The first record of Bergamina lineolata (Chydoridae; Aloninae) from Colombia / O primeiro registro de Bergamina lineolata (Chydoridae; Aloninae) na Colômbia

The Neotropical freshwater cladoceran Bergamina lineolata (Sars, 1901) was found in a small temporal pond in the Magdalena department. Hitherto, it has been reported in Brazil and El Salvador. It was originally described as Alonella lineolata by Sars, 1901 from Brazil and then placed to the genus Bergamina by Elmoor-Loureiro et al. (2013). This is the first record of this species in Colombia. B. lineolata can be identified by a unique combination of characters including: 1) a remarkably large and oblong postabdomen, with three denticles on distal corner; 2) basal spine of the claw very short, length less than the half claw diameter at base; 3) IDL with two setae shorter than ODL seta, armed with fine setules unilaterally in terminal half; 4) endite 1 of trunk limb I with a long smooth seta between endites 1 and 2.

O cladócero neotropical de água doce Bergamina lineolata (Sars, 1901) foi encontrado em uma pequena lagoa temporária no departamento de Magdalena, na Colômbia. Até o momento, havia sido relatado no Brasil e em El Salvador. Foi originalmente descrito como Alonella lineolata por Sars, 1901 no Brasil, e, em seguida, colocado no gênero Bergamina por Elmoor-Loureiro et al. (2013). Esse é o primeiro registro dessa espécie na Colômbia. B. lineolata pode ser identificada por uma combinação única de caracteres, incluindo: 1) um pós-abdômen notavelmente grande e oblongo, com três dentículos no ângulo distal; 2) espinho basal da garra muito curto, comprimento menor que o diâmetro da metade da garra na base; 3) IDL com duas cerdas mais curtas que cerdas ODL, armadas com sétulas finas unilateralmente na metade terminal; e 4) endito 1 do toracópodo I com uma longa cerda lisa entre os enditos 1 e 2.

Notes on morphology and ecology of an elusive water flea Rhynchotalona latens (Sarmaja-Korjonen, Hakojärvi & Korhola, 2000) (Crustacea: Cladocera).

Very rare North European water flea Rhynchotalona latens (Sarmaja-Korjonen, Hakojärvi & Korhola, 2000) (Crustacea: Cladocera), found mostly as remains during subfossil studies, was found in North Karelia, Russia. The species inhabits waterlogged Sphagnum mosses at lake margins, but is not present in littoral zones of the lakes. Morphology of thoracic limbs of R. latens was studied for the first time; SEM studies of the species were conducted for the first time. Our data suggests that R. latens is a specialized interstitial moss-dwelling species, only accidentally found in open water, which explains its rarity in samples taken by standard sampling methods. Presence of R. latens subfossil remains in sediments specifically indicate presence of Sphagnum at the lake coast, typical for acid oligotrophic or dystrophiс lakes.

Ceriodaphnia smirnovi (Crustacea: Cladocera), a new species from the Mediterranean Region, and a phylogenetic analysis of the commonest species.

Species of the genus Ceriodaphnia Dana, 1853 (Crustacea: Cladocera: Daphniidae) are present in the plankton of many freshwater bodies all around the World. However, the taxonomy of the genus is still poorly developed. Most species have been described in the nineteenth century and data on their morphology and distribution should be revised according to current standards. Currently, due to lack of reliable morphological and genetic data, almost all nominal species of Ceriodaphnia are considered as species groups rather than separate biological species, complicating the detection and description of new species of the genus. Here, we redescribe the morphology of Ceriodaphnia quadrangula (O.F. Müller, 1785) based on material close to the type locality in Denmark, and describe a new species of Ceriodaphnia from the Mediterranean region. Also, we provide a phylogenetic analysis using existing and novel sequences of mitochondrial DNA of the commonest species of the genus. Ceriodaphnia smirnovi sp. nov. can be easily distinguished from C. quadrangula via presence of the head pore and the structure of the second thoracic limb, the postabdomen and the ephippium. From other species of Ceriodaphnia known to date C. smirnovi sp. nov. can also be separated on ephippium structure and some other fine morphological features. Although distribution range of C. smirnovi sp. nov. must be clarified in the future based on analysis of more sampling points, most likely, it is restricted to the Mediterranean region. The phylogenetic analyses showed high divergence among 16 different clades (mean clade separation of 13±2.3 % (mean ± SD) and 20.7±2.1% for 16S and COI respectively). These clades belonged to 11 described species and 5 undescribed. The high intraspecific variability of some species indicates the possible existence of more undescribed species within present species groups.

Transitions in functional morphology from "large branchiopods" to Cladocera: Video and confocal microscopic studies of Cyclestheria hislopi (Cyclestherida) and Sida crystallina (Cladocera: Ctenopoda).

Great diversity is found in morphology and functionality of arthropod appendages, both along the body axis of individual animals and between different life-cycle stages. Despite many branchiopod crustaceans being well known for displaying a relatively simple arrangement of many serially post-maxillary appendages (trunk limbs), this taxon also shows an often unappreciated large variation in appendage morphology. Diplostracan branchiopods exhibit generally a division of labor into locomotory antennae and feeding/filtratory post-maxillary appendages (trunk limbs). We here study the functionality and morphology of the swimming antennae and feeding appendages in clam shrimps and cladocerans and analyze the findings in an evolutionary context (e.g., possible progenetic origin of Cladocera). We focus on Cyclestheria hislopi (Cyclestherida), sister species to Cladocera and exhibiting many "large" branchiopod characters (e.g., many serially similar appendages), and Sida crystallina (Cladocera, Ctenopoda), which likely exhibits plesiomorphic cladoceran traits (e.g., six pairs of serially similar appendages). We combine (semi-)high-speed recordings of behavior with confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses of musculature to infer functionality and homologies of locomotory and filtratory appendages in the two groups. Our morphological study shows that the musculature in all trunk limbs (irrespective of limb size) of both C. hislopi and S. crystallina comprises overall similar muscle groups in largely corresponding arrangements. Some differences between C. hislopi and S. crystallina, such as fewer trunk limbs and antennal segments in the latter, may reflect a progenetic origin of Cladocera. Other differences seem related to the appearance of a specialized type of swimming and feeding in Cladocera, where the anterior locomotory system (antennae) and the posterior feeding system (trunk limbs) have become fully separated functionally from each other. This separation is likely one explanation for the omnipresence of cladocerans, which have conquered both freshwater and marine free water masses and a number of other habitats.

Predator-specific inducible morphological defenses of a water flea against two freshwater predators.

The expression of inducible morphological defenses in Daphnia in response to a single predator is a well-known phenomenon. However, predator-specific modifications of the same defensive traits as an adaption to different predator regimes is so far only described for Daphnia barbata. It is unknown if this accounts only for this species or if it is a more widespread, general adaptive response in the genus Daphnia. In the present study, we therefore investigated whether a clone of the pond-dwelling species Daphnia similis responds to different predatory invertebrates (Triops cancriformis; Notonecta maculata) with the expression of predator-specific modifications of the same defensive traits. We showed that Triops-exposed individuals express a significantly longer tail-spine, while body width decreased in comparison to control individuals. Additionally, they also expressed inconspicuous defenses, that is, significantly longer spinules on the dorsal ridge. The Notonecta-exposed D. similis showed a significantly longer tail-spine, longer spinules and a larger spinules bearing area on the dorsal ridge than control individuals as well. However, a geometric morphometric analysis of the head shape revealed significant, predator-specific changes. Triops-exposed individuals expressed a flattened head shape with a pronounced dorsal edge, while Notonecta-exposed individuals developed a high and strongly rounded head. Our study describes so far unrecognized inducible defenses of D. similis against two predators in temporary waters. Furthermore, the predator-dependent change in head shape is in concordance with the 'concept of modality', which highlights the qualitative aspect of natural selection caused by predators.

New lineages and old species: Lineage diversity and regional distribution of Moina (Crustacea: Cladocera) in China.

The distribution and genetic diversity of freshwater zooplankton is understudied in the Eastern Palearctic. Here, we explored the lineage diversity and regional distribution of the genus Moina in China. Members of this genus are often keystone components of freshwater ecosystems and have been frequently subjected to toxicological and physiological studies. Four species of Moina were identified, based on morphology, in 50 of 113 Chinese water bodies examined, and their phylogenetic position was analyzed using both a mitochondrial (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I; COI) and a nuclear marker (the nuclear internal transcribed spacer; ITS-1). Both molecular markers identified four clades corresponding broadly to the morphological species. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed the presence of four species complexes with eleven lineages across China, five of which were new. However, some lineages (and even individual haplotypes) were widespread in Eurasia, suggesting an ability to disperse over long distances. In contrast, a few lineages exhibited restricted distributions. The nuclear phylogeny also recognized four species of Moina within China and seven very distinct clades. Interestingly, one specimen possessing Moina cf. micrura mtDNA had ITS-1 alleles of the M. cf. brachiata clade. This discordance between mtDNA and nuclear ITS-1 phylogenies is indicative of interspecific introgression and hybridization. Additionally, our COI phylogeny showed apparent paraphyly in two Moina species groups, suggesting introgression of their mitochondrial genomes. Our data shows the regional distribution/diversity of the Moina species complex in a Eurasian context.

Invisible Parasites and Their Implications for Coexisting Water Fleas.

The top-down effects of consumers, such as predators, are known to affect abundances, size structure, and species composition in aquatic ecosystems. Parasites are also important in shaping the ecology of free-living species; however, their effects are often overlooked because parasites can be difficult to detect. Parasites can be particularly challenging to observe in zooplankton hosts because of their small size and ephemeral infection periods. To overcome these challenges, we used a quarantine approach combined with high-magnification microscopy to increase detection of parasites of the tropical Cladoceran, Ceriodaphnia cornuta, in Lake Gatun, Panamá. Using this approach, we were able to demonstrate that competing morphs of Ceriodaphnia experience differential rates of infection, where the subordinate competitor suffered higher parasite prevalence than did the dominant morph. Predation by fishes on the dominant morph is considered the principal mechanism for their coexistence, but we hypothesize that parasites may also play a role in maintaining morphotype diversity of Ceriodaphnia.

Key for identification of Cladocera of the subfamily Aloninae (Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from South-East Asia.

An identification key for Cladocera of subfamily Aloninae (Anomopoda: Chydoridae) of South-East Asia is provided. The key includes 42 species known from the region to date, and encompass all recent changes in taxonomy of the subfamily Aloninae. Drawings and descriptions of diagnostic characters for each species are provided. This is the first identification key for Aloninae of the region published in the last forty years.

Endemism and long distance dispersal in the waterfleas of Easter Island.

Easter Island is known for a depauperate terrestrial and aquatic biota. The discovery of new taxa is unusual, even among the island's micro-invertebrates. A new cladoceran, Ovalona pascua sp. nov. (Crustacea: Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae), is described from freshwater environments. The chydorid, the only known extant cladoceran on the island, is the dominant aquatic invertebrate in the surface waters. Based on detailed morphological comparison, including a character similarity matrix applied across the species in the genus (12 characters/17 spp), the new taxon is proposed here as an insular endemic with affinities in the East (New World). The revision challenges the theory that invasive zooplankton species were introduced from the subantarctic islands during the 18th century. Human introduction is not the main mechanism through which cladocerans could have arrived on Easter Island. Late Pleistocene - Early Holocene fossils in Cañellas-Boltà et al. (2012) from cores in Rano Raraku Lake are identified here as Daphnia O.F. Müller, 1785 (subgenus Ctenodaphnia Dybowski & Grochowski, 1895). The establishment of Daphnia before human colonization on Easter Island provides strong proof of successful long distance dispersal by ephippia over thousands of kilometers of open sea.

A revision of the subgenus Eurycercus (Teretifrons) Frey, 1975 (Crustacea: Cladocera) in the Holarctic with description of a new species from Russian Arctic.

Our study is aimed at a taxonomic revision of the subgenus Eurycercus (Teretifrons) Frey, 1975 (Crustacea: Cladocera: Eurycercidae) in the Holarctic based on the morphology of parthenogenetic females. Three species were revealed and described: (1) E. glacialis Lilljeborg, 1887 which is relatively widely distributed in the north portion of Atlantic and Pacific regions; (2) E. nigracanthus Hann, 1990 which is apparently present in Labrador and Newfoundland, Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia and (3) Eurycercus chernovi sp. nov. from Taimyr Peninsula in Siberia, Russia. Main differences of the latter taxon from other species are: (1) more proximal position of sensory seta on the antenna I and (2) surface of cuticle of major head pore forms a low projection in middle. A revision of this subgenus in Arctic Siberia and Canada needs to be continued.

A new species of the genus Anthalona Van Damme, Sinev & Dumont, 2011 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from North-East Thailand.

A new species of Cladocera, Anthalona spinifera sp. nov., is described from North-East Thailand. A. spinifera differs from most species of the genus in the setae of the inner distal lobe on limb I armed by long thin spines and in limb II having very short scraping spines 6-8, a character that is shared only with the South American Anthalona brandorffi (Sinev & Hollwedel, 2002). A. brandorffi differs from A. spinifera sp. nov. in the shape of postabdomen, in much longer posterior setae of valves, in posteroventral angle of valves armed with about 25 setules only, and in shortened setae of endite 2 of limb I. These two species form a separate advanced clade within Anthalona with Amphi-Pacific distribution.

A revision of the genus Leberis Smirnov, 1989 (Cladocera: Chydoridae) in the Old World and Australia.

A comparison between populations of the diaphanus-group of Leberis Smirnov, 1989 from Australia and India confirmed that Australian L. diaphanus (King, 1853) and Indian L. punctatus (Daday, 1898) are separate species. Morphology of parthenogenetic females of L. punctatus is redescribed for the first time. Some fine details of morphology are re-examined in other species of Leberis, taxonomically significant features and their variability are studied. In the Old World L. punctatus could be confused with L. diaphanus, but the former differs from the latter mainly in the details of thoracic limbs I and IV. Both species have relatively broad distribution ranges: L. punctatus inhabits South Asia, Africa and penetrates Southeast Asia, L. diaphanus is a widespread taxon in the water bodies of Australia, Southeast Asia and South China. Diversity of the genus in the Old World is underestimated yet, and further investigations are desirable.

A new species of genus Ephemeroporus Frey, 1982 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from Peninsular Malaysia.

Study of Ephemeroporus Frey, 1982 populations from Peninsular Malaysia revealed a new species. Ephemeroporus malaysiaensis sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of four-five large denticles on anal margin of postabdomen instead of two-three, and five distinctive pigmented spots on each valve. Pigmented spots on the valves were never recorded for any species of family Chydoridae. E. malaysiaensis sp. nov. seems to be another endemic Chydoridae species of South-East Asia. E. malaysiaensis sp. nov. is a rare species, associated with emergent macrophytes in the littoral zone of shallow lake. Most of Ephemeroporus populations from Peninsular Malaysia belong to eurybiotic Paleotropical species Ephemeroporus barroisi (Richard, 1984).

A new subspecies of Ovalona setulosa (Megard, 1967) (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

A new subspecies of Ovalona setulosa (Megard, 1967) (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) is described based on material from Laguna Navío Quebrado (La Guajira Department), Colombia. Ovalona setulosa arangureni ssp. nov. differs from the nominative subspecies in: (1) major head pores position on head shield; (2) posterior margin of labral keel without clusters of short setules; (3) more elongated postabdomen, with length/height ratio about 2.7-3; (4) male postabdomen with straight dorsal margin in whole distal portion. In outer morphology and morphology of postabdomen, O. setulosa arangureni ssp. nov. can be confused with O. glabra (Sars, 1901), but, like nominative subspecies, differs from it by interrupted connection between major head pores. Our data suggest that diversity of Aloninae species with limited distribution areas in South America is underestimated yet, and areas north and south of Amazon basin can have different local species.

A new species of Pseudochydorus Fryer, 1968 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from South-East Asia.

A new species of genus Pseudochydorus Fryer, 1968 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) is described from South-East Asia. P. bopingi sp. nov. differs from Palearctic P. globosus (Baird, 1843) by a smaller size, well-developed flattened flange along the posterior margin of the valves, shorter rostrum, smaller ocellus, and details of antenna and thoracic limb II morphology. P. bopingi sp. nov. is known from South China and South Vietnam, but probably has a wider distribution. Our results suggest that populations from outside of Palearctic may belong to separate species as well.

Redescription of Bythotrephes arcticus Lilljeborg, 1901 (Crustacea:Cladocera: Onychopoda) and confirmation of an independent species status of the distant Transcaucasian populations of the genus Bythotrephes Leydig.

Two species of the genus Bythotrephes Leydig, B. arcticus Lilljeborg and B. transcaucasicus Behning, forming a group of close species, are redescribed on the basis of type material and other materials from Northern Eurasia. They were investigated with the application of detailed morphological analysis, including intra- and interpopulation variability and the original scheme of morphometric measurements. The lectotypes and paralectotypes of the species were selected. B. arcticus compared with other species of the genus, seem more evolutionary primitive and less specialized, judging from its large body size, comparatively short tl I, short and straight caudal process, well developed distal setae on two proximal endopodital segments of tl I, and large number of claws. B. arcticus tends to occur in small and shallow water bodies, while B. transcaucasicus was predominantly found in pelagic zone of large and deep Transcaucasian lakes. B. arcticus is probably mainly distributed along the tundra and northern forest area of the Eurasian continent and the nearest islands from Scandinavia to Eastern Siberia. Its documented easternmost locality is situated near the northern part of the Yenisei River, whereas B. transcaucasicus was recorded in the second half of 19th-first half of 20th century in three closely situated mountain lakes in Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia. The presence of B. arcticus in Northern Kazakhstan and B. transcaucasicus in the distant Transcaucasia is linked with their (or their ancestor) hypothetical displacement to the south in the period of ice ages. More recent surveys of Transcaucasian lakes have not revealed the presence of B. transcaucasicus. The rare findings of this species in the past can imply that it could also be missed in the process of collecting but, on the other hand, it cannot be excluded that B. transcaucasicus become extinct as a result of an anthropogenic or other impact on Transcaucasian lakes.

Not "Alona" monacantha Sars, 1901, but Coronatella hardingi (Brehm, 1957) Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Cladocera) in the Afrotropics.

Many taxa formerly housed in the lump genus Alona Baird, 1843 remain data-deficient. These species are often overlooked or wrongly identified during faunistic and ecological studies. "Alona" hardingi (Brehm, 1957) is a lesser known taxon, hidden for decades under records of "Alona" monacantha Sars, 1901. Both taxa have recently been allocated to the genus Coronatella Dybowski & Grochowski, 1894, yet without revision of the former. The morphology of Coronatella hardingi (Brehm, 1957), a widespread and abundant species in Afrotropical freshwater habitats, is examined here for the first time, including the first description of the male. The species is redescribed, based on populations from Southern Africa and confirmed as a good species and a valid sibling of the Neotropical C. monacantha (Sars, 1901) and the SE Asian C. acuticostata (Sars, 1903). The study of the Afrotropical C. hardingi allows a better understanding of this small tropical species complex, for which a diagnosis is included.

A new addition to the genus Anthalona Van Damme, Sinev & Dumont, 2011 (Branchiopoda: Anomopoda: Chydoridae).

Continued fine-tuning of taxonomy in the Chydoridae Dybowksi & Grochowski, 1894 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Anomopoda) is important for the assessment of the diversity in this speciose family and our progress in chydorid biogeography and evolution. The continuation of the taxonomical study of single taxa, however tedious and seemingly unimportant, provides a fundamental basis for applied fields. Within this context, morphological studies on lesser known taxa and the establishment of their validity should continue, as so many uncertainties remain, e.g., in the lump genus Alona Baird, 1843 (Van Damme et al. 2010). Recent studies suggest that we are still far from a realistic image on cladoceran diversity, in particular for the Chydoridae (Forró et al. 2008, Van Damme et al. 2010). The current correspondence discusses the validity and the position of a single species, Alona milleri Kiser, 1948, originally described from the Pearl River, China (Kiser 1948).

Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) of Sabah state in Borneo Island, Malaysia.

Fauna of Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) of Sabah state of Malaysia, Borneo Island, was evaluated for the first time. Samples from 40 locations were studied, and 31 species of Cladocera were revealed, including three species of Sididae, one species of Daphnidae, one species of Moinidae, four species of Macrothricidae, two species of Ilyocryptidae, and 20 species of Chydoridae. One species of Ilyocryptidae, Ilyocryptus yooni Jeong, Kotov and Lee, 2012, is recorded for Malaysia for the first time, and one more, Anthalona sp., is probably new for science. Of 31 species recorded for Sabah, only three are true planktonic species and 28 are substrate-associated species. Absence of large natural lakes, habitats with most rich cladoceran fauna, can be an important factor limiting diversity of Cladocera in Sabah.

Review of the genus Cyrtopsis Bey-Bienko with a new species, a new combination and some new descriptions.

This work involves a review of the genus Cyrtopsis, including description of 1 new species, Cyrtopsis furcicerca sp. nov., (originally considered as male and female variants of Cyrtopsis t-sigillata by Song et al. 2015) and a new combination, Cyrtopsis bivittata (Mu, He & Wang, 2000) comb. nov., based on males of the latter and Cyrtopsis t-sigillata. The other species of the genus are keyed and reviewed. Allspecimens are deposited in Shanghai Entomological Museum, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China (SEM, CAS).