First record of the genus Beris Latreille (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) from Korea, with description of a new species

The subfamily Beridinae of the family Stratiomyidae contains about 280 known species globally, and distributed all over the biogeographical areas except polar region. In the Korean peninsula, the species diversity of this subfamily has been poorly known so far, in accordance with National species list of Korea by National Institue of Biological Resources. In this paper, the soldier fly genus Beris Latreille is reported for the first time from Korea based on following three species: B. fuscipes Meigen, B. hirotui Ôuchi, and B. tigris Lee and Suh, sp. nov. Among them, B. tigris Lee and Suh, sp. nov. was confirmed to be newly discovered. Consequently, three species within this genus have been identified from the Korean peninsula. The identification key, description, external photographs, and taxonomic notes of these Korean species are presented herein.

STATUS DE CONHECIMENTO DO ACARI-ZEBRA Hypancistrus zebra Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991 (SILURIFORMES, LORICARIIDAE)

The present work aimed to review the literature on studies carried out on the “acari-zebra” (Hypancistrus zebra Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991). The data search was performed in four scientific databases (Capes journals, Google Scholar, Scielo, ScienceDirect and Web of Science Core Collection), using the scientific and common name of the species as keywords. Articles were selected when they had any of the keywords used in the title or abstract, excluding works from gray literature. After selecting the articles in the scientific databases, a careful reading was carried out in order to characterize the taxonomy, biology, ecology, fisheries and conservation status of H. zebra. The “acari-zebra” is an ornamental species endemic to the Xingu River basin, which has a high economic value internationally. It was recently added to the endangered species list due to overfishing of the species. Literature on H. zebra proved to be very scarce, with only basic information on taxonomy, fisheries, reproductive aspects and studies aimed at cultivation. Among the studies to be carried out, we highlight the characterization of growth and reproductive dynamics. These studies will enable a better understanding of the biology of the species and will contribute to a definition of the technological package of reproduction in captivity.

Eco-Assessment of Streams of Konya Closed River Basin (Turkey) Using Various Ecoregional Diatom Indices

Ecological assessments of freshwater ecosystems based on diatom metrics are an important issue to attain environmental sustainability. The present study aimed to evaluate differences in the diatom-stressors relationship in relatively least disturbed streams in the Konya closed river basin using multivariate analyses and to bio-assess streams by application of different ecoregional diatom indices. Cocconeis euglypta, Cymbella excisa, Cocconeis placentula, and Achnanthidium minutissimum are the most contributing species to the dissimilarity of sampling stations between rainy and dry seasons and also between altitude (A2 800-<1600 m and A3 ≥1600 m) groups. A strong (82.8%) correlation between diatom species and stressors was expressed by the first two axes of canonical correspondence analysis. Diatom species displayed distinct responses to environmental variables (electrical conductivity, Ni, Cu, B, and altitude) playing important roles on the distribution of diatom species. Diatom indices indicated different ecological statuses of stations from a bad to a high. European diatom indices except Duero Diatom Index-DDI and Trophic Diatom Index-TDI showed well responses to the eco-assessment of streams and indicated high ecological status for the least disturbed sampling stations symbolized as S16, S20, S24, S25, S27-29, S37, and 39. These results were also supported by abiotic evaluation. Among diatom indices, although TIT was more competitive in the bio-assessment of streams, it is necessary to increase its species list by determining their trophic weights in future studies. This indicates that the revision of ecoregional specific diatom metrics with the enhancement of diatom species numbers according to their ecological preferences is needed to correctly interpret the water quality.

Xenorhabdus lircayensis sp. nov., the symbiotic bacterium associated with the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema unicornum

Xenorhabdus is a symbiotic group of bacteria associated with entomopathogenic nematodes of the family Steinernematidae. Although the described Steirnernema species list is extensive, not all their symbiotic bacteria have been identified. One single motile, Gram-negative and non-spore-forming rod-shaped symbiotic bacterium, strain VLST, was isolated from the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema unicornum. Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene determined that the VLST isolate belongs to the genus Xenorhabdus , and its closest related species is Xenorhabdus szentirmaii DSM 16338T (98.2 %). Deeper analyses using the whole genome for phylogenetic reconstruction indicate that VLST exhibits a unique clade in the genus. Genomic comparisons considering digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values confirms this result, showing that the VLST values are distant enough from the 70 % threshold suggested for new species, sharing 30.7, 30.5 and 30.3 % dDDH with Xenorhabdus khoisanae MCB, Xenorhabdus koppenhoeferi DSM 18168T and Xenorhabdus miraniensis DSM 18168T, respectively, as the closest species. Detailed physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic tests of the VLST isolate reveal consistent differences from previously described Xenorhabdus species. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic approaches show that VLST represents a new species of the genus Xenorhabdus , for which the name Xenorhabdus lircayensis sp. nov. (type strain VLST=CCCT 20.04T=DSM 111583T) is proposed.

Species of fungi recommended for inclusion in the 2nd edition of the Red Data Book of the Oryol Region

Based on the results of the long-term (2008–2020) studies of macromycetes in Oryol Region, a list of 24 fungal species recommended for the second edition of the regional Red Data Book has been compiled. The list includes 4 species of basidial fungi (Clavariadelphus pistillaris, Cortinarius violaceus, Grifola frondosa, and Gyroporus cyanescens) that were included in the first edition of the Red Data Book of Oryol Region (2007) and another 20 species (Aeruginoscyphus sericeus, Bulgaria inquinans, Clavaria zollingeri, Ganoderma lucidum, Gloiodon strigosus, Gyroporus castaneus, Hericium coralloides, Holwaya mucida, Hydnocristella himantia, Metuloidea murashkinskyi, Phellinidium ferrugineofuscum, Polyporus umbellatus, Ramaria fennica, Ramariopsis crocea, Ramariopsis pulchella, Rhizochaete sulphurina, Rhodonia placenta, Rhodotus palmatus, Skeletocutis odora, Triblidium caliciiforme) that are proposed for protection for the first time. Each species is provided with the Latin name, followed by brief characteristics of its current taxonomic position, biology and ecology, population‐limiting factors in the region, data on the range in Russia and on the distribution in Oryol Region, as well as the recommended protection category. The presented species list includes two species (Clavaria zollingeri, Rhodotus palmatus) from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and three species (Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Polyporus umbellatus) recorded in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2008). Two species (Aeruginoscyphus sericeus and Rhodotus palmatus) are new to Oryol Region.

Molecular phylogeny and diversity of Laburnicola (Didymosphaeriaceae): a new species from Uzbekistan

Laburnicola is a genus in Didymosphaeriaceae that includes saprobic and endophytic fungal taxa. The current study conducted in the subalpine region of Uzbekistan discovered a new species on a dead stem of a wild rose plant. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of combined LSU, SSU, ITS, and TEF 1-ɑ dataset confirmed the new species’ taxonomic position in Laburnicola. Our new species, Laburnicola zaaminensis (TASM 6152), was clustered with L. dactylidis (MFLUCC 16-0285) with strong bootstrap support. A detailed description together with illustrations are provided for Laburnicola zaaminensis. Furthermore, an annotated species list, a distribution map, and a taxonomic key for Laburnicola species are provided. This is the first record of Laburnicola from Central Asia.

IDENTIFICATION OF NON-TUBERCULOSIS MYCOBACTERIA ISOLATED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN

The purpose of this work was to identify mycobacteria of non-tuberculosis type isolated from environmental objects in the Republic of Tatarstan. The article presents the result of identification of mycobacteria of non-tuberculous type in samples of washout from environmental objects obtained from farms with an identified species list of circulating mycobacteria of non-tuberculous type from reacting to tuberculin cattle by polymerase chain reaction in real time. In the course of our research, we found that nonspecific allergic reactions to bovine tuberculin in these farms are caused by contamination with mycobacteria of a non-tuberculosis type of livestock premises and soils near farms.

Species richness of the vascular plants of the Bijagual high Andean forest, Colombia

Background and Aims: The high Andean forest in Colombia corresponds to a plant community located between 2400-3200(-3500) m a.s.l., characterized by the presence of arboreal species with restricted distributions that determine their physiognomy and composition. Nevertheless, these species have been affected by agricultural activity that has generated a loss of connectivity and richness. This research records the species richness, composition, and distributional data for the vascular flora in the high Andean forest of the Bijagual Massif, Bocayá, Colombia. Methods: Sampling was carried out in 27 transects. The specimens were organized under the APG IV classification system, curated and deposited in the UPTC herbarium (Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia). The number of species, list of taxa, distributions for Colombia, and conservation categories according to the IUCN were noted. Results: We registered 327 species distributed in 151 genera and 69 families; 187 species (56%) were native to the Andean region, 51 (15%) were endemic to the Andes and 24 (7%) were endemic to the Eastern cordillera of the Andes, Colombia. Schefflera bejucosa is a new distributional record for Boyacá. Greigia stenolepis, Hieronyma rufa, Puya goudotiana and Tillandsia pallescens are Near Threatened (NT). Plutarchia guascensis, Quercus humboldtii and Symplocos venulosa are classified as Vulnerable (VU), and Diplostephium oblongifolium and Dunalia trianaei as Endangered (EN). Conclusions: Bijagual is a biological corridor with great potential for biodiversity compared to other high Andean areas in Colombia. Species richness is influenced by other localities near the Massif (Tota and Mampacha), in addition to a possible stochastic and heterogeneous distribution between sampling units. Miconia, Pentacalia, Epidendrum, Elaphoglossum, Tillandsia, and some other genera are species-rich. Clusia alata, Weinmannia balbisiana, Weinmannia rollottii, Ternstroemia cf. camelliifolia, and Brunellia comocladifolia define the arboreal and shrub physiognomy of Bijagual.

Current knowledge of the family Pompilidae (Hymenoptera: Vespoidea) in Mexico: diversity and geographical distribution

The family Pompilidae is a little-known insect group in Mexico, which comprises insects known as spider-hunting wasps. This study aimed to review and update the occurrence of pompilids in Mexico and provide information on their geographical distribution. A total of 305 species and 46 genera were compiled, of which 131 species and 11 genera were added to the Pompilidae species list in Mexico. Moreover, we provided data on the geographical distribution of 216 Pompilidae species and highlighted 126 species as registered only from this country, which accounted for 41 % of the total species. The nearctic portion in Mexico is the most studied area, with 203 species, whereas only 96 species are listed from the neotropical region of the country. Four subfamilies were represented: Pompilinae with 161 species, Pepsinae with 128 species, Ceropalinae with ten species, and Notocyphinae with six species. Anoplius was the most species-rich genus with 41 species, and Sericopompilus neotropicalis was the most widely distributed species. The analysis suggests a high diversity of the family Pompilidae and underlines the need to further explore southern areas of Mexico.

Impacts of Nicotiana glauca Graham Invasion on the Vegetation Composition and Soil: A Case Study of Taif, Western Saudi Arabia

Invasive species are considered a serious problem in different ecosystems worldwide. They can compete and interfere with native plants, leading to a shift in community assembly and ecosystem function. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nicotiana glauca Graham invasion on native vegetation composition and soil of the most invaded locations in the Taif region, Western Saudi Arabia, including Alwaht (WHT), Ar-Ruddaf (RDF), and Ash-shafa (SHFA). Plant species list, life span, life form, and chorotypes were assessed. Six locations highly infested with N. glauca shrubs were selected, and the morphological parameters of the shrubs were measured. Within each location, richness, evenness, relative density of species, and soil were measured either under the canopy of N. glauca shrubs or outside the canopy. Floristic analysis revealed the existence of 144 plant species, mainly perennial. The shrubs at the SHFA1 location showed the highest values of all measured morphological parameters. The WHT 1 location showed high richness and evenness, while the WHAT 2 location showed less richness and evenness. The invaded locations showed substantial variation in the community composition. Additionally, the effect of N. glauca on the understory species varied from competition to facilitation, where most of the understory species were inhibited. As an average of all locations, 65.86% of the plant species were recorded only outside the canopy of N. glauca. The vegetation analysis revealed that the SHFA location is more vulnerable to invasion that could be ascribed to its wide range of habitats and high disturbance. The soil–vegetation relationships showed significant variations among the studied locations regarding soil composition, and thereby showed a wide ecological range of the invasive shrubs N. glauca. Therefore, the invasion of N. glauca in the Taif region altered the species interactions, nutrients, and soil properties.