Comparative morphology of tongue surface in Neotropical aerial insectivore bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

Comparative morphological characters in Neotropical bats are mostly restricted to external and cranio-dentary complexes, and few studies focusing on other morphological complexes have been carried out. In the case of tongue morphology, comparative analyses of the structure have been restricted to the superfamily Noctilionoidea with a wide range of diets, and Molossidae, a strictly aerial insectivore family. In this paper, we studied the morphology of tongue papillae in 10 aerial insectivore Neotropical bat species, representing six families (Emballonuridae, Furipteridae, Thyropteridae, Mormoopidae, Natalidae, and Vespertilionidae), and data from the previous study of Molossidae were compared. We studied tongues in light and scanning electron microscopes following material preparation protocols. We observed two types of sensitive papillae, circumvallate and fungiform, the latter at times presenting a groove surrounding the papillae. Nine mechanic types were observed, one of them, which we called flaky-like, not hitherto described. All Vespertilionoidea families (Vespertilionidae, Natalidae, and Molossidae) presented, as diagnosing characters, fungiform papillae distributed throughout the tongue, as well as anteriorly at the dorsum, and scale-like papillae on the medial lobe directed laterally and anteriorly. Emballonuridae showed the simplest tongue morphology regarding the presence and abundance of some papillae. Families composing the clade Furipteridae + Thyropteridae + Mormoopidae presented small and non-grooved fungiform papillae, and mechanical bifid papillae were absent. In summary, this study has provided additional traits (putative synapomorphies) of the bat tongue to support the clades on the current bat phylogeny.

Revision of the Old World genus Mesocomys Cameron (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)

The Old World genus Mesocomys Cameron (1905) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae: Eupelminae) is revised. Eleven species, including two newly described species, are recognized and keyed in two previously established species groups, the albitarsis and the pulchriceps species groups sensu Gibson (1995), but with additional features provided to distinguish members of the two groups. Five species are recognized in the pulchriceps group—Mesocomys anelliformis n. sp., M. longiscapus n. sp., M. orientalis Ferrière, 1935, M. pauliani Ferrière, 1951, and M. pulchriceps Cameron, 1905. Seven species are assigned to the albitarsis group, but one, M. aegeriae Sheng, 1996 is treated as a nomen dubium; the six recognized and keyed species in the albitarsis group are M. albitarsis (Ashmead, 1904), M. breviscapis Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009, M. menzeli (Ferrière, 1930b), M. obscurus (Ferrière, 1930b) revised stat., M. superansi Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009, and M. trabalae Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009. Within the albitarsis group, the species are further discussed relative to two newly established species subgroups, the albitarsis subgroup for M. albitarsis, M. menzeli and M. obscurus, and the aegeriae subgroup for M. aegeriae, M. breviscapis, M. superansi and M. trabalae. Females of the albitarsis subgroup possess a finely sculptured mesoscutal medial lobe in combination with partly infuscate fore wings and/or at least partly pale flagellum, whereas females of the aegeriae subgroup possess a much more coarsely sculptured mesoscutal medial lobe and hyaline fore wings in combination with a dark flagellum. Members of the albitarsis species group are restricted to the Oriental and eastern Palaearctic regions except for a single female of the aegeriae subgroup seen from Algeria that is provisionally identified as M. breviscapis; members of the pulchriceps group are restricted to the Afrotropical region except for M. orientalis from the Oriental region. Newly placed in synonymy are M. aegeriae Sheng, 1998 under M. aegeriae Sheng, 1996 n. syn., M. sinensis Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009 under M. breviscapis Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009 n. syn., M. atulyus Narendran, 1995 under M. orientalis Ferrière, 1935 n. syn., M. vuilleti (Crawford, 1912) under M. pulchriceps Cameron, 1905 n. syn., and Semianastatus orientalis Kalina, 1984 and Mesocomys kalinai Özdikmen, 2011 under M. albitarsis (Ashmead, 1904) n. syns. Lectotypes are newly designated for M. menzeli, M. obscurus, M. orientalis, M. pauliani, M. pulchriceps and M. vuilleti. Morphological features characteristic of the genus and of the highly dimorphic sexes are described and illustrated, and the species are keyed, described, and illustrated through macrophotography. Phylogenetics are discussed for the genus, the two species groups, and species within the pulchriceps group. Distribution and host records are also summarized for each species.

Redescription of Apobaetis lakota McCafferty, 2000 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) and description of two new species from Brazil

The genus Apobaetis Day is known by its small size and larval shifting-sand habitat preference (psammophilous). Three species of this genus are recorded in North America, from these, only Apobaetis lakota McCafferty needs to be redescribed because its original description is incomplete, turning difficult to distinguish it from species with similar morphology. Therefore, one of the objectives of this study is to redescribe A. lakota. Based on this redescription, two new species from Brazil, with similar morphology could be identified and are described (Apobaetis biancae sp. nov. and Apobaetis jacobusi sp. nov.). Apobaetis lakota can be differentiated by the labrum rectangular, distal margin without medial emargination, medial area of distal margin with three sockets of setae on dorsal surface; maxillary palp long, more than 2.0× the length of galea-lacinia, segment I with the same length as galea-lacinia; lingua subcircular with one medial lobe; glossa distally rounded; inner projection of labial palp segment II rounded and distally directed, segment III triangular; tarsal claws 1.3× the length of tarsus, without row of denticles. Apobaetis jacobusi sp. nov. can be differentiated from other species by fore tarsal claw I with the same length of tarsus, labrum medially with two protuberances and glossa with pointed apex. Apobaetis biancae sp. nov. can be differentiated by the absence of a ventral row of long thin setae near distolateral margin of labrum, four marginal spines on the paraproct, a subrectangular hypopharynx, and by the absence of robust setae on inner margin of the glossa.

Hydaticus aequalis sp. n. and a new record of H. devexus Trémouilles, 1996 from Brazil (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydaticini)

Hydaticus aequalis sp. n. is described from Brazil, where it was recently discovered in the central lowlands region of the Amazon forest. The new species differs from all other Neotropical congeners by its uniformly brown dorsal surface and the shape of medial lobe. The dorsal habitus and male genitalia are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided. The habitat, a small stream and associated forest pool, is illustrated and described. In addition, a new record of H. devexus Trémouilles, 1996, previously known from a single specimen, is reported from the highlands of northeastern Brazil, and a modified key to Neotropical species of the genus is provided.

Four new genera and five new species of 'Heterocypris' from Western Australia (Crustacea, Ostracoda, Cyprinotinae)

Five new species in four new genera from Western Australia are described. All species have valve characters that are reminiscent of the genus Heterocypris Claus, 1892 and also have similar valve outlines, with highly arched valves. However, all species have a hemipenis morphology that is totally different from the typical form in Heterocypris. In Patcypris gen. nov. (with type species P. outback gen. et sp. nov.), the lateral lobe is large and shaped as a pickaxe, while the medial lobe is divided into two distal lobes. Trilocypris gen. nov. (with type species T. horwitzi gen. et sp. nov.) is characterised by a hemipenis that has three, instead of two, distal lobes. In Bilocypris gen. nov. (with type species B. fortescuensis gen. et sp. nov. and a second species, B. mandoraensis gen. et sp. nov.), the lateral lobe of the hemipenis is spatulate, rather than boot-shaped, and the medial lobe is bilobed. Billcypris gen. nov. (with type species B. davisae gen. et sp. nov.) has a large and sub-rectangular lateral lobe and a pointed medial lobe. We discuss the taxonomic value of the traditional and new morphological characters and speculate that the diversity of this cluster of genera and species may be greater than currently known.

Notes on Ditomina, with description of two new genera and a new species (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from the Middle East and India

Two new monotypical genera of the subtribe Ditomina are described: Parapenthus gen. n. for Ditomus solitarius Peyron, 1858 from the Middle East, which was treated previously either within Penthus Chaudoir, 1843 or within Penthophonus Reitter, 1900, and Indocarterus gen. n. for I. inexspectatus sp. n. from the west of the Indian state of Maharashtra (type locality: Wai env., 70 km S of Pune). The possible genesis of Indocarterus gen. n. is discussed because it is the single genus of the subtribe distributed in the Oriental (Indo-Malayan) region in isolation from the other Ditomina which all occur in the West Palaearctic. It is assumed that the ancestor of this genus was isolated in the Indian Peninsula from the Tethyan area probably during the early stages of the diversification of Ditomina. In addition, the enigmatic genus Proditomus Schauberger, 1934 and its single species, P. mirus Schauberger, 1934, known only from the female holotype, are re-described and illustrated. Setation of the parameres and medial lobe in Ditomina is described for the first time. Previously, setae on the aedeagus of Carabidae, mostly on the parameres, were observed only in many basal lineages and, as exception, within Harpalinae, in some Lebiini and Panagaeini. A key to the genera and subgenera of Ditomina is provided.

Two new species of Ceratophysella (Collembola: Hypogastruridae) from Brazil with a key to South American species of the genus

Two new species of the denticulata-group in the genus Ceratophysella Börner, 1932, C. rogerarlei sp.n. and C. nataliae sp.n., both from Brazil are described and illustrated. Ceratophysella rogerarlei sp.n. is similar to C. engadinensis (Gisin, 1949) in overall chaetotaxy, but it is unique by the combination of Ant. IV with trilobed apical bulb and 5 dorsal sensilla, PAO atypical with antero-lateral lobe clearly shorter than the antero-medial lobe, and the reduction of trunk dorsal chaetotaxy and number of macrosetae. Ceratophysella nataliae sp.n. is similar to C. gibbosa (Bagnall, 1940) and C. tupamara Palacios-Vargas & Bocanegra, 2012 but differs in dorsal abdominal chaetotaxy, Ant. IV with trilobed apical bulb (simple in C. gibbosa) and dorsal manubrium with 18+18 setae (8+8 in C. tupamara). A key to South American species of the genus is provided. With the descriptions presented, there are now nine species of Ceratophysella recorded from South America and six from Brazil.

Comparative Study of the Liver Anatomy in the Rat, Rabbit, Guinea Pig and Chinchilla

In liver surgical and histological research, small rodents are the most used experimental models. Although the small animals liver is typically lobulated and its macroscopic appearance do not resemble that of the compact human liver, a high degree of lobulation equivalence, allow the use of small rodents in biomedical research. The macroscopic anatomy of the liver of the rat, rabbit, guinea pig and chinchilla was studied from a comparative standpoint. The topography, lobulation and the connection elements of the liver were examined by detailed in situ observation and explanted liver of forty specimens.The rat liver (Hepar) consists of four distinct lobes of different size: the left lateral lobe - LLL (Lobus hepatis sinister lateralis), the median lobe - ML, the right lobe – RL (Lobus hepatis dexter) and the caudate lobe CL (Lobus caudatus). The largest lobe was the median lobe. The rabbit liver consists of five lobes: left lateral lobe - LLL, left medial lobe - LML (Lobus hepatis sinister medialis), right lobe - RL, quadrate lobe – QL (Lobus quadratus) and caudate lobe - CL. The most developed lobe was the left lateral lobe. The caudate lobe had a very narrow attachment on the hilar region. The guinea pig liver show six lobes: left lateral lobe - LLL, left medial lobe - LML, right lateral lobe – RLL (Lobus hepatis dexter lateralis), right medial lobe – RML (Lobus hepatis dexter medialis), quadrate lobe - QL and caudate lobe - CL. The largest lobe of this specie was the left lateral lobe. In chinchilla liver showed four lobes like in the rat. In the rats the most developed hepatic ligament was the falciform ligament (Lig. Falciforme hepatis) which spans from xyphoid process of the sternum and diaphragm to the liver, beginning at the interlobular fissure. The coronary ligament (Lig. Coronarium hepatis) was well developed in all rats. Interlobular ligaments connect the left lateral lobe with the upper caudate lobe. In rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas the connection elements were represented by the falciform ligament, coronary ligament, right (Lig.triangulare dextrum) and left triangular ligaments (Lig. Triangulare sinistrum), hepatorenal ligament (Lig.hepatorenale) and hepatoduodenal ligament (Lig. hepatoduodenale) with varying degrees of development.Based on detailed study of the macroscopic anatomy of rat, rabbit, guinea pig and chinchilla a proper experimental model in liver research, could be assessed. In this regard, the vascular anatomy of the liver in the mentioned species is of a great importance and it is subject of another report.

Cortical Integration of Contextual Information across Objects

Recognizing objects in the environment and understanding our surroundings often depends on context: the presence of other objects and knowledge about their relations with each other. Such contextual information activates a set of medial lobe brain regions, the parahippocampal cortex and the retrosplenial complex. Both regions are more activated by single objects with a unique contextual association than by objects not associated with any specific context. Similarly they are more activated by spatially coherent arrangements of objects when those are consistent with their known spatial relations. The current study tested how context in multiple-object displays is represented in these regions in the absence of relevant spatial information. Using an fMRI slow-event-related design, we show that the precuneus (a subpart of the retrosplenial complex) is more activated by simultaneously presented contextually related objects than by unrelated objects. This suggests that the representation of context in this region is cumulative, representing integrated information across objects in the display. We discuss these findings in relation to processing of visual information and relate them to previous findings of contextual effects in perception.

Description of three new species of the deep-sea munnopsid genus Belonectes (Crustacea, Isopoda, Asellota) from the Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean

Three new species of the genus Belonectes Wilson & Hessler, 1981, from the munnopsid subfamily Eurycopinae Hansen are described from the deep Weddell Sea, Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Belonectes grasslei sp. nov., B. stoddarti sp. nov., and B. daytoni sp. nov. are the first species of the genus described from the region: previously only two species of Belonectes were known from the northeastern Atlantic and the Peru-Chile Trench, the southeastern Pacific. The modified diagnosis of the genus Belonectes and a key to the species of the genus are presented. The pattern of the total ventral sculpture of the natasome, a medial lobe of article 4 of the maxillipedal palp which is larger than article 5 and the navicular male pleopod 1 with its deep keel are suggested to be additional important generic characters of Belonectes. The most useful characters to distinguish species of Belonectes are the size of article 1 of the antennula, the shape and size of the articles 3–5 of the maxillipedal palp, the shape of the distal margin of the male pleopod 1, the shape of distolateral part of the protopod of the male pleopod 2, the size and shape of the preanal ridge, and the size of the exopod of the uropod.