2010 Issues

Baquero, E., J. Arbea & R. Jordana

Title: A new species of Entomobrya from China (Collembola, Entomobryidae)

Abstract

A new species of Entomobrya from an urban park in the surroundings of Beijing, China is described. For the differentiation of Entomobrya cheni n. sp. the set of characters proposed by Jordana and Baquero (2005) has been used and compared with all described species. This character set is compared to that other species belonging to the genus Entomobrya.

Keywords: morphological characters, chaetotaxy, new species, Entomobrya cheni

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Authors

Enrique Baquero
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Javier Arbea
Ría de Solía, 3, Ch. 39,
39610 El Astillero, Cantabria, Spain

Rafael Jordana
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
rjordana@unav.es

Baquero, E., J. Arbea & R. Jordana

Title: New species of Entomobryini from the Mediterranean Palaearctic (Collembola, Entomobryidae) and a new name for Folsomia potapovi (Collembola, Isotomidae) 

Abstract

New species of the genera Entomobrya and Mesentotoma from the Mediterranean Palaearctic region are described: Entomobrya akritohoriensis n. sp. from Greece, Entomobrya luqueensis n. sp. and Entomobrya vergarensis n. sp. from Spain, Entomobrya transversalis n. sp. from Morocco, and Mesentotoma hispanica n. sp. from Spain. A new name is proposed for Folsomia potapoviJordana & Baquero 2008 nec Babenko 2007.

Keywords: morphological characters, haetotaxy, Entomobrya, Mesentotoma, Folsomia

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Authors

Enrique Baquero
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Javier Arbea
Ría de Solía, 3, Ch. 39,
39610 El Astillero, Cantabria, Spain

Rafael Jordana
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
rjordana@unav.es

Bretfeld, G.

Title: Fifth report on Symphypleona from Russia, and also a review of Deuterosminthurus kapliniMartynova 1979 from Turkmenistan (Insecta, Collembola)

Abstract

This study again deals with Collembola Symphypleona from Russia and the adjacent countries. Out of 33 slide preparations from Russia, remarks upon nine already known species are given and two new species are described. Also a new genus is proposed for Deuterosminthurus kaplini Martynova, 1979; a new genus is suggested for the species with characteristics of both the genera Sminthurus Latreille, 1802 sensu Betsch & Betsch-Pinot 1984 and Spatulosminthurus Betsch & Betsch-Pinot, 1984; and a new key is given to the Sminthurus species of the Palaearctic.

Keywords: Taxonomy, geographic distribution, Sminthurus‑key, Janusius n. g., Karakumiella n. g.

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Gerhard Bretfeld
Raiffeisenstr. 7B, 24242 Felde, Germany
gerhard.bretfeld@kielnet.net

Bretfeld, G.

Title: Pedonides alcochetensis n. g. n. sp. (Insecta, Collembola, Sminthurididae) with two clasping organs from the mainland of Portugal

Abstract

A male of the family Sminthurididae is described, which was found in a soil sample from Portugal, near Lisbon. This male not only has clasping antennae but the legs II are also modified for clasping. Because of this uncommon characteristic and of the special shapes of the antennal setae, a new genus and a new species are created for this male.

Keywords: Male secondary sexual characteristics, soil habitat

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Gerhard Bretfeld
Raiffeisenstr. 7B, 24242 Felde, Germany
gerhard.bretfeld@kielnet.net

Huhta, V. & W. Karg

Title: Ten new species in the genera Hypoaspis (s.lat.) Canestrini, 1884, Dendrolaelaps(s.lat.) Halbert, 1915, and Ameroseius Berlese, 1903 (Acari: Gamasina) from Finland

Abstract

This paper reports ten new species and one new status of Parasitiformes: Gamasina, found in Finland. The described species are: Hypoaspis (Alloparasitus) pratensis n. sp., Hypoaspis (Cosmolaelaps) michaeli n. sp., Hypoaspis (Pneumolaelaps) saana n. sp., Hypoaspis (Pneumolaelaps) collina n. sp., Androlaelaps myrmecophila (Evans & Till, 1966) new status, Punctodendrolaelaps formicarius n. sp., Multidendrolaelaps putte n. sp., Multidendrolaelaps subcorticalis n. sp., Dendrolaelaps casualis n. sp., Ameroseius lehtineni n. sp. and Sinoseius pinnatus n. sp. Sinoseius Bai et al., 1995, is accepted as a separate genus, including the species S. pinnatus n. sp. and S. lobatus Bai et al., 1995. Identification keys are presented to clarify the taxonomic position of the new species in relation to the previously known species.

Keywords: Parasitiformes, Gamasina, systematics, Scandinavian soil mites

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Authors

Veikko Huhta
Dept. of Biological and Environmental Science,
P.O.Box 35, 40100 University of Jyväskylä, Finland
v.huhta@pp.inet.fi

Wolfgang Karg
Hohe Kiefer 152,
14532 Kleinmachnow, Germany

Jordana, R. & E. Baquero

Title: A new species of Entomobrya from Iraq (Collembola, Entomobryidae)

Abstract

The systematic study of Entomobrya specimens from different museums in the Palaearctic region and material obtained from other collections allowed some new species of the genus to be revealed. Entomobrya iraqensis n. sp. is described from Mosul, Iraq. For the identification and description of the species, the set of characters proposed by Jordana and Baquero (2005) was used.

Keywords

morphological characters, chaetotaxy, description

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Authors

Rafael Jordana
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
rjordana@unav.es

Enrique Baquero
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Jordana, R. & E. Baquero

Title: A new species of Entomobrya (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from La Caldera de Taburiente National Park (La Palma Island, Canary Islands) and its associated collembola fauna

Abstract

Entomobrya palmensis n. sp. is described from the Canary Islands (Macaronesian Region). The new species shares the colour pattern with E. multifasciata (Tullberg, 1871), but clearly differs in chaetotaxy. A list of species and locations of the collembolan fauna of the area is given.

Keywords: morphological characters, macrochaetotaxy, Macaronesian Region, faunistic

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Authors

Rafael Jordana
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
rjordana@unav.es

Enrique Baquero
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Jordana, R. & E. Baquero

Title: New species of Homidia from Japan (Collembola, Entomobryidae)

Abstract

Three species of Homidia, (H. rosannae n. sp., H. sotoi n. sp. and H. yoshiii n. sp.) found among misidentified specimens of the Yoshii Collection at MHNG, are described by the use of macrochaetotaxy (Jordana & Baquero, 2005) facilitates the differentiation among members of the Japanese species. This paper describes three new species identified through this method. A comparative chaetotaxy of Homidia species and a key are given.

Keywords: colour pattern, macrochaetotaxy, descriptions

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Authors

Rafael Jordana
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
rjordana@unav.es

Enrique Baquero
Department of Zoology and Ecology, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1,
31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

 

Weigmann, G.

Title: Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from the coastal region of Portugal. IV. The genera Coronoquadroppia, Scheloribates, Haplozetes and Pilobates

Abstract

Four new species of Oribatida were found in soils of different coastal habitats in South Portugal. Scheloribates litoralis sp. n. is the first halophilous species of the subgenus Scheloribates (Scheloribates), living in the upper salt marsh zone in the estuary of Ribeiro de Aljezur (Western Algarve) and also in the Lagoon of Aveiro (North Portugal). All other described and redescribed species occur mainly in coastal bush-land in the estuary region of the Ribeira de Aljezur (Western Algarve): Scheloribates ibericussp. n. and the similar S. minifimbriatus Mínguez, Subías & Ruiz, 1986 (Scheloribatidae), Haplozetes differens sp. n., H. similis (Gil & Subías, 1995), Pilobates carpetanus Pérez-Iñigo, 1969 (Haplozetidae) and Coronoquadroppia guttata sp. n. (Quadroppiidae). Taxonomical and systematical discussions are presented on all species and on the genus Haplozetes.

Keywords: Taxonomy, systematics, Quadroppiidae, Scheloribatidae, Haplozetidae

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Gerd Weigmann
Free University, Institute of Zoology,
Koenigin-Luise-Str. 1–3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
weigmann@zedat.fu-berlin.de

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Alberti, G.

Title: On predation in Epicriidae (Gamasida, Anactinotrichida) and fine-structural details of their forelegs 

Abstract

The present study reveals, based on video-recording, that Epicriidae are predators using their long forelegs provided with a number of long clubbed setae for the capture of small arthropods. The mite walks slowly with raised and probing forelegs. Upon contact with a small isotomid springtail, the forelegs rapidly touch the prey with the tips of the elongated, clubbed setae. The prey evidently adheres to these setae and is drawn back to the mouthparts. The epicriid feeds for a considerable time on its prey whereby the mite can move around until it finds a shelter. The clubs represent spinose setal ends which are loaded with a granular secretion. The origin of the secretion could not yet be clarified definitely. Since the setae contain a lumen it might be that the secretion reaches the club through the seta. The secretion which covers the surface of the mite as a cerotegument is fine structurally distinctly different and is most likely produced by typical anactinotrichid dermal glands, which also occur in the forelegs. Some details of the fine structure of legs I are demonstrated. Since these clubbed setae occur in all Epicriidae it seems likely that all are predators feeding on small, weakly sclerotised arthropods.

Keywords: adhesive setae, dermal glands, mites, sensory setae, video recording

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Gerd Alberti
Zoologisches Institut und Museum, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universitaet Greifswald,
J.-S.-Bach-Str. 11/12, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
alberti@uni-greifswald.de

Bergmann,  P.,  M.  Laumann  &  M.  Heethoff

Title: Ultrastructural  aspects  of  vitellogenesis  in Archegozetes longisetosus Aoki, 1965 (Acari, Oribatida, Trhypochthoniidae)

Abstract

We studied the process of vitellogenesis in the oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus using light and electron microscopy. Both vitellogenesis and the formation of the first egg shell occur within the meroi of the ovary, starting after detachment from the medulla and completing with ovulation of the egg into the  oviductal  lumen  at  the  ovarial  bulb.  Numerous  microvilli  appear  on  the  surface,  and  abundant endocytotic pits and coated vesicles occur in the peripheral plasma of the oocyte. Accumulation of fatty yolk does not precede accumulation of proteineous yolk. Differentiation of ooplasm and formation of a perivitelline space beneath a continuous follicular epithelium were observed. Vitelline envelope material appears to be uniform. We compare details of vitellogenesis and propose a classification of the ovarian type as panoistic and the vitellogenesis as exogenic in A. longisetosus.

Keywords: mite, oogenesis, yolk, transmission electron microscopy, microvilli, ovary

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Authors

Paavo Bergmann
Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen, Department of Evolutionary Biology of the Invertebrates,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
bergmann_paavo@yahoo.de

Michael Laumann
Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen, Department of Evolutionary Biology of the Invertebrates,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany

Michael Heethoff
Eberhard-Karls University of Tuebingen, Department of Evolutionary Biology of the Invertebrates,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany

Christian, A.

Title: Tick infestation (Ixodes) on feral mink (Neovison vison) in central Germany

Abstract

Four  species  of  ticks  (I. hexagonus, I. rugicollis, I. canisuga, I. ricinus)  were  found  to  infest  feral American mink (Neovison vison) in central Germany. About 45 % of all investigated mink were infested. The  most  common  tick  species  on  mink  was  I. hexagonus.  The  prevalence  =  infestation  extensity (proportion of infested animals) with I. hexagonus was 43.8 %, which is approximately in accordance with the infestation extensity in England and Wales (40 %). The average infestation intensity (number of ticks per infested animal) is 11.0 ticks per infested mink. Two species of ticks were found on 10.9 % of the infested minks. The highest infestation intensity of I. hexagonus found on one mink was 43 larvae plus 7 nymphs. The average infestation intensity of the stages of I. hexagonus was 4.42 females, 5.91 nymphs and 8.26 larvae per mink. In the investigation areas in central Germany the mink is proved to be a frequent host for I. hexagonus. The frequent common wood tick I. ricinus parasitised only rarely on mink.

Keywords: ticks, ectoparasites, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus

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Axel Christian
Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, P.O.Box 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany;
axel.christian@senckenberg.de

Laumann, M., R. A. Norton & M. Heethoff

Title: Acarine embryology: Inconsistencies, artificial results and misinterpretations

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss how views of early stages in acarine embryology – from the first cleavage to the blastula – have changed over time, starting with historical works of the 19th century and ending with electron microscopic analyses in the 21st century. Our goal is to identify errors and inconsistencies in both observations and the interpretation of information throughout this time span, and to show how they have related to technical improvements. Surprisingly, the questions about cleavage pattern and its implications for acarine classification have not changed, despite the advent of electron microscopy and molecular biology.
In the last century authors attempted to develop a general concept of cleavage types and their distribution among the major subgroups of the Acari. Based on available data, all of which was from light microscopy, the type of cleavage for both the Anactinotrichida and Actinotrichida was considered to be interlecithal, with the exception that some actinotrichid mites show mixed/combination cleavage. Newer data obtained by transmission electron microscopy and molecular biology point to a very different generalization: early acarine cleavage seems to be a special type of total cleavage.

Keywords: total cleavage, superficial cleavage, Acari, macromere, micromere, Oribatida, Archegozetes longisetosus, transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

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Authors

Michael Laumann
Eberhard-Karls Universität Tuebingen, Abteilung für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
michael.laumann@email.de

Roy A. Norton
State University of New York, Department of Environmental & Forest Biology,
1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA

Michael Heethoff
Eberhard-Karls Universität Tuebingen, Abteilung für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany

Russell, D. J., K. Hohberg & M. Elmer

Title: Primary colonisation of newly formed soils by actinedid mites

Abstract

In the brown-coal open-cast mining district near Cottbus, Germany, an artificial, experimental water-catchment system was constructed in 2005. The purpose of the experiment is to observe the development of the soil ecosystem during simulated primary succession. Within these studies the development of the soil  fauna  has  been  monitored  since  late  2005,  of  which  the  results  regarding  actinedid  mites  are presented here. Actinedida represented the major microarthropod group colonising the newly developing soils, having been present within months after exposition of the substrates to the surface, albeit in very low  densities  and  only  in  sporadic  samples.  Initially,  species  richness  was  also  extremely  low,  with practically  only Nanorchestes sp.  und  Speleorchestes sp.  present. Three  years  after  site  initiation,  the abundances and species richness increased significantly, although they were still low compared to mature soils.  The  microarthropod  communities  continued  to  be  strongly  dominated  by  actinedid  mites  and colonisation of the soils remained spatially heterogeneous. The sporadic individual-richness was mostly caused  by  strong  population  development  of  single  species  in  a  few  samples,  e.g.,  Siteroptes sp.  and Bakerdania sp. The abundance and distribution of Nanorchestes sp. originally increased strongly in the first  two  years.  However,  as  many  more  species  were  found  thereafter,  the  density  of  this  species decreased  briefly;  dramatically  in  samples  containing  high  densities  of  Siteroptes sp.,  indicating successional species replacement. Remarkable is the occurrence of species such as Cheletomimus vescus, Hawaiieupodes thermophilus and  Xerophiles ereynetoides,  which  are  rare,  most  likely  xero-thermophilous species adapted to nutrient-poor soils. The results described here represent only those of the first 2.5 years and sampling and evaluation will continue.

Keywords: Actinedida, succession, sand, colonisation

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Authors

David J. Russell
Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, P.O.Box 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany;
david.russell@senckenberg.de

Karin Hohberg
Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, P.O.Box 300 154, 02806 Goerlitz, Germany;
karin.hohberg@senckenberg.de

Michael Elmer
Brandenburg University of Technology, P.O.Box 101 344, 03013 Cottbus, Germany

Schmelzle, S., L. Helfen, R. A. Norton & M. Heethoff

Title: The ptychoid defensive mechanism in Phthiracarus longulus (Acari,  Oribatida,  Phthiracaroidea):  Exoskeletal  and  muscular elements

Abstract

The most complex defensive mechanism in oribatid mites is ptychoidy, a special body form allowing the animals to retract their legs and coxisternum into a secondary cavity in the idiosoma and to seal it off with the prodorsum. Many exoskeletal and muscular adaptations are required to enable the functionality of this mechanism, e.g. a soft and pliable podosoma. Its membranous part not only gives the coxisternum the ability to move independently from the rest of the hardened cuticular elements, but also builds up the ‘walls’ of the secondary cavity. Here, using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron microtomography we present the first detailed study on ptychoidy in a phthiracaroid mite, Phthiracarus longulus, and compare it to the Euphthiracaroidea. Morphological differences regarding ptychoidy between these groups are already noticeable from the outside: the ventral plates of P. longulus are embedded into the soft anogenital membrane, whereas euphthiracaroid mites connect the ventral plates to the notogaster through the hardened plicature plates. Internally, we discovered a not yet described coxisternal protractor muscle, which presumably assists haemolymph pressure during the deployment of the coxisternum during ecptychosis.

Keywords: Synchrotron X-ray microtomography, Phthiracarus longulus, ptychoidy, Phthiracaridae, box mite, convergent evolution, predator defence

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Authors

Sebastian Schmelzle
Universität Tuebingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie,
Abteilung für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
schmelzle@oribatida.com

Lukas Helfen
Institut für Synchrotronstrahlung (ISS/ANKA), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT),
Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

Roy A. Norton
State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry,
1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

Michael Heethoff
Universität Tuebingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie,
Abteilung für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten,
Auf der Morgenstelle 28E, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany

Schmelz, R. M. & R. Collado

Title: A guide to European terrestrial and freshwater species of Enchytraeidae (Oligochaeta)

Abstract

A guide to European terrestrial and freshwater enchytraeid species is presented, designed for the identification of living specimens. Altogether 206 species are included. Recent taxonomic advances regarding new species, revisions, and improved standards of description are integrated. Marine and exotic species are excluded. The illustrated keys are preceded by introductions into the taxonomic traits, the general anatomy of enchytraeids, and the technique of handling living worms during the identification process. Due to persistent taxonomic problems in many groups, a ’sensu lato‘ approach is adopted in the circumscription of several common species. Bryodrilus ehlersi glandulosus Dózsa-Farkas, 1990 and Enchytraeus christenseni bisetosus Rota & Healy, 1994 are elevated to species rank; the latter receives a new name, Enchytraeus dichaetus, due to homonymy with Enchytraeus bisetosus Levinsen, 1884, now Fridericia bisetosa. Marionina libra Nielsen & Christensen, 1959 is transferred to Bryodrilus. Marionina serbui Botea, 1984 is synonymised with Buchholzia simplex Nielsen & Christensen, 1963. Mesenchytraeus franzi Nurminen, 1977, Euenchytraeus bisetosus Bretscher, 1906 and Cognettia clarae Bauer, 1993 are probably one species. The youngest name is maintained here, pending a systematic revision of the group. The purpose of this key is to facilitate and to stimulate work with enchytraeids.

Keywords: Clitellata, enchytraeids, key, species identification, taxonomy

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Ruediger M. Schmelz & Rut Collado  
University of A Coruña, Faculty of Sciences,
Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology,
Alejandro da Sota, 1; 15008 A Coruña, Spain;
rutco@udc.es