51 research outputs found
The forgotten diversity of the genus Myxicola (Polychaeta: Sabellidae) in North America: redescription of historical taxa and description of two new species
No full textMyxicola Koch in Renier in Meneghini, 1847, is a genus of the family Sabellidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) well known for its funnel-shaped crown and showy colouration. Several taxa from the coasts of North America were described in the first half of the twentieth century. However, due to several subsequent synonymisations, the biodiversity of this genus in American waters was reduced to the presence of only two species, both with their type locality in Europe. Preliminary molecular data suggested that this view is largely incorrect, and that American Myxicola include several species. The re-examination of type material from two American museums (Museum of Comparative Zoology of Harvard University and Yale Paebody Museum of Natural History), as well as other historically collected specimens, allowed the re-establishment of several American Myxicola species. Myxicola conjuncta Bush, 1905, Myxicola affinis Bush, 1905 and Myxicola glacialis Bush, 1905 are redescribed and considered valid species, while Myxicola monacis Chamberlin, 1919 is regarded as synonymous with M. affinis. Lastly, specimens from the Gulf of Maine originally identified as Myxicola infundibulum Montagu, 1808 were found to belong to two new species.
http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:38CF6282-FC6A-493A-AB8D-65AED10ABC16 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:DA2796F7-5A5E-434A-9A79-87BB60C81BA2 http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1EC9E4BC-010F-467A-98A0-460A0EEF173
Amphiglena phlegreensis Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full textAmphiglena phlegreensis sp. nov. (Figs 10, 11) Material examined. Holotype (MNCN 16.01 /18905): Italy 30 November 2015, 14 m depth, Secca delle Fumose (Gulf of Pozzuoli), 40◦ 490 23 00 N 14◦ 050 500 E, among algae, mainly Dictyota sp. Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18906: 8 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype; 21 specimens collected in the same locality and date as the holotype. PCZL S.A. 5.1. Most material fixed in ethanol 70%; some specimens in ethanol 95 %. Description. Holotype complete, with eight thoracic and about 32 abdominal chaetigers. Body length 3 mm, branchial crown 2 mm; maximum body width 0.4 mm (Fig. 10A). Brown colouration present especially in the thorax. Crown with five pairs of radioles each with 17 pairs of long pinnules arranged in two alternating rows along the radiole, especially in the distal half of radiole. Pinnule show a similar length (around 1/6 of the total radiolar length) and are slightly shorter in the last two distal pairs and in the first two basal pairs which appear more separated from the other pairs. Tip of radioles extremely elongated reaching 1/3 of the total radiolar length, slender but with a blunt end (Fig. 10C). Radiolar skeleton with two rows of cells. Anterior peristomial ring not visible. Posterior peristomial ring low and higher ventrally with a well separated ventral incision connected to well-developed ventral basal flanges, extending as a prominent ridge from the base of ventral-most radioles (Fig. 10D, E). Peristomial eyes brown red. Dorsal lips with a rounded dorsal radiolar appendages measuring 1/4 of radiolar length. Pygidial eyes as brown clusters on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. The first thoracic chaetiger bearing only two chaetae similar to the superior chaetae of the following chaetigers. From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 5 uncini in each torus. Thoracic uncini with well-developed breast, large as the distance to main fang, with approximately four rows of similar teeth above main fang, and a handle measuring approximately 1/3 of the total uncinus length, and considered as medium-short handle (0.35) (Fig. 11A). Companion chaetae present, with straight shaft and long mucro (Fig. 11B). Second to eighth thoracic chaetigers with 5 thoracic chaetae of which two superior broadly hooded chaetae (Fig. 10D) and three inferior paleate chaetae with a mucro as long as the hood (Fig. 10E). Abdominal uncini, in number of 4 on each torus, with 3-4 similar-sized small teeth above main fang and short handle, appearing higher than longer (Fig. 11C). Three broadly-hooded abdominal neurochaetae, very similar to the thoracic paleate chaetae in the first abdominal segments (Fig. 11G) and becoming narrower and more geniculate in the median abdominal segments (Fig. 11F). Spermathechae whitish. Staining pattern. In both thorax and abdomen stain only ventral shields. Peristomium, thorax and abdomen intensely coloured, with larger rectangular pattern in the abdominal segments (Fig. 10B). Variation. Individuals with 8 thoracic chaetigers and up to 32 abdominal chaetigers. Mean body length of 2.2 mm and mean crown length of 1.4 mm (Table 1). Remarks. Excluding A. cf. mediterranea , this taxon is very similar to the group of species here described from the Gulf of Naples, however it has a greater number of pinnules on the radioles. The peristomial ring is more similar to A. pithecusensis sp. nov., but thoracic uncini are more similar to A. nisidensis sp. nov., from which it differs in having longer handles. Additionally, it has very long abdominal chaetae, similarly to A. aenariensis sp. nov. Etymology. Named from type locality, since the Secca delle Fumose is within the Gulf of Pozzuoli, part of the Phlegrean Fields, a large and still active volcanic area in the Gulf of Pozzuoli (Naples). The name derives from the ancient Greek word phlego =to burn. Distribution and Ecology. The species is known only from this location (Secca delle Fumose). This site is a rocky area which is formed by rocky columnar structures (named pilae) representing the columns of the ancient Roma harbour of Baia, submerged due to the tectonic subsidence of the area (bradeysism). This site is a hydrothermal vent system, where CO 2,sulphur (H 2 S) emissions, and also hot water fluids, emerge from the bottom.A description of the area and its benthic community was provided by Donnarumma et al. (2019).Published as part of Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2) on pages 214-217, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/463612
Amphiglena nisidensis Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full textAmphiglena nisidensis sp. nov. ( Figs 8, 9) Material examined. Holotype (MNCN 16.01 /18903): Italy: Nisida Island (Naples), 40°47’31.52”N 14° 9’47.29”E, 14 November 2011; 2 m depth. Collected on hard bottom with algal cover, mainly Halopteris scoparia. Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18904: 6 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype; 22 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype PCZL S.A. 4.1. Most material fixed in formalin 4% (including holotype and paratypes) and preserved in ethanol 70%; some material fixed in ethanol 95 %. Description. Holotype complete with eight thoracic and 28 abdominal chaetigers. Body length 2.5 mm, with crown 1.8 mm long, and 0.4 mm wide. Body light brown coloured on ventral side and with flattened abdomen (Fig. 8A). Crown with five pairs of radioles with 12 pairs of pinnules of medium length each, arranged in two longitudinal rows with a small space gap between the pinnules of the same pair, and with space increasing at the base of the radiole. The pinnules appear longer in median position where they measure 1/4 of the total radiolar length, and becoming considerably shorter towards the end of the radiole. Tip of radiole long, slender and pointed (Fig. 8C). Dorsal lips measuring 1/5 of the total radiolar length.Anterior peristomial ring not visible. Posterior peristomial ring higher ventrally with a mid-ventral incision where low ventral basal flanges attach, extending as prominent ridges from base of ventral-most radioles (Fig. 8D, E). Small brown peristomial eyes present. Pygidial eyes present as clusters of red spots on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. First thoracic chaetiger with only 3 chaetae similar in shape to the superior chaetae of the following chaetigers. From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 5 uncini on each torus. Thoracic uncini with rounded and flattened breast, with four rows of teeth above main fang, and with handles long approximately 1/3 of the total uncinus length (0.35) so considered between medium and short length (Fig. 9A). Companion chaetae present, with straight shaft and long mucro (Fig. 9B). Thoracic chaetae from second to eighth chaetigers, number 4, of which one superior broadly-hooded chaeta (Fig. 9D) and three paleate chaetae in inferior row with mucro long as the hood (Fig. 9E). Abdominal uncini in number of 3, with similar-sized small teeth above the main fang, higher than the thoracic one and with short handle (Fig. 9C). Three abdominal neurochaetae thin and broadly hooded, similar to paleate of the thorax but longer in the first abdominal segments (Fig. 9G) and becoming longer and more geniculate starting from mid abdomen (Fig. 9H). Spermathechae present brown/red coloured. Staining pattern. In both thorax and abdomen stain only ventral shields. Peristomium, thorax and abdomen showing an intense colouration in the central part, but with a pattern covering most of the segment width (Fig. 8B). Variation. Individuals have eight thoracic chaetigers and up to 31 abdominal chaetigers. Mean body length of 1.65 mm and mean crown length of 1.5 mm. (Table 1). Remarks. The material from Nisida is very similar morphologically to A. pithecusensis sp. nov. previously described. The specimens from Nisida, however, appeared highly flattened in the abdomen and with wider bands of stained tissue as wide as the thoracic segment. Moreover, specimens have a larger ratio between body and crown (Table 1), with a longer and slender tip of radioles and pinnules arranged in pairs, not alternating along the radiolar length. Thoracic uncini are also similar in the length of the handles but with a slender main fang. The main difference is, however in the shape of the ventral margin of the peristomial ring showing an incision without separated margins, and with a lower basal flange. Ventral peristomial ring appears similar to A. bondi Capa & Rouse, 2007, from which it is distinguished by the short handle of thoracic uncini, and by the number of radioles. Etymology. Named from type locality, the Island of Nisida, located between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Pozzuoli. Distribution and Ecology. Distributed on hard bottoms with algal cover. This species belongs to the same group of similar taxa that includes specimens from Ischia vent and non-vent’s areas, except the San Pietro site.Published as part of Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2) on pages 212-214, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/463612
The peculiar case of Myxicola infundibulum (Polychaeta: Sabellidae): echo from a science 200 years old and description of four new taxa in the Mediterranean Sea
No full textAbstractMyxicola infundibulum Montagu, 1808 is the most reported species of its genus, showing an unusually wide distribution from the Mediterranean area to Australia, North Europe, and North America, a situation deriving from a wide synonymizing of numerous species with M. infundibulum. Recently, genetic analysis confirmed that the Australian form of this species is an introduced taxon from the Mediterranean area, while the examined North American specimens were genetically and morphologically different. In the present paper we travel through the history of M. infundibulum from the first descriptions, trying to trace both the origin of this taxon and the origin of its wide distribution, through an analysis of the descriptions of all valid and invalid taxa to date. We also examined material present in the collection of one of the authors previously identified as M. infundibulum, comparing Mediterranean material to some from the English Channel, and material from North America. This led to the erection of four taxa new to science from material recently collected along the Italian coasts, and the restoration of Myxicola pacifica Johnson, 1901. Delimitation of taxa is based only on morphology, and we propose new morphological features to be considered; however, a molecular examination is planned in the near future.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7CF64CB2-8B9C-4001-BE57-199B5F95213
Amphiglena panareensis Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full textAmphiglena panareensis sp. nov. (Figs 20; 21). Material examined. Holotype (MNCN 16.01 /18915): Italy: Panarea Island (Aeolian Archipelago), Bottaro crater, 27 September 2016, 8 m depth; station B3, 38°38’14.49”N 15° 6’34.47”E. Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18916: 9 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype; 53 specimens B3 site, 27 September 2016 PCZL S.A. 10.1; 7 B1 site, 27 September 2016 PCZ S.A. 10.2.; 63 specimens, B3 site, 23 September 2018; PCZL S.A. 10.3: 76 specimens, B2 site 23 September 2018; 33 specimens, B1 site, 23 September 2018, 10 m depth, PCZL S.A. 10.4. Remaining specimens in MCG collection. Most of the material fixed in ethanol 70% (including the holotype and paratypes); some material fixed in ethanol 95 %. Description. Holotype complete, with eight thoracic and 40 abdominal chaetigers. Body length 5.5 mm, branchial crown 1.5 mm, maximum body width 0.26 mm. Natural brown colouration present especially in the thorax, highlighting the mid-dorsally faecal groove, and ventral shields (Fig. 20A). Crown holding five pairs of radioles with 15 pairs of long pinnules in two symmetrical not alternating rows. Gap between pairs decreasing along the radiole from the base to the distal end, with the first two basal pairs more separated from the others. Pinnules of similar length (1/4 of the total radiolar length) and with the last two distal pairs and the first two basal pairs slightly shorter. Radiolar bare tips long1/3 of the total radiolar length, with a blunt end (Fig. 20C). Radiolar skeleton with two rows of cells. Dorsal lips almost identical in length to pinnules, being 1/4 of the total radiolar length. Anterior peristomial ring visible, high and with similar height all around. Anterior peristomial ring low. Both peristomial rings appeared connected to highly developed ventral basal flanges, which extend as prominent ridges from base of ventralmost radioles (Fig. 20D, E). Peristomial eyes not visible. Pygidial eyes present as brown cluster spots on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. First thoracic chaetiger bearing only 3 chaetae similar in shape to the superior thoracic ones. Second to eighth thoracic chaetigers with 4 uncini per torus, having well-developed breast, large space to main fang, approximately four rows of long teeth above main fang, and a medium handle (0.40) (Fig. 21A). Companion chaetae with straight shaft and long mucro (Fig. 21B). Second to eighth thoracic chaetigers with 4 chaetae, of which one is a superior broadly hooded chaeta (Fig. 21D), and three paleate chaetae in inferior row on each thoracic chaetiger, with long mucro (longer than the hood) (Fig. 21E). Four abdominal uncini on each torus higher than longer and with similar-sized small teeth above the main fang, with a medium handle, and also in this species with a large height as observed in A. vulcanoensis sp. nov. and A. aeoliensis sp. nov., (Fig. 21C). Two abdominal broadly hooded neurochaetae similar to the thoracic paleate in the first abdominal chaetigers, becoming more geniculate in the middle segments (Fig. 21G, F). Spermathechae light brown/red coloured, not conspicuous. Staining pattern. In both thorax and abdomen stain only ventral shields, showing a square shape in the thorax and a longer double thin rectangular shape in the abdomen (Fig. 20B). Variation. Individuals always with 8 thoracic chaetigers and up to 42 abdominal chaetigers. Mean body length of 4 mm and mean crown length of 1.3 mm. Peristomial eyes visible in some specimens. Up to 6 thoracic uncini on each torus and 6 thoracic uncini one on each torus (Table 1). Remarks. The main feature distinguishes this new taxon is its elongate appearance, that also includes the base of the crown. Moreover, members of this species have the highest and more developed ventral basal flanges, extending as prominent ridges, observed in the genus. The elongate base of the crown appears similar to a web and in some specimens makes difficult to see the base of the peristomial ring. This is similar to A. gravinae sp. nov., described from the Adriatic Sea, from which it is distinguished especially for the different development of both the peristomial rings, but also for the length of handle of abdominal uncini, for the highest number of thoracic paleate chaetae, and for the shape of abdominal chaetae. Moreover, A. panareensis sp. nov. is longer than A. gravinae sp. nov. In addition, this is the second Mediterranean taxon showing pinnules arranged in pairs not alternating along the radiole. Among the non Mediterranean taxa, high developed ventral flanges are present also in A. bondi Capa & Rouse, 2007, however, this is a thin and more compact species, with a longer branchial crown bearing 6 radioles with similar length. Lastly, the brown colouration appears clearer and more homogeneous than that observed in specimens of A. aeoliensis sp. nov. described in the present paper from the same area. Etymology. The species is named from type locality, the island of Panarea (Aeolian Archipelago) (see Auriemma et al. 2019 for a description of the collection area). Distribution and Ecology. This species represents, together with A. aeoliensis sp. nov., one of the most abundant taxa of the benthic community associated to the macroalga Cystoseira brachycarpa, the brown habitat-former alga dominating the rocks of the Bottaro crater and the hydrothermal system around it (Auriemma et al. 2019). Its local distribution in the area and its relationship with A. aeoliensis sp. nov. are discussed below.Published as part of Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2) on pages 227-229, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/463612
Amphiglena vulcanoensis Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full textAmphiglena vulcanoensis sp. nov. (Figs 16, 17) Material examined. Holotype: (MNCN 16.01 /18911): Italy: Vulcano Island-Baia di Levante vent system, 8 May 2013, 38°25’10.10”N 14°57’43.38”E; 1.5 m depth (Vizzini et al. 2017). Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18912: 3 specimens from same locality and date as the holotype; 49 specimens, all collected in the same locality and date as the holotype PCZL S.A. 8.1. Material fixed ethanol 95% (including holotype and paratypes). Description. Holotype complete, with eight thoracic and 32 abdominal chaetigers. Body length 4.2 mm, branchial crown 1.5 mm; maximum body width 0.5 mm, abdomen largely flattened. Yellow colouration presents especially in the thorax, highlighting the mid-dorsally faecal groove, and ventral shields (Fig. 16A). Crown with 7 pairs of radioles with 16 pairs of pinnules arranged in two longitudinal rows alternating along the radiolar length. The gap between pinnule pairs remaining constant along the radiole, with only the first basal pair more separated from the successive one. The pinnules show a variable length appearing very short and with a characteristic swell on the end, not observed in other species. The tip of radioles short and blunt (Fig. 16C). Dorsal lips with very long and rounded dorsal radiolar appendages, (1/3 of radiolar length). Radiolar skeleton with two rows of cells. Anterior peristomial ring not visible. Posterior peristomial ring low with two small ventral projections with low margin, ventral basal flanges thick and extending as prominent ridge from the base of the ventral-most radioles. Base of crown distinctly thick (Fig. 16D, E). Peristomial eye not visible. Pygidial eyes present as cluster of brown spots on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. First thoracic chaetiger bearing only 3 chaetae similar in shape to the superior chaetae of the other thoracic segments. From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 7 uncini in each torus, with approximately five rows of similar-sized small teeth above the main fang and well-developed breast, going beyond the main fang and with large distance above main fang. Medium-short handles long around 1/3 of the total uncinus length (0.35); the uncini are also larger in height than the other species (Fig. 17A). Companion chaetae present, with straight shaft and short mucro (Fig. 17B). Second to eighth thoracic chaetigers with 5 chaetae of which one superior chaeta broadly hooded and four inferior paleate chaetae of two different typologies, one having a mucro long as the hood, the second showing a very short mucro and a reduced length (Fig. 17D, E, H). Four abdominal uncini on each torus with 4 teeth, uncini higher than longer and with a medium handle (Fig. 17C). Four broadly hooded abdominal neurochaetae similar to the inferior paleate chaetae both in the first and median abdominal segments, but the last becoming longer (Fig. 17F, G). Spermathechae light brown/coloured. Staining pattern. In both thorax and abdomen stain only ventral shields, intensely coloured on the peristomial ring, and abdomen with a narrow stained string (Fig. 16B). Variation. Individuals always with 8 thoracic chaetigers and up to 32 abdominal chaetigers. Mean body length of 3.7 mm and mean crown length of 1.3 mm. Up to 10 thoracic uncini on each torus and 7 abdominal uncini (Table 1). Remarks. This is a species larger than the other congeneric species, with a compact appearance and with the largest number of radioles of all Mediterranean species, and non Mediterranean species. In this aspect, it resembles the Australian species A. magna Capa & Rouse, 2007 from which it is distinguished by the length of handles of thoracic uncini, but also by the ventral peristomial shape. This feature is similar to A. terebro Rouse, 1993, which is a smaller species with fewer radioles and 12 thoracic chaetigers. Etymology. The species is named from type locality, the Island of Vulcano (Aeolian Archipelago, north Sicily). Distribution and Ecology. The species up to date has been collected only in Baia di Levante hydrothermal vent’ system of Vulcano island. This vent’s system is unique since it is not only acidified due to CO 2 emissions from the primary vent source (approx. 300 m from the collection area), but has also some sulphur (H 2 S) and is enriched by metal ions (see Vizzini et al. 2017, and references herein for a description of the system and its benthic community). Amphiglena vulcanoensis sp. nov. was collected with a few other polychaetes, among which Platynereis cf. massiliensis Moquin-Tandon, 1869 was the dominant species (Waege et al. 2017, Vizzini et al. 2017).Published as part of Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2) on pages 222-224, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/463612
Amphiglena aeoliensis Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full textAmphiglena aeoliensis sp. nov. (Figs 18, 19) Material examined. Holotype (MNCN 16.01 /18913): Italy: Panarea Island (Aeolian Archipelago), near the Bottaro crater, 27 September 2016, 8 m depth; station B2, 38°38’14.49”N 15° 6’34.47”E). Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18914: 8 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype; PCZL: 19 specimens B2 site, 27 September 2016; PCZLS.A. 9.1. 79 specimens B3 site, 27 September 2016; PCZL S.A. 9.2. 39 specimens B3 site, September 2018 PCZL S.A. 9.3. The remaining material is in the MCG collection. Most material fixed in ethanol 70% (including the holotype and paratypes), and some in ethanol 95 %. Description. Holotype complete, with eight thoracic and 28 abdominal chaetigers. Body length 2.8 mm, branchial crown 1 mm long, maximum body width 0.43 mm. Natural dark brown colouration presents especially in the thorax and highlighting the mid-dorsal faecal groove, and ventral shields. (Fig. 18A). Crown with five pairs of radioles with 14 pairs of pinnules arranged in two longitudinal rows alternating along the radiolar length. Gap between pairs decreasing along the radiole from the base to the distal end, with the first two basal pairs more separated from the others. Pinnules slender and elongated, showing a similar length (1/4 of the total radiolar length) with the distal pairs and the first two basal pairs slightly shorter. Tip of radioles elongated as long as pinnule length (measuring 1/4 of the total radiolar length) and with a blunt end (Fig. 18C). Radiolar skeleton with two rows of cells. Dorsal lips with pointed dorsal radiolar appendages clearly shorter and wider than the pinnule, being 1/7 of the total radiolar length. Anterior peristomial ring even in height all around and visible also ventrally. Posterior peristomial ring low. Ventral basal flanges high, extending as prominent ridge from base of ventralmost radioles, across anterior peristomial ring but appearing not connected (Fig. 18D, E). Peristomial eyes not visible. Pygidial eyes present, as clusters of brown spots on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. First thoracic chaetiger bearing only 3 chaetae similar in shape to the thoracic superior chaetae. From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 6 uncini in each torus with well developed breast, large distance to main fang, with approximately four rows of long teeth above main fang, and short handles long 1/3 of the total uncinus’ length (0.30) (Fig. 19A). Companion chaetae with straight shaft and short mucro (Fig. 19B). Second to eighth thoracic chaetigers with 4 chaetae, of which one superior broadly hooded chaeta (Fig. 19D) and three paleate chaetae on each thoracic chaetiger, with short mucro (Fig. 19E). Five abdominal uncini with similar-sized small teeth above the main fang, higher than thoracic ones and with short handle; the uncini are also larger in height than the other species, as in A. vulcanoensis sp. nov. (Fig. 19C). Up to 3 abdominal broadly-hooded neurochaetae, becoming narrower and with a more geniculate appearance in the last segments (Fig. 19G, F). A pair of brown/red spermathechae present at the base of dorsal lips. Staining pattern. In both, thorax and abdomen stain only ventral shields overlapping the natural brown colouration. Colouration pattern wide on both thorax and abdomen following the shape of the segments, but not reaching the tori (Fig. 18B). Variation. Individuals always with 8 thoracic chaetigers and up to 28 abdominal chaetigers. Mean body length of 2.55 mm and mean crown length of 1.08 mm. Peristomial eyes visible only in few specimens. Up to 8 thoracic uncini and 6 abdominal one (Table 1). Remarks. The new taxon is very characteristic in its colouration, although variable in intensity among specimens, as well as for its very compact appearance. This dark brown colour pattern is quite unusual among Amphiglena species. Peristomial rings and basal ventral flanges are quite similar to A. cf. mediterranea, from which it is distinguished for the first peristomial ring visible also ventrally, for the staining pattern, for a more compact appearance with wider and lower segments, but especially for the short handle of thoracic uncini.Among the non Mediterranean species, the new taxon is similar to A. nishi Capa & Rouse, 2007 described from Japan, especially in the shape of peristomial rings and ventral basal flanges. This species is however a smaller taxon with only 4 radioles. Etymology. The species is named from the type locality, the Aeolian Archipelago (north Sicily) where the species was collected. Distribution and ecology. This species is one of the most abundant taxa of the benthic community associated to the brown macroalga Cystoseira brachycarpa, dominating the rocks around the Bottaro crater and the hydrothermal system around it (see Auriemma et al. 2019, for a description of the collection area). Its local distribution in the area and its relationship with another new congeneric species are discussed below.Published as part of Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2) on pages 225-227, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/463612
The Pandora’s box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species
No full textin the Mediterranean Sea has been widely underestimated. Examined material derived from both new collections along
the Italian coast, including four CO2 vents/hydrothermal systems, and from a re-examination of older material previously
attributed to A. mediterranera (Leydig, 1851) which was so far the only species of the genus reported for the Mediterranean
area. The analysis revealed the presence of different taxa also consistent with a previous molecular analysis conducted
on material from the Gulf of Naples and the Salento coast (Ionian Sea). This led to an increase in the number of species
in the genus and to highlight the occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea of a high diversity within the genus. A key to the
Mediterranean Sea species of Amphiglena is also provided. Some taxa, however, remain for the moment undescribed due
to the poor preservation of the old material, and the lack of the type material for this taxon. A major revision of all the
Mediterranean material previously attributed to A. mediterranea from both morphological and molecular points of view
is needed
Amphiglena messapica Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Amphiglena messapica</i> sp. nov. <p>(Figs 12, 13)</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> Holotype (MNCN 16.01/18907): Italy: Santa Caterina-Torre Inserraglio (Apulian Coast, Ionian Sea), 40° 8’22.13”N 17°58’47.31”E, collected in 2002 from hard bottom at 1 m depth, covered by <i>Halopteris</i> sp. and <i>Dictyota</i> sp.</p> <p>Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18908: 7 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype; 118 specimens all collected in the same locality and date as the holotype PCZL S.A. 6.1. Most material fixed in formalin 4% (including holotype and paratypes) and preserved in ethanol 70%; some material fixed in ethanol 95 %.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> Holotype complete, with eight thoracic and 28 abdominal chaetigers. Body length 3 mm, branchial crown 1 mm; maximum body width 0.35 mm (Fig. 12A). Crown with five pairs of radioles with 11 pairs of pinnules arranged in two longitudinal rows not alternating along the radiolar length. Gap between pinnule pairs constant along the radiole. Pinnules quite short and with a similar length (1/4 of the total radiolar length), being shorter only in the first two basal pairs and in the last two distal pairs. Radiolar tip reaching between 1/3 and 1/4 of the total radiolar length and with a blunt tip (Fig. 12C). Radiolar skeleton with two rows of cells. Dorsal radiolar appendages long 1/3 of total radiolar length. Anterior peristomial ring not visible. Posterior peristomial ring short but oblique, appearing as having pointed margin (Fig. 12D, E). Ventral basal flanges high extending as prominent ridge from base of the ventralmost radioles across the anterior peristomial ring and highly connected with the peristomial ring (Fig. 12D, E). Peristomial eyes not visible. Pygidial eyes brown spots on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. The first thoracic chaetiger bearing only 3 chaetae similar in shape to the superior thoracic chaetae. From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 6 uncini on each torus, with well-developed breast, large distance to main fang, and approximately four rows of long teeth above main fang, and medium handles, measuring more than 1/3 of the total uncinus length (0.43) so that the uncinus appears longer than higher (Fig. 13A). Companion chaetae present, with straight shaft and long mucro (Fig. 13B). From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 2 superior broadly hooded chaetae (Fig. 13D) and 4 paleate chaetae in inferior group with mucro long as the hood (Fig. 13E). Four abdominal uncini with similar-sized small teeth above main fang, longer than thoracic ones and with short handle (Fig. 13C). Spermathechae not visible. Up to 3 abdominal hooded neurochaetae with hood similar to the inferior chaetae in the first abdominal segments (Fig. 13F) becoming longer and more geniculate in the median abdominal segments (Fig. 13G).</p> <p> <b>Staining pattern.</b> In both thorax and abdomen stain only ventral shields with a large rectangular pattern in the thorax, and a double clear squared pattern on each abdominal segment (Fig. 12B).</p> <p> <b>Variation.</b> Individuals always with eight thoracic chaetigers and up to 28 abdominal chaetigers. Mean body length of 2.3 mm and mean crown length of 0.9 mm (Table 1).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Although being a compact form like the previous described species, this taxon is larger and with a longer appearance, especially in the abdominal chaetigers. The handles of the thoracic uncini, although having a similar length as <i>A.</i> cf. <i>mediterranea</i>, appear more pointed. <i>Amphiglena messapica</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> differs from this taxon especially in the shape of the peristomial ring which is ventrally higher and with more developed basal flanges, connected to the peristomial ring, so that it appears as pointed. The staining pattern is similar to <i>A. aenariensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, and to all the related taxa of the group from the Gulf of Naples. This species is distinguished from this group of taxa for the length of the handles of the thoracic uncini, and for the body/crown ratio, this last feature being similar to <i>A.</i> cf. <i>mediterranea</i> (Table 1). Among the non Mediterranean taxa, <i>A. gracilis</i> Capa & Rouse (2007) has the most similar ventral peristomial appearance, however, this species does not have the peristomial edge so connected to the ventral basal flanges, moreover, <i>A. gracilis</i> is a very thin species with only four pair of radioles, has a shorter handle of thoracic uncini, and a longer dorsal radiolar appendages. Lastly <i>A. messapica</i> <b>sp. nov</b>. is among the few Mediterranean species not showing an alternate arrangement of the pinnnule rows along the radiole.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species was named from the “Messapi”, an ancient tribe inhabiting in pre-Roman time the Southern Apulia (Salento), where the species was collected.</p> <p> <b>Distribution and ecology.</b> The species is distributed on shallow and sheltered hard shallow substrates.</p>Published as part of <i>Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2)</i> on pages 217-218, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/4636125">http://zenodo.org/record/4636125</a>
Amphiglena gravinae Giangrande & Putignano & Licciano & Gambi 2021, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Amphiglena gravinae</i> sp. nov. <p>(Figs 14, 15)</p> <p> <b>Material examined.</b> Holotype: (MNCN 16.01 /18909): Italy: Adriatic Sea, Brindisi, 40°38’53.39”N 18° 0’42.01”E, in 1985, 5 m depth, on corallinae algae.</p> <p>Paratypes: MNCN 16.01 /18910: 5 specimens from the same locality and date as the holotype; 296 specimens, all collected in the same locality and date as the holotype. PCZL S.A. 7.1. Material fixed in formalin 4% and preserved in ethanol 70 %.</p> <p> <b>Description.</b> Holotype complete with 8 thoracic and 22 abdominal chaetigers. Total body length 4 mm, crown 0.6 mm; maximum body width 0.3 mm (Fig. 14A). Crown holding five pairs of radioles with 11 pairs of short pinnules arranged in two alternating rows of similar length (between 1/5 and 1/4 of the total radiolar length. The gap between pairs remains quite constant along the radiole. First basal pair and last distal pair with pinnules shorter than that in the medial radioles. Elongated radiolar tip, reaching more than 1/3 of the total radiolar length and of uniform width, and with a blunt tip (Fig. 14C). Radiolar skeleton with two rows of cells. Dorsal lips with long and pointed dorsal radiolar appendages (1/3 of crown length). Anterior peristomial ring with similar height all around, visible also on ventral side. Posterior peristomial ring elongate and connected to high ventral basal flanges, which extends as prominent ridge from base of ventralmost radioles (Fig. 15D, E). Peristomial eyes not visible, pygidial eyes present, as very small spots on lateral margins of pygidium. Thorax longer than wide. The first thoracic chaetiger bearing only 3 chaetae similar in shape to the thoracic superior chaetae. From the second to the eighth thoracic chaetiger, 6 uncini on each torus with well-developed breast, and approximately four rows of similar teeth above main fang, large space to main fang, handle elongated, substantially longer than 1/3 of the total uncinus length and considered long handles (0.52) (Fig. 15A). Companion chaetae present, with straight shaft and long mucro (Fig. 15B). Second to eighth thoracic chaetigers with 4 chaetae, one superior broadly hooded chaeta (Fig. 15D), and three inferior paleate chaetae with a short mucro, long slightly less than the hood (Fig. 15E). Four abdominal uncini on each torus with similar-sized small teeth above the main fang and medium handle (Fig. 15C). Four abdominal broadly hooded neurochaetae, but with a very large hood similar to the thoracic paleate chaetae, even if longer. The shape of the chaetae is similar along the abdominal segments even if in the last segments they become longer and with a more geniculate appearance (Fig. 15G, F). Pair of light spermathechae present at the base of dorsal lips.</p> <p> <b>Staining pattern.</b> In both thorax and abdomen stain only the ventral shields, with a pale colouration, abdomen with a double rectangle in each segment (Fig. 14B).</p> <p> <b>Variation.</b> Individuals always with 8 thoracic chaetigers and up to 30 abdominal chaetigers. Up to 7 thoracic uncini. Mean body length of 2.6 mm and mean crown length of 0.9 mm (Table 1).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> This new taxon has a more elongate appearance than other species in the genus, including the peristomial rings, and the base of the crown appearing sometimes bearing a high basal web, and making difficult to see the separation between the peristomial ring and the base of the crown. In this feature it is very similar to <i>A. panareensis</i> <b>sp. nov</b>., which is the other elongate Mediterranean species, described in the present paper. The two species, however show a different development of both first and second peristomial rings. Among the non Mediterranean species, high developed ventral flanges are present also in <i>A. lenae</i> Capa & Rouse, 2007, but this is a thin and more compact species, with smaller radiolar appendages.</p> <p> The staining patter is similar to <i>A. messapica</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, even if it appears narrower and more elongated following the elongated shape of the segments. It is distinguished from this species by the shape of the peristomial rings and for the abdominal chaetae, maintaining a paleate appearance long all the abdomen. This feature is present also in <i>A. nisidensis</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, and in <i>A. vulcanoensis</i> <b>sp. nov</b>. where, however, chaetae are less broadly-hooded.</p> <p> Lastly, <i>A. gravinae</i> has the thoracic uncini with the longest handle compared to all the Mediterranean species here described, although very similar in shape to <i>A. messapica</i> <b>sp. nov</b>.</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species is named after the Dr. Maria Flavia Gravina who collected the material, in honor of her valuable contribution to the knowledge of the taxonomy and ecology of polychaetes, as well as for our estimation, long-lasting friendship and collaboration.</p> <p> <b>Distribution and Ecology.</b> The species was collected in a polluted and stressed area, characterized by the presence of high sedimentation rate, and in the vicinity of a power plant.</p>Published as part of <i>Giangrande, Adriana, Putignano, Matteo, Licciano, Margherita & Gambi, Maria Cristina, 2021, The Pandora's box: Morphological diversity within the genus Amphiglena Claparède, 1864 (Sabellidae, Annelida) in the Mediterranean Sea, with description of nine new species, pp. 201-239 in Zootaxa 4949 (2)</i> on pages 219-222, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4949.2.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/4636125">http://zenodo.org/record/4636125</a>
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