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Most of the plant species found in the high mountain ecosystems of the tropics is unique and exceptional, because they have developed complex adaptations to survive in extreme environmental conditions, such as high levels of UVR and low temperatures of these ecological environments. In an exploratory study carried out on some plants of this ecosystem, we found that one of the most promising species was the Pentacalia pulchella (Kunth) Cuatrec. (Asteraceae) an endemic plant of Colombia, which grows between 2500 and 3500 m.a.s.l. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the photoprotective, antioxidant, and chemical composition of extracts from the leaves of P. pulchella. Extracts showed good absorption coefficients in UVA-UVB, high content of total phenols, with antioxidant activity comparable to that obtained with butylhydroxytoluene (BHT). Finally, the formulation labeled “7” with 10% extract presented adequate sensory characteristics for topical use, good in vitro photoprotection values in the UVA–UVB range (SPF (Sun Protection Factor): 7.3 ± 0.9, UVAPF (Ultraviolet A Protection Factor): 5.3 ± 0.6, λc 376), and antioxidant activity. Results obtained allow us to suggest that the extract of P. pulchella has a high potential as a source of new natural solar filters.

Wang, Long (2021): The identity of Ligularia yesoensis var. pulchella (Asteraceae, Senecioneae). Phytotaxa 523 (2): 199-202, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.523.2.7

Several names belonging to the Sesleria sect. Argenteae (Poaceae) were discussed in this paper and, where necessary, typified. Lectotypes were designated for the names Sesleria nitida var. brevidentata, S. nitida var. intermedia, S. nitida var. tenoreana f. macrostachya, and S. nitida var. tenoreana f. visianii. Neotypes were designated for the names Sesleria nitida var. tenoreana s.s. and S. nitida var. de-gasperiana. Synonyms were proposed for the following names (accepted names in brackets): S. feretrana (= S. italica), S. italica subsp. mariculensis (= S. italica), S. nitida var. brevidentata (= S. vaginalis), S. nitida var. candae (= S. italica), S. nitida var. intermedia (= S. robusta), S. nitida var. tenoreana f. visianii (= S. italica), and S. nitida var. tenoreana f. macrostachya (= S. italica). As regards Sesleria nitida var. de-gasperiana and S. nitida var. sancti-marinii, they were confirmed as synonyms of S. pichiana. Due to the extremely limited number of herbarium specimens available, we could not confirm the taxonomic autonomy of S. nitida var. pulchella (basionym of the taxon currently accepted as S. pulchella) and consider it as a preliminary synonym of Sesleria italica.

This note describes the detection of two contemporaneous mass feeding events of a total of ~1000 parrots. After a report of large numbers of Turquoise Parrots Neophema pulchella being found on 8 May 2021, the next day we encountered flocks totalling ~300 Turquoise Parrots and ~700 Eastern Rosellas Platycercus eximius feeding on seeding grasses on a cattle property on the North-west Slopes of New South Wales. The two species, which congregated separately from each other, showed a preference for different species of introduced grasses, neither of which had been reported previously in the diets of these parrots: Turquoise Parrots fed on Purple Pigeon Grass Setaria incrassata and Eastern Rosellas fed on Premier Digit Grass Digitaria eriantha. Sometime between 10 and 21 May, the feeding event was over, before the supply of seeds was exhausted; neither before nor after the event has either species been observed in these large numbers in the region.

This paper presents the first acute toxicity data of the natural insecticide spinosad in amphibians. The sensitivity of two neotropical sympatric anuran species, Boana pulchella and Rhinella arenarum, to spinosad-based formulation Tracer™ was evaluated. Lethal effects are reported in tadpoles of B. pulchella stage 25 between 2.81 and 35.44 mg spinosad/L, while for the same concentration range no lethal effects were detected in tadpoles of R. arenarum of the same stage. In addition, Tracer™ produced sublethal effects at the individual level on the swimming activity, morphology (growth and presence of abnormalities), and development of B. pulchella from 2.81 to 5.78 mg spinosad/L, while in R. arenarum effects were only detected in the swimming activity and growth from 2.78 and 6.22 mg/L, respectively. At the biochemical level, Tracer™ produced inhibition of different enzymatic activities, among them, catalase activity at 2.81 mg spinosad/L, glutathione S- transferase activity from 2.81 to 2.98 mg spinosad/L, and acetylcholinesterase activity at 2.81 mg spinosad/L. These findings allow us to conclude that B. pulchella is more sensitive than R. arenarum to spinosad-based formulation Tracer™. The effects demonstrated here are not consistent with those expected since spinosad is supposed to be an environmental healthy alternative. This paper provides useful and necessary information to implement regulations on the use of new compounds entering the market and its associated risks., Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambiente

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of the essential oil (EO) from Ocotea pulchella leaves as an alternative in the control of schistosomiasis. It was tested O. pulchella EO nanoformulation to assess its activity against adult Biomphalaria glabrata, their spawning and Schistossoma mansoni cercariae. Additionally, the EO chemical composition was investigated by gas-chromatography. Nanoemulsion were elaborated by the low energy method. The adult mollusks, their spawning and cercariae were placed in contact with nanoemulsion to calculate lethal concentrations. Myristicin, bicyclogermacrene and α-Pinene were the main substances in the EO. Nanoemulsion caused mortality of adult B. glabrata, its egg embryos and S. mansoni. These results suggest the use of this nanoemulsion as an alternative in the control of the schistosomiasis cycle.

A new Turraea species, Turraea tugelensis is described from along the margins of woodland in the lower Tugela River valley in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This vicariant species is in Turraea sect. Nurmonia, and allied to the herbaceous suffruticose species T. pulchella and T. streyi, from which it is separable on both vegetative and sexual characteristics.

The present research was conducted during September 2018 to June 2019 at Floricultural Research Station, Hyderabad, India to examine the influence of different times of planting on seed attributes in Gaillardia pulchella local cultivars. The experimental design is Factorial Randomized Block Design comprising of two cultivars namely Local yellow (C1) and Local red (with yellow tip) (C2) and five times of planting namely, 1st week of October (T1), 1st week of November (T2), 1st week of December (T3), 1st week of January(T4) and 1st week of February (T5) with three replications. The plot size is 2×2m with spacing followed is 30 × 45 cm. The results revealed that, maximum number of seeds/inflorescence was recorded with T1 (1st week of October) and minimum with T2 (1st week of November). T4 (1st week of January) recorded maximum seed yield /hectare, seed yield/plot and seed yield/plant and minimum in T2 (1st week of November). Germination percentage was recorded maximum with T1 (1st week of October) and minimum with T5 (1st week of February). Among cultivars, significant variation was observed in germination percentage. C1 (local yellow) showed higher germination % than C2 (local red with yellow tip). Interaction effect between cultivars and different planting times was non-significant in all the characters. Hence, it can be concluded that the cultivars namely Local yellow and Local red (with yellow tip) performed well with respect to seed yield. T4 (1st week of January) gave higher seed yield among different planting times and could be the best time of planting for seed production in Gaillardia pulchella.

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Age determination in amphibians is crucial to the investigation of life-history traits. In this context, we studied, for the first time, the life-history traits of Boana pulchella from a sample (63 adult males) of three populations (Las Acequias, Río Cuarto, Alejandro Roca) in central Argentina using the skeletochronological method. All adults of B. pulchella studied showed recognizable bone structures that allowed age determination. The average snout-vent length of sexually mature males was 43.39 mm. The maximum observed longevity was 5 years (5 Las Acequias, 4 Río Cuarto, 3 Alejandro Roca) and minimum age at sexual maturity was 2 years (same in the three populations), with mean of 2.96 years. Body size and age were positively correlated (except in Alejandro Roca populations). The growth patterns, estimated by the von Bertalanffy growth equation, do not show differences between populations, and the growth rate decrease after the attainment of sexual maturity. In conclusion, the determination of the individual age of the different populations of B. pulchella allowed us for the first time to establish the characteristics of the life history of the species, important for future comparisons whit others populations and future conservation biology studies.

The studies were carried out to study the effect of nitrogen and Phosphorus on flowering and yield of Gaillardia (Gaillardia pulchella Foug.) cv. Local Yellow under Jhalawar condition. The experiment consisting 16 treatments combination with two factors i.e. nitrogen with four levels (control, 100 kg ha-1, 200 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1) and phosphorus with four levels (control, 100 kg ha-1, 200 kg ha-1 and 300 kg ha-1) in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. The individual application of nitrogen treatment N3 (N 300 kg ha-1) Earliest first flower opening (60.93 days), Earliest 50% flowering (91.26 days), maximum flower diameter (6.67 cm), maximum number of flower per plant (111.67), maximum weight of flower per plant (0.437 kg), number of flower per plot maximum (2615.83), maximum weight of flower per plot (11.53 kg), maximum flower yield (121.25 q/ha). The individual application of phosphorus treatment P3 (P 300 kg ha-1) recorded minimum (63.25 days) to first flower opening, earliest (95.25 days) 50% flowering, maximum flower diameter (6.56 cm), flowers per plant (108.83), weight of flower per plant (0.446 kg), number of flower per plot (2574.83), flower weight per plot (10.78 kg) and flower yield (115.08 q/ha).

The Iranian species in the Chrysis pulchella and C. varidens species groups are investigated. Six species are recognized, two of which are described for the first time: Chrysis gamberoonensis Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. and Chrysis brunneamarginata Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov.. Chrysis gamberoonensis Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. belongs to the C. pulchella group and is recognizable within this species group by its unique blue body coloration, scattered mesosoma punctures, polished pit row with elongated pits, and a small median tooth on the lateral edge of metasomal tergum 3. Chrysis brunneamarginata Farhad, Rosa and Talebi sp. nov. belongs to the C. varidens group and is recognizable by the usually colorless apical rim of metasomal tergum 3, and the unique shape of the anterior corners of the scutellum which are enlarged, thickened and directed backward covering the axillary trough. Dichotomous keys and distributional data for Iranian species included in these species groups are provided. Chrysis schwarzi Linsenmaier, 1968 is raised to species rank. The number of Iranian Chrysis species and subspecies is raised to 122. www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F419F860-3B90-4679-9A19-2CF5C255AE6B

To date, a few Australian plants have been proven and used as homoeopathic remedies.We believe that the Australian native flora provides a yet untapped reservoir of healing potential.Four Australian Acacia species were used in the trituration: Acacias dentifera, pulchella, floribunda and longifolia.Potencies are available in the 3C, 4C and 5C range.

The Iranian species of the tenebrionid genus Calyptopsis Solier, 1835 are revised. In total, 21 species, one of them with two subspecies, are recorded: C. amaroides Baudi di Selve, 1874, C. bazmanica Schuster, 1938, C. caucasica Kraatz, 1865, C. clypeata Faust, 1875, C. elbursica S. Chigray, sp. n., C. emarginata Reitter, 1900, C. gigas Kaszab, 1962, C. incerta incerta Faust, 1875, C. incerta amaratica S. Chigray, subsp. n., C. harpaloides Baudi di Selve, 1874, C. kadleci S. Chigray, sp. n., C. kermanica S. Chigray, sp. n., C. lata S. Chigray, sp. n.,C. merkli S. Chigray, sp. n., C. monstruosa S. Chigray, sp. n., C. pulchella pulchella Faldermann, 1837, C. rosti Reitter, 1897, C. schach Kaszab, 1963, C. sistanica S. Chigray, sp. n., C. sulcimargo Reitter, 1897, C. theodoridesi Kaszab, 1962, and C. zarudnyi S. Chigray, sp. n. A key to the species is provided; drawings and a distribution map for Iranian species are given.

We revise the available material of fossil Bibionidae from the Oligocene of Germany, except for the Early Oligocene site of Kleinkems which has recently been revised. The bulk of the material originates from the Late Oligocene Lagerstätten of Rott and Enspel. One new species, Bibio castaneipennis sp.n., is described from Enspel. The following new combinations are established: Hesperinus heeri (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) comb.n. (previously Plecia heeri), Plecia dubia (Germar, 1837) (previously Phthiria dubia). Plecia collossea (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) is removed from synonymy with Plecia morio (Heer, 1849), Plecia gracilenta (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) is removed from synonymy with Plecia lygaeoides (Heer, 1849). The following new synonymies are established: Plecia elegantula Meunier, 1915 = Penthetria rottensis Statz, 1943 = Penthetria scita Statz, 1943 = Hesperinus heeri (Heyden & Heyden, 1865); Plecia superba Meunier, 1915 = Plecia imperialis Statz, 1943 = Plecia philippi Statz, 1943 = Plecia collossea (Heyden & Heyden, 1865); Helophilus primarius Germar, 1837 = Plecia abava (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia satyrus Statz, 1943 = Plecia dubia (Germar, 1837); Plecia expositia (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia grandaeva (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia antenata (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia elongata (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia pulchella Meunier, 1915 = Plecia hypogaea (Heyden & Heyden, 1865); Plecia schineri (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia macrocephala (Heyden & Heyden, 1865); Plecia lapidaria (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Bibio brachypteroides Meunier, 1915 = Plecia vulpina Statz, 1943 = Plecia pinguis (Heyden & Heyden, 1865); Plecia lapidaria nigra Statz, 1943 = Plecia sluiteri Meunier, 1917; Plecia veterana (Heyden & Heyden, 1865) = Plecia stygia (Heyden & Heyden, 1865); Bibio spadicea Statz, 1943 = Bibio aerosus Statz, 1943; Bibio heydeni Meunier, 1920 = Bibio comosella Statz, 1943 = Bibio germari Meunier, 1920; Plecia heroica Heyden & Heyden, 1865 = Bibio giganteus Unger, 1841; Bibio infumatus Meunier, 1915 = Bibio mimas L. Heyden, 1870. The following names are placed as nomina dubia pending rediscovery of the type material: Plecia volgeri (C.H.G. Heyden, 1859); Bibio janus L. Heyden, 1870; Bibio tertiarius C.H.G. Heyden, 1862; Dilophus deletus (C.H.G. Heyden, 1862). The male morphotypes described but not formally named by Statz (1943) are tentatively assigned to named species.

This contribution aims to revise the taxonomy of the genus Heptodonta Hope, 1838, and provides a dichotomous key to the 15 species of this genus. Each species is described in detail with colour photographs of habitus and diagnostic characters. Information on distribution and biology of each species is provided. Heptodonta abasileia sp. nov., H. halensis sp. nov., H. horii sp. nov., H. schuelei sp. nov., H. tempesta sp. nov. and H. wiesneri sp. nov. are described. Heptodonta nigrosericea (W. Horn, 1930), stat. nov. is raised to species rank. Heptodonta ferrarii Gestro, 1893, syn. nov. and H. ferrarii shooki Wiesner, 1986, syn. nov. are placed into synonymy under H. pulchella (Hope, 1831). Heptodonta lumawigi Wiesner, 1980, syn. nov. is placed into synonymy under H. nigrosericea stat. nov. Females of H. vermifera W. Horn, 1908, and males of H. mindoroensis Cassola, 2000, are described for the first time. Lectotypes are designated for H. analis (Fabricius, 1801), H. arrowi W. Horn, 1900, H. ferrarii Gestro, 1893, H. hopei Parry, 1844, H. melanopyga (Schaum, 1862), H. nigrosericea (W. Horn, 1930), H. posticalis (White, 1844), H. pulchella (Hope, 1831), H. thongdii Fleutiaux, 1919, H. variipes (Chaudoir, 1850), H. vermifera W. Horn, 1908, and H. yunnana (Fairmaire, 1887). Holotype is designated by monotypy for H. eugenia Chaudoir, 1865. Regionally restricted records of two new species from the Philippine island Negros and one new species from the northeast Indian Garo Hills highlight the high conservation value of these rather small-scale regions.

Boana freicanecae is a medium-sized hylid (males SVL= 37.3–42.2 mm) belonging to the B. pulchella group (Carnaval & Peixoto 2004). This species is associated with streams in Atlantic montane forests (450–750 m elevation) located from the Pernambuco Biogeographic Sub-Region (Silva & Casteleti 2003), in the states of Pernambuco and Alagoas, northeastern Brazil (Carnaval & Peixoto 2004; Cardoso et al. 2006). Currently, B. freicanecae is classified as ‘Data Deficient’ according to the Brazilian Red List of Threatened species (ICMBio 2018) and many aspects of its natural history (e.g., advertisement call) are poorly known. Here we describe the advertisement call of this treefrog based on calls obtained from two populations.

Five new species of Coeliccia (Coeliccia caerulea sp. nov. [holotype: Bao Loc, Lam Dong Prov., appr. 11.449N, 107.712E], Coeliccia coronata sp. nov. [holotype: Bao Loc, Lam Dong Prov., appr. 11.726N, 107.713E], Coeliccia curua sp. nov. [holotype: Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan Prov. appr. 22.413N, 105.610E], Coeliccia diomedea sp. nov. [holotype: Tai Giang, Quang Nam Prov., appr. 16.006N, 107.507E], and Coeliccia pulchella sp. nov. [holotype: Huu Lien Nature Reserve, Lang Son Prov., appr. 21.662N, 106.373E]) are described from Vietnam. The females of C. galbina Wilson & Reels, 2003, C. hayashii Phan & Kompier, 2016 and C. suoitia Dow, 2016 are described. Coeliccia montana Fraser, 1933 is shown to be a junior synonym of C. pyriformis Laidlaw, 1932.

The cocoons of Chrysididae have never been specially studied previously. The cocoon structure of Chrysis pulchella Spinola, 1888 is described and illustrated in this contribution. It unexpectedly appeared to be similar to the cocoons of the species in the genera Trichrysis and Chrysidea. The studied cocoons of the mentioned chrysidids were attributed to the so called morphological type of thimble-shaped cocoons. Moreover, this similarity may possibly indicate the taxonomical linkage between the genera Trichrysis and Chrysidea from one hand, and the most rich in the number of species genus Chrysis though the pulchella species group. Only a small percentage of species in the family Chrysididae have the larval stage described (at any instar). The attempt to analyze the larval characters for these wasps had already been made, but there were many gaps in taxa studied. Present article contributes to fill this gap: the description of last instar larva of C. pulchella Spinola, 1888 is given herein. Several character states of this larva differ from these declared for the subfamily Chrysidinae, where C. pulchella belongs to. Similarly, the pupae of Chrysididae have never been studied, but the pupa in studied species is shown to have a set of unique structures absent in imago.

Phelipanche zangezuri Piwow., O. Sanchez & Moreno Mor. sp. nova (Orobanchaceae) is described from the Lesser Caucasus in Armenia. The species grows on a rocky slope near roadside in the Zangezur mountain range, 2300 m a.s.l., and parasitises Tragopogon pterocarpus. We present detailed description and illustrations, and also a comparison with the morphologically closest P. pulchella, P. hajastanica and P. caesia.

The Great East Japan Earthquake and accompanying tsunamis occurred on 11 March 2011, causing huge damage to marine organisms. The invasive naticid gastropod Laguncula pulchella (Euspira fortunei), which was introduced with the imported clam Ruditapes philippinarum from China and Korea, survived the earthquake. The “growth break line” observed on the shell surface in over 90% of the individuals collected in Matsushima Bay and Matsukawa-ura Lagoon after the tsunamis was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Each shell presented three layers before and three after the growth break. However, the fracture surface consisted of five layers—two prismatic and three crossed lamellar—around the growth break line. This suggests that shell formation temporarily ceased following the tsunamis and that the five-layered shell may have developed in response to the stress caused by the tsunamis. The newly formed middle layer became thinner after the “tsunami break,” which may be the result of a rapid change in the mineralization process, including rapid shell growth and/or repair. These results suggest that the damage to and forcible removal of habitats by the tsunamis was stressful for L. pulchella. A decrease in or the cessation of shell formation after a tsunami may be a common phenomenon in mollusks that inhabit tidal flats.

Phelipanche hajastanica Piwow., O. Sanchez & Moreno Mor., sp. nova (Orobanchaceae) is described from the Lesser Caucasus in the southeastern part of Armenia. The species grows in two small gorges in the Vayk mountain range, and parasitises Nepeta trautvetteri, a Transcaucasian endemic. A detailed description and illustrations are provided. We compare P. hajastanica with the morphologically most similar species P. pulchella, P. bungeana, and P. caesia, of which the first two are lectotypified here.

The aim of this study is to identify plant lice Cacopsylla pulchella as a new alien insect in the fauna of Albania. In order to assess the potential of this insect as a pest causing damages on trees, infestation level assessment was used. In the first decade of June 2020 samples were collected at three locations in Albania, where Cercis siliquastrum is grown. Samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for further analysis. Field research was performed to assess distribution and infestation intensity across various localities. The intensity of infestation was assessed by visual examination and was categorized according to previously determined categories. C. pulchella was confirmed on C. siliquastrum in three localities in Albania. Most of the infested trees had a moderate or high intensity of infestation. Compared to the results of other countries, it seems that the Judas trees are under heavy attack in Albania. Librazhd and Elbansn districts had the highest recorded infestation level. Infested trees found in this study should be inspected in the following years and this alien insect should be further monitored in order to estimate its potential of becoming an invasive pest in this country.

A new xanthone, 1,5-dihydroxy-2,3-methylenedioxyxanthone (1), was isolated from four species of Polygala (Polygala campestris, Polygala densiracemosa, Polygala linoides and Polygala pulchella). In addition, three other xanthones and one sterol were isolated from extracts of these species: 1,5-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethoxyxanthone (2), 1,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (3), 1,5-dihydroxy-6′,6′dimethylpyrano[2′,3':3,2]xanthone (4) and α-spinasterol (5). The xanthone 1 is new in the literature and although the others are known compounds this is the first time they have been isolated from these species. The chemotaxonomic significance of these data for the Polygala genus is reported.

Density has been proposed as a factor that could determinate larval growth in anurans. We studied such effects on Boana pulchella. After hatching, we reared the tadpoles during 90 days and 93 tadpoles with similar size and developmental stages were chosen. We placed them in 800 cm3 cans with declorified water at five densities (1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 individuals/can) with three replicates for each treatment. In all the cans the feeding was ad libitum, and they were maintained until the end of the Gosner’s developmental stage 41. Each time that a tadpole was extracted, a proportional water volume was too, in order to maintain constant densities. We found significant differences among treatments for froglets’ length, mandibular width and mass, while these differences were not significant for metamorphic time. Since the tadpoles were feeding ad libitum an explanation by competitive trophic interactions for that significant differences could be discarded. These differences could be evidence that density has significant effects.

Hyla varelae Carrizo, 1992 is an Argentinean species only known from the holotype. The study of this specimen indicates that it pertains to the Boana pulchella group and it is a junior synonym of Hyla riojana Koslowsky, 1895 (currently Boana riojana). We traced the itinerary of the field trip in which the holotype was collected using the catalog of the collection where it was initially housed (Centro Nacional de Estudios Iológicos—CENAI). These data and the study of other specimens collected during that trip indicate that the type specimen was wrongly associated with the reported type locality of H. varelae (Selvas del Río de Oro, Chaco, Argentina; far away from the known distribution of B. riojana). The holotype was most probably collected in Horco Molle, Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina. Fil: Pinheiro, Paulo D. P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Carrizo, Gustavo Rodolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentina Fil: Faivovich, Julián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Argentina

The genus Theopea Baly, 1864 is redefined. Seventeen species from Sundaland and the Philippines are recognized and classified into four species groups (including seven new species): T. impressa (Fabricius, 1801), T. longicollis (Jacoby, 1896), T. louwerensi Jolivet, 1951, T. lunduensis Mohamedsaid, 1998, T. chungi sp. nov. in the T. impressa group; T. flavipalpis Laboissère, 1940, T. guoi sp. nov., T. lui sp. nov., T. sabahensis sp. nov. in the T. flavipalpis group; T. elegantula Baly, 1864, T. pulchella Baly, 1864, T. fairmairei Duvivier, 1885, T. kedenburgi Weise, 1922, T. houjayi sp. nov., T. tsoui sp. nov., T. yuae sp. nov. in the T. pulchella group; and T. costata (Allard, 1889) in the T. costata group. The following new synonyms are established: Theopea pulchella Baly, 1864 = T. nigricollis Jacoby, 1892 syn. nov.; Theopea impressa (Fabricius, 1801) = T. impressa flavicornis Laboissère, 1940 syn. nov. and T. impressa malaccana Laboissère, 1940 syn. nov.; T. lunduensis Mohamedsaid, 1998 = T. sepilokensis Mohamedsaid, 2000 syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Crioceris impressa Fabricius, 1801, Ozomena longicollis Jacoby, 1896, Theopea elegantula Baly, 1864, T. fairmairei Duvivier, 1885, T. nigricollis Jacoby, 1892, and T. pulchella Baly, 1864. Theopea obliterata Jacoby, 1884, T. variabilis (Jacoby, 1887), T. incostata (Allard, 1889), T. clypeata Jacoby, 1896, T. modiglianii Jacoby, 1896, T. dohrni (Jacoby, 1899), T. viridipennis (Jacoby, 1899), and T. weberi (Weise, 1913) are removed from Theopea and regarded as species incertae sedis.

The present paper describes four new species of virgulate xiphidiocercariae infecting the freshwater gastropod, Bithynia (Digoniostoma) pulchella (Benson, 1836) collected from Malabar, Kerala. Cercaria sp. XXII Malabar n. sp. has a spinose body and tail; four pairs of penetration glands; short, narrow oesophagus; a pair of short, unequal caeca; bicornuate excretory vesicle and 18 pairs of flame cells. Cercaria sp. XXIII Malabar n. sp. is characterized by an oval, spinose body; aspinose tail; dagger-shaped stylet; medially fused virgula; globular pharynx; short oesophagus; three pairs of penetration glands; bicornuate, ‘V’-shaped excretory bladder, and 18 pairs of flame cells. Cercaria sp. XXIV Malabar n. sp. has a spinose body and tail, medially fused virgula, muscular pharynx, short prepharynx and oesophagus; four pairs of penetration glands; bicornuate, ‘V’-shaped excretory bladder, and 12 pairs of flame cells. Cercaria sp. XXV Malabar n. sp. has a spinose body, aspinose tail, sac-like virgula; globular pharynx, narrow oesophagus; short caeca; four pairs of penetration glands; transversely elongated, bicornuate excretory bladder, and 12 pairs of flame cells. All four cercariae developed in sporocysts within the digestive gland of B. (D.) pulchella. Morphology and morphometry of the cercariae are compared with related species to establish their systematic position.

The infauna of Chabahar Bay (Iranian Coast of the Gulf of Oman) was investigated using shallow water (less than 10 m) grab-samples between June 2013 and March 2014. The magelonid fauna of these samples was studied and prioritized, with four species being present:M. fauchaldisp. nov.,M. symmetrica, M.cf.cinctaandM. crenulifrons. The new species differs from all known magelonid species within the Persian Gulf region in possessing polydentate abdominal hooks. A fifth species, currently undescribed, was also found. The validity ofM. pulchellaoriginally described from Kuwait is discussed in light of its closeness toM. crenulifrons. The main distinguishing feature between the two species is the presence or absence of crenulation of the anterior prostomial margin, a character shown to be variable inM. crenulifrons. Although differences between the type specimens of both species suggestsM. pulchellato be a valid species, examination of further material and DNA analysis is needed.

Resumo. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a diversidade de membracideos associados ao cacaueiro e determinar a sazonalidade das especies mais comuns, em duas areas sombreadas, no municipio de Linhares, Estado do Espirito Santo, Brasil. Para as amostragens foram utilizadas doze armadilhas tipo bandeja amarela, instaladas aleatoriamente em cada area, espacadas entre si por 30 metros e colocadas sobre estacas de madeira a uma altura de 1 metro acima do nivel do solo. O material foi coletado semanalmente durante o periodo de agosto/2011 a julho/2012. Amostras de frutos, ramos e folhas que continham posturas, ninfas e adultos das cigarrinhas foram coletadas e mantidas em laboratorio para a eventual emergencia de parasitoides e catalogacao das especies. Por meio de armadilhas foram coletados 16.094 exemplares de membracideos pertencentes a 30 especies, sendo 58,7 % na primeira area (com 70 % de sombra) e 41,3 % na segunda area (60 % sombra). A especie mais abundante foi Horiola picta (Coquebert) compreendendo 87,2 % do total coletado. Plantas de cacaueiro sao confirmadas como hospedeiras de H . picta , Membracis tectigera Olivier, Membracis dorsata Fabricius, Membracis mimica Walker, Anobilia sp., Phormophora maura (Fabricius), Leioscyta pulchella Funkhouser e Enchenopa squamigera (Linnaeus). Parasitoides pertencentes as familias Mymaridae e Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) foram obtidos de ovos de H. picta , Anobilia sp., L . pulchella , M. tectigera e P. maura . Biodiversity and Sazonality of Treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) in Cocoa Abstract. The aim of this study was to identify the treehoppers diversity associated with cocoa plantation and to determine the seasonality of the most common species in two shaded areas, in the municipality of Linhares, Espirito Santo State, Brazil. For the sampling, twelve yellow-tray traps were randomly set in each area, spaced from one another in 30 m., placed on wooden stakes at a height of 1.0 m. above ground level. Weekly the collected material was taken during August/2011 to July/2012. Also samples of fruits, branches and leaves containing postures, nymphs, and adults of the treehoppers were collected and maintained in the laboratory for the eventual emergence of parasitoids and cataloging of the species. Through the traps were collected 16,094 exemplars of treehoppers belonging to 30 species, of which, 58.7 % in the first area (70 % shade) and 41.3 % in the second area (60 % shade). The most abundant species was Horiola picta (Coquebert) comprising 87.2 % of the total collection. Cocoa trees are confirmed to be the host plant of H . picta , Membracis tectigera Olivier, Membracis dorsata Fabricius, Membracis mimica Walker, Anobilia sp., Phormophora maura (Fabricius), Leioscyta pulchella Funkhouser and Enchenopa squamigera (Linnaeus). Parasitoids belonging to the families Mymaridae and Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera) were obtained from the eggs of H. picta , Anobilia sp., L . pulchella , M. tectigera and P. maura .

We investigated the response of Gaillardia pulchella seeds to desiccation and aging stress to gain some perspective on the germplasm storage potential and seed vigor of this species. Seed–water relations of mature, freshly harvested G. pulchella seeds were characteristic of desiccation-tolerant species. For example, initial seed water potential (−53 MPa) was well below the lethal water potential limit (−15 MPa) for desiccation-sensitive seeds. Desiccation tolerance was confirmed by high (>70%), rapid (t50 range 4–7 days), and uniform germination following equilibration drying. Likewise, post–saturated salt accelerated aging (SSAA) germination tests indicated a high degree of vigor of fresh seeds. The substantial level of desiccation and aging-related stress tolerance in G. pulchella seeds suggests that these organs potentially display orthodox storage physiology and an ability to endure variable seed bed conditions.

Two cercariae were recorded from freshwater snails, one each from Digoniostoma pulchella and Indoplanorbis exustus and named Cercaria sp. III Western Ghats n.sp. and Cercaria sp. IV Western Ghats n.sp. respectively. Cercaria sp. III Western Ghats n.sp. is distome, ocellate and pharyngeate with peculiar spines on the tail, belongs to the Parapleurolophocerca group. This cercaria has 10 pairs of penetration glands in two groups; thick walled large excretory bladder and 10 pairs of flame cells including a pair arising from the caudal excretory canal. Cercaria sp. III Western Ghats n.sp develops inside the sausage shaped redia. Developed cercariae were found outside the rediae, in the host tissue. The furcocercous cercaria, Cercaria sp. IV Western Ghats n.sp is elongate, non ocellate, pharyngeate and longifurcocercous with three crowns of spines beside mouth, three pairs of penetration glands, small excretory bladder and twenty-two flame cells including four flame cells in the tail stem. Asexual multiplication of the organism occurs inside the sporocyst in the hepatopancreas of I. exustus. The present paper reports two new cercariae with their intra-molluscan stages recovered from the snails of the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats, and their morphological and morphometric comparison with the related species to determine their systematic positions.

Marusik, Yu.M., Omelko, M.M. (2018): First record of Eupoa pulchella (Araneae: Salticidae) in Laos with description of previously unknown female. Far Eastern Entomologist 354: 19-22, DOI: 10.25221/fee.354.3, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.25221/fee.354.3

In the present study, the damage recovery capabilities of Boana pulchella tadpoles after acute exposure (96 h) to 0.39 mg/L concentration of the imazethapyr (IMZT)-based herbicide formulation Pivot® H (25% IMZT LC50 value) were assessed during a period of 7 to −21 days. To appraise the recovery capabilities, frequency of micronuclei (MNs), other nuclear abnormalities and DNA single-strand breaks evaluated by single cell gel electrophoresis assay on circulating blood cells were employed as endpoints for genotoxicity. Growth, development, body mass, and morphological abnormalities were also employed as individual endpoints in the recovery assay. Results demonstrated that IMZT induced sublethal effects at both the individual (i.e., loss of keratodonts) and cytogenetic levels (e.g., increase of MN frequency, other nuclear abnormalities and DNA single-strand breaks). At 11 days of the exposure phase, tadpoles recovered their basal levels of frequency of MNs, other nuclear abnormalities, and comets. However, loss of keratodonts, observed at the end of the exposure period, was present up to 21 days thereafter. Finally, axial abnormalities and delay in development stage were observed only during the postexposure phase in IMZT-exposed tadpoles at 18 and 25 days, respectively and were observed until the end of the experiment. This is the first evidence of use the comet assay as cytogenetic biomarker of genotoxicity in evaluating the recovery capabilities of amphibians in general and also those of B. pulchella after exposure to IMZT., Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Centro de Investigaciones del Medioambiente

The pbylogeny of the species groups of Franldiniella and the position of Exophtalmothirps and Bolbothrips are discussed with reference to recent literature and analysis with the cladistic software PAUP 3.0 in its heuristic option, the matrix has 24 taxa and 25 cbaracteristics for each; 1) the intonsa group is nOl a well defined taxon and may include groups of species, but there are no good morphological traits fot its recognition, 2) the pulchella and cephaUca groups are consistent monophyletic groups of species, 3) the minuta group is rnonophyletic with a few roorphological constraints, 4) Exophtalmothrips and Bolbothíips seem to he segregated, and notsynonymous of Franlcliniella.

The tribe Lyponiini is studied with morphology and seven new species from China are described: Lyponia (Lyponia) cangshanica sp. nov., L. (L.) hainanensis sp. nov., L. (Poniella) pulchella sp. nov., L. (P.) qinlingensis sp. nov., L. (P.) tianquanensis sp. nov., L. (Weiyangia) muyuensis sp. nov. and Ponyalis variabilis sp. nov. The diagnostic characters are described and illustrated.

The stink bug species Pharypia pulchella (Drury, 1782) is recorded for the first time from Dominican Republic and Hispaniola. With this record the total number of Pentatomidae species recorded from the Dominican Republic is increased to 78, while the number for the whole island is raised to 80.

We studied in this work the prevalence of two eukaryotic skin pathogens in a population of the frog Boana pulchella (Anura, Hylidae) from southeastern Uruguay, the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Rhizophydiales) and the protoctistan Valentines rwandae (Ichthyosporea, Dermocystida), between 2012 and 2014. In both cases higher prevalences were recorded in cooler seasons, winter and early spring for B. dendrobatidis (0.78 and 0.95 respectively) and autumn for V. rwandae (0.33 and 0.49), with mean temperatures between 11.5 and 17.8°C. No cases of infection were detected in summer. In both cases the probability of infection was strongly influenced by season (and also the year for B. dendrobatidis), but in neither case the occurrence of the other pathogen was significant. The parasitic cycles seem to occur independently and are likely strongly associated to environmental temperatures. Future field studies on amphibian eukaryotic pathogens from temperate areas of South America should consider seasonal variations., En este trabajo se estudió la prevalencia de dos patógenos cutáneos eucariotas en una población de la rana Boana pulchella (Anura, Hylidae) del sureste de Uruguay, el hongo Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Rhizophydiales), y el protista Valentines rwandae (Ichthyosporea, Dermocystida), entre 2012 y 2014. En ambos casos las prevalencias más altas se registraron en épocas frías, invierno y primavera temprana para B. dendrobatidis (0,78 y 0,95 respectivamente) y otoño para V. rwandae (0,33 y 0,49), con temperaturas medias entre 11,5 y 17,8°C. No se detectaron casos de infección en verano. La probabilidad de infección en los dos casos está fuertemente influenciada por la estación (y además por el año para B. dendrobatidis), pero no por la ocurrencia del otro patógeno. Ambos ciclos parasitarios parecen ocurrir independientemente, y son probablemente condicionados en gran medida de la temperatura ambiental. Futuros estudios de campo sobre patógenos eucariotas en anfibios de zonas templadas de Sudamérica deberán tener en cuenta variaciones debidas a la época del año., Asociación Herpetológica Argentina

Acute lethal and sublethal toxicity of the pirimicarb-based commercial formulation Aficida® were evaluated on Boana pulchella tadpoles. Whereas mortality was used as end point for lethality, frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities as well as alterations in the frequency of erythroblasts in circulating blood as biomarkers for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity, respectively. Swimming, growth, developmental and morphological abnormalities were also employed as sublethal end points. Results show that the species is within the 13th percentile of the distribution of acute sensitivity of species to pirimicarb for aquatic vertebrates. Results revealed values of 23.78 and 101.45 mg/L pirimicarb as LC5096 h for GS25 and GS36 tadpoles, respectively. The most evident effects were related with the swimming activity with NOEC and LOEC values within the 0.005–0.39 mg/L pirimicarb concentration range. Aficida® induced DNA damage at the chromosomal level by increasing micronuclei frequency and other nuclear abnormalities, i.e., lobbed and notched nuclei and binucleated cells. Cellular cytotoxicity was found after Aficida® treatment. The presence of abdominal oedemas in exposed organisms and thus flotation response of organisms could be proposed as a new sensitive exposure parameter. The multiple end point assessment approach used allowed a complete understanding the multi level of effects occurring by exposure to pirimicarb, at least in B. pulchella. Fil: Natale, Guillermo Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Química. Centro de Investigaciones del Medio Ambiente; Argentina Fil: Vera Candioti, Josefina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Cátedra de Citología; Argentina Fil: Ruiz de Arcaute, Celeste. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Cátedra de Citología; Argentina Fil: Soloneski, Sonia Maria Elsa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Cátedra de Citología; Argentina Fil: Larramendy, Marcelo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Cátedra de Citología; Argentina Fil: Ronco, Alicia Estela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Química. Centro de Investigaciones del Medio Ambiente; Argentina