87,318 research outputs found
Altmanella Fend 2009
No full textAltmanella, undetermined western Nearctic species Figure 11 Material examined. Oregon: Lane Co.: Small spring at mouth of Tenmile Creek, 30-Jan-00, coll. S. Fend, 1 whole mount. Washington: Jefferson Co.: small seep along Hoh River, 29-Apr-99, coll. S. Fend, 1 whole mount. Small tributary to Clearwater River at Coppermine Bottom Camp, 25-Apr-04, coll. S. Fend, 1 whole mount. Idaho: Valley Co.: South Fork Salmon River at Shiefer Camp, 25-Aug-05 coll. D. Gustafson, 2 whole mounts. Twin Falls Co.: Salmon Falls Creek, Castleford Branch, 28-Mar-03, coll. D. Gustafson, 3 dissected. Remarks. The three specimens from coastal Oregon and Washington all resemble A. freidris, but have extremely long, extended penes (Fig. 11D–F). As penial extension in preserved worms is highly variable, and related to fixation, this may not be a basis for distinguishing a separate species using such limited material. The few specimens from Salmon Falls Creek in southern Idaho (Fig. 11A–B) appeared somewhat intermediate between A. freidris and A. idahoensis. The atrial ampullae were relatively short, penial structures were narrow and indistinct, and extruded penes narrow and straight. This may represent yet another species, but the poor condition of the limited material does not permit an adequate description. Only two specimens were available from the South Fork Salmon River site in northern Idaho, but both had unusually thin penial structures and very small atria (Fig. 11C).Published as part of Fend, En. V., 2009, An evaluation of the genus Kincaidiana Altman, 1936, with the designation of Altmanella n. gen. (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae), pp. 1-30 in Zootaxa 2077 on page 2
Development of medical point-of-care applications for renal medicine and tuberculosis based on electronic nose technology
No full textINTRODUCTION: Current clinical diagnostics are based on biochemical,
immunological or microbiological methods. However, these methods are operator
dependent, time consuming, expensive and require special skills, and are therefore not
suitable for point-of-care testing. Recent developments in gas-sensing technology and
pattern recognition methods make electronic nose technology an interesting
alternative for medical point-of-care devices. METHODS: We applied a gas sensor
array based on 14 conducting polymers to monitor haemodialysis in vitro and to
detect pulmonary tuberculosis in both culture and sputum. RESULTS and
DISCUSSION: The electronic nose is able to distinguish between control blood and
“uraemic” blood. Furthermore, the gas sensor array is not only capable of
discriminating pre- from post-dialysis blood (97% accuracy) but also can follow the
volatile shift occurring during a single haemodialysis session. The electronic nose can
be used for both dialysate side and blood-side monitoring of haemodialysis. The pattern observed for post- and pre-dialysis blood might reflect the health status of the
patients and can therefore be related to the long-term outcome. Furthermore, the gas
sensor array was also able to discriminate between Mycobacterium spp. and other
lung pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. More importantly the gas sensor
array was capable of resolving different Mycobacterium spp. such as Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, M. scrofulaceum, and M. avium in both liquid culture and spiked sputum
samples. The detection limit for M. tuberculosis in both sputum and liquid culture is 1
x 104 mycobacteria ml-1 and therefore partially fulfils the requirement set by the
WHO. The gas sensor array was able to detect culture proven TB with a sensitivity of
89% and a specificity of 91%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study has shown
the ability of an electronic nose as a point-of-care device in these areas
Eremidrilus humboldti Fend & Rodriguez 2020, n. sp.
No full textEremidrilus humboldti n. sp. (Figures 3, 4, 11C)Holotype. USNM 1618760. Whole worm, incomplete (tail segments missing), with sperm in anterior spermathecae, and mature egg, slide-mounted in Canada balsam. Type Locality. USA, Idaho, Blaine Co., Corral Creek at Trail Creek, 1 Jun 2008 (Site 11, Table 1), coll. S. Fend. Paratypes. MNCN 16.03 /3111, from the type locality (Site 11), 1 Jun 2008, 1 whole-mount. USNM 1618762Trail Creek at Trail Creek Road (Site 10), 30 Jun 2000, DG, 1 dissected. USNM 1618761Site 10, 5 Sep 2004, DG, 1 whole-mount. USNM 1618763, Corral Creek1 km above Trail Creek (Site 12), 1 Jun 2016, PR and SF, 1 wholemount, DNA voucher (C. Erséus pers. com.)MNCN 16.03 /3112, Site 10, 5 Sep 2004, DG, 1 dissected. All slidemounted in Canada balsam. Other material. From the type locality (Site 11), SF, 1 Jun 2008, 1 whole-mount and 1 dissected. Site 10, 5 Sep 2004, DG, 1 mature and 3 immature whole mounts; 15 Apr 2002, SF, 6 partially-mature whole mounts. Site 12, 1 Jun 2016, PR and SF, 3 whole-mounted DNA vouchers; 26 Sep 2019, SF, 3 whole mounts, all unmated. Site 13, 26 Sep 2019, SF, 8 whole mounts and 5 whole-mounted DNA vouchers. All slide-mounted in Canada balsam. Collectors: DG = Daniel L. Gustafson, PR = Pilar Rodriguez, SF = Steven Fend. Etymology. Named for the great biologist and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who emphasized the relationships between species diversity and their distribution, forming the basis of biogeography, and inspiring many generations of zoologists and botanists. Description. Length 12–26 mm; 54–74 segments; diameter in X 0.4–0.7 mm. Prostomium with proboscis, the latter 300–600 µm long, diameter about 80 µm at middle. Secondary segmentation well marked from IV–IX, weak in postclitellar segments (Fig. 3A). Chaetae moderately sigmoid, with nodulus slightly distal to midpoint (0.35–0.45 the distance from the tip); in anterior bundles 113–204 µm long, shorter in II, dorsals similar in length to ventrals; in mid body segments 120–216 µm long (Fig. 3B). Genital pores all on the longitudinal lines of ventral chaetae. Male pores on prominent dome-shaped porophores (26–84 µm high, 64–120 µm wide) in X, midway between chaetae and septum X/XI (Figs. 3D,E, 4A). Two pairs simple spermathecal pores in XI and XII; those in XI midway between chaetae and posterior septum; those in XII very close to posterior septum (12/13) (Fig. 3 C–E). Female pores on 11/12. Epidermis 9–24 µm thick in anterior segments, up to 40 µm in clitellum. Clitellum in X–XIII (XIV), not greatly thickened in most specimens. Pharyngeal glands in IV–VI (VII). First nephridium at 12/13 or 13/14; pores anterior to ventral chaetae, nephridial duct tubular at pore, without forming a vesicle.Sperm sacs extend anteriorly to VIII or VII, posteriorly to XIII–XIX; egg sacs extend 1–2 segments beyond. Male funnels on 9/10 and 10/11. Vasa deferentia 18–24 µm diameter, about 250–400 µm long; posterior vasa loop into XI; both vasa join the atrium near mid-length and enter the muscle layer, opening to atrial lumen near the (ental) apical end (Figs. 3 C–E, 4C). Atria short, 172–310 µm long, entirely in X, club-shaped, ampulla gradually narrows towards the pore, not clearly separated from the ectal duct; atrium length 0.3–0.5 times body width at segment X, and 2–3 times the porophore width (Fig. 4A,B). Maximum atrium diameter 38–69 µm; epithelial cells 5–10 µm thick; atrial muscle layer thin (3–6 µm); prostate glands 10–22 µm high, usually appearing as a continuous layer over most of the atrium, but in some specimens they can be seen as distinct clusters (Fig. 4C). No obvious glands at the ectal pore.Spermathecal ampullae oval or sac-like, the first pair about 150–700 µm long, the second pair similar or slightly smaller, 170–480 µm long, sometimes without sperm (Fig. 3D). Spermathecal ducts 40–85 µm long, 25–35 µm maximum diameter, tapered to the pore (Figs. 3 C–E; 4D–F); duct epithelium with columnar cells, usually with a gradual transition to the thinner epithelium of the ampulla (Figs. 3E, 4E).Remarks.Eremidrilus humboldtin. sp. resembles the Pacific Coastal E. ritocsi Fend & Rodriguez, 2003 in the size of the atrium relative to the body diameter, and the male porophore is also similar. However, E. ritocsi has only one spermathecal segment, and the spermathecal pores are near the lateral line. Spermathecal morphology also differs: ampullae are more globular in E. ritocsi, with a characteristic sperm arrangement, and ducts are longer and more tubular (Fend & Rodriguez 2003). As in other inland species described here, E. humboldtin. sp. has two spermathecal segments; spermathecae have short, tapered ducts, spermathecal pores are in line with ventral chaetal bundles, and the pores of the second pair are close to intersegment 12/13. It is distinguished from other species of the region by its small atrium (Table 2) and by the broadly rounded male porophore, with a simple pore (Fig. 4A).Published as part of Fend, Steven & Rodriguez, Pilar, 2020, New Eremidrilus species (Clitellata: Lumbriculidae) from western North America Part 1, species with two spermathecal segments, pp. 111-131 in Zootaxa 4809 (1) on pages 116-118, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/393398
Eremidrilus artzaini Fend & Rodriguez 2020, n. sp.
No full textEremidrilus artzaini n. sp. (Figures 1, 2, 11B)Holotype. USNM 1618756. Whole worm, incomplete (tail segments missing), mated with sperm in anterior spermathecae, slide-mounted in Canada balsam. Type Locality: USA, Idaho, Custer Co., East Fork Big Lost River above Willow Creek (Site 4 in Table 1), 1 Jul 2000, DG. Paratypes. USNM 1618757, from type locality (Site 4), 1 Jul 2000, DG, 1 dissected. USNM 1618758, Site 4, 1 Jul 2000, transverse histological sections. USNM 1618759, Site 6, 27 Sep 2019, SF, 1 whole-mounted anterior end, DNA voucher (C. Erséus pers. com.). MNCN 16.03 /3108, Site 1, 30 Jun 2000, DG, sagittal sections, and MNCN 16.03 /3109, Site 1, 30 Jun 2000, DG, one dissected. MNCN 16.03 /3110, Site 4, 1 Jul 2000, DG, 1 whole-mount. All slide-mounted in Canada balsam. Other material. several sites in the Big Lost River Basin, Idaho (Table 1): Site 1, 30 Jun 2000, DG, 1 wholemount and 6 dissected. Site 2, 5 Sep 2004, DG, 1 whole-mount. Site 3, 1 Jul 2000, DG, 3 dissected and 3 wholemounts; 27 Sep 2019, SF, 6 whole-mounted DNA vouchers. Site 4, 1 Jul 2000, DG, 1 sagittally sectioned, 6 dissected and 2 whole mounts. Site 5, 14 Sep 2003, DG, 3 dissected and 7 whole-mounts. Site 6, 13 Sep 03, DG, 4 dissected; 27 Sep 2019, SF, 6 whole-mounted DNA vouchers. Site 7, 5 Jun 1999, DG, 1 dissected, 1 whole-mount; 1 Jun 2008, SF, 1 dissected. Site 8, 14 Sep 2003, DG, 1 dissected. Site 9, 30 Apr 2000, DG, 1 dissected. All slidemounted in Canada balsam. Collectors: DG = Daniel L. Gustafson, SF = Steven Fend. Etymology. From "artzain", shepherd in the Basque language. The species is named for the many Basques who migrated to Idaho to work as shepherds in remote valleys. Description (based on populations from the Big Lost River Basin, Idaho). Length of preserved worms 11–19 mm; 56–75 segments; diameter in X 0.4–0.7 mm. Prostomium with proboscis, the latter 240–530 µm long, about 65 µm diameter at middle (Fig. 1A). Segmentation distinct in anterior segments; anterior secondary annulus about ¼ segment width, beginning segment IV and extending throughout body length except for clitellum. Chaetae (Figs. 1B, 2A) with nodulus median to slightly distal (about 0.4–0.5 from distal end), similar in anterior and posterior segments; within each pair, the inner chaeta is slightly longer, with a more proximal nodulus; ventral chaetae in preclitellar segments 122–192 µm, shorter in II (102–115 µm); in middle and posterior segments 127–192 µm long; dorsal chaetae 122–175 µm in anterior segments, and 120–175 µm in postclitellar segments. One pair of male pores in X, midway between chaetae and posterior septum (Fig. 1A,E,F), on short papillae (ca. 30–40 μm long) within broad, concave, ring-shaped porophores (Figs. 1C,F, 2G); porophore width 94–134 µm, height 30–72 µm; in some unmated specimens the atrial duct opens in a simple pore without a porophore. Two pairs of simple spermathecal pores, well behind ventral chaetae, on or slightly lateral to the ventral chaetal lines in XI and XII (Fig. 1A,D); those in XII very close to the posterior septum (12/13). Female pores on 11/12. Epidermis 16–28 µm thick in anterior segments, longitudinal muscles 26–44 µm thick. Clitellum (IX) X to XII, up to 36 µm thick. Pharynx mostly in II–IV, without a prominent dorsal pad; pharyngeal glands in IV–VI (VII). First nephridium on 12/13, nephridial duct without vesicle at pore.Paired testes in IX and X, ovaries in XI. Sperm sacs extend anteriorly to VIII, posteriorly to XIII or XIV; egg sacs to XV. Male funnels on 9/10 and 10/11, of similar size. Free portion of both anterior and posterior vasa deferentia 14–25 µm wide and about 320–600 µm long. Posterior vas forms a short loop in XI before entering X; both join basal part of atrial ampulla, run along outer surface a short distance, then under the muscle layer to enter atrial lumen near midpoint of the ampulla (Figs. 1E,F, 2E). Atrium petiolate, entirely in X, total length 440–720 μm; atrial duct narrow (180–300 µm long, diameter 18–30 µm), gradually widening into the elongate ampulla, and widening slightly near the ectal pore (Figs. 1C,E,F, 2B). Atrial ampulla covered by a layer of prostate cells, 10–24 µm high; layer may appear continuous (Fig. 2D), or as small, tightly-packed multicellular clusters (Fig. 2C); maximum atrium diameter in ental part of ampulla 127–205 µm; epithelial cells cuboidal, not glandular, forming a narrow layer, 3–10 µm high; atrial musculature very thick in ampulla (14–42 µm); muscle fibers arranged in an irregular, somewhat diagonal direction in the median part of the ampulla (Fig. 2 D–F). Atrium length 4–7 times porophore width, and 0.7–1.5 times body diameter in X.Spermathecae paired in XI and XII (Fig. 1E,F), either both with sperm, or only the anterior pair well-developed and filled with sperm. Spermathecal ampullae may extend into adjacent segments; ducts usually in segments XI and XII, but the second pair may extend into XIII, due to the pore location near the posterior intersegment. Ampullae irregular, sac-like, with uniform epithelial layer not glandular, about 8 µm thick; sperm appears unordered within ampulla (Fig. 2H). Spermathecal ducts short and strongly tapered, 40–150 µm long, with gradual transition to ampulla; usually with columnar cells and a narrow lumen; muscle layer thin (ca. 1 µm) (Fig. 2I,J). Ectal pores of spermathecae without glands or distinct epidermal modification.Specimens from other drainages: Two specimens from sites in other drainages (1 each from Muldoon and Hayden Creeks, both within the Snake River catchment) are similar to typical specimens in diagnostic characters, with elongate (but somewhat shorter, 320–595 µm), petiolate atria, with thick muscle layer and thin prostate layer. Male porophores are broad and slightly concave.Remarks. Externally, E. artzainin. sp. is distinguished from other Eremidrilus species by the low, concave (annular) porophore, which surrounds a small papilla terminating in the male pore. Atrial morphology differs from that of all other species in the following combination of characters: large dimensions (Table 2), petiolate form (with elongate, narrow duct), thick and complex muscular layer, very thin epithelium, and thin layer of prostate glands (see the descriptions and Fig. 11 below; see also Fig. 5 in Fend & Rodriguez 2003). Spermathecal pores are close to the posterior septa, and approximately on the ventral chaetal lines, as in other species described here; in contrast, they tend to be more laterally positioned in species having one spermathecal segment (cf. Fig. 7 in Fend & Rodriguez 2003). The posterior spermathecae (in XII) are usually smaller than the anterior pair (in XI), and may not contain sperm.Published as part of Fend, Steven & Rodriguez, Pilar, 2020, New Eremidrilus species (Clitellata: Lumbriculidae) from western North America Part 1, species with two spermathecal segments, pp. 111-131 in Zootaxa 4809 (1) on pages 113-116, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.6, http://zenodo.org/record/393398
Eremidrilus owyhee Rodriguez & Fend 2022, n. sp.
No full text3.4. Eremidrilus owyhee n. sp. (Figs. 2C, F; 3J–M; 6) Holotype. USNM 1593361, whole-mounted worm, slide-mounted in Canada balsam. Type Locality. Nevada, Elko Co., Bruneau River at Fawn Gulch, N 41.7594, W 115.5744, 1440 m altitude (3 June 2008). S. V. Fend coll. Paratypes. USNM 1593362–1593366, from the type locality, same collection data, 2 whole-mounted, 3 dissected on slides. CASIZ 233664–233666, 2 whole-mounted, 1 dissected on slide. USNM 1593367, Owyhee River at Beaver Creek, 27 April 2004, coll. D.L. Gustafson. MNCN 16.03 /3151, 1 transversely sectioned from Owyhee River, at Beaver Creek, 27 April 2004, coll. D.L. Gustafson. MNCN 16.03 /3152, 1 dissected and MNCN 16.03 /3153–16.03/3154, 4 whole mounts from type locality, 3 June 2008, S. V. Fend coll. Etymology. Named for the Owyhee River. The name was given to the river and the region in memory of three Hawaiian explorers lost in the region in 1819–20, during Mackenzie‘s Snake expedition (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owyhee_County,_ Idaho, last edited on 15 December 2021). Other material. Nevada, Elko Co., several localities, in authors’ collections. Bruneau River at Fawn Gulch (type locality), 3 June 2008, S. Fend coll., 2 dissected, 21 whole mounts. Bruneau River at Cottonwood Creek, N 41.7737, W 115.5823, 1768 m altitude, 15 July 2004, 2 whole-mounted. Owyhee River at Beaver Creek, 27 April 2004, one whole-mounted, 3 dissected, 1 transversely sectioned. Owyhee River below Wildhorse Reservoir, N 41.7259 W 115.896, 1828 m altitude, 27 March 2003, one dissected. Idaho, Camas Co., Big Smoky Creek N 43.6076, W 114.8995, 22 August 2005, 3 whole mounts. All collected by D. L. Gustafson unless otherwise indicated. Description (from type locality population). Segments 55–90. Length of fixed worms 10–19 mm, body diameter in X, 0.31–0.58 mm. Proboscis (100) 250−425 µm long, 40−64 µm diameter at middle. Segmentation distinct, with secondary annulus well marked from III to postclitellar segments (XIII−XIV) (Fig. 2C). All chaetae simplepointed and sigmoid; in anterior part of the body 100–147 µm long, those in ventral bundles usually slightly longer than dorsals, short in II 72−96 µm, and gradually longer to VII or VIII, nodulus at 0.3–0.4 chaetal length from the tip, sometimes about median in segment II. Chaetae in middle and posterior segments of similar length (112−149 µm), with nodulus distal (at 0.3–0.4 from distal end), dorsals and ventrals about equal in length (Fig. 2F). Epidermis smooth, 6–18 µm high, slightly thicker at the clitellum (14–26 µm), which extends from X to anterior part of XIII, and is formed by irregularly organized epidermal glands. Pharyngeal glands dorsal and ventral to the gut in segments (IV)V−VII; ventral lobes may be present in VIII. Nephridia with the ectal duct usually ending in a short, expanded vesicle (40–62 µm long, 25–35 µm wide) (Fig. 6H); nephridia absent in preclitellar segments. Male pores slightly lateral to ventral chaetal lines, in the posterior part of segment X, at about midway between ventral chaetae and posterior septum, opening on conical to almost cylindrical porophores of variable size (Figs. 2C; 3J–L; 6A–C), probably depending on fixation or the degree of extension (44−120 µm basal and 29–70 µm apical diameter; 80–170 µm long). Spermathecal pores just below the lateral line (Figs. 2C; 3J, M; 6A, D). Female pores in 11/12. Sperm sacs usually extend anteriorly to VIII, posteriorly to XIV−XVI; egg sacs to XV−XVIII. Vasa deferentia 12−19 µm wide and about 220−360 µm long; posterior vas forms a loop in XI (in the space of the secondary annulation of segment XI), and both vasa join the atrial wall at about the apical third of the atrium. Atrium elongated, cylindrical (208–350 µm long), very narrow (22−59 µm diameter), including muscle layer (1–6 µm thick) and lining cells (7−10 µm high). Atrial ampulla usually bent and sparsely covered by discrete clumps of prostatic cells (25−55 µm high) (Figs. 3J–L; 6C). Male duct extends through the porophore, with numerous circular muscle fibres attached to the epithelium of the duct (Figs. 3K; 6C). Large spermathecal ampullae, about 1.5 to 2 times as long as wide (65−275 µm wide; 105−460 µm long), in segment XI or may pass to the segment XII. Spermathecal ducts short (70−170 µm long) and tapered (30−65 µm wide at the middle); long transverse muscles join the spermathecal pore to the dorsal body wall; when contracted, the spermathecal pore opens within a lateral fold of the body wall (Figs. 3J; 6F, G). Sperm in ampulla forms a circular bundle that occupies most of the lumen, and part of the spermatozoids are oriented toward the epithelial cells near the duct (Fig. 6E). (a) diameter of the male porophore measured at the ectal end Remarks. Eremidrilus owyhee n. sp. is easily distinguished from all other congeneric species by the narrow atrium with well-separated prostatic glands, and by the long, protrusible male porophore (Table 2). Unlike other species in the Snake River drainage, E. owyhee n. sp. has one pair of spermathecae (in XI). The spermathecal pores are at the lateral line, resembling the position in the California species E. felini and E. ritocsi (Fend & Rodriguez 2003), but differing from all of the other known species in the genus. When retracted, the spermathecal pore opening within a lateral fold is reminiscent of the spermathecal sac of E. felini, although it is shallower and never forming a porophore-like structure when unretracted. The gut of the examined individuals contains detritus mixed with large sand grains and some diatoms. The Bruneau and Owyhee Rivers are tributaries to the Snake River, both joining it in southwestern Idaho. Most of the E. owyhee records are from upper reaches of these rivers, geographically very close to each other (see below). Both drainages are in an arid plateau region, and channels are in deeply incised canyons, with relatively sparse vegetation. Sampling sites have permanent flow throughout the year. Big Smoky Creek is more distant (approximately 200 km North), and drains to the Boise River, yet another Snake River tributary. The limited specimens appeared similar to those from the type locality, despite their proximity to type localities of two other Eremidrilus species (E. artzaini and E. humboldti) in more upstream Snake tributaries. A single, partially mature specimen resembling E. owyhee was also collected in the nearby Marys River, which drains southward to the endorheic Humboldt River (Nevada). The collection localities are intermediate between the Pacific Coastal drainages (having species with only one spermathecal segment) and the Idaho and eastern sites (having species with two spermathecal segments).Published as part of Rodriguez, Pilar & Fend, Steven V., 2022, New Nearctic Eremidrilus species (Clitellata: Lumbriculidae). Part 2, western species with one spermathecal segment, pp. 245-264 in Zootaxa 5159 (2) on pages 255-259, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5159.2.4, http://zenodo.org/record/677713
Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) diespluviae Fend, n. sp.
No full textRhynchelmis (Sutroa) diespluviae Fend n. sp. (Figs 6–9) Holotype. USNM 1230311, a dissected, slide-mounted specimen. Type locality. IDAHO, Idaho Co: Rainy Day Creek at mouth, N 45.8030 °, W 115.6940 °, 23 Apr 2001. Paratypes. USNM 1230312-1230314, the type locality, 23 Apr 2001, 2 dissected, 2 sectioned (1 transverse, 1 sagittal). CASIZ 192766, the type locality, 23 Apr 2001, 3 dissected. Other material. IDAHO, Idaho Co: Rainy Day Creek at mouth, 23 Apr 2001, 12 dissected, 2 in alcohol; 1 Jul 2002, 4 dissected, 3 in alcohol. O’Hara Creek at Selway River, 23 Apr 2001, 1 dissected. Clearwater Co.: Cold Spring Creek at mouth, 2 Jul 2002, 1 dissected. Fern Creek at Isabella Creek, 28 Jul 2003, 2 dissected. North Fork Clearwater River at Isabella Creek, 28 Jul 2003, 2 dissected (partially mature). North Fork Clearwater River at Cedars, 3 Jul 2002, 3 dissected. Orogrande Creek tributary, 2 Jul 2002, 2 dissected. WASHINGTON, Jefferson Co.: Hurst Creek at Clearwater River, N 47.5733 °, W 124.2917 °, 14 Apr 2010, 1 dissected. All Idaho specimens collected by D.L. Gustafson; the Washington specimen collected by S.V. Fend. Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Rainy Day Creek; from Latin “dies pluviae”. Description. Idaho material. Length of 6 intact, preserved specimens 21–36 mm; 92–130 segments. Width 0.79–1.35 mm in X (n = 14), maximum width to 1.4 mm. Prostomium with a filiform proboscis, length 0.6–1.1 mm (Fig. 6 A–C); body nearly round in transverse section, tapered posteriorly. External segmentation moderately developed; segments III–IX usually with a secondary annulation at about the anterior 1 / 4; external segmentation obscure in clitellum and weak posteriorly. Clitellum usually from mid-IX to mid-XIV. Chaetae narrowly paired, with bundles approximately equidistant. Chaetae simple-pointed, sigmoid, with a moderately developed distal hook; nodulus distal to midpoint, 28–38 % of chaeta length from tip (Fig. 6 E). Chaeta length 151–247 (203) µm in middle segments, similar or slightly smaller in posterior segments (166–206 Μm); dorsal pairs about as long as ventrals. Paired spermathecal openings distinctly anterior to ventral chaetae, on the furrow marking the anterior secondary annulus; transverse position in line with or slightly lateral to chaetae (Fig. 6 A–C). Male pores posterior to ventral chaetae in X; transverse position on chaetal line. Female pores at 11 / 12, in line with the ventral chaetae. Epidermis 18–36 µm thick in anterior segments, maximum thickness 48–72 µm thick in clitellum. Body wall longitudinal muscle layer 40–70 µm thick in preclitellar segments; circular muscle layer 6–14 µm. Pharynx thickened, with columnar cells in II (dorsally) and III (ventrally) through IV, without a distinct dorsal pad. Pharyngeal glands in IV–VI(VII). Ventral blood vessel divides at 6 / 7 or in VII. A pair of convoluted lateral blood vessels joins the dorsal and ventral blood vessels in posterior part of anterior segments; beginning about IX, there may also be an anterior pair of lateral vessels. In X and XI the posterior (commissural) vessels loop into the sperm and egg sacs, respectively. Posterior to about XII, lateral vessels may be blind, or may join the perivisceral sinus on the ventrolateral aspect of the gut; branching is variable, and sometimes not apparent. In a few segments, beginning in VIII or IX, 2–3 small blood glands at the perivisceral sinus are joined by short branches from the ventral blood vessel. Lateral blood vessels indistinct in most specimens, and may be weakly developed or absent in posterior segments; when visible, only one pair is usually well developed. Nephridia usually from XIII, paired, single, or absent in posterior segments. A small anteseptal funnel is followed by an ovate, granular, postseptal mass (about 150–250 Μm long), which narrows to a tubule; the tubule forms a closely paired loop, which closely follows the anterior lateral blood vessel dorsally, to approach the dorsal blood vessel; this part of the tubule densely covered by granular cells. The tubule loop may then extend ventromedially within the segment. The ectal end of the tubule forms a thin extension to an inconspicuous nephropore, anterior to the ventral chaetal bundle. Testes paired in X only. Testes and ovaries relatively small, usually ending before mid-segment. Female funnels with posterior lip about 180 Μm high. Sperm sacs extend posteriorly from X to XXV–XXXVI in mature worms; egg sacs extend posteriorly through 1–5 additional segments; no anterior sperm sacs. Paired septal cell masses, probably vestigial sacs, extend posteriorly from 8 / 9 and 9 / 10, into IX and X, usually as far as mid-segment. Spermathecae paired in VIII. External pore formed by invagination of the epidermis, which is lined with a fibrous layer and surrounded by a bulb-shaped mass of densely packed cells, 95–180 Μm high and 100–157 Μm wide; bulb cells are not obviously glandular (Fig. 9 B); no accessory glands at pore. Spermathecal ampulla pyriform, 290–500 Μm long, maximum width at base 120–170 Μm, narrowing to join the ventrolateral side of the gut (Figs 7 B, 8 A, 9 A). One pair of diverticula inserts at the junction between bulb and ampulla, on anterior and posterior side (Fig. 8 A); ectal duct very short and indistinct (Fig. 9 A, B). Spermathecal diverticula roughly tubular, but usually with 1–3 branches (Figs 8 A, 9 C), usually longer than the ampulla, 490–960 µm long by about 60–90 Μm in diameter. Muscle layer surrounding ampulla and diverticula thin and indistinct, 1–2 Μm thick. Epithelium of diverticula and ampulla may be irregularly incised or folded, especially near base; sperm concentrated in base of ampulla and throughout the diverticula, with heads lined up along epithelium in the basal half, often concentrated in the epithelial folds (Fig. 9 D). Elongate-conical penes are retracted into deep sacs in all Idaho specimens examined; penes slightly curved mediad, length 110–215 Μm, width at base 55–175 Μm (Figs 7 C, 8 B–D, 9 E–F). Penial sacs are lined with a thick, folded epithelium, surrounded by a diffuse mass of tissue which appears to be mostly muscle fibers; the entire structure about 300–500 Μm high, general form resembling the penial bulbs of other R. (Sutroa) species. Ectally, the muscle layer is continuous with the circular muscle layer of the body wall; entally the muscle fibers coalesce to form retractor muscles, joined to the dorsolateral body wall (Fig. 7 C). Ectal end of atrium narrows, crosses medial face of penial bulb, then enters bulb from anterodorsal side (Figs 7 C, 8 B–D); atrial duct continues to narrow, but remains visible within the penis (Fig. 9 E); ectal pore at the tip of the penis (Fig. 9 F). Atria tubular, 1850–4390 Μm long, extending straight back or sometimes highly contorted, extending posteriorly to as far as XX (median XVIII) when straight. Atria about equally divided into an ectal, muscular part, and an ental, prostate-bearing part (Fig. 7 A). Ectal part 50–84 Μm in diameter, with muscle coat 8–14 Μm thick, and cuboidal epithelium about 7–14 thick near the male pore (Fig. 9 G); muscle becoming thinner entally, to 2–4 Μm (Fig. 9 H). Muscle layer of mostly transverse-circular fibers, with a very thin outer layer of longitudinal muscles. Ental part of atrium 48–72 Μm in diameter, muscle layer 2–4 Μm thick, epithelium 14–20 Μm thick, covered with petiolate, multicellular prostate glands (Fig. 9 I). Prostate glands granular, about 100–170 Μm long. Anterior male funnels cup-shaped, to about 120 Μm high, without sperm; anterior (nonfunctional) vasa deferentia 20–30 Μm thick. Posterior male funnels with sperm; highly convoluted, about 250 Μm high, on 10 / 11; posterior vasa deferentia 24–37 Μm in diameter. Vasa deferentia ciliated, not obviously glandular. Both vasa deferentia are free within the sperm sac adjacent to the ectal part of the atrium (Figs 7 A, 9 G–H), and join the atria within the prostate-covered, ental portion (Fig. 9 I). One vas joins near the beginning of the prostate layer, travels a short distance under the muscle coat, then enters atrial lumen; the other travels under the atrial muscle coat for most of its length, entering near the apex (ental end). Washington specimen. Width in X and maximum width 1.1 mm, tail and proboscis broken. Clitellum IX– XIV. Chaeta length 192–274 µm in middle segments, nodulus 30–41 % of chaeta length from tip. Spermathecal pores and blood vessels as described for typical (Idaho) specimens. Sperm sacs to XVIII, eggs in XIX; testes only in X. Spermathecae as described for typical specimens; ectal bulb 190 Μm high and about 200 Μm wide. Spermathecal ampulla narrowly pyriform, 410–440 Μm long, maximum width at base 155–170 Μm; diverticula 430–560 µm long, with 2–3 branches (Fig. 8 F). Both penes everted, narrowly conical, directed slightly anteriad; length 385–395 Μm, width near base 250 Μm; male pore terminal. (Figs 6 D, 8 E). Remainder of penial bulb inside body appears diffuse, to 340 Μm high. Prostate-free portion of the atrium 1460–1630 Μm long by 60–72 Μm wide, with muscle layer to 12 Μm thick ectally, 4 Μm entally; atrial duct narrows to 30 Μm within the penis, extending another 500 Μm. Ental, prostate-covered part of atrium 1380 Μm long by 60–79 Μm wide, with 2–3 Μm muscle layer and granular epithelium 7–8 Μm thick; prostate glands 100–120 Μm long and densely packed. Posterior vas deferens 23–28 Μm wide, anterior vas 15–17 Μm wide in XI–XII. Remarks. Rhynchelmis diespluviae is associated with the yakimorum complex within R. (Sutroa) (Appendix 3). Spermathecal characters include the dense ectal bulbs, inconspicuous ducts, pyriform ampullae, and paired, branched diverticula. The elongate atria, with vasa deferentia entering within the ental, prostate-bearing portion, are typical for the subgenus. Based on the positions of the genital pores, the elongate spermathecal diverticula, and the conical penes, R. diespluviae appears closest to R. utahensis. However, the long, straight penes have terminal pores, and protrude into the sac even when the penial structure is completely retracted. In contrast, R. utahensis penes are sharply curved when everted, and they are short, with subterminal pores when retracted (Figs 36–41 in Fend & Brinkhurst 2000). The penial bulbs are smaller in R. diespluviae, the atria enter the penial bulb anterodorsally (rather than laterally), and the atrial musculature is thicker than in typical R. utahensis. The narrower spermathecal ampullae also distinguish the new species from R. utahensis. The penes most closely resemble those of R. rostrata (Fig. 1 B, C), but the male pores are more widely separated and the spermathecae are paired, with only two diverticula. Two R. diespluviae specimens had only one spermatheca, but these retained the ventrolateral position of normal specimens, in contrast to the consistently median spermatheca of R. rostrata. The spermathecal pores are located near the anterior septum in VIII, rather than slightly anterior to the ventral chaetae. Vasa deferentia are relatively thick compared with most other R. (Sutroa) species (cf. Figs 11 and 43 in Fend & Brinkhurst 2000), except for R. aleutensis (Fig. 2 B in Fend 2005); however, they do not appear glandular, as in R. (Rhynchelmis) (cf. Fig. 2 G–H in Fend & Brinkhurst 2010). Blood vessels were obscure in most specimens, but where visible, they appeared variable. There was only one obvious lateral pair in some segments, but other segments clearly had two. In addition, branching of these vessels appeared to be minimal compared with most R. (Sutroa) species (Appendix 3). Specimens from Orogrande Creek had smaller spermathecae and penial structures, and much weaker atrial musculature (Fig. 8 G–H), but the basic form of these structures resembled those from the type locality, and differed from other species known from the region (Fend & Brinkhurst 2000). The single specimen from Hurst Creek, Washington represents a considerable range extension, and the everted condition of its penial bulbs makes comparison with the Idaho material difficult. Nevertheless, the entire structure conforms to the expected everted state of the Idaho material, and differs from other R. (Sutroa) species. Distribution. Most Rhynchelmis diespluviae records are from northern Idaho, mostly in tributaries of the Clearwater River. The distribution overlaps with other members of the R. yakimorum complex, particularly R. monsserratus, although the latter has been found mostly in the adjacent Salmon River drainage (Fend & Brinkhurst 2000). The R. diespluviae distribution appears quite disjunct from that of the morphologically similar R. utahensis in southern Idaho and northern Utah. The latter appears restricted to upland rivers and springs in the Great Salt Lake drainage, with genetically distinct populations in nearby isolated springs associated with the Snake River (Zhou et al. 2010). The widespread R. rostrata is not known from the area. Two R. (Rhynchelmoides) species, R. elrodi and R. saxosa Fend & Brinkhurst, 2000, are common in the region. The Washington collection appears biogeographically disjunct from the Idaho material, and the “Clearwater River”, to which Hurst Creek is tributary, is a Pacific Coastal drainage not associated with the Idaho Clearwater River in the Columbia River drainage.Published as part of Fend, Steven V. & Carter, James L., 2014, Rhynchelmis subgenus Sutroa Eisen new rank, with two new species from western North America (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae), pp. 180-210 in Zootaxa 3760 (2) on pages 194-200, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3760.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/22916
Eremidrilus montanensis Fend & Rodriguez 2020, n. sp.
No full text<i>Eremidrilus montanensis</i> n. sp. <p>(Figures 5, 6, 11D)</p> <p> <b>Holotype.</b> USNM 1618764. One dissected worm, tail broken, mated (all spermathecae with sperm), with mature egg and well-developed clitellum, slide-mounted in Canada balsam.</p> <p> <b>Type locality.</b> USA, Montana, Broadwater Co., Eureka Creek at Crow Creek, 14 Nov 1999, coll. D.L. Gustafson (Site 16, Table 1).</p> <p> <b>Paratypes.</b> All from the type locality, same collection data (Site 16). USNM 1618767, transverse histological sections, stained in hematoxylin and eosin. USNM 1618765–1618766, 1 dissected and 1 whole-mount. MNCN 16.03 /3113 and 16.03/3114, 1 dissected and 1 sagittally sectioned. All slide-mounted in Canada balsam.</p> <p> <b>Other material.</b> From type locality (Site 16), 14 Nov 1999, 2 whole mounts, 3 dissected, and 1 transversely sectioned. Site 15, 21 Nov 1997, 1 whole mount. Site 17, 14 Nov 1999, 1 dissected. All collected by D.L. Gustafson.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> Named for the State of Montana, location of the type locality.</p> <p> <b>Description</b> (based on specimens from the type locality). Length of preserved worms 17–26 mm; 61–91 segments; diameter in X 0.5–0.8 mm. Prostomium with proboscis, the latter 250 µm long in the single individual where complete, diameter 30–80 µm. Secondary segmentation from IV, weak in posterior segments (Fig. 5A). Chaetae two per bundle, with nodulus slightly distal (0.4–0.5 distance from tip) (Figs. 5B, 6A); in preclitellar ventral bundles length 142–218 µm, shorter in II (115–146 µm); in middle segments 162–226 µm, in posterior segments 142–232 µm; length of dorsal chaetae similar to ventrals. Male pores open on or slightly lateral to ventral chaetal lines (Figs. 5A,C, 6B), between chaetae and posterior septum (Fig. 5E); porophores absent or inconspicuous (Figs. 5C, 6B,C). Two pairs simple spermathecal pores in XI and XII, behind ventral chaetae, on the ventral chaetal line (Figs. 5D, 6F,G), the anterior pair about 2/3 distance from chaetae to posterior septum, the posterior pair very close to 12/13. Female pores on 11/12.</p> <p>Epidermis 12–26 µm thick in preclitellar segments, thinner (8-15 µm) in post-clitellar segments. Clitellum in X to XIV, clitellar epidermis somewhat thickened (20-35 µm), with glandular cells in specimens with mature eggs Pharyngeal glands in segments IV or V to VI (VII). First visible nephridium at 12/ 13 in most specimens, pore anterior to ventral chaetae; in posterior segments the duct may be slightly expanded (to about 30 µm) at the nephridiopore, forming a small vesicle.</p> <p>Paired testes in IX and X, ovaries in XI; sperm sacs extend anteriorly to VIII or more, posteriorly to XIII–XVII; egg sacs extend 1–2 segments beyond. Male funnels on 9/10 and 10/11, 110– 165 µm high. Two vasa deferentia per atrium, both 20–30 µm in diameter, and about 400–600 µm long. Posterior vasa deferentia loop back into XI; both anterior and posterior vasa join atrium at about the ental third of ampulla, running within atrial musculature and opening to atrial lumen near the apex (Figs. 5E,F, 6E). Atria entirely in X, 280–408 µm long, or 0.5–0.7 times body width at segment X; club-shaped, ampulla not clearly separated from the duct; duct narrows gradually towards pore. Maximum atrium diameter 73–89 µm; epithelial cells somewhat columnar, 7–19 µm high in ampulla (Fig. 6E); atrial lumen variable, to 25 µm. Atrial muscle layer 12–16 µm thick; all but a short ectal portion of atrium covered with a dense layer of short cells (11–16 µm high) beneath a thick layer (60–150 µm high) of densely packed, multicellular prostate glands that appear highly granular (Fig. 6 C–E). No obvious glands at the male pore (Fig. 6C).</p> <p>Spermathecal ampullae oval or sac-like, the first pair 360–530 µm long, the second pair about 2/3 the size of the first pair, each restricted to one segment, sometimes filling most of the segment. Ampullar epithelial layer not obviously glandular, mostly 9–15 µm thick, cells may be somewhat vacuolized near duct, up to 30 µm thick (Fig. 6G). Ectal ducts of spermathecae 80–160 long, sharply differentiated from ampulla, diameter 40–68 µm near ampulla, tapered to the pore (Figs. 5D,F, 6G,H); the ducts of the second pair as long as or slightly shorter than those of the first pair.</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> The species is distinguished from all other <i>Eremidrilus</i> species by the absence of a distinct male porophore. The club-shaped atria, with very large, dense prostate glands, and the thick epithelium and muscle layer are also distinctive. As in other congeners with two spermathecal segments, spermathecae open on the ventral chaetal lines, with the second pair posteriorly placed, close to intersegment 12/13. Unlike <i>E. artzaini</i> and <i>E. humboldti</i> <b>n. spp.</b>, spermathecal ducts are sharply distinguished from the ampulla. Although this is the only <i>Eremidrilus</i> species without a distinct male porophore, other characters such as the proboscis, the club-shaped, semiprosoporous atrium and the postatrial spermathecae support its attribution to the genus. A continuous layer of cells covering the atrial ampulla, basal to the prostate gland layer has been also observed in <i>E. elegans</i> and <i>E. coyote</i> Fend & Rodriguez, 2003 (Fend & Rodriguez 2003).</p>Published as part of <i>Fend, Steven & Rodriguez, Pilar, 2020, New Eremidrilus species (Clitellata: Lumbriculidae) from western North America Part 1, species with two spermathecal segments, pp. 111-131 in Zootaxa 4809 (1)</i> on pages 118-119, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.1.6, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/3933989">http://zenodo.org/record/3933989</a>
Eclipidrilus microthecus Fend & Lenat, 2012, n. sp.
No full textEclipidrilus microthecus n. sp. (Figures 3–4) Holotype: USNM 1156960. A whole, slide-mounted worm in Canada balsam. Type locality: North Carolina, Richmond Co., unnamed tributary to Naked Creek at Forest Service road upstream of SR 1003, 28 January 2009. Collected by D.R. Lenat. Paratypes: From the type locality. USNM 1156961 - 63: 10 March 2010, 1 sagittally sectioned, 2 whole mounts. Collected by D.R. Lenat. Etymology: Named for the unusually small spermathecae, compared to other Eclipidrilus species. Other material: North Carolina, Carteret Co., Pettiford Creek, 19 January 2010, 1 whole mount. Hoke Co., Flat Creek at Manchester Road, 12 February 2009, 1 whole mount. 8 October 2009, 1 whole mount. 11 February 2010, 1 whole mount. 18 February 2010, 2 whole mounts. 6 March 2010, 1 whole mount. 25 March 2010, 3 whole mounts. 22 September 10, 1 whole mount. 5 October 2010, 4 whole mounts. Richmond Co., unnamed tributary to Naked Creek at Forest Service road upstream of SR 1003, 28 January 2009, 1 whole mount. 10 March 2010, 1 sagittally sectioned, 2 whole mounts. 18 March 2010, 2 whole mounts. All collected by D.R. Lenat. Description. Small, thin worms, length (preserved) 7.7–9.5 mm, 48–64 segments; width 0.20–0.30 mm in X, maximum width 0.24–0.3 mm. Segmentation usually obscured in clitellum, weakly expressed in some post-clitellar segments; secondary segmentation sometimes weak, a narrow anterior ring from about VI–X (Fig. 3 A–B). Clitellum X–XII. Chaetae sigmoid, simple-pointed, with nodulus 35–40 % of chaeta length from tip (Fig. 3 C–D). Chaeta length 58–84 μm in mid-body; 55–80 μm in posterior segments; proportions similar in anterior and posterior segments. Dorsal and ventral chaetae approximately equal in length; within each bundle, the outer (more lateral) chaeta may be slightly shorter than the inner. Prostomium rounded-conical, length slightly less than width; prolobous. Brain in the peristomium, strongly lobed. Pharynx in II–IV; dorsal wall with columnar, ciliated cells; ventral wall very thin, with cuboidal, non-ciliated cells. Pharyngeal glands in (IV)V–VII(VIII), relatively small, irregular lobes, dorsal and/or lateral to gut. Longitudinal muscle layer 12–14 μm thick in preclitellar segments; circular muscle layer 3 μm. Septa 1 / 2 and 2 / 3 inconspicuous. Epidermis 4–12 μm thick anterior to clitellum; to about 12–15 μm in clitellum; 4–5 μm in post-clitellar segments; to 12–27 μm in prostomium. Lateral, commissural blood vessels in at least some preclitellar segments; these vessels thin and convoluted, typically joining ventral vessel 1 segment behind junction with dorsal vessel. No lateral blood vessels in middle or posterior segments. Dorsal blood vessel separate in anterior segments; on top of gut posterior to about XI. Chloragogen cells begin in about VII. First nephridia usually paired on 6 / 7, the next on 12 / 13; nephridia in few posterior segments, usually on one side only. Each nephridium has a small anteseptal funnel and a granular, narrow postseptal thickening 30–40 μm long; the posterior duct forms a loop that extends ventrally, entering one or more posterior segments, and terminating in a short ectal duct in the originating segment. Nephropores anterior to ventral chaetae, inconspicuous; ectal ducts without distinct vesicles. Spermathecae paired in IX; pores small, on ventral chaetal lines, just behind the ventral chaetae; accessory glands weak or absent (Fig. 3 E–F). Ectal vestibule of duct is narrow and usually curved, about 30–50 μm long by up to 14 μm wide; ental 1 / 2 – 1 / 3 narrower, surrounded by a ring of circular (transverse) muscle at the junction with the main duct (Figs. 3 E–F, 4 A–C). Main part of spermathecal duct 38–60 μm long, 18–22 μm wide in ectal part, narrowing to 12–17 μm entally, with densely- packed, columnar epithelium and a narrow lumen; spermathecal duct well differentiated from the ampulla (Fig. 3 E–F). Spermathecal ampullae entirely in IX; ovate and compact, to 37– 64 μm long by 25–40 μm wide. Ampullar epithelium thin (3–4 μm) (Fig. 4 D). In mated specimens the sperm is in an unordered bundle. Testes paired in IX and X, small to medium size, extending at most to mid-segment. Ovaries paired in XI; usually extending through XI, sometimes into XII. Sperm sacs not developed (sperm in testicular segments); egg sacs usually paired; may extend to XIV. Female funnels up to 50 μm tall; female pore intersegmental, on 11 / 12. Male funnels single on 9 / 10 and 10 / 11; anterior and posterior similar in size (height 35–48 μm), directed anteriad within IX and X. Both anterior and posterior male funnels simple, conical; functional, with associated sperm. Both anterior and posterior vasa deferentia narrow (7–10 μm diameter); they approach the atrial duct near the male pore, then loosely follow the duct, joining the atrium near the base (ectal end) of the ampulla. Posterior vas deferens enters X directly, without penetrating 10 / 11 (Fig. 3 E–F) Male pore inconspicuous; single, slightly lateral to ventral midline in X, near 10 / 11 (Fig. 3 A–B). Atrial duct widens slightly at the ectal end (Fig. 4 E), subtending a small, narrowly conical penis within narrow sac (length 20– 33 μm, width 10–16 μm); the entire structure terminates in a small, conical papilla, which may be contained within a shallow depression (Fig. 3 G, 4 I). A few small (to 20 μm) accessory glands may be present at male pore; absent or inconspicuous in most specimens. The main atrial duct extends dorsally around one side of gut, then usually loops posteriorly and widens abruptly to form the ampulla (Fig. 3 E–F, 4 E). Duct length 180–295 μm, width to 25–29 μm near male pore, narrowing entally to 17–25 μm. Duct musculature more or less longitudinal, 5–7 μm thick in ectal part; lumen narrow ectally, widening to 6 μm entally; epithelium very thin. Atrial ampulla narrowly ovate (Fig. 3 E– F, 4 F); length 152–215 μm, width at middle 52–98 μm. Ampulla with a very thick, cross-hatched muscle layer, to 29–31 μm, composed of about 7–10 layers of fibers in alternating spirals, oriented at about 50–60 ˚ from the longitudinal axis (Fig. 4 F–H). Epithelium thin and indistinct, as little as 2 μm thick; lumen very narrow, usually less than 5 μm (Fig. 4 F, H). Most of ampulla without prostate glands, although a poorly defined, decumbent clump of cells is visible at the ental end in most specimens (Fig. 3 E–F, 4 F). Atrium usually extends into XI. Remarks. All E. microthecus specimens had the same configuration of reproductive organs, which resembles that of Eclipidrilus pacificus Fend, 2005. The unpaired anterior and posterior male ducts are unusual in the family, and contrast with the paired arrangement in other species having median atria (e.g., E. pacificus; E. lacustris; Tatriella slovenica Hrabë), but are perhaps similar to Eclipidrilus asymmetricus (Smith, 1896). The very small spermathecal ampullae and the possible single prostate gland are unusual within the genus. Over 20 specimens appeared sexually mature, with sperm on the male funnels and in the spermathecae. Length and number of segments were based on 9 complete worms; blood vessels and nephridia were difficult to see in most specimens, so these observations were limited. Although most of these specimens had mature eggs in the egg sacs, there did not appear to be well-developed sperm sacs at any stage, and only a small amount of free sperm was visible in the coelom of testicular segments.Published as part of Fend, Steven V. & Lenat, David R., 2012, New Eclipidrilus species (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae) from southeastern North America, pp. 51-67 in Zootaxa 3194 on pages 56-60, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21000
Eclipidrilus macphersonae Fend & Lenat, 2012, n. sp.
No full textEclipidrilus macphersonae n. sp. (Figures 5–6) Holotype: USNM 1156964: A whole, slide-mounted worm in Canada balsam. Type locality: North Carolina, Scotland Co., Lumber River near Wagram, 25 March 2011. Collected by D.R. Lenat. Paratypes: USNM 1156965 - 66: from the type locality, 25 March 2011, 1 sagittally sectioned worm, 1 whole mount. USNM 1156967: Hoke Co., Flat Creek at Manchester Road, 12 February 2009, 1 whole mount. USNM 1156968 - 69: Richmond Co., Naked Creek at SR 1003, 18 February 2010, 2 whole mounts Collected by D.R. Lenat. Etymology: Named for Trish Macpherson, in recognition of her contributions to the benthic invertebrate biology of North Carolina. Other material: North Carolina, Hoke Co., Flat Creek at Manchester Road, 12 February 2009, 3 whole mounts. Richmond Co., Naked Creek at SR 1003, 25 January 2010, 1 mature and several immature, whole mounts. 18 February 2010, 4 whole mounts. 6 March 2010, 1 whole mount, 2 sagittally sectioned. Unnamed tributary to Naked Creek at Forest Service road upstream of SR 1003, 10 March 2010, 4 whole mounts. Scotland Co., Lumber River near Wagram, 22 February 2011, 3 whole mounts. 25 March 2011, 3 whole mounts, 1 sagittally sectioned. 14 April 2011, 9 whole mounts. All collected by D.R. Lenat. Description. Small, very thin worms, length (preserved) 14–19 mm, 81–107 segments; width 0.19–0.25 mm in X, maximum width to 0.21–0.28 mm. Secondary segmentation a narrow anterior ring in preclitellar segments, from about III–IX (Fig. 5 A–B). Clitellum indistinct, only slightly thicker or more glandular than surrounding epidermis, (IX)X–XII. Chaetae sigmoid, simple-pointed, with nodulus 31–39 % of chaeta length from tip (Fig. 5 G). Chaeta length 44–70 μm in mid-body; dorsal and ventral chaetae similar in size; slightly shorter in posterior segments, but proportions similar in anterior and posterior segments. Within each bundle, the outer (more lateral) chaeta may be slightly shorter than the inner. Prostomium rounded to conical, about 0.12–0.15 mm long, width about equal to length; prolobous. Brain in the peristomium, deeply lobed. Pharynx in II to mid-IV; dorsal wall concave with columnar, ciliated cells, about 12 μm thick; ventral wall very thin (2–4 μm), with cuboidal, non-ciliated cells. Pharyngeal glands well developed dorsolaterally in V–VII or VIII. Longitudinal muscle layer 4–7 μm thick in preclitellar segments; circular muscle layer 2 μm. Septa 1 / 2 and 2 / 3 inconspicuous. Epidermis 5–10 μm thick anterior to clitellum; to about 10–12 μm in clitellum; 5–7 μm in post-clitellar segments; to 24 μm in prostomium. Lateral, commissural blood vessels in preclitellar segments; these vessels thin and convoluted, typically joining ventral vessel 1 segment behind junction with dorsal vessel. No lateral blood vessels in middle or posterior segments. Dorsal blood vessel separate in preclitellar segments; adjacent or appressed to top of gut posterior to about X. Chloragogen cells begin in VI or VII. First nephridia usually paired on 6 / 7, the next on 12 / 13; nephridia in a few posterior segments, paired or on one side. Each nephridium has a small anteseptal funnel and a granular postseptal thickening; the posterior duct forms a loop, which extends ventrally, entering one or more posterior segments, and terminating in a short ectal duct in the originating segment. Ectal ducts usually terminate in a nearly spherical vesicle (diameter about 20 μm) at the inconspicuous nephropore. Spermatheca single, median in IX; pore may be distinct, just behind the ventral chaetae; pore surrounded by a pad of slightly thickened epidermis, 70–120 μm wide, externally appearing as a low mound (Fig. 5 B). Ectal end of spermathecal duct widens into a narrowly-conical vestibule, 80–120 μm high by 30–45 μm wide near spermathecal pore; the vestibule lined with columnar epithelium, a 4–6 μm thick muscle layer, and surrounded by an irregular (10–22 μm) layer of granular cells (Fig. 5 C–F, 6 D). Narrowed ental end of vestibule joined by a cylindrical spermathecal duct, 110–130 μm long by 22–24 μm wide; duct has columnar epithelium, a very thin muscle layer (about 1 μm) and a narrow lumen; duct narrowed and surrounded by a ring of circular muscle fibers, forming a short sphincter at junction with vestibule (Fig. 6 D–E). Spermathecal ampulla of fully mature worms (with developed eggs) usually extends into X, sometimes to XI; elongate-sacciform, 360–710 μm long, 60–200 μm wide, containing unordered, loosely-packed sperm (Fig. 5 C, E). Ampullar epithelium cuboidal in about the ectal 1 / 5; the remainder thick (12–28 μm), with irregular, vacuolated cells (Fig. 6 A–C); muscle layer very thin (1 μm). In mated specimens, the sperm is in a loose, unordered bundle (Fig. 6 C); vacuoles of spermathecal wall may contain sperm (Fig. 6 B). Spermathecal ampulla of recently-mated worms (without mature eggs) may be folded within IX; with an ovate ectal chamber and a narrower ental portion (Fig. 5 D); in unmated worms the entire ampulla is narrowly tubular and typically folded (Fig. 5 F). Testes paired in IX and X, medium to large size, often extending beyond mid-segment. Ovaries paired in XI, usually large; in some worms extending through XI into XII. Sperm sacs paired, extending back as far as XVII, usually not extending anteriorly from IX; egg sacs may extend 1 or 2 segments beyond sperm sacs. Female funnels 50–95 μm tall, with the posterior side much taller than the anterior; female pores intersegmental, on 11 / 12. Male funnels paired on 9 / 10 and 10 / 11; simple v-shaped; anterior and posterior pairs about the same size (35– 60 μm high); both directed anteriad, or the posterior may extend back into XI within the sperm sac. Both anterior and posterior male funnels functional, with associated sperm. Both anterior and posterior vasa deferentia very thin (5–8 μm diameter). Posterior vasa deferentia enter X directly, without penetrating 10 / 11 and forming a loop in XI. All vasa deferentia approach the atrial duct near the beginning of the ampulla, but it is not clear where they enter. Male pore single, median in X, behind the ventral chaetae (Fig. 5 A–B); body wall usually concave ventrally in X–XI around and behind pore (Fig. 5 A, E); concavity not associated with distinct internal musculature (Fig. 6 G); pore area sometimes protruding as a short, truncate porophore (Fig. 5 C). Penis cylindrical to truncate-conical, 50– 100 μm long by 22–35 μm wide when extended (Figs. 5 E, 6 F–G), apparently formed by extruded lining cells from the end of the atrial duct, but with small vacuoles visible near the tip. Expanded ectal part of duct (penial structure) about 70–100 μm high, with a 5 μm thick muscle layer, and lined with elongate, outwardly-directed cells having basal nuclei (Fig. 6 F). Penial structure surrounded by an irregular layer of cells, possibly accessory glands, 17–25 μm thick. Atrium usually extends into XI or XII. Ectal duct elongate-cylindrical, ascending vertically in X, often forming a loop before junction with the ampulla (Fig. 5 F). Duct length 130–290 μm, width 16–25 μm, gradually widening entally at ampulla. At the ectal end, duct gradually widens, forming the penial structure. Atrial duct surrounded by a thin (2–5 μm) muscle layer (Fig. 6 L). Atrial ampulla elongate, cylindrical or club-shaped; length 170–370 μm, maximum width (middle or near ental end) 46–85 μm. Ampullar muscle layer 7–13 μm thick, mostly composed of irregularly transverse fibers, but with a very sparse outer layer of variably oriented diagonal fibers (Fig. 6 H–K). Ampullar epithelium variable: granular, with indistinct cell boundaries in some specimens, 7–14 μm thick, with basal nuclei (Fig. 6 H–I); in other specimens thinner and vacuolate (Fig. 6 J); lumen variable, 5–12 μm wide. Prostate glands multicellular and petiolate, to 30–50 μm tall, bundles generally sparse (Fig. 5 F, 6 I, K); single prostatelike cells may also cover the atria. Remarks. Although the arrangement of reproductive organs and their general structure bear some resemblance to E. lacustris, the lack of distinct spiral musculature in the atria creates difficulties in attributing E. macphersonae to E. (Leptodrilus), or even to the genus. The extrudable penial structures are perhaps more similar to those of some E. (Eclipidrilus) than to the E. (Leptodrilus) group, and the spermathecal morphology resembles that of E. pacificus (Fend 2005). Morphology of the atria, penial structures, and spermathecal ducts is quite similar to that of the western Altmanella species (cf. Fend 2009), but the very different arrangement of these unpaired organs argues against a close phylogenetic relationship. The small size and narrow-elongate body form are distinctive. Most of the observed E. macphersonae specimens had sperm in the spermathecae, but many of these lacked mature eggs and were probably recently mated. Therefore, the spermathecal ampulla with a broad ectal portion and narrow ental portion seen in these specimens (Fig. 5 D) appears to represent incomplete development. Expansion of the ental part of the ampulla, with development of the large epithelial cells, must occur well after copulation. Sorption of sperm by these enlarged lining cells has been reported in other Eclipidrilus species (Fend 2005), as well as in other genera; for example, Fig. 37 in Černosvitov (1930) shows similar vacuoles for Stylodrilus parvus (Hrabë and Černosvitov), resembling Fig. 6 B in the present paper. One of the specimens having mature eggs in the egg sacs appeared post-mature, with partially resorbed male ducts and altered spermathecal ducts. Nephridia and blood vessels were very difficult to see in most worms, so those observations are based on very few specimens.Published as part of Fend, Steven V. & Lenat, David R., 2012, New Eclipidrilus species (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae) from southeastern North America, pp. 51-67 in Zootaxa 3194 on pages 60-63, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21000
Martinidrilus arenosus Fend & Lenat, 2007, n. sp.
No full textMartinidrilus arenosus n. sp. Holotype: USNM 1107802. A whole-mounted specimen, stained in borax carmine, collected by S. Fend and D. Lenat, 15 March 2007. Type locality: North Carolina: Richmond Co.: Drowning Creek at SR 1004, N 35 º 03’ 58.3 ”, W 79 º 32 ’ 58.4 ”. Collected in fine gravel, in relatively fast current. Paratypes: USNM 1107803-1107805. From the type locality: 15 March 2007, 1 whole mount, stained with hematoxylin. 26 April 2007, collected by D. Lenat, 1 dissected on slide, stained with carmine. North Carolina, Carteret Co.: Pettiford Creek, N 33 º 44 ’ 50 ”, W 77 º 01’ 20 ”, 16 March 2007 collected by S. Fend and D. Lenat, 1 dissected on slide, stained with hematoxylin. Other material: From the type locality: 15 March 2007, 2 dissected on slides. 26 April 2007, 1 partially mature whole mount. Etymology: The specific epithet refers to its distribution in the Sand Hills region, North Carolina. Description. Small worms, length of preserved specimens 20–26 mm; maximum diameter usually in clitellum, 0.35–0.57 mm; 76–88 segments. Prostomium rounded, slightly shorter than wide, separated from the peristomium by a distinct groove. Secondary segmentation consists of an anterior annulus in segments beginning with IV; the anterior annulus is 1 / 5 the segment length through about VI, 1 / 4 the segment length posteriorly, but annulation may be very faint in the clitellum or in segments that are extended (Fig. 9 A). Chaetae paired, in 4 bundles in each segment, beginning in II. Chaetae slightly sigmoid, simple-pointed, with nodulus slightly ectal to the midpoint, 0.35–0.43 the distance from the tip. Chaetae in preclitellar segments near midsegment, but in postclitellar segments they are near the posterior third. Chaetal length about 80–100 Μm in clitellar region and anterior, 60–65 Μm posteriorly. Epidermis in anterior segments 15–20 Μm thick; in clitellum to 35 Μm in one specimen. Anterior segments appear to have indistinct midventral glands (Fig. 9 C), but no obvious external pores. Clitellum thin but glandular, from mid-IX to mid-XIII in one specimen. A distinct, dorsal pharyngeal pad as described for M. carolinensis. Pharyngeal glands IV or V–VII. Nephridia as described for M. carolinensis. Main dorsal and ventral blood vessels prominent, without secondary longitudinal vessels. One pair of commissural blood vessels in II–X; prominent and convoluted in II–VII, but shorter and difficult to see in IX– X. Perivisceral sinus begins in about VIII; chloragogen begins in about VII. Dorsal vessel closely appressed to top of gut behind about XVI. Starting near XVII–XX, the dorsal vessel has 5 or more very short, blind blood vessels; by about XXXV up to 10–15 blind vessels, some 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 as long as the body width; some have 2–3 branches near the base (Fig. 9 B). Blind vessels become shorter behind segment LV. Usually two short blood vessels join ventral vessel to perivisceral sinus in each segment. Male pores paired in X, behind chaetae on or slightly lateral to ventral chaetal lines, may be conspicuous on low porophores about 80–115 μm wide, to about 30–40 μm high (Fig. 9 A, 9 G) Female pores small, paired, on chaetal line at intersegmental groove 11 / 12; female funnels simple, 110 μm high. Spermathecal pores are narrow vertical slits (12 μm long), but ends of spermathecal ducts may be prominent, to 30 μm across in external view; pores on dorsal chaetal lines behind dorsal chaetae in VII and VIII (Figs. 9 A, 9 C). Paired testes large on anterior septa in IX and X, extending to mid-segment or posteriorly. Ovaries paired in XI, extending to posterior septum. Sperm sacs do not extend anteriorly; posteriorly extend as far as XVI or XVII. Egg sacs extend as far as XXIII in one worm. Spermathecal ducts 60–90 μm long. A conical ental section about 30–45 μm wide tapers to a narrow neck; the ectal section widens to about 30–35 μm (Figs. 9 D). Spermathecal ampullae in VIII long and sacciform, remaining in VIII or entering XI; length 420–600 μm and diameter to 120 μm in the two mated worms. Spermathecal ampullae in VII ovate, 210–230 μm long by 120–140 μm wide. Spermathecae in VIII are also larger than those in VII in unmated worms. Lining cells not differentiated in different parts of the ampulla; all cuboidal, thickness variable (12–25 μm) but relatively uniform within an individual. Sperm loosely packed and uniform throughout. Male funnels paired, simple and directed forward; posterior lips 60–120 μm high on 9 / 10 and 10 / 11; funnels on 9 / 10 slightly smaller than those on 10 / 11. Anterior vas deferens 320–590 μm long; the posterior 330– 450 long, forming a short loop into XI (Figs. 9 C, 9 E). Both vasa deferentia up to 25–29 μm thick, but narrow to 20 μm or less as they join a short, narrow common duct (length 40–55 μm, width 17–19 μm); the common duct approaches the atrial ampulla from the posterior-median side, joining it apically or subapically. Atria irregularly ovate to pyriform, not differentiated into a distinct ampulla and duct (Figs. 9 F–G). The main portion 70–85 μm long; widest entally, to 46–65 μm. Atrial muscle layer very thin, about 2 μm thick; epithelium about 12–20 μm thick, surrounding a narrow lumen (7–18 μm wide). The atrium is loosely covered by up to about 20 irregular, petiolate prostate glands; prostates 40–100 μm long. Prostate cells usually very granular; up to about 30 cells in the larger prostate glands. Ectally, the atrium narrows and terminates within a pad of slightly elongated epidermal cells; the pad may be slightly produced as a low porophore. Remarks. Martinidrilus arenosus is similar to M. carolinensis, but is easily distinguished by the number and position of the spermathecae. These are located in VII–VIII (instead of only in VI), and the pores are positioned more dorsally within the segment, on the dorsal chaetal line, instead of on the lateral line. The atria are generally shorter, lack a distinct ectal duct, and have a thinner muscle layer. Based on limited material, the male pores may be on low, indistinct mounds (porophores) instead of on distinct papillae within shallow pits. Although the posterior blood vessels are slightly different from those of M. carolinensis, the presence of multiple blind vessels in posterior segments seems to be a good synapomorphy. Other synapomorphies include the general form of the atria, the common duct joining the paired vasa deferentia to each atrium, and the anterior and dorsolaterally-placed spermathecae. Martinidrilus arenosus has only been collected at two sites, and few specimens were obtained. At Drowning Creek, the only site where it occurred sympatrically with carolinensis, there was no overlap in distinguishing characters: all mature and partially-mature worms had spermathecal pores either midlateral on VI (carolinensis), or dorsolateral on both VII and VIII (arenosus).Published as part of Fend, Steven V. & Lenat, David R., 2007, Two new genera of Lumbriculidae (Annelida, Clitellata) from North Carolina, USA, pp. 1-22 in Zootaxa 1666 on pages 15-17, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18009
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