On the genus Polypedilum, subgenus Collartomyia, with description of P. (Col.) baishanzuensis sp. nov. from Baishanzu Nature Reserve, China (Diptera, Chironomidae)

A new species of the genus Polypedilum Kieffer, 1912 is described from Baishanzu Nature Reserve, China, based on molecular and morphological data. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on standard barcode sequences confirmed a new clade of Polypedilum (Collartomyia) species. The new species is easily distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: membrane of wing with a large spot occupying 70% of the proximal area; tergite without dark brown band pigmentation; tarsi I–V dark brown; superior volsella with three outer lateral setae and six long setae along inner base; inferior volsella with setose tubercules. An updated key to adult males of the subgenus Collartomyia is also provided.

Biological effects of low-dose γ-ray irradiation on chromosomes and DNA of Drosophila melanogaster

While the damage to chromosomes and genes induced by high-dose radiation (HDR) has been well researched in many organisms, the effects of low-dose radiation (LDR), defined as a radiation dose of ≤100 mSv, are still being debated. Recent research has suggested that the biological effects of LDR differ from those observed in HDR. To detect the effect of LDR on genes, we selected a gene of Drosophila melanogaster, known as the multiple wing hair (mwh) gene. The hatched heterozygous larvae with genotype mwh/+ were irradiated by γ-rays of a 60Co source. After eclosion, the wing hairs of the heterozygous flies were observed. The area of only one or two mwh cells (small spot) and that of more than three mwh cells (large spot) were counted. The ratio of the two kinds of spots were compared between groups irradiated by different doses including a non-irradiated control group. For the small spot in females, the eruption frequency increased in the groups irradiated with 20–75 mGy, indicating hypersensitivity (HRS) to LDR, while in the groups irradiated with 200 and 300 mGy, the frequency decreased, indicating induced radioresistance (IRR), while in males, 50 and 100 mGy conferred HRS and 75 and 200 mGy conferred IRR. For the large spot in females, 75 mGy conferred HRS and 100–800 mGy conferred IRR. In conclusion, HRS and IRR to LDR was found in Drosophila wing cells by delimiting the dose of γ-rays finely, except in the male large spot.

Indo-West Pacific species of Trachinotus with spots on their sides as adults, with description of a new species endemic to the Marquesas Islands (Teleostei: Carangidae)

Diagnoses, comparisons, photographs and distribution maps are given for three previously described Indo-West Pacific species of Trachinotus that develop spots on their sides as adults. A new species, Trachinotus macrospilus, is described from the Marquesas Islands where it is endemic and the only species of the genus present. It differs from the other spotted Indo-West Pacific species most noticeably in having adults with only one or two large spots on each side, the largest spot larger than the iris diameter, and in having no large spot positioned above the pectoral fin. An identification key is given for all Indo-West Pacific species of Trachinotus and a molecular phylogeny, including 16 of the 20 valid species of Trachinotus is presented. A neotype is designated for Scomber botla Shaw, 1803.