Unexplored richness: discovery of 31 new species of Giant Pill-Millipedes endemic to Madagascar, with a special emphasis on microendemism (Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida)

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2097 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS WESENER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
The Other ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Littoral Forest ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Established Species ◽  
One New Species ◽  
Montane Rainforest

Thirty-one new species of giant pill-millipedes (order Sphaerotheriida) endemic to Madagascar are described: Zoosphaerium haackeri n. sp., Z. album n. sp., Z. discolor n. sp., Z. mitoho n. sp., Z. pulchellum n. sp., Z. endemicum n. sp., Z. xerophilum n. sp., Z. aureum n. sp., Z. pseudopriapus n. sp., Z. pseudoplatylabum n. sp., Z. solitarium n. sp., Z. tsingy n. sp., Z. corystoides n. sp., Z. broelemanni n. sp., Z. amabile n. sp., Z. trichordum n. sp., Z. smaragdinum n. sp., Z. ambrense n. sp., Z. isalo n. sp., Z. bilobum n. sp., Z. tampolo n. sp., Z. ignotum n. sp., Z. tainkintana n. sp., Z. viridissimum n. sp., Z. denticulatum n. sp., Z. pseudoblandum n. sp., Z. micropiligerum n. sp., Z. pseudopiligerum n. sp., Z. analavelona n. sp. and Z. fisheri n. sp., and Microsphaerotherium anjozorobe n. sp.. Twenty-eight of the Zoosphaerium species already fit into established species-groups. A key to all 55 recognizable Malagasy Sphaerotheriida species is given. Forty-two of the 55 giant pill-millipede species are ecosystem endemics, while 26 are geographically microendemic. The number of microendemic species is disproportionately distributed among Malagasy ecosystems. All 13 species restricted to the montane rainforest as well as all five species restricted to the Eastern littoral forest are microendemic. On the other hand, only two out of seven dry forest species, one out of seven rainforest species and one out of five spiny forest species are microendemics. A special emphasis is placed on two species endemic to the unique Western rainforest site of Analavelona, which is currently not protected.

scholarly journals Taxonomy of the ant genus Nesomyrmex Wheeler (Formicidae, Myrmicinae) in the Afrotropical region, with a review of current species groups and description of a new species of the N. angulatus group from Mozambique

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Hita Garcia ◽  
Nokuthula Mbanyana ◽  
Tracy Lynn Audisio ◽  
Gary D. Alpert
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Identification Key ◽  
The Other ◽  
Rain Forests ◽  
Afrotropical Region ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
First Time ◽  
Current Species ◽  
One New Species ◽  
A New Species

This study reviews the taxonomy of the ant genus Nesomyrmex Wheeler, 1910 in the Afrotropical region. Previous revisionary studies are discussed and four species groups are proposed on the basis of external morphology. The N. angulatus group contains seven species that are widely distributed throughout the whole Afrotropical region, with one species also occurring in the Palaearctic and Malagasy regions. The N. cataulacoides group is monotypic, with one morphologically bizarre species found in Equatorial rain forests. The N. humerosus group is also monotypic and occurs in East Africa. The last and by far most species-rich group is the N. simoni group that contains 17 species, all of which are endemic to South Africa. The four groups are defined for the first time for the region, and an illustrated identification key is provided. Furthermore, the N. angulatus group is more thoroughly reviewed. One new species from Mozambique is described, N. inhaca sp. nov., and species accounts for the other six are provided. Also, an illustrated identification key to the species of the N. angulatus group is presented.

Function of coprophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, Hydrophilidae) in cattle pastures inferred from pitfall trapping data

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Šlachta ◽  
Jan Frelich ◽  
Tomáš Tonka
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
The Other ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Nested Anova ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Dung Decomposition

Function of coprophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae, Hydrophilidae) in cattle pastures inferred from pitfall trapping dataAn analysis of data on the dry weight biomass of coprophagous beetles in standardized dung (4.5 l) was conducted in order to characterize the spatial and the seasonal distribution of the beetles' biomass in cattle pastures and to elucidate their function in dung decomposition. Nested Anova with factors of farm, site (nested in farm), seasonal period and year was used to evaluate the effect of these factors on the biomass of four functional species groups: the dung dwellers ofScarabaeidae(subfamilyAphodiinae), the dung dwellers ofHydrophilidae, the small tunnellers ofScarabaeidae(subfamilyCoprinae) and the large tunnellers ofGeotrupidae. The spatial variation of biomass (between the sites and the farms) was insignificant (P>0.05) in the two dung-dweller groups and in the large-tunnellers group. On the other hand, a significant (P<0.05) seasonal variation of biomass was found in all but the large tunneller group. In dung dwellers, the spring biomass was formed mainly by two species,Aphodius prodromusandA. sphacelatus. In summer, most of the biomass was accounted for bySphaeridium lunatum, S. scarabaeoidesandA. rufipes. In the two tunneller groups,Onthophagus fracticornis, Geotrupes stercorariusandG. spinigerformed a majority of the biomass in dung.

A REVISION OF THE SYSTEMATICS OF ACALYMMA SENSU STRICTO BARBER (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE) FROM NORTH AMERICA INCLUDING MEXICO

1980 ◽  
Vol 112 (S112) ◽  
pp. 1-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.D. Munroe ◽  
Ray F. Smith
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
North America ◽  
Male Genitalia ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
The Other ◽  
New Subspecies ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Species Groups

AbstractThe systematics of Acalymma sensu stricto of North America including Mexico are revised. Acalymma sensu stricto is defined and distinguished from the other species groups of Acalymma. Sixteen species are discussed including four new species: A. blomorum, A. palomarense, A. invenustum, and A. luridifrons all from Mexico. Three new subspecies of A. blandulum (LeConte) are described: blandulum (LeConte) new status, nigriventre, and yucatanense. Acalymma coruscum costaricense Bechyné is placed as a synonym of A. innubum (Fabricius). Keys are presented to all species and subspecies. Habitus and male genitalia drawings are given for all species and distribution maps are given where appropriate.

IV.—On some Freshwater Mollusca from the Pliocene Deposits of East Anglia

1911 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 401-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. S. Kennard ◽  
B. B. Woodward
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
The Other ◽  
East Anglia ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Differences Of Opinion ◽  
Correct Determination

Non-marine Mollusca are extremely rare in the Pliocene deposits of this country, which fact must always be a matter of regret to the Palæontologist, since they are of the utmost importance in connexion with the origin of our present fauna. Unfortunately, in addition to their rarity, they are often decorticated or fragmentary, whence no doubt the differences in opinion as to their correct determination. A re-examination of all the available material has convinced us that there is still much to be done before it will be possible to reach finality. In these matters so much depends on one's standpoint. If one starts with the preconceived idea that the Pliocene shells must be identical with the recent forms, it is easy enough to identify them, even if one has to go to Japan or Greenland to find its present habitat. If, on the other hand, one considers it better to study carefully the results of recent work on other branches of the fauna, it is obvious that different results will be arrived at. Hence we are quite prepared for any differences of opinion as to the correctness of our views or the wisdom of creating four new species, as we now venture to do.

scholarly journals Predation of the Buffy-fronted Seedeater Sporophila frontalis (Aves: Emberizidae) on Merostachys neesii (Poaceae: Babusoideae) seeds during a masting event in the Atlantic forest

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Cestari ◽  
Cláudio João Bernardi
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Predatory Impact

The Buffy-fronted Seedeater Sporophila frontalis (Verreaux, 1869) is frequently found foraging on seeds during ephemeral masting events of bamboos in the Atlantic forest. In the present study, we analyzed the predation activity of S. frontalis on seeds of Merostachys neesii Rupr. during a masting event in an Atlantic forest reserve on southeastern Brazil. We conducted point counts in spots with M. neesii and in spots without bamboos along trails to determine the presence of S. frontalis on M. neesii clumps. Additionally, focal observations on bamboo clumps and seed traps were used to verify the predatory impact of S. frontalis on M. neesii seeds. S. frontalis was present in 6 out 18 point counts in M. neesii clumps. The seedeater behaved territorially in bamboo clumps and presented a mean predation rate of 1.10 bamboo seeds/minute. Seed traps had up to 80% of the seeds predated. The large amount of seeds available during bamboo masting events probably contributes to the maintenance of wandering populations of S. frontalis in the Atlantic forest. On the other hand, the predation of seeds by S. frontalis may reduce the reproductive germination and the propagation of the bamboos whose growth may in turn negatively affect the establishment of other forest species.

On the taxonomy of the genus Thyridanthrax Osten Sacken in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with description of a new species (Diptera: Bombyliidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4701 (6) ◽  
pp. 501-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAGDI S. EL-HAWAGRY ◽  
MAHMOUD S. ABDEL-DAYEM ◽  
HATHAL M. AL DHAFER
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
New Species ◽  
Field Trips ◽  
The Other ◽  
Wing Morphology ◽  
Key To Species ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Rigorous Study ◽  
One New Species ◽  
A New Species

Egyptian and Saudi Arabian Thyridanthrax spp. collected in field trips or preserved in the Efflatoun’s insect collection in Cairo University were taxonomically studied. One new species, T. elegansoides sp. nov., is herein described, and two species, T. decipulus (Austen) and T. polyphemus (Wiedemann), are newly recorded from Egypt. Ten species are treated: one species from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, T. anomalus Greathead; two species from Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, T. decipulus (Austen) and T. perspicillaris (Loew); and seven species from Egypt: T. elegans (Wiedemann), T. elegansoides sp. nov., T. griseolus (Klug), T. incanus (Klug), T. lotus (Loew), T. obliteratus (Loew), and T. polyphemus (Wiedemann). Taxonomic comments, an identification key to species, diagnoses, and photographs of some species and genitalia are provided. Based on wing morphology and male genitalic characters, T. lotus clearly does not fit in the genus Thyridanthrax, and may need to be placed elsewhere, nevertheless it is not clear whether it can be included in any of the other currently recognized genera in the tribe Villini. It is here kept in Thyridanthrax until a more rigorous study can be conducted to better ascertain its position in the Villini. 

Taxonomic revision of the “mexicanus” group of the genus Vaejovis C. L. Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4596 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
CONTRERAS-FÉLIX GERARDO A. ◽  
FRANCKE B. OSCAR F.
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
The Other ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
First Time

Within the scorpion genus Vaejovis C.L. Koch, the “mexicanus” group is composed of species distributed in the mountains of México. This group presents taxonomic problems, because its characterization and the species included in the group have varied through the years. In the present work, we redefine this group based on several morphological characters, and we differentiate it from the other two species groups within the genus: “vorhiesi” and “nit dulus+nigrescens”. Additionally, five new species are described: Vaejovis ceboruco sp. nov., Vaejovis nanchititla sp. nov., Vaejovis santibagnezi sp. nov., Vaejovis talpa sp. nov. and Vaejovis tapalpa sp. nov; the males of three species are described for the first time (V. dugesi, V. nigrofemoratus and V. tesselatus); and the updated diagnosis for all species is included. Keys for the identification of males and females of the 30 species included in this group are given. Lastly, notes on the natural history and distribution of some species are provided, with maps of known distribution for all the species.

Reassessment of Cyathodes (Epacridaceae)

1996 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 491 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Weiller
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Generic Level ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
One New Species

Examination of the 20 species currently included in Cyathodes Labill. has shown a number of distinct species groups that warrant recognition at generic level. Accordingly, Cyathodes Labill. s. str, is restricted to three species endemic to Tasmania, including one new species, C. platystoma C.M.Weiller, which is described below.

scholarly journals The ant genus Tetramorium Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Malagasy region—taxonomy of the T. bessonii, T. bonibony, T. dysalum, T. marginatum, T. tsingy, and T. weitzeckeri species groups

Zootaxa ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 3365 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
FRANCISCO HITA GARCIA ◽  
BRIAN L. FISHER
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Species Level ◽  
The Other ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Species Status ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Species ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Level Identification

The taxonomy of the T. bessonii, T. bonibony, T. dysalum, T. marginatum, T. tsingy, and T. weitzeckeri species groups isrevised. A total of 33 species is treated, of which 27 are newly described and one is raised to species status. The T.weitzeckeri group contains the single species T. humbloti Forel, which is of Afrotropical origin and the only representativeof the group in the Malagasy region. The species T. bessonii Forel, T. dysalum Bolton, T. marginatum Forel, and T. stein-heili Forel, which were originally members of the T. weitzeckeri group, are now placed in other groups. Tetramorium bes-sonii is the core species of the T. bessonii group, which also contains the four newly described species T. artemis sp. n., T.malagasy sp. n., T. ryanphelanae sp. n., T. wardi sp. n., and T. orientale Forel stat. n., which was a junior synonym of T.bessonii but is now raised to species rank. The T. dysalum group is a moderately-sized group with ten species, of whichonly T. dysalum and T. steinheili were previously known; the other eight species are all newly described. The newly described species in this group are: T. ambatovy sp. n., T. macki sp. n., T. mallenseana sp. n., T. orc sp. n., T. robitika sp. n.,T. sargina sp. n., T. yammer sp. n., and T. vohitra sp. n. A lectotype and several paralectotypes of T. steinheili are desig-nated. Tetramorium marginatum is the central species of the T. marginatum group, which also includes the five newly de-scribed species T. valky sp. n., T. hector sp. n., T. norvigi sp. n., T. shamshir sp. n., and T. silvicola sp. n. The T. bonibonyand T. tsingy groups represent completely new groups that consist entirely of previously unknown, undescribed species.The first group holds the new species T. bonibony sp. n., T. kali sp. n., T. sada sp. n., T. nosybe sp. n., T. olana sp. n., T.popell sp. n., and T. trafo sp. n. and T. vony sp. n. The last group, the T. tsingy group, only contains the two species T. tyrionsp. n. and T. tsingy sp. n., both among the rarest Tetramorium species in Madagascar. All groups are fully revised withillustrated species-level identification keys, and all species are described/re-described and illustrated with high qualitymontage images. In addition, the current status of the Malagasy Tetramorium species groups is discussed and further modifications are proposed.

Braconidae : Notes and new Species

1931 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Posterior Margin ◽  
The Other ◽  
Lateral Carina ◽  
Median Carina ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Basal Half ◽  
Apical Half

Rhaconotus mahensis, sp. n.♀♂. Black ; scape and all legs red testaceous ; ovipositor bright red ; flagellum red-brown, possibly rather darker at apex ; wings hyaline, the setae with a distinctly fulvous tinge, and the stigma hyaline (at least not darkened).♀♂. The integument is not coriaceous throughout, and is only sparsely clothed with setae (except on the flagellum and possibly the legs). Head smooth and highly shining, not coriaceous, impunctate, the vertex and occiput almost entirely devoid of setae ; antennae longer than head, thorax, and abdomen together ; flagellar joints in ♀ 29–33, in ♂ 26–28. Thorax : mesonotum dully shining, coriaceous ; the notauli well marked, joining slightly before reaching the posterior margin of the mesonotum ; propodeon with five longitudinal carinae, one in the middle and two on each side, these latter rather more closely placed to each other than to the median carina ; this median carina is discernible as such only in the basal half of the propodeon, thereafter becoming lost amongst the reticulate wrinkles with which the apical half of the propodeon abounds ; the lateral carinae, on the other hand, are discernible more or less throughout their length, particularly the inner pair which can generally be traced to the median apex of the propodeon where they join each other ; the integument of the basal half of the propodeon coriaceous on each side of the median carina as far as the first lateral carina, thereafter wrinkled as in the apical half.

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