cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Physodera bacchusi Darlington 1971
Creators: name: Ma, Yunlong
name: Shi, Hongliang
name: Liang, Hongbin
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2017
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Carabidae
Physodera
Physodera bacchusi

description: Physodera bacchusi Darlington, 1971
Figs. 21, 31, 41.
Darlington 1971: 326 (type locality: Finisterre Range (New Guinea); holotype in NHML); Shi et al. 2013: 41.
Material examined. Holotype of Physodera bacchusi Darlington (NHML), a male, " Holo / type " [round label with red circle]; "Stn. No. / 30"; "New Guinea: / Madang Dist., / Finisterre Mts. / Damanti 3,550 ft. / 2–11.x.1964 "; "M.E.Bacchus. / B.M. 1965-120"; " Drawn 1968 / M.Catron / No.498 "; " Drawn 1968 / M.Catron / No.483 "; " Holotype / Physodera / bacchusi / Darl." [red label] (Figs. 9, 21); 3 males (CCCC) " Xizang auto region., Mêdog county, near the township, 1100m, on tree trunk; Yang Xiaodong lgt., 2012. VII.30. "
Diagnosis. Body length 11.0– 11.5mm; body form weakly convex. Head and pronotum dark brown, pronotum without pattern; elytra dark green, with distinct metallic hue, and a pair of small red spots near apex: spots about one seventh as the elytra in length, occupying intervals 2–4 in width, spots not conjoint at elytral suture. Tergum and sternum VII dark, without distinct pattern, a little yellowish around spiracles. Pronotal hind angles sharp, about rectangular; setae only present near front and hind angels. Elytral third interval with three very small setigerous pores; the fifth with four or five small pores near base; the seventh interval with a series of fine setae. Comparisons with related species see diagnosis under P. andrewesi.
Male genitalia (Fig. 41). Median lobe of aedeagus gently slender, apex strongly bent to right side in ventral view, right margin sinuated before apex; apical lamella small, its length about equal to the basal width, about triangular, rounded apically. Internal sac with main flagellum fine and curved, apex reaching apical orifice; secondary flagellum weakly sclerotized, length about 0.4 times as the main flagellum; trumpet-form expansion small, length about 0.3 times as the main flagellum; apical bursa absent. Female genitalia unknown.
Distribution. New Guinea and China (Xizang). (Fig. 66)
Remarks. It is unexpected to find this species in south Xizang, where is very far from the only know locality, New Guinea. The identical external and male genital characters between specimens from the two localities (Figs. 21, 31) educed that this rare species has a very wide range. Further explorations are expected to fill the distribution gaps in southeast Asia.
description: Published as part of Ma, Yunlong, Shi, Hongliang & Liang, Hongbin, 2017, Revision of the Oriental Genus Physodera Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiini, Physoderina), with the descriptions of two new species, pp. 297-328 in Zootaxa 4243 (2) on pages 307-308, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4243.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/399097
The Point of Oblivion and the Cyclic Nature of the Universe: A Conceptual Model
Creators: name: Shelvin, Datt
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024

description: The cyclic nature of time and the universe is an ancient concept, present in many cosmological and philosophical frameworks. In modern theoretical physics, it finds strong resonance in models like Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC) and cyclic universe theories. These models suggest that the universe is not a singular event (with a beginning and an end) but rather an infinite series of cycles, each transitioning into the next through specific cosmological mechanisms.

The Point of Oblivion in these models serves as the threshold or boundary where one phase of the universe ends and another begins.
Rhyacobates angustus Tran & Nguyen 2016
Creators: name: Leng, Zhaoqi
name: Tran, Anh Duc
name: Ye, Zhen
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2023
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Gerridae
Rhyacobates
Rhyacobates angustus

description: Rhyacobates angustus Tran & Nguyen, 2016
Figs 3G, 5F, 6F, 24
Rhyacobates angustus Tran & Nguyen, 2016: 502–503, figs 1–10 (original description).
Diagnosis
Body length of apterous female 11.30 (holotype), of apterous males 7.70–8.10. Color (Figs 3G, 24B): dorsum of head yellow with a median longitudinal dark marking on anterior three quarters; thorax of female with a broad median yellow marking on pronotum (about one third of pronotal width), a relatively broad median yellow stripe on posterior four-fifths of mesonotum, and a median yellow marking on metanotum; thorax of male with with a narrow median yellow marking on pronotum, a narrow yellow median stripe on posterior four-fifths of mesonotum, and without yellow markings on metanotum. Female: ventral length of pregenital abdomen about two-thirds body length; connexivum of abdominal segments I–VI widened; abdominal segment VII elongate, dorso-ventrally depressed, with a pair of broad, subtriangular connexival processes (Figs 5F, 24A); posterior margin of sternum VII convex and widened. Male: middle trochanter without spines; small spines at basal fifth of middle femur not arranged in distinct row and those at distal four-fifths arranged in distinct row (Fig. 24C); length of middle tibia ca 1.6 times length of hind tibia; abdomen relatively short, posterior segments slightly curved ventrad; pygophore simple, with rounded apical margin; proctiger with rounded lobes laterally (Fig. 6F); paramere relatively slender, curved at basal third, slightly thicker at middle part, and apex narrow and directed mesad.
Material examined
Type specimens (Fig. 24)
See Tran & Nguyen (2016).
Distribution
Vietnam: Lào Cai (Tran & Nguyen 2016).
Comparative notes
Rhyacobates angustus resembles R. zetteli, as discussed by Tran & Nguyen (2016: 503, 507–508). It is also similar to R. bui sp. nov. and R. elongatus sp. nov.; see comparative notes under R. bui.
description: Published as part of Leng, Zhaoqi, Tran, Anh Duc & Ye, Zhen, 2023, Taxonomic review of Rhyacobates Esaki, 1923, with descriptions of three new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae), pp. 1-73 in European Journal of Taxonomy 893 (1) on page 37, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.893.2285, http://zenodo.org/record/8385630
Rhyacobates constrictus Tran & Nguyen 2016
Creators: name: Leng, Zhaoqi
name: Tran, Anh Duc
name: Ye, Zhen
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2023
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Gerridae
Rhyacobates
Rhyacobates constrictus

description: Rhyacobates constrictus Tran & Nguyen, 2016
Figs 3I, 5H, 6H, 26
Rhyacobates constrictus Tran & Nguyen, 2016: 508–512, figs 24–39 (original description).
Diagnosis
Body length of apterous females 8.70–9.40, of apterous males 6.90–7.10. Color (Figs 3I, 5H, 26): dorsum of head mainly yellow, with a median, longitudinal brown marking on anterior three-quarters; pronotum with a median yellow marking (in males, median marking narrower); mesonotum and metanotum entirely black, without yellow markings. Female: abdomen relatively short; ventral length of pregenital abdomen about 0.4 times body length (Figs 3I, 26B); abdominal apex curved dorsad; mediotergite I swollen; connexivum of segments I–V narrow, of segment VI wider; abdominal segment VII tapering towards apex (Figs 5H, 26A); laterosternites of connexivum VII expanded dorsad and curved mesad; posterior margin of sternum VII with narrow median process. Male: middle trochanter without spines; small spines on middle femur scattered, not arranged in distinct row; length of middle tibia ca 1.5 times length of hind tibia; abdomen relatively short; pygophore simple, with rounded apical margin; proctiger with broadly angular lobe on each lateral side (Fig. 6H); paramere curved at basal fourth, strongly thickened at middle part, then tapering towards apex, distal part with scattered short setae.
Material examined
Type specimens (Fig. 26)
See Tran & Nguyen (2016).
Distribution
Vietnam: Phú Thọ (Tran & Nguyen 2016).
Comparative notes
Tran & Nguyen (2016: 512) provided comparative notes between R. constrictus, R. abdominalis and R. recurvus, which all have a median process on the posterior margin of mediosternite VII of the female. Also see further comparative notes under R. bui sp. nov. and R. turgidus sp. nov.
description: Published as part of Leng, Zhaoqi, Tran, Anh Duc & Ye, Zhen, 2023, Taxonomic review of Rhyacobates Esaki, 1923, with descriptions of three new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae), pp. 1-73 in European Journal of Taxonomy 893 (1) on page 42, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.893.2285, http://zenodo.org/record/8385630
Rhyacobates zetteli Tran & Nguyen 2016
Creators: name: Leng, Zhaoqi
name: Tran, Anh Duc
name: Ye, Zhen
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2023
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Gerridae
Rhyacobates
Rhyacobates zetteli

description: Rhyacobates zetteli Tran & Nguyen, 2016
Figs 3R, 5Q, 7H
Rhyacobates zetteli Tran & Nguyen, 2016: 505–508, figs 11–23 (original description).
Diagnosis
Body length of apterous females 9.80–10.60, of apterous males 7.30–7.70. Color (Fig. 3R): dorsum of head mainly yellow with small black markings; pronotum mainly yellow with narrow black marking on anterior margin and sometimes laterally; mesonotum with broad median marking from anterior to posterior margin (median marking broader in females than in males); metanotum with laterally expanded yellow marking (more extensive in females). Female: abdomen elongate and straight; ventral length of pregenital abdomen about half of body length (Fig. 5Q); connexivum of segments I–VI narrow; connexival corners of segment VI with small processes; abdominal segment VII tapering towards apex; mediotergite VII with small median process on posterior margin; sternum VII with bilobate posterior margin, connexival corners with small blunt processes which bend mesad. Male: middle trochanter with 6–7 spines; middle femur with spines but not in distinct row; length of middle tibia about equal to length of hind tibia; pygophore simple, with straight apical margin; proctiger with subtrapezoidal lobes laterally (Fig. 7H); paramere relatively long and slender, curved at basal third, distal part tapering towards narrowly rounded apex.
Material examined
Type specimens
See Tran & Nguyen (2016).
Non-type specimens
VIETNAM • 3 ♀♀ (apterous); Lào Cai Province, Sa Pa, Núi X ẻ area, Vàng stream and its feeders; 22°20′54.4″ N, 103°46′12.0″ E; 25 Oct. 2020; A.D. Tran et al. leg.; TAD20-19; ZVNU • 1 ♀ (apterous); same collection data as for preceding; NKUM.
GPS data of previous records: see Tran & Nguyen (2016).
Distribution
Vietnam: Lào Cai (Tran & Nguyen 2016).
Comparative notes
Rhyacobates zetteli is most similar to R. angustus, as discussed by Tran & Nguyen (2016: 503, 507– 508). Also see comparative notes under R. bui sp. nov.
description: Published as part of Leng, Zhaoqi, Tran, Anh Duc & Ye, Zhen, 2023, Taxonomic review of Rhyacobates Esaki, 1923, with descriptions of three new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae), pp. 1-73 in European Journal of Taxonomy 893 (1) on pages 66-67, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2023.893.2285, http://zenodo.org/record/8385630
Andrena (Warnckandrena) coromanda Warncke 1975
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Andrena
Andrena coromanda

description: Andrena (Warnckandrena) coromanda Warncke, 1975
(Figs. 18–20, 36)
Andrena (Melittoides) coromanda Warncke, 1975: 99, ♀ ♂ [Turkey: OLML].
Andrena (Melittoides) coromanda Warncke: Gusenleitner & Schwarz 2002: 202.
Distribution: South-western Turkey and southern Iran (Wood & Monfared 2022). This rare species is known from only two isolated locations, 2000 km apart.
Flight period: March–April.
Flower records: None.
Pollen preferences: Unknown.
Genetic sequences available: None.
MATERIAL EXAMINED: HOLOTYPE: TURKEY • ♂; Akseki; 1300 m a.s.l.; 13 Apr. 1974; K. Warncke leg.; OLML.— PARATYPES: TURKEY • 1♂; Akseki; 1300 m a.s.l.; 13Apr. 1974; K. Warncke leg.; OLML • 1♂; ibid.; 17Apr. 1974. — non-type material: IRAN • 1♂; Yasouj, Abshar; 2 Mar. 2011; H. Elahi & M. Mesavian leg.; ICPI.— TURKEY • 1♂; Akseki; 28 Apr. 1976; K. Warncke leg.; OLML • 10♂; ibid.; RMNH RMNH.INS.1265938 to RMNH.INS.1265947.
Remarks. Although Warncke described both sexes of this species, we could not locate any female paratypes or non-type material in his collection at OLML or in any other European collections holding material from Turkey and Iran. Therefore, no photographs are available for this sex, and the characters mentioned in the species key are based on Warncke’s description, or inferred from the male morphology.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 455, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Andrena (Melittoides) Friese 1921
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Andrena

description: Subgenus Melittoides Friese, 1921
Melittoides Friese 1921: 177–179.
Andrena (Melittoides) Friese: Warncke 1968: 44–45.
Melittoides Friese: Michener 2000: 258–259.
Andrena (Melittoides) Friese: Gusenleitner & Schwarz 2002: 38.
Melittoides Friese: Osytshnjuk et al. 2005: 37.
Andrena (Melittoides) Friese: Michener 2007: 263.
Type species: Andrena melittoides Friese, 1899, by absolute tautonomy.
Biology: Melittoides is active in spring, foraging on diverse plant families. The single included species is a pollen generalist.
Distribution: Levant and Turkey (Wood et al. 2020).
Included species: Andrena melittoides Friese, 1899 (Levant and Turkey). Other species formerly included in Melittoides are transferred to Warnckandrena subgen. nov.
Remarks. The molecular phylogenetic analysis of Pisanty et al. showed that Warncke’s (1968) subgeneric concept of Melittoides was polyphyletic (Pisanty et al. 2022).The subgenus is hereby recircumscribed as a monotypic taxon, with all members except Andrena melittoides transferred to Warnckandrena subgen. nov.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 471, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Andrena (Vellandrena) etesiaca Warncke 1975, stat. nov.
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Andrena
Andrena etesiaca

description: Andrena (Vellandrena) etesiaca Warncke, 1975 stat. nov.
(Figs. 91–93, 101, 103, 105, 107)
Andrena (Truncandrena) bassana ssp. etesiaca Warncke, 1975: 44, ♀ ♂ [Turkey: OLML].
Andrena (Truncandrena) bassana ssp. etesiaca Warncke: Gusenleitner & Schwarz 2002: 116–117.
Distribution: Central Turkey (Hazir et al. 2014).
Flight period: May–June (Warncke 1974; Hazir et al. 2014).
Flower records: None.
Pollen preferences: Unknown. Based on the highly similar female morphology, we assume that the species is polylectic, by analogy to A. bassana.
Genetic sequences available: None.
MATERIAL EXAMINED: HOLOTYPE: TURKEY • ♀; Sultanahani [Sultanhanı]; 22 May 1970; K. Warncke leg.; OLML.— PARATYPES: TURKEY • 2♂; Amasia [Amasya]; 1860; OLML.
Remarks. Warncke (1975) described this taxon as a subspecies of A. bassana occurring in Turkey. Unfortunately, we could not locate any females for study other than the holotype, and the distinguishing female characters mentioned by Warncke (finer body punctation, more strongly depressed tergal marginal zones) did not seem convincing. However, Erwin Scheuchl has examined additional A. etesiaca females from Turkey, and found that they clearly differ from A. bassana sensu stricto by possessing an impunctate midline raised like a keel on the apical margin of the clypeus, as well as weaker tergal hair bands (E. Scheuchl, personal communication). The males of A. etesiaca exhibit much clearer differences from A. bassana s.s., as they have a partly yellow clypeus, a narrower gena and stronger and denser tergal punctation. Our measurements also indicate that compared to A. bassana s.s., flagellomere 1 of A. etesiaca is slightly shorter in both sexes. We do not know of any records of Vellandrena from central and northern Syria or from Lebanon, despite recent collecting efforts in the latter country (Boustani et al. 2021). The distributions of A. bassana s.s. and A. b. etesiaca therefore appear to be disjunct, and together with the distinct morphological differences in males, we consider this information sufficient to elevate A. b. etesiaca to species status.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 483, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Ancylandrena larreae
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Ancylandrena
Ancylandrena larreae

description: Ancylandrena larreae (Timberlake)
MEXICO • 1♂; Baja Cal. (N), Puertecitos, 1 mi. S; 30°20’ N, 114°39’ W; 15 Mar. 1993; J.L. Neff leg.; on flowers of Larrea tridentata; GPC.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 485, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Cubiandrena cubiceps
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Cubiandrena
Cubiandrena cubiceps

description: Cubiandrena cubiceps (Friese)
ISRAEL • 1♀; 'En Gev; 5 Apr. 1942; H. Bytinski-Salz leg.; SMNHTAU 438238 • 1♀; Har Susita; 13 Apr. 1940; Y. Palmoni leg.; SMNHTAU 181010 • 1♀; Latrun Monastery; 17 May 2012; G. Pisanty leg.; on Helianthus annuus; SMNHTAU 106843 • 1♀; Ramat Gan; 13 May 1945; H. Bytinski-Salz leg.; SMNHTAU • 2♀; Sha’alvim; 27 May 2010; G. Pisanty leg.; on Cephalaria joppensis; SMNHTAU 61702, 61726 • 1♀; Sha'alvim; 9 Jun. 2010; G. Pisanty leg.; on Cephalaria joppensis; SMNHTAU 61753 • 1♂; Tal Shahar; 18 May 2010; G. Pisanty leg.; on Cephalaria joppensis; SMNHTAU 61651.— TURKEY • 1♀; Beyşehir; 7 Aug. 1951; Wahrman leg.; SMNHTAU. — WEST BANK • 1♀; Wadi Kelt; 24 Apr. 1940; H. Bytinski-Salz leg.; SMNHTAU.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 485, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Megandrena enceliae
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Megandrena
Megandrena enceliae

description: Megandrena enceliae (Cockerell)
UNITED STATES • 1♂; Arizona, Pima Co., Silver Bell Bajada, IBP Desert Scrub Site; 9 May 1975; J.L. Neff leg.; ex flowers of Argemone pleiacantha; GPC.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 486, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Orphana wagenknechti Rozen 1971
Creators: name: Pisanty, Gideon
name: Wood, Thomas James
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hymenoptera
Andrenidae
Orphana
Orphana wagenknechti

description: Orphana wagenknechti Rozen
CHILE • 1♂; Region IV, 1km W of Lorenzo Peralta; 30.58192° S, 71.65032° W; 373 m a.s.l.; 15 Oct. 2015; L. Packer leg.; ex Loasa tricolor; GPC.
description: Published as part of Pisanty, Gideon & Wood, Thomas James, 2024, The early-diverging subgenera of the bee genus Andrena (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae) in the Old World, pp. 451-488 in Zootaxa 5474 (5) on page 486, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5474.5.1, http://zenodo.org/record/12712066
Chondrilla caribensis Rutzler, Duran & Piantoni 2007
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Chondrosida
Chondrillidae
Chondrilla
Chondrilla caribensis

description: Chondrilla caribensis Rützler, Duran & Piantoni, 2007
(Figs. 8 A–F, 13D)
Synonymy: Chondrilla nucula Rützler, Duran & Piantoni:292; Gómez 2007:57.
Material examined. CNPGG –1271 Sisal Banks reefs (21º26’24”N 90º28’25.39”W), depth 7 m, 13/VI/2011. CNPGG –1447 Alacranes reef (22º22’59.7”N 89º40’46.6”W), depth 20 m, 06/VIII/2009.
Description. Encrusting to massive sponge 20–30 × 30–50 mm with 9 mm thick. Pale cream to green color when alive in specimen CNPGG–1271 (Fig. 13 D), fulvous in specimen CNPGG-1447, creamy with brown tinges in alcohol, and its surface is smooth and shiny. Oscules are scarce and measure 0.5–7 mm in diameter. The consistency is firm and elastic.
Skeleton. Characterized by a thin cortex 140–300 µm thick which is densely packed by spherasters (Fig. 8 B). Scattered spherasters are present in the choanosome, and their density increases along the aquiferous canals.
Spicules. Spherasters 5.7–30 µm in diameter, with variation in the ray tips. Their main trait are the smooth conical rays (Fig. 8 D, E), sometimes with blunt rays 10–28 µm in overall diameter, centrum size 5.7–15.6 µm, encompassing more than 50% of the total diameter, and ray length 2.1–7.2 µm. Spherasters with secondary smooth or microspined rays (Fig. 8 C, F) 5–30 µm in overall diameter. Few spheroxyasters are present with same size of the former with centrum diameter 8.6 µm (<50 % of total diameter) and ray length of 7.8 µm. The number of rays fluctuates in the two from 16–20. Quite a number of smooth silica drops were present, some with scattered spines (not measured).
Distribution and ecology. Florida Keys, Bimini, Belize, Bermuda, Virgin Islands, and Panama, on rock, conch shells, red mangrove stilt roots, peat banks, and seaweeds from shallow reef lagoon 0.2 to 4 m in depth (Rützler et al. 2007). Our specimens were found in open reef and encrusting a rock, at 7 m in depth. The present specimen is the first record for the species in the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. The present material completely agrees with the description of Chondrilla caribensis, the only difference between them is the spheraster size, which is slightly larger (12–37.5 µm) than in the present material. With respect to other Caribbean distribution of Chondrilla spp, those from C. nucula, a Mediterranean species, probably must be assigned to C. caribensis, which would extend its distribution.
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 161-163, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Strongylacidon bermuda
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Poecilosclerida
Chondropsidae
Strongylacidon
Strongylacidon bermuda

description: Strongylacidon bermuda (de Laubenfels 1950)
(Fig. 9 A–C)
Selected synonymy: Fibulia bermuda de Laubenfels, 1950:52.
Material examined. CNPGG –1166 Alacranes reef (22º23’9.05”N 89º40’49.71”W), depth 5 m, 1/VIII/2009 CNPGG –1192 Alacranes reef (22º23’9.05”N 89º40’49.71”W), depth 5 m, 1/VIII/2009.
Description. Massive rounded sponge with low mounds (Fig. 9 A), 5 cm in diameter and 3 cm in height. Surface is markedly conulose. These protuberance-like conules are mainly round and evenly distributed all over the surface, 0.5–1.5 mm in height, 1–2 mm apart. Several oscules mainly on top of the sponge are 3–5 mm in diameter. Consistency is firm but slightly compressible. A not so easily detachable thin dermis is visible; with a reticulate pattern of pigmented granules enclosing the pore fields. Color in vivo is black with green subectosomal veins, dark violet or black in alcohol.
Skeleton. Without ectosomal skeleton. The choanosomal skeleton consists of poorly defined reticulation made by densely packed tracts of spicules outlining round to irregular meshes (Fig. 9 B). Ill-defined tracts 150–300 µm in thickness, several of which conform a trellis work towards the surface, making up those conules or tuberculate protuberances of the surface. Connective tracts 30–70 µm thick, with abundant but loose single strongyles.
Spicules. Abundant straight, uniform and slender strongyles, with isodiametric endings 158.6–218 × 1.3–2.8 µm (Fig. 9 C), some with rod shaped, and loop shaped ends. Microscleres are absent.
Distribution and ecology. Bermuda (de Laubenfels 1950). Inhabits reef environments and reported up to 15 m in depth. This is the first record for the Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. Strongylacidon bermuda has not been recorded again since its original description by de Laubenfels (1950) in Harrington Sound, Bermuda, where it was fairly common. The features described for S. bermuda are consistent with the present material. The massive habit is rather common for S. bermuda, although some differences emerge: 1) massive with a tendency to grow up into rounded lobes, hardly called digitate (de Laubenfels 1950); 2) massive with rounded lobes or low tubes (Rützler 1986:Fig.32; as Ulosa) and 3) massive with low mounds (present work).
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on page 163, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Halichondria (Halichondria) lutea Alcolado 1984
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Halichondrida
Halichondriidae
Halichondria
Halichondria lutea

description: Halichondria (Halichondria) lutea Alcolado, 1984
(Fig. 10 A–D)
Selected synonymy: Halichondria lutea Alcolado, 1984:10; Díaz et al. 1993:294. Halichondria (Halichondria) lutea sensu van Soest et al. 2014.
Material examined. CNPGG –573 Sisal Banks reefs (21º26’24”N 90º28’25.39”W), depth 15 m, 02/XII/2001.
Description. Thickly encrusting 1.7 square cm, 3–12 mm in thickness, bearing a single fistule (Fig. 10 A), of 8–10 mm in height, 2–3 mm in diameter. No oscules present. The sponge surface is microhispid, and its consistency firmly and slightly compressible but fragile. Color alive was not recorded, but it is light beige in alcohol
Skeleton. The ectosome is a composition of spicules tangentially placed in one plane (Fig. 10 B), mainly strewn in confusion. In the choanosomal skeleton many more spicules are present disarrayed all over the body, intermingled with some ill-defined tracts.
Spicules. Mainly fusiform and hastate strongyles, but oxeas and styles are present, probably in two size categories, 330–1007 × 3.4–23 µm. The spicules are bent, some have stepped ends (Fig.10 C, D).
Distribution and ecology. Cuba (Alcolado 1984); Venezuela (Díaz et al. 1993); Sisal banks reefs, and Veracruz (CNPGG records). The previously known depth distribution range in reef environments was 24 to 50 m. The present specimen was found at 15 m depth, which represent the shallowest record for this species. This is the first record for the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. The present material assigned to Halichondria lutea differs from the subspherical shape of the original description but agrees with that described by Diaz et al. (1993). All other features are the same of the original description.
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 164-165, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Hymeniacidon caerulea Pulitzer-Finali 1986
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Halichondrida
Halichondriidae
Hymeniacidon
Hymeniacidon caerulea

description: Hymeniacidon caerulea Pulitzer-Finali, 1986
(Figs. 11 A–B, 13E)
Selected synonymy: Laxosuberites coerulea sensu de Laubenfels, 1936:148. Hymeniacidon caerulea Pulitzer-Finali, 1986:117; Díaz et al. 1993:298.
Material examined. CNPGG –1138 Alacranes reef (22° 22' 1.56”N 89° 40' 30.36”W), depth 6 m, 8/VIII/2009.
Description. Thinly encrusting sponge, 5.7 cm in diameter, and less than 1 mm to 15 mm in thickness (measures out of the water). Oscules are only seen in live specimens, with 2–4 mm in diameter. The sponge surface is smooth in parts and tuberculate or rugose in others, microscopically hispid. Consistency is very compressible and soft. Vivid cobalt blue alive (Fig. 13 E), still dark blue in alcohol, color has paled but persisted as the time goes by.
Skeleton. Ectosomal skeleton is a conglomerate of tangential spicules. Choanosomal skeleton is halichondroid, with scattered and ill-defined spicule tracts, with single spicules in confusion (Fig. 11 A).
Spicules. Straight styles, slightly curved towards the middle and third part of shaft, some are flexuous. The spicules are distinguished by an elongated dark spot at the base which is part of the axial canal (Fig. 11 B), 213–431.6 × 2.3–5.2 µm.
Distribution and ecology. Florida (de Laubenfels 1936); Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, from 4 to 8 m in depth (Pulitzer-Finali 1986); Belize, Hispaniola, Curaçao on coral rubble and mangroves, 6–12 m deep (Rützler et al. 2000). Quintana Roo, Mexico and Puerto Vargas off the coast of Costa Rica. The specimen was collected in coral rubble at 6 m depth. This is the first record for the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. Hymeniacidon caerulea is a shallow reef sponge, and also been found in fringing mangroves (Diáz et al. 1993). Authors have recorded tylostyles 315–480 × 2–5 µm (de Laubenfels 1936); styles 230–560 × 4.5–9.5 µm (Pulitzer-Finali, 1986); styles 420–530 × 7–12 µm (Díaz et al. 1993). Smaller length sizes were found in the styles of the present material. On the other hand, diameter size is within the reported range, and the cobalt blue color and skeletal arrangement are distinctive traits for this species.
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 165-166, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Topsentia bahamensis Diaz
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Halichondrida
Halichondriidae
Topsentia
Topsentia bahamensis

description: Topsentia bahamensis Diaz, van Soest & Pomponi, 1993
(Fig. 12 A–C)
Synonymy: Topsentia bahamensis Diaz, van Soest & Pomponi, 1993:290.
Material examined. CNPGG –586 Sisal Banks reefs (21°26'21.50”N 90°17'7.9”W), depth 15 m 02/XII/2011.
Description. Encrusting to massive sponge (3.5 × 2.5 cm long per width, 2.5 cm thick) with one solid fistular growth on top 4 cm in height, 10 mm in diameter (Fig. 12 A). An oscule along the fistula is visible, that splits at the base. Color is white when alive and in alcohol; surface is smooth although micro-hispid at places, consistency is firmly compressible but easily crumbled.
Skeleton. The ectosome is a layer of tangentially placed oxeas strewn in confusion, with many of the larger oxeas protruding beyond the surface. The choanosomal skeleton exhibits a vague reticulation in all directions, produced by ill-defined multispicular tracts with no trace of spongin, intermingled with single oxeas, also oriented in all directions, assembling a condensed mass (Fig. 12 B).
Spicules. Fusiform and slightly curved oxeas (Fig. 12 C), in two size categories I: 196–507 × 5.2–14 µm, II: 556–820 × 13.5–28 µm.
Distribution and ecology. Bahamas (Díaz et al. 1993). The present specimen was found inhabiting shallower waters (15 m depth) than those of the original description, which stated 40 to 160 m. It is the first record for México and the Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. The present material matches the original description exactly, even for spicule sizes. Apparently it is not a common species around the Caribbean Sea. It probably inhabits Jamaica (Lehnert & Soest 1996), but the specimen recorded there, lacks fistular growth, which is one of the main features of T. bahamensis. A species similar to the present one is the widespread T. ophiraphidites (de Laubenfels de 1934), but it differs in lacking an ectosomal tangential skeleton, together with a gray, brown or pink color alive and the presence of two or three category sizes of oxeas and strongyloxeas. These traits separate both species.
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 166-167, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Dragmacidon reticulatum Ridley & Dendy 1886
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Halichondrida
Axinellidae
Dragmacidon
Dragmacidon reticulatum

description: Dragmacidon reticulatum (Ridley & Dendy, 1886)
(Figs. 15 A–B, 22A)
Selected synonymy: Axinella reticulata Ridley & Dendy, 1886:481.
Pseudaxinella lunaecharta; Wiedenmayer 1977:155; Gómez & Green 1984:81; Zea 1987:195; Rubio-Fernández 1997:57; Gómez 2002:73.
Pseudaxinella reticulata; Alvarez et al. 1998:15 (with additional synonymy).
Dragmacidon reticulatum; Rützler et al. 2009:301.
Material examined. CNPGG –1411 Alacranes reef (22°23’44.8”N 89°42’21.9”W) depth 3 m; 03/VIII/2009; CNPGG –1410 Sisal Banks reefs (21°26’16.59”N 90°16’39”W) depth 12 m, 09/VI/2011.
Description. Massive-amorphous or mound shaped sponge, 7 cm wide and 5 cm high, narrower towards the base (Fig. 22 A). The sponge surface is punctiform, reticulate and microhispid owing to the protruding fibres, like thick evenly distributed conules. Oscules are conspicuous and circular 5‒8 mm in diameter, usually distributed on top of the sponge. The consistency is firm, not easily compressible. Color is bright orange when alive, light orange or beige in alcohol.
Skeleton. Choanosomal skeleton consist of a reticulation of plurispicular tracts without axial condensation (390‒450 µm thick); these are joined by connective fibres 210‒280 µm in diameter, forming meshes of 650 µm width (Fig. 15 A).
Spicules. Styles bent in the middle and toward round ends, 200‒300 × 6.8‒7.8 µm; oxeas also bent in the middle, 283‒340 × 7.8‒9.8 µm (Fig. 15 B).
Distribution and ecology. North Carolina, Bahamas, Bermuda, Florida, Colombia, Venezuela, Curaçao, Brazil, on rock patches, mangrove roots and coral reefs at 0.5 to 70 m depth (Alvarez et al. 1998); Panamá (Guzmán & Guevara 1998); Cuba (Alcolado 2002) Quintana Roo (Gómez 2002). Inhabits coral reefs on coral rubble, seaweed and seagrass from 3 to 12 m depth. Rubio-Fernández recorded this species in 1997 as Pseudaxinella lunaecharta in the east border of Campeche Bank, but that record has never been published.
Remarks. Dragmacidon reticulatum has never been collected from Veracruz reefs, although there is one unpublished record from the Campeche Bank area (Rubio-Fernández 1997). Being a widespread species around the Caribbean Sea, from shallow to 70 m deep, from reefs to mangrove environments, it had not been recorded inside the Gulf except from Florida, in colder waters than the southern part.
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 170-171, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Agelas tubulata Lehnert
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Agelasida
Agelasidae
Agelas
Agelas tubulata

description: Agelas tubulata Lehnert & van Soest, 1996.
(Figs. 16 A–D, 22B)
Selected synonymy: Agelas tubulata Lehnert & van Soest, 1996:67; 1999:156; Parra-Velandia et al. 2014:321. Agelas conifera; Zea 1987:212; Gómez 2002:75; Diaz 2005:470 (on diversity and distribution). Non Agelas conifera (Schmidt, 1870) a valid species.
Material examined. CNPGG –1315 Alacranes reef (22º23’1.5”N 89º40’21.4”W) and CNPGG 1348 Alacranes reef (22º23’1.5”N 89º40’21.4”W), depth 12 m, 3/VIII/2009.
Description. The sponge is a cluster of thick tubes arising from a common base (Fig. 22 B). Size of the tubes are 12–20 cm long, 3–12 cm wide and 3–5 cm in diameter. Apical pseudoscules are 1–3 cm in diameter, oscules inside atrial wall 1–2 mm in diameter and tiny oscules in the outer wall 3‒5 mm in diameter. It is orange-yellow alive and orange-brown in alcohol. The sponge surface is entirely smooth; the body is easily compressible and pliable, tough to tear and cut.
Skeleton. Anisotropic skeleton constituted by primary fibres 70–100 µm in diameter, cored by 5–6 acanthostyles and echinated by the same spicules as well, secondary fibres only echinated 20–60 µm in diameter, thinner towards the surface. Fibres forming a square grid (140–400 µm).
Spicules. Acanthostyles are straight with 9–18 whorls per spicule and 4–8 spines per whorl; length 72.8–96–150.8 × 5.2–7.8–10.4 µm width.
Distribution and ecology: Bahamas, East coast of Florida, Jamaica, Belize, Panama, Colombia, Brazil, from 7 to 37 m depth (Parra-Velandia et al. 2014). Inhabits in coral reef environments, on calcareous substrate, 12 m depth. The species has been recorded in Xahuayxol (Mexican Caribbean; Gómez 2002) and Cuba (Alcolado 2002) both authors as A. conifera, this is the first record for the species as A. tubulata in the Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks: Agelas tubulata is a similar species to A. conifera (Schmidt 1870), and A. cerebrum Assmann et al.
(2001) based on several characteristics such as color, pinacoderm, skeletal arrangement, and spicule geometry (Parra-Velandia et al. 2014). Particularly, A. tubulata has been confused with A. conifera but the body size/conetube relation, is higher in A. tubulata and lower in A. conifera (Parra-Velandia et al. 2014). More detailed features are discussed in the thorough study of Agelas from the greater Caribbean by Parra-Velandia et al. (2014).
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 171-172, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Amphimedon caribica Pulitzer-Finali 1986
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Haplosclerida
Niphatidae
Amphimedon
Amphimedon caribica

description: Amphimedon caribica (Pulitzer-Finali 1986)
(Fig. 17 A–D)
Selected synonymy: Cribrochalina caribica Pulitzer-Finali, 1986:170. Amphimedon caribica, Lehnert & Soest 1996:75; Alcolado 2002:68.
Material examined. CNPGG –1211 Alacranes reef (22’43.6”N 89º40’02.8”W), depth 8 m, 2/VIII/2009. CNPGG –212 Alacranes reef (22°22'43.67”N 89°40'2.64”W), depth 12 m, 2/VIII/2009. CNPGG –1287 (22º22’1.4”N 89º40’30.4”W), 3/VIII/2009.
Description. Massive cushion sponge 3.5–5.5 × 2 × 3 cm. Circular and apical oscules 1–4 mm in diameter, occasionally a few oscules are placed towards the base (Fig. 17 A). The consistency is hard and slightly compressible, crumbles easily. The surface has porous appearance and is slightly microhispid. Light purple when alive, beige in alcohol.
Skeleton. The choanosomal skeleton is an irregular reticulation of plurispicular and cored tracts, the latter with 1–10 spicules. Primary fibres 100–130 µm in diameter and connective ones 20–50 µm in diameter (Fig. 17 C, D).
Spicules. Oxeas slightly curved with stepped ends 148–200 × 3–6 µm (Fig. 17 B).
Distribution and ecology. Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, 20–30 m depth (Pulitzer-Finali 1986); Jamaica 76 m depth (Lehnert & Soest 1998); Cuba (Alcolado 2002). Collected in coral reef on coral rubble, 8–12 m deep. This is the first record for the species in Mexico and the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. The material studied match to Amphimedon caribica from Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic (Pulitzer-Finali 1986), except for its thicker oxeas (6.5–10.5 µm) which is not of significant value. Specimens from Jamaica (Lehnert & Soest 1998) occasionally have styles or strongyles which were not found here. The species is reported from Cuba but only cited (Alcolado, 2002).
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on pages 173-174, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Chalinula molitba
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Haplosclerida
Chalinidae
Chalinula
Chalinula molitba

description: Chalinula molitba (de Laubenfels, 1949)
(Figs. 19 A–B, 22C)
Selected synonymy: Haliclona molitba de Laubenfels, 1949:9; Wiedenmayer 1977:81 (as H. (Haliclona) molitba); van Soest, 1980:9; Alcolado 2002:67.
Reniera carmabi van Soest, 1980:14.
Chalinula molitba; de Weerdt 2000:55 (with more synonymy).
Material examined. CNPGG –121 Sisal Banks reefs (21°26’16.59”N, 90°16’39”W), depth 9 m, 9/VI/2011; CNPGG –1214 Sisal Banks reefs (21°26’24”N, 90°28’25.39”W) depth 15 m 13/VI/2011.
Description. Variable in morphology, usually a cluster of small tubules of 3 cm length and 5 cm width. Apical oscules, 3–9 mm in diameter (Fig. 22 C). The consistency is soft, fluffy and easily compressible. The color is dark pink when alive and pink or beige in alcohol. Surface is smooth.
Skeleton. Ectosomal skeleton absent. Choanosomal skeleton is an anisotropic network, consisting of paucispicular primary fibres 10–14 µm in diameter and cored by 1–5 spicules, connected by secondary unispicular fibres or tracts 5.6–10.2 µm in diameter (Fig. 19 A). The skeleton is dominated by spicules, but still covered by plain spongin.
Spicules. Oxeas mostly fusiform but with a trend toward strongyloxeas (Fig. 19 B), 60–134 × 0.5–2.8 µm.
Distribution and ecology: Florida and throughout the Caribbean (Rützler et al. 2009), Belize, Bermuda, North Carolina, Florida, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Venezuela, Colombia, Bonaire (de Weerdt 2000); Cuba (Alcolado 2002). Chalinula molitba has been described from mangrove environments and Thalassia meadows, although it has also been reported from deeper habitats, to 18 m depth (de Weerdt 2000). However, its distribution is mainly in shallow water. In the present work the specimens were collected in coral reef environments, associated with coral rubble in depth ranges between 9 to 15 m. This is the first record for Chalinula molitba in Mexico and the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. The present material exactly matches the features described for Chalinula molitba. Even when main traits such as growth form, spicule sizes, and skeletal architecture are notably variable, a series of intermediate forms are found, for which de Weerdt (2000) is commended for details. However its color varies from bright-dark pink, to intense violet, light brown or sometimes brown with yellowish cream tinges. The blue color mentioned by van Soest (1980) is enigmatic and may have been caused by local or other conditions (de Weerdt 2000).
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on page 175, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815
Hyattella cavernosa Pallas 1766
Creators: name: Ugalde, Diana
name: Gómez, Patricia
name: Simões, Nuno
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2015
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Porifera
Demospongiae
Dictyoceratida
Spongiidae
Hyattella
Hyattella cavernosa

description: Hyattella cavernosa (Pallas, 1766)
(Fig. 20 A–B)
Selected synonymy: Spongia cavernosa Pallas, 1766:394.
Hyatella intestinalis; van Soest 1978:23; Pulitzer-Finali 1986:177; Zea 1987:34. Non Hyatella intestinalis (Lamarck, 1814) (a valid species from Indian Ocean). Hyattella cavernosa; Lehnert & van Soest 1999:165; Alcolado 2002:69.
Material examined. CNPGG –583 and CNPGG –588 Sisal Banks reefs (21°26’16.59”N, 90°16’39”W), depth 15 m, 1/XII/2011. CNPGG –1290 Alacranes reef (22º23’42.7”N, 89º42’20”W), depth 5 m, 1/VIII/2011.
Description. Massive-lobulate sponge covered with algae and sediment (Fig. 20 A), or massive with irregular branches, with the massive part 12 cm in length, 10 cm width, the branch being 11 cm high, 1.6–3.5 cm in diameter. The surface exhibits deep elongated cavities covered by a thin ectosome, usually smooth in the massive part, finely conulose on the branches. The consistency is flexible and very compressible but tough to cut. The color is gray to dark brown when alive, turning to dark brown outside and yellow inside when preserved.
Skeleton. In the interior, the choanosome, it is markedly cavernous. There it consists of an irregular polygonal reticulation (Fig. 20 B), with light yellow fibres 50–75 µm. The fibres usually are clear of detritus, but in places are cored by foreign material (spicules or sand). Meshes are 80–500 µm in diameter.
Distribution and ecology. Florida (de Laubenfels 1936), Brazil (Boury-Esnault 1973); Bahamas (Wiedenmayer 1977); Greater Antilles (van Soest 1978); Colombia (Zea 1987); Cuba (Alcolado 2002); in shallow coral reef waters (5 m depth), among seagrass, Thalassia sp., or buried in the sandy substratum. The present specimens constitute the first record of the species for Mexico and the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Remarks. Hyattella cavernosa has been confused with Hyatella intestinalis (Lamarck, 1814) from the Indian Ocean, as both species are massively encrusting with fistular growths, although the latter species grows with longer branches coalescing in many places, thus forming an irregular net or lamella producing a cup. The skeleton of H. intestinalis consists of a dense network, with primary fibres 100 µm in diameter and very little coring; the secondary fibres are 42 µm in diameter (Cook & Bergquist 2002). Moreover, H. intestinalis should be separated from H. cavernosa on account of the distant geographic areas of occurrence.
description: Published as part of Ugalde, Diana, Gómez, Patricia & Simões, Nuno, 2015, Marine sponges (Porifera: Demospongiae) from the Gulf of México, new records and redescription of Erylus trisphaerus (de Laubenfels, 1953), pp. 151-183 in Zootaxa 3911 (2) on page 176, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3911.2.1, http://zenodo.org/record/238815