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During the preparation of the treatment of the genus Lippia for the Flora do Brasil 2020 online project, dozens of names were found in need of typification or typification clarifications. In this context, lectotypes are designated for 18 names (L. asperrima, L. cordata, L. dracocephaloides, L. elliptica, L. florida, L. glabrescens, L. hederifolia, L. herbacea, L. hermannioides, L. hirta, L. iodophylla, L. maximiliani, L. microcephala, L. oxycnemis, L. primulina var. goyazensis, L. pseudothea, L. reticulata, and L. rhodocnemis), and a second-step lectotypification is made for L. aristata. A neotype is proposed for L. corymbosa, whereas the erroneous application of the term “holotype” is corrected to lectotype for the names L. pumila and L. turnerifolia. Furthermore, supporting information for the holotype of L. gardneriana is provided.

A new species, Cephalaria kurdistanica, from Chehel-Cheshmeh mountain, west of Iran, is here described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically related to C. microcephala Boiss., C. procera Fisch. & Avé-Lall., and C. kotschyi Boiss. & Hohen., but it differs in chiefly stem size, size and shape of capitula, the number of phyllaries, shape of upper part of phyllaries, calyx shape and indumentum, and size of bristles of receptacle. As well as detailed description, distribution map, conservation status and ecology of the new species are given.

In order to clarify the phylogenetic relationships among the genera of Compositae-Anthemideae subtribe Handeliinae, we analysed sequence variation on both the plastidic (cpDNA trnL-rpl32 intergenic spacer region) and the nuclear genome (nrDNA ITS + 5.8S + ETS and three single-copy markers) for representatives of all genera assigned to this subtribe in preceding morphology- and molecular-based analyses. Incongruence among the individual gene trees reconstructed is interpreted as being due to extensive hybridisation between the evolutionary lineages because a coalescent-based species-tree reconstruction, that takes gene-tree incongruence due to incomplete lineage sorting into account, leads to a very limited number of monophyletic groups with statistically significant support values. Nevertheless, our present analyses demonstrate (a) the close relationship of subtribes Handeliinae and Artemisiinae, (b) the lack of phylogenetic independence of subtribes Handeliinae and Cancriniinae, (c) the inclusion of the genus Microcephala in the Handeliinae (as sister to Cancrinia), (d) the close relationship of Lepidolopsis and Tanacetopsis, and (e) the subdivision of Allardia into two lineages, with A. subg. Allardia being related to Trichanthemis and Ugamia (all of them with hairy achenes) and A. subg. Waldheimia to the genus Richteria (glabrous pericarp).

Determination of the relationships between environmental factors and diatom assemblages is usually made for several hundred lakes spread over a large area. However the analysis of several lakes located near Lake Wigry also gives interesting results. Lakes in Wigry National Park (Poland) with broad similarity of geological origin show clear limnological, physical, and chemical differences. We report analysis of how these dissimilarities influence diatom assemblages. Unsupervised machine learning using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed that the studied lakes can be divided into three groups: (1) disharmonic, (2) harmonious with greater human impact on the environment, and (3) harmonious with a more limited human impact. In the dysharmonic group, the most distinctive dominant species was Tabellaria flocculosa, accompanied by Eunotia mucophila, E. rhomboidea, Stauroforma exiguiformis, Nitzschia gracilis as most frequent codominants. Harmonic lakes were dominated by Achnanthidium minutissimum and Encyonopsis microcephala. Most frequent codominant species were Fragilaria subconstricta, Brachysira microcephala, Encyonopsis cesatii and Eunotia arcubus. Studied lakes were abound in rare species such as Gomphonema vibrio, Fragilaria subconstricta, Aneumastus balticus, Navicula praeterita, N. subalpina or Sellaphora bacillum. The three groups vary in dominance structures, as reference to the Dominance Index (DI) made clear (mean values being: (1) −70.54%, (2) −72%, and (3) −54.58%, Generalized Linear Models with the categorical independent variable (group) showed significant differences between groups (for 1–3, 2–3) p value < 0.05). Lakes influenced by anthropopressure and disharmonic ones had the strongest dominance structure. DI differences between the groups are consistent with the Species Pool Hypothesis (SPH), while studied differences can be said to result from natural geological dissimilarities, as well as disparate anthropogenic impacts.

Melanoleuca is one of the taxonomically most complicated genera of Agaricomycetes with several taxonomically lineages. The subgenus Urticocystis of the genus Melanoleuca contains species with either urticoid or absent cheilocystidia. In this paper, three new European species, Melanoleuca galbuserae, Melanoleuca fontenlae, and Melanoleuca acystidiata are described as new to science. Melanoleuca galbuserae, related to Melanoleuca stepposa and Melanoleuca tristis, was discovered in alpine grasslands in North Italy. The type specimens and recent collections of Melanoleuca angelesiana, Melanoleuca castaneofusca, Melanoleuca luteolosperma, Melanoleuca pseudopaedida, and Melanoleuca robertiana were sequenced and morphologically examined. Moreover, the related Melanoleuca microcephala and Melanoleuca paedida were included in morphological examination and DNA sequence analyses. All the species were delimited by macro- and micromorphological characters and the multigene phylogenetic analyses of a combined (ITS, rpb2, and tef1) dataset on the basis of the species tree estimation. In accordance with new molecular and morphological data, we suggest taxonomic reappraisal of M. pseudopaedida and M. robertiana, and M. fontenlae and M. acystidiata are proposed as new species. The differences between the type material of M. angelesiana from the USA and European M. angelesiana specimens are discussed.

The taxonomic position of Pseudolinosyris is revised. The genus is reduced to Galatella sect. Pseudolinosyris (Novopokr.) Scnnikov comb. nova. It differs from the other sections by its shorter corolla lobes and a higher level of stem lignification. Two species are recognised in this section: G. grimmii (Regel & Schmalh.) Sennikov comb. nova, with three subspecies including G. grimmii subsp. microcephala (Novopokr.) Scnnikov comb. nova and G. grimmii subsp. simenisii (Bornm.) Scnnikov comb. nova. and the newly added G. corymbulosa (Bornm.) Sennikov comb. nova. A further species is transferred from Crinitaria to Galatella, G. a.sperella (Rech. f. & Koie) Sennikov, comb. nova to form a monotypic section Galatella sect. A.sperilbliae Sennikov. sect. nova. All the species and subspecies are redescribed and mapped. and their complete synonymy with typifications and a new identification key are provided.

Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) and threadleaf snakeweed (G. microcephala) are suffrutescent plants found in many parts of western US rangelands and are possibly toxic to grazing livestock. The toxic components are not known, but it has been suggested that the diterpene acids may be both toxic and abortifacient. One hundred sixty-two samples of snakeweed were collected from 55 locations in Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming and Utah and were taxonomically classified. Samples were analyzed by GC-MS in a chemophenetic analysis and grouped into individual chemotypes based on diterpene acid content. The GC-MS profiles were found to be diverse showing at least eight different chemotypes. From each of the chemotypes the major diterpene acids were isolated and characterized by IR, MS and NMR spectroscopy. Twenty-one diterpenoids were identified and found to be a mix of furano, lactone, di-acid and esters of labdane, ent-labdane and chlerodane acids and alcohols. Only four of the 21 compounds isolated had been previously reported as occurring in G. sarathorea or G. microcephala, while another eight compounds were previously reported from other Gutierrezia or related species. Nine of the isolated diterpenoids have not been previously reported and their structure elucidation is reported.

After two years of work, we have explored most of water systems of the western region of Tiaret areas; represented mainly by the Oued Mina and Oued Louhou. The study started with a sampling, executed successively during Autumn and Spring, with the aim to identify the diatomic flora on the first part; and to analyze the ecology of these diatoms on the other part, regarding the Environmental factors through canonical correspondence analysis in order to estimate the organic pollution index. Our results highlighted 104 inventoried species, distributed on 20 different families, with 13 new taxa as a new record in Algeria: Brachysira microcephala, Eunotia cataractarum, Hippodonta capitata, Luticola kotschyi, Luticola nivalis Neidium binodeforme,Neidium ampliatum, Neidium dubium, Nitzschia bita, Nitzschia sinuata var. Tabellaria. Pinnularia obscura, Stauroneis gracilis and Surirella crumena. Otherwise, the calculation of the Organic Pollution Index OPI along the describing stations shows a degraded condition of the quality of water in Oued Mina, due to the discharge of domestic and industrial waste water from agglomerations. Four functional groups of the diatoms were revealed. A functional group A is presented by 21 species. The hightrophy preference is a most important ecological property of the functional group A. Species which constitute this functional group are mainly eutraphentic. A functional group B is presented by 10 species. Species which constitute this functional group are mainly acidophilous. A functional group C is presented by 20 species. The preference of the low nitrogen level is a most important ecological property of the functional group C. A functional group D is presented by 8 species. Species which constitute this functional group are mainly facultatively nitrogen-heterotrophic taxa needing periodically elevated concentration oforganically bound nitrogen.

The analyses of abundant and well-preserved late middle Eocene to early Oligocene radiolarian assemblages were carried out on ODP Site 1090 (Leg 177) sediments in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean. A total of 83 radiolarian events are identified and correlated with the geochronologic time scale and paleomagnetic polarity data. The high latitude Eucyrtidium spinosum and Eucyrtidium antiquum Interval Zones are recognized in the studied interval at Hole 1090B, and three new subzones are proposed herein for the Eucyrtidium spinosum Zone: Eucyrtidium nishimurae Interval Subzone (Subchrons C17n.2r to C16r), Dendrospyris stabilis Interval Subzone (Subchrons C16n.2n to C13r), and Dicolocapsa microcephala Interval Subzone (Subchron C13r). The bases of these subzones are defined by the first occurrences of Eucyrtidium spinosum, Dendrospyris stabilis and Dicolocapsa microcephala, respectively. The proposal of these subzones could significantly improve the biostratigraphic resolution of the middle to late Eocene interval from high latitude regions. The FOs of Axoprunum irregularis and Eucyrtidium antiquum are nearly synchronous in the Southern Ocean, and could be used to estimate the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. Other radiolarian events such as the FOs of Dendrospyris stabilis, Dicolocapsa microcephala, and Zygocircus butschli, and the LO of Eucyrtidium nishimurae are synchronous or approximately synchronous in the Southern Ocean. In contrast, the LOs of Axoprunum pierinae, Periphaena decora, and Siphocampe quadrata, and the FO of Artostrobus annulatus are commonly diachronous among different sites in the Southern Ocean.

Premise Microsatellite markers were developed in the federally endangered species Liatris helleri (Asteraceae) to evaluate species boundaries with closely related congeners within the genus. Methods and results Using Illumina data, 17 primer pairs were developed in populations of L. helleri. The primers amplified motifs from tri- to hexanucleotide repeats with one to 17 alleles per locus. Primers were also tested for cross-amplification in L. aspera, L. microcephala, and L. pycnostachya. Conclusions The developed primers for L. helleri serve as a novel genetic tool for future investigations in this genus, allowing for more explicit species delineation as well as population genetic analyses.

After comparing specimens of Vanmanenia collected from the Lancang-jiang (the upper Mekong River), Yuan-jiang (the upper Red River), Lixian-jiang (first branch of the Red River), and Jinsha-jiang (the upper Yangtze River) drainages in Yunnan, China, we considered the specimens of Vanmanenia from Shunbi Township, Yangbi County, Yunnan (a branch of the Lancang-jiang drainage basin, the upper Mekong River) a new species, herein named V. microcephala sp. nov. Our investigation also suggested that V. striata should be restored as a valid species. On the basis of the systematic comparison of morphological characteristics of the genus Vanmanenia and based on the combination of the characteristics of the rostral fold, rostral barbels, the bars/marks on the flank, the rows of spots on the paired fins, and the markings on the caudal-fin base, the loaches of Vanmanenia should be divided into three groups: 1) the barred group, characterized by bars on the flank, 2), the cusped rostral fold group, characterized by the rostral fold lobes forming a cusp process, and 3) the barbeled rostral fold group, characterized by the rostral fold lobes specialized as secondary barbels. The barred group differs from congeners in Vanmanenia by the following combination of characters: three rostral lobes with a smooth and arcuate outer edge, a pattern of bars on the flank, and spotless paired fins. This group includes six species: V. crassicauda, V. microcephala sp. nov., V. serrilineata, V. striata, V. tetraloba, and Vanmanenia pseudostriata. The new species, V. microcephala, differs from the other species in the barred group by the following combination of characters: the lateral side of the body with 14–22 vermiculations with widths smaller than the diameter of the eye; the dorsal side of the head covered with a large black blotch; the gill opening smaller and its upper angle aligned with the lower edge of the eye; and the head smaller, head depth 45.2–47.1% head length. The characteristic evolutionary trends, origin, and taxonomic status of the barred group in the genus Vanmanenia are also discussed.

Heteroplexis microcephala Y. L. Chen. is an endemic and endangered species found only in karst limestone regions in the Yangshuo County of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China: it is a habitat representative of species in the Heteroplexis genus. To provide basic genetic information for its conservation, in this study we evaluated the genetic variation and differentiation among six wild populations of H. microcephala by random amplified polymorphic DNA markers (RAPD). The leaves of 141 individuals were sampled. Based on 12 primers, 113 DNA fragments were generated. Genetic diversity was low at the population level (Nei’s gene diversity (h)=0.0579; Shannon information index (I)=0.0924; percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB)=23.30%), but relatively high at the species level (h = 0.1701; I = 0.2551; PPB=46.34%). The coefficient of genetic differentiation based on Nei’s genetic diversity analysis (0.6661) was high, indicating that there was significant genetic differentiation among populations, which was confirmed by AMOVA analysis exhibiting population differentiation among populations of 68.77%. Low gene flow among populations (0.2507) may result from several factors, such as a harsh pollination environment, population isolation and low seed dispersal distance. Limited gene flow and self-compatibility are the primary reasons for the high genetic differentiation observed for this species. We propose the collection of seeds from more populations with fewer individuals and core populations for ex situ conservation and suggest methods to increase seed germination rates. Keywords: endangered species; random amplified polymorphic DNA; genetic variability; population differentiation; conservation Received: September 21, 2015; Revised: October 12, 2015; Accepted: October 20, 2015; Published online: June 16, 2016

Heritable endosymbionts have been observed in arthropod and nematode hosts. The most-known among them is Wolbachia. Although the bacterium was previously identified in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida), it was not assigned to any phylogenetic group. Endosymbionts have a profound influence on their hosts, playing various functions that affect invertebrate's biology such as changing the way of reproduction. Oribatida provide the very unique examples of groups in which even whole families appear to be thelytokous, so we considered that it is worth to investigate the occurrence of endosymbiotic microorganisms in oribatid mites, especially that the knowledge on the symbionts occurrence in this invertebrate group is negligible. We report for the first time Wolbachia in oribatid mite Gustavia microcephala. The sequences of 16S rDNA, gltA, and ftsZ genes of the endosymbiont from the mite showed the highest similarity to Wolbachia found in Collembola. Phylogenetic analysis based on single gene and concatenated alignments of three genes revealed that the bacteria from G. microcephala and Collembola were related and clustered together with supergroup E. Relatively close relationship of Wolbachia from oribatid and collembolan hosts might mean at the evolutionary scale that horizontal transfer of bacteria between these two groups of invertebrates may take place.

Baccharis species belonging to sect. Caulopterae are difficult to identify. Most countries are controlling the quality of herbal medicines destined for the internal market or export. “Carquejas” are used arbitrarily for the same medicinal purposes and only three species of sect. Caulopterae are official herbal medicines. In the present study, a morpho-anatomical and statistical analysis was performed with nine species of sect. Caulopterae: Baccharis articulata, B. crispa, B. gaudichaudiana, B. microcephala, B. penningtonii, B. phyteumoides, B. sagittalis, B. triangularis and B. trimera, emphasizing the importance of anatomy as a taxonomic tool. A total of 114 populations of these nine species were examined. The first three principal components of morphoanatomical data provided relevant information to classify the species (75.04% of the total variability). The most discriminatory variable in this issue was the stomatal index (1.0530). We determined the qualitative and quantitative variables in order to differentiate the species by using principal components analysis and ANOVA tests. Stomata type, uniseriate trichome type and presence/absence of collenchyma in the wing margin are the qualitative variables that should be analyzed. Regarding quantitative variables, the epidermal ones in superficial view are more important and discriminatory than those of alate stem cross section and they must be considered for proper quality control of the species of this work. Fil: Martínez, María Laura. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina Fil: Bettucci, Gabriel Roberto. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina Fil: Ferretti, Matias Damian. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina Fil: Campagna, Maria Noel. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina Fil: Ansaldi, Nazarena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina Fil: Cortadi, Adriana Amalia. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina Fil: Rodriguez, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas. Cátedra de Botánica; Argentina

Specimens historically identified as Odontostilbe microcephala from the upper rio Paraná and Andean piedmont tributaries of the río Paraguay are reviewed and split in three species. We found that the distribution of O. microcephala is restricted to the Andean slope of the río Paraguay basin. The species is distinguished from congeners with subterminal mouth by the elongate body, usually 10-12 gill rakers on upper branch and smaller horizontal orbital diameter (24.6-32.8 % HL, mean 28.7%). Specimens from upper rio Paraná constitute two new species, diagnosed from other Cheirodontinae by the presence of mesopterygoid teeth, grouped on median portion and forming a continuous row. The new species are distinguished from each other by having premaxillary teeth with five cusps vs. nine cusps and by the number of lamellae in left and right sides of central median raphe of olfactory rosette with 20-21 vs. 11-12. RESUMO Espécimes historicamente identificados com Odontostilbe microcephala do rio Paraná e tributários do río Paraguay, foram revisados e separados em três espécies. A distribuição de O. microcephala é restrita ao sopé andino da bacia do río Paraguay. A espécie é distinta das congêneres com boca subterminal pela forma alongada, geralmente 10-12 rastros branquiais no ramo superior e menor diâmetro horizontal da órbita (24,6-32,8 % CC, média 28,7%). Espécimes do alto rio Paraná constituem duas espécies novas diagnosticadas de outros Cheirodontinae pela presença de dentes no mesopterigoide, agrupados em sua porção média e formando uma fileira continua. As novas espécies distinguem-se por ter dentes premaxilares com cinco cúspides vs. nove cúspides e pelo número de lamelas nos lados esquerdo e direito da rafe central da roseta olfativa com 20-21 vs. 11-12.

Three new country records of scarabaeoid beetles from Pakistan are reported for the first time based upon recent collecting: Dorcus curvidens Hope (Lucanidae: Dorcinae), Heteronychus annulatus Bates (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae), and Rhomborrhina microcephala Westwood (Scarbaeidae: Cetoniinae).

The catfish family Heptapteridae (order Siluriformes) is endemic to the Neotropics and is one of the most common of the fish families in small bodies of water. Although over 200 species have been identified in this family, very few have been characterized cytogenetically. Here, we analyze the chromosome genomes of four species of Heptapteridae: Cetopsorhamdia iheringi (Schubart & Gomes, 1959), 2n = 58, comprising 28 metacentric (m) + 26 submetacentric (sm) + 4 subtelomeric (st) chromosomes; Pimelodella vittata (Lütken, 1874), 2n = 46, comprising 16m + 22sm + 8st; Rhamdia prope quelen (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824), 2n = 58 comprising 26m + 16sm + 14st + 2 acrocentric; and Rhamdiopsis prope microcephala (Lütken, 1874), 2n = 56, comprising 12m + 30sm + 14st. The nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) were located in a single chromosome pair in all species. The two species that belonged to the subclade Nemuroglanis, Cetopsorhamdia iheringi and Rhamdia prope quelen, had a diploid chromosome number of 58 and an interstitial NOR adjacent to a C+ block located on one of the larger chromosome pairs in the complement. Our results from conventional cytogenetic techniques in combination with FISH using 18S and 5S rDNA probes corroborated the taxonomical hypothesis for the formation of the Nemuroglanis subclade.

Entre fevereiro de 2009 a abril de 2011, nove exemplares adultos (sete machos e duas fêmeas) de Didelphis albiventris (Lund, 1841), foram encontrados mortos por atropelamento no município de Palotina, Paraná. Os animais foram encaminhados para necropsia e coleta de material. Os parasitos encontrados foram fixados em formol acético e, posteriormente identificados. Os nove gambás estavam parasitados por helmintos, com predominância para o filo Nemathelminthes (66%), seguido por Acanthocephala (17%) e Platyhelminthes (17%). Foram isolados os seguintes helmintos e respectivas prevalências: Turgida turgida (89%) no estômago; Cruzia tentaculata (44%), Aspidodera sp. (22%) e Trichuris sp. (11%) no intestino grosso; Hamanniella microcephala (78%) e Rhopalias coronatus (11%) no intestino delgado. Em 80% dos D. albiventris ocorreu a associação parasitária entre, no mínimo, duas espécies de helmintos.

The traditionally use of indigenous medicinal plants in the treatment of burn, dermatrophytes and human infectious diseases and also still essential part of primary public health care. Antimicrobial activities of nine medicinal plants were determined in vitro through agar well diffusion method against pathogenic microorganism species of gastrointestinal tract. Medicinal plants extract of Cocculus pendulus, Malva neglecta, Rhazya stricta, Jaubertia aucheri, Corchorus depressus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate, Berberis baluchistanica and Artemisa absinthium were found sensitive to Clostridium spp. The extracts of Malva neglecta, Jaubertia aucheri, Salvia bucharica and Berberis baluchistanica were observed sensitive to E. coli. Similarly the extracts of Malva neglecta, Jaubertia aucheri, Rhazya stricta, Corchorus depressus, and Artemisa absinthium were found sensitive to Salmonella spp. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Malva neglecta, Jaubertia aucheri, Corchorus depressus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate, Berberis baluchistanica and Artemisa absinthium were sensitive to Shigella spp. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Jaubertia aucheri and Berberis baluchistanica were found sensitive to Klebsiella spp. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Rhazya stricta, Corchorus depressus, Microcephala lamellate and Artemisa absinthium were revealed resistance to E. coli. The extracts of Cocculus pendulus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate and Berberis baluchistanica were revealed resistance to Salmonella spp. The extract of Rhazya stricta was revealed resistance to Shigella spp. The extracts of Malva neglecta, Rhazya stricta, Corchorus depressus, Salvia bucharica, Microcephala lamellate and Artemisa absinthium were revealed to resistance to Klebsiella spp. The extract of Jaubertia aucheri was highly sensitivity against E. coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Clostridium spp and Klebsiella spp. Keywords: Plants; Herbs, Bacteria; Gastrointestinal; Balochistan http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60079

The monotypic genus Oschmarinolepis Spassky and Spasskaja, 1954 (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae) is reviewed. Its validity is confirmed with an updated diagnosis, and its type-species, Oschmarinolepis microcephala (Rudolphi, 1819), is redescribed. The new monotypic genus Paraoschmarinolepis gen n. is erected with Paraoschmarinolepis multiformis (Creplin, 1829) comb. n., as its type-species. The morphology of both type-species, O. microcephala and P. multiformis comb. n. is reviewed on the basis of published data and examination of collection material from Plegadis falcinellus from Ukraine and Ciconia ciconia from Slovakia. We show that some material previously assigned to O. microcephala, belong in fact P. multiformis comb. n.

Ethnobotanical studies have investigated the use of leaves of Cunila microcephala for respiratory, stomach and gastrointestinal disorders. The essential oil of this plant is mostly composed of menthofuran, which has a hepatotoxic effect. Due to the popular use of this plant in southern Brazil, this study aimed to perform phytochemical profile of C. microcephala to detect and determine the amount of secondary metabolites and to evaluate their microbiological activity in vitro and genetic damage in vivo, indicative of genotoxicity, to ensure safe use of the plant. The leaf extract of C. microcephala was investigated for the presence of phenolic compounds, such as tannins, coumarins and flavonoids. This extract contained 193.23 mg/ml of phenolic compounds. In our in vitro analysis of microbiological activity, the crude leaf extract of C. microcephala showed 6 mm zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus; fractions of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate showed 4 mm zones. In the genotoxic analysis, using the comet assay, no genotoxic effects were observed in blood samples and the liver at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. According to the results, C. microcephala presents interesting secondary compounds with biological activity, showing antimicrobial effects in vitro and no genotoxic effects in vivo. Key words: Antimicrobial activity, damage to DNA, medicinal plant, toxicity.

The Encyonopsis microcephala-complex occurs in oligo-mesotrophic freshwaters and is often abundant in the periphyton of low nutrient lakes of high conservation value. It is globally distributed and increasing in apparent diversity with the discovery of additional species. To better differentiate this taxonomic aggregate, we re-examined the original type material of E. alpina, E. angusta and E. tavirana with light (LM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. We investigated the morphology, ultrastructure and ecology of Encyonopsis populations from Ireland, which included previously unreported taxa and morphodemes of E. krammeri, E. neerlandica and E. subminuta. The apparently cosmopolitan E. microcephala was not found in collections from Ireland but two new species were described and compared to others in the complex. Encyonopsis carraensis sp. nov. was associated with a marl-precipitating community in low nutrient lakes, while Encyonopsis hibernica sp. nov. occurred in more productive waterbodies. Several Encyonopsis species had environmental optima near the oligo-mesotrophic boundary characteristic of the microcephala-complex. However, the niches of others were distributed along a wider gradient of water quality. Therefore, when Encyonopsis populations are prevalent in epilithic communities, the use of a more refined taxonomy is recommended for lake ecological assessment.

This study focuses on the genus Brachysira Kutzing from lowland waters as part of the diatom flora investigation of Colombia. Periphyton samples were collected in lentic and lotic waterbodies from different Amazonian basins and the Ayapel swamp system in the northern Atlantic plain of Colombia. Diatoms were analysed with light and scanning electron microscopy. Two new taxa, B. guarrerai and B. huitotarum, are described. These species were differentiated from their allied taxa based on the combination of: the shape of the central area; the shape and number of the areolae that delimit the central area; stria position; presence or absence of papillae on the interstriae; and degree of silicification of the ribs that delimit the raphe. In addition, five other taxa are reported and described: B. microcephala (Grunow) Compere and B. subrostrata Lange-Bertalot are recorded for the first time from Colombia, while B. manfredii Lange-Bertalot was previously found in the Sierra Nevada.The other two taxa were identified as B. aff. brebissonii Ross and B. aff. microcephala because the Colombian specimens differ slightly from the type material of these cosmopolitan species.

Fragmentation of the former broadly circumscribed genus Acacia (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) necessitates combinations in Senegalia (syn. Acacia subg. Aculeiferum) and Vachellia (syn. former Acacia subg. Acacia) for the following 40 taxa that are recorded for the region encompassed by Southeast Asia and China. Senegalia andamanica, S. borneensis, S. caesia, S. comosa, S. delavayi, S. delavayi var. kunmingensis, S. donnaiensis, S. gageana, S. intsia, S. kekapur, S. kostermansii, S. meeboldii, S. megaladena, S. megaladena var. garrettii, S. megaladena var. indochinensis, S. merrillii, S. palawanensis, S. pennata subsp. hainanensis, S. pennata subsp. insuavis, S. pluricapitata, S. pluriglandulosa, S. pruinescens, S. pseudointsia, S. sulitii, S. tawitawiensis, S. teniana, S. thailandica, S. tonkinensis, S. torta, S. verheijenii, S. vietnamensis and S. yunnanensis. Vachellia harmandiana, V. inopinata, V. kingii, V. leucophloea, V. leucophloea var. microcephala, V. myaingii, V. siamensis (syn. Acacia craibii) and V. tomentosa. Senegalia rugata replaces the well-known name Acacia concinna. There are four doubtful names for the region, namely, Acacia brunnescens, A. microcephala, A. obcordata and A. pseudoarabica.

A morfologia macro e microscópica da traqueia e pulmões de Amphisbaena vermicularis Wagler, 1824 e Amphisbaena microcephala (Wagler, 1824), assim como a ultraestrutura das câmaras respiratórias, foram descritas pela primeira vez neste estudo. A traqueia não se ramifica e seu segmento caudal, situado entre os pulmões, foi denominado brônquio. O pulmão esquerdo é alongado, saculiforme e unicameral, com parênquima faveolar na porção cranial e trabecular, na porção caudal. Câmaras respiratórias estão presentes em ambas as regiões do pulmão, mas é possível que a região caudal funcione também como reservatório de ar. O pulmão direito está reduzido nas duas espécies, no entanto em A. vermicularis a redução é bastante acentuada e apenas um vestígio deste órgão pode ser observado, mas em A. microcephala o pulmão direito é um órgão com limites definidos que se comunica com a porção caudal do tubo traqueal, através de dois orifícios. Pneumócitos tipo I e tipo II estão presentes nas câmaras respiratórias. As lâminas basais dos pneumócitos I e das células endoteliais encontram-se fundidas, de forma a diminuir a barreira ar-sangue, que é de aproximadamente 0,5 µm em A. microcephala. As características morfológicas descritas neste estudo podem representar adaptações que permitem a sobrevivência dos espécimes de Amphisbaenia nas galerias subterrâneas, onde passam a maior parte de suas vidas sob condições de baixa renovação de ar, níveis de umidade relativamente variáveis e partículas em suspensão.

Taxonomically Stylosanthes guianensis is divided in four botanical varieties: var. guianensis, var. pauciflora, var. canescens and var. microcephala. The 'BRS Bela' cultivar is one of the two cultivars of this forage legume registered on Brazil, it is made up of a physical mixture of seeds of four accessions of unknown botanical varieties. The objective in this research was to characterize the genetic variability among four accessions of the cultivar 'BRS Bela' and to determine its genetic relationship with others accessions of known botanical varieties, using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Ten decamer primers were evaluated in 36 accessions, from the germoplasm bank of Embrapa Beef Cattle, of S. guianensis: 14 of the botanical variety pauciflora, 11 of var. guianensis, four of var. canescens, three of var. microcephala and the four accessions of cultivar 'BRS Bela'. The amplified bands were analyzed as binary data and a matrix of genetic similarity was generated using the coefficient of Jaccard. Genetic dissimilarity data were utilized for clustering the accessions by not weighted pair-group method with arithmetical average (UPGMA) and Tocher methods. The mean genetic similarity within of the botanic varieties was of 0.72 for var. pauciflora, 0.63 for var. microcephala, 0.62 for var. canescens and 0.46 for var. guianensis. Among the four accessions of cultivar 'BRS Bela' this mean was 0.62. Both methods of clustering generated similar results and showed a tendency to cluster the accessions of the same botanical variety. The accessions of cultivar 'BRS Bela' were grouped with accessions of botanical variety guianensis. The results show that there is genetic variability within of the botanical varieties of S. guianensis and among the accessions of the cultivar 'BRS Bela' and that there is a tendency to the clustering by botanical variety.

With the increase of glyphosate resistance evolution in hairy fleabane, the knowledge of genetic diversity is essential to assist in the weed management. The objective was to characterize the genetic diversity of glyphosate resistant Conyza species in Rio Grande do Sul. Hairy fleabane biotype seeds were collected in fields of glyphosate-resistant soybean, generating seedlings used for extracting DNA from the leaves to perform a genetic diversity analysis, using the RAPD technique. The DNA was used in polymerase chain reaction and DNA fragments were assessed for polymorphism bands in electrophoresis. Biotypes were identified as Conyza bonariensis and microcephala varieties. In molecular analysis, among 25 primers RAPD, eight were reproducible generating polymorphisms of high intensity for the separation of biotypes. Cluster analysis revealed five groups, which had a genetic similarity of 53%. The results indicate that all known biotypes are of the same species, but exhibit different varieties. RAPD presents itself as an important tool for characterizing Conyza species. RESUMO Com a evolução do aparecimento de casos de buva resistente ao glyphosate, o conhecimento da diversidade genética é importante para auxiliar no manejo dessa planta daninha. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a diversidade genética de plantas de Conyza spp. resistentes ao glyphosate ocorrentes no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas sementes de biótipos de buva em áreas de cultivo de soja geneticamente modificada resistente ao glyphosate, das quais foi extraído DNA das folhas para análise de diversidade genética, utilizando-se a técnica de RAPD. O DNA foi usado na reação de polimerase em cadeia, e os fragmentos de DNA foram avaliados quanto ao polimorfismo das bandas em eletroforese. Os biótipos foram identificados como Conyza bonariensis variedades bonariensis e microcephala. Na análise molecular dos 25 primers testados, oito apresentaram polimorfismos reprodutíveis e de alta intensidade para a separação dos biótipos. A análise de agrupamento revelou cinco grupos, os quais apresentaram similaridade genética de 53%. Os resultados indicam que todos os biótipos identificados são da mesma espécie, porém apresentam variedade distinta. A técnica de RAPD apresenta-se como importante ferramenta para caracterização de espécies de Conyza.

This study is being financed by the project LIFE Berlengas - Conserving threatened habitats and species in Berlengas SPA through sustainable management, LIFE13 NAT/PT/000458. To SPEA and ICNF a special thanks for all the help and support on the travels to the island and on the plants collection in the Natural Reserve of Berlenga Island. This study had the support of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2013 granted to MARE. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The cytological study of several populations in 4 species of Cousinia tenuifolia, C. tabrisiana, C. urumiensis and C. microcephala showed the occurrence of 2n=2x=26 chromosome number in all the species studied, information which is new to science. The species formed mainly bivalents and univalents in the metaphase of meiosis I, but in some populations quadrivalents were also formed due to heterozygote translocations. A wide range of meiotic abnormalities were observed including laggard chromosome formation, chromosomes stickiness and tripolar cell formation, leading to the formation of unreduced pollen grains. The occurrence of 0-2 B-chromosomes was observed in most of the species and populations studied. Karyotype analysis showed that the chromosomes are metacentric (m) and submetacentric (sm), varying in size from 0.55 to 1.79 μm. The ANOVA test showed significant difference in total chromosome length, size of the long arm and short arm of the chromosomes as well as arm ratio of the chromosome pair numbers 1–4 and 8, indicating the role of both quantitative and structural changes of chromosome in cytological diversity of Cousinia species.

The new species names Mairia petiolata, Zyrphelis capensis, Z. glabra, Z. glandulosa, Z. grauii, Z. macrocarpa, Z. nervosa,Z. spathulata, the new subspecies names Mairia hirsuta subsp. robusta, Zyrphelis ecklonis subsp. oligocephala, Z. ecklonissubsp. strictifolia, Z. microcephala subsp. foliosa, Z. microcephala subsp. glandulosa and the new combinations Zyrphelisciliaris, Z. ciliaris subsp. angustifolia, Z. ciliaris subsp. hirsuta, Z. decumbens, Z. fruticosa, Z. gracilis, Zyrphelis sect. Gymnostephium,Z. leiocarpa, Z. levis, Z. montana, Z. monticola, and Z. outeniquae are validly published. These names originallyappeared in the Ph.D. thesis of the second author, Ursula Zinnecker-Wiegand, submitted to the University of Munich, Germany,in 1990. Being printed and distributed to over 50 libraries, this thesis met the formal requirements for effective publicationof the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature then in force, but it is no longer effectively published as a result of aretroactive change in the rules adopted at the International Botanical Congress in Vienna in 2005. As result, the new namesappearing in the thesis were not validly published and they are validated here.

Two new species of Cobitis, C. multimaculata sp. nov. and C. microcephala sp. nov. are described and illustrated from the River Nanliu and the River Beiliu, Guangxi Province, China. Cobitis multimaculata can be distinguished from congeners by its unique colour pattern of scattered, small, elongated, oval blotches on the side of the body; well developed mental lobes; and cardioid lamina circularis. It is similar to C. arenae, but can be distinguished from it by possessing a stumpy body (body depth 6.1-6.6 in standard length in males and 5.7-7.3 in females versus 7.9 in standard length in male and 7.3-9.6 in females), shorter caudal peduncle (caudal peduncle depth 1.4-1.7 of its length in males and 1.6-1.8 in females versus 2.5 in male and 2.3-3.1 in females); and 17-22 small, elongate oval blotches along lateral line (versus 20-25 spots). Cobitis microcephala can be distinguished from congeners by possessing small and solitary irregular spots scattered on the side of the body; a slender and finely serrated (16-18 serrae on the inner margin) lamina circularis; and a much smaller jet black spot on upper half of caudal-fin base

The aims of this work were to verify the distribution and population size of Lamyropsis microcephala (Asteraceae), characterize its habitat, assess its conservation status and initiate conservation measures for this Critically Endangered species. Distribution was determined by field surveys and mapping. To estimate population size and density 81 permanent monitoring plots were randomly established. Ex situ conservation measures were activated by harvesting and appropriate storage of seed. We confirmed the presence of L. microcephala at two previously known sites and found it in two previously unknown localities. The areas in which the species occur vary from 200 to 240,000 m2, at altitudes of 1,450–1,820 m, on slopes of 15–45° with aspects from north to west. The estimated number of ramets per population varied from c. 2,000 to c. 2,000,000, with a mean density of 8.29 ± SD 14.3 to 10.33 ± SD 10.05 ramets m-2. Our findings confirmed the Critically Endangered status of this species, although with different criteria. This study is an example of an integrated approach for the conservation of an extremely narrow endemic plant species and may be useful for other little-known threatened species for which urgent conservation measures are needed.

Pollen morphology of 13 species of the genus Sanguisorba (Rosaceae) was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen morphology divided the genus into two main groups: (A) tricolporate with tapered colpus tips, and (B) either tricolporate with opened colpus tip or hexacolporate. The former group was further subdivided into those without vestibulum (A1: S. alpina, S. dodecandra, and S. filiformis) and those with vestibulum (A2: S. agrimonoides, S. ancestroides, S. annua, S. cretica, S. minor, and S. verrucosa), whereas the latter group was subdivided into those with colpus narrow and similar to the A1 type (B1: S. canadensis and S. diandra), those with colpus and mesocolpus somewhat equally wide and forming hexacolporate aperture (B3: S. albiflora, S. armena, S. media, S. menziesii, S. parviflora, S. stipulata, and S. tenuifolia), and those with colpus intermediate between the B1 and B3 types (B2: S. hakusanensis, S. microcephala, S. obtusa, S. officinalis, S. polygama, and S. sitchensis). It is suggested that the A1 type aperture would have evolved to the A2 type as a specialized form and the B types (B1 to B3) in a direction in which the hexacolporate aperture was derived. Implications of pollen morphology for infrageneric classification of Sanguisorba are discussed and the results are compared with molecular phylogenetic studies.

Confusion has existed about the status and authorship of some of the new names published in an article entitled ‘Notas’ that appeared in 1883 in the first volume of the Portuguese journal Boletim da Sociedade Broteriana. The ‘Notas’ consisted of several notes (A to I); one of these, Note A, was unambiguously authored by Ficalho (Francisco Manuel de Melo Breyner; 1837–1903), as Conde de Ficalho, and ‘Lisbon’ appeared at the bottom of the note. It is not immediately clear who authored the other notes. However, these must be attributed to Henriques (Júlio Augusto Henriques; 1838–1928), the editor of the volume. Perhaps counter-intuitively, these ‘Notas’ complemented another paper, a list of plants distributed to members of the society (“Especies distribuidas”), which appeared on pages 27–47 of the same volume. For this reason the ‘Notas’ were often cryptic, and genera, for example, were referenced by their initial letters only. For instance, in Note E a new species was described in Latin, under the genus “P.”; a full name was not provided for the genus, and neither for the new species. However, in the article on species distributed (p. 42) Pulicaria microcephala Lange is listed under the genus Pulicaria and is cross-referenced back to Note E. Pulicaria microcephala is not listed in the International Plant Name Index (IPNI), but is recorded in the Euro+Med PlantBase by Greuter (2006+), where it is treated as an accepted name with the citation Lange in Bol. Soc. Brot. 1: 42, 50. 1883.

The Palaeontinidae (Insecta: Cicadomorpha) from the Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Limestone of Bavaria are revised. The diagnostic characters for three monotypic generaEocicadaOppenheim, 1888,ProlystraOppenheim, 1888 andArchipsycheHandlirsch, 1906 are reassessed based on newly discovered material.Beloptesis gigantea(Weyenbergh, 1874),B. oppenheimiHandlirsch, 1906,Limacodites mesozoicusHandlirsch, 1906, andProtopsyche braueriHandlirsch, 1906 are considered to be junior synonyms ofProlystra lithographicaOppenheim, 1888.Eocicada lameereiHandlirsch, 1908 is a junior synonym ofE. microcephalaOppenheim, 1888. A key to the species of Solnhofen Palaeontinidae is presented. Solnhofen Palaeontinidae and most Cretaceous Palaeontinidae most probably form a monophyletic group based on the following characters: costal area narrow, vein RA branching from stem R basally, vein ScP not fused with vein RA, clavus much reduced and hindwing smaller. Furthermore, Solnhofen Palaeontinidae are probably basal to Cretaceous Palaeontinidae by the mesonotum lacking distinct longitudinal carinae. A fast succession from early to more derived Palaeontinidae took place during Late Jurassic times. Early Palaeontinidae declined sharply in the Late Jurassic, probably owing to the rise of newly evolved insectivorous animals like early birds and mammals. Late Palaeontinidae with better flight ability survived and became a dominant insect group during latest Jurassic times.

Nomenclatural changes in Monardella Bentham (Lamiaceae) are introduced to more accurately circumscribe the specific and subspecific entities in the genus in California. Examination of herbarium specimens and digital images and analysis of biogeographical data from additional fieldwork has revealed morphological continuities and discontinuities. Four new species are described: M. boydii A. C. Sanders & Elvin, M. eremicola A. C. Sanders & Elvin, M. mojavensis Elvin & A. C. Sanders, and M. sinuata Elvin & A. C. Sanders. Five new subspecies are described: M. australis Abrams subsp. jokerstii Elvin & A. C. Sanders, M. hypoleuca A. Gray subsp. intermedia A. C. Sanders & Elvin, M. linoides A. Gray subsp. sierrae Elvin & A. C. Sanders, M. sinuata subsp. nigrescens Elvin & A. C. Sanders, and M. undulata Bentham subsp. arguelloensis Elvin & A. C. Sanders. Eight new combinations and/or rank changes are proposed: M. australis subsp. cinerea (Abrams) A. C. Sanders & Elvin, M. breweri A. Gray subsp. glandulifera (I. M. Johnston) Elvin, M. breweri subsp. lanceolata (A. Gray) A. C. Sanders & Elvin, M. breweri subsp. microcephala (A. Gray) Elvin & A. C. Sanders, M. linoides subsp. anemonoides (Greene) Elvin & A. C. Sanders, M. linoides subsp. erecta (Abrams) Elvin & A. C. Sanders, M. undulata subsp. crispa (Elmer) Elvin & A. C. Sanders, and M. venosa (Torrey) A. C. Sanders & Elvin. The description of one taxon is emended: M. undulata subsp. undulata. Lectotypes are designated for M. lanceolata A. Gray and M. sanguinea Greene. We address each of these changes within informal species groupings or alliances.

Lamyropsis microcephala only occurs in a very restricted area in the Gennargentu massif (CE-Sardinia, Italy) at 1450-1700 m a.s.l. This rare species has been inserted in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Lists under Critically Endangered. In this study, the effect of a pre-chilling period (90 days at 5°C) on germination was investigated as well as the ability of this species to form a soil seed bank. L. microcephala seeds exhibited type 2 non-deep physiological dormancy. Pre-chilling increased the final germination percentages, the germination speed and the temperature range at which high levels of germination were observed. The high optimal germination temperatures (ca. 70% germination at 30°C) demonstrate that this species is well adapted to a temperate climate and the lack of a persistent soil seed bank represents a rarity trait that likely exacerbates the threats to the survival of this species.

The essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of five species of Cunila (Lamiaceae) native to Southern Brazil were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oil of Cunila angustifolia was characterized by sabinene; Cunila incana is rich in alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, Cunila spicata and Cunila microcephala presented menthofuran as the main component, and in the essential oil of Cunila incisa, the major component was 1,8-cineole. Laboratory tests were carried out to determine the effect of the essential oils of the above cited plants on larvae of the cattle tick Riphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. C. angustifolia, C. incana, and C. spicata were the most active samples killing almost the totality of the larvae. C. incisa and C. microcephala showed low acaricidal effect.

Spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplankton biomass and species composition in the shallow hypertrophic Lake Manyas, Turkey, were studied biweekly from January 2003 to December 2004 to determine steady-state phases in phytoplankton assemblages. Steady-state phases were defined when one, two or three coexisting species contributed to at least 80% of the standing biomass for at least 2 weeks and during that time the total biomass did not change significantly. Ten steady-state phases were identified throughout the study peiod. During those periods, Achnanthes microcephala (Kutzing) Cleve twice dominated the phytoplankton biomass alone and contributed to more than 50% of the total biomass in seven phases. Microcystis aeruginosa (Kutzing) Kutzing, Anabaena spiroides Klebahn, Cyclotella stylorum Brightwell, Pediastrum boryanum (Turpin) Meneghini and Phacus pusillus Lemmermann were also represented once in steady-state phytoplankton assemblages. A. microcephala was dominant usually during cold periods of the year, while M. aeruginosa and A. spiroides were usually dominant in warm seasons. The total number of species showed a clear decrease during steady-state phases at all stations. All stations were significantly different in terms of the measured physical and chemical parameters (P < 0.05) and phytoplankton biomass (F = 117, P < 0.05).

The aim of this study was to give results about position of Lamyropsis microcephala within an already existing phylogeny of Lamyropsis genus on the Mediterranean area, by analyzing external transcribed spacer/internal transcribed spacer sequence data. The four Lamyropsis species considered in the model can be recognized as distinct taxa originated from successive migration/speciation events.

Hypochaeris is thought to have arrived in South America by dispersal over the Atlantic Ocean from NW Africa during the Pliocene or Pleistocene. We used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) to unravel specific limits and relationships in the South American group of Hypochaeris (c. 45 species). The Moroccan endemic Hypochaeris angustifolia, which is sister to the entire South American group, was used as outgroup. Our AFLP analysis comprises 415 individuals from 32 South American species and is based on six primer combinations with 670 fragments scored. It provides important information for the delimitation of species and detection of closely related species pairs or groups. Most species are monophyletic and supported with > 90% bootstrap proportion. Hybridization is suggested between Hypochaeris chillensis and H. microcephala in Brazil. The internal nodes (or "backbone") of the tree are not highly supported, but six major phylogenetic groups (also showing similarity in distribution and growth form) center around Hypochaeris apargioides, H. chondrilloides, H. microcephala, H. pampasica, H. sessiliflora, and H. tenuifolia. These results suggest that rapid migration into different geographical regions played an important role in the initial diversification of Hypochaeris in South America.

Essential oils of B. articulata, B. crispa, B. microcephala, Baccharis milleflora, B. myriocephala, B. stenocephala, B. trimera and B. usterii, all of sect. Caulopterae, have been analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Despite the morphological similarity among these species, differences in composition of their essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation and hexane extract could be observed. Special attention was given to Baccharis trimera and B. crispa since their differentiation during early stages is not possible due to the absence of synflorescences. Carquejyl acetate is suggested as a marker for Baccharis trimera, and a fast method of detection of this compound is given.

We describe a new species of small Hyla from sub-Andean forest of the Departamento La Paz, Bolivia. The new species is mainly characterized by smooth dorsal skin with few minute scattered tubercles, presence of a tympanic annulus, lack of tarsal folds, a brown dorsum with irregular longitudinal dark brown stripes, a broad dark brown lateral stripe extending to loreal region, and advertisement call. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species remain unknown, but given the morphological similarities of adults, we tentatively place it in the Hyla microcephala group.

We propose a new biostratigraphic scheme comprising the Eucyrtidium spinosum, Eucyrtidium antiquum (new), Lychnocanoma conica (emended), Clinorhabdus robusta (emended) and Stylosphaera radiosa (emended) Zones, in ascending order, in Eocene to Oligocene sediments drilled on Maud Rise in Southern Atlantic Ocean (Site 689, Ocean Drilling Program Leg 113). The bases of these zones are defined by the lowermost occurrences of E. spinosum, E. antiquum, L. conica, C. robusta and the uppermost occurrence of Axoprunum irregularis (?), respectively. From correlation to the magnetostratigraphic data, the E. spinosum, E. antiquum, L. conica, C. robusta and S. radiosa Zones are assigned to the late middle Eocene through late Eocene (Subchrons C17n2 to C13r), earliest Oligocene (C13n to C11n), late early Oligocene (C11n to C10n2), early late Oligocene (C10n1 to C8r) and latest Oligocene (C8r to C7An), respectively. The four boundary datum levels and supplementary datum levels such as the lowermost occurrences of A. irregularis (?), Dicolocapsa microcephala and Lithomelissa challengerae may be recognized in other ODP sites in the Southern Ocean. The first occurrence of E. antiquum approximates the Eocene–Oligocene boundary in Southern Ocean but the last occurrences of many species such as Periphaena decora, D. microcephala and the Lithomelissa sphaerocephalis group are commonly diachronous between high latitude sites. Two new species, Theocyrtis (?) triapenna and Spirocyrtis parvaturris, are described.

Gomphonemaceae and Cymbellaceae from Jolmolungma Mountain region of China, comprised 79 taxa belonging to five genera. The dominant species were Gomphonema angustatum var. productum, G. gracile var. gracile, G. parvulum var. parvulum, G. hedini, Cymbella aequalis var. pisciculus, C. delicatula, C. cistula, C. cistula var. hebetata, C. cesatii, C. cymbiformis, C microcephala, C. minuta var. minuta., C. minuta var. silesiaca, C. pusilla, C. affinis. Some arctic and alpine forms also occurred, and the following taxa were unique to this region: Cymbella delicatula, C. naviculiformis, C. gracilis, C. minuta var. minuta, C. affinis, C. cistula, C. cymbiformis, C. cistula var. hebetata, C. arctica, Didymosphenia geminata, Gomphonema hedinii, G. olivaceum. Numbers of taxa in each samples varied greatly, It appears that species diversity of diatoms is related not only to macro-environments (e.g., geographic zonation) but also to microenvironments (e.g., microhabitats and microclimates). Cymbella spp. are not only comparatively widespread in the region but also outnumber Gomphonema spp. A large number of species found in the Jolmolungma Mountain region are also found in Tibet and the headwaters of Yangtze River.

A revision of the three endemic Iberian species of Succisella G. Beck (S. carvalhoana, S. microcephala and S. andreae-molinae), based on herbarium studies, SEM photographs and field observations, is presented utilizing morphological, palynological, karyological, biogeographical and ecological characters. The distribution of the species in the Iberian Peninsula is shown in a grid map. Full synonymy is given for all taxa. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 144, 351–364. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: distribution – karyology – morphology – palynology – Portugal – Spain – taxonomy.

A new species, attributed to the group of Hyla microcephala Cope, 1886, is described. The new species is close to H. bipunctata Spix, 1824, and it is found in Quebrangulo, State of Alagoas, in Northeastern Brazil. The eggs and larvae are also described and some ecological information is added. The new species is compared with other species of the same group, and with species of closely related groups that occur in syntopy. With H. bipunctata, it shares the general form of the body, the yellow ventral coloration and the orange color of the thighs, but it is distinguished by the dorsal Paris-green coloration (beige in H. bipunctata), absence of a dorsal pattern, light red thighs, and ornamentation of the upper lip with two or three yellow stains instead of the characteristic aureolate of H. bipunctata. With H. elegans Wied-Neuwied, 1824, it also shares the general form of the body and the ventral and the thighs coloration, but it is distinguished by the smaller size, absence of a dorsal pattern and light red thighs. From H. oliveirai Bokermann, 1963, the new species is distinguished by the dorsal coloration, the ornamentation of the upper lip and larger size. From H. branneri Cochran, 1948, it differs by the presence of the stains in the upper lip (just one in H. branneri), absence of the dorsal pattern and green dorsal coloration, which is more intense. The tadpole of the new species is provided.