Molecular detection of Borrelia sp. in Ornithodoros cavernicolous (Acari: Argasidae) in midwestern Brazil.

Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites that can transmit to vertebrate hosts several pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths. Among these agents, some Borrelia species some Borrelia species cause disease in humans and other vertebrate hosts; therefore, they have medical and veterinary health importance. To gather additional information on Borrelia species in Brazil, the current study aimed to detect the presence of these species in Ornithodoros cavernicolous ticks collected in September 2019 from cement pipes that are used by bats as shelter in a farm located in the midwestern region of Brazil. DNA samples obtained from 18 specimens of O. cavernicolous were subjected of two polymerase chain reactions, targeting a segment of the Borrelia fla B gene. Of the samples tested, only one (6 %, 1/18) showed amplification. The nucleotide sequence of the amplified DNA showed more than 97 % (293/300) identity with a sequence of a Borrelia sp. detected in blood collected from a bat from Macaregua Cave, Colombia, and more than 97 % (292/300) detected in lungs from vampire bats from northeastern Brazil. The deduced amino acid sequences were identical to each other. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these sequences formed a group of Borrelia species (putatively associated with bats) that is closely related to sequences of Borrelia species of the Lyme borreliosis group. Further investigations should be carried out in order to determine whether the sequence of the Borrelia sp. we found belongs to a new taxon. It will also be of great importance to determine which vertebrate hosts, besides bats, O. cavernicolous ticks can parasitize in order to investigate whether the Borrelia sp. we found may be transmitted and cause disease to the other vertebrate hosts.

New records of soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) from caves in Brazil, with a morphological study of Ornithodoros fonsecai and an analysis of the taxonomic status of Antricola inexpectata.

In this study, we report soft ticks from bat-inhabiting caves in different areas of Brazil. From 2010 to 2019, we collected 807 tick specimens from nine caves located in four Brazilian states among two biomes. Ticks were morphologically identified as Antricola guglielmonei (282 specimens), Ornithodoros cavernicolous (260 specimens), and Ornithodoros fonsecai (265 specimens). Whereas A. guglielmonei was collected on bat guano in hot caves, O. cavernicolous and O. fonsecai were collected in cracks and crevices on the walls of cold caves, sometimes in the same chamber. Morphological identifications were corroborated by molecular and phylogenetic analyses inferred from tick mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene partial sequences. The sequences of A. guglielmonei, O. cavernicolous and O. fonsecai collected in this study clustered with conspecific GenBank sequences from different localities of Brazil. Remarkably, a clade containing 12 sequences of O. fonsecai was clearly bifurcated, denoting a degree of genetic divergence (up to 5 %) of specimens from Cerrado/Atlantic Forest biomes with the specimens from the Caatinga biome. To further evaluate this divergence, we performed morphometric analysis of the larval stage of different O. fonsencai populations by principal component analysis, which indicated that the larvae from Caatinga populations were generally smaller than the larvae from other biomes. Some of the present A. guglielmonei specimens were collected from the type locality of Antricola inexpectata. Comparisons of these specimens with the type specimens of A. inexpectata and A. guglielmonei indicated that they could not be separated by their external morphology. Hence, we are relegating A. inexpectata to a synonym of A. guglielmonei. This proposal is corroborated by our phylogenetic analysis.

First discovery of troglobitic Paederinae (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from China.

An unexpected troglobitic staphylinid is described from a dolomite cave in western China as Domenelizeyui Wang & He, sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae). The habitus of both sexes and important diagnostic features are illustrated. Brief notes on the habitat, biology and taxonomic status of the new species are provided. This is the first discovery of a troglobitic representative of Paederinae from China, the first record of a troglobitic Domene species, and only the third cavernicolous species of Paederinae from eastern Asia.

First Report of Alphacoronavirus Circulating in Cavernicolous Bats from Portugal.

The emergence of novel coronaviruses (CoVs) has emphasized the need to understand their diversity and distribution in animal populations. Bats have been identified as crucial reservoirs for CoVs, and they are found in various bat species worldwide. In this study, we investigated the presence of CoVs of four cavernicolous bats in six locations in the centre and south of Portugal. We collected faeces, anal, and buccal swab samples, as well as air samples from the locations using a Coriolis air sampler. Our results indicate that CoVs were more readily detected in faecal samples compared to anal and buccal swab samples. No CoVs were detected in the air samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected viruses belong to the Alphacoronavirus genus. This study represents the first report of Alphacoronaviruses circulating in bats in Portugal and highlights the importance of continuous surveillance for novel CoVs in bat populations globally. Ongoing surveillance for CoVs in bat populations is essential as they are a vital source of these viruses. It is crucial to understand the ecological relationships between animals, humans, and the environment to prevent and control the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. Further ecological studies are needed to investigate the factors contributing to the emergence and transmission of zoonotic viruses.

Three new species of cave-adapted pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from eastern Yunnan, China.

Three new cave-adapted chthoniid pseudoscorpions from four karst caves of Yunnan Province (China) are described, including detailed diagnosis and illustrations: Tyrannochthoniuscalvatussp. nov. from an unnamed cave and Dongtianfu Cave (Fuyuan County), T.capitosp. nov. from Xianren Cave (Xichou County), and Lagynochthoniusdaidaiensissp. nov. from Daidai Cave (Qiubei County). All three species are endemic to Yunnan. Tyrannochthoniuscalvatussp. nov., lacking the carapaceal antero-median setae and having intercalary teeth on the movable chelal finger only, is a peculiar chthoniid species.

Two new Cladosporium species from a quartzite cave in Brazil.

Caves are underground and natural environments mainly found in rocky terrain. Caves have a very specific microclimate, which benefits the occurrence of specific fungi. In recent studies, researchers have observed that caves harbour a great diversity of fungi. However, studies on fungal diversity in Brazilian caves are still incipient. In September 2019, airborne spore and soil samples were collected from the Monte Cristo cave, in the Southern Espinhaço Range, Diamantina, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Two Cladosporium single-spore isolates, among other genera, were obtained from these samples. This study aimed to characterise these two fungal isolates based on their DNA sequence data and morphology. Phylogenetic analyses of the rDNA-ITS, ACT and TEF1-α loci revealed that the isolates belonged to the Cladosporium cladosporioides species complex. Both isolates did not cluster with any known species and were formally described and named herein as C. diamantinense and C. speluncae. This study presents taxonomic novelties and contributes to the knowledge about the fungal diversity in Brazilian caves.

Species conservation profiles of cave-adapted terrestrial isopods from Portugal.

Background: Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) are the most diverse group of troglobionts in caves of continental Portugal. They occur in all karst regions of Portugal, play a major role in decomposition of organic matter in caves and may act as umbrella species for the conservation of all other cave-adapted invertebrates. New information: We present the IUCN Red List profiles for the cave-adapted terrestrial isopods from continental Portugal, based on recent distribution data from caves.

Geosesarma sodalis, a new species of vampire crab (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from a limestone cave in central Sarawak, Malaysia.

A new species of semi-terrestrial crab of the genus Geosesarma (Sesarmidae) is described from a limestone cave in central Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Geosesarma sodalis sp. nov. is characterised by its quadrate carapace, absence of a flagellum on the exopod of the third maxilliped, presence of 10 or 11 sharp tubercles on the dactylus of the chela and a diagnostic male first gonopod structure. This is the sixth species of Geosesarma reported from Sarawak, and the first member of the genus collected from inside caves.

Coarazuphium lundi (Carabidae: Zuphiini), a new Brazilian troglobitic beetle, with the designation of a neotype for C. pains Álvares Ferreira, 2002.

In this paper, we describe Coarazuphium lundi sp. nov., from a single male specimen collected in Gruta 06L cave located in the municipality of Prudente de Morais (Minas Gerais state, Brazil). The two most striking differences between C. lundi and other species of the genus is the presence of two pairs of posterior supraorbital setae and the elytra shape with parallel, not rounded sides. Coarazuphium pains Álvares Ferreira 2002 is an endemic species restricted to a few caves at the Bambuí Carbonatic Group in the midwest of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The holotype of C. pains was unfortunately lost in 2010, due to a fire that destroyed almost the entire zoological collection at the Butantã Institute, São Paulo state in Brazil. In recent years, several species of the genus have been described and compared to C. pains only based on its paper description, clearly prompting the need for the C. pains neotype designation. In order to provide a necessary standard for comparison, a neotype is designed for this species based on the material collected from the best approximation of the type locality (caves). Lastly, we also provide a brief discussion on the presence of eyespots of C. cessaima, originally described as blind.

A new anophthalmic trechine genus and two new species from southern Guizhou, China (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechini).

A new genus and two new species of cavernicolous trechine beetles are reported from southern Guizhou Province, Southwest China: Miaotrechus mahua n. gen., n. sp. from the cave Miaoting, Getuhe cave system, Ziyun Miao Buyi Zizhi Xian (Autonomous County), Anshun Shi; M. heweii n. sp. from the cave Jingua Dong, danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao Dong Zizhizhou (Autonomous Prefecture). Miaotrechus might be related to the genus Guizhaphaenops Vigna Taglianti, 1997, but it is an Anophthalmus-like, whereas Guizhaphaenops species are semi-aphaenopsian.

New data of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of Cyprus. 1. Dysderidae found in caves.

This paper is the first in a series describing the previously unstudied cave spiders from Cyprus. Two new species, Dysderocrateskibrisensis sp. n. and Harpacteakalavachiana sp. n., are described. Detailed morphological descriptions and diagnostic characteristics are presented. This is the first report of the genus Dysderocrates Deeleman-Reinhold & Deeleman, 1988 from Cyprus.

Description of the First Zoea of the Cavernicolous Crab Karstama boholano (Ng, 2002) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Sesarmidae) from Taiwan, with Notes on Ecology.

This study presents a rare sesarmid cavernicolous crab, Karstama boholano (Ng, 2002), from Taiwan. This genus and species are both new to Taiwan. We describe the diagnostic characteristics of the Taiwanese specimen and provide illustrations of the adult and first zoea, as well as photographs of an adult in its natural habitat. The identity was confirmed by the COI gene sequence and morphological data. In addition, the zoeal morphology and breeding ecology of the genus Karstama Davie and Ng, 2007 are reported for the first time.

Two new subterranean-adapted pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae: Parobisium) from Beijing, China.

Two new troglomorphic pseudoscorpion species, Parobisium magangensis sp. n. and P. yuantongi sp. n., belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described based on specimens collected in karst caves from Beijing, China. These are the first troglomorphic pseudoscorpions discovered from caves in northern China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions, and illustrations are provided. We also offer future research and management recommendations for these two new pseudoscorpion species.

A new species of the subgenus Tachycines (Gymnaeta) (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) from karst caves of southern Guizhou, China.

Some species of the subgenus Tachycines (Gymnaeta) inhabit caves. In this study, a new species of, Gymnaeta namely Tachycines (Gymnaeta) lalinus sp. nov., from two karst caves in Guizhou Province, China is described. This new species resembles the cave species Tachycines (Gymnaeta) zorzini from Guizhou Province, but can be separated from the latter by morphological characters of the male genitalia, the number of spines on hind tibiae, and coloration.

Contributions to the knowledge of the genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013 from China and Vietnam (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae).

Cavernicolous trechine beetles of the genus Tonkinaphaenops Deuve, 2013, known so far only from Vietnam, are reported for the first time from southern China, and new data are also provided regarding this genus from northern Vietnam. Two new Chinese species, T. yinquanicus sp. nov. from cave Yinquan Dong and T. jingxicus sp. nov. from cave Nianluo Dong in Jingxi County, southwesternmost Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are described and illustrated, together with the descriptions of two new Vietnamese species: T. anthonyi sp. nov. from the cave Hang Dõi and T. impunctatus sp. nov. from the cave Hang Ran in Cao Bang province. A key to all known species of Tonkinaphaenops is also provided.

Description of a new species of the genus Bagauda (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from Maharashtra State, India.

A new Emesinae species, Bagauda atypicus sp. nov., is described from Maharashtra, India. It is an atypical member of the genus Bagauda and the tribe Leistarchini because both male and female are micropterous and display a character not found in any Leistarchini described so far, namely presence of prominent, erect and blunt, humeral tubercles. The species is cavernicolous because the specimens were collected in old caves. Association with spider webs was observed.

A New Indobathynella Species from an Indian Cave. The First Cavernicolous Bathynellidae (Syncarida: Bathynellacea) from South-eastern India.

Indobathynella socrates n. sp. is described from Karaiguda Cave in the Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh state, south-eastern India. This is the first cavernicolous species of Indobathynella, which is incidentally the most reduced genus in the family Bathynellidae as a whole. The type species of this genus, Indobathynella prehensilis, is from a farm bore. The new species fulfils all the principal generic criteria of Indobathynella, but is distinctly different from I. prehensilis in several essential features: absence of subapical seta on antennary exopod; 4 claws on distal maxillulary endite; 6 teeth on mandibular gnathobase, and uropodal exopod without ventro-medial seta. These and all other salient differences between the two species are tabulated. Besides providing brief notes on conservation and biogeography of the new species, a key to all the known Indian taxa of Bathynellidae is given for the first time.

A contribution to Dongodytes (s. str.) Deuve, 1993 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae).

The hypogean genus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993, one of the most cave-adapted genera of ground beetles, is distributed in northern Guangxi, ranging from Mashan through Du'an, Bama, and Fengshan to Tian'e. Review of nominate subgenus Dongodytes Deuve, 1993, with new records for D. fowleri Deuve, 1993 and D. grandis Uéno, 1998 are provided. Meanwhile, Dongodytes tonywhittenisp. n. is described from a limestone cave in Bama County. This interesting species is dedicated to the late Dr. Tony Whitten, a well-known cave biodiversity conservationist in Asia. A key to all species of Dongodytes (s. str.) is also provided.

The thoracic morphology of cave-dwelling and free-living ground beetles from China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae).

External and internal thoracic structures of two carabid species (Trechini) were examined and documented with different techniques. The study has a main focus on the eyeless cave-dwelling specialist Sinaphaenops wangorum, but detailed information is also provided for a species occurring in cave entrances. The phylogenetic background of the structural features of the thoracic skeletomuscular system was addressed. The thoracic morphology of the examined species was compared to conditions observed in previously studied carabids and non-related subterranean leiodids (Staphylinoidea) in order to identify cave adaptations. Main thoracic character complexes linked with cavernicolous habits in Trechini are elongation of the pro- and mesothorax and the legs, and a complete and irreversible reduction of the flight apparatus. The lost flight capacity is linked with a far reaching modification of skeletal elements of the metathorax including a strongly shortened and simplified metanotum, a shortened metaventrite, and completely reduced wings and sclerites of the wing base. The elongate prothorax together with the long and slender head and elongated legs distinctly increases the activity range in the subterranean lightless environment, which likely facilitates foraging of the carnivorous beetles. Some of the observed features like wing loss and elongation of the anterior thorax and legs are also found in some cave-dwelling Leiodidae (Leptodirini), whereas some other subterranean members of the staphylinoid family have a compact body and legs of normal length. In contrast to the predaceous Trechini, Leptodirini are scavengers.

On the genus Habrobathynella Schminke, 1973 (Crustacea, Malacostraca, Bathynellacea), with description of three new species from India.

The genus Habrobathynella Schminke, 1973 contains 16 species, 2 from Madagascar and 14 from the peninsular India. This is a remarkably species-rich genus when compared to the three other genera of the family Parabathynellidae known from India: Atopobathynella Schminke, 1973 (5 spp.), Chilibathynella Noodt, 1964 (1 sp.), and Parvulobathynella Schminke, 1973 (3 spp.). This paper provides a monographic treatment of Habrobathynella together with a detailed illustrated account of three new cavernicolous species, viz. Habrobathynella bose n. sp., Habrobathynella ernstmayr n. sp. and Habrobathynella raman n. sp., from the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India. For each of the already described species, the following details are provided: reference to original description, diagnosis, type data, type locality, distribution, ecology, co-occurrence with other species and remarks on taxonomic affinity. Distribution maps and a dichotomous key for identification of all species in Habrobathynella are provided. We also include a brief note on the biogeography and conservation status of the Indian bathynellaceans.