Ramazzottius thulini (Pilato, 1970) bona species and description of Ramazzottius libycus sp. nov. (Eutardigrada, Ramazzottidae).

Comparing the type series of Ramazzottius thulini with specimens of Ramazzottius oberhaeuseri, from the locus typicus, we confirmed there are morphological and metric differences between these two species. This evidence convinced us that R. thulini should be considered a bona species. A new species, Ramazzottius libycus sp. nov., is also described. Ramazzottius libycus sp. nov. differs from R. oberhaeuseri in having more slender internal claws I-III and anterior claws IV, and other metric differences relative to all claws. The new species differs from R. thulini in details of the cuticular ornamentation, stylet supports inserted on the buccal tube in a slightly more caudal position, internal claws slightly different in shape, and some metric differences relative to all claws. It appears R. thulini and R. libycus sp. nov. are sibling species of R. oberhaeuseri and therefore the authors expect that there are other cryptic species included under the R. oberhaeuseri name still awaiting to be recognized and described.

A review of Tychobythinus theryi species group with description of a new species from Algeria (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae).

The seven species belonging to Tychobythinus theryi group are revised. Tychobythinus theryi (Guillebeau, 1894), Tychobythinus bordei (Peyerimhoff, 1919), Tychobythinus longipalpis (Normand, 1930), Tychobythinus normandi (Jeannel, 1956) and Tychobythinus peyerimhoffi (Jeannel, 1956) are redescribed and illustrated, and Tychobythinus besucheti Sabella sp. n. from northeastern Algeria is described and illustrated. The lectotypes are designated for Tychobythinus theryi, Tychobythinus bordei and Tychobythinuspeyerimhoffi. A key for species identification is provided.

First Report of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Variation in Opsius heydeni (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) from Polluted and Control Sites.

Mitochondrial DNA easily undergoes alterations due to exposure to stress factors. In particular, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) variation can be used as a biomarker of the effect of exposure to various environmental contaminants. In this study, a molecular investigation based on the evaluation of mtDNAcn variation was applied for the first time to individuals belonging to the species Opsius heydeni. A total of 20 samples were collected from two sites in eastern Sicily: Priolo Gargallo, a site with a strong anthropic impact, and the Simeto river Oasis, a control site. Specimens identified based on morphological traits were used to obtain COI gene sequences from this species that were not previously available in GenBank. After processing, the relative mtDNAcn was evaluated using real-time PCR of a portion of the COI and 18S genes. A decrease in the mtDNAcn in the specimens from the polluted site was observed. These results highlight how environmental contaminants can alter the mitochondrial genome and how Opsius heydeni can be considered a potential bioindicator species of environmental quality.

Epidemiological Investigations and Molecular Characterization of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' in Grapevines, Weeds, Vectors and Putative Vectors in Western Sicily, (Southern Italy).

Bois noir is caused by 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani', and it is one of the most important and widespread diseases in the Euro-Mediterranean region. There are complex interactions between phytoplasma and grapevines, weeds, and vectors. These ecological relationships can be tracked according to molecular epidemiology. The aims of the 2-year study (2014-2015) were to describe incidence and spatial distribution of Bois noir in a vineyard with three grapevine varieties in Sicily, and to identify the molecular types of the tuf and vmp1 genes in these naturally infected grapevines, according to the potential reservoir plants and vectors. Disease incidence in 2015 was significantly higher in 'Chardonnay' (up to 35%) than for 'Nero d'Avola' and 'Pinot noir' (<5%). All grapevine, weed, and insect samples were infected by 'Ca. P. solani' tuf-type b. Most of the collected insects were strictly related to Vitis spp. and belonged to Neoaliturus fenestratus, Empoasca spp., and Zygina rhamni. The characterization of the vmp1 gene revealed six different vmp types in grapevines (V1, V4, V9, V11, V12, V24), three in weeds (V4, V9, V11), and four in insects (V4, V9, V11, V24). Notably, V4, V9, appear both in hosts and vectors, with V9 predominant. Virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis based on the nucleotide sequences supported the data of the conventional RFLP. Connections between the molecular data recorded in the vineyard ecosystems and the application of innovative tools based on the geostatistical analysis will contribute to further clarification of the specific ecological and epidemiological aspects of 'Ca. P. solani' in Sicily.

A new species of Tychus Leach, 1817 from Lebanon (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae).

Tychus meggiolaroi sp. n. from Lebanon is described and illustrated. It belongs to the Tychus cilicicus species group (Sabella Kurbatov 2002) and can be readily distinguished from related taxa by the different structure of the aedeagus and morphological features of antennae.

A new species of Isohypsibiid (Eutardigrada) from Sicily.

Dastych (2016) analysed the holotype of Isohypsibius tetradactyloides (Richters, 1907) and noticed that it possesses a very faint cuticular sculpture. For this and other characters, Dastych considered the species to be a synonym of Isohypsibius asper (Murray, 1906). The authors re-examined specimens attributed to Isohypsibius tetradactyloides by Pilato (1971) from two Sicilian rivers, and noticed that they cannot be attributed to Isohypsibius asper but to a new species. This new species belongs to the I. asper group, and is described here as Isohypsibius occultus sp. nov.. As the very faint cuticular ornamentation can be difficult to observe, the authors compared the new species with species having smooth cuticle or ornamented cuticle. Species with cuticular gibbosities or annulations, or clearly different in other characters, i.e. those with only two macroplacoids, the presence of a septulum, and cuticular bars on the legs, were excluded from comparison.

Macrobiotus nebrodensis and Adropion vexatum, two new species of Eutardigrada (Tardigrada, Parachela) from Sicily.

Two new species of Eutardigrada are described from Sicily: Macrobiotus nebrodensis sp. nov. and Adropion vexatum sp. nov. The former species, belongs to the Macrobiotus hufelandi group, and is characterised by having a small, faint, microplacoid, and variable egg processes (most processes are shaped in the form of an inverted goblet with jagged terminal disc, but others are long, or very long, with a very small terminal disc). Adropion vexatum sp. nov. is characterised by having smooth cuticle, steep, vertical front to the head, pharyngeal tube longer than the pharyngeal bulb, which has small apophyses and three rod-shaped macroplacoids (microplacoid and septulum absent); long placoid row, about half the length of the pharyngeal bulb; main branches of claws with accessory points; lunules and other cuticular thickenings absent on the legs (small dots excluded).

Description of a new species of Oligosita Walker (Chalcidoidea: Trichogrammatidae), egg parasitoid of Balclutha brevis Lindberg (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) living on Pennisetum setaceum, from Italy.

A new species of Oligosita Walker (Chalcidoidea: Trichogrammatidae), O. balcluthae Viggiani et Laudonia n. sp., is described as a parasitoid of the eggs of Balclutha brevis Lindberg (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) associated with crimson fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum (Poaceae) in Italy. Morphological features and biology of the new species are discussed and illustrated. The 28S-D2 and ITS2 regions were successfully amplified and sequenced.

A review of the Tychobythinus algiricus species group from North Africa (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae).

The species belonging to the Tychobythinus algiricus group are revised and the group is characterized and defined. Tychobythinus algiricus (Raffray, 1871) is redescribed, illustrated and its distribution and its synonymic framework discussed, establishing that Tychobythinus occidentalis Besuchet, 1962 is a junior synonym of Tychobythinus algiricus (syn. nov.). A key for species identification is provided.

Persistence of phlebotomine Leishmania vectors in urban sites of Catania (Sicily, Italy).

BACKGROUND: Pioneering research on "Mediterranean Kala-Azar" carried out by Adler and Theodor early in the past century (~1930s) had identified Catania city (Sicily) as a major focus of the disease nowadays known as zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Despite the fact that disease in both humans and dogs has continued to be highly prevalent in the Catania province up to the present times, research on Leishmania vectors in this urban focus dates back to that distant period. This study aimed to evaluate the persistence and current composition of the sand fly fauna in urban environments of Catania in recent years, 2006 and 2013. METHODS: In 2006 fifty-one suitable collecting sites were identified within 44 sub-units of a grid drawn to include the urban Catania area. In 2013 the survey was restricted to four of the most productive and representative sites resulting from the 2006 survey. In both periods 3 collections per month were performed using standard sticky traps set for 3 days in wall holes/cavities along public roads, from the end of April through December. RESULTS: 43/51 sites (84.3%) were found positive for sand flies. The 2006 collections accounted for a total of 4341 specimens including six species. Among competent Leishmania vector species, P. perniciosus was the most prevalent (36.5%) being identified in all sand fly-positive sites, with significant abundance in those of the old city centre. Other species of interest were P. sergenti (2.5%) and P. neglectus (1.5%). The 2013 survey produced 1130 sand flies, of which 39.5% were P. perniciosus, 1.6% P. sergenti and 0.7% P. neglectus. A search for Leishmania DNA in a small sample of 72 P. perniciosus females revealed 11% infection prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from an old urban focus of leishmaniasis demonstrate that phlebotomine sand flies have adapted fairly well to the drastic environmental changes that have occurred in cities of the Western world in the past century and still represent a potential risk for Leishmania transmission.

The problem of the origin of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vertebrates: historical review and a possible solution.

A concise review of the articles about the origin of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vertebrates is provided. Differences among various taxa concerning the origin of PGCs, not easily understandable on the base of traditional knowledge, are pointed out. All those differences can be explained taking into consideration the recent “theory of the endoderm as secondary layer”. That theory allows us to understand that those differences are only apparent, being related to modifications of stages of the consequent embryogeny, overall, to a different amount of yolk in the egg. Eggs very rich in yolk became meroblastic, and the portion of primordial ectomesenchyme destined to give rise to a part of the mesoderm and the PGCs separates early from the part destined to give rise to the rest of the mesoderm and to the digestive endoderm in order to form the vitelline hypoblast lamina. To this lamina, in contrast to the traditional interpretation, a mesodermal, not endodermal, origin must be attributed. With the misunderstanding regarding the origin of this lamina clarified, all the differences about the origin of PGCs disappears. Furthermore, in taxa where PGCs were considered to be of endodermal origin, they too have a mesodermal origin. Considering that a mesodermal origin of PGCs has been demonstrated in all sponges and cnidarians, as well, a unique, mesodermal origin of germinal cells in all pluricellular animals results.