Oxfordian brachiopods from the ammonitico rosso-type Fonyászó Limestone formation at Zengővárkony, Mecsek Mountains, Hungary and their palaeoecological, palaeobiogeographical and palaeopathological significance

Recent discovery of a previously unknown outcrop in the vicinity of the Zengővárkony lime-kilns (Mecsek Mountains, Hungary) provided a few identifiable upper Oxfordian brachiopods that exhibit a truly Mediterranean (Tethyan) character. Dating of the outcrop is based on a rich ammonite fauna: Benetticeras benettii; Trimarginites ex gr. trimarginatus; Orthosphinctes (Orthosphinctes) ex gr. tiziani clearly indicate the Late Oxfordian. The brachiopod fauna indicates a deep-water marine environment and well-oxygenated sea floor. Nucleata bouei and Pygope catulloi are recorded for the first time from the Mecsek Mountains. A pathologic specimen of Pygope catulloi is also recognized. Its ventral valve was injured in an early developmental stage that caused deformation of the left side, which was overgrown by the healthy right side and created an asymmetric adult shell shape. Cause of the injury is unclear but it provides further evidence for subsequent healing of brachiopods after being injured. This is the first description and illustration of Oxfordian brachiopods from the Mecsek Mountains, Hungary. The occurrence of Tethyan originating pygopid brachiopods in the Oxfordian strengthens earlier observations that from the Bathonian/Callovian Tethyan influence became overwhelming in the Mecsek Mountains fauna. Pygope catulloi strengthens records from Algeria that pygopid brachiopods may have occurred very early on the periphery of the Western Tethys.

Preliminary assessment of coupling the analysis of shell microstructures and microtextures as palaeoecological indicator in fossil brachiopods

Brachiopods are one of the most successful groups of marine invertebrates throughout the Phanerozoic. Despite their abundance and importance in the fossil record, there are numerous gaps in our understanding of their palaeoecology. In particular, there is little information about their mode of life in relation to the substrate, which can be important in palaeontological and sedimentological studies involving brachiopod faunas. The aim of this study is to test the combination of analyzing shell microstructures (with SEM) and microtextures (with EBSD) to elucidate palaeoecological aspects for three extinct species belonging to the Order Athyridida. Results indicate that Athyris spiriferoides and Composita ovata specimens have similar shell architecture to that of modern terebratulids, and were epifaunal species attached to a hard substrate by a pedicle. In contrast, Plicathyris ezquerrai has more shell similarities to modern rhynchonellids and likely had an epifaunal mode of life in a reclining position with ventral valve resting on the substrate. In summary, our ?ndings illustrate the usefulness of using a combined analysis of shell microstructures and microtextures in the study of brachiopod palaeoecology.

Schizocrania (Brachiopoda, Discinoidea): taxonomy, occurrence, ecology and history of the earliest epizoan lingulate brachiopod

The lingulate brachiopod Schizocrania (Trematidae, Discinoidea) is reviewed. Ptychopeltis is definitively synonymized with Schizocrania, because new data indicate that convexity of the shell, profile of the anterior margin commissure, density of the dorsal valve costellation, ornamentation of the ventral valve and shape of the pedicle notch are worthless for separation of these genera. Four Ordovician species of Schizocrania are reported from the Barrandian area: S. multistriata (Darriwilian), S. hornyi (Sandbian), S. incola (Sandbian) and the new species S. equestra sp. nov. (Katian). Occurrence of Schizocrania striata is confirmed for the first time around the S/D boundary in the Barrandian area. Schizocrania has a wide geographic range with mid-Ordovician to early Devonian occurrences in Laurentia, Avalonia, West Gondwana and the Silurian occurrence in Baltica. Schizocrania was the earliest lingulate brachiopod adhering to floating objects in an open sea (both living cephalopods and their empty drifting shells), but it was highly opportunistic, and used any vacant hard surface on the sea floor (conulariids, strophomenid brachiopods, trilobites) as a suitable substrate for settlement of the larva. Decline of the genus coincided with disappearance of planktic graptolites, and might have been caused by competition of rapidly evolving planktic dacryoconarids, increased predation pressure, and rebuilding of the trophic structure in the early Devonian seas.

Mapping sclerobiosis: a new method for interpreting the distribution, biological implications, and paleoenvironmental significance of sclerobionts on biotic hosts

The use of sclerobiosis as a tool for paleoenvironmental and paleoecological research is undermined by a lack of comparable methods for sclerobiont data collection and analysis. We present a new method for mapping sclerobiont distributions across any host, and offer an example of how the method may be used to interpret sclerobiont data in relation to host orientation. This approach can also be used to assess the suitability of beds and fossil material for paleoenvironmental reconstruction.A sample of 150 encrusted dorsibiconvex atrypide brachiopods were selected from six beds in the Waterways Formation (latest Givetian – Early Frasnian; Alberta, Canada). The dorsal and ventral valves of each brachiopod were photographed. Sclerobiont taxa were mapped onto the photographs, and the maps were used to create stacked images with each of the 25 brachiopod specimens from each bed. Based on the life orientation of dorsibiconvex atrypides, three zones were designated on the host: the post mortem zone, (only available to sclerobionts after death and reorientation of the host); the shaded zone (brachial valve, excluding the post mortem zone); and the exposed zone (ventral valve).Randomization simulation results indicate that all beds likely exhibit non random encrustation patterns, and corroborate the hypotheses that: (1) much of the encrustation occurred while the hosts were alive, and (2) these beds and fossils have experienced little physical reworking or transport and would be suitable for paleoenvironmental analysis. Mapping sclerobionts across hosts can serve as a unifying method to increase the recognition and use of sclerobiosis in paleontological studies.

A new species of Diaphanosoma Fischer, 1850 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Sididae) inhabits lakes of the western United States

<p><em>Diaphanosoma edmondsoni </em>sp. nov. is described from material from several lakes in Washington, California, and Montana. It differs from all other known species of the genus in having a specific combination of traits: a head with conspicuously protruding dorsal part, comparatively small eye shifted ventrally, specific armament of postero-ventral valve margin, lack of thorn(s) near posterior valve margin, comparatively long distal basal spine of postabdominal claws of slightly variable shape, and occasional presence of additional large spines on the claws. This is the first endemic species of the genus (and also of the family Sididae and order Ctenopoda) recorded in the western part of North America, which along with some other cladocerans form a group of taxa highlighting this region as one of the regional centers of endemic aquatic fauna. <strong></strong></p>

Breaking the mold: using biomechanical experiments to assess the life orientation of dorsibiconvex brachiopods

Understanding the life orientation of fossil organisms, such as brachiopods, is not only important for understanding the biology of the organism in question, but it also can be used to interpret paleoecological information about the assemblages from which the specimens were derived. The dorsibiconvex brachiopod morphology is particularly common, especially among the Order Atrypida, yet there have been few independent, biomechanical studies to assess the life orientation of these brachiopods. In this study, we assess potential orientations of two end-member morphologies of a dorsibiconvex brachiopod, Pseudoatrypa lineata, from the Mid–Late Devonian of North America by placing realistic models in a flume.Using materials with the specific gravity of calcium carbonate, we modeled two well-preserved Pseudoatrypa lineata from the Waterways Formation (Givetian–Frasnian, Alberta, Canada) to represent the original shell. The hydrodynamic stability of the models was assessed by placing the models in a recirculating flume in one of three initial orientations: (1) anterior commissure upstream, (2) umbo upstream, and (3) lateral (specimen perpendicular to flow), each with the dorsal and ventral valve topmost. The entire process was conducted both on a Plexiglas substrate and on well-sorted, mediumgrained sand. All scenarios were repeated five times for a total of sixty trials per specimen (120 total).Flume trials indicate that neither brachiopod had a true hydrodynamically stable orientation.Reorientations occurred at low velocities (~0.2 m/s), with transport occurring soon after (~0.3 m/s).Assuming that a juvenile, pedunculate, dorsibiconvex brachiopod would initially have been oriented with its ventral valve topmost, our results suggest two outcomes: the brachiopods either (1) were attached via pedicles throughout their lives or (2) lived in quiet, undisturbed waters. Given the abundance of dorsibiconvex brachiopods in observed high-energy environments, our results indicate it is more conservative to assume dorsibiconvex brachiopods retained pedicles throughout their lives.

Phylogeny and revision of Messatoporus Cushman (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with descriptions of sixty five new species

The large New Worldgenus Messatoporus Cushman is diagnosed, redefined, described, and its species revised. A total of 89 valid species are recognized, of which 65 are described as new. All previously known species are redescribed and illustrated. The following synonyms are proposed: M. jocosus (Provancher) and M. rufiventris Cushman under M. discoidalis (Cresson), syn. nov. and M. tricolor (Szépligeti) under M. variegatus (Szépligeti) syn. nov. The following new species are proposed: M. advenus, M. albiaterartus, M. allomeros, M. amarelus, M. amazonensis, M. amplithorax, M. andinus, M. anepomius, M. apiopharkis, M. argentinus, M. atlanticus, M. atrifoveus, M. aurantius, M. badius, M. basiflavus, M. bennetii, M. bicolor, M. bimaculatus, M. campanulatus, M. caxiuanensis, M. citreocephalus, M. complexifemur, M. concavivenus, M. convexus, M. copiosus, M. depressifrons, M. dialeipsis, M. dissidens, M. dominicanus, M. elektor, M. ellipsicavus, M. euryoikos, M. igneus, M. interceptus, M. keraiopetalus, M. laevilatus, M. latissulcus, M. longicaudis, M. longitergus, M. lordos, M. lunatus, M. maculiscus, M. matucanus, M. nigriangulatus, M. nigriscapus, M. nigriscutus, M. occidentalis, M. opacus, M. orientalis, M. paeneater, M. pallidus, M. paradoxus, M. paralissonotus, M. pleuriflavus, M. semialbiventris, M. semiaurantigaster, M. subalaris, M. tenuiorbis, M. tenuissimus, M. teutonicus, M. titans, M. unidentatus, M. unimaculatus, M. versicolor and M. xanthogaster spp. nov. As well, a lectotype is designated for M. townesi Alayo and Tzankov, and Messatoporus nigrispina (Cameron) is transferred to Prosthoporus Porter, comb. nov.. A key to species based on both sexes is also presented, and new distribution records and distribution maps are provided. The validity and relationships of the genus are investigated cladistically using 162 morphological characters for 27 species of Messatoporus and 105 outgroup taxa. Tree search was conducted using TNT under implied weighting, with values of 1–6 for the concavity constant (K). All analyses recovered Messatoporus as a monophyletic group, supported by 7–11 synapomorphies. The results also support the monophyly of the six studied genera of Osprynchotina, in a clade including also Dotocryptus Brèthes. Messatoporus is diagnosed by the combination of the following features: apicolateral corners of clypeus projected; mandible long and tapered, ventral tooth much shorter than dorsal one or indistinct; transverse sulcus at base of propodeum long and shallow; anterior margin of propodeum concave; posterior area of propodeum almost always transversely wrinkled; first metasomal spiracle placed approximately on midlength; median dorsal carina of first metasomal segment absent; ovipositor basally cylindrical, apically depressed, with ventral valve enclosing completely dorsal valve as a sheath. A second analysis including all species of the genus was performed SANTOS & AGUIAR 4 · Zootaxa 3634 (1) © 2013 Magnolia Press to evaluate the phylogeny at the genus level. The character set for that analysis included 104 characters considered of phylogenetic importance within the genus, and used the same tree searching protocol as the first one. A distinct and gradual transition is detected, from species more similar to the remaining Osprynchotina to a significantly different morphotype with several convergences with the Gabuniina. These convergences are interpreted as adaptations to host location and substrate perforation, and may be related to use of more deeply concealed hosts.

Phylogeny and Revision of Toechorychus Townes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with descriptions of thirty-five new species

The Neotropical Toechorychus Townes is revised, cladistically defined, and diagnosed. A total of 40 species are recognized, 35 of which are described as new: T. amapaeus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. amazonensis Tedesco, sp. nov., T. barticus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. benius Tedesco, sp. nov., T. bombuscarus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. calius Tedesco, sp. nov., T. callangus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. catarinus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. coaracius Tedesco, sp. nov., T. darienus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. fluminensis Tedesco, sp. nov., T. guarapuavus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. heredius Tedesco, sp. nov., T. itapuensis Tedesco, sp. nov., T. jatainus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. kawus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. linaresius Tedesco, sp. nov., T. marcapatus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. marowijnus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. martinus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. melgassus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. morelus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. napus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. nourageus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. ondensis Tedesco, sp. nov., T. paramaribus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. pirrus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. sinopus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. surinamus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. taperinus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. teutonius Tedesco, sp. nov., T. tumazulus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. vilhenus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. vinhaticus Tedesco, sp. nov., T. zulius Tedesco, sp. nov. The other valid species are T. abactus (Cresson), T. albimaculatus (Taschenberg), T. brevicaudis (Szépligeti), T. cassunungae (Brauns), and T. stramineus (Taschenberg). Toechorychus can be recognized by the epicnemial carina usually not reaching more than 0.3 of the distance to subtegular ridge; dorsal valve of ovipositor with a subapical V-shaped sulcus; ovipositor with a subapical constriction; ovipositor sheath about 0.1 as long as hind tibia; and dorsal margin of pronotum swollen. A key and descriptions, including photographic illustrations and distribution maps, are provided to all valid species; a cladistic analysis of the genus is also performed. Seventy three new characters are proposed for the analysis of Cryptinae phylogeny. Toechorychus was recovered as a monophyletic group supported by 7–17 synapomorphies, closely related to Lymeon Förster and Acerastes Cushman. Two new synapomorphies are discovered for Toechorychus, a subapical V-shaped sulcus at the dorsal valve of the ovipositor, and a subapical constriction of the ovipositor present basad of the apical teeth of the ventral valve. Published host records were compiled and three new records are provided as follows: T. albimaculatus is a parasitoid of Mischocyttarus drewseni (Saussure) (Vespidae, Polistinae); T. stramineus is a parasitoid of M. basimacula (Cameron) and T. heredius sp. nov. is a parasitoid of M. collarellus Richards. A neotype is designated for T. cassunungae.

Description of Sarsilatona cf. fernandoi (Rane, 1983) (Crustacea: Cladocera: Sididae) found in the south of Vietnam

The representatives of the rare genus Sarsilatona close to originally poorly described S. fernandoi (Rane, 1983) from Central India (Madhya Pradesh State) are studied on the basis of female specimens from two localities in the south of Vietnam. Their exact species assignment remains to be vague due to inability to investigate the type material. The studied specimens differ from all other species of the genus in presence of only small denticles, not setules, on the sensory seta of antennules. S. cf. fernandoi resembles S. serricauda (Sars, 1901) in presence of large dorsal postabdominal outgrowths but differs from the latter in shorter antennules, lack of a large prominence on the posterior side of antennal basipodite, presence of setules, not small denticles, on the ventral valve margins, more numerous anal teeth in each cluster, and less numerous and thicker clusters of spinules near postero-ventral valve margins. The representatives of S. fernandoi s.l. seem to be widely distributed in tropical Asia, from India to Vietnam, preferring small water bodies. Superficially similar representatives of the genus from Africa probably belong to a yet undescribed new species.