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New and revised groundwater snails (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) from karst and associated hyporheic habitats in western Texas and northern Mexico
No full textThe freshwater gastropod family Cochliopidae is a diverse component of the subterranean fauna in the karst and hyporheic habitats of western Texas and northern Mexico, with 11 genera and 27 described species found in the region. Building on previous phylogenetic studies of the family in the region we incorporate additional sampling, DNA, and morphological study for systematic revision of species found in the western Edwards-Trinity Aquifer System and associated karst and hyporheic habitats. We describe three new species, Stygopyrgus variabilis sp. nov., Stygopyrgus gracilis sp. nov., and Phreatodrobia embossa sp. nov. and revise the generic placement of two others, Texapyrgus diaboli comb. nov. and Balconorbis coronae comb. nov
Some notes on the digitisation workflow at the LWS herbarium
No full textThe digitisation workflow currently applied at the herbarium of the State Museum of Natural History of the NAS of Ukraine (LWS) differs from other similar by cascade ('object-to-data-to-image') multilevel organisation. Its application is predicted by the need to preselect specimens by taxon and region, as well as by batched digitisation, which occurs with significant interruptions. Focusing on certain taxonomic groups from specific regions allows us to digitise specimens that could be more valuable for scientific processing. At the same time, the herbarium benefits from such a digitisation model by revising the existing collection classification and keeping the initial ID system. Represented digitisation workflow can be easily reproduced in any herbarium with a limited budget. Provided schemas and notes will help maintain the digitisation, choose appropriate equipment and materials, and pay attention to critical aspects
Female and male genital surface microstructures in shining leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Criocerinae)
No full textFemale genital diversity and co-evolution of female and male genitalia have been increasingly unveiled, particularly through recent studies. These findings highlight the importance of genital coupling in genital studies. In this pilot study, I examined membranous elements of female and male genitalia that come into physical contact during copulation in five representative species of shining leaf beetles by employing stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The female genital surfaces are largely smooth, but a thickened patch bearing sensilla is present. In contrast, the male surfaces are at least partially covered with microprotrusions. I present distribution maps of these microstructures for all study species. By comparing the results with those of previous studies, I discuss their possible functions and future research directions in this field
Changes in cortisol secretion and the role of the glucocorticoid receptor in the development of the immune response in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
No full textWith the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has directed its attention towards studying the impact of the causative agent, SARS-CoV-2, on the endocrine system. It has been proven that the virus exhibits organotropism towards the cortex of the adrenal glands, causing tissue damage and hormonal dysfunction. The aim of this exposition is to address the question of whether SARS-CoV-2 causes disruptions in the hormonal regulation of glucocorticoid hormones. Based on a thorough review of the current literature, it is suggested that the virus could potentially directly damage the hypothalamus, leading to a disruption in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The decrease in cortisol secretion is a secondary effect. As a result, there is a loss of stress-induced cortisol elevation due to the inflammatory process and an increased risk of adrenal crisis. On the other hand, inflammatory cytokines synthesized during the inflammatory process could stimulate cortisol secretion through an ACTH-independent mechanism. The magnitude of the biological response is influenced by the newly emerged resistance of cortisol receptors, disturbances in intracellular cortisol signaling, and dysregulation between ACTH and cortisol secretion. The detailed study of functional changes in cortisol secretion in response to SARS-CoV-2-associated inflammation provides a new horizon for scientific research following recovery from COVID-19
A new species of woodlouse (Isopoda, Oniscidea) from the Canarian laurel forest
No full textA new species of terrestrial isopod, Porcellio aguerensis Orihuela-Rivero, sp. nov. of the family Porcellionidae (Oniscidea), is described from the laurel forest of Tenerife, Canary Islands. This new species belongs to the Atlantic group (“scaber”) as defined by Vandel due to the structure of the male pleopod 1 and its “primitive” glandular system. Some diagnostic characters that allow it to be differentiated from other species are revealed, such as (i) the smooth dorsal surface, (ii) the sinuosity of the posterior margin of the first pereonites, (iii) the configuration of the glandular system, and (iv) the structure of the male pleopod 1 exopod. The affinity of Porcellio aguerensis Orihuela-Rivero, sp. nov. with the morphologically closest members of the genus is discussed, both with continental and insular species, hypothesizing a relationship between the Canarian species of Porcellio and the “primitive” continental lineages of the genus. A key of the Porcellio species occurring in Tenerife is included. The conservation of Porcellio aguerensis Orihuela-Rivero, sp. nov. within a scenario of increasing dominance of invasive species is discussed
First record of Vanellus vanellus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves, Charadriidae), Northern Lapwing, in Malaysia at the southernmost occurrence of the species’ range
No full textVanellus vanellus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves, Charadriidae), Northern Lapwing, is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to declines in the availability of its habitat since 1980. The species is a widespread Palearctic breeder and an uncommon migrant to Southeast Asia, where it winters in Thailand and Vietnam. We document the first recorded sighting of V. vanellus in Malaysia, marking the southernmost occurrence of the species to date
Filling gaps in the southern range of the Endangered Chacoan Peccary, Parachoerus wagneri (Rusconi, 1930) (Artiodactyla, Tayassuidae), in Argentina
No full textNew records of the Endangered Parachoerus wagneri (Rusconi, 1930) are reported in northwestern Córdoba and south Santiago del Estero, Argentina. These records were obtained through interviews, confirmed with photographical evidence provided by the interviewees, and trail camera surveys. These findings confirm the presence of this species in strategic areas of its distribution and provide evidence of potential connection between northern and southern populations in Argentina. Participatory sampling is proving to be an essential tool for gathering high quality information in these areas, thus has become crucial in obtaining records and clarifying the distribution of P. wagneri
Resolving issues in the genus Dioxys (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae, Dioxyini) in the West Palaearctic with a new identification key
No full textThe bee genus Dioxys is widely distributed across the Holarctic from the Mediterranean basin to western North America but is species-poor, and individual species can prove challenging to identify. Consequently, there has been a lack of consensus as to how many species actually exist. In the West Palaearctic, the number of species has varied from six to ten, depending on the worker. Due to a previously incorrect assessment of publication dates, Dioxys rotundatus Pérez, 1884, sp. resurr. is restored as the senior synonym of Dioxys moestus Costa, 1884, syn. nov. The relationship between this species and Dioxys atlanticus Saunders, 1904 is clarified, with the latter restricted to the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife (Spain). Dioxys rufipes Morawitz, 1875 is considered part of the West Palaearctic fauna, replacing “D. moestus” sensu Warncke (1977) in the eastern Mediterranean. Dioxys montanus Heinrich, 1977, sp. resurr. is revalidated from synonymy with Dioxys cinctus (Jurine, 1807). Dioxys pumilus Gerstäcker, 1869 is found to consist of four species, D. pumilus (eastern Mediterranean), Dioxys varipes De Stefani, 1887, sp. resurr. (western Mediterranean), Dioxys cypriacus Popov, 1944, sp. resurr. (Cyprus), and Dioxys hermonensis sp. nov. (Israel: Mount Hermon). A neotype is designated for D. varipes, and Dioxys falsificus Engel, 2023, syn. nov. is synonymised with it. This contribution produces a total of 13 species for the West Palaearctic region, and illustrates the degree to which persistent taxonomic problems exist even within small bee genera
A new subgenus of Stigmatophora Staudinger, 1881 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini) from China, with descriptions of three new species
No full textWe describe three newly discovered species of the genus Stigmatophora Staudinger, 1881 from China, (S. bucseki sp. nov., S. longa sp. nov., and S. dianensis sp. nov.) and establish a new subgenus Bifurcistigma subgen. nov. for the first two. Detailed descriptions of the external morphology and male and female genitalia of the new species are provided, along with those of S. obraztsovi Daniel, 1951, which is also assigned to the new subgenus. A checklist of all species of Stigmatophora is presented including the distribution, type locality, and synonymy of each
Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China
No full textSpiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae), a new calcareous species found in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to S. coccinea, S. scabrida, and S. purpureocaerulea in having pubescent stems and subglobose capsules, but it is easily distinguished by its cincinnous inflorescence and its triangular, 1–2 mm long, pubescent bracteoles. According to the IUCN criteria, it is considered Data Deficient (DD) until more information becomes available. Photographs, an illustration, a distribution map, and a comparative table with the most similar species are provided