Redescription and Molecular Characterization of the External Attaching Fish Parasitic Cymothoid, Nerocila phaiopleura Bleeker, 1857 (Crustacea: Isopoda) off the Southwest Coast of India.

PURPOSE: The identification of the external attaching fish parasitic cymothoid, Nerocila phaiopleura Bleeker 1857, is still based on the brief description of Australian specimens provided by Bruce (1987). The present study aimed to provide a redescription and molecular characterisation of Indian specimens of N. phaiopleura. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Morphological identification was carried out based on microscopic examinations and taxonomic drawings. mitochondrial DNA cox1 was selected as the target gene for sequencing and molecular identification. Nucleotide genetic divergence (p-distance) and base-pair differences among the different species were determined using MEGA11. RESULTS: Nerocila phaiopleura can be well separated from its congeners by the following combination of characteristics: Body about 2.4 times as long as wide, cephalon broadly rounded anteriorly; coxae posteriorly directed, acute and extending beyond their corresponding pereonite; pereonite 7 posterior angle produced, extending to the pleonite 1; pleonites 1 and 2 ventrolateral process posteriorly directed; uropod exopod straight and elongate, 1.7-2.0 times longer than endopod; uropod endopod lateral margin not serrate, no notch on medial margin; pereopods with short ischium; pleotelson triangular. The p-distance among N. phaiopleura and other available Nerocila spp. ranged from 21 to 19%. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first detailed taxonomic redescription of Indian specimens of N. phaiopleura. Key taxonomic features of the life stages and molecular data are provided here to identify the species properly. Interspecific genetic divergence between N. phaiopleura and other Nerocila spp. is assessed for the first time. Studies in cymothoid life histories, genetics, and morphology are necessary to understand one of the least understood parasite families.

Tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) of the gars (Lepisosteidae), living fossils in America, including proposal of a new genus and a new species.

A new genus, Cordicestus, is proposed to accommodate proteocephalid tapeworms parasitising gars (Lepisosteiformes: Lepisosteidae) in North and Central America that were previously placed in the polyphyletic genus Proteocephalus Weinland, 1858. The new genus differs from other proteocephalid genera by the particular morphology of the scolex, which is small, protrudes apically but has no apical organ, and bears flat, heart-shaped (= cordis) suckers. In addition, the species of the new genus have an elongated cirrus sac with an almost straight internal vas deferens and wide, sinuous ventral osmoregulatory canals with secondary canals directed outwards. The type species of the new genus, Cordicestus singularis (La Rue, 1911) n. comb., is redescribed based on new material from the shortnose gar, Lepisosteus platostomus Rafinesque (type host), and the spotted gar, L. oculatus Winchell, in the United States. Cordicestus rafaeli n. sp. is described from the tropical gar, Atractosteus tropicus Gill, in Mexico. The new species differs from its relatives primarily by the presence of craspedote proglottids (acraspedote in other species) and some biometric features. All species of Cordicestus are revised, including unidentified specimens from A. tropicus and the Cuban gar A. tristoechus (Bloch and Schneider) in Nicaragua and Cuba, respectively, which may be new species, and a key to the identification of these taxa is provided. Molecular data available for two nominal species of the new genus indicate the possible existence of another species of Cordicestus in Lepisosteus in the USA.

Contribution to the Chinese Intybia Pascoe, 1866 (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Malachiinae), with descriptions of two new species groups and one new species.

A contribution to the knowledge of the malachiine genus Intybia Pascoe, 1866 from China is given. Two new species groups: Intybiaklapperichi group and Intybiaeversi group are defined and described. A new species, Intybiahainanensis Wang & Liu, sp. nov., of the Intybiaklapperichi group is described from Hainan Province. Intybiaerectodentatus (Wittmer, 1982) and Intybiaconcha Asano, 2015 are redescribed based on new materials collected in mainland China. A key to species groups of the genus Intybia Pascoe, 1866 in China is provided.

Revision of the Neotropical Obscure Genus Ebenia Macquart 1846 (Diptera, Tachinidae, Dufouriini).

The Neotropical genus Ebenia Macquart, 1846, is a member of the tribe Dufouriini (Dexiinae), and before the current work, comprised four species, viz. E. claripennis Macquart 1846, E. fumata (Wulp, 1891), E. neofumata Santis & Nihei, 2022 and E. trichopoda (Wulp, 1891). The present taxonomic revision results in a new generic synonymy: Comyops Wulp, 1891 syn. nov. of Ebenia. The following two new combinations result from this act: E. nigripennis (Wulp, 1891) comb. nov. and E. striaticollis (Wulp, 1891) comb. nov. both originally described in Comyops. In addition, the species originally described as Homodexia spinosa Bigot, 1889 is moved from its current placement in Thelairodes Wulp, 1891 to Ebenia as Ebenia spinosa (Bigot, 1889) comb. nov. A new specific synonymy is proposed for this last species: Morinia trichopoda Wulp, 1891, previously treated as a valid species of Ebenia, becomes a junior synonym of E. spinosa. All valid species are redescribed and photographed with the first description and illustration of the male terminalia for E. claripennis, E. neofumata and E. nigripennis and female terminalia for E. spinosa. Additionally, lectotype fixations are made for E. nigripennis and M. trichopoda. Finally, an updated diagnosis for the genus Ebenia and a key to the six known species are provided.

On the enigmatic jumping spider genus Ogdenia Peckham, 1908 (Araneae, Salticidae, Chrysillini).

The monotypic genus Ogdenia Peckham, 1908, is redefined based on the redescription of the holotype of O.mutilla (Peckham & Peckham, 1907), along with the newly discovered male specimens and intraspecific variation from China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Description, illustrations, and photographs are provided.

Corrigendum: A revision of the trichostrongylid nematode Cooperia Ransom, 1907, from deer game: recent integrative research confirms the existence of the ancient host-specific species Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1346417.].

A revision of the genus Eurymesosa Breuning, 1938 (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Mesosini).

A taxonomic revision and redescription of the genus Eurymesosa Breuning, 1938 are presented, including a key to species. Three of the five currently accepted species are considered valid: Eurymesosaventralis (Pascoe, 1865), Eurymesosaallapsa (Pascoe, 1866) and Eurymesosaziranzhiyi Yamasako & Lin, 2016. Three junior synonyms are proposed for E.ventralis: Eurymesosaalbostictica Breuning, 1962, syn. nov., Eurymesosaaffinis Breuning, 1970, syn. nov., and Eurymesosamultinigromaculata Breuning, 1974, syn. nov. Additionally, E.allapsa (Pascoe, 1866) is resurrected from synonyms of E.ventralis. Females of E.allapsa and E.ziranzhiyi Yamasako & Lin, 2016 are described for the first time.

Small intestinal flukes of the genus Metagonimus (Digenea: Heterophyidae) in Europe and the Middle East: A review of parasites with zoonotic potential.

The heterophyid trematode Metagonimus romanicus (Ciurea, 1915) (Digenea) is redescribed on the basis of type material from domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) in Romania, vouchers from experimentally infected cats (Felis catus) and adults recovered from golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) infected with metacercariae from scales of chub (Squalius cephalus) and common nase (Chondrostoma nasus) (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae) in Hungary. This trematode, endemic to Europe and neighbouring regions (northwestern Türkiye), was previously misidentified as M. yokogawai (Katsurada, 1912), a zoonotic parasite of humans in East Asia. However, the two species differ considerably both genetically and morphologically, e.g., in the position of the ventral sucker, the presence of the prepharynx, the anterior extent of the vitelline follicles and the posterior extent of the uterus. Metagonimus ciureanus (Witenberg, 1929) (syn. Dexiogonimus ciureanus Witenberg, 1929), described from domestic cats and dogs in Israel, is a valid species distributed in the Middle East and Transcaucasia, which is also confirmed by molecular data. It differs from all Metagonimus species, including M. romanicus, in having symmetrical testes instead of the oblique testes of the other congeners. The zoonotic significance of M. romanicus and M. ciureanus is unclear, but appears to be low in Europe, mainly because raw or undercooked, whole fish with scales are generally not consumed. Accidental infection of fishermen by metacercariae in the scales when cleaning fish is more likely, but has never been reported. Remains of cyprinoids with scales infected with metacercariae of Metagonimus spp. can be an important natural source of infection for dogs, cats, and other carnivores, which can serve as a reservoir for these parasites.

Title: Petits trématodes intestinaux du genre Metagonimus (Digenea : Heterophyidae) en Europe et au Moyen-Orient : revue de parasites à potentiel zoonotique. Abstract: Le trématode Heterophyidae Metagonimus romanicus (Ciurea, 1915) (Digenea) est redécrit sur la base de matériel type provenant de chiens domestiques (Canis familiaris) en Roumanie, de vouchers issus de chats (Felis catus) infectés expérimentalement et d'adultes collectés chez des hamsters dorés (Mesocricetus auratus) infectés par des métacercaires provenant d'écailles de chevesne commun (Squalius cephalus) et de nase commun (Chondrostoma nasus) (Cypriniformes : Leuciscidae) de Hongrie. Ce trématode, endémique d'Europe et des régions voisines (nord-ouest de la Turquie), avait été précédemment identifié à tort comme étant M. yokogawai (Katsurada, 1912), un parasite zoonotique des humains en Asie de l'Est. Cependant, les deux espèces diffèrent considérablement sur le plan génétique et morphologique, par exemple par la position de la ventouse ventrale, la présence du prépharynx, l'étendue antérieure des follicules vitellins et l'étendue postérieure de l'utérus. Metagonimus ciureanus (Witenberg, 1929) (syn. Dexiogonimus ciureanus Witenberg, 1929), décrite chez des chats et des chiens domestiques en Israël, est une espèce valide répartie au Moyen-Orient et en Transcaucasie, ce qui est également confirmé par des données moléculaires. Cette espèce diffère de toutes les espèces de Metagonimus, y compris M. romanicus, par ses testicules symétriques au lieu des testicules obliques des autres congénères. L'importance zoonotique de M. romanicus et M. ciureanus n'est pas claire, mais semble faible en Europe, principalement parce que les poissons n'y sont généralement pas consommés crus ou insuffisamment cuits et entiers avec les écailles. L'infection accidentelle des pêcheurs par des métacercaires présents dans les écailles lors du nettoyage du poisson est plus probable mais n'a jamais été signalée. Les restes de poissons cyprinoïdes avec les écailles, infectés par des métacercaires de Metagonimus spp. peuvent être une source naturelle importante d'infection pour les chiens, les chats et autres carnivores, qui peuvent servir de réservoir à ces parasites.

Chewing lice of Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) and diversity of louse-host associations of birds in reed beds in Slovakia.

A total of 1,621 wild birds representing 34 species were examined for chewing lice in reed beds in southwestern Slovakia during the pre-breeding migration 2008-2009 and 2016-2019. A total of 377 (23.3%) birds representing 15 species were parasitized by 26 species of chewing lice of 12 genera. Dominant genera were Penenirmus (with dominance 32.6%) and Menacanthus (29.4%), followed by Brueelia (12.6%), Acronirmus (10.8%), Philopterus (7.7%), and Myrsidea (4.2%). We evaluated 33 host-louse associations including both 1) host-generalist, parasitizing more than one host species and host-specific lice, occurring only on a single host species, and 2) lice species with large range geographic distribution, reported across the range of the distribution of their hosts and lice species with only occasional records from a limited area within the range of their hosts. The Bearded Reedling, Panurus biarmicus (Linnaeus, 1758), was parasitized by two species of chewing lice, Menacanthus brelihi Balát, 1981 and Penenirmus visendus (Zlotorzycka, 1964), with conspicuously different prevalences (5.6% vs. 58.2%, respectively; n = 251). New material enabled us to redescribe both species of lice: the first one is resurrected from previous synonymy as a valid species. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene was sequenced from these two species in order to assess their relative phylogenetic position within their genera. Our study demonstrates the importance of an adequate identification of parasites, especially on rarely examined and endangered hosts.

Title: Mallophages de la Panure à moustaches (Panurus biarmicus) et diversité des associations mallophages-hôtes des oiseaux dans les roselières en Slovaquie. Abstract: Au total, 1 621 oiseaux sauvages représentant 34 espèces ont été examinés à la recherche de mallophages dans les roselières du sud-ouest de la Slovaquie au cours de la migration de pré-reproduction 2008­2009 et 2016­2019. Parmi ceux-ci, 377 oiseaux (23,3 %), représentant 15 espèces, étaient parasités par 26 espèces de mallophages de 12 genres. Les genres dominants étaient Penenirmus (avec une dominance de 32,6 %) et Menacanthus (29,4 %), suivis de Brueelia (12,6 %), Acronirmus (10,8 %), Philopterus (7,7 %) et Myrsidea (4,2 %). Nous avons évalué 33 associations mallophage-hôte comprenant à la fois 1) des espèces de mallophages généralistes, parasitant plus d'une espèce hôte, et des mallophages spécifiques, présents uniquement sur une seule espèce hôte et 2) des espèces de mallophages ayant une large répartition géographique, signalées à travers l'étendue de la répartition de leurs hôtes, et des espèces de mallophages avec seulement des observations occasionnelles dans une zone limitée à l'intérieur de l'aire de répartition de leurs hôtes. La Panure à moustaches, Panurus biarmicus (Linnaeus, 1758), était parasitée par deux espèces de mallophages, Menacanthus brelihi Balát, 1981 et Penenirmus visendus (Zlotorzycka, 1964), avec des prévalences nettement différentes (respectivement 5,6 % et 58,2 %, n = 251). Du nouveau matériel nous a permis de redécrire les deux espèces de mallophages, la première étant ressuscitée de la synonymie précédente en tant qu'espèce valide. Un fragment du gène mitochondrial de la cytochrome oxydase I a été séquencé à partir de ces deux espèces afin d'évaluer leur position phylogénétique relative au sein de leurs genres. Notre étude démontre l'importance d'une identification adéquate des parasites, en particulier sur les hôtes rarement examinés et menacés.

A revision of the trichostrongylid nematode Cooperia Ransom, 1907, from deer game: recent integrative research confirms the existence of the ancient host-specific species Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809).

The trichostrongylid roundworms of the genus Cooperia, which are important in veterinary medicine, currently comprise 19 valid species that parasitize the small intestine of both free-living and domestic ruminants. Only four Cooperia spp. have been reported in Europe, namely C. oncophora, C. punctata, C. curticei and C. pectinata. In 2018-2022, 25 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 30 sika deer (Cervus nippon) of both sexes and various ages from several remote locations in the Czech Republic were parasitologically examined. Intestinal nematodes of the genus Cooperia were found only in two northern regions. Using the globally recognized key book on trichostrongylid nematodes, they were preliminarily identified as C. pectinata. However, a molecular analysis of cox2 and ITS rDNA gene sequences revealed that Cooperia sp. parasitizing Czech deer is a separate taxon that is more closely related to C. oncophora than to C. pectinata. A subsequent morphological analysis and literature survey confirmed the independence of deer Cooperia sp., which is similar but not identical to bovid C. pectinata. Previous long-term correct identifications of bovid C. pectinata and misidentifications of deer Cooperia species were caused by a fundamental error in the key book mentioned above. Interestingly, the ancient trichostrongylid nematode Strongylus ventricosus from the type host red deer (Cervus elaphus) shot near Greifswald (Germany) was described by Rudolphi in 1809. Rudolphi's type material (one male and four females) was deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde (Berlin). Later, the ancient species S. ventricosus was taken as a synonym for various Cooperia spp. Our current re-examination of the type male indicated that there is a relatively good agreement with our new material from Czech deer regarding the most important characteristics of S. ventricosus (i.e., the shape and size of the male spicules); however, Rudolphi's type material is in rather poor condition. The suggested resurrection of the deer Cooperia sp. in this study as Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809) requires verification by collecting and analyzing new nematode material from the type locality near Greifswald.

A taxonomic study of four rare pteromalid genera: Amblyharma Huang & Tong, Fusta Xiao & Ye, Nazgulia Hedqvist and Platecrizotes Ferrière from the Eastern Palaearctic (Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae, Pachyneurinae).

The four morphologically similar genera Amblyharma Huang & Tong, 1993, Fusta Xiao & Ye, 2015, Nazgulia Hedqvist, 1973 and Platecrizotes Ferrière, 1934 from the Eastern Palaearctic are reviewed. Redescriptions of genera and all available types of Eastern Palaearctic species are provided. An identification key to genera is given. A new species from South Korea, Platecrizotesjediisp. nov. is described and illustrated.

Revision of the Strodei Subgroup of Nyssorhynchus (Diptera: Culicidae), with descriptions of 2 new species.

Nyssorhynchus (Nyssorhynchus) ibiapabaensis (Sant'Ana & Sallum n. sp.) and Ny. (Nys.) untii (Sant'Ana & Sallum n. sp.) are new species of the Arthuri Complex of the Strodei Subgroup. The new species are described and validated using morphological characters of the male, female, and immature stages. The description of the male, female, fourth-instar larva and pupa of Ny. arthuri (Unti, 1941) and Ny. albertoi (Unti, 1941) are provided for the first time. To avoid nomenclature instability, neotypes are designated for both species. All life stages of Ny. strodei (Root, 1926) employing specimens collected in the Agua Limpa District, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil are redescribed.

Review of the Messorsemirufus complex (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in Greece.

Messor is a diverse genus of Myrmicinae with 168 extant species and subspecies. In the Mediterranean, some of its taxa historically were classified as members of the Messorinstabilis group (sensu Santschi), of which 19 are known from the eastern Mediterranean. Here, the Messorsemirufus complex of the Balkan Peninsula that assembles a distinct subsection of members of the instabilis group is defined and treated. In total, five species are recorded, including three that are new. Messoratanassovii Atanassov, 1982 is redescribed and confirmed for Bulgaria (Thracian Plain, Struma, and Mesta Valley, Pirin Mt., and Eastern Rhodopi) and Greece (Epirus, Ionian Islands, Central and Eastern Macedonia, and Thraki). Three species are described as new to science: Messordanaes Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Serifos), Messorkardamenae Salata & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Dodecanese: Kos, Nisyros, Rhodes, and Tilos), and Messorveneris Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Milos). The fifth member of the complex, Messorcreticus Borowiec & Salata, 2019, maintains its status of Cretan endemic.

Redescription of Illiosentis cetratus Van Cleave, 1945 (Acanthocephala: Illiosentidae) from Menticirrhus undulatus (Girard) in California, with notes on Illiosentis furcatus from Peru.

Illiosentis Van Cleave et Lincicome, 1939 initially included two species: Illiosentis furcatus Van Cleave et Lincicome, 1939 found in the West Atlantic from Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA to northern Argentina and Illiosentis cetratus Van Cleave, 1945 with restricted distribution in the Pacific coast of southern California. We are reporting I. furcatus from Peru for the first time and describe a population of I. cetratus from the California corbina, Menticirrhus undulatus (Girard), from southern California. The proboscis hook formula was 14 longitudinal rows for I. furcatus of 18-23 hooks each compared to 16 rows of 19-24 hooks each reported by Van Cleave (1945). We complete the inadequate description of I. cetratus with new information on sexual differentiation in the length of the trunk, dorsal vs. ventral hooks, hook roots, trunk spines, two types of anterior recurved rooted hooks vs. posterior rootless straight hooks, measurements of dorsal and ventral hooks and spines, shape of hook roots, terminal position of the female gonopore, and of position of the cephalic ganglion at the anterior margin of the trunk. We also include new details of the reproductive system in both sexes including Saefftigen's pouch and cement gland ducts. We present new SEM and light microscope images. The Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) shows a high level of sulfur in anterior, middle and posterior hooks in various hook sites, as well as spectra of hook tips with a higher relative concentration of sulfur compared to other hook sites. For the placement of I. cetratus, phylogenetic analysis of sequences of three molecular markers, 18S, 28S rRNA and mitochondrial cox 1 genes, was performed with other related available sequences. The resulting analysis illustrated that I. cetratus was nested within a separate clade along with species of two genera, Dentitruncus truttae Sinzar, 1955 and Neotegorhynchus cyprini Lisitsyna, Xi, Orosová, Barcák et Oros, 2022 represented our species of Illiosentis separate from species of Tegorhynchus Van Cleave, 1921 (as also according to the morphology) with which the Illiosentis species were previously synonymised.

TAXONOMIC REASSESSMENT AND MORPHOLOGICAL REDESCRIPTION OF NEMATOSTRIGEA SERPENS ANNULATA (DIGENEA: STRIGEIDAE) FROM OSPREY IN NORTH AMERICA.

Digenean trematodes in the strigeid genus Nematostrigea are parasites of various birds, most often ospreys (Pandion haliaetus). Nematostrigea currently contains 2 species, Nematostrigea serpens and Nematostigea hepatica. Nematostrigea serpens is divided into 2 subspecies: N. serpens serpens from the Palearctic and Indomalayan realms and N. serpens annulata from the Nearctic realm. In the present work, we studied the type material of N. serpens annulata and collected new specimens from an osprey in Wisconsin close to the type locality. The original description and illustration of N. serpens annulata were incomplete. Herein we provide a detailed redescription and new illustrations of N. serpens annulata on the basis of the type material as well as newly collected and sequenced specimens. Nematostrigea serpens annulata has a distinct tegumental thickening near the mid-length of the genital cone, which is absent in its congeners. Partial sequences of the large ribosomal subunit (28S) DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) mitochondrial DNA gene sequences were generated from our specimens of N. serpens annulata. Comparisons with previously published sequences of N. serpens serpens from the Palearctic demonstrated 2.2% difference in 28S and 3.7% in COI. On the basis of morphological and molecular comparisons, we elevate N. serpens annulata to species status and recognize it as Nematostrigea annulata Dubois and Rausch, 1948.

New and little-known stonefly species of the Rhopalopsolevietnamica 'western assemblage' group (Plecoptera, Leuctridae) from China.

We examined Chinese stonefly specimens of the Rhopalopsolevietnamica 'western assemblage' group. A new species from Hainan Province, R.bawanglinga Li, Li & Yang, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from male and female adults, and it is compared to closely related taxa. The hitherto unknown female of R.hainana Li & Yang, 2010 is described. Morphological evidence is presented for the identity of R.dentiloba Wu, 1973, on the basis of topotypes from Yunnan Province, southwestern China.

TAPEWORMS (CESTODA: OPHIOTAENIA) FROM THE NORTHERN COTTONMOUTH (AGKISTRODON PISCIVORUS).

The northern cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus (Lacépède, 1789) (Viperidae: Crotalinae), occurs in the southeastern United States and is one of the few semiaquatic vipers in the world. Three proteocephalid tapeworms of the genus OphiotaeniaLa Rue, 1911 (Cestoda), have been described from this venomous snake. A critical evaluation of type specimens and tapeworms recently collected from A. piscivorus has revealed that only 2 species, Ophiotaenia marenzelleri (Barrois, 1898) and Ophiotaenia grandisLa Rue, 1911 (new synonym Ophiotaenia agkistrodontis [Harwood, 1933]), are specific parasites of this crotaline viper; both species are redescribed here. Ophiotaenia grandis was originally described from a mixture of 2 species: 'true' O. grandis, which is indistinguishable from O. agkistrodontis described 22 yr later and thus considered to be a junior synonym of O. grandis, and O. marenzelleri. Ophiotaenia marenzelleri, also reported from the pygmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius (Linnaeus, 1766), is a larger tapeworm with a massive scolex, a large cirrus sac, a very large, annular vaginal sphincter near the equatorial gonopore, and an oval, 3-layered embryophore surrounded by a nearly square hyaline outer membrane. Ophiotaenia grandis is much smaller and more slender and has a narrower scolex, a smaller cirrus sac and vaginal sphincter, a 2-layered embryophore, and a distinctly pre-equatorial gonopore. In addition to O. marenzelleri and O. grandis, other Ophiotaenia species typical of semiaquatic snakes (Colubridae: Natricinae) may be present in the northern cottonmouth, which serves only as a postcyclic or occasional host. There is also a tabular summary of 18 species of Ophiotaenia from semiaquatic snakes worldwide, with information on their hosts, distribution, and taxonomically important characters, including key measurements.

Transcriptomics of Cruznema velatum (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) with a redescription of the species.

Cruznema velatum isolated from soil in a chestnut orchard located at Guangdong province, China, is redescribed with morphology, molecular barcoding sequences, and transcriptome data. The morphological comparison for C. velatum and six other valid species is provided. Phylogeny analysis suggests genus Cruznema is monophyletic. The species is amphimix, can be cultured with Escherichia coli in 7-9 days from egg to egg-laying adult, and has a lifespan of 11 to 14 days at 20°C. The transcription data generated 45,366 unigenes; 29.9%, 31.3%, 24.8%, and 18.6% of unigenes were annotated in KOG, SwissProt, GO, and KEGG, respectively. Further gene function analysis demonstrated that C. velatum share the same riboflavin, lipoic acid, and vitamin B6 metabolic pathways with Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus.

Revision of Corynosoma australe Johnston, 1937 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from a North American population using novel SEM images, Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis, and molecular analysis.

We describe a population of the acanthocephalan Corynosoma australe Johnston, 1937 (Polymorphidae) from a California sea lion Zalophus californianus (Lesson, 1828) in California using novel scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, Energy Dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA), and molecular analysis for the first time. The taxonomic history of C. australe is replete with accounts using only line drawings some of which proved erroneous. The distribution of ventral spines on the female trunk has been the primary distinction between C. australe and Corynosoma obtuscens Lincicome, 1943, its junior synonym; being continuous in the latter but discontinuous posteriorly in the former species. The distribution of ventral spines is invariably discontinuous in males. Our redescription and SEM images help to resolve this issue further validating the synonymy. Morphological variability has been documented between our California population and others from various host species in California, South Australia, South Shetlands, and the Argentinian coast. Our SEM images document features not previously detectable in line drawings, erroneously reported or missed in previous accounts. The EDXA spectra show high levels of calcium and phosphorous and low levels of sulfur characteristic of C. australe. EDXA for other species of Corynosoma Lühe, 1904 provide support for the diagnostic distinction of C. australe. EDXA spectra were shown to be species specific and have diagnostic value in the taxonomy of the Acanthocephala. Our molecular analysis used amplification of 18S of ribosomal DNA and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (Cox1) gene. Phylogenetic analyses for Cox1 gene revealed a close relationship between Corynosoma hannae Zdzitowiecki, 1984 and C. australe. The phylogenetic trees confirmed that the isolates belonged to C. australe. The haplotype network inferred by Cox1 with C. australe sequences revealed that haplotypes clearly separated from each other and formed clusters related to samples from the Northern Hemisphere (the USA and Mexico), and the second from the Southern Hemisphere (Argentina, Brazil and Peru).

A global survey of tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) of 'true' frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae), including a tabulated list of all proteocephalids parasitising amphibians.

Proteocephalid tapeworms of frogs of the family Ranidae ('true' frogs) are reviewed with emphasis on their species diversity, host specificity and geographical distribution. New molecular data (nuclear lsrDNA and mitochondrial COI sequences) are presented for tapeworms of four species of ranid frogs in North America, including the poorly known Ophiotaenia saphena Osler, 1931 of Rana clamitans Latreille and R. catesbeiana (Shaw), which is redescribed using new material from Arkansas, USA. Tapeworms of R. sphenocephala (Cope) and R. pipiens Schreber, the latter previously identified as O. saphena, represent another, putative new species, but are not formally described due to insufficient available material. Proteocephalus papuensis Bursey, Goldberg et Kraus, 2008 from Sylvirana supragrisea (Menzies) is transferred to Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911 as a new combination. After a critical review of the literature, only nine nominal species of Ophiotaenia are recognised as valid, which is in contrast to the large number of ranid frogs (> 440 spp.). The reasons for this striking disparity are briefly discussed, and a key based on morphology is presented for the identification of all species of Ophiotaenia from the Ranidae. Molecular data are available for only two taxa from North America that form a monophyletic group. The relationships among tapeworms of ranid frogs occurring in other zoogeographical regions are not yet known. The taxonomic status of Batrachotaenia Rudin, 1917, which was erected to accommodate proteocephalids from amphibians, is also discussed. To facilitate future studies, a tabulated summary of all 32 species of proteocephalids belonging to three genera reported from amphibians (frogs and salamanders) is presented, with information on their hosts, distribution, and taxonomically important characters, including key measurements.