bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sediment transport and bedforms in a carbonate tidal inlet; Lee Stocking Island, Exumas, Bahamas
Authors: GONZALEZ RAMON , EBERLI GREGOR P.
Published: November 2003

An active oolitic sand wave was monitored for a period of 37 days in order to address the relationship between the direction and strength of tidal currents and the resultant geometry, and amount and direction of migration of bedforms in carbonate sands. The study area is situated in a tidal channel near Lee Stocking Island (Exumas, Bahamas) containing an estimated 5.5 to 6 × 105 m3 of mobile oolitic sand. Tidal ranges within the inlet are microtidal and the maximum current velocity at the studied site is 0.6 m s−1. At least 300–400 m3 of mostly oolitic sand are formed within, or brought into, the channel area every year. The tidal inlet is subdivided into an ocean‐orientated segment, in which sand waves are shaped by both flood and ebb tides, and a platform‐orientated segment, where sand waves are mainly shaped by flood tides. The studied sand wave lies on the platformward flood‐tide dominated segment in a water depth of 3.5.4.5 m. During the 37 days of observation, the oolitic and bioclastic sand wave migrated 4 m in the direction of the dominant flood current. The increments of migration were directly related to the strength of the tide.

During each tidal cycle, bedforms formed depending on the strength of the tidal current, tidal range and their location on the sand wave. During flood tides, a steep lee and a gentle stoss side formed and current ripples and small dunes developed on the crest of the sand wave, while the trough developed only ripples. The average lee slope of the sand wave is 24.2°, and therefore steeper than typical siliciclastic sand waves. During ebb tides, portions of the crest are eroded creating a convex upward ebb stoss side, covered with climbing cuspate and linguoid ripples and composite dunes. The area between the ebb‐lee side and the trough is covered with fan systems, sinuous ripples and dunes.

The migration of all bedforms deviated to a variable degree from the main current direction, reflecting complex flow patterns in the tidal inlet. Small bedforms displayed the largest deviation, migrating at an angle of up to 90° and more to the dominant current direction during spring tides.
Inter‐ and supratidal sedimentology of a fjord‐head estuary, south‐western British Columbia
Authors: GIBSON JONATHAN W. , HICKIN EDWARD J.
Published: November 2003

Detailed examination of inter‐ and supratidal delta and floodplain sediments exposed in eroding bank sections at 52 locations along the Squamish River estuary provides the basis for recognizing seven distinct facies within the 5500 m‐long estuary. Estuary sedimentation is initially driven by the development of sand bar complexes along the seaward edge of the intertidal delta. Sedimentation continues within interdistributary bay environments as intertidal sandflats and then tidal marshes develop, Aggradation of the delta within interdistributary bay environments results in a gradual transition from delta to alluvial plain. Of the seven facies identified, only the intertidal sands and tidal marsh deposits provide evidence of their tidal origin.

Examination of deposits throughout the riverine estuary reveals a number of gradual yet distinct changes of sediment size, structure, and sequence architecture. These trends record the changing nature of tidal and riverine control on sedimentation along the tidal gradient. Generally, with increasing distance up‐estuary, sediment grain‐size increases, the thickness of fine‐grained overbank deposits decreases, and bedding changes from fine parallel bedding to higher energy bedforms. In addition, fining‐upward successions become capped by coarser sands, facies contacts change from gradational to abrupt and occasionally erosional, and facies successions become increasingly complex and less predictable. Squamish River estuary has been divided into four zones based on sedimentological and stratigraphical evidence, each zone reflecting changes in the relative influence of tidal and riverine control on sedimentation. Each zone contains distinctly different facies sequences, although zone boundaries generally are gradational.
Relations between dune morphology, air flow, and sediment flux on reversing dunes, Silver Peak, Nevada
Authors: NEUMAN C. McKENNA , LANCASTER N. , NICKLING W. G.
Published: November 2003

Relations between wind speed, sediment flux and dune morphology were measured for two reversing dunes situated in the south‐western part of the Silver Peak dunefield in Clayton Valley, west‐central Nevada. The larger dune was 120 m in length with a height of 12.5 m and the smaller dune 80 m long and 6 m high. Both dunes were sharp crested, aligned approximately E‐W perpendicular to the dominant wind direction, and had slightly concave stoss profiles. Twenty‐seven rotating cup anemometers were placed (0.3 m elevation) along N‐S transects on each of the dunes. At each anemometer site a passive wedge‐shaped sediment trap was used to measure sediment flux. Amplification of wind speed was observed towards the crest on the stoss side of both dunes with speed‐up factors (ucrest/Ubase) ranging from 1·50–3·19, with a corresponding increase in sediment flux by 1–2 orders of magnitude. In general, the ratio of crest flux to base flux (qc/qt,) increased with increasing incident basal wind speed on both dunes. Direct measurements of the stoss slope variation in sediment flux relative to the dune crest are in good agreement with Owen's transport model. Friction speed (u) was approximated from near surface (0·3 m) point wind speed. Although not all assumptions of the Owen model are upheld, the modified model performance is sufficiently robust to predict short‐term variation in stoss sediment flux on the study dunes.

Improved models that adequately account for variation in sediment flux under changing air flow and transport conditions are necessary for the prediction of longterm evolution of dunes. In this regard, further progress in model development will require increased understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of airflow and the short term response of sediment flux to these flow conditions.
Significance of localized pore pressures to the genesis of septarian concretions
Authors: HOUNSLOW MARK W.
Published: November 2003

The burial‐stress and hydrologic conditions existing during concretion formation in mudrocks are evaluated and integrated into a model for the genesis of septarian cracks. Initial concretion cement formation will lower concretion permeability through the filling of pre‐existing pore space. During progressive burial, this may lead to increased excess pore pressure, localized within the concretion body causing a reduction of the effective stress. Analysis of the stress conditions and crack morphology suggests that cracks in septarian concretions result from tensional failure (sub‐critical crack growth), as a consequence of this localized excess pore pressure. Conditions suitable for crack formation will depend upon the magnitude of the excess pore pressure and the stress corrosion limit of the concretion body. A review of the likely strength of such concretions indicates that cracking could be initiated at depths less than 10 m. A variety of observed crack morphologies can be explained with this model, depending upon the spatial distribution of strength and effective stress in the concretion. Crack orientations mostly reflect stress anisotropy, but are also influenced by directional anisotropy in the crack growth rates. Locally increased pore pressure also likely occurs in non‐septarian concretions, but is not sufficient to cause cracking. This enhanced local pressure may assist the crystal surface growth reactions of the carbonate cement. Through this enhancement process, the shape of concretions may be a response to the local anisotropic pore‐pressure contours, which reflect the permeability anisotropy of the concretion and surrounding mudrock.
Review of the systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the Sabethini (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: JUDD DARLENE
Published: November 2003

This paper reviews the historical treatment of the tribe Sabethini and genus‐group taxa and examines the unusual life histories associated with the group. Although recognized by taxonomists as distinct, the taxonomic position of sabethines has been questioned and their rank within the family Culicidae unstable. In order to evaluate the current status of the classification of the tribe a cladistic analysis is performed. Thirty‐seven taxa are selected from within the Sabethini and two outgroups were chosen from the tribe Aedini. Exemplars are selected from genus‐group taxa world‐wide and new and traditional character systems examined in larval, pupal and adult life stages. The results firmly establish the sabethines as a monophyletic group. However, the genera Runchomyia, Tripteroides and Wyeomyia are not demonstrably monophyletic. In addition, the data support the New World taxa as a monophyletic group to a paraphyletic assemblage of Old World taxa. The pattern displayed by the cladogram suggests the ability to vector arboviruses has arisen more than once in mosquitoes.
Chrysoperla lucasina (Lacroix): a distinct species of green lacewing, confirmed by acoustical analysis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: HENRY CHARLES , BROOKS STEPHEN , JOHNSON JAMES , DUELLI PETER
Published: November 2003

The existence of cryptic, sibling species, distinguished principally by vibrational courtship songs, has been confirmed for the carnea‐group of Chrysoperla green lacewings in Europe and western Asia. One member of this species‐group, C.lucasina (Lacroix), is characterized by several morphological traits as well, but its taxonomic validity has been considered uncertain due to the subtle and variable nature of those traits. Here, we describe the calling and courtship songs of C.lucasina, which uniquely distinguish that taxon from all other members of the carnea‐group in Europe. The male of C.lucasina produces two slightly but consistently different types of songs, one while calling and the other while dueting with a female. The female produces just one type of song, identical to the male’s calling song, which is used for both calling and dueting. Measured features of the songs of C.lucasina are nearly invariant over a broad geographical area, from the Canary Islands to Cyprus and from northern Africa to the U.K. Similarly, at least one morphological feature, the presence of a dark stripe on the pleuron of the second abdominal segment, characterizes all adult individuals identified acoustically as C.lucasina. Furthermore, larval head markings vary little among different populations of the song species. We conclude that C.lucasina is a valid biological species, which can also be recognized in museum collections by a suite of morphological attributes. We also briefly compare the songs and adult morphology of C.lucasina with five other currently unnamed song species of the carnea‐group whose geographic ranges overlap extensively with it.
A new workerless social parasite in the ant genus Pseudomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), with a discussion of the origin of social parasitism in ants
Authors: WARD S.
Published: November 2003

The New World ant genus Pseudomyrmex (subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae) contains about 180 species, of which only one workerless social parasite, P.leptosus, from Florida, has been previously recorded. A new species discovered recently in northern Argentina, P.inquilinus sp. nov., is more derived morphologically and behaviourally than P.leptosus and has convergently developed features characteristic of the workerless inquilines known in other ant subfamilies. These features include diminutive size, reduced mouthparts, a broadened petiole and postpetiole, well‐developed subpetiolar and subpostpetiolar processes, and the habit of straddling the gaster of the host queen. A cladistic analysis confirms that the new species is not closely related to its host nor to P.leptosus; it belongs in fact to a different species complex within the genus Pseudomyrmex. Two widespread Neotropical species, P.filiformis and P.subater, to which P.inquilinus appears to be related, show indications of being temporary social parasites on other, unrelated species of Pseudomyrmex. Thus, there is evidence from comparative natural history that the extreme social parasitism seen in the new species from Argentina was preceded by a period of temporary social parasitism, but ‘Emery’s Rule’– the claim that social parasites are close relatives of, and evolve from, their hosts – is not supported. Rather, parasitism in Pseudomyrmex seems to have arisen through interspecific colonization and exploitation of congeners. A review of the evidence suggests that Emery’s Rule has received too uncritical an acceptance in the literature on social parasitism. Uncertainties about the generality of Emery’s Rule and about the plausibility of achieving prezygotic isolation under sympatric conditions undermine the theory that social parasites evolve from within populations of their host species.
Revision of Dennyus (Collodennyus) lice (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from swiftlets, with descriptions of new taxa and a comparison of host–parasite relationships
Authors: CLAYTON DALE , PRICE ROGER , PAGE RODERIC
Published: November 2003

Lice of the subgenus Dennyus (Collodennyus) are host specific, permanent parasites of swiftlets (Aves: Apodidae). As a prelude to a test of the hypothesis that these lice have cospeciated with their hosts, we revise the taxonomy of the subgenus, redescribing the seven previously recognized species, and adding thirteen new species and three new subspecies. All twenty‐three of these louse taxa are found on swiftlets (Apodiformes: Apodidae), with four from hosts of the genus Collocalia, eighteen from Aerodramus, and one from Hydrochous. Successful identification is associated in most cases with females; males are only tenuously separable. A complete host–parasite list for the subgenus Collodennyus is provided, as well as a key for the identification of these taxa. Limited morphological variation within the subgenus has prevented ready extraction of discrete characters for cladistic analysis. In the absence of such characters, a cluster analysis of female and male lice is presented. Comparison of a dendrogram for Dennyus (Collodennyus) with a molecular phylogeny for the swiftlet hosts suggests that the history of the swiftlet–louse association has been complex, including episodes of host switching and independent speciation by the lice.
The phylogeny of the Noctuidae (Lepidoptera)
Authors: SPEIDEL W. , FÄNGER H. , NAUMANN C. M.
Published: November 2003

A new phylogenetic system of the Noctuidae is proposed. The system should, however, be regarded as provisional because it is primarily based on only two character complexes: the male genitalia and the tympanal region. The presence of preabdominal brush‐organs and the length of tibial spurs in the adult male, the presence of a ventral cervical gland and the lack of the SV 2 setae on the first abdominal segment of the larvae are considered. The results confirm the monophyly of the Noctuidae. The Herminiinae are considered to represent the sister‐group of all other Noctuidae. Remaining noctuid subfamilies are grouped in a series of clades for which the corresponding autapomorphies are given. Some formerly accepted subfamilies, such as the Acontiinae, prove to be polyphyletic. Accordingly, these subfamilies are subdivided into separate lineages. A sister‐group relationship between the Noctuidae and the Aganaidae is supported. These two families may be united with the Arctiidae to form a still broader clade.
Thinempis, a new genus from Australia and New Zealand (Diptera: Empididae), with notes on the tribal classification of the Empidinae
Authors: BICKEL DANIEL, J.
Published: November 2003

The genus Thinempis (Diptera: Empididae) is newly described and includes six species, four from Australia –T.austera sp.n., T.esperance sp.n., T.minuta sp.n., and T.turimetta sp.n., and two from New Zealand –T.otakouensis (Miller) comb.n., and T.takaka sp.n. It occurs in coastal habitats and is defined by a unique synapomorphy, a modified triangular female oviscapt (tergum 10). However, the genus shows variable expression in characters considered to be of higher taxonomic importance in the Empidinae. The tribes Hilarini and Empidini are discussed and redefined.
Phylogeny and historical biogeography of the cynipoid wasp family Ibaliidae (Hymenoptera)
Authors: NORDLANDER GÖRAN , LIU ZHIWEI , RONQUIST FREDRIK
Published: November 2003

The Ibaliidae are a small family of cynipoid wasps, the members of which parasitize woodboring siricid larvae in hardwoods and conifers. The 19 currently recognized extant species occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. No fossils are known despite the presumed old age of the family. We present a cladistic analysis of ibaliid relationships at the species‐level, mainly based on external skeletal characters of adults. The results indicate that the three genera (Eileenella, Heteribalia, Ibalia) and two subgenera of Ibalia (Ibalias. str. and Tremibalia) recognized in the current classification are monophyletic. Three different categories of characters were compared for their phylogenetic usefulness. Homoplasy was found to be lowest for main structures, higher for sculptural characters, and still higher for colour differences. The historical biogeography of the family was reconstructed using dispersal–vicariance analysis in combination with palaeogeographical data. The results suggest that the family primarily diversified within the eastern Palaearctic–northern Oriental region. The nominate subgenus of Ibalia dispersed early to the western Nearctic, where it radiated; two species later spread throughout the Holarctic. The other subgenus of Ibalia shows an early eastern Palaearctic–eastern Nearctic disjunction which presumably dates back to the Eocene–Oligocene transition.
Phylogeny of the infraorder Culicomorpha (Diptera: Nematocera) based on 28S RNA gene sequences
Authors: PAWLOWSKI JAN , SZADZIEWSKI RYSZARD , KMIECIAK DARIUSZ , FAHRNI JOSÉ , BITTAR GABRIEL
Published: November 2003

Phylogenetic relationships between the families of the infraorder Culicomorpha were investigated by using partial 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. All families traditionally placed in this infraorder were investigated and confirmed as clades. On the other hand, some of the morphological relationships between these families were found to be in disagreement with phylogenies based on molecular characters. Our results did not support the generally accepted division of the Culicomorpha into two superfamilies, the Culicoidea (Culicidae + Corethrellidae + Chaoboridae + Dixidae) and the Chironomoidea (Chironomidae + Ceratopogonidae + Simuliidae + Thaumaleidae). Precisely, if the sister‐group relationship between Culicidae, Chaoboridae and Corethrellidae was clearly confirmed, the Dixidae, traditionally considered as closely related to these two families, were not placed close to them on our trees. On the other hand, strong evidence was found for grouping together the Simuliidae and the Thaumaleidae, in spite of the cytological and morphological differences between these two families. The position of the Ceratopogonidae was uncertain, and the Chironomidae appeared as a possible sister group to the rest of Culicomorpha. The phylogenetic positions of the groups characterized by feeding on vertebrate blood or insect haemolymph (the Culicidae, Chaoboridae, Ceratopogonidae and Simuliidae) suggest that haematophagy has appeared at least twice in the evolution of Culicomorpha.
Phylogeny of the intertidal aleocharine tribe Liparocephalini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: AHN KEE‐JEONG , ASHE JAMES, S.
Published: November 2003

The tribe Liparocephalini (genera Liparocephalus Mäklin, 1853;Diaulota Casey, 1893 [ = Genoplectes Sawada, 1955];Paramblopusa Ahn & Ashe, Amblopusa Casey, 1893;Salinamexus Moore & Legner, 1977 [ = Biophytosus Moore & Legner, 1977]), all of which are exclusively restricted to the Pacific coasts of the Holarctic Region, is hypothesized to be a monophyletic group based on the following synapomorphies: seta v absent (inferred to be lost) from mentum (reversed one time in the Liparocephalus lineage), setae distributed only on mesal surface of galea and apex with setae, one medial seta present on prementum, and contiguous mesocoxal cavities. Natural history and history of the classification of the Liparocephalini are discussed. Phylogenetic analyses of the species of the Liparocephalini are presented based on larval (21 characters, 57 states), adult (49 characters, 115 states), and a combination of larval and adult characters (70 characters, 172 states). Analysis of the combined larval and adult data sets with successive approximation resulted in a single most parsimonious tree (length = 937, CI = 0.885, RI = 0.930) with the following patterns of generic relationships (outgroup (Salinamexus + Biophytosus (Amblopusa (Paramblopusa (Diaulota + Genoplectes, Liparocephalus))))).
New stingless bee genus endemic to Central American cloudforests: phylogenetic and biogeographic implications (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: ROUBIK DAVID , ARTURO JORGE , SEGURA LOBO , FRANCO DE CAMARGO JOÃO MARIA
Published: November 2003

Meliwillea bivea gen.n., sp.n. is the only known stingless bee genus endemic to Central America. External morphology and male genitalia show affinity of Meliwillea with Scaptotrigona. Its plesiomorphies and current sympatry with Scaptotrigona suggest Meliwillea is relictual and diverged in montane habitat during the Tertiary, predating the Pleistocene connection between Central and South America which allowed immigration by Scaptotrigona. Addition of Meliwillea to the list of Neotropical genera changes the phylogenetic position of Nannotrigona, making it sister to Paratrigona instead of Scaptotrigona.
A revision of the Afrotropical taxa of the genus Amerila Walker (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: HÄUSER CHRISTOPH , BOPPRÉ MICHAEL
Published: November 2003

This paper comprises a complete revision of the Afrotropical species of the genus Amerila (Rhodogastria auct.), based on adult morphology. Examination of type material for most described taxa has resulted in numerous taxonomic changes. From a total of forty‐seven previously described African taxa, thirty‐five species including five newly described species and two new subspecies are recognized. For ten taxa, lectotypes have been selected, and for one species a neotype had to be designated. For each species, in addition to synonymy, a brief diagnosis based on external characters and genitalia is given, and the known distribution summarized. All species are illustrated by photographs and illustrations of male genitalia (except A.rufifemur, the male of which is unknown), and a key for determination of males by external characters is provided.
Phylogenetic implications of the mesofurca in Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera), with emphasis on Aphelinidae
Authors: HERATY JOHN , WOOLLEY JAMES , DARLING
Published: November 2003

The skeletomusculature of the mesofurcal–mesopostnotal complex is surveyed within the Chalcidoidea. Four internal character systems are assessed for their phylogenetic significance: the mesofurcal bridge, the structure and position of the furcal–laterophragmal muscle, the structure of the lateral arms of the mesofurca, and the supporting structures for the interfurcal muscles. Among Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea are unique in having the furcal–laterophragmal muscle attached along the entire length of the laterophragmal apodeme. Also the furcal–laterophragmal muscle originates medial to the junction of the mesofurcal bridge and lateral mesofurcal arm in most Chalcidoidea. Mymarommatidae do not share either of these apomorphic states with Chalcidoidea. Within Chalcidoidea, apomorphic character states were found in each of Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, Mymaridae, Rotoitidae, Signiphoridae, Tanaostigmatidae and Trichogrammatidae. For taxa classified as Aphelinidae, the plesiomorphic complement of structures and muscle attachments is retained in Eriaphytinae and Eriaporinae. The mesofurcal bridge is considered to have been lost at least twice in each of Aphelininae and Coccophaginae. Similar interfurcal processes, resulting from loss of the mesofurcal bridge, support the monophyly of Aphelininae (Aphelinini, Aphytini and Eutrichosomellini). Azotinae are placed as the sister group of Aphelininae because of a similar lateral origin of the laterophragmal muscle and the shape of the mesofurcal arms. Other than loss of the mesofurcal bridge, no character states were shared by Azotinae and Coccophaginae. Coccophaginae (Coccophagini and Pteroptricini) are regarded as monophyletic based on the loss of the mesofurcal bridge, the peculiar shape of the mesofurca, and a unique modification of the laterophragmal muscle. Euxanthellus is removed from synonomy with Coccophagus and may be best treated as a separate tribe of Coccophaginae based on the shape of the lateral mesofurcal arms and the presence of a mesofurcal bridge. The shape of the mesofurca suggests a monophyletic grouping of Cales, Eretmocerus and Trichogrammatidae that could render Aphelinidae paraphyletic.
Eriorhynchidae, a new family of Prostigmata (Acarina), with a cladistic analysis of eupodoid species of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: QIN TING‐KUI , HALLIDAY R. BRUCE
Published: November 2003

A new family of eupodine Prostigmata, Eriorhynchidae fam.n., is established to accommodate Eriorhynchus gen.n., and five species from Australia: E.australicus (Womersley), E.hades sp.n., E.ramosus sp.n., E.walteri sp.n. and E.womersleyi sp.n. The new family is unique in the possession of 15–34 setae on the gnathosomatic base, a naso‐prodorsal process with 9–28 setae and a palp tibia with 6 or 7 setae. A key to the families of Eupodoidea is provided. A cladistic analysis of twenty‐seven eupodoid species from Australia and New Zealand is presented. Results indicate that the genus Eriorhynchus gen.n. (thus Eriorhynchidae) is monophyletic, and the Australian and New Zealand species of Halotydeus Berlese, Penthaleus C. L. Koch, Rhagidia Thorell and Stereotydeus Berlese form separate monophyletic goups, while the Penthaleidae are not monophyletic. The new family Eriorhynchidae is a sister group to a clade consisting of Penthaleus and Chromotydaeus quartus Qin & Halliday.
The monophyly of the subfamily Perisphaeriinae (Dictyoptera: Blattaria: Blaberidae)
Authors: GRANDCOLAS PHILIPPE
Published: November 2003

A new definition of the subfamily Perisphaeriinae is given on the basis of five synapomorphies described from male and female genitalia and head morphology. The subfamily comprises eighteen genera: Bantua, Compsagis, Cyrtotria, Derocalymma, Ellipsica, Elliptoblatta, Gymnonyx, Hostilia, Laxta, Neolaxta, Perisphaeria, Perisphaerus, Pilema, Platysilpha, Poeciloblatta, Pseudoglomeris, Trichoblatta, Zuluia. Two genera are newly assigned to the Perisphaeriinae: Laxta and Neolaxta. Four genera are removed from the Perisphaeriinae: Aptera, Blepharodera, Eustegasta, Isoniscus. One new generic synonymy is proposed: Pronaonota as a synonym of Pilema. The subfamily has a large geographical range including tropical Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Asia and Australia.
Descriptive terminology of the phasmid egg capsule, with an extended key to the phasmid genera based on egg structure
Authors: SELLICK J. T. CLARK
Published: November 2003

An attempt is made to standardize further the descriptive terminology of the phasmid egg capsule by introducing stricter definitions and standard abbreviations. In addition, the various forms of the internal micropylar plate are categorized. Eophasma Sellick is replaced by Eophasmodes nov.n. A key to 131 generic forms of these eggs is provided. Where more than one egg form is associated with a genus, a diagnosis of the subgroups is provided.
Identification of dry‐pinned museum specimens of the sibling species Anopheles gambiae and An.arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) using non‐radioactively labelled DNA probes
Authors: VIJ RAJNI , HARBACH RALPH , SERVICE M.W. , CRAMPTON JULIAN M. , MOLYNEUX D. H.
Published: November 2003

Non‐radioactively labelled DNA probes were tested for their ability to identify dried museum specimens of Anopheles gambiae and its sibling species An.arabiensis. The specimens were the progeny of wild‐caught females collected in 1991 from villages in western Kenya. Three years later, specimens whose identity was known to the second author were provided ‘blind’ to the first author for identification with oligonucleotide probes (SH 5 and SH 4 derived from pAngss and pAngsl, respectively) using a simplified squash‐blotting protocol for non‐radioactive probes. All specimens were successfully identified with whole‐body squashes, and the results agreed with previous identifications of parents or siblings based on rDNA‐polymerase chain reaction . The amounts of DNA released by squash‐blotting were just sufficient for identification by those experienced in the technique, but not for squashes of heads or thoraces alone. An aim of the study was to determine whether squash‐blot methods of identification might be useful for establishing the genetic identity of name‐bearing type specimens of sibling species held in museum collections.
Morphological and taxonomical novelties in the world’s smallest beetles, and the first Old World record of Nanosellini (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae)
Authors: SÖRENSSON MIKAEL
Published: November 2003

Baranowskiella ehnstromi gen.n. and sp.n. of the featherwing beetle tribe Nanosellini (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae), the smallest beetles of all, is described from Sweden. This is the first record of the tribe from the Old World. The holomorphology of Baranowskiella is commented upon and analysed in relation to other nanoselline genera. Several characters previously not known or considered in ptilid or staphylinoid taxonomy are introduced, including the morphology of the elytral venter and metanotum. The surprising occurrence of mesocoxal mycangia and a venteroelytral‐metepimeral stridulatory mechanism in Nanosellini, unique among Ptiliidae and previously unknown in Staphylinoidea, is possibly correlated with adaptation to life in bracket fungus pores.
Variation of wing venation in Elachistidae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea): methodology and implications to systematics
Authors: ALBRECHT ANDERS , KAILA LAURI
Published: November 2003

We introduce a method to transform wing venation data to a numerical form so that the venation pattern can be analysed and compared regardless of wing size and displacement of the pattern. We use the method for assessing the intraspecific variation and asymmetry within the individual of relative positions of forewing veins in ten species of elachistid moths. Both the intraspecific variation and intra‐individual asymmetry were found to be greater than the differences frequently used as systematic characters on various levels within Elachistidae, and to some extent in other Lepidoptera. At least in Elachistidae, major alterations to the current classification will have to be made. Wing characters subject to intraspecific variation should not be used to delimit groups unless they are based on examination of population samples and supported by other characters.
Molecular phylogeny of the apocritan wasps: the Proctotrupomorpha and Evaniomorpha
Authors: DOWTON MARK , AUSTIN ANDREW , DILLON NATALIE , BARTOWSKY EVELINE
Published: November 2003

Phylogenetic relationships among the apocritan wasps were investigated using comparative sequence data from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. The gene fragment contained three length polymorphic regions. Relationships that were not sensitive to the alignment procedure are discussed, but should be considered as preliminary only. Maximum parsimony analysis recovered the Evaniomorpha (sensu Rasnitsyn, 1988) as a monophyletic group, with the pattern of relationships Ceraphronoidea + (Evanioidea + [Megalyroidea + Trigonalyoidea]). The Proctotrupomorpha (sensu Rasnitsyn, 1988) were also recovered as a monophyletic group, while the Proctotrupoidea were recovered as paraphyletic. The Proctotrupoidea were only monophyletic if the Platygastroidea and Chalcidoidea were included (i.e. Proctotrupomorpha). Relationships of the Proctotrupomorpha that were supported by this analysis included Diapriidae + (Platygastroidea + Chalcidoidea), and the Vanhorniidae falling inside the Proctotrupidae. However, resolution of other relationships within the Proctotrupomorpha was less reliable, as indicated by low decay indices and low bootstrap proportions. Similarly, the placement of the Cynipoidea relative to the other apocritan lineages was also not recovered confidently.
Phylogeny and composition of the Hieroxestinae (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)
Authors: ROBINSON GADEN , TUCK KEVIN
Published: November 2003

The tineid subfamily Hieroxestinae, comprising 275 valid species, is reviewed. The morphology of the group is examined and a fully resolved phylogeny presented for the six constituent genera. Eighteen generic synonyms are noted of which three are new; fourteen specific synonyms are noted, one of them new. Seventy‐one new specific combinations are established. A comprehensive checklist of species is provided as an appendix. Three species are left unplaced in Oinophila sensu lato, and two species (one with two subspecies) are transferred to Oecophoridae (Stathmopodinae). The biology of the Hieroxestinae is briefly reviewed. Hieroxestinae larvae are predominantly detritophagous but several species feed facultatively on green plant material, and Opogona sacchari is a pest of seedlings and nursery stock in the U.S.A. and Mediterranean region. The group is predominantly tropical and is distributed throughout the world but is depauperate in the Americas. There has been considerable radiation of Opogona and Amphixystis on the islands of the Indian Ocean that lie within the Malagasy Subregion (Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, etc.) where there are fifty‐three endemic species. A lesser radiation of Opogona (twenty species) has occurred on St Helena.
Systematics and generic relationships of the mites in the subfamily Diptilomiopinae (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Diptilomiopidae)
Authors: HONG XIAOYUE , ZHANG ZHI‐QIANG
Published: November 2003

The systematics of the subfamily Diptilomiopinae (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Diptilomiopidae) are reviewed. Twenty‐three genera are recognized. Vilaia is found to be the junior synonym of Diptilomiopus. The characters of Rhynacus and Vimola are compared and a new diagnosis for Rhynacus is proposed. Twenty‐two new combinations are made: Diptiloplatus bamboovagrans (Mohanasundaram), Diptacus pandanus (Boczek & Oleczek), Diptacus pulaski (Boczek & Davis), Diptacus sacchari (Xin & Dong), Diptilomiopus artabotrysi (Boczek), Diptilomiopus azadirachtae (Boczek), Diptilomiopus barringtoniae (Chandrapatya), Diptilomiopus cythereae (Chandrapatya), Diptilomiopus elaeocarpi (Boczek), Diptilomiopus ervatamiae (Chandrapatya), Diptilomiopus eucalypti (Boczek), Diptilomiopus languasi (Boczek), Diptilomiopus pamithus (Boczek & Chandrapatya), Diptilomiopus phylanthi (Chandrapatya), Diptilomiopus sandorici (Chandrapatya), Diptilomiopus strebli (Boczek), Diptilomiopus thaianae (Boczek), Vimola carolinensis (Keifer), Vimola globosus (Keifer), Vimola guangxiensis (Kuang & Huang), Vimola haramotonis (Keifer), and Vimola tampae (Keifer). A cladistic analysis of generic relationships within the Diptilomiopinae was carried out. The analysis was based on a total of nineteen characters drawn from the examination of specimens and from original descriptions of species in twenty‐three genera. These characters were polarized by comparison with Rhyncaphytoptus, a genus in the diptilomiopid subfamily Rhyncaphytoptinae. One strict consensus tree was generated from eighty‐three equally parsimonious trees produced from successive character weighting. Two distinct clades were revealed: clade A (Brevelacus) and clade B (Bucculacus (Apodiptacus, Trimeroptus) (Acarhynchus, Asetadiptacus, Dialox, Diptacus (Neodialox, Pararhynacus) (Levonga, Pseudodiopus), Lambella), Diptilomiopus, Diptilorhynacus), Neodiptilomiopus), Vimola), Rhynacus), Diptiloplatus, Neorhynacus, Acarhis). A key to the world genera of Diptilomiopinae is given to reflect the results of this study.
Redefinition of the aphid genus Sitobion Mordvilko (Hemiptera: Aphididae) based on cladistic analyses, with emphasis on North American species
Authors: JENSEN ANDREW
Published: November 2003

A hypothesis of monophyly for the aphid genus Sitobion is tested using cladistics. A diverse sample of thirty Sitobion species from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America were included, along with six species of Macrosiphum, eight new species similar to some Sitobion, one species of Illinoia, and Dysaphis tulipae (Boyer de Fonscolombe) as outgroup. A matrix of forty‐seven taxa and forty‐eight characters was analysed in paup, resulting in a set of thirty‐nine equally parsimonious cladograms. Despite a high degree of homoplasy in the data, the results show that Sitobion is not a monophyletic group. The endemic North American species, along with two pteridophyte‐feeding species from Europe, clearly belong to a separate lineage from the other Eurasian and African species. The endemic North American species are more closely related to the type species of Macrosiphum and Illinoia than to Sitobion avenae (Fabr.), the type species of Sitobion. Two species are placed as junior synonyms of Sitobion alopecuri (Takahashi): Macrosiphum (Sitobion) salicicornii Richards, syn.n. and Sitobion sylvestri Hille Ris Lambers; syn.n. Twelve species previously listed in Sitobion are placed in Macrosiphum with six new combinations: Macrosiphum adianti (Oestlund);Macrosiphum clydesmithi Robinson, comb.n.;Macrosiphum cystopteris Robinson;Macrosiphum dryopteridis (Holman), comb.n.;Macrosiphum equiseti (Holman), comb.n.;Macrosiphum insularis (Pergande);Macrosiphum lambi Robinson, comb.n.;Macrosiphum ptericolens Patch;Macrosiphum pteridis Wilson, Macrosiphum rhamni (Clarke);Macrosiphum walkeri Robinson, comb.n.;Macrosiphum woodsiae Robinson, comb.n. Two synonyms are reinstated as valid species: Macrosiphum occidentalis (Essig) and Macrosiphum pteridis Wilson.
New fossil paussids from Dominican amber with notes on the phylogenetic systematics of the paussine complex (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: NAGEL PETER
Published: November 2003

The first fossil representative of the Protopaussinae and the second fossil Eohomopterus (Paussinae) are described from amber inclusions of Tertiary age collected in the Dominican Republic on the West Indian island of Hispaniola (Protopaussus pristinus sp.n., Eohomopterus poinari sp.n.). These finds increase the total number of paussids present in Dominican amber to four species in three genera (Protopaussus, Eohomopterus, Homopterus). A key is provided for the identification of the New World genera of Protopaussinae and Paussinae and for the species of Eohomopterus. Based on synapomorphic character states, the paussid beetles are split into two subfamilies, the monobasic Protopaussinae and the more inclusive Paussinae (the twenty‐three genera are placed into two supertribes: the Carabidomemnitae comprising two tribes and the Paussitae comprising eight tribes. The extant congeners of Eohomopterus and Homopterus live in the Neotropical Region, while the extant members of Protopaussus are known only from the Oriental Region. This record of New World Tertiary Protopaussus adds another example of the Old World relationships of taxa from Dominican amber. The temporal and geographical distribution of Protopaussus indicates that its present zoogeographical range may represent the relict of a wide Laurasian distribution in the past. It does not support the previously suspected Oriental centre of origin for the ancestral stock of {Protopaussinae + Paussinae}.
Mineral and fluid thermobarometry within the Variscan shearzone of Monteferro‐El Rosal (NW Galicia, Spain): a preliminary investigation
Authors: Hébert
Published: November 2003

The Monteferro El Rosal shear zone is characterized by an intense ductile deformation produced during the third phase of the Variscan orogeny. The petrology of the metasediments and the study of the fluid inclusions from synkinematic andalusite‐bearing quartz veins indicate that the major Variscan phase of deformation occurred at around 2. 5–4 kbar and 565 ± 25°C.
Jurassic guyots on the Southern Iberian Continental Margin: a model of isolated carbonate platforms on volcanic submarine edifices
Authors: Vera J. A. , Molina J. M. , Montero P. , Bea F.
Published: November 2003

During the middle Jurassic on the Southern Iberian Continental Margin (at the westernmost end of the northern Tethys) isolated carbonate platforms developed over volcanic edifices, forming guyots. The volcanic edifices were composed of K‐rich pillow‐lavas and pyroclastic rocks with a radiometric age ≈ 170 Myr. Such phenomena have not been described until now in this continental margin nor in other passive continental margins of Alpine domains. The presence of a shallowing‐upward megasequence (Bajocian–Bathonian) with hummocky cross‐ stratification strata below oolitic shoals, shows that very shallow isolated carbonate platforms developed above the volcanic edifices, with similar facies to those recognized in other guyots, but with a different age and geodynamic context.
Detrital origin of hydrothermal Witwatersrand gold—a review
Authors: Frimmel Hartwig
Published: November 2003

The Witwatersrand ‘basin’ is the largest known gold province in the world. The gold deposits have been worked for moren than 100 years but there is still controversy about the ore forming process. Detailed petrographic studies often reveal that the gold is late in the paragenetic sequence, which has led many researchers to propose a hydrothermal origin for the gold. However, observations, such as the occurrence of rounded, disc‐like gold particles next to irregularly shaped or idiomorphic secondary gold particles in the same sample, suggest an initial detrital gold source within the Witwatersrand strata. Mineral chemical and isotopic data, together with SEM cathodoluminescence imaging and fluid inclusion studies, provide evidence for small‐scale variations in the fluid chemistry – a requirement for the short‐range mobilization of the gold. The existing data and observations on the Witwatersrand rocks support a model of hydrothermally altered, metamorphosed placer deposits, with at least two subsequent gold mobilization events: hydrothermal infiltration in early Transvaal time (2.6–2.5 Ga) and during the 2.020 Ga Vredefort impact event.
Late Hercynian–Mesozoic thinning in the Alboran domain: metamorphic data from the northern Rif, Morocco
Authors: Michard André , Goffé Bruno , Bouybaouene Mohamed , Saddiqi Omar
Published: November 2003

In the Alboran domain, two crustal‐thickening late‐orogenic extension cycles are superposed. The importance of the late Alpine thinning of the Alpujarride‐Sebtide crustal section on top of the Beni Bousera peridotites is discussed here in metamorphic petrological terms. The Alpine metamorphism operated first under a HP–LT gradient, and reached the eclogite facies in the Permian–Triassic phyllites, before retrogression under a high geothermal gradient. A contrasting, higher temperature metamorphism characterizes the pre‐Permian section, reaching the HP‐granulite facies at the bottom of the crustal section. By reference to the western European setting, the granulites relate to the Hercynian orogeny, as supported by the isotopic ages of the enclosed, armoured monazite crystals. Thus, thinning of an overthickened crust might have occurred there during the late Hercynian extension and Tethyan opening, before being reactivated during the late Oligocene.
Visualization of tectonic structures in shallow‐depth high‐resolution ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) profiles
Authors: Meschede Martin , Asprion Ulrich , Reicherter Klaus
Published: November 2003

Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) is applied to detect subsurface tectonic structures and to map the geometry of faulted blocks. Tectonic interpretations from a profile crossing the graben fault and a grid in a second‐order graben structure providing a 3D data set are correlated to the structural inventory of the outcrop. Folded layers of the roll‐over anticline are identified by continuous curved reflectors and an increasing dip towards the main graben fault. Faults are indicated by arrays of reflector terminations. Variations in the water and clay content caused by karstification and brecciation on fault planes are displayed by changing amplitudes of the detected signal. The 3D visualization of the second‐order graben structure with a grid of GPR profiles illustrates the local stress pattern which coincides with structural observations in the outcrop and photo lineations.
Nitrogen isotopes in peridotitic diamonds from Fuxian, China: the mantle signature
Authors: Cartigny Pierre , Boyd Stuart , Harris Jeff. , Javoy Marc
Published: November 2003

Nitrogen isotopes in peridotitic diamonds from Fuxian, China, suggest that the upper mantle δ15N‐value has been globally homogeneous since at least the Proterozoic (−5 to −8‰/ATM), with similar values for subcontinental and MORB mantle.

 In addition, Fuxian diamonds retain the memory of a primary nitrogen lower in δ15N (down to −25‰). For the first time δ15N‐ values in diamonds match those of enstatite chondrites, supporting a formation of the Earth from such meteorites and the idea of a heterogeneous accretion of the Earth’s volatiles.

 Nitrogen concentrations in diamonds are believed to depend strongly on the rate of the diamond growth and not to be an indicator of C/N ratios of the fluids from which they grew.
Main Uralian Thrust and Main Uralian Normal Fault: non‐extensional Palaeozoic high‐P rock exhumation, oblique collision, and normal faulting in the Southern Urals
Authors: Echtler Helmut , Hetzel Ralf Hetzel
Published: November 2003

The crustal architecture of the Southern Urals is dominated by an orogenic wedge thrusted westward upon the subducted East European continental margin. The N–S trending wedge constitutes an antiformal stack composed mainly of the high‐P Maksyutov Complex, the overlying Suvanyak Complex and the allochthonous synformal Zilair flysch further west. These tectono‐metamorphic units are separated by tectonic contacts and record discontinously decreasing metamorphic conditions from bottom to top. In the east, the E‐dipping Main Uralian Normal Fault cross‐cuts the metamorphic footwall and juxtaposes the non metamorphic Magnitogorsk island arc. This syncollisional normal fault compensated crustal thickening and exhumation of the high‐P rocks. Orogenic shortening was accommodated by the Main Uralian Thrust, a W‐vergent crustal‐scale shear zone at the base of the wedge. Geological investigations and reflection seismics (URSEIS ‘95) argue in favour of a geodynamic evolution integrating subduction and basal accretion of high‐P rocks during sinistral oblique thrusting along the Main Uralian Thrust and coeval normal‐faulting along the Main Uralian Normal Fault.