First shallow record of Bathyphysa conifera (Studer, 1878) (Siphonophora, Cystonectae), a live specimen in the Strait of Gibraltar. Worldwide species distribution review.

The rarely observed cystonect siphonophore Bathyphysa conifera was recorded for the first time in shallow depth water (- 16 m) as a live specimen, at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea by SCUBA divers. It is a delicate oceanic species, with earlier records coming mostly from deep water, where it readily adheres to deep sea fishing cables and nets, causing painful stings to fishermen. Deep water sightings from ROVs include in the North Atlantic, off Angola, the Gulf of Mexico and Monterey Canyon. The present specimen was swimming actively by contracting and expanding its stem, in a yo-yo movement. A review of all reliable records for this species worldwide has been carried out in order to gain a better knowledge of the present known distribution of this species, both geographical and bathymetric. Bathyphysa conifera may possibly represent an important component of the food web and be perhaps also a competitor to fish in the regions it inhabits.

On the finding Hedera helix ‘Cavendishii’ in the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens

An old British ivy cultivar ‘Cavendishii’ is revealed in the Arboretum of the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens. It has persisted here as relict of cultivation since the XIX century. Stellate brushy trichomes on leaf blades evidence the plant belongs to H. helix. Morphological characters specific to the cultivar’s leaf blades in plants examined fit completely the descriptions, images and live specimen of ‘Cavendishii’ that received from Great Britain. The value of this finding is great: we get the early original version of an old cultivar that lost its certainty considerably because of huge synonymy, imposter clones and identification mistakes. Some historical and ecological factors that provided preservation of ‘Cavendishii’ in the Garden are discussed.

Range extension and first confirmed record of the Flightless Anomalure Zenkerella insignis (Matschie, 1898) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Anomaluridae) in Nigeria

The Cameroon Scaly-tail Zenkerella insignis is the only known extant species in the family Zenkerellidae. It is a rare mammal endemic to the thick rainforests of central and western Africa. This species is so rarely encountered that the first picture of a live specimen was taken in 2015. We encountered and photographed the elusive scaly-tail in the core zone of Omo Forest Reserve in Nigeria in May 2019. Its behaviour was also observed. This sighting is the first record of the Cameroon Scaly-tail in Nigeria and a significant westward range extension.

A revision of the unusual feather star genus Atopocrinus with a description of a new species (Echinodermata: Crinoidea)

Atopocrinus ojii new species, is described from deep water off Japan. The genus was previously monotypic and known only from the holotype of A. sibogae A. H. Clark, 1912, from Indonesia. Examination of all known specimens of Atopocrinus has added the following genus-level characters: cirrus sockets arising as tubes along the adoral surface of the centrodorsal, and faint, superficial, suture-like lines that cross the interradial ridges aboral to the centrodorsal/basal suture. The new species exhibits additional novel characters, some of which may be unique (e.g., deep pores around cirrus sockets) and others that may be shared with the incomplete holotype of A. sibogae (e.g., hollow pinnulars). Confusion about the structure of basal ossicles versus basal rays in Atopocrinus and other extant feather stars prompted inclusion of a review of the structure and development of these skeletal components. Video of a live specimen attributed to A. sibogae revealed that the distal half of the arms lack pinnules. The new species also shares several characters in common with Jurassic Spinimetra chesnieri Hess & Thuy, 2017.

Short communication: First record of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha), in the Brantas River, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia

Fadjar M, Islamy RA, Herawati EY. 2019. Short communication: First record of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha), in the Brantas River, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 3527-3531. The arapaima (= Arapaima gigas) is the largest freshwater fish in the Neotropical region, obligate air-breathing fish that known to reach up to 3 m - 3.90 m in length and 200 kg in weight endemic to the Amazon basin. Arapaima gigas is giant osteoglossomorph and obligate air‐breathing fish and also a native species of the Amazon basin. We present the first record of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) in Brantas River, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia with diagnostic meristic and morphometrics of the specimens analyzed following Stewart method. Herein, it recorded from the Brantas River basin. This record based on the finding of one live specimen on the tributary of Brantas River basin, and in situ observation of juveniles and adults in the river).

A new species of the myrmecomorphic planthopper genus Formiscurra (Fulgoroidea: Caliscelidae) from Ethiopia

Formiscurra atlas sp. nov. is described from southwestern Ethiopia. It represents the first record of the genus Formiscurra Gnezdilov & Viraktamath, 2011 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Caliscelidae) from Africa. The relationships of Formiscurra to other African taxa of Caliscelidae as well as myrmecomorphy in Auchenorrhyncha are discussed. A photograph of a live specimen of Formiscurra indicus Gnezdilov & Viraktamath, 2011 and an identification key to both species are given.

First record and DNA barcode of the clearwing moth Tinthia tineiformis (Esper, 1789) from Malta, central Mediterranean

A sesiid species, Tinthia tineiformis (Esper, 1789), is reported for the first time from the Maltese Islands, central Mediterranean. This new record represents the first species belonging to the subfamily Tinthiinae in Malta. The specimen was identified through morphological and genetic analyses. Observations of the live specimen revealed the use of jumping strategies by this species.

Proof of Concept for an Intracochlear Acoustic Receiver for Use in Acute Large Animal Experiments

(1) Background: The measurement of intracochlear sound pressure (ICSP) is relevant to obtain better understanding of the biomechanics of hearing. The goal of this work was a proof of concept of a partially implantable intracochlear acoustic receiver (ICAR) fulfilling all requirements for acute ICSP measurements in a large animal. The ICAR was designed not only to be used in chronic animal experiments but also as a microphone for totally implantable cochlear implants (TICI). (2) Methods: The ICAR concept was based on a commercial MEMS condenser microphone customized with a protective diaphragm that provided a seal and optimized geometry for accessing the cochlea. The ICAR was validated under laboratory conditions and using in-vivo experiments in sheep. (3) Results: For the first time acute ICSP measurements were successfully performed in a live specimen that is representative of the anatomy and physiology of the human. Data obtained are in agreement with published data from cadavers. The surgeons reported high levels of ease of use and satisfaction with the system design. (4) Conclusions: Our results confirm that the developed ICAR can be used to measure ICSP in acute experiments. The next generation of the ICAR will be used in chronic sheep experiments and in TICI.

Studies in Mexican Grasshoppers: A new species of Pedies Saussure (Acrididae: Melanoplinae) with comments on the unusual blue coloration on the abdomens of females and live specimen images for three other congenerics

A new species of Melanoplinae (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is described from Central Mexico: Pedies andreae sp. nov. Fontana, Mariño-Pérez, & Woller and is added to the 12 existing species. Taxonomic placement of this species is justified based on distinct morphology and comparisons with congeneric species are provided. Additionally, species in this genus are associated with higher elevations (1,700 to 3,700 masl) that possess larger fluctuations in temperatures. We observed that females of P. andreae sp. nov. exhibit blue coloration on their abdomens and we discuss the possible reasons for this peculiar pigmentation. Interestingly, we did not observe this coloration in males. Finally, images are provided for three live previously described species of Pedies.