiptera: Veliidae) have colonized the water surface mainly in lotic freshwater systems, but also in coastal marine environments. They are characterized by the swimming fan in the distal tarsomere of the middle leg that allows them to quickly maneuver. In the Americas, it was subdivided into four monophyletic complexes (angustipes, collaris, obesa and robusta), one paraphyletic grade (abrupta), each with several groups of species, and one additional group (varipes). However, the taxonomy of this genus still has inconsistencies due to its morphological complexity and to the misinterpretation of characters. For this reason, we present a revision of the species of the angustipes complex occurring in Colombia. Material deposited in nine biological collections was examined, including several types. A total of 3,674 specimens were studied, belonging to 26 valid species, of which R. boyacensis sp. nov., R. graziae sp. nov. and R. molanoi sp. nov., are described as new; and R. angustipes Uhler, 1894 is recorded from the country for the first time. Furthermore, eleven species are redescribed and twelve are considered synonyms. Finally, a key to the species of the angustipes complex occurring in Colombia is presented, as well as updated distribution maps.

Lights Ahead: Morphology and Life Stages of the Spotted Tortoise Firefly, Aspisoma sticticum Gemminger, 1870 – Fireflies with a Unique Extra Pair of Lanterns on the Larval Pronotum (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) spend most of their lives as larvae. Nevertheless, immature stages of over 99% of species remain unknown, which gives an incomplete picture of the species' biology. Moreover, fireflies are most diverse in Central and South America, where most species remain known from the centuries-old taxonomic descriptions based on male morphology. Here, we redescribe the spotted tortoise firefly, Aspisoma stictucum Gemminger, 1870 based on immature and adult stages, provide illustration of diagnostic features and an updated distribution map. A definitive diagnosis of adult A. sticticum among congeneric species remains elusive due to lack of comparative studies, but the following combination of traits allow for discrimination of co-occurring species: size large (2–4 cm); pronotum and elytron testaceous with variable developed black spots, pronotum subtriangular; elytron widest at basal third. A. sticticum larvae is unique among fireflies in having paired pronotal lantern spots, in addition to the typical abdominal lantern spots. In fact, these sets of larval lanterns have independent control, as observed in the field and in the lab. Noteworthy, the pronotal lanterns cannot be seen in dead specimens, which stresses the need for field studies towards a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of fireflies.

Genetic diversity of Horvath’s Rock Lizard meets current environmental restrictions

The Horvath’s rock lizard Iberolacerta horvathi (Mehely, 1904) is an understudied lacertid species, which is geographically isolated from its congeners and currently classified as Near Threatened under IUCN red listing criteria. Due to its limited distribution and narrow environmental preferences, we expect that the species had been affected by past climatic oscillations. By combining all available data on species occurrences and our own records, we produced an updated distribution map. We used ecological niche models to identify the current environmental factors underlying the species range and developed a habitat suitability map. We sequenced one mitochondrial and one nuclear marker to characterize the distribution of the genetic variability and infer the historical demography of the species. The habitat suitability map identified areas where targeted field searches should be prioritized, as well as unsuitable habitats coinciding with likely barriers to gene flow. We found considerable genetic variability suggesting that the species probably survived the Pleistocene glaciations in at least two main refugia, one in the South and the other in the central/northern portion of its distribution. While southern populations show a moderate demographic decrease starting at the onset of the Eemian interglacial, the northern populations underwent an expansion during Late Pleistocene. We provide a revised species distribution and a first characterization of its genetic variability across its distribution to guide conservation priorities for this endemic and spatially restricted species.

Systematically Defined Informative Priors in Bayesian Estimation: An Empirical Application on the Transmission of Internalizing Symptoms Through Mother-Adolescent Interaction Behavior.

BackgroundBayesian estimation with informative priors permits updating previous findings with new data, thus generating cumulative knowledge. To reduce subjectivity in the process, the present study emphasizes how to systematically weigh and specify informative priors and highlights the use of different aggregation methods using an empirical example that examined whether observed mother-adolescent positive and negative interaction behavior mediate the associations between maternal and adolescent internalizing symptoms across early to mid-adolescence in a 3-year longitudinal multi-method design.MethodsThe sample consisted of 102 mother-adolescent dyads (39.2% girls, Mage T1 = 13.0). Mothers and adolescents reported on their internalizing symptoms and their interaction behaviors were observed during a conflict task. We systematically searched for previous studies and used an expert-informed weighting system to account for their relevance. Subsequently, we aggregated the (power) priors using three methods: linear pooling, logarithmic pooling, and fitting a normal distribution to the linear pool by means of maximum likelihood estimation. We compared the impact of the three differently specified informative priors and default priors on the prior predictive distribution, shrinkage, and the posterior estimates.ResultsThe prior predictive distributions for the three informative priors were quite similar and centered around the observed data mean. The shrinkage results showed that the logarithmic pooled priors were least affected by the data. Most posterior estimates were similar across the different priors. Some previous studies contained extremely specific information, resulting in bimodal posterior distributions for the analyses with linear pooled prior distributions. The posteriors following the fitted normal priors and default priors were very similar. Overall, we found that maternal, but not adolescent, internalizing symptoms predicted subsequent mother-adolescent interaction behavior, whereas negative interaction behavior seemed to predict subsequent internalizing symptoms. Evidence regarding mediation effects remained limited.ConclusionA systematic search for previous information and an expert-built weighting system contribute to a clear specification of power priors. How information from multiple previous studies should be included in the prior depends on theoretical considerations (e.g., the prior is an updated Bayesian distribution), and may also be affected by pragmatic considerations regarding the impact of the previous results at hand (e.g., extremely specific previous results).

Mosquitoes of the Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy

The correct identification of mosquito vectors is often hampered by the presence of morphologically indiscernible sibling species. The Maculipennis complex is one of these groups that include both malaria vectors of primary importance and species of low/negligible epidemiological relevance, of which distribution data in Italy are outdated. Our study was aimed at providing an updated distribution of Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy through the sampling and morphological/molecular identification of specimens from five regions. The most abundant species was Anopheles messeae (2032), followed by Anopheles maculipennis s.s. (418), Anopheles atroparvus (28) and Anopheles melanoon (13). Taking advantage of ITS2 barcoding, we were able to finely characterize tested mosquitoes, classifying all the Anopheles messeae specimens as Anopheles daciae, a taxon with debated rank to which we referred as species inquirenda (sp. inq.). The distribution of species was characterized by Ecological Niche Models (ENMs), fed by recorded points of presence. ENMs provided clues on the ecological preferences of the detected species, with An. daciae sp. inq. linked to stable breeding sites and An. maculipennis s.s. more associated to ephemeral breeding sites. We demonstrate that historical Anopheles malaria vectors are still present in Northern Italy.

Distribution of semen examination results 2020 - A follow up of data collated for the WHO semen analysis manual 2010.

It is now 11years since publication of the WHO 2010 guidelines for semen assessment values, and it is critical to determine whether they are still valid and/or whether they should be modified. To utilise data published since 2010 and combine these with data used in the 2010 assessment to provide an updated and more comprehensive representation of the fertile man. This may be utilised to present an updated distribution of values for use by WHO in 2021. Two specific analyses were performed namely, (1) Analysis 1: Examination of published data following publication of WHO 2010 [termed 2010-2020 data]. (2) Analysis 2: Examination of the data used to help formulate the 2010 distribution of values combined with the data from Analysis (1) [termed WHO 2020]. In total, data from more than 3500 subjects, from twelve countries and five continents were analysed. The 5th centile values for concentration, motility and morphology are: 16×106 /ml, 30% progressive motility [42% total motility] and 4% normal forms. This study presents substantial additional information to establish more comprehensive and globally applicable lower reference values for semen parameters for fertile men although they do not represent distinct limits between fertile and subfertile men. There are still data missing from many countries and, some geographical regions are not represented. Moreover, the number of subjects although significant is still relatively low (<4000). These distributions of values now include semen analysis providing a more global representation of the fertile man. Increasing the number of subjects provides robust information that is also more geographically representative.

Multiwavelength mock galaxy catalogues of the low-redshift Universe

ABSTRACT We present a new suite of mock galaxy catalogues mimicking the low-redshift Universe, based on an updated halo occupation distribution (HOD) model and a scaling relation between optical properties and the neutral hydrogen (H i) content of galaxies. Our algorithm is constrained by observations of the luminosity function and luminosity- and colour-dependent clustering of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) galaxies, as well as the H i mass function and H i-dependent clustering of massive H i-selected galaxies in the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey. Mock central and satellite galaxies with realistic values of r-band luminosity, g − r and u − r colour, stellar mass and H i mass are populated in an N-body simulation, inheriting a number of properties of the density and tidal environment of their host haloes. The host halo of each central galaxy is also ‘baryonified’ with realistic spatial distributions of stars as well as hot and cold gas, along with the corresponding rotation curve. Our default HOD assumes that galaxy properties are a function of group halo mass alone, and can optionally include effects such as galactic conformity and colour-dependent galaxy assembly bias. The mocks predict the relation between the stellar mass and H i mass of massive H i galaxies, as well as the 2-point cross-correlation function of spatially co-located optical and H i-selected samples. They enable novel null tests for galaxy assembly bias, provide predictions for the H i velocity width function, and clarify the origin and universality of the radial acceleration relation in the Lambda cold dark matter framework.

A revision of Onychelmis Hinton, 1941 (Coleoptera: Elmidae), with description of new species, DNA barcoding and notes on the geography of the genus

The genus Onychelmis Hinton, 1941 was for a long time regarded as a small taxon with only three known species distributed in the Andes. A study of new material from Ecuador, using morphological and molecular data, has resulted in the discovery of five new species: Onychelmis lenkae sp. nov., O. lobata sp. nov., O. minor sp. nov., O. onorei sp. nov. and O. splendida sp. nov. We also revised the entire genus and redescribed the three known species, O. longicollis (Sharp, 1882), O. leleupi Delève, 1968 and O. whiteheadi Spangler &amp; Santiago, 1991. Habitus photographs of adults are provided, together with line drawings of male and female genitalia, and schematic illustrations of the distribution of femoral tomentum for each species. DNA sequences for barcoding the COI mtDNA fragment were used to support species delimitation and to suggest possible relationships among species. The revision includes a key to adults of all species of Onychelmis and notes on the biogeography of the genus, with an updated distribution map.

Environmental determinants of mayfly assemblages in the Seybouse River, north‐eastern Algeria (Insecta: Ephemeroptera)

In contrast to neighbouring Maghrebian countries and despite recent progress, knowledge of the Ephemeroptera of Algeria remains fragmentary. As part of an ongoing survey of the Ephemeroptera of Algeria, we investigated the mayfly fauna of Wadi Cherf, a major tributary of the Seybouse River, northeastern Algeria, and present an updated checklist and distribution of Ephemeroptera of this major Maghrebian river. Eighteen species were identified with new records for northeastern Algeria, filling distributional gaps. In addition, two species, Habrophlebia sp. and Procloeon sp., are new to science. A multivariate analysis indicated that mayfly assemblages of the Seybouse River were driven by the physical characteristics of habitats. Species richness was positively correlated with permanent flow and coarse substrate and negatively associated with altitude and salinity. Results also showed that Caenis luctuosa and Baetidae, in particular Baetis gr. pavidus and Cloeon gr. dipterum, dominated the mayfly community.

First record of the oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in Tennessee, USA.

Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a medically and forensically important blow fly species that invaded the United States three decades ago and has continued to expand its distribution across the country ever since. Unlike many other blow fly species, larvae of C. megacephala can develop in feces, particularly from humans. Additionally, C. megacephala is known to carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria in even greater quantities than house flies in tropical areas. This behavior, along with its dissemination into and prevalence within human inhabited environments (e.g., outdoor markets, urban neighborhoods), makes C. megacephala a potential threat to human health. This short communication serves as the first record of C. megacephala in Tennessee, USA. Collections of adult and larval blow flies were made from two sets of human remains decomposing at the Anthropology Research Facility (ARF) at the University of Tennessee. Specimens were confirmed by an expert to be C. megacephala. A total of seven individual specimens (four adults and three larvae) of C. megacephala were collected from human bodies at the ARF. These results indicate that C. megacephala is not just dispersing into this environment as adults, but actively colonizing human remains in this semi-urban area. These observations support the previously described behavior and habitat of this filth-breeding fly in many Asian countries where it is considered medically and forensically important. Therefore, continuously updated distribution records, like this one, are critical for tracking the movement of C. megacephala across the United States.

Statewide Passive Surveillance of Ixodes scapularis and Associated Pathogens in Maine.

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the primary vector of multiple human pathogens, including the causative agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Both I. scapularis and its associated pathogens have expanded their geographic range throughout the northeastern Unites States and into northern New England. Through this study, we present an updated distribution of I. scapularis in Maine and report the first statewide passive surveillance infection and coinfection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti within the state's I. scapularis population. In 2019, we collected 2016 ticks through a passive surveillance program, in which Maine residents submitted tick samples for identification and/or pathogen testing. We used a single multiplex quantitative PCR assay to detect tickborne pathogens in 1901 tick samples. At the state level, we found that Bo. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum infection rates of adults (42.4%, 11.1%) were nearly double that of nymphs (26.9%, 6.7%), whereas B. microti prevalence was similar for both adults (6.5%) and nymphs (5.2%). Spatially, we found an uneven distribution of both tick activity and pathogen prevalence, with both increasing on a north to south gradient. We also noted a potential association between the ratio of adult to nymphal ticks and the incidence of tickborne disease in human populations, with counties that exhibit high rates of human disease also maintaining low adult to nymph ratios.

The Family Mactridae Lamarck, 1809 (Bivalvia: Cardiida) in South African Waters

The species belonging to the family Mactridae living in South African waters are revised. After a bibliographical research, almost forty nominal species were found related to this area. The type material of all taxa was requested, examined and illustrated whenever possible. Additional comparative specimens from Natal Museum were studied. Details of type localities, repositories, and updated distribution were provided. This work revealed the presence of nine species belonging to the family Mactridae living in South African waters: Mactra aequisulcata G. B. Sowerby III, 1894, Mactra lilaceaLamarck, 1818, Simomactra capensis (G. B. Sowerby III, 1892), Scissodesma spengleri (Linnaeus, 1767), Standella ovalina (Lamarck, 1818), Lutraria (Lutraria) capensisReeve, 1854, Lutraria (Lutraria) steynlussii Huber, 2010, Lutraria (Psammophila) inhacaensisBoshoff, 1965, and Eastonia solanderi (Gray, 1837). However, their generic placement in some cases must be confirmed. Genetic data will clarify if two new generic names for Mactra aequisulcata and Simomactra capensis, respectively, are required.

Further species within Arecaceae (Palmae; Coryphoideae) to non-native flora of Tunisia and North Africa

Abstract Five new alien taxa are here recorded from Tunisia. Reported taxa (Livistona chinensis, Phoenix canariensis, P. reclinata, P. theophrasti and Washingtonia robusta) belong to the subfamily Coryphoideae (Arecaceae). Updated nomenclature, brief descriptions, general and national distributions are provided for each species. Livistona chinensis and Phoenix theophrasti are here reported for the first time in North Africa. Identification keys are also provided.

Phyllanthus chacoensis (Phyllanthaceae): new record for the Brazilian Amazon and its lectotypification

ABSTRACT The first record of Phyllanthus chacoensis for the Brazilian Amazon is presented, based on a specimen from Rondônia state. The species can be recognized by its cauliflorous inflorescence, staminate and pistillate flowers with 4 sepals, devoid of a floral disk, 4 stamens, 2-carpellary ovary, drupaceous, ellipsoidal fruits, with one seed per locule. The species was previously known only from the central-western and northeastern regions of the Caatinga and Pantanal domains in Brazil. We provide a list of synonyms, a detailed description, an updated geographic distribution map in Brazil, data on habitat and conservation status, illustrations of its reproductive characters, and detailed photographs. We also propose a lectotype for the species.

Updated Distribution of Endangered Psathyrella ammophila in Poland – New Localities on Wolin Island

&lt;em&gt;Psathyrella ammophila &lt;/em&gt;is a psammophilous fungus most frequently inhabiting seashore beaches, sand dunes and sandy inland areas. Although it is a widely spread species, in some countries it is rare or threatened, including Poland, where it is classified as “endangered” (E). In Poland, &lt;em&gt;P. ammophila &lt;/em&gt;has been found in 26 localities, including 14 new reports after 1970. We present two new Polish localities from white sand dunes at the western shore of the Baltic Sea (Wolin Island). Moreover, ecological information and macroscopic and microscopic features of the basidiocarp based on collected samples are presented. The problem of the disappearance of dunes as a primary habitat of &lt;em&gt;P. ammophila &lt;/em&gt;is also discussed.

Phylogeography and distribution of the freshwater razor clams Novaculina myanmarensis and N. gangetica in Myanmar, with notes on two doubtful nominal taxa described as Novaculina members (Bivalvia: Pharidae)

The razor clam genus Novaculina Benson, 1830 (Bivalvia: Pharidae: Pharellinae) is a group of secondary freshwater bivalves. Four allopatric species in this genus are distributed throughout Asian freshwater drainages from the Ganges River in India to the Yangtze River in China. Here, we present several new occurrences of Novaculina myanmarensis and N. gangetica from Myanmar that were confirmed by means of a molecular approach. These occurrences expand our knowledge on the ranges of both species. Furthermore, we compiled an updated distribution map for all the species in this genus. Our phylogeographic research suggests that Novaculina myanmarensis colonized the Ayeyarwady Basin from rivers of the Salween Estuary (Donthami and Ataran rivers) during the Late Pleistocene. Conversely, Novaculina gangetica populations from Myanmar does not demonstrate any clear phylogeographic structure. At first glance, this pattern can also be caused by a (sub)recent (Pleistocene) immigration into coastal rivers of western Myanmar from the Ganges Basin, although this preliminary hypothesis is yet to be confirmed using DNA sequences of samples from India and Bangladesh. Finally, the taxonomic status of two doubtful nominal taxa initially described as Novaculina members is discussed, i.e. N. gangetica theobaldi Hanley &amp; Theobald, 1874 and N. andamanensis Preston, 1908. These taxa are considered junior subjective synonyms of the estuarine bivalve species Cultellus maximus (Gmelin, 1791) (Pharidae) and Azorinus coarctatus (Gmelin, 1791) (Solecurtidae), respectively.