Description of the larva of Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842) (Zygoptera: Calopterygidae) from Thailand

Vestalis gracilis (Rambur, 1842) is a forest stream damselfly belonging to the family Calopterygidae. Its last-stadium larvae and exuviae are described and illustrated based on laboratory-raised specimens from Thailand, and observations of agonistic behavior are provided. The taxonomical characters of V. gracilis larvae are similar to those of V. amoena. They exhibit synapomorphic characters such as posterlaterally directed protuberances on the postocular lobes, posterior margin of median lamella obliquely truncate, and two setae on labial palps. Vestalis gracilis and V. luctuosa bear eight antennal segments whereas seven antennal segments are found in V. amoena. The most significant difference between V. gracilis and V. luctuosa is that V. luctuosa has posterolaterally directed protuberances on the postocular lobes and an obliquely truncate posterior margin of the median lamella.

A new naidid oligochaete species (Annelida, Clitellata, Naididae) from Vietnam with asexual reproduction by fragmentation

A new oligochaete of the family Naididae, subfamily Naidinae, Bratislavia gusevi sp. n., was found in a forest stream in Vietnam. The worm is characterized by small size, asexual reproduction by fragmentation, and dorsal bundles of chaetae beginning from segment II. Each dorsal bundle bears one to two hairs and one to two simple-pointed or bifid, rarely trifid, needle chaetae. An additional distinctive feature of the worm is the presence of one to two enlarged simple-pointed needle chaetae in the bundles of segment IV. These chaetae are somewhat longer and markedly wider than the needles in the rest of the segments. The present paper provides an illustrated description of the discovered individuals and discusses the species’ systematic position, asexual reproduction and regeneration.

Veronaea aquatica sp. nov. (Herpotrichiellaceae, Chaetothyriales, Eurotiomycetes) from submerged bamboo in China

Freshwater fungi are highly diverse and ecologically important in freshwater systems. In China, more than 1000 species of freshwater fungi are known. Here, we present a brown-spored hyphomycetes that was collected on a submerged decaying bamboo culm in a forest stream in China. Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, ITS and TUB2 sequences confirm the placement of our new strain in Veronaea (Herpotrichiellaceae), sister to V. japonica. Veronaea aquatica sp. nov. differs from related taxa V. compacta and V. japonica in having longer conidiophores and cylindrical to pyriform or subclavate conidia with 0–2 septa. Veronaea aquatica also has darker brown hyphae compared to V. japonica. A morphological description and detailed illustrations of V. aquatica are provided.

Microplastics occurrence in an urban space - Coimbra city case-study

<p>The progressive increase of population living in cities led to the aggravation of the pollution problem worldwide, especially in urban environments. Air, water and soil are compartments affected by this reality, and the pollution leads to human health problems. There are many different point and non-point sources of emerging pollutants such as microplastics, which are transported diffusely through wind and rain. Therefore, it is very complex to quantify, control and treat these pollutants, designated current problematic issues by the European Commission. Green areas are pointed out by experts as natural filters for contaminants in cities, through their capacity of retention by leaves and soil.</p><p>This study investigates the contamination of microplastics in urban green areas soils, as well as the possible sources of microplastics, with a case-study in Coimbra (Portugal). Nine samples of fifty grams of soil were taken: three from a mixed broad-leaved with coniferous forest; three from a green park; three from a natural grassland. Six samples of three litres of water were taken from: rainwater (wet and dry deposition); runoff; freshwater; stream near the mixed forest; stream near the green park; stream near the natural grassland. All the samples were analysed in the laboratory through the extraction of microplastics using the flotation and filtration methods, and the visualization and identification of the particles with a microscope.</p><p>Microplastic particles were found in all samples. The number of microplastics found in soil samples varies between 2200 p kg<sup>-1</sup> and 190400 p kg<sup>-1</sup>, both values obtained in a green urban park. Different levels of microplastics were found in the soil of the three sampled spaces with just a few meters of distance. Most of the particles (80%-98%) have less than half a millimetre. The water samples contained a lower number of microplastic particles. The values ranged from 27 p l<sup>-1</sup> in a peak flow stream near the natural grassland and 7 p l<sup>-1</sup> in freshwater from the tap. In rainwater were found 15 p l<sup>-1</sup> and in runoff 17 p l<sup>-1</sup> particles. Almost all microplastics particles (97%-100%) from water have less than half a millimetre.</p><p>Characteristics such as leaf area index, road proximity and intense precipitation episodes could influence the quantity of microplastics in the soil of green areas and in the streams and runoff. In order to control the entry and the concentration of microplastics in the environment and treat polluted areas, especially in cities, it is essential to quantify the microplastics particles considering the sources, pathways and the local characteristics of vegetation and soils.</p>

Water Quality And Benthic Macroinvertebrates Of Tropical Forest Stream In South-West Region, Cameroon

A study was carried out in Ndongo stream, located in Buea, from May to October 2017, to assess the water quality and evaluate the structure of benthic macroinvertebrates. Physicochemical analysis showed that water from Ndongo was well oxygenated (82.21 ± 6.59 %), slightly acidic (pH=6.82 ± 0.22 UC) and alkaline with low quantities of nitrogen compound (2.9 ± 3.57 mg/L NO3+; 0.02 ± 0.02 mg/L NO2– and 0.89 ± 1.78 mg/L NH4+). Regarding the biology of macroinvertebrates, a total of 2058 individuals were collected and identified into 4 phyla, 5 classes, 11 orders, 32 families and belonging to 44 genera. The Shannon & Weaver and Pielou evenness reveal that the benthic macroinvertebrates were more diversified in upstream.