Variation in Fukienogomphus prometheus (Lieftinck, 1939) reveals Stylurus takashii (Asahina, 1966) as a junior synonym, with discussion on the status of F. choifongae Wilson & Tam, 2006 (Odonata: Gomphidae)

We investigate variation of body pattern in Fukienogomphus prometheus (Lieftinck, 1939) and notice the similarity of its female to Stylurus takashii (Asahina, 1966), an enigmatic species whose male is still unknown. We then review the taxonomic history of S. takashii and compare its holotype female with the female F. prometheus. Our results show S. takashii is a junior synonym to F. prometheus. We elucidate the intraspecific variation of F. prometheus and provide information for its ecology and distribution in Taiwan. We also discuss the similarities between the adults of Fukienogomphus choifongae Wilson & Tam, 2006 and F. prometheus which in future studies may prove to be conspecific and will require to synonymise the two names. Finally, we confirm the genus Stylurus Needham, 1897 is not distributed in Taiwan.

Visual perception and camouflage response to 3-D backgrounds and cast shadows in the European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis

To conceal themselves on the seafloor European cuttlefish Sepia officinalis express a large repertoire of body patterns. Scenes with 3-D relief are especially challenging because neither is it possible to directly recover visual depth from the 2-D retinal image, nor for the cuttlefish to alter its body shape to resemble nearby objects. Here we characterise cuttlefish's camouflage responses to 3-D relief, and to cast shadows, which are complementary depth cues. Animals were recorded in the presence of cylindrical objects of fixed (15mm) diameter, but varying in height, greyscale and strength of cast shadows, and to corresponding 2-D pictorial images. With the cylinders the cuttlefish expressed a ‘3-D’ body pattern, which is distinct from previously described Uniform, Mottle, and Disruptive camouflage patterns. This pattern was insensitive to variation in object height, contrast, and cast shadow, except when shadows were most pronounced, in which case the body patterns resembled those used on the 2-D backgrounds. This suggests that stationary cast shadows are not used as visual depth cues by cuttlefish, and that rather than directly matching the 2-D retinal image, the camouflage response is a two-stage process whereby the animal first classifies the physical environment and then selects an appropriate pattern. Each type of pattern is triggered by specific cues that may compete allowing the animal to select the most suitable camouflage, so the camouflage response is categorical rather than continuously variable. These findings give unique insight into how an invertebrate senses its visual environment to generate the body pattern response.

The Arabidopsis embryo as a quantifiable model for studying pattern formation

Phenotypic diversity of flowering plants stems from common basic features of the plant body pattern with well-defined body axes, organs and tissue organisation. Cell division and cell specification are the two processes that underlie the formation of a body pattern. As plant cells are encased into their cellulosic walls, directional cell division through precise positioning of division plane is crucial for shaping plant morphology. Since many plant cells are pluripotent, their fate establishment is influenced by their cellular environment through cell-to-cell signaling. Recent studies show that apart from biochemical regulation, these two processes are also influenced by cell and tissue morphology and operate under mechanical control. Finding a proper model system that allows dissecting the relationship between these aspects is the key to our understanding of pattern establishment. In this review, we present the Arabidopsis embryo as a simple, yet comprehensive model of pattern formation compatible with high-throughput quantitative assays.

A Report on Introduced Amazon Sailfin Catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis in Gombak Basin, Selangor, with Notes on Two Body Patterns of the Species

Invasive introduced fish species are well known for their deleterious impacts on aquatic biodiversity and environment. This study provides the first report on the occurrence of introduced Amazon sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis from the Gombak basin, Selangor, Malaysia, where the suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus plecostomus and vermiculated sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus had been previously reported. Besides, selected morphometric and meristic measurements between P. pardalis and P. disjunctivus from the Pusu River, Gombak basin were compared. Moreover, we also described two body patterns of the P. pardalis collected from the river. The body pattern which does not fit entirely with the known characteristics of P. pardalis or P. disjunctivus is suspected to be a result of hybridization between both species, but deeper study should be conducted to confirm this claim.

A new Cymothales Gerstaecker from the Gabonese rainforest (Neuroptera Myrmeleontidae)

Nine species of Cymothales, one of the most characteristic African antlion genera, are known from the Guineo-Congolian rainforests. A new species, Cymothales massaronei sp. nov. is described here from Gabon. Cymothales massaronei sp. nov. is characterized by the fifth tarsomere equal in length to the first tarsomere, but differs from all of the congeners with this character in the shape and markings of wings, shape of antenna and body pattern.

Uncovering karst endemism within Borneo: two new Cyrtodactylus species from Sarawak, Malaysia

The island of Borneo lies within one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Despite this, its documented gekkonid diversity is not commensurate with other areas of Southeast Asia. The megadiverse genus Cyrtodactylus is especially underrepresented. Limestone-karst ecosystems, in particular, harbor many endemic Cyrtodactylus species, but only one karst-dwelling species is currently recognized from Borneo. This paper adds two additional karst-dwelling Cyrtodactylus species—C. muluensis sp. nov. and C. limajalur sp. nov.—from Sarawak, Malaysia. Cyrtodactylus muluensis sp. nov. is endemic to Gunung Mulu and is distinguished from its congeners by having a precloacal groove, 31–38 ventral scales, a maximum SVL of at least 88 mm, enlarged subcaudals, 19–20 subdigital lamellae, and a banded dorsal body pattern. Cyrtodactylus limajalur sp. nov. is endemic to the Serian region and is distinguished from its congeners by having 33–42 ventral scales, enlarged subcaudals, a precloacal pit, a maximum SVL of at least 94 mm, 5–6 enlarged femoral scales, 19–22 subdigital lamellae, and five distinct bands on the dorsum. Both species are phylogenetically distinct and deeply divergent from all other congeners. The description of two new karst-dwelling species highlights the need to conserve karst habitats and the endemic species they harbor.