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Habitat and diet interactions in a lowland temperate river suggests no direct impact of non-native monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) on native spined loach (Cobitis taenia)
No full textNon-native species can negatively impact native ecosystems, but their introduction does not always lead to major ecological changes. This study examines interactions between the non-native monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) and the native spined loach (Cobitis taenia) through field observations and controlled laboratory experiments. We assessed microhabitat use, dietary similarities, and behavioral interactions between the two species. Field results revealed overlapping microhabitats dominated by coarse sand, but with no significant displacement of the spined loach by the monkey goby. Laboratory trials further supported these findings, showing no competitive interference in habitat selection, with both species co-occupying preferred substrates (coarse sand). Diet analysis indicated limited trophic overlap (17%), suggesting resource partitioning rather than direct competition. The results show no evidence that the non-native monkey goby exerts direct harmful effects on the native spined loach in the river studied. Instead, our study highlights the potential for coexistence, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches in assessing the ecological impacts of non-native species. However, it should also be noted that our results are time and space-limited, and indirect and/or long-term effects, not captured by this study, may exist. Current research contributes to a broader understanding of complex biotic interactions between non-native and resident species
Discovering fungal communities in roots of Zoysia japonica and characterising novel species and their antifungal activities
No full textTurf-grasses are economically important horticultural crops, which have been utilised by humans to improve the environment for more than a thousand years. Turf-grasses are widely distributed in landscapes, slopes and sport fields, such as golf courses. Endophytic fungi are a resource of unexplored fungal diversity with potential bioactive compounds. In this study, culture-independent ITS amplicon sequencing and culture-dependent isolation methods were used to reveal fungal community in roots of the turf-grass Zoysia japonica. A total of 317 OTUs were identified from root samples of Z. japonica by analysis of ITS amplicon reads. Fungal community was dominated by Sordariales (32.45%), followed by Chaetothyriales (18.16%), unknown taxa in Sordariomycetes (14.63%) and Pleosporales (12.48%). During isolation, 151 endophytic fungal strains were obtained from roots of Z. japonica and a variety of taxa were found by ITS amplification and sequencing. Moreover, 11 endophytic fungal species were further characterised in this study, based on morphological characterisation and multi-loci phylogenetic analysis, including Niesslia dimorphospora, a newly-recorded species in Korea and 10 novel species (Dactylaria hwasunensis sp. nov., Lophiostoma jeollanense sp. nov., Magnaporthiopsis zoysiae sp. nov., Poaceascoma endophyticum sp. nov., P. koreanum sp. nov., P. magnum sp. nov., P. zoysiiradicicola sp. nov., Stagonospora endophytica sp. nov., Setophoma zoysiae sp. nov. and Pseudorhypophila poae sp. nov.). Antifungal activities of these species were tested against the turf-grass brown patch pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2(IIIB), with S. zoysiae being the best antagonist. In addition, butanol extract from mycelia of S. zoysiae strongly inhibited R. solani AG2-2(IIIB) in vitro and in planta. The results of this study expand the biodiversity of endophytic fungi and revealed potential biological resources for future turf-grass management and bioactive compound exploitation
No end to endemism – contributions to the difficult Nasa Weigend Series Alatae (Loasaceae). A new species from Peru and the rehabilitation of “ Loasa” calycina Benth.
No full textA new species of Nasa ser. Alatae (Urban & Gilg) Weigend from Northern Peru is described and illustrated. Nasa katjae sp. nov. was at first encountered by an observation on iNaturalist and subsequently collected in the humid Andean forests near Colasay in the province of Jaén (Cajamarca, Peru). Whilst comparing the new species with closely related Nasa loxensis (Kunth) Weigend, a taxon widespread in Southern Ecuador (and tentatively adjacent Peru), a reevaluation of the status of earlier synonymized Loasa calycina Benth. became necessary. Consequently, Nasa calycina comb. nov. is rehabilitated at species level and Nasa loxensis is redefined
Stigmella species on the Wild Service Tree, Torminalis glaberrima, confused, overlooked and found again (Lepidoptera, Nepticulidae)
No full textThe rare leafmining pygmy moth Stigmella torminalis (Wood, 1890) was found in 2021 in Germany, Hessen, Volkmarsen-Hörle, for the first time in western Europe in more than a century. From 14 larvae found on Torminalis glaberrima (Gand.) Sennikov & Kurtto (= Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz), eight adults emerged the following spring. The species was found again in 2022, and also in Germany in three localities in Rheinland-Pfalz, and is recorded as new from North Macedonia and Belgium, and possibly Georgia. By a focused search on the same hostplant, leafmines of S. hahniella (Wörz, 1937) were also found again in Germany for the first time in 90 years, in Baden-Württemberg, Thüringen, as newly in Rheinland-Pfalz, France and Georgia. Both species are compared with S. mespilicola (Frey, 1856), which also feeds on this host. Stigmella mespilicola is recorded as new from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria and Luxemburg. A key to leafmines of these species is provided. All old records of both species are reviewed, the majority of those specified as Stigmella (or Nepticula) torminalis, usually based on leafmines, being incorrect or dubious, but some old records from Hungary are shown to be correct. Stigmella torminalis has only been found on Torminalis glaberrima, with larvae only from late June to early August, and adults emerging the next spring. Records from other hosts or during the autumn are incorrect
A historical checklist of the orchid flora (Orchidaceae) of Quito, Ecuador
No full textWe compile a species inventory of orchid species collected at Quito, Ecuador, between 1790 and 2018 and compare it with the orchid species observed in the field between 2018 and 2021. Historical herbarium records include 52 orchid species in Quito. During our field campaigns, we found 29 of these previously collected species in herbaria and an additional 11 species which we newly report from Quito, bringing the total number of orchid species in Quito to 63 species. However, we were unable to find 23 species during our field campaigns. Our study shows that even in one of the largest Ecuadorian cities, several orchid species are still present, and among them, species not previously reported. Urgent conservation actions are needed in urban areas to preserve urban diver‑ sity and native ecosystems in Quito
A new species of the rib-degenerated loach, genus Protocobitis (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae), from Guangxi, China
No full textA new species of the genus Protocobitis is described based on morphological comparisons and molecular analyses from specimens of a subterranean tributary of the Hongshui River, Lingyun County, Baise City, and a cave in Jinya Township, Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi, China. Both morphological and molecular data support the validity of Protocobitis longibarba sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characteristics: whole body except for head and area between pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin origin sparsely covered with minute scales; barbels elongate; five or six branched pectoral-fin rays and four branched pelvic-fin rays; vertebrae 4+42. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference phylogenetic trees exhibited congruent topological structures, exhibiting high node support for the monophyly of Protocobitis longibarba (BPP = 1; BS = 100), which was clustered with the other congeners
Serum Vitamin D levels in males with premature androgenetic alopecia: a prospective case-control study
No full textIntroduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the predominant form of hair loss, affects a significant global population. While emerging research suggests a potential correlation between serum vitamin D levels and AGA severity, the current body of evidence remains inconclusive, necessitating further investigation to elucidate this relationship and its clinical implications. Objective: To evaluate serum vitamin D levels in AGA patients and explore their relationship with the condition’s severity. Materials and methods: A seven-month prospective case-control study was carried out in Pakistan. Male participants aged 18-30 yeas were divided into AGA patients and matched controls. AGA severity was assessed using the Norwood-Hamilton classification, and serum vitamin D levels were measured via radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis included chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and unpaired t tests. Results: Patients with AGA had significantly lower sun exposure and higher rates of vitamin D deficiency (84% vs. 22%, p<0.0001) compared to controls. These patients had a higher BMI (24.68±3.18 vs. 22.89±2.80, p=0.0035). Their serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients (45.64±29.99 nmol/L) than controls (91.93±30.55 nmol/L, p<0.0001). A strong association was found between vitamin D deficiency and AGA (p<0.001). Vitamin D levels correlated with the severity of AGA, and ROC analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.89, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with AGA, with substantially lower concentrations and higher deficiency rates in patients compared to controls. The observed correlation between vitamin D levels and AGA severity suggests potential therapeutic implications for vitamin D supplementation in the management of AGA
Species diversity of bdelloid rotifer (Rotifera, Bdelloidea) in different areas in China, with a description of two new species
No full textChina is one of the most biodiverse countries worldwide, with a variety of landforms and climatic conditions. However, the diversity and biogeographic distribution of bdelloid rotifers, one of the most widespread microscopic organisms worldwide, have received little attention in China. In order to understand the species diversity of bdelloid rotifers in China, a large-scale survey of different areas (such as karst areas, islands, and plateaus) and microhabitats (such as moss, leaf litter, and soil) was conducted using 299 samples from seven provinces from 2018 to 2022. A total of 109 bdelloid rotifer species were identified, including three newly recorded genera, 26 newly recorded species, and two new species (Adineta jinan Wang & Yang, sp. nov. and Philodina chinensis Wang & Örstan, sp. nov.), increasing the species richness of bdelloid rotifers in China to 141. Morphological variations among P. chinensis populations from three different regions were identified. This study indicated that the species diversity of bdelloid rotifers in China is high, especially in the Oriental region, and both endemic and rare species exist in different regions and habitats. Further, the challenges are highlighted with corresponding suggestions for research on the diversity and biogeographic distribution of bdelloid rotifers in China. Notably, our findings indicated that a survey of bdelloid rotifers in China is indispensable for a comprehensive understanding of their global biodiversity and biogeography
Arctia menetriesii: Ecological, phenological, and life history traits of an iconic boreal moth based on over a century-long dataset (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
No full textThe Menetries’ Tiger Moth Arctia menetriesii can be considered a prospective umbrella/indicator/flagship species for conservation programs, highlighting primeval Eurasian taiga forests. To examine its inter-annual population dynamics, host plants, habitat preferences and phenology, a dataset from field surveys and experimental research was compiled. The species’ rarity may be, at least partly, an artifact of its low detectability in nature due to its preference for hard-to-reach areas, short flight period of the imago, and, perhaps, limited daily activity. The natural survival patterns of A. menetriesii are still unknown but in breeding experiments maximum mortality occurred at the larval stage (mean ± S.E. = 84.6 ± 6.2%; n = 7). This estimate does not take into account the potential impact of parasitoids, predators, and floods that may also decrease the total abundance of A. menetriesii. Moreover, several limiting factors may contribute to the extreme rarity of this species: climate influence, dependence on toxic host plants, fungal disease and desiccation in overwintering larvae. Our research indicates that there are clear differences between European and Asian populations of the species. In Europe, it occurs more rarely, in odd years, and with restricted latitudinal, elevational, and habitat ranges, perhaps due to the founder effect. Our findings reveal that long-term series of A. menetriesii annual captures do not align with the global trend of insect declines. Further research is necessary to create a climatic niche model and to assess possible range shifts under past and future climate scenarios
Comparative morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract of Eutropius niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus from lower river Benue, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigates the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) morphology of Eutropius niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus which are two economically important fish species from Lower River Benue. Fifty specimens of each species were sampled monthly for a period of three months (November, 2022 – January, 2023) to determine their body and gut measurements. Results revealed that Eutropius niloticus had a mean total length of 24.15±1.90 cm, gut length of 18.00±1.32 cm, and gut weight of 6.09±0.95 g in November, indicating a digestive system enhanced for rapid transit during the period. Conversely, Oreochromis niloticus showed a highly coiled intestine, with a mean gut length of 79.75±9.59 cm and a gut weight of 3.99±1.19 g, suggesting a digestive system adopted to prolonged digestion. Both species showed a significant correlation between body weight and gut length, with r² values of 81.67% and 69.65%, respectively. These findings contribute to the understanding of the feeding strategies and adaptive digestive mechanisms of these species to the dry season fluctuations of River Benue